Rockhurst Magazine - Summer 2014

SUMMER 2014

The Magazine of Rockhurst University

A Century of Sedgwick A look at the memories behind a milestone

leading the way

“Becoming a leader is a journey of evolution. Humility, introspection and self-forgiveness are critical to this growth. In our organization, being true to the idea that we exist to serve those who are underserved and uninsured helps to provide that north star along the way.”

Bridget McCandless, M.D.,’07 MBA President and CEO of the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City

SUMMER 2014

The Magazine of Rockhurst University

Features departments

page

Leading the Way Bridget McCandless, M.D., ’07 MBA

Rock Report From the President

2

Data Science Program

3

Tom Lyon Honored

4

Faculty Kudos

7

Sports News

8

10

Coming Soon

Construction begins on Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Hall, the latest addition to the Rockhurst campus.

page

12

Caring for the President

For Alumni Class Notes

21

Alumni Q&A

23

Career Center

25

From the Chapters

27

Retro Rockhurst

28

Everyday Leaders

30

Where Are They Now?

30

In Memoriam

31

Did you know there’s a Rockhurst University alumnus in the White House?

Meet Sean Riley, ’01, RN.

In Closing Laura Janusik, Ph.D., MBA 32

Time and Place St. Elizabeth’s, November 2013 Front Cover Photo by Dan Videtich Photography

33

page Happy Birthday, Sedgwick Hall!

15

Reminisce with us as our first campus building turns 100 this year.

rockhurst.edu

1

From the president

The Magazine of Rockhurst University summer 2014 The Rev. Thomas B. Curran, president of Rockhurst University (Back row, left), joined students and staff on a service immersion trip to South Dakota in March.

Are You Willing to Be All In?

C

onstruction is underway for Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Hall. The building is named for the 28th Jesuit superior general, considered by many to be the second Ignatius of Loyola. He provided the phrase “men and women for others.” Peter Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., succeeded him. He wanted members of Jesuit schools and enterprises to be “men and women for and with others.”

I often tell participants in our service immersion trips that they will begin their experience as men and women “for” others. However, they will return with an understanding of companionship. They will see themselves as journeying “with” others.

Having just returned from the service immersion experience on the Pine Ridge Native American Reservation in South Dakota, I’ve come to the conclusion that the preposition “in” must precede “for and with.” It might sound obvious to claim that one has to be “in” the place where the immersion trip is scheduled. However, I am referring to more than just literally being “in” a place. “In” requires intentionality. “In” sets the stage for personal transformation. “In” suspends prejudgment. “In” calls for being a person of genuine compassion: a willingness to enter the chaos of a situation, another’s world and my own life.

We speak of being “in the zone” or “in the mood.” Service trips, and for that matter, all experiences, require one being “in.” St. Ignatius refers to this with the use of the Spanish verb, “sentir.” It means to feel, to sense. It could be expressed as being “in solidarity with” or sharing the sentiment, so to speak.

On the Pine Ridge immersion trip, our group built bunk beds and constructed ramps and skirted trailers housing multigenerational families. Our work mirrored similar construction projects from the other seven service trips Rockhurst offers each academic year. These trips remind all of us that no matter where one is or what one is doing, you need to be all IN. In doing so, you can find God IN all things. Permit me to be so bold and modify the exhortation of Pedro Arrupe, S.J., and Peter Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., with the following: God invites us to be “IN the world as men and women FOR and WITH others.”

Rev. Thomas B. Curran President, Rockhurst University

2

summer 2014

RU, the magazine of Rockhurst University, is published by the Office of Public Relations and Marketing.

Staff Sharon Alexander, ’11 Jeremiah Barber Alicia Douglas Katherine Frohoff, ’09 EMBA Estuardo Garcia Lauren Hannawald Tim Linn Jennifer Price Melissa Thompson Angela Verhulst Editor Katherine Frohoff Design JJB Creative Design Contributing Writers Rev. Thomas B. Curran, Estuardo Garcia, Laura Janusik, Ph.D., MBA, Tim Linn, Jennifer Price Photography John Dodderidge, Estuardo Garcia, Megan Gonzalez, ’07, Anne Haman, ’17, Tim Linn, Mark McDonald, Jennifer Price, Andrew Snow, Dan Videtich, Geoff Vontz Send letters to: Katherine Frohoff Rockhurst University 1100 Rockhurst Road Kansas City, MO 64110-2561 or katherine.frohoff@rockhurst.edu Printed on recycled paper.

Rock Report

Local Companies Help Create New Data Science Program

B

ig data. It’s a big deal. Why? Because businesses are realizing the power behind the insights big data can provide. With this buzz comes a growing need for more people who can analyze data.

That’s why the Helzberg School of Management recently launched two new certificate programs in data science designed to equip students with the skills to excel in this new landscape.

One program emphasizes business analytics, while the other focuses on business intelligence.

“What we hear from local companies is that they need people to be able to handle both the volume and the nature of data that is coming into their company,” said Myles Gartland, Ph.D., associate professor of management and director of the Helzberg MBA program.

“Things like social media have made that data landscape a lot bigger and more complex, requiring employees to be able to do more than write a simple report.”

To build the program, Gartland and his team turned to those already feeling the effects and benefits of big data — local companies such as DST Systems Inc., Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and AMC Theatres.

“Having these data science programs locally will allow Kansas City companies to grow their own talent pool rather than looking outside the area,” said John Young, vice president of development and data science in the Global Insights Group at DST Systems, who helped vet the program. “This helps consumers as well because it ties back to enhancing customer service.”

An additional

1.5 million

data-savvy managers

needed by 2018.

Source: McKinsey Global Institute

Learn more at rockhurst.edu/datascience.

Partnerships Provide Pathway to Medical School

W

hen Rockhurst University signed an agreement earlier this year with A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Mo., it sealed a partnership for early admissions with the world’s first school of osteopathic medicine.

In finalizing the agreement, ATSU’s Still Scholars program became the latest in a series of similar partnerships between area medical schools and Rockhurst.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students,” said Laura Salem, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the biology department at Rockhurst, on the newest agreement.

Winter 2014

RU Magazine Corrections

“These schools know the quality of students that we have, and that makes agreements like this beneficial for them as well.”

The University currently has early admission agreements in place with Saint Louis University Medical School, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, and Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience. Outstanding academic performance is only one component of the requirements for early admission candidates — the programs also require extensive professional shadowing, volunteer work, strong letters of recommendation, and on-site interviews.

If there is a positive side to making mistakes, it’s that we heard from many of you who wanted to make sure we had the correct information. Thank you to everyone who took the time to contact us. We appreciate your assistance, especially in helping us discover incorrectly recorded historical information.

Corrections to the winter 2014 issue of RU magazine are: • “Sabbatical Leads to Research Rejuvenation,” page seven: Annie Lee, Ph.D., is associate professor and chair of the department of chemistry, director of the premedical scholars program and co-director of the biochemistry program.

• “Bringing Home the Trophy,” page 10, photo caption: player No. 14 is Hank Scherzer; page 13, photo caption: second from right is Jim Warras, who played on the 1965 team, far right is Rich Grawer.

• “A Day at Nobeleis Winery,” page 27: Ben, ’00, and Angie Geis are co-owners of Nobeleis Winery along with Bill and Chris Newbold, both ’86.

rockhurst.edu

3

Tom Lyon Honored With Inaugural Fr. Nick Rashford, S.J., Award

I

t’s impossible to measure the true impact of someone who has been a part of the Rockhurst community for five decades. Thomas L. Lyon, Ph.D., earned his Bachelor of Arts in economics from Rockhurst College in 1965 and went on to join the faculty in 1975, influencing the lives of countless students, alumni, faculty and staff.

For his commitment and leadership, the University honored Lyon with the

inaugural Fr. Nick Rashford, S.J., Award for Leadership and Ethics — an annual award presented to those who exemplify high ethical standards of business conduct, and demonstrate excellence in leadership through their initiative, inspiration to others, and impact on their community.

“Tom was all this and more,” said Cheryl McConnell, dean of the Helzberg School of Management.

To view a video showcasing Lyon’s impact on the University, visit rockhurst.edu/2014RashfordAward.

“His compassion for each student and unique teaching style was an inspiration to all those around him. Tom’s strong ethical leadership as past interim dean of the Helzberg School, director of the MBA program and co-founder of the Executive Fellows MBA program will leave an everlasting mark on Rockhurst.”

The award is named after the driving force behind the creation and success of Rockhurst’s MBA and Executive Fellows MBA programs, and the inaugural dean of the University’s School of Management, established in 1983. Fr. Rashford also is president emeritus and professor of management at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

More than 150 guests attended the February award dinner to show their support.

The University, alongside Jerry Haake, BSBA ’70, established a Thomas L. Lyon, Ph.D., Scholarship, which has raised more than $80,000 to date. Funds will support an Executive Fellows MBA student from a nonprofit organization.

The University was saddened to hear of the death of Thomas L. Lyon, Ph.D., on Feb. 24. Read more on page 31.

Barnett Helzberg (Left) and Tom Lyon, Ph.D., at the 2002 celebration of the renovation of Conway Hall, home of the Helzberg School of Management.

HEARD ON CAMPUS 4

summer 2014

“I am very astonished, because I think this theory confirms that we live in a beautiful universe, a harmonious universe, which can be understood through mathematics… It shows God created the universe in a logical way.”

– the Rev. Gabriele Gionti, Ph.D., S.J., physicist at the Vatican Observatory, talking about the significance of the Higgs boson particle, the detection of which was announced in 2012.

Rock Report

“Beatlemania” Strikes Rockhurst 50 Years Ago

S

ept. 17, 1964, the biggest band in the world took the stage at Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium.

The Beatles had just landed months earlier in the United States, bringing the already simmering “Beatlemania” to a fever pitch. They were being mobbed by fans at nearly every public appearance they made, making security at their first U.S. tour a must. Just ask Ed McKee, ‘67.

McKee said he was then in his second year at Rockhurst College.

He, alongside about 100 other classmates, got a chance to see the Fab Four during their Kansas City show, thanks to some fortuitous timing.

“I just happened to be fortunate enough to be in Massman Hall when the call came in,” McKee said.

“The call” was an open request from Kansas City Athletics owner Charlie Finley for members of the all-male student body at Rockhurst to serve as security for the concert.

McKee said he spread the word among his classmates, and around 100 of them were picked for the job, receiving a free ticket in return. The screaming fans and less than stellar sound system meant the music itself was somewhat hard to hear, but to be a part of pop music history, he said, was worth it.

“The atmosphere was electric,” he said. “I made sure to do my job, but we all kind of soaked up the moment.”

Aaron Lockee, ’10, volunteers as a translator at the Mexican Consulate of Kansas City.

¿Necesita ayuda? Recruiter Uses Spanish Fluency to Help Others

F

or two hours a week, Aaron Lockee, ’10, assistant director of admission, can be found in the protection department of the Mexican Consulate of Kansas City helping the consul and staff with the translation of everything from letters and legal documents to the coordination of legal records, lawyers and their clients.

Lockee, who majored in Spanish, wanted to find a way to serve the community and keep up the skills of his second language so he doesn’t lose his fluency.

“I really enjoy speaking Spanish, especially with those who can’t speak any English,” he said.

Lockee was offered this opportunity to volunteer for the Consulate after the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, president of Rockhurst University, met with Alicia

Kerber, the new consul general for the region.

For Lockee, finding an opportunity to continue sharpening his language skill is a blessing, while he works to complete his MBA through the Helzberg School of Management.

While he was never fond of his grammar-focused Spanish classes in high school, Lockee said he found a renewed love for the language after taking a University service trip to Juarez, Mexico, with Rocio Duncan, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish. There he was able to use knowledge of the language to help fellow Rockhurst students in the construction of a house for two women and their children.

Lockee also puts his language skills to work as the main Rockhurst recruiter for students in Puerto Rico.

Weight Room Sheds Dark Image The somewhat rustic weight room tucked away in Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse got a recent makeover thanks to a gift from the estate of Joseph Kaminski. In January, Rockhurst students were welcomed to a newly remodeled facility loaded with new equipment. In addition to the weight room remodel, gifts from Kaminski have also funded new lights in the fieldhouse and support for the women’s basketball and soccer teams.

rockhurst.edu

5

Passion for Math and Physics Spurs Career Path

Quartney Taylor, ’16

W

hat do you want to do when you grow up? It’s a tough question for many. But Quartney Taylor, ’16, of Chicago, has known the answer since her sophomore year of high school.

“Through my classes, I’ve quickly come to realize that engineering is about much more than constructing a new building or expanding a road,” she said.

“It’s about problem solving, client relations, and true creativity.”

“Math and physics have always been my favorite subjects,” she said. “One day it was like a light bulb went off and I started researching engineering with my mom.”

As a female in a male-dominated field, Taylor wants to share her experience with other women who may be considering engineering as a career path.

From there, Taylor chose to attend Rockhurst University because of its unique engineering and computing program, offered in partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

And it’s not just the math and physics that Taylor loves these days.

“Any engineering student needs to be prepared for a heavy workload,” she said. “You will encounter people throughout your life who will fully expect you to fail. If it’s your passion, stay strong and you’ll quickly prove them wrong. That feeling you get when you have one of the highest test or project

scores will push you to try even harder the next time around.”

She also advises students not to expect perfection from themselves.

“As a student, this is your time to make mistakes and learn from them,” Taylor said. “Every disappointment is a lesson learned.”

Taylor is already planning ahead, with a life goal of one day designing her own house.

“I feel lucky to have found a field I love more and more each day,” said Taylor. “Engineers have the ability to bring happiness to others, and I can already see how I’ve grown as a person even at the student level.”

Prayer and Reflection Hannah Rios, ’17, places a candle near the altar in Mabee Chapel during an ecumenical Taizé service held during Lent. Students regularly gather in the chapel Tuesday afternoons as part of campus ministry’s weekly Pasta and Prayer event.

6

summer 2014

Rock Report

Visit to Haiti Moves Professor to Help Entrepreneurs

W

hat was to be a one-time trip has turned into a long-term project for one Rockhurst University faculty member.

Laura Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., professor of economics and discipline coordinator of economics at Rockhurst, said she first went to Duchity, Haiti, in January 2012 to learn about social entrepreneurship with a small group of students in partnership with St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Naperville, Ill. There were obvious needs in the town, but Fitzpatrick said it was important to listen to the people who lived there.

Two major priorities emerged — clean water and a way to earn income.

They tackled water filtration by suggesting the establishment of a sustainable water business selling FilterPure point-of-use filters, which are inexpensive, effective and made in Haiti, Fitzpatrick said.

Laura Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., professor of economics, talks to an aspiring business owner in Duchity, Haiti.

In regard to the second priority, Fitzpatrick said she began to develop a curriculum to take back to Duchity to train, educate and mentor business owners. In January 2014, when Fitzpatrick and others returned to Duchity, she took that curriculum with her. A total of 35 aspiring entrepreneurs, ideas in hand, crowded a small building to hear from her.

Fitzpatrick has since received the Miller Research Chair position to continue her work in Duchity. She has plans to start a not-for-profit and network with former Rockhurst students in other developing nations to spread the lessons of mentorship and education. It’s an outcome that Fitzpatrick said provided her with everything she wanted out of that first trip, and more.

“The people ranged from high school students to 40- to 50-year-olds,” she said. “It was huge, it was all voluntary, and it was so affirming.”

“All of it came together in a time and a place and for a people that really, really needed it and were open to it,” she said.

Faculty Kudos Laura Janusik, Ph.D., MBA, associate professor and McGee Chair of Communication, received the Top Paper Panel Award at the National Communication Association convention in November 2013 for a paper she co-authored titled “Towards Developing a Cross-Cultural Metacognition Scale for Listening in the First Language (L1) Contexts: The Metacognitive Listening Scale.” In addition, ACT invited Janusik to return as one of five content specialists in listening.

Katie Madigan, Ph.D., professor of modern languages, has been invited to participate in the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute on Northern Africa: “Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia: Literature, the Arts, and Cinema Since Independence” June 23-July 11, 2014, at Oregon State University.

For more faculty news, visit rockhurst.edu/facultykudos.

Kirsten Potter, PT, DPT, MS, NCS, associate professor of physical therapy, received a $23,390 grant from the American Physical Therapy Association to develop a clinical practice guideline on a core set of outcome measures for patients with neurologic conditions.

She also is the lead author of an article titled “Outcome Measures for Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: Recommendations From the American Physical Therapy Association Neurology Section Task Force,” which has been accepted for publication in Physical Therapy.

rockhurst.edu

7

Men’s Soccer Advances to Final Four

(Clockwise, from left): Forward Mark Magee, ’14, in the quarterfinal of the NCAA Division II men’s soccer tournament; Students filled the Massman Hall Gallery to watch the semifinal game; Defender Jon Schreiber, ’14, and midfielder Lucas De Rossi, ’15, sign autographs for students at Euchee Creek Elementary in Grovetown, Ga., during an NCAA community engagement event.

“Play together as a team, play as a team at all times. That’s what I and the other coaches tried to tell them all year and that’s what they did,” —Men’s soccer head coach Tony Tocco

T

his year the Hawks men’s soccer team found themselves within striking distance of the NCAA Division II title following one of the program’s most successful seasons ever.

The 2013 Rockhurst University men’s soccer season was marked by triumphs.

The squad finished with a record of 17-4-3 and earned another Great Lakes Valley Conference title, their second in a row and fourth overall. Five players were named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/NCAA Division II AllMidwest Region team, including senior forward Mark Magee, who earned spots on that team and the NSCAA Division II All-America team for a third consecutive time. And for the first time since the University made the leap from the NAIA to the NCAA, the Hawks progressed to the final four of a national tournament.

Men’s soccer head coach Tony Tocco, Ph.D., praised the team’s unity with getting the squad through many of its tougher games.

“Play together as a team, play as a team at all times. That’s what I and the other coaches tried to tell them all year and that’s what they did,” he said.

That includes in a quarterfinal victory against top-ranked Lindenwood University, where a strong defense was able to hold on to a 1-0 lead delivered by senior midfielder Paolo Scoppola.

With all of the success, players say one of the things they appreciated most was the level of support they received from those at home, where students rallied behind the team’s successes, crowding the Massman Hall Gallery to watch the team in the semifinal game against Southern New Hampshire University and packing the hallway of the Convocation Center as the team arrived back home.

8

summer 2014

“It means a lot to the guys, for sure, to know that the people back home have this much appreciation for what they’re doing,” Tocco said. “We love to see fans out at the games, and I think the players understand that they have earned that kind of support.”

Rock Report

From Anchor Desk to Bourke Field, Lacrosse Coach Follows Passion

W

hen you eat, breathe and live your passion for most of your adult life, you just know when you’re in the wrong job. That’s the situation Kevin Kelley, men’s lacrosse head coach, found himself in when he was working as the weekend anchor at KQTV in St. Joseph, Mo. For Kelley, lacrosse is everything.

During his college days, Kelley played for Syracuse University where he and the Orange secured the NCAA Division I national championship in 2000 and were national runner-up in 1999. He also played professionally for the Boston Cannons and Chicago Machine.

It’s no wonder that after one year Kelley left the anchoring position in search of a way to return to the world of lacrosse.

After a few years of coaching very successful club and high school teams (Shawnee Mission East High School, where he helped the Lancers win the 2011 Kansas state championship and the Lacrosse Association of Kansas City championship in 2012 and 2013; Rockhurst High School, where as an assistant varsity coach he helped take the Hawklets to a Missouri Division I state championship), Kelley found himself at a Winstead’s having a meeting with Gary Burns, Rockhurst

Accolades Accrue for Freshman Volleyball Standout

Kevin Kelley, men’s lacrosse head coach

University athletics director, about coming to start a lacrosse program at RU from scratch.

Kelley was up for the challenge.

“Some people told me that I’m nuts for taking on this position, but I think I would be nuts if I hadn’t taken the job,” he said. “As one of my friends put it, ‘the top is so much sweeter when you start from the bottom.’”

While his team is still young and inexperienced, he says they have gotten better every quarter and every game.

He said it is only a matter of time until the foundation of his program settles in and becomes a highly competitive force in the region.

T

o say it has been quite a year for Morgan Rietzke, ’17, is an understatement.

The 6-foot-1 freshman earned numerous honors, including 2013 NCAA Division II Freshman of the Year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, while helping the 26-7 Hawks clench the GLVC West Division Title.

Her decision to continue playing volleyball from the high school level and bring her talent to Rockhurst was a no-brainer as Rockhurst volleyball is a family tradition: Rietzke’s father, Tracy Rietzke, is the head coach of Rockhurst women’s volleyball, and her sister, Kylie Rietzke, ’16, is on her team. Tracy Rietzke is the winningest active coach in NCAA Division II, with 1,091 victories.

Morgan said it is fun to have her family on her team. She’s already had experience playing with her sister as a member of the North Star Volleyball Club, and having her father as a coach has been a positive experience.

“He does a really good job separating the roles of coach and parent,” she said.

“On the court, he treats me like any other player, but it’s nice to have him on the side as a father.”

While it’s going to be a challenge to top such an incredible freshman year, Rietzke said she is up for it.

Volleyball coach Tracy Rietzke and daughter, Morgan Rietzke, ’17

She hopes to continue as a starter, work toward becoming First Team All-American and help the Hawks earn a bid in the NCAA Tournament.

For athletics news, visit rockhursthawks.com.

rockhurst.edu

9

Coming Soon Festivities Mark Construction Start for Arrupe Hall

By Tim Linn

T

he beginning of a 15-month construction period for Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Hall began in March with two days of events celebrating the latest milestone in the history of Rockhurst University.

On Thursday, March 6, Garry Trudeau, Pulitzer Prizewinning creator of the comic strip “Doonesbury,” visited campus for a presentation titled “Wisdom and Leadership Depicted Through Humor,” in honor of the John McMeel family. McMeel is one of the founders of the Andrews McMeel Universal newspaper syndication company based in Kansas City, the company that brought “Doonesbury” to a national audience.

Trudeau’s work will be included in a new feature of Arrupe Hall, the McMeel Family Gallery, a display of comic art expressing the values of learning, leadership and service.

On Friday, March 7, the campus community gathered at the site of Arrupe Hall — south of the University’s bell tower — to officially kick off the construction period for a building that will house many undergraduate- and graduate-level classes and faculty offices. Comments from the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, Rockhurst University president, and Rockhurst University Board of Trustees Chairman Denny Thum, ’74, preceded a ceremonial groundbreaking to kick off the project in front of more than 200 faculty, staff, students and supporters.

This page Architectural images envision what Arrupe Hall will look like when complete. Courtesy of Gould Evans.

Facing page 1 (From left) John McMeel, the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, Garry Trudeau 2 Rock E. Hawk 3 Denny Thum, ’74 4 Rock E. Hawk and friends 5 Representatives from Rockhurst University faculty, staff, administration, students, board and the neighborhood take part in the ceremonial groundbreaking.

10

Summer 2014

1

3

2

4

5

rockhurst.edu

11

Caring for the President

Meet Sean Riley, ’01, RN, of the White House Medical Unit By jennifer price

W

hen planning a trip, there’s usually a great deal of preparation leading up to the day of departure.

Purchasing tickets, finding a place to stay, packing, charting the fastest route to the nearest hospital…

Ok, maybe not that last one. Most of us don’t intensely research and put together a full medical strategy to ensure the health care system is adequate and ready for our arrival when planning a vacation or business trip.

But for U.S. Army Maj. Sean Riley, ’01, RN, this is just one part of his job as a training and development officer for the White House Medical Unit.

U.S. Army Maj. Sean Riley, ’01, RN, is a training and development officer within the White House Medical Unit.

“Prior to any trip the president or member of the first family takes, we complete a medical advance detailing a thorough course of action should anyone need medical attention while traveling,” said Riley, who graduated from the nursing program through Rockhurst’s partnership with Research College of Nursing.

“We typically communicate with area hospitals before the trip, then arrive before the president to evaluate the facilities.”

When he’s not traveling, Riley works on the 18 acres of the White House as a member of the White House Medical Unit that provides medical care directly to the president, first family, vice president and their family members.

“Care is available to the first family 24 hours a day,” he said. “Medical unit staff members rotate between working in the White House and the medical clinic inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, located next to the West Wing.”

Prior to taking on his current leadership role in November of 2013, Riley was one of eight critical care nurses on rotation.

For Riley, this is a dream come true.

“It’s a tremendous honor and a truly humbling experience,” he said. “It’s a job that requires the trust of the president and his family.”

But Riley didn’t always have his sights on working in the White House. After graduating with his nursing degree, he worked at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and St. Joseph Medical Center.

Continued on page 14

12

summer 2014

“It’s a tremendous honor and a truly humbling experience. It’s a job that requires the trust of the president and his family.”— U.S. Army Maj. Sean Riley, ’01, RN

Riley, outside the West Wing.

rockhurst.edu

13

“I’ve traveled to every continent, other than Antarctica. I’ve been able to see parts of the world I never dreamed I’d see.”

— U.S. Army Maj. Sean Riley, ’01, RN Riley (Left) meets with U.S. Navy Cmdr. Select Keith Bass, deputy director for the White House Medical Unit.

Continued from page 12

In 2003, he joined the U.S. Army, serving in Germany for four years as a critical care nurse. He completed two tours in Iraq — the first in Tikrit from 2005-06, and the second as head nurse of the emergency department in Baghdad from 2009-10.

Between deployments, Riley came back to the U.S. as a combat medic instructor and commander, training new medics at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. After returning from his second tour, he served as an ROTC nurse counselor for colleges and universities in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas, Texas and Wyoming.

“I learned about the White House Medical Unit position and, from that point on, obtaining it was my goal,” said Riley.

But even being considered for the position is no easy task. It all starts when the U.S. Army’s Human Resources Command sends out a request for nominations to every chief nurse in all Army facilities. From there, a shortened list of recommendations is sent to the White House.

The White House Medical Unit will then select their top candidates and invite them for an interview. In 2007, Riley was nominated but didn’t make the first cut.

“I was disappointed, but honored to even be considered,” he said.

But life works in mysterious ways. In 2011, Riley was nominated again and selected for an interview.

“I had just been accepted into Baylor University’s health care administration dual-MBA program,” he said. “I wasn’t

14

summer 2014

sure if I should give up my acceptance to pursue the position, plus my family was settled and happy.”

Riley and his wife have two children — Paxton, 4, and Maddox, 1.

After much thought, Riley and his wife decided he would take the opportunity to interview.

Riley was one of two selected from that already prestigious group of seven interviewees.

“In the end, we knew I could go back to school any time, but that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

He accepted the job and started an intense training process to enhance his trauma, critical thinking, tactical and medical skills.

It’s a rigorous and time-consuming job, but it does come with a few perks.

“I’ve traveled to every continent, other than Antarctica,” he said. “I’ve been able to see parts of the world I never dreamed I’d see.”

But the best part of the job is the feeling Riley gets walking onto White House grounds each day.

“It’s so historic,” he said. “Every day is different. I work with the most talented medical professionals in the United States military. It’s humbling to think of the trust and confidence that comes with this job.”

At the time it was built, Sedgwick Hall sat largely alone on a plot of land at Troost Avenue near 52nd Street.

Happy Birthday, Sedgwick Hall!

Grande dame of Rockhurst turns 100

By Tim Linn

B

y most accounts, Sept. 15, 1914, was an inauspicious day to open a building.

Torrential rains caused mudslides on what was then a rural portion of Kansas City, Mo., making conditions treacherous on the hillsides and flooding the first floor of the structure that at that time was yet to bear its current name.

The conditions were such that the administrators of what was then known as Rockhurst College were wondering if any students at all would show up to the school on its opening day.

LaKresha Graham, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication (Far right), talks to students on the steps of Sedgwick Hall.

Continued on page 16

rockhurst.edu

15

Since opening in 1914 (Top), Sedgwick Hall has filled a number of the University’s needs, including housing and a space for social activities and classes ranging from theater costume design (Left) to science (Right).

Continued from page 15

Fortunately, 42 students did, and as the first building on campus, Sedgwick Hall, turns 100 years old this year, students continue to pass through its doors. Though there are certainly more buildings on campus now than in 1914, Sedgwick Hall remains a fixture of Rockhurst. It’s the highest point on campus, at an elevation of 80 feet above the intersection of Rockhurst Road and The Paseo. And about 48 percent of classroom contact hours still take place there.

That means a lot of memories, experiences and, ultimately, people are now part of a century of the building named in 1942 for early benefactor and railroad magnate Lee Sedgwick — and that means a lot of people have strong connections to it.

“What a wonderful old building she is,” said Paula Pearson, ’97, who walks into Sedgwick each day as the technical director for Mabee Theater. “I have been somewhere in the building since 1993 and every time I come in the door, I tell her how beautiful she is.”

16

summer 2014

At one point, Sedgwick powered campus as both classroom space for a college and a high school, housing everything from chemistry to art. It was also the residence for the Jesuit faculty during the University’s early years.

From a physical standpoint, the castle-like façade of Sedgwick Hall also has changed. It was originally built as a u-shaped structure, with a courtyard that served as an open-air gymnasium in the middle, according to Matt Heinrich, associate vice president for facilities and technology. Huge granite slabs in a part of the building now serving as storage for the theater department were installed as backsplashes for the showers in the Jesuit residence. They remain as a permanent testament to that era.

“They’re these beautiful slabs of granite,” Heinrich said.

“But they’re huge; they could never be moved out of there.”

At some point, the courtyard area gave way to the construction of an additional space to be used as a basketball court,

Who Was Lee Sedgwick?

Despite the now-very famous testament to his contributions in the early history of Rockhurst University, Lee Massachusetts John Sedgwick was a man who hoped to avoid the spotlight.

Born in Pennsylvania, Sedgwick moved with his family to Kansas City, Mo., in 1867.

Sedgwick followed in his father’s footsteps and continued the lucrative family business of selling railroad ties.

(Top) Sedgwick’s Mabee Theater has hosted countless plays and cultural events, including a recent production of “Rent.” (Bottom) At one time, a gymnasium inside Sedgwick served as a focal point for campus activities.

event hall and for Mass. Mabee Theater was also a later addition, as were the classrooms built on top of the building’s center.

Along with those granite slabs, there are other kinds of remnants in Sedgwick. Vestigial railings in faculty offices point to the stairs that used to flank the entrance. Ghost stories from the third floor’s photography lab are not uncommon. Equipment from a campus radio station, KRC radio 760, is still in the basement. Though it had operated out of that location from 1983 until 2003, former KRC DJ Carla Reisman, ’02, initially figured the talk of a radio station was a joke.

“I thought it was one of those freshman pranks like where they send you looking for the pool on the roof of the dorm,” Reisman said.

Continued on page 18

Despite being raised Presbyterian, Sedgwick was enamored with the mission of the Catholic Church, having attended St. Mary’s College in St. Marys, Kan. His baptism by the Rev. Aloysius Breen of St. Mary’s would strengthen his devotion to and his role as a benefactor for Catholic institutions.

After reading of the ongoing work by the Rev. Michael P. Dowling, S.J., to fund and construct the first building on the grounds of what was to be Rockhurst’s campus, Sedgwick met with the college’s founders.

He pledged $25,000 to complete construction, along with funding for equipment, ongoing maintenance and the Dowling Oratorical Medal.

As per his wishes, Sedgwick’s contributions remained anonymous until research in the 1940s on the University’s benefactors led to the discovery of his contributions and, eventually, the naming of the building he helped complete.

rockhurst.edu

17

Continued from page 17

Until, that is, her friend Ryan Berg, ’00, actually gave her a look inside that passcode-protected room in the bottom of Sedgwick.

“It was a tiny rectangle that was filled with old records and CDs on one wall with a large electronic board on the other wall,” she said. “There were giant noise-canceling headphones and a really old telephone with a red caller light.

I was intrigued.”

Though its broadcast range was limited, Reisman said she fondly remembers taking shifts at the KRC studio, with friends from the residence halls calling in, sometimes disguising their voices.

Like Reisman, others have found Sedgwick Hall — and areas in it like Mabee Theater — to have a kind of unique charm.

“Mabee Theater is a workhorse,” Pearson said. “It’s a gem of a theater.”

Pearson describes the hallways in the basement of Sedgwick as “warm, in every sense of the word, and comfortable,” and looks forward to when the building gets to take center stage as part of the Haunted Physics Lab. Katie Fischer Clune, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication and 1998 graduate of Rockhurst, has spent plenty of time in the building, both as a student and then as a faculty member. But, she said, she still appreciates the building, from its repurposed rooms to its weblike hallways.

“I love teaching in these rooms where I was also taught by the great professors who came before me,” she said.

“I would call them hallowed halls.”

While evidence of that past can be seen everywhere, the future of Sedgwick Hall is still in the planning stages. Today, several of its classrooms have been fitted with forward-looking educational setups, including state-of-the-art technology, giving students and faculty there a look at how future generations of Rockhurst students might learn.

(Top) Grace Whittle,’94, operates student radio station KRC, which broadcast from the basement of Sedgwick Hall from 1983 to 2003. (Center) The Rev. Mark Kramer, S.J., visiting assistant professor of theology and religious studies, is among the professors who now call Sedgwick home.

(Bottom) Sedgwick today functions primarily as a space for the humanities, including art classes taught by Anne Pearce (Second from left), associate professor of art and director of the Greenlease Gallery.

18

summer 2014

Heinrich said the University’s campus master plan calls for Sedgwick to eventually be renovated to make way for staff and administrative offices, including the president’s office.

In all likelihood, Heinrich said the addition that filled in that original courtyard will be removed. A few classrooms, he said, are scheduled to remain.

“The dream is to turn it back into what it looked like in 1914,” Heinrich said of the building’s appearance. “And open our front door back up to the community.”

Memories from

Sedgwick Hall

We asked alumni to share memories of their time in Sedgwick Hall. Perhaps these recollections will spur your own Sedgwick moments. Send your favorite to alumni@rockhurst.edu.

“I worked on the technical side of a lot of the different activities that went on in there, like the radio station and the variety show that students put on in the theater. I kept all my tools in this room in the basement that the school gave to me. Because I had access, I spent a lot of time wandering. I was really fascinated by the building itself.” — Greg Frey, ’68 “I spent a ton of time in the building, mostly in the basement where we ran the newspaper. I also spent quite a bit of time in the darkroom as well. In the newspaper office we had this couch that I confess I spent some nights sleeping on as we were finalizing the paper. I doubt the couch was as old as the building but it was certainly in rough shape.” — Joe Reardon, ’90

“I lived in Sedgwick, it seemed like. One of my fondest memories is when I was a work study for Sister Genevieve Robinson. What really makes Sedgwick unique is the fact that there are so many different subjects housed in there that you get to know a lot of students outside of the people who were in your major group.”

— Deb Flores, ’93

Party Time!

Rockhurst University will celebrate the 100th birthday of its original building, Sedgwick Hall, with a party at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, part of the annual Family and Alumni Weekend. Come celebrate our cornerstone with cake and balloons alongside other alumni and share your own memories of Rockhurst’s “first lady!”

rockhurst.edu

19

for alumni ’56

’63

Warren E. Spehar’s essay “The Militia Ordinance of 1642 and the Fourteenth Century Great Statute of Praemunire” was accepted for publication in Parliamentary History. Spehar writes, “Although I will be forever indebted to professors Jansen and Turner of Yale for their selfless help in my bringing this about, I cannot forget or ignore the role the Jesuits at Rockhurst so many years ago played in developing in me a deep love of learning and pursuit of the truth.”

Richard “Dick” Doherty was appointed a board member for the Community Foundation of the Lake in Lake Ozark, Mo., in January 2014. The Community Foundation’s mission is to assist in building the educational, cultural, health and economic development of the community. Doherty is owner and principal of Doherty and Associates LLC, specializing in governmental affairs and representing a variety of clients.

’61

’70, ’82 EMBA

James M. Stedman, Ph.D., wrote an article that was published in the Journal of Mind and Behavior (2013) titled “Aristotle and Modern Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience: An Analysis of Similarities and Differences.” Stedman thanks Curtis Hancock, Ph.D., and Brendan Sweetman, Ph.D., of the Rockhurst University Department of Philosophy for their input.

William Dunn Jr. retired from JE Dunn Construction in December 2013 after 39 years. He is taking the path less traveled by becoming a sales and project manager for his son Bill Dunn III, ’02 EMBA, who owns Campione Flooring Solutions in North Kansas City, Mo. Dunn will be calling on serial users of construction services just like he did for Dunn Construction.

’72

Connect with Rockhurst University through your favorite social networks.

Karen (Knudsen) Trame retired in January 2014 after 24 years with the Square D Company (Schneider Electric).

She is married to Don Trame, ’71, and they have three daughters, five grandsons and one granddaughter.

Stay Connected You’re part of the Rockhurst University family.

That means you belong to an organization that’s changing the world one leader at a time.

Don’t miss out on news meant for you. Go to rockhurst.edu/update and update your information today. Be sure to share your email address to receive the latest University and alumni news.

’74 ’80

Mark Thomas has joined Phoenix Children’s Hospital as vice president of employee relations. Thomas is responsible for all aspects of employee relations and leadership development, with a focus on enhancing employee relations, culture and communications.

Amy V. Bode, M.D., is a psychiatrist at Atlanta VA Medical Center. She has been married nearly 24 years to Anthony Marfin. They have two daughters and five grandchildren living in California and Washington.

’74,’78 MBA Richard Fovell retired from his full-time job and currently is an adjunct professor for three graduate programs in the Kansas City metro area.

Phillip Hess was appointed Judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District,

by Governor Jay Nixon.

He was sworn into office Dec. 20, 2013. The Eastern District Court of Appeals is located in the Old Post Office in downtown St. Louis.

’90, ’98 MBA Tom Yearsley has become the director of U.S. franchise operations at H&R Block Inc.

’95 Magdalena Andrasevits became executive director of Martha’s Village and Kitchen, one of the largest providers of homeless services in Riverside County, Calif., in August 2013.

rockhurst.edu

21

Former Rockhurst President Honored

J

oin Rockhurst University, along with Saint Louis University High School and the Jesuits of the Missouri Province, as we honor a former Rockhurst University president for his contributions to the campus community with the Magis Award.

The Rev. Robert Weiss, S.J., president of Rockhurst from 1977 to 1988, will receive the award during a banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, at the Columns Banquet Center in St. Charles, Mo. Named for one of the University’s six core values, the Magis Award was inspired by a group of RU alumni from St. Louis and is given to a member of the Rockhurst community who lives in or is from the St. Louis area and whose life reflects the Jesuit value of magis.

To register, visit rockhurst.edu/magisaward.

Former Rockhurst President the Rev. Robert F. Weiss, S.J., (Second from left), will be honored with the Magis Award, Aug. 23, in St. Louis.

’98

’01

Shandin (Fiskin) Duffer and husband Patrick Duffer welcomed daughter Briana Kathleen on Nov. 8, 2013.

She is the youngest sister to Zach, Genevieve, Christian and Nolan. Duffer has been employed as a litigation paralegal at Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC since 2012.

’00 Casey McGraw and Rachel Ellebracht McGraw welcomed Margaret “Maggie” Rae McGraw into the family on July 15, 2013.

’00, ’05 MBA Chuck Searle was promoted to chief client officer at VML. Previously, he served as executive director of client services for the global marketing agency.

22

summer 2014

Kara (Holz) Higgins and her husband, Ryan, recently launched the nonprofit Imana Kids, which sends children from an orphanage in Kigali, Rwanda, to boarding school.

Families in the United States are matched with students, with whom they communicate regularly. They also lead trips for sponsor families to meet the children.

’02

’05 MBA

Jason Forge and Sarah (Boren) Forge welcome son Jack, who was born Jan. 15, 2014. Jack joins sisters Kathryn, 6, and Adelynn, 4.

Sarah is a pediatric nurse practitioner working at Shawnee Mission Medical Center for Children’s Mercy.

Jason is vice president of operations for Krueger and James Insurance Agency.

Jane Chu was nominated by President Obama to lead the National Endowment for the Arts. As of press time, her nomination was awaiting Senate approval.

’05 Diego Gutiérrez has joined the Sporting KC broadcasting team as a commentator. Gutiérrez, a two-time NSCAA All-American at Rockhurst University, began his 13-year MLS career in Kansas City where he spent six seasons.

’06 Sara Hamilton was promoted to staff scientist at MRIGlobal.

MRIGlobal has honored Hamilton with the Director’s Award (2007), Perry L. Bidstrup (2008), Key Contributor Award (2010) and numerous Spotlight Awards (2008-2013).

Connect with Rockhurst University through your favorite social networks.

for alumni

Q&A

With Jessica James

’10, Executive Chef, Applebee’s Culinary Team

If you have ever visited an Applebee’s, there’s a chance you have tasted a dish developed by this Rockhurst leadership studies alumna.

Q: How did you get to where you are today?

A: I completed culinary school in 2004 and worked in a number of fine-dining restaurants throughout Kansas City before joining the Applebee’s team eight years ago. I wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree, so I worked and went to Rockhurst at the same time.

Q: How did Rockhurst help shape your life?

A: Well, for starters, I met my husband at Rockhurst in Dr. Jim Millard’s class!

RU helped me become more assertive, a better listener and more influential leader. One class that stands out is my public speaking course with Dr. Pete Bicak. At Applebee’s, I present directly to the president and our franchisees often. His course prepared me to present with confidence.

Q: What does it mean to be an executive chef at Applebee’s?

Jessica James, ’10, prepares strawberry avocado salad in the Applebee's test kitchen.

A: It means I eat for a living. Seriously. I check out new restaurants for creative ideas, read food and health blogs, and constantly brainstorm new recipes.

Our culinary team offers tastings to senior leadership twice per month. Their favorites are tested at 25 restaurants across the nation for about two months to see what sticks. Applebee’s refreshes their menu every eight to 10 weeks, which means we develop more than 300 menu items per year with less than 10 percent making the menu at our nearly 2,000 restaurants.

Q: What project are you most proud of?

A: My most recent undertaking ­— a complete overhaul of our kids menu.

Applebee’s now offers 14 items and 10 side choices. It’s a fresh take on the stale kids menu we’re all used to seeing, with a healthier spin that also retains the indulgent items kids love.

Q: What’s your favorite meal on the Applebee’s menu?

A: My new favorite is the recently added strawberry avocado salad. It’s a beautiful, simple salad tossed in a chili-lime vinaigrette. But you can’t go wrong with the Napa chicken and portobellos either. It’s smothered in a rich red wine sauce and Parmesan cheese, but still less than 550 calories. Delish.

Check out Jessica’s blog for fun recipes and cooking tips at realfamilykitchen.com.

rockhurst.edu

23

’08 Jennifer Lawrence married David Welder on Nov. 16, 2013, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Kansas City, Mo. She works as a speech-language pathologist in the Kansas City metro area. The couple resides in south Kansas City, Mo.

’07

Matt and Bridget Wengert’s daughter Charlotte was baptized Nov. 19, 2013, by the Rev. Thomas B. Curran. Their older daughter, Adelaide, was also baptized by Fr. Curran on June 5, 2011.

’08

’08, ’13 MBA Benjamin Matthew Skoch and Angela Denise Schleeper, ’09, ’12 DPT, were married April 5, 2014, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Kansas City, with Rockhurst University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran officiating. Ben recently started his medical residency at Research Medical Center and Angela is a physical therapist at KU Medical Center. They live in Kansas City, Mo. They stopped by Rockhurst on their wedding day for photos at campus landmarks, including the giant blue chair sculpture near XavierLoyola Residence Hall.

Lindsey Miller married Mike Weiler June 1, 2013.

She started a new job at Cerner Corporation in late February 2014.

’08, ’10 MBA Aaron Hill married Andrea Knapp Dec. 14, 2013, in St. Louis, Mo.

’09 Amber (Pelzl) Koon recently graduated from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine with a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree.

She will complete a general surgery residency in Jackson, Mich. Koon holds one of two seats on the Rockhurst University Board Trustees reserved for recent graduates.

’09, ’10 MBA Michael Herber was promoted to supervisor at MarksNelson certified public accountants and business consultants.

’10, ’11 MBA Michele Shea (Mall) Geist is the director of operations for the Coalition for Independence as of November 2013. CFI empowers individuals with disabilities to live independently through programs that provide advocacy, assistance and equipment.

Faculty Memory “Dr. Stuart Phipps taught the value of forming meaningful classroom relationships and modeled that with his genuine concern for his own students. His passion was educational excellence and his memory will live on in countless classrooms led by the very students he taught. He was truly a gift from God.” —Constance Martin, ’10 M.Ed. Note: Stuart Phipps, Ph.D., a former faculty member in the education department, died Sept. 14, 2013.

24

summer 2014

5

for alumni

Career Center

tips

for Working Abroad

In today’s global business environment, it is not uncommon for families to move abroad. According to Adam Gouttierre, ’93, product manager for Microsoft who moved his family from Seattle to Paris three years ago, living abroad is exhilarating, romantic and adventure filled. But it is an experience that can test a family’s soul.

If you’re considering an international move, here are five tips from Adam to you.

1 EXPECT HURDLES.

Uprooting your family can be dramatic. You’ll quickly learn to adapt and be resiliently flexible. Just know that the feeling of being overwhelmed is a normal part of the process.

2 START A NEW HOBBY.

This helps significantly with homesickness. For my sons, Xavier, 8, and Theo, 6, it was soccer. For my wife, painting. For me, it was wine and stinky cheese.

3 TRAVEL. THEN TRAVEL MORE.

Use this time to soak up new cultures and experiences.

Hop on a plane to somewhere new and exotic.

4 IT’S OK TO CHOOSE CULTURE OVER LANGUAGE.

We arrived without speaking a lick of French. While my boys are now almost fluent, I still have the skills of a first grader. With limited time to learn, I chose to dive into French experiences — food, music and history — rather than mastering the language.

5 APPRECIATE CULTURAL SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES.

Don’t expect people to work the same way you do. You’ll find that when you work together, you share the same joy and satisfaction that is universal across all cultures.

Meet the Expert

Adam Gouttierre, ’93, is an Omaha, Neb., native, who is no stranger to moving.

Following his Rockhurst graduation, Gouttierre traveled to Moscow where he received a diploma in Russian studies. He went on to work in the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C., for five years before returning to his home state to run political campaigns. From there, he and his wife, Abbie, moved to California where Gouttierre received his MBA at the University of California, Berkeley.

His next relocation was to Seattle where he began working for Microsoft in the online consumer monetization group, followed by his family’s move to Paris.

rockhurst.edu

25

’09, ’11 M.S. Claire Dunford and Daniel Shaver, ’10, were married April 27, 2013, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Kansas City, Mo. The Rev. Thomas B. Curran presided. The wedding party included Rockhurst alumni Gretchen Dunford, ’06, Christopher Shaver, ’09, Samantha Greer, ’09, ’12 DPT, Kevin Becvar, ’09, Rachel Hutsell, ’09, Joshua Hollis, ’10, Sean Adams, ’09, Bryan Jackson, ’09, and Brian Roewe, ’09. The couple resides in North Kansas City, Mo.

’10 EMBA

Jennifer Lynn Williams is a second-term artist-inresidence in the Charlotte Street Foundation Urban Culture Project Residency.

She had her first solo exhibition opening in April at ProjectSpace.

Margaret Keough has joined the staff of Mid-America Arts Alliance as director of marketing and communications.

She previously was the director of marketing and communications for the Kemper Museum of ’13 Contemporary Art in Michael Clarke is staff Kansas City, Mo. M-AAA assistant to Sen. Roy Blunt. is a regional arts organization that serves artists and arts organizations in six states and is based in Kansas City.

’12 Justin Langfield has the opportunity to serve abroad in 2014 with FOCUS. During the summer he will be teaching youth about the Catholic faith for three weeks in Lesovovodsk, Russia.

Emily Kopff has joined the School Sisters of Christ the King in Lincoln, Neb. Hanna Shirrell teaches first grade at Gladstone Elementary School in Kansas City, Mo.

Submit a Class Note We’d love to hear from you. Submit a class note online at rockhurst.edu/classnotes.

26

summer 2014

Hawk Hangout RU alumni and Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity brothers met in Beaver Creek, Colo., for their annual ski trip. Clockwise from top left: Jim McElroy, ’92, Scott Charbonneau, ’90, Larry Sokolowski, ’89, Bob Nash, ’90, Dan Kellogg, ’92, Eric Kutilek, ’90, and Dan Cummings, ’90.

Send your Hawk Hangout pictures to alumni@rockhurst.edu and you may see one in a future issue.

for alumni

from the chapters

After you leave the Rockhurst University campus, you remain a Hawk for life. Connect with Hawks in your hometown by checking the calendar at rockhurst.edu/alumni. No chapter where you live?

Contact Mary Mooney Burns, ’93, at mary.burns@rockhurst.edu about starting one.

Alumni Night Former female athletes, including members of the volleyball program, returned to campus Feb. 20 to celebrate 40 years of women’s athletics at Rockhurst. (From left) Maggie Shine, ’78, Sarah Mehl, ’79, Mary Ann Garr Young, ’76, and Regina Maloney, ’76.

St. Louis Christmas Party Alumni gathered to celebrate Christmas at the Kirkwood Train Station in December. (From left) Peter Barkofske, ’87, Katie Morrison Barkofske, ’87, Glenn Heitmann, ’83, Maureen Heitmann, ’84, and Colleen Hegarty Whittaker, ’84.

Denver Chapter Members of the Denver chapter assisted Arrupe Jesuit High School in Denver at their Magis Night on Saturday, Feb. 26. (From left) Jeff Kleinschmidt, ’09 EMBA, Sara Terhune, ’03, and Brian Natale, ’99.

rockhurst.edu

27

Scholarship Seeks Hope From Tragedy

O

n Palm Sunday, April 13, the entire nation was shocked and saddened by the horrific shooting deaths of three people at the Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom retirement community in Overland Park, Kan.

Terri Hastings LaManno, ’06 MOT

The Rockhurst University community soon learned that one of the victims was Terri Hastings LaManno, ’06 MOT, and sister of Dr. Tom Hastings, a member of the Rockhurst University Board of Trustees. To honor LaManno’s memory, the family has established a scholarship in her name.

LaManno was an occupational therapist at the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired, wife, mother of three and a member of St. Peter’s parish in Kansas City.

“Terri Hastings LaManno perished while visiting her mother,” said the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, president of Rockhurst University. “May her commitment to her mother and the service she provided to the Children's Center for the Visually Impaired inspire all of us to provide service and compassion to those in need and confront hate with the offer of peace.”

retro1960 rockhurst

In May 1960, former President Harry S. Truman visited with Rockhurst President the Rev. Maurice Van Ackeren, S.J. Rockhurst presented Truman an honorary doctor of laws degree at its annual convocation.

Photo by Charles Brenneke.

UPCOMING

EVENTS July 26

Cubs vs. Cardinals Enjoy the game from Beyond the Ivy in Chicago.

Aug. 17 Rockhurst vs. Benedictine College The Battle of the Birds is back to kick off the men’s soccer season.

Aug. 29 Sporting KC vs. Houston Dynamo It’s Rockhurst University night with the MLS champions.

SEPT. 19 - 21 Family & Alumni Weekend Head back to campus for a variety of activities.

?

For more information, visit alumni.rockhurst.edu.

Interested In an Alumni

Service Trip In an effort to provide increased opportunities for alumni to stay connected and involved in the Rockhurst community, we are exploring the possibilities of alumni service immersion trips to domestic and international locations.

Hire a Hawk Looking for the perfect addition to your team? Contact Rockhurst University’s Career Services to connect with RU alumni and students looking to start their careers and secure internships.

28

summer 2014

rockhurst.edu/hireahawk

If alumni service activities interest you, go to rockhurst.edu/ servicetripsurvey to complete a brief survey. This will help us with scheduling and destination plans.

Questions? Contact Megan Gonzalez, ’07, assistant alumni director, at megan.gonzalez@ rockhurst.edu.

for alumni

Chief Rockhurst Recruiter Honored for Service

L

ane Ramey, ’79, associate vice president for enrollment, has 35 years of experience in the University office where many have their first contact with Rockhurst. That’s long enough that he now recruits the children of alumni he also recruited to Rockhurst.

It’s with that tenure in mind that Ramey was given the Harry B. Kies Distinguished Service Award during the April 25 faculty awards dinner in the Greenlease Library.

The award is given to the faculty or staff member who has been employed for at least 15 years and who exemplifies distinguished service to the University and dedication to its mission. Charles Moran, Ph.D., professor of political science, remembered Ramey as a student asking for a recommendation for an admission counselor position.

Lane Ramey, ’79

“He was a good student, very disciplined,” Moran said. “And he had a way about him, a way with people; a kindness.”

Ramey was named to his current position in 2010 after holding a host of other positions in that office. Moran credited him with putting in place a plan that bolstered enrollment numbers. But Ramey opted to share the credit.

“I know a lot of us talk on a regular basis about what’s going on,” he told the faculty and staff gathered at the dinner.

“I couldn’t do what I do without you.”

Alumni, Friends Gather for Annual Business Leadership and Ethics Day

T

wenty-five community and business leaders from organizations throughout the region spoke to more than 20 business classes on Tuesday, April 8, as part of RU’s second annual Business Leadership and Ethics Day.

(Above) Diego Gutiérrez, ’05, ’14 EMBA, on-air commentator and analyst, FoxSports1 and Sporting KC TV Network.

(Below) Nate Olson, ’11, program specialist, Kauffman Foundation.

Hosted by the Helzberg School of Management, the event allows students to hear from business professionals on ethical dilemmas they face in their careers and how they have handled ethical decisions. The majority of speakers were Rockhurst alumni, including Jared Steinshouer, ’13 EMBA, vice president of information technology at Ticket Solutions, who spoke to an applied business statistics class.

“This gets students thinking about ethical scenarios they may encounter in their future career,” said Steinshouer, who spoke to students about the ethics behind data analysis and cybersecurity. “It’s unusual that, as a student, you have the chance to meet so many professionals from such a variety of industries.”

These leaders came from areas such as business, entrepreneurship, the food industry, international marketing, the staffing industry, insurance, and even the National Football League.

“It was fascinating,” said Rachel Franklin, ’16, majoring in economics. “It shows how well Rockhurst is connected to the business community.”

rockhurst.edu

29

?

where

are they now Catching up with former athletes

I

f there is one thing you can say Ann Martin, ’01, is passionate about, it is NCAA Division II sports.

Martin, who played basketball for Rockhurst during the transition from the NAIA to the NCAA Division II, is the athletics director for Regis University in Denver. She said she sees the value in smaller schools that focus on creating well-rounded student-athletes who can excel both on and off the court.

“Schools like Rockhurst and Regis do it right,” Martin said. “They put an emphasis on being a whole person and that adds to the student-athlete experience.

I think there are a lot of Jesuit values in the DII mission. They may not use the same rich Jesuit words, but they have the same philosophy and focus.”

Although she has seen all of her Rangers compete at a high level and garner many important victories, she said there is still no better win than seeing student-athletes walk across the stage to get their degree.

“When you sign up to be a Regis Ranger, that is the expectation,” she said.

“You see these students put in so much time and effort into their sports and into their school to become the best of the best. To see it all pay off by watching them walk across the stage and shake the president’s hand is still thrilling.”

Ann Martin, ’01

Everyday Leaders JQ Sirls, ’10, Publishes Child Anti-bullying Book

D

espite working in cartoons and aspiring to be the living Willy Wonka, JQ Sirls, ’10, said it is real life that inspires him the most.

And as he celebrates the launch of his most recent book, No Monster No!, Sirls reflected on the many ways he has been inspired by those around him. More than a dream come true, he said, the book is the product of myriad influences.

JQ Sirls, ’10

The project grew from a single drawing from 2007, made when Sirls was studying English and theater at Rockhurst, where he found creative mentors to encourage him on his journey.

“Rockhurst is all about creating leaders and becoming bold enough to disrupt and challenge the status quo when necessary,” he said. “That ethos leaked into me.”

Also important were the friends and family members who he said encouraged his imagination then and continue to do so.

“When I was a little boy, I was constantly watched over by my cousins, who never made childhood feel like it was dumb,” he said. “Because of that, my creativity burst and the love of storytelling emerged.”

Some of those influences appear as characters in the book, which he said carries an anti-bullying message.

“No Monster No! is about a bold little girl who takes the monster under her bed to school and teaches him manners,” he said.

“The book is a metaphoric tale on a friendlier approach to child bullying that doesn't turn the bullied into a bully, but the bully into a friend.”

From start to finish, Sirls said he has taken a hands-on approach to the project, from funding its production through a Kickstarter campaign to completing the story, illustrations, and packaging as well as the distribution and marketing work himself.

For more on No Monster No!, visit moodistudios.com.

30

summer 2014

for alumni

In Memoriam Rev. Francis J. Murphy, S.J. The Rev. Francis J. Murphy, S.J., a former faculty member in the industrial relations department at Rockhurst University, died March 21, 2014, at age 93.

Born in Kansas City, Murphy was a 1938 graduate of Rockhurst High School and a 1942 graduate of Rockhurst College. He served with the Navy during World War II, afterward entering the Society of Jesus at St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Mo. He earned a master’s degree in industrial labor relations at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and completed a licentiate in sacred theology in 1957 from St. Mary’s College in Kansas in 1953. A faculty member at Rockhurst from 1960 to 1991, Murphy also arbitrated labor disputes in the Kansas City area and was a rector for the Rockhurst Jesuit Community.

Thomas L. Lyon Jr., Ph.D. Thomas L. Lyon Jr., Ph.D., died Feb. 24, 2014. He was born March 1, 1944, to Thomas Lowrie Lyon Sr. and Katherine Edelman Lyon in Kansas City, Mo. He grew up in Kansas City, graduating from Rockhurst High School in 1961 and from Rockhurst College in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. In 1970, he earned a Ph.D. in economics and finance from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In 1975, he returned to Rockhurst where he served in a number of faculty and administrative roles. He was the Helzberg School of Management’s first-ever recipient of the Fr. Nick Rashford, S.J., Award for Leadership and Ethics (see page four). Lyon is survived by his wife, Teresa, two children, Laura Melo and Thomas L. Lyon III, and three grandchildren.

Rev. John L. Cooper, ’37 — Feb. 21

Dr. Mark D. Ost, ’54 — Feb 10

Ronald J. Johnson, ’71 — Dec. 5

Bernard V. Welsh, ’40 — April 5

Donald J. Quinn, ’58 — Nov. 22

Robert W. Vincent II, ’71 — April 7

Rev. Frank J. Murphy, S.J., ’42 — March 21

George L. Blomster, ’59 — March 14

J. Leo Amor, ’73 — Jan. 27

John R. Grindel, ’59 — Jan. 10

Walter R. Roher, ’77 — Jan. 7

Robert E. Nestel Jr., ’59 — Dec. 20

Alfred F Lilly Jr., ’78 — Nov. 24

James A. Vaughn, ’61 — Jan. 15

Walter D. Whitchurch, ’79 — Jan. 17

Robert L. Hagan, ’47 — Jan. 20

Robert B. O’Gorman, ’62 — Dec. 9

Kevin M. Hart, ’87 — Dec. 3

James L. Miller, ’47 — Feb. 4

John R. Meyers, ’64 — Jan. 17

Jason T. White, ’95 — Feb. 27

John H. Bolin Jr., ’48 — Dec. 30

Thomas L. Lyon Jr., Ph.D., ’65 — Feb. 24

Joseph L. Dattilo, ’00 — March 28

William R. Burrichter, ’43 — Jan. 17 Dr. William A. Geiger Jr., ’47 — Jan. 19

Rex W. Ulricksen, ’48 —Nov. 5 Lawrence E. Growney, ’49 — Jan. 09 Josef P. Kessler, ’49 — Dec. 26 Michael J. Maher, ’50 — Dec. 09 Dr. Edward J. Heilman, ’51 — Feb. 20 Oneil Planck, ’51 — Dec. 25 James E. Hamburg, ’53 — March 30 Philip D. Jackson, ’54 — Jan. 10

Michael H. Vervynck, ’65 — March 3 Robert J. Hauber, ’66 — Jan. 1 John E. McConnell, ’67 — Dec. 30 John R. Clayton, ’69 — Nov. 17

Scott S. Gibson, ’01 — April 4 Teresa LaManno, ’06 — April 13 Annabelle Allen, ’08 — Feb. 10 Jason Crabtree, ’08 — March 16

Michael J. Murray, ’69 — March 6 Gerald F. Johnson, ’70 — April 14 M. Larry Harmon, ’71 — March 3

rockhurst.edu

31

in closing

What Did I Miss?

I Wasn’t Listening

By Laura Janusik, Ph.D., MBA

R

ecently I presented research at the International Listening Association Convention. The paper was co-authored with Margarete Imhof from Germany, and it concerned our Listening Concepts Inventory. After the paper, another colleague, Teruko Akita from Japan, asked if we could talk, as she wanted to share a story with me about her graduate listening class.

Teruko told me that at the third week of class last semester, she asked the students to write what listening meant to them.

The vast majority viewed it as a way to receive information.

It was the primary channel they used to learn new things.

Teruko asked them the same question at week 10, and she was amazed at the responses she got. While students still saw listening as a way to receive information, they also viewed it in many other ways. Teruko shared that even though she had taught the class for years, she was just beginning to understand herself that listening was so many things.

If listening is so many things, imagine what we miss when we don’t listen.

I was asked to present communication training to a local Kansas City company, and my audience consisted primarily of engineers. When I had them complete the Listening Concepts Inventory, a lively discussion mirrored what happened in Teruko’s classroom.

What is the Listening Concepts Inventory? My co-author and I believe that how you think about something affects the way you do it. We thought that how you think about listening, what listening actually is to you, would affect the way you listen. Our research with the Listening Concepts Inventory supports four different perspectives of listening.

32

summer 2014

Which of these resonates the most with you?

• Listening is a way to organize new information • Listening is a way to learn • Listening is a way to evaluate • Listening is a way to build relationships As one might expect, most of the engineers viewed listening as a way to learn. One woman in particular could not wrap her mind around listening being anything other than a channel to learn new information.

Margarete and I have tested our instrument in Bulgaria, Finland, Germany and Japan, and to our surprise and delight, the instrument holds up in these countries.

Individuals around the world, regardless of the language they speak, can conceive of listening in these four ways.

However, each individual generally only has one or two conceptualizations. That means for most of us, there are two to three other ways to think about, and do, listening that we never experience. Rather than asking, “What do we miss when we don’t listen?” perhaps it is better to ask, “What do we miss when we don’t listen from different perspectives?”

Here’s my challenge to you. Select the perspective that sounds the least like listening to you, and then try to listen from that perspective for a full day. I guarantee, you will be amazed at what you hear.

Laura Janusik, Ph.D., MBA, associate professor and McGee Chair of Communication, is past president of the International Listening Association.

time and place

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013

to nine-year-old speech-language services Anna Sullivan, ‘15, provides ool, Kansas City, Mo. St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Sch

Chloe Covell:

1100 Rockhurst Road Kansas City, MO 64110-2561

Kansas City, M0.

Permit No. 782

PAID

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage