Saint Martin's University Spring 2024 Insights and Annual Report

Men’s Basketball

#1 N ATIONALLY

Cassidy Walchak-Sloan Secures All-American Finish and Shatters Records in Historic Cross Country Season

Transformative Student Experiences: Saint Martin’s University Immersion Trips–Making a Difference

saint martin’s university • spring 2024

news for alumni and friends

From the Office of the President

Greetings Saints,

As we write this letter, the Saint Martin's University community is midway through the spring semester and preparing to celebrate our graduates at commencement in May. Much change has happened over the last year at your beloved alma mater. Roy Heynderickx, Ph.D., who retired as president in June 2022, returned in September to serve as interim co-president alongside Father Kilian Malvey, O.S.B. Together, we look forward to leading our institution into its next bright chapter.

When our Benedictine monks first started an all-boys high school more than 128 years ago, they prayed for an institution like our university today. A school focused on teaching not just specific academic disciplines, but skills that extend beyond the classroom like critical thinking, respect for persons, justice, listening and curiosity. We wish they could see us now.

The Saint Martin’s Gala, our annual premiere scholarship fundraiser, raised more than $2.1 million for student scholarships. We were so pleased to see the hundreds of benefactors, many of whom are alumni, who came back to campus to celebrate and support Saints. Their generosity is a reminder of our greater community’s recognition of the value Saint Martin’s graduates bring to the region and beyond.

After a decade in service to our military community, we celebrated our 1,000th graduate of the Washington Veterans to Technology program in December. This 16-week certificate program provides skills and resources to assist veterans, active-duty service members transitioning to civilian life, and their spouses with finding jobs in the technology industry.

Thank you to you, and our greater alumni community, for your support of and engagement with your alma mater. Go Saints!

Sincerely,

Interim Co-President

Fr. Kilian, Malvey, O.S.B. Interim Co-President

The latest rankings and any success we're having is simply a result of having such a special group of players. They're focused on the right things, they work incredibly hard and they're unselfish people who care about each other.

Saint Martin's is a special place that gave us all a home and opportunity, so we love to see our school get recognition like this.

– Coach Aaron Landon

MEN’S BASKETBALL MAKES HISTORY WITH FIRST EVER NATIONAL RANKING

(Rankings as of January 30, 2024)

In a historic moment for Saint Martin's University and the Saints intercollegiate athletic department, the men's basketball team has been voted #1 in the latest D2CSC poll (January 2024), marking the first time in school history that any team has reached this milestone. The D2CSC poll is voted on by numerous college sports communicators and media members throughout Division II. The Saints also were voted #1 in the CBBNation Poll, which surveys both coaches and media members throughout DII.

The Saints jumped out to a 16-1 start this season behind an unflinching roster of talented veterans, savvy transfers, and one of the deepest rosters in all of college basketball. After rolling through a challenging non-conference schedule with an undefeated record including a 7-0 mark versus regional opponents including wins againts 2023 NCAA participants Point Loma and Academy of Art, the Saints suffered their only defeat in a one-point overtime loss to Northwest Nazarene. They have been flawless ever since. Led by senior Kyle Greeley who averages 16.9 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per game, the Saints have been dominating with an explosive offense and a stifling defense. They are holding opponents to the second lowest field goal percentage in the country, while sitting in the top 20 in scoring, with over 86 points per game. The Saints were one of only five one-loss teams in the country.

Not only is this the first time any SMU sport has been ranked #1 nationally, it also marks the first time since February 15, 2016 that a GNAC men's basketball team was on top of a National poll, as Western Oregon was #1 in both the NABC and D2CCA poll that week.

This achievement not only solidifies Saint Martin's University's position as a force within the highly contested collegiate basketball landscape, but it also reflects a broader upward trend in the competitive success manifesting across the Saints' entire athletic department. Inspired by a campus that has played an instrumental role in this process, the students, alumni, faculty, staff, fans and local community have transformed Lacey, WA into the Pacific Northwest's heartland of college basketball. u

Read the full press release and stay updated on the Saints season by visiting smusaints.com

Cassidy Walchak-Sloan Secures All-American Finish and Shatters Records in Historic Cross Country Season

Saint Martin's cross country runner Cassidy Walchak-Sloan culminated an exceptional season with a stellar performance at the MSSU Race Course in Joplin, Missouri, claiming an impressive AllAmerican finish with one of the best performances in Saints history. Out of 264 runners, Cassidy secured 27th place at the NCAA Championships. She completed the race in a recordbreaking time of 20:34, setting a new 6k XC school record and earning All-American honors.

Walchak-Sloan and

When asked about her thoughts on this accomplishment, Cassidy reflected and expressed her joy, stating, "It was honestly so much fun. After being close to making nationals last year in both cross country and track, it was a very rewarding feeling to finally qualify for a national competition." Despite her focus on achieving All-American honors, Cassidy was pleasantly surprised to learn about breaking the school record post-race. "I had no idea I broke the school record until after the race when my coach told me. Achieving another school record never crossed my mind, but it made the race all that more special."

Former Head Coach Matt Lowe, proud of Cassidy's growth and dedication, commented on her remarkable season, saying, "I'm having a hard time describing what she's done this season because she's gained so much ground on improving herself as a student-athlete and as a person."

Coach Lowe highlighted Cassidy's ability to race both intelligently and aggressively, praising her decision-making during pivotal moments in the race. He added, "She has the ability to channel her energy to race hard when she needs to, and that's something coaches cannot teach." Describing the specifics of Cassidy's remarkable achievement, Coach Lowe highlighted her incredible comeback during the race, moving from 62nd place at the 1-mile mark to finish as the 27th fastest female cross-country runner in NCAA Division II.

Cassidy also emphasized the collective success of the women's team, noting, "I think it’s also important to recognize how well the women’s team did this season. We had four girls in the top ten at GNACs, and we also placed the highest we ever had at regionals, which provided great motivation and support for me going into a national competition."

As this historic cross-country season concludes, Cassidy Walchak-Sloan is eager to transition her success into the winter indoor track and field season, and chase some more records in the outdoor season. u

Saints welcomed new head women's basketball coach, Natalie Marlowe

Saint Martin’s athletic department hired Natalie Marlowe as head coach of the women’s basketball team back in July. Marlowe brings with her a wealth of experience including transforming a one-win team into a 22-win team in her most recent stop at Hartnell College. Her first season as a Saint started on October 27th with a scrimmage against Yakima Valley Community College.

"I could not be more excited to join the Saint Martin's family as the Head Women's Basketball Coach. The University's commitment to academic excellence, the supportive community, and the competitive athletics environment make it an ideal place for student-athletes to thrive. I look forward to working with and building impactful relationships with our players, staff and university community to achieve new levels of success."

Marcus Pavilion introduces Farrelli's Courtside Club

As part of the campus’ comprehensive "Basketball for All" initiative, Saints Athletics collaborated closely with the Office of Institutional Advancement and Farrelli's founder and fellow alumnus John Farrell ’66 to unveil an upscale in-venue courtside hospitality area in early December. With Farrell's strong ties to Saint Martin's and the significant value proposition that partnering with Saints Athletics offers, Farrelli’s Pizza was quick to become the presenting sponsor of the Farrelli’s Courtside Club and the Saints’ newest premier partner.

Director of Athletics, Steve O’Brien said, “We are excited to partner with local businesses that enhance our fans’ game day experience and generate the resources necessary to operate a competitive intercollegiate athletics department. Formalizing a relationship with Farrelli’s Pizza is the ultimate win-win for Saints Athletics!”

For more information about Farrelli’s Courtside Club or partnering with Saints Athletics, reach out to the Director of Athletics, Steve O'Brien, at sobrien@stmartin.edu

THE LEGION

A new student section in Marcus Pavilion

Recognizing the pivotal role of student engagement on campus, campus life, advancement, athletics′ and current students came together to create The Legion—a dynamic student fan section in Marcus Pavilion. This dedicated space reflects the university's commitment to elevating the game-day experience for athletes and spectators alike. Beyond fostering student camaraderie and school spirit, The Legion injects a powerful energy into the arena. Saint Martin′s seeks to establish a lasting tradition of enthusiastic student support, reinforcing the vital link between the academic and athletic communities.

Women’s golf had their highest finish in team history at the 2023 GNAC Golf Championships in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. Led by an individual win from freshman Ashley Bruland and a second-place finish from another freshman, Kelsie Inouye, the Saints finished in second place as a team, just coming up short of Simon Fraser.

Women's golfer Kathryn Crimp was named valedictorian of the class of 2023 for Saint Martin’s University. The 2021 GNAC champion was also instrumental in the Saints women’s golf team being named GNAC Academic Champions for their efforts in the classroom.

Women's softball earned a second-place finish in the 2023 GNAC regular season standings thanks in big part to the outstanding play of freshman outfielder Haley Agena who was named first team All-Conference and first team All-Region.

Men's basketball ended the winter season with great success, bringing home their second consecutive regular season GNAC crown before earning a ticket to the NCAA Regional in San Diego, California.

Men's golfer Max Turnquist was selected as an individual qualifier for the NCAA regionals where he represented Saint Martin’s at the Foxtail Golf Club in Rohnert Park, California. This fall, Turnquist won the first tournament of the season, the Bishop Invitational, in an exciting playoff at The Home Course in DuPont.

Women’s soccer Coach Derek Faulkner just completed his first season at the helm of the program. Some early highlights from the season included the first SMU win over Central Washington since 2012, and the breaking of a 21-game losing streak versus Western Washington when the Saints scraped out a draw versus the defending national champions.

Saints host two successful golf tournaments to help fundraise for continued studentathlete success. First, the Saints hosted the 40th Annual Saints Golf Classic just down the road in Olympia, before there was more success in Hawaii with the 3rd Annual Saints Baseball Golf Tournament.

All-Sports Kick-Off Reception

Athletics hosted their first ever All-Sports Kick-Off Reception on September 16. This event, hosted by O’Blarney’s, was an opportunity for Saints supporters to hear from all head coaches and welcome in the new academic year for Saints athletics.

Transformative Student Experiences: Saint Martin's University Immersion Trips

As the academic year unfolds, Saint Martin's University continues to embrace holistic education through immersive experiences that extend beyond the classroom. The Spring Immersion Trips, a cornerstone of the University's experiential learning initiatives and part of the Benedictine Leaders Program, have once again transformationally impacted students, fostering personal growth, broadening perspectives, and inspiring a deeper commitment to service.

Traveling to Homeboy Industries in 2023

The 2023 Spring Immersion Trips to Los Angeles, specifically to Dolores Mission Catholic Church and Homeboy Industries, and to Tacoma, L’Arche Tahoma Hope, serve as powerful examples of the significant impact of experiential learning. Between these two trips, 17 students engaged in a transformative experience that not only allowed them to explore the wider world but also integrated classroom knowledge into real-life scenarios.

Homeboy Industries, founded by Father Gregory Boyle in 1988 in collaboration with the Dolores Mission Catholic Church community, is a Los Angeles-based social enterprise focused on the restoration of gang members and formerly incarcerated persons into society. Through businesses like Homeboy Bakery and Homegirl Café, the organization provides job skills training and employment opportunities, aiming to break the cycle of violence and incarceration. Operating on a "jobs not jails" model, Homeboy Industries not only contributes to economic revitalization but also fosters a supportive environment for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives. Beyond employment, the organization offers education, mental health services and community support, exemplifying the life-changing impact of compassionate entrepreneurship.

The leaders accompanying the students on the Los Angeles trip were John Hopkins, Ph.D., and Nick Coffman,

with Jocelyn Bonilla ’21 serving as an alumna mentor for students. The trip marked a revival of a course-bound concept of educational traveling designed to provide students with an immersive understanding of the world around them, bringing complex social justice and faith issues into students’ own lived experiences. Educational Spring break trips like this have been a part of Saint Martin’s for over ten years, each opportunity fostering personal growth and expanding students' perspectives.

The primary purpose of the trip was to immerse students in the environment of East Los Angeles, aiming to broaden their perspectives, increase their understanding of course content, readings, lectures and to enhance critical reasoning and problem analysis skills. Following the trip, students unanimously agreed the experience enriched their overall university experience and was invaluable, and recommended next spring’s trip to fellow students. In reflections about the impact of the immersion trip, students expressed their experiences as deeply meaningful, triggering, hopeful, and loving. Their testimonials revealed that the trip sparked changes in their worldviews, with some describing it as a catalyst for further growth and awakening.

The influence of the immersion experience extended beyond personal development, impacting academic focus as well. Some students reconsidered their academic paths, with one accounting student expressing newfound inspiration to incorporate service into their field and another contemplating changing their major to social work due to the transformative encounters during the trip.

Planning for the 2024 immersion trip

The University plans to return to Dolores Mission and Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles and the Tacoma L’Arche Tahoma Hope for Spring Service Immersion trips this spring, continuing to foster relationships in these communities as partners in learning with Saint Martin’s. Advocacy-driven individuals seek unique experiences, like education majors heading to Los Angeles to hone skills for future diverse classrooms.

Student leaders like Residence Hall Assistants, Benedictine Scholars, and club leaders join both trips to develop their leadership skills and explore servant leadership in action. Five students are attending the L’Arche Immersion while 12 students are attending the Los Angeles Immersion. L’Arche trip participants will contribute to the self-sustaining farm work and community relationships that define the Tahoma Hope community. Los Angeles trip participants will engage with organizations that address complex social problems from restorative work among the formerly incarcerated at Homeboy Industries to street ministry at Skid Row in partnership with the Los Angeles Catholic Worker organization.

Saint Martin’s University Commencement

Speaker: Father Gregory Boyle, SJ

Father Gregory Boyle, SJ, founder of Homeboy Industries, will serve as the 2024 Saint Martin’s University Commencement speaker. Homeboy Industries is the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world based in Los Angeles, CA. Fr. Greg is a Jesuit priest and served as pastor of Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights from 1986 to 1992, then the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles that also had the highest concentration of gang activity in the city.

Fr. Boyle has received the California Peace Prize and been inducted into the California Hall of Fame. In 2014, President Obama named Father Boyle a Champion of Change. He received the University of Notre Dame’s 2017 Laetare Medal, the oldest honor given to American Catholics. Currently, he serves as a committee member of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Economic and Job Recovery Task Force as a response to COVID-19.

Saint Martin’s University looks forward to welcoming such a transformational leader to campus to address the graduating class of 2024. u

Professor Tian wins the Institute of Social Science

(ISS) - Oxford University Press (OUP)

Yunchen Tian Assistant Professor Political Science

Tian won the prize for the best article published in Social Science Japan Journal (SSJJ). They earned the award for their article "Workers, Neighbours, or Something Else? Local Policies and Policy Narratives of Technical Intern Training Program Participants," published in the SSJJ, Volume 26, No. 1.

The Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) has become one of Japan’s largest sources of foreign low- and semi-skilled workers.

Read more about Professor Tian's honor and their research on TITP by scanning this code.

Deke Moulton Student, Master in Teaching

The American Library Association revealed the winners of the 2024 Youth Media Awards in January. Amongst those winners was one of our very own Saints, Deke Moulton, a current student in the Master in Teaching program. Moulton was awarded the Sydney Taylor Honor Award for their exceptional middle-grade novel, "Don't Want to be Your Monster."

Dr. John Hopkins presents at New Mexico's Indian Education Advisory Council

John Hopkins, Ph.D. Chief Diversity Officer

In summer 2023, John Hopkins, Ph.D., was invited to speak about his book “Indian Education for All: Decolonizing Indigenous Education in Public Schools” (Teachers College Press, 2020) at the University of New Mexico’s Native American Studies and Ethnic Studies programs. During the trip Dr. Hopkins was also asked to present his ideas on decolonizing education reforms to the state’s Indian Education Advisory Council (composed of Native educators, policymakers and community members, who advise the Secretary of Education on Native education policy). He was also asked to observe New Mexico’s annual government-to-government meeting between the Governor of New Mexico and the Indigenous representatives from the state's twenty-three tribal nations and pueblos. This was a first in his scholarly career, an experience that left him humbled and honored.

During the government-to-government meeting, Dr. Hopkins witnessed Native and state politics in action. The Governor and the Secretary of Education presented their policy suggestions for Native education in public schools, most of which were accepted with little contention. Agreements began to weaken when Indigenous languages were discussed. For tribes, teaching Indigenous languages in schools was essential; the survival of their cultures and nations depends on it. For the state, teaching greater literacy was paramount, as the literacy rates in New Mexico's public schools report the lowest in the nation. The tribes resisted and the state held firm, with no agreement reached.

Dr. Hopkins’ visit to New Mexico confirmed his long-held theory that tribal communities—whether in New Mexico or Washington—are confronting similar barriers in public schools and that shared aims can be strengthened by deeper connections. Universities and scholars have a moral responsibility to shed light on these barriers and work with our tribal neighbors in realizing greater educational justice for Indigenous students, families and communities.

Arwyn Smalley, Ph.D. Professor, Chemistry

Read more about the report by scanning this code.

Dr. Smalley attended the PEER Field School in Rochester, NY in June, 2023. PEER (Professional development for Emerging Educational Researchers) -- is an organization that provides research training for those with experience in other types of research who are interested in learning best practices in educational research. Smalley's research projects involve studying the impacts of using journaling projects to support student success and mental health. She is excited to continue her ongoing research project, as well as continue learning about research practices.

Ramon Luzarraga, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Theology and Religious Studies

Dr. Luzarraga was elected President of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States for a one-year term.

Since May, he has given his presidential address at ACHTUS, and presented at the annual meeting of the Catholic Theological Society of America as well as the biannual meeting of Caribbean Theology Today in Grenada.

He was recently interviewed in the National Catholic Reporter about the future of theology in the U.S. Luzarraga told NCR regarding the ACHTUS gathering that attendees discussed the pressure that younger scholars face in finding stable work, especially in academia today, but noted that Hispanic theologians face additional challenges.

Luzarraga also presented at the annual meetings of the American Catholic Historical Association, the Society of Christian Ethics, the aforementioned ACHTUS Colloquium (which Luzarraga orgainzed), and the biannual meeting of Caribbean Theology Today in Grenada. Last May, he presented at a conference about Pope Francis and the Future of the Church at Saint Mark's College at the University of British Columbia.

Julia Chavez, Ph.D. Professor, English

Dr. Chavez will have her piece, “But Women Feel Just as Men Do”: Gender Rights in Nineteenth-Century World Literature, published in Wiley’s Companion to World Literature. This is a widely used prose guide for undergraduate studies.

Elizabeth Nutter, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Saint Martin's Nursing

In June 2023, Dr. Nutter presented two poster presentations at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners National Conference in New Orleans, LA. The first presentation delved into the critical topic of Hypertension Management in Pregnancy, shedding light on innovative approaches and strategies for ensuring optimal maternal health. The second presentation addressed the issue of Abnormal Uterine

Bleeding in Reproductive Aged Women, exploring the utilization of the PALM-COEIN System to enhance diagnostic precision and guide effective interventions. These insightful presentations underscore the commitment of healthcare practitioners to advancing women's health and highlight the ongoing pursuit of excellence in patient care.

COVID-19 pandemic disrupted millions of lives, particularly women

Emily Coyle, Ph.D. Chair of Psychology Associate Professor, Psychology

Dr. Coyle recently published an article with two Saint Martin's alumni, Konner Baker '20 and Craig Fredrickson '22, along with many

other Saint Martin's students who helped assist with data collection and associated presentations.

An abstract from the article:

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 disrupted the lives of millions of U.S. families, with rising unemployment and initial lock downs forcing nationwide school and daycare closures. These abrupt changes impacted women in particular, shifting how families navigated roles.

Pre-pandemic, U.S. women were responsible for the majority of household labor and childcare, and daughters bore greater chore responsibility than sons. We surveyed 280 families early in the pandemic (spring 2020) and another 199 families more than a year later (summer 2021) about pre-pandemic versus current work-family conflict (WFC), division of labor and schooling, and children’s daily activities.

Early on, mothers reported increased WFC (especially family impacting work), mothers assumed primary responsibility for children’s education at home, and daughters spent more time doing chores and educating siblings. One year in, WFC remained high but mothers’ stress was lower, parents reported working less from home, and children largely returned to face-to-face schooling. Yet children, especially daughters, actually spent more time caring for siblings than early in the pandemic, though less time on chores overall.

We conclude that policies that support families such as paid family leave and subsidized childcare are needed to right the gender inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic.

Saint Martin's Center for Student Success (CSS)

Managing a learning center at a small college

Julie Yamamoto, MA

Director of Academic Support

Director, The Writing Center Instructor, English

Andrew Garcia, MBA

Assistant Director of Academic Support

Julie Yamamoto and Andrew Garcia presented at the national College Reading and Learning Association annual conference in Baltimore, Maryland in November.

Yamamoto and Garcia presented their research project: On Shoestrings: Managing a Learning Center at a Small College. As higher education comes increasingly under attack and the demographic cliff of enrollment looms, we can expect greater competition among institutions to attract and retain students at their previous levels. The impact of COVID-19, which expanded the modes schools use to engage students, means students now have vastly more choices in where to obtain their post-secondary degree. This stiffening competition is a greater challenge for small, tuition-driven schools that lack public funding. Yet students who attend small schools

(5000 students or fewer) expect an experience comparable to what they would receive at a larger school.

Learning centers are becoming increasingly important in the success of these students and the institution as a whole. The balancing act of decreased funding from enrollment and increasing need is heightened at small schools. The strategies and methods described can be a model for other small schools with limited resources needing effective management techniques to help students and their institutions thrive.

Welcome to Saint Martin's

Center for Student Success welcomes new team members and alumni

Derrick Wadley

Interim Executive Director of Center for Student Success

Vaolele Tuvalu

Academic Advisor and Saints Care Manager

Myriah Barringer ’19

Academic Advisor and Saints Care Manager

Saint Martin's University was selected as a campus partner for the Washington Campus Coalition for the Public

Good Civic Leadership and Engagement Corps (CLEC) AmeriCorps program.

Through the partnership, the University received an AmeriCorps grant, worth $125,610, to establish a CLEC program that will enhance civic leadership and career readiness for underrepresented students throughout the 2023-2024 academic year.

Nathalie Kuroiwa-Lewis, Ph.D. Professor, English

Dr. Nathalie Kuroiwa-Lewis is on sabbatical this year working on both her creative writing and academic scholarship. She recently published two poems “Yellow Dragon” (p.1) and “Morning Walk On Devonshire Road” (p. 108) in the ninth issue of Book of Matches.

To access Nathalie's poems, visit bookofmatcheslitmag.com

Monastic Happenings

by Boniface V. Lazzari, O.S.B.

At times it may seem that our lives are but one continuous transition: movement from one year to the next; from being a student to being part of the workforce; from joy to sorrow when we lose a loved one; or from experiencing the very ordinary to being blessed with the extraordinary. In late August, the Saint Martin's monastic community was blessed with a new member. On 22nd August, ABBOT MARION NGUYEN received JORDAN BENNETT as a postulant, the first step in becoming a Benedictine monk. POSTULANT JORDAN had been discerning a vocation to our community with ABBOT MARION and with FATHER PAUL WECKERT, vocation director. Jordan lives our life of prayer and work under the direction of ABBOT EMERITUS NEAL ROTH, postulant director. Jordan is a twin, only the second in our community in my memory. The late BROTHER RONALD HURST was a twin whose brother died as an infant. Jordan is a Northwestener who has an undergraduate degree in biology and an M.A. in theology and leadership from Gonzaga University. Our newest member has a strong interest in marine biology, and has integrated himself right into our community. When asked to name something he had not expected to find here, he remarked that even though we follow a schedule that is much the same each day, each day we are afforded a new and different day.

One of our longest professed monks, FATHER KILIAN MALVEY, is also experiencing a major -- though temporary -- transition this year. FATHER KILIAN MALVEY has been appointed Co-interim President of Saint Martin's University, serving together with Dr. Roy Heynderickx, who retired from the position of President in the spring 2022. Father Kilian has studied on the East and West coasts of the United States, as well as in the Midwest and the United Kingdom. He did work on the abbey farm as a young monk, managed the Saint Martin's bookstore, and for many years has taught

in the University's College of Arts and Sciences. This fall he transitioned to his new -- temporary -- assignment.

During the summer, ABBOT MARION spent a month in an intensive review of Spanish in Mexico. This review prepared him well for an assignment he received from the Abbot President of our congregation of Benedictine monasteries: Visitator of a monastery outside of Mexico City in September. Every few years, each monastery has a "visitation", a formal visit by an abbot and several monks from another monastery to make certain that all is going well. There are listening sessions with the abbot and his advisors and individual interviews with each monk of the community. Afterwards written reports are presented, one to the abbot and another to the abbot and community. These include praise as well as suggestions for improvement, based on the listening sessions. These visitations are work for all, as the community must do a self-study first, and the interviews and report writing all must take place within about four days. ABBOT MARION, ABBOT NEAL, FATHER GEORGE SEIDEL and this writer have all served the Congregation as visitators.

BROTHER LUKE DEVINE is not teaching this fall and next spring. He is enjoying a much-deserved sabbatical. The year will be spent first in Germany and then in the Eastern part of the United States. Brother Luke's doctoral dissertation at the GTU, Berkeley, focused on the work of illustrator/artist Fritz Eichenberg. Eichenberg was German-born, but lived many years in the United States. Among his best-known pieces are his illustrations for "The Catholic Worker". Brother Luke is doing additional research on the artist and his life and hopes eventually to publish his work on Eichenberg as a book.

Every good wish for God's blessings as we transition to a new year! u

Abbey Church Events

FEBRUARY - THE CAVATINO DUO

Abbey Church Events continued its 2023-24 season on Saturday, February 24, with the presentation of The Cavatina Duo, comprised of Eugenia Moliner, flute, and Denis Azabagic, guitar. Originally from Spain and Bosnia respectively, this wife/husband duo now resides in the United States. The New Yorker music critic opined that “...this pair is generally considered to be the best...” of flute and guitar duos.

APRIL - DANIEL McGREW and SOPHIA ZHOU

On Saturday, April 5, Abbey Church events will present tenor Daniel McGrew, accompanied by pianist Sophia Zhou. The afternoon before, Mr. McGrew will preside at a Master Class in Saint Martin's Kreielsheimer Hall. He holds degrees from Oberlin Conservatory and Yale University, and recently completed doctoral studies at the University of Michigan. Of his voice, it has been observed: “A marvelous voice: lyrical, flexible, absolutely articulate, with impeccable musical expression over a widely ranging repertoire...”

Abbey Church Events, an annual concert/lecture series, has been presented by the monks of Abbey since 1980.

Events are not ticketed and seating is generally unreserved. Doors open one hour prior to starting time.

Alumnus turned hospital president shares insights on leading transformation

Will Callicoat ’03

FROM CAMPUS TO

“I credit Saint Martin’s for setting me up for success in healthcare,” shared alumnus Will Callicoat ’03, president of Capital Medical Center and Thurston County market leader for MultiCare Health System. “The team-based learning at Saint Martin’s created a solid education in the moment and foundation for continuous learning into the future.”

Callicoat described himself as a non-traditional student at Saint Martin’s University, where he juggled his already-established career as an optician and family life, all while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in finance. His original intent was to work in finance for an investment firm, but his path was fortuitously altered in 2003 while attending a career fair at Saint Martin's. It was there, at the age of 28, he unexpectedly discovered and pursued a financial analyst position, at Capital Medical Center, launching his current career in healthcare.

When thinking about how his leadership style has evolved during his career, Callicoat shared, “When I started as a financial analyst, I relied too heavily on data and spreadsheets. I am embarrassed to admit it took me too many years to realize that what occurs ‘at the bedside’ presents a very different view than a judgment made from looking at a spreadsheet.”

The mission of MultiCare is “partnering for healing and a healthy future.” This approach is at the core of Callicoat’s decision-making process. From collaborating with Providence St. Peter Hospital and the Thurston County Department of Health throughout the coronavirus pandemic to now working to ensure there are enough healthcare providers to meet the needs of the growing population, he believes it works best with partners.

Since 2021, during Callicoat’s tenure, MultiCare has opened a state-of-theart neighborhood emergency department in Lacey and a new women’s primary care center in Olympia; expanded urology, uro/ gynecology, obstetrics, midwifery, gynecology, neurology, and hospice services; and added two dozen additional primary care providers. MultiCare has also invested in and implemented new health care technologies that negate the need to travel to Tacoma or Seattle for care. He credits his team and the engaged medical staff for making these advancements.

Looking ahead, Callicoat noted that hospitals typically are the most expensive cost setting in the world with healthcare costs rising faster than inflation. “One benefit of being part of a health system is that we can design high-quality care pathways at the system level and deploy them at each care location,” he said. “Doing so will reduce the length of time

patients stay in the hospital, which reduces the cost of care.” An example he shared was that MultiCare providers and nurses have adopted a new model of care that reduces the time a patient is on a ventilator, thereby shortening their hospital stay. Another example Callicoat cited happened during the opening day of a new urology clinic when a gentleman called into the clinic in extreme pain. Urologist Dr. Murray then asked the patient to come into the clinic's procedure room, eliminating the need for an emergency room visit. Ten minutes later, the patient was on his way home, feeling much better.

When asked what advice he would give to aspiring future healthcare leaders, Callicoat shared that a career in healthcare is rewarding because it helps a community so worthy and in need of our care and attention.

Hospitals are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, so healthcare administration requires many hours. While admitting the hours are challenging, he goes on to encourage that a career in healthcare is “rewarding in the sense that you assemble teams and resources together. If you do it right, new clinics will emerge, new physicians and providers will join, new technologies and procedures will be available, new staff will want to join the team, and your family, neighbors and community will benefit.”u

[1] Lance Slichko MSCE’23, a Naval Architect at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, recently completed the 2023 Seattle Marathon (26.2 miles) with a 28th place finish and a time of 2:54.58, which has qualified him for the Boston Marathon set in April 2024.

[2] Jocelyn Bonilla ’21 started her new role as Communications Specialist at LOTT Clean Water Alliance in downtown Olympia, marking a transition from her previous role as Social Media Content Manager in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Saint Martin’s. Her professional journey is complemented by a recent trip to Japan where she and fellow Saint Ryne Oshiro ’21, MBA'22 were engaged at Tokyo Disneyland. Ryne is the Internship Navigator for business, engineering, and education at the Saint Martin’s

Internship Hub. The couple is set to embark on a new chapter, with plans to exchange vows in their home state of Hawai’i in 2024.

[3] Brianna Doyle ’20 recently accepted a new position with Nicole Lamphier State Farm in Redmond, WA as an Account Representative where she is enjoying serving her community.

Olivia Alvord ’20 and Trystan Rackham ’20 on December 2, 2023 at Manchester State Park in Port Orchard, WA. The alums met their first year at Saint Martin's in 2016 where they lived on the Oikos floor in Parsons Hall, just two doors down from each other.

ALUM NOTES

adventure at the independent k-12 school committed to providing an amazing experience for students that inspires active and joyful learning. Michael expresses his deepest gratitude to everyone in the Saint Martin's community who has been

[4] Michael Otter-Alvarado ’19, MBA’22, after an incredible seven years at Saint Martin's University as both a student and employee in the admissions and institutional advancement offices, began his new role as the Annual Giving Manager at Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, WA. He is excited to take on a new

[5] Cassidy Choi ’14 graduated with a B.S. in mathematics, a B.A. in business administration and a concentration in economics. Choi recently had a novel published in February 2023 titled "She Lies Still". Her coming-of-age, fictional romance novel is available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, and all other online retailers for purchasing.

[6] Allison Myers ’13, Ph.D. was recently hired as the newest Assistant Professor of Chemistry at University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.

[7] Philip Todd Ayles ’02 is an Emotional Intelligence Practitioner who uses Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness to assist veterans in finding their purpose to live their happiest life possible. In 2018 Phil founded Ayles Solutions LLC, with a mission to bridge the gap that often arises during the critical shift from military to civilian life. Ayles Solutions is committed to empowering veterans to navigate their post-service lives with confidence, clarity and a renewed sense of purpose and ensuring that each veteran steps into their new chapter with the skills and understanding necessary for a fulfilling and successful civilian life. Ayles stands as a beacon in the transition journey of veterans, offering specialized guidance in communication and reintegration. Visit www.aylessolutions.com

[8] Melissa Beth Hamilton ’02 was recently appointed to the Civil Service Commission for the City of Federal Way, term ending Oct. 31, 2027.

Shannon Marie Blood ’99 was promoted to the Director of Health for the National Service Office of Nurse-Family Partnership and Child First in January 2023.

[9] Matthew John Morton ’96, after attending Saint Martin’s, went on to Oregon State University, earning a Master’s in Education in 1998. Matthew was recently selected as an Oregon State University Alumni Fellow. The Alumni Fellows program was established by the Oregon State University Alumni Association in 1988 for the purpose of recognizing some of their most eminent alumni in partnership with university colleges and units.

Pete Zahn ’95 began a new position with WSDOT as a Transportation Engineer shortly after moving into his new home in the Lacey area. Zahn has always found an internal draw and deep appreciation for serving his communities and for the ‘built environment’—which for him

is but one way to describe ‘all that encompasses those things that work together, to keep us working together’. As he enters this newest chapter of his life’s journey, he's honored and humbled to be a part of the continuing legacy of Saints Alumni serving in our communities, both locally and globally. As a fellow Saints Alumni, he'd like to remind his fellow Saints that it’s never too late to take a new look at how you approach the pursuit of your passions!

[10] Bernadine “Bernie”

Determan-Griffin ‘82 has retired as Managing Director of The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle! Under her leadership, The 5th grew its services, facilities and infrastructure, and became a leading musical-producing theater in the region. Bernie's retirement marks the culmination of a 40-year career in service to the arts and cultural sector, primarily in the Seattle region (with stop offs in New York and Los Angeles). At her alma mater, she has faithfully served on Saint Martin's National Alumni Board and as the Saint Martin's Gala emcee, helping raise millions of dollars for student scholarships.

PRESENTED BY

OVER $41,000 WAS RAISED IN SUPPORT OF OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES!

The 40th Annual Saint Martin's Golf Classic, presented by Lucky Eagle Casino, was held on August 4. With 148 golfers, 48 divisional winners, 22 sponsors, 7 on-course contests, 10 on-course sponsor activations, and a dozen high-value raffle prizes, this year’s tournament was more than just another milestone in this event's impressive history.

Beyond the camaraderie, the event helped to raise over $41,000 for the Saint Martin’s Athletic Foundation’s Scholarship Endowment, totaling to more than $540,000 raised over the past 40 years. These resources are instrumental in supporting enhanced intercollegiate athletic competition opportunities for Saints studentathletes and increasing the competitive success of all 15 of Saint Martin's intercollegiate athletic programs.

Thank you to our alumni, businesses, sponsors and donors for their support at our 40th Annual Golf Classic.

Your continued generosity helps raise critical funds for student-athlete scholarships.

ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND

On August 5 & 6, Saints from all generations and across the country came back together to celebrate the first Saint Martin’s Reunion Weekend since 2019. With a wide array of activities to take part in both on and off campus, the Saints community reminisced over cherished memories and longstanding friendships. From the All-Class Picnic to Saint Martin’s Memory Lane and Coffee with the Monks, it was a weekend full of laughter, cheer and camaraderie.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to make Reunion Weekend 2023 a success!

SAINTS raise $6,000 for Maui wildfire victims

On August 11, the Saints hosted their 3rd Annual Baseball Golf Tournament in Hawai’i! Together with Saint Martin's alumni and the local community, the event raised vital funds for student-athletes and for those affected by the devastating wildfires on Maui. This event couldn’t have taken place without the support of our alumni and strong Hawaiian community. On behalf of the baseball team, thank you to all who came out to support this event.

Save the date for Friday, August 9, 2024 for the Annual Baseball Golf Tournament in Hawai’i!

WEEKEND 2024

The annual Saint Martin's University Homecoming welcomed back alumni and friends for a weekend of reminiscing and reconnecting at their alma mater. The weekend festivities included a variety of events, athletic events and activities. Highlights of Homecoming included inducting five new honorees into the University's Distinguished Alumni Awards and two inductees into the Saint Martin's Athletics Bob Grisham Hall of Fame / Hall of Honor.

Distinguished Alumni

Professional Achievement

Dr. Robert Elves '75

Paul Thiry, Sr. HS '20 (posthumous)

Service to Community

Christopher "Chris" Fidler '82

Dawn Houle MBA '07

Deidre Peterson '07

Bob Grisham Hall of Fame / Hall of Honor

2009 Men's Soccer Team

Shannon Porter '17

To view more photos from Homecoming Weekend 2024 scan the above code with your phone or visit stmartin.canto.com/v/alumni.

In Memoriam

REMEMBERING

THE ALUMNI OF SAINT MARTIN’S

Terrence "Gib" Anderson ′ 56

June 11, 2023

Richard Apperson ′ 95

June 18, 2023

Paul Belisle ′ 64

January 30, 2023

Bennett Brulotte ′68

January 13, 2023

Dennis Carlson ′ 60

July 22, 2023

Roderick Carruthers ′ 64

March 25, 2023

Joel Davis HS′ 53

June 5, 2023

Lisa Grunenfelder

August 6, 2022

Thomas Heaton HS′ 65

April 4, 2023

George Heye

August 15, 2023

Jerome Jacobson HS′62, Purple Heart with Cluster, Vietnam

September 12, 2022

Shawn Jensen ′ 03, MBA′ 13

June 2, 2023

Kenneth Keller ′ 53

April 10, 2023

Hank Lees HS′ 64

November 26, 2022

Joseph Lehman HS′ 62, ′ 68

May 10, 2023

Don Lehtinen ′ 64

August 30, 2023

Patrick McCarthy ′ 66

September 23, 2023

Davis Mengelkamp ′95

December 24, 2022

Jerry Murphy HS′ 63

October 10, 2022

Philip Murr HS′ 73, ′ 78

July 27, 2022

Andrew Oczkewicz ′89

January 12, 2023

Rosemarie Schaller ′74

March 11, 2023

Kenneth Keller ′ 53

November 1930 - April 2023

Jim Sims HS′57, ′62

February 5, 2023

Darlene Tewault MA ′ 94

May 14, 2023

Janet Threlkeld ′ 96

August 1, 2023

Leanne Steere Wilcox

July 28, 2023

Ken Keller was born on November 14, 1930 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Ken grew up in a large family with nine children. At an early age his mother instilled in him a deep appreciation for books. He quickly developed a love for learning and reading. Along with reading, Keller found interest in sports, particularly basketball and boxing, and played both in high school and at Saint Martin’s College.

After college, where he embraced a life centered around study and books, he entered the Saint Martin’s monastery, becoming a monk and later a priest. His teaching career began at Saint Martin’s High School, spanning 34 years with a shift to Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Flossmoor, Illinois. Despite the closure of Saint Martin’s High School in 1966, Ken's educational journey continued at the University of Chicago, where he decided to transition to public school teaching in suburban Chicago.

Ken's dedication extended beyond the classroom; he coached girl's freshman basketball for 15 years. His personal life took a significant turn when he left the priesthood and married Maggie in 1967. The couple enjoyed 55 years together, raising two children and creating a loving family. Ken's passion for travel and biking persisted into his eighties, exemplifying his vibrant and active lifestyle. His impactful life was documented in the book "Ken Keller: Rose Colored Glasses: My Life," where he reflected on the humility instilled by Benedictine monks at Saint Martin’s College and his unwavering commitment to serving others. Ken's caring nature touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting legacy as a priest, husband, father, teacher and friend. For those fortunate enough to share moments with him, Ken Keller was indeed a blessing.

Stay updated on upcoming events at www.stmartin.edu/alumni

143

Where are our Saints from?

78% In-State

15% Out of State

4% US Territory

2% International

104 veteran students

active duty students

Campuses include Lacey and Saint Martin's–JBLM

1,000th Student graduates from Saint Martin's Washington Veterans to Technology Program in December 2023

GIVE. GROW.

Contributions

Contributions consist of all private gifts and grants made to Saint Martin’s University from individuals, foundations and corporations. Gifts are both unrestricted and restricted for purposes such as scholarships, academic programs and capital projects.

Endowment

An endowment is a donation that is made to Saint Martin’s on the condition that it is used to advance the mission of the school for the long term. Most endowments are designed to provide a permanent source of income for the University by keeping the original amount invested and using the accrued income from dividends for its charitable purpose, such as through scholarships. Saint Martin’s endowment has grown due to the generosity of donors through outright gifts, bequests and other planned gifts, as well as investment earnings.

Institutional Aid

The following numbers reflect Saint Martin’s total contributions for this fiscal year as well as the five most recent fiscal year results on Endowment and Institutional Aid. The fiscal year runs July 1 – June 30 of each year.

Part of a student’s overall financial aid package, institutional aid represents the grants and scholarships which Saint Martin’s itself offers prospective and returning students. It does not include federal or state grants, loans, or outside scholarships or work study.

Contributions

Endowment

$6,427,298

Institutional Aid $24,709,670 $13,705,123

An evening to remember

More than $2.1 million was raised for student scholarships at the annual Saint Martin’s University Gala on November 4.

Over 500 alumni and friends joined together at Marcus Pavilion as three celebrity guests hosted the 2023 Gala. Seattle-based chefs Tom Douglas and Roy Breiman, along with Italian butcher Dario Cecchini, entertained the crowd with amazing food and exciting cooking demonstrations, all done in support of Saint Martin's University students.

Guests immersed themselves into a glamorous ‘dini ng-in-the-woods’ ambiance as they enjoyed an exquisite five-course, wine-paired menu savoring the unique styles and flavors of our celebrity culinary guests. Featuring a lively and generous live auction and an after party with the Seattle-based band Mr. Pink this year, this black-tie affair has grown to be the premier culinary event in the South Sound region.

During the event, Interim Co-Presidents Roy Heynderickx, Ph.D., and Father Kilian Malvey, O.S.B., announced the For Every Saint comprehensive campaign had exceeded its goal of $100 million and will formally wrap up on June 30, 2024. Gifts made now through June 30 will continue to add to the historic campaign success and exceed the fundraising goal, all in support of Saint Martin’s students. When the comprehensive campaign was first publicly announced in 2020, gifts and pledges for student scholarships were made at each Gala. This support resulted in the 2021 Gala raising more than $2 million for the first time in its 11-year history.

“We are very pleased with the results from the Gala,” said Dr. Heynderickx . “The success of the event, and of the For Every Saint campaign, is due to our many generous benefactors who believe in the mission and educational opportunities provided by Saint Martin’s University.”

To demonstrate the power of a Saint Martin’s educational experience, recent alumna Marissa Grab ’22 returned to serve as the alumni speaker for the event.

“I am here to tell you all that Saint Martin’s University helped my dreams come true,” she shared during her speech. “I wanted to beat the odds [and graduate from college]; I just needed a little support to accomplish my dreams.”

“Alumni like Marissa remind us of the important and life-changing work that happens at Saint Martin’s University each and every day with our students,” said Father Kilian. “Students come here to earn a degree but leave us learning more about themselves and discovering their calling in the world.”

If you were unable to attend the Gala, or would like to make an additional gift, you can still support student scholarships by making a gift online at www.stmartin.edu/giving. u

Thank you to the many sponsors, businesses and individuals who donated their time, auction items, in-kind goods and services toward the success of this year’s Gala.

Anthonyʼs Homeport & Anthonyʼs Hearthfire Grill

Aurora Lasik

Bon Appétit

Capitol City Press

Columbia Hospitality

Dan & Carla O’Neill

Dancing Goats Coffee

Eola Hills Wine Cellars

Forma Construction

Hanson Subaru

KCTS9

Panowicz Jewelers

Rob Rice Homes

ShowCase Media

Sunset Air

Tedi Reynolds ʼ71

WSECU

Saint Martin's Table Sponsors

FORMA Construct ion

Joe HD ʼ 21 & Liz Will iams

Saint Benedict Table Sponsors

Gillespie / The Rants Group

Great Western Supply

Inge Marcus-Military Appreciation Table

John & Michelle Riel

Margaret Clapp

Tedi Reynolds ’71

Waite ’65 & Patty Dalrymple/Perry & Susan Shea

Saint Gertrude Table Sponsors

Armandino Batali ’59, HD’15

Evergreen State College

Family of Ricardo & Niolasa Corpuz

Farelli's Pizza

ImageSource, Inc.

Lemon Family Dental

Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel

MultiCare

Olympia Federal Savings

Olympia Orthopaedic Associates

Providence Health & Services

Puget Sound Energy

Rick & Pam Panowicz

Rockefeller Capital Management

Saint Martin’s University, Athletics

Saint Martin’s University, Engineering Advisory Board

Sunset Air, Inc.

Squaxin Island Tribe

Tedi Reynolds ’ 71

Teri & John Woo

The Heye Family

Timberland Bank

Tovani Hart

TwinStar Credit Union

US Bank