Saint Michael's College Magazine Summer 2015

SAINT MICHAEL’S COLLEGE MAGA ZINE | SUMMER 2015

— The Bridge —

THE ENDURING CHALLENGE IN SELMA

Fifty years after Bloody Sunday, the Edmundites’ caring presence in Selma hasn’t changed. What has?

FOUNDERS HALL

Fifty Years Past

BY JOHN J. NEUHAUSER , PRESIDENT

As I write this, it is a beautiful early summer day in northern Vermont with hardly a cloud in the sky. And it isn’t snowing! But it’s quieter on campus; a little too quiet for my taste. Although, we do have nearly 250 students attending the Accelerated Summer College, some traditional summer courses, and a large number conducting research on campus as well, so it is not that quiet. Nearly 500 students graduated in May while their other undergraduate colleagues left a little earlier, so the usual hubbub of young adults, in the spring, in a beautiful setting, has been dimmed a bit for a while.

This issue celebrates the Society of Saint Edmund’s long relationship with Selma, Alabama. Dr. Bernard Lafayette, who gave the commencement address this year, was an associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1965 marches in Selma and continues to work tirelessly promoting non-violent change. His presence at Commencement along with his fellow honorary degree recipients Sr. Cyril Mooney and John Allen, highlight the Society’s long standing commitment to social justice.

We did have a brief return to activity during Reunion in early June when nearly 800 alumni returned to campus, some of whom had not been back in 50 years. We had our usual and growing representation from classes that graduated more than 50 years ago, including our friend Walter Fitzmaurice ’49 who returns every June.

Reunion weekend is full of many activities and this year coincided with the trustees’ last meeting of the year.

Having the trustees on campus at the same time as so many alumni affords some interesting opportunities for gathering, sharing stories and describing what the ever-evolving college has become.

Two events during the weekend stand out for me. The first is the induction of the newest class of Golden Knights, the event which kicks off the entire weekend and one which has quickly become my favorite. Some would say this is because the Golden Knights are “my people,” which is true enough, but more so because a span of 50 years affords enough time to honestly reflect on the changes that these Knights have lived through. In 1965, we were at the beginning of many changes in American society that would eventually alter and largely improve the way we treat each other. To be sure these changes have been bumpy and are far from complete, but in 1965 you could barely glimpse where they might lead. Nor did we understand that we are not an invulnerable, invincible nation. And not everyone understood that not all in our land had the same opportunities or were accorded the same degree of personal respect that human dignity inherently demands.

We had no understanding of where developments in science and technology would take us and we were still flush with a mid-century economic prosperity. This year’s Golden Knights graduated at the very beginning of a tempestuous period, but when they returned this past year what was striking to me was that not only have so many stayed close to each other for five decades, but when you hear them talk, the virtue that pops out at you is of youthful hope. Maybe that is why reunions work so well: they rekindle hope.

The other event of the weekend occupied a different end of the spectrum and happened for the first time this year. The teams in Academic Affairs and Institutional Advancement organized an ice cream social, which brought the 70 students who are conducting research on campus this summer together with many returning alumni and a number of trustees who are sponsoring individual student researchers. It was a wonderful occasion for these budding scholars to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with the very individuals who made it possible. This student/faculty research is quickly becoming a signature program for Saint Michael’s, and is very attractive to prospective students and their families. The fact that individual alumni and trustees sponsor individual students creates a unique connection between the college’s generations and is yet another sign of youthful hope.

And I am hoping for a great crop of tomatoes this summer.

John J. Neuhauser President

CONTENTS

Early summer blossoms on the campus green highlight the new stone arch in the Teaching Gardens

FOUNDERS HALL

FEATURES

By President John J. Neuhauser

Fifty Years Past

The Bridge

and the Edmundites, half a 13 Selma centur y after Bloody Sunday

By Mark Tarnacki

PERSPECTIVE p. 3–10

News of the students, professors, staff and campus at Saint Michael’s College

Chris Kenny ’86 M ’98 becomes the new athletic director Telling the Hubble Telescope’s Story An Enterprising Competition The Annual Academic Symposium The Gift of Toni Messuri The Growing of a Garden Jeff Ayres’ first year as Dean Commencement 2015

19

A Walk Around “The Waking”

Lessons and mysteries from Theodore Roethke’s poem

By William Marquess

CLASS NOTES Wedding and Celebration Photos, In Memoriam, Alumni Association news and more

from the Alumni 24 Message Association President

26 Class Notes 33 Reunion 2015 35 In Memoriam

SAINT MICHAEL’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE Summer 2015 Volume 15 — Number 2 www.smcvt.edu — Editor Caroline Crawford Design Finch & Raven Creative Co. Staff Writer Mark Tarnacki Managing Editor/Principal Photographer Brian MacDonald Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing Sarah H. Kelly — Saint Michael’s College Magazine (ISSN 02793016) is published by the Office of Marketing and Communication three times a year, Saint Michael’s College. The views expressed in the Saint Michael’s College Magazine do not necessarily represent the official policies and views of Saint Michael’s College.

Postmaster Please send address changes to: Saint Michael’s College One Winooski Park, Box 6 Colchester, VT 05439 Editorial Office Saint Michael’s College, One Winooski Park, Box 6 Colchester, VT 05439 / 802.654.2588 SMCMagazine@smcvt.edu ©2015 All rights reserved

PERSPECTIVE

The Sporting Life

Chris Kenny ’86 M’98, the new director of athletics, has built his career on bringing out the best in students, athletes and colleagues

BY JOSH KESSLER ’04, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

There is a sweet irony for Chris Kenny ’86 M’98 as he reminisces about his first day as an undergraduate at Saint Michael’s. “The first member of the community that I met was Zaf Bludevich, who guided me through my very first day on campus,” said Kenny, discussing the man who served the college for 39 years as an athletics administrator, trainer and coach. “It’s ironic that later in life we would work closely together in the athletic department for many years. His friendship is one of the very best things that has happened to me over my career at Saint Michael’s.”

On July 1, three decades after his arrival as a student in the early 1980s, Kenny became the new director of athletics, after a nationwide search.

Kenny has worked at Saint Michael’s since 1987. During his tenure, he served 11 years as the associate director of athletics, and just completed his first year as the senior associate athletic director, assuming Bludevich’s former position after his retirement in 2014.

“I’m very excited and honored to have this opportunity,” said Kenny.

“I have a deep respect and appreciation for the history of our College and our athletic program. I am very proud of the institution we have become and the transformational role we play in developing the remarkable young people who choose to attend here.”

Among those young people is Kenny’s eldest daughter, Jillian, a member of the Class of 2018. Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Angela Aja Armour ’99 M’09 has also benefited from Kenny’s influence, not only working together in her current role, but also during previous phases of her life as a student-athlete, a student employee in the athletic department, and as the Sports Information Director (SID), reporting directly to Kenny for three years in the early 2000s.

“I was blown away by his confidence in my ability to head up my own office,” said Armour, recalling Kenny contacting her in the fall of 2000 when the SID position opened.

Despite her not having exposure to sports information until her senior year, Armour said Kenny was instrumental in directing her toward postgraduate internships that would help her begin a career in athletics.

That guidance has led to Armour spending nearly 15 years at Saint Michael’s, beginning in the athletic department.

“I firmly believe that athletics greatly enhances the educational experience for our student-athletes, as well as the life of this community,” said Kenny, who said his goals include continuing to

3 S A I N T M I C H A E L’ S CO L L E G E M AG A Z I N E

enhance student-athletes’ lives. “Working with our talented staff, I’m looking forward to doing all that we can to make that experience as rewarding as possible.”

Kenny takes the reins of the department upon Director of Athletics Geri Knortz’s retirement after 18 years. It’s an historic appointment, as Kenny becomes only the fourth AD at Saint Michael’s since just after the end of World War II, joining George “Doc” Jacobs (1947-68), Edward P. Markey ’51 (1968-97) and Knortz (1997-2015).

“We all know Chris as a loyal and faithful employee of long standing, but what impressed me in this search process was his command of the strategic issues facing the college, as well as his carefully developed approaches to developing solutions,” said President John J. Neuhauser of Kenny’s new role. “I am happy that Chris will bring his wide-ranging knowledge of this college and its people to an ambitious agenda which keeps student-athletes at the center of intercollegiate athletics here while simultaneously improving the athletic experience for students.”

Kenny, who will become the first alumnus to assume the post since Markey nearly half a century ago, discovered Saint Michael’s all those years ago when a friend in his hometown of Greenfield, Massachusetts, who attended the college, described its small, close-knit community.

Garnering a degree in journalism was also appealing. “I found that my friend’s description of the community and people here was absolutely true, and that the small class sizes and meaningful faculty engagement with students was exactly what I was looking for,” he said.

After graduating and spending the next year working in minor league baseball, he returned to Saint Michael’s to serve as the SID, under Markey, in 1987. “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would be at Saint Michael’s this long,” said Kenny. “It’s been a great place to work, and the Burlington area has been a wonderful place to raise a family. As Ferris Bueller says, ‘life moves pretty fast,’ and when you are happy and part of a special community, it seems to move at light speed.”

Just as Bludevich did for Kenny during his first day on campus, Kenny continues paying it forward. “I’m not sure I can overstate how important he has been in teaching me how to be a good mentor, role model, supervisor and friend,” Armour said. “He’s so classy and humble and caring and compassionate. He’s just the real deal.” 

PERSPECTIVE

Becoming only the fourth athletic director in Saint Michael’s College history, Chris Kenny ’86 brings a sense of the college’s athletic legacy as well as a vision for maintaining and improving the athletic experience for students.

S U M M E R 2015 4

PERSPECTIVE

A Show of Intellect The annual Academic Symposium expands its impact The scholarship and humanity on display in students’ work during this year’s Academic Symposium, held the last week in May, elicited a surprisingly deep emotional response in many of the attendees.

One such attendee was Karen Talentino, vice president for academic affairs. “I’m just overwhelmed, really,” she said. “Each year this event puts me on the verge of tears. I see what is possible when you give students opportunities and you provide an environment where they can learn and grow and explore their ideas and their passions,” she said. “As an educator, there’s just nothing better than this.”

Talentino found the personal accounts from study-abroad students who gathered Friday afternoon, April 24, to be particularly moving. She praised a poster and senior thesis by environmental studies major Amanda Kellner ’15, who investigated the feasibility of Vermont becoming a completely self-sustainable state for food production.

“Her level of understanding, motivation and commitment to see if this is possible, was deeply moving for me,” said Talentino, a biologist.

At the symposium, some students came to grips with academic challenges. Others celebrated life’s beauty, or confronted its harshness.

In “Writers Reading Their Work,” held Saturday morning, Russell Hammond ’15 delivered the eulogy he had written for his father, who had died earlier in the year.

From the Experiential Learning Showcase held Thursday and Friday, to Saturday morning’s presentations, and mid-day poster session, the Symposium represented 14 departments and featured hundreds of students, including 105 posters or projects on display in the Dion Family Student Center, representing the work of 160 students.

Angela Irvine, director of foundation relations and funded projects, who finds funds for much of the research at the Symposium and is a key event organizer, noted that 80 more students than last year were presenting posters.

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At the annual Academic Symposium students display the culmination of their academic pursuits in poster sessions, presentations, readings and other forms of expression.

More sophomores and juniors are presenting work too, which is a welcome trend, Assessment Coordinator Renee Schmauder noted.

“Across the institution, we’re trying to make students more aware that they don’t have to wait till junior or senior year to engage in meaningful academic research,” she said.

“We know that having meaningful relationships with faculty members like this increases engagement among our alumni and means students are more likely to have more meaningful lives, across all kinds of dimensions: better health, more engaged with their community, more involved and happy at work, better employees – we know all this from the research,” she said. “ That’s why we’re intentional in increasing participation.” 

PERSPECTIVE

Giving Them the Business

Competitors and events put business student skills to the test during the annual Enterprise Competition Saint Michael’s business students brought their best start-up ideas to the 16th Annual Enterprise Competition, which is sponsored by Peter Worrell ‘79 M. This year’s winners were a team called The Woof Pack: Lisa McCormick ‘15, Aubrey Ouellet ‘15 and Casey Snyder ‘15, who presented a plan for a kennel and dog park operation, including an appearance during their presentation by an actual dog. The second and third places respectively went to the groups Adventure Endeavors, which had a proposal to start a mountain-bike facility in Oregon giving guided tours and with lodging, and Synergy, a consultancy to help dentists manage their practices more efficiently.

Also this spring, Associate Business Professor Brosh Teucher worked with business students to organize business logistics for a series of on-campus and off-campus events, putting the skills learned in class to practical use. Different teams described successfully pulling off a Magic Hat Day Event with a raffle at a local pub, an April Business Fashion Show in McCarthy Arts Center that included recruiting and rehearsing models; and hosting an event at a local indoor climbing facility, which drew 74 students. 

The Ultimate Space Opera Listening to the story that the Hubble Space Telescope is still telling

The 25th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope inspired a presentation by Professor of Physics and astrophysicist John O’Meara this past April, in the middle of Academic Symposium Week.

O’Meara, who has used the Hubble several times in his research, shared his passion for this telescope that, in his opinion, “transcends astronomy” and is one of the biggest accomplishments in science history.

His talk nearly filled Cheray Science Hall with faculty and staff, their families, and members of the public with an interest in space. O’Meara’s presentation was filled with stunning images taken by the telescope, and his knowledgeable and accessible dialog kept everyone’s attention.

O’Meara calls the story of Hubble “The Ultimate Space Opera’” and so presented its story in acts: History, Missions, A Human Story, The Science, The Impact and The Future. He said the telescope is going strong, and still might have five more years left in its useful life.

Audience questions included where he goes to control the Hubble for his research (his laptop), how far the Hubble is from Earth (about 200 miles), and how many pictures Hubble takes in a year (it just took its millionth image recently, he said). 

The Hubble Space Telescope, now in its 25th year, has played an important role in Professor of Physics John O’Meara’s professional research.

S U M M E R 2015 6

PERSPECTIVE

Access to Success Devotion to students inspires an honor for Toni Messuri

Toni Messuri calls her recent honor “fruitional,” which is an uncommon word. Yet, it’s an uncommon recognition: an endowed scholarship in her name, given by the family of a 2014 graduate, who made the gift to recognize Messuri’s extraordinary and vital work supporting Saint Michael’s students with learning differences.

“Helping students become more conscious about patterns that may be obstacles to success,” is how Messuri, assistant dean for academic affairs and director of accessibility and academic support, describes her role, working with almost 200 students a year. “Ultimately we try together to find ways to get at the unimpeded joys of learning, which is exhilaration, really, at times. ” From such exuberant and well-directed energy, cultivated and expended over many years, “comes a moment when you’re receiving something beyond what you’d ever imagined,” she says. “Buddhists talk of the ground and the path and then fruition. This gift made me think of that.” 

Toni Messuri, assistant dean for academic affairs and director of accessibility and academic support

Growing Up

The campus garden expands in size and scope This past May, during a break from weeding, composting and planting, Amanda Kellner ’15 got to the root of her interest in the college’s fastexpanding organic gardening operation and its related curriculum.

“For me the question is ‘What kind of culture are we trying to cultivate here?’” said Kellner. “Food was a theme throughout all my courses as an Environmental Studies major, and it’s a really active way to be involved in environmental stewardship and social justice.”

She’s working full-time this summer with Jess Reid ’17, Jack Loomis ’16 and Erika Bodin ’13, who is lead garden project manager for more than two years, to keep the original garden productive while prepping for optimal productivity next year at the new and much larger (1.7 acres) site near the President’s House. Heather Ellis-Lynch, the College’s sustainability coordinator, is excited that 11 Saint Michael’s classes in recent years have used the garden in some way as part of their curriculum. “Everybody eats,” she says.  The campus organic garden employs students over the summer to manage its production and expansion.

7 S A I N T M I C H A E L’ S CO L L E G E M AG A Z I N E

PERSPECTIVE

A New Perspective

After his first year as dean, Jeff Ayres has new appreciation for students, faculty and administration Traffic in and out of Dean Jeff Ayres’ first-floor office in Founders Hall is steady and often outbound as he heads to meetings with departments, committees, councils and other groups that require or invite his presence. In or out of meetings, Ayres, in his own words shapes, policy, “shepherds” and supports faculty and “responds to daily needs and concerns, people popping in, things coming up, helping departments in the review process, and finding major-series lecturers.”

The daily rhythms of academic administration are different from fulltime teaching and scholarship, he observes, and after a productive first year, he now has deeper appreciation for both worlds.

Keeping a foot firmly in teaching political science, which he has at Saint Michael’s since 1998, makes him a better dean, Ayres says.

He’s continued to teach Canadian politics, and team-taught a course on environmental sustainability during the spring semester, followed by an academic study trip to Wales with 11 Saint Michael’s students and a Professor Education Jonathan Silverman for two weeks in May. “It’s important ... to be in touch with how the student body may be evolving and the challenges faculty face teaching.”

When he put forth his name as a prospective candidate for dean in 2014, Ayres said he hoped to advance “an integrative learning perspective,” which he calls “the 21st century rubric for the liberal arts.”

“It means we don’t just promote the curriculum. We promote co-curricular opportunities as a way of enriching the student experience,” he said.

Ayres points with satisfaction to specific initiatives and trends that move Saint Michael’s toward this vision. One is “the deepening internationalization on campus,” which is close to his heart as a key developer of the International Relations major, which now enrolls 35 students. Saint Michael’s will also soon be an official “Peace Corps Prep” site, and recently hired faculty across departments who have connections to China, Canada, Germany and Armenia.

“It’s important to give undergraduates more direct access to this interconnected world we live in. It’s hard to imagine being successful today without being a global citizen,” Ayres says. Strengthening and growing short-term academic study trips will be part of this internationalization, he says, as will increased focus in admissions on drawing international students. Ayres is proud of a new major in environmental science, of the just-approved major in neuroscience, and of a productive strategic planning process in full swing. Ayres also devised a “course release system” to recognize meritorious faculty performance, as trustees had requested. Beginning next spring, professors can apply for releases from teaching to work on projects that benefit their careers, departments or the college.

Academic Dean Jeff Ayres, a longtime professor of political science, is staying active in the classroom as well as in the administration.

Ayres praises the camaraderie and high morale in Founders and he says enjoys his workdays that go from early morning to late evening, including productive quiet time on Saturdays in his office with its a view of Mount Mansfield. He’s welcomed visiting former students, who remind him how much he misses regular interaction with students and department colleagues, he says.

Despite the responsibilities, Ayres still knows how to have fun. He found time to attend a couple of Phish concerts across the U.S. last year. 

S U M M E R 2015 8

PERSPECTIVE

The 108th Commencement exercises at Saint MIchael’s featured the accomplishments of 450 undergraduates, 20 graduates and the commencement address of noted Civil Rights figure Bernard Lafayette, as well as honorary degrees given to Sr. Cyril Mooney, IBVM, and journalist John Allen Jr.

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PERSPECTIVE

Causes to Celebrate

Commencement 2015 championed the triumph of love and courage across life’s spectrum Saint Michael’s College’s 108th annual Commencement on Sunday, May 10, featured multiple examples of the power of love and courage in persevering against the worst that humanity and nature have to offer.

Human solutions to humanity’s worst conditions took to the podium to address the crowd. Most notably, commencement speaker Bernard Lafayette described his historic Civil Rights activism alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Maurice Ouellet, SSE ’48 in the 1960s. His stories and words inspired awed attention from the approximately 450 undergraduate students and about 20 graduate students and their families in attendance at the Ross Sports Center.

Earlier at the podium, graduate speaker Ali Hammad Jumaah M‘15 spoke of the toll on his life as an Iraqi exacted from Saddam Hussein and later ISIS: hunger as a child, a home lost, a cousin kidnapped and executed. “I wish my parents could be here but I don’t even know if they are alive,” he said. Against these odds, he fulfilled a dream to come to the U.S. to study on a full scholarship from the Iraqi government.

His co-speaker, Nazgul Kabylbaeva M‘15, a Fulbright Scholar from Kyrgyzstan, spoke of the challenges of leaving her young son with family so that she could pursue a dream of becoming a teacher by studying at Saint Michael’s.

The undergraduate speaker Colin Flanders ‘15, described being diagnosed with cancer while in college and of spending 60 nights in the hospital wondering if he’d ever make it back to Saint Michael’s. The answer to the question (“spoiler alert,” he joked) was his presence there.

Loretto Sister Cyril Mooney, IBVM received an honorary degree. A native of Ireland, she has worked for 60 years in India to educate, rescue and care for homeless children, the children of prostitutes, abandoned elderly and others. John Allen Jr., prize-winning religion correspondent for the Boston Globe and National Catholic Reporter, also received an honorary degree. His writing fights against global anti-Catholic persecution and draws attention to the power of diversity in faith.

The Katherine Fairbanks Award winner, Lauren C. Kilmister ‘15, majored in both environmental studies and political science; she was in the Honors Program and Phi Beta Kappa, was a committed MOVE leader, an Outdoor Volunteer Efforts leader, and a classroom leader.

Perspective is written by MARK TARNACKI and photographed by BRIAN MACDONALD, except where otherwise noted.

Journalism instructor Allison Cleary, Loretto Sister Cyril Mooney, IBVM, who received an honorary degree, and Rev. Brian Cummings, SSE ’86 at this year’s commencement exercises.

The Fr. Prevel Award winner, Timothy M. Nagy ‘15, completed a double-major in religious studies and business administration with a minor in classics in the Honors Program. He won a summer research grant, presented at professional meetings, was active in choral groups on campus, tutoring, student government and Campus Ministry. He is attending Oxford University in the fall.

The strength of the class included 50 seniors completing Honors requirements and 26 graduating summa cum laude. Co-valedictorians of the Class of 2015 were Brianne Conlon ‘15 and Greta Zarro ‘15.

In his Commencement talk, “Fear, Freedom and Love,” Lafayette addressed current events, including recent events in Ferguson and Baltimore, much a result of “young people in the fatigue of their fear,” he said.

He told graduates they would do well to regard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Ouellet and those like them as role models. “Stand up for the equality of all people, stand up for justice, stand up for peace and nonviolence,” Lafayette said. 

S U M M E R 2015 10

VIEW– — POINT ravelers across the Lime Kiln Bridge heading toward campus have a T bird’s eye view of the new solar array on the college-owned hillside beside the bridge. The new solar installation will produce 270,000 kilowatts of electricity annually for Green Mountain Power’s electrical system, which will result in net metering credits on Saint Michael’s electric bill. The solar array was officially introduced as part of this year’s Earth Day events.

THE BRIDGE

BY MARK TARNACKI

It’s a small city of storied civil rights actions, tensions and milestones. It’s seen dramatic events, tragedy and triumph.

In Selma, Alabama, there is history. There is hope. And there is unfinished business.

In March, a Jubileee weekend commemorated the anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the dramatic 1965 march across the Edmund Pettus Bridget that triggered police action and protests. During the weekend, while the nation’s first African-American president and Civil Rights heroes stirred crowds with their words, the Edmundite Southern Missions kitchen staff in Selma stirred soup for the poor, dedicated as ever to the weekend’s proposition that actions speak louder than words when declaring that “all men are created equal.”

Indeed, life remains handto-mouth for many in this economically depressed city.

The persevering population around the Edmundite Southern Missions’ Center of Hope on Broad Street in Selma’s historically black part of town have long borne the burden of grinding poverty and prejudice.

Many take heart each morning knowing that this Edmundite outreach, present since the 1930s and linked in spirit and history to Saint Michael’s College, continues to be present in practical, day-to-day ways, as they’ve been for seven decades.

Over the Jubilee weekend, the Mission proudly announced its slogan, printed on bright blue signs and T-shirts: “Here in 1937, Here in 1965, and Still Here Today.”

THE MISSION ON THE MAP The Edmundite Southern Mission’s nerve center is three buildings within a block of each other on Broad Street. It’s the same block where the first two Edmundites established themselves in 1937, answering the Pope’s call to serve the poor and underprivileged. The meandering redbrick Edmundite residence is on the site of the original parish buildings, built that first year.

A section of the old St. Elizabeth’s Church, once the segregated black parish founded by the Edmundites in 1937, is now a chapel for the Edmundites’ community devotions.

In 1971, under the leadership of Rev. Nelson Ziter, SSE ’43, Selma’s Catholics were the first denomination to integrate when St. Elizabeth’s merged with the previously allwhite Assumption parish about a mile down the road. A local bishop had called upon members of the two parishes, one white, one black, to integrate into one Catholic family.

The new integrated congregation took up formal residence in the historic and beautiful Assumption building, and was renamed Queen of Peace to symbolize the new beginning. While St. Elizabeth’s closed as an active parish, the building remained attached to the Edmundite residence and was put to its new uses.

Rev. Richard Myhalyk, SSE ’66 is a pastor at Queen of Peace, which is home to a committed and close congregation of blacks and whites worshipping warmly together.

He’s assisted at Queen of Peace by the newly ordained Edmundite, Rev. Lino Oropeza, SSE ’11, who also helps cover satellite parishes in smaller surrounding towns and is deeply involved in the archdiocese’s ministry to Hispanics.

They both live at the main residence, as does Rev. Stanley Deresienski, SSE, ’74, whose main responsibility is Saint Joseph in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. Retired Edmundites Revs.

Paul Pinard ’55 and Joseph Hart ’51 also live in the residence. These resident Edmundites’ parish pastoral ministry sites include other needy surrounding rural areas: Immaculate Conception in Orrville, Alabama, and Saint John the Baptist in Montgomery.

“DO THE BEST WE CAN, WITH WHAT LITTLE WE HAVE, TO SERVE THOSE MOST IN NEED.” Edmundite Southern Missions Executive Director/CEO Chad McEachern ’91 is the Missions’ first lay director, taking over from Myhalyk in 2012. Much like in his experience as a student and alumnus at Saint Michael’s, McEachern says, the Missions are about committing to individuals for the long haul by meeting human and spiritual needs and encouraging community members along a hopeful, just and fulfilling life course.

With changing times have come changing strategies to optimize limited resources, McEachern says, though the Gospel core values remain the same as those instilled by Missions founder Rev. Frank Casey, SSE in 1937: “Do the best we can, with what little we have, to serve those most in need.”

Both McEachern and Very Rev. Stephen Hornat ’72, the Edmundite Superior General who served in Selma for nearly 15 years, say the Missions have always been about responding fluidly to changing needs of the neediest, meeting them where they live and ever recalibrating.

Until recent years, the Edmundite Southern Missions’ reach extended to urban New Orleans, and in much earlier days, to remote rural parishes down by Mobile Bay, and to Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Most of that came as a response to a call by Pope Pius XI in 1936 for American religious to start missions among poor blacks across the South.

But, as Rev. Paul McQuillen, SSE ‘72, who runs City of St. Jude Parish in nearby Montgomery, noted at a talk during the Jubilee banquet, the Edmundites today number fewer than 40 worldwide. Therefore, great faith and increased lay help is demanded to keep such expansive and important work going.

It is a necessity, but also a rich part of McEachern’s ministry, that today most staff carrying out the Missions’ work are lay persons, including many local community members who often change their own lives for the better by the simple gift of having regular and meaningful work.

While not an ordained priest, McEachern is seen by others, and sees himself, as entirely Edmundite in mind and soul. Moving quickly around the main Mission offices and then the CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE...

A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER, BEFORE MARCHING ON Selma’s Bloody Sunday 50th Anniversary Jubilee in March attracted not only President Barack Obama, many political dignitaries and performing artists, but also tens of thousands of ordinary pilgrims from all over the U.S. and the world, gathering shoulder to shoulder, literally and figuratively.

For Edmundite Superior General Rev. Stephen Hornat, SSE ’74, it was important to be among them.

For about a decade, Hornat was pastor of Queen of Peace Parish in Selma, and before that, in the 1990s, he founded the Edmundite Mission Corps. For a decade, from 1994 to 2004, through the Mission Corps, Saint Michael’s students performed service work in the town.

Selma, Hornat says, is really a small town with a population of about 20,000. It’s easy to bump into those you know. He readily admits that while he enjoys his work in Vermont, his heart stayed behind with the Missions when he left.

Hornat came back to Selma for the weekend to support not only his own parish community from his pastor days, “but also the wider cause of the African American community; to celebrate with them.”

On that Friday, Hornat barely could walk a block without a warm greeting from some of his mostly African-American onetime parishioners who encountered him by chance: “Hey Father, what are you doing here? Welcome back!” several friends shouted across the street, or asked as they shook his hand to chat. “I still need to go to confession!” That could be arranged, he said with a smile. He walked alongside schoolchildren doing a reenactment of the crossing of the closed-off Pettus Bridge, and

talked with them. Many were students of the middle school that he hopes to help with new school-based programs through the Missions.

During the Jubilee Weekend, while daily meals and other sustaining activities never subsided at the Edmundite Mission site, leaders took stock of the Edmundites’ many good works of charity, activism and parish ministry here past and present and charted its best course forward.

Celebrations for the March weekend included special Masses at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Selma’s only Catholic parish, and a Sunday banquet at the Center of Hope’s dining area. Honored guests included religious sisters who worked alongside the Edmundites for decades, the Vatterott family of St. Louis who helped fund important civil rights actions in the 1960s; and Luci Baines Johnson, the youngest daughter of President Lyndon Johnson, who signed the Voting Rights Act in 1965. At the brunch, Johnson recalled that the signing ceremony, which she witnessed as a teenager, was largely a result of what happened in Selma during the 1960s, when Edmundites like Father Maurice Ouellet took principled stands and actions on behalf of their neighbors.

Over the weekend, a favorite story was repeated a few times at Edmundite events or in articles about them. They recalled an historical account of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. knocking on the Missions’ door in 1965 wanting to meet Rev. Maurice Ouellet, SSE ‘48, whom he’d heard so much about. “I was told there was one decent white man in this town,” King reportedly said to Ouellet, “and I wanted to meet him.”

To learn more about the Edmundites’ work for civil rights in Selma, visit the Edmundite Missions site: www.edmunitemissions.org

Nutrition Center on the Friday before the Jubilee weekend, he put clients and staff at ease with his upbeat personal interactions, good-natured joking and direct and professional arrival to the heart of a matter.

On this and every day, he and his staff prioritize paying attention to efficiency and professionalism that honor both the generous supporters of the Missions and the dignity of clients.

FEEDING HOPE The entire multi-building Missions enterprise exists right across the railroad tracks from downtown, under a landmark green water tower painted with the words “Selma: A nice place to live,” surrounded by abandoned buildings, fast-food joints, bail-bond and quickloan operations.

Across the street, about a block in one direction from the main Edmundite residence, sits the relatively new Center of Hope, built in 2010. Across the street to the left, about the same distance away, are the Mission’s main administrative offices where McEachern has his office. For decades, this street corner collection of mostly single-story older buildings, filled with offices and storerooms and activity rooms, has been part of the Missions’ work, too.

In front of the Center of Hope, McEachern recently installed a black statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Inside the Center, there’s a large kitchen area, a dining room with new round tables, and a vehicle bay for the vans that deliver meals to the homebound, plus offices and storage. They serve free lunch and dinner daily from there, as well as distribute clothing and provide education and work programs. McEachern estimates the Missions’ work today includes 1,000 free meals a day (lunch and dinner) served at the Center of Hope, with 300 delivered to the homebound each day, 365 days a year.

THE PRESENT AND THE PAST McEachern is just the eighth director of the Missions since 1937 when Saint Michael’strained Rev. Francis Casey, SSE ‘32 and Rev. John Paro, SSE drove down from Vermont with a Pontiac and 50 dollars. Rev. Casey’s successors include Rev. Norman Lambert ’37 (1946-1956), Rev. Eymard Galligan ’43 (19561964), Rev. John Crowley ’48 (1964-1970) Rev. Paul Morin ’36 (1970-1980), Rev. Roger LaCharite ’51 (1980-2006) and Rev. Richard Myhalyk ’66 (2006-2012).

McEachern began his directorship after a career as a fundraiser in Boston and Wisconsin. He headed south at the Edmundites’ invitation, and considers the work a vocation and calling. A native Vermonter who has known and been inspired

by Edmundites since he was a first-year student at age 17, he says, he can think of no better preparation for his present work than his college experiences as an example of meaningful community in action.

Hornat says these are the types of relationships he thinks are so important for Saint Michael’s to continues, and he’s actively supporting measures to make that happen.

While the shrinking number of Edmundites is a concern for the future of projects like the Missions, the youngest among them, Rev. Oropeza, is philosophical. He says while it’s not his expectation, even if many decades down the road, “God saw fit that the Edmundites would go away,” their work and legacy would endure proudly, with lay people carrying on, through Saint Michael’s College and the Missions.

McEachern agrees. “There are times when I see these good-hearted and in many ways heroic servants of the Gospel getting a little more frail, and my heart gets heavy for a moment. But then I get reinvigorated too, and I say, ‘OK, we’ve got a lot to do here! Let’s figure it out and make it solid.’” 

A historic marker in Selma, Alabama, describing the significance of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, site of the Bloody Sunday conflict, where armed police attacked civil rights demonstrators who were attempting to march to the state capital in Montgomery. The bridge is named after Edmund W. Pettus, an Alabama judge, U.S. Senator, Confederate general and Ku Klux Klan leader.

A statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, part of a Shrine that Edmundite Southern Mission director Chad McEachern ‘91 recently installed at the Mission’s Center of Hope, which serves free meals and provides education and work programs for Selma residents.

Rev. Stephen Hornat, SSE ’72, Superior General of the Society of St. Edmund, returned to Selma for the Jubilee Weekend in March. He was the director of the Edmundite Southern Missions for 15 years.

A WALK AROUND THE WAKING

BY WILLIAM MARQUES S

I have loved Theodore Roethke’s poem “ The Wak ing” since I was f ir s t thr illed and baf f led by it in college . When we t ake a walk around “ The Wak ing,” that’s what we get: love, thr ill, and baf f lement . “ The Wak ing” was published in 1953, at the height of Roethke’s career ; he died 10 year s later.

The poem is a villanelle, an old French for m that depends on the repetition of t wo lines . In fac t , if

you’re wr iting a villanelle and you come up with t wo good lines , you’re pr ac tically there . B u t they’ d bet ter be really good lines , or the result will jus t be repetition.

Ideally, the lines will t ake on greater resonance as they recur.

We might think of it as a highly for mal dance, in which these t wo par tner s s tep for ward and back again and again, one of them sealing each tercet , until they’re united in the f inal quatr ain.

The Waking

by Theodore Roethke I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.

I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?

I hear my being dance from ear to ear.

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?

God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there, And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?

The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair; I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do To you and me; so take the lively air, And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.

What falls away is always. And is near.

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

I learn by going where I have to go.

From the start, the poem might baffle us with terms that seem contradictory: “I wake to sleep.” How can these things go together? Well, one response is that contradictions are part of our experience. Roethke admired the English poet William Blake, who declared that “without contraries is no progression.”

This opening line announces that the poem may depend more on the tension of contraries than it does on traditional logic. But there’s also a little thrill in recognizing an experience we’ve all had, if we’ve ever hit the snooze alarm, to take our waking slow. This opening locates us in that extended moment of transition between dreaming and waking, so perhaps we shouldn’t expect the poem to deliver a simple clear message. And in fact I can’t offer a simple reading of the next line, except to say that alliteration calls attention to ideas the poem will explore: feeling, fate, and fear.

So already I’ve been baffled, and thrilled—and then comes the great third line, which I love, and which has become a kind of mantra for me: I learn by going where I have to go. This idea may be especially useful to young people who aren’t sure of their next steps. Of course you’d like to have a clear path, but sometimes you just have to have faith that you’ll find the path by walking. The great English writer Samuel Johnson says, “If a man wants to go north, he is more likely to get there by walking south than by standing still.”

The second secret begins with a Romantic declaration: “We think by feeling.” Like many declarations, it’s an overstatement—but a bracing, memorable one. The second half of the line might be taken as a colloquial reinforcement of the idea—what is there to know?—but I’d say it’s also an earnest question: What is there to know? Then comes a line that I have taped up over my desk, to remind me of an ideal: “I hear my being dance from ear to ear.” When we are worthy of ourselves, being itself is a dance, and the music is underscored here by the chiming of the words “hear,” “ear,” “ear.” Of course, those final words usually describe a grin.

natural world. His poems are full of worms, slugs, moles, roots, weeds, and stems; even the earth, in one of them, breathes a small breath. How does light take the tree? Ask the worm, and be ready to accommodate its slow response, rising, like light, imperceptibly.

From this small focus we move to the largest: “Great nature has another thing to do / To you and me.” Again I’m baffled: there’s no telling what this thing is, perhaps because all of us must discover it on our own. But I’m also exhilarated, as the speaker encourages me to “take the lively air,” and the refrain now omits the idea of compulsion: it’s not “where I have to go” but simply “learn by going where to go.”

And now everything slows, as the final quatrain is announced by two lines that are cut by periods that create heavy pauses. Even if we didn’t see the end of the poem ahead, we could feel it. And we return to the way of contradiction: how can it be that “this shaking keeps me steady”? Well, we are shaking: our hearts beat, our lungs flex, neurons fire across synapses; the earth spins, the planets wobble on their ecliptic, the galaxy drifts in space.

We’re martyr to a motion not our own. Somehow all that shaking keeps us steady. And there may also be a private reference here. Roethke was sometimes mentally shaky; he had manic episodes, and spent some time in a sanitarium. He may be smiling at himself: “I should know.” Such waltzing was not easy. But he also believed that a measure of shakiness might lead to a larger vision, something greater than the light of common day. “What falls away is always” might also seem baffling—but it’s really not. Perhaps those of us who are older know this best: the body decays, and mortality of some kind is always near. There are tears in things.

But we can still dance. And so those two dancing partners, the refrain lines, return for a final bow, appearing for the first time back to back, dosey-do, cheek to cheek.

...perhaps we shouldn’t expect the poem to deliver a simple clear message.

Now the poem makes a sudden turn toward something more personal. “Of those so close beside me, which are you?” Am I being addressed? Which am I, indeed? And then it turns again, offering no logical connection, challenging us even within the poem to learn by going: “God bless the ground!” Roethke grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, in a climate not unlike Vermont’s; his father and uncle managed a series of greenhouses, and also a neighboring wildlife preserve. As a boy Theodore was deeply attached to those plants and animals, and to the ground that sustained them. A modern hiker might well approve of his intention to walk softly there.

The natural scene deepens toward something mystical: “Light takes the tree, but who can tell us how?” It sounds like a rhetorical question, but the subsequent line seems to propose an answer: “The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair.” This is a moment that has always baffled me, and to some extent I have come to accept it as a mystery, the kind of mystery that makes any work of art—or any human being—more compelling. If the whole poem operated at this level, I might lose patience—but it doesn’t. And I’ve also come to understand the line in a fairly straightforward way. Growing up among the greenhouses, Roethke had a great appreciation for the smallest elements of the

I’m pretty sure some of you will be familiar with a scene from “Game of Thrones,” season 1, in which Arya Stark, the young daughter of a noble family threatened by enemies, is receiving lessons in sword fighting, which she will soon need. It may seem odd, at first, that her teacher is a dancing master. But then, of course, it’s all in the footwork. And this teacher, Syrio Forel, offers metaphysical lessons as well as the physical moves. Even as unfriendly soldiers are approaching to kidnap Arya, he asks her a question she has clearly heard from him before: “What do we say to the god of death?” I’m going to pose that question to you now, and I hope someone will just call out the answer. What do we say to the god of death?

Not today. Not today. This is what art always says. It’s not a denial of death; in fact, the phrase implies that death will come, someday. Most things may never happen; this one will. But when we’re fully engaged in art—dancing, singing, painting, making a poem, reading a poem, hearing a poem—we’re alive, alive-o. 

William Marquess is an instructor of English at Saint Michael’s. This essay is derived from the address he gave at Saint Michael’s to this year’s new members of Phi Beta Kappa at the induction ceremony on April 10, 2015.

CLASS NOTES

class notes 26 Alumni Association Message 27 Class Notes 38 In Memoriam Saint Michael’s College provides alumni the opportunity to inform and update fellow graduates of events and activities in their lives. Class Notes are submitted by Saint Michael’s College alumni and the college does not investigate the truth or accuracy of these submissions. The college, therefore, makes no warranties or representations whatsoever about the accuracy or validity of the information presented in the Class Notes and the college assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind for the accuracy, validity or completeness of the information. As a Catholic institution, Saint Michael’s College supports the Catholic Church’s position that marriage is a faithful, exclusive and lifelong union between one man and one woman. However, we also acknowledge that not all of our alumni are Catholic and that marriage between two adults of the same sex is legal. Saint Michael’s College Magazine’s policy is to treat the news from all of our alumni with equal respect and to share that news with our readers. We therefore print all wedding/civil union photos received as long as they are good quality and in good taste. A Statement on Marriage written by Bishop Salvatore R. Matano (formerly of the Diocese of Burlington) can be read by visiting www.vermontcatholic.org.

Are you in this vintage 1980s photo? Recognize someone who is?

Let us know at smcmagazine@smcvt.edu

CLASS NOTES

Message from the Alumni Association President Last fall, I announced the launch of the Purple and Gold Society, a group of alumni who give back to the college through volunteerism. Approximately 180 graduates do so annually by serving as mentors, internship hosts, admissions ambassadors, reunion co-chairs, club event planners, class agents and more.

This past March, 28 of our Purple and Gold Society members planned and attended 23 Purple and Gold Day socials across the country, up from 14 in 2014. These events provided an opportunity for alumni from all parts of the country to celebrate their common bond as Saint Michael’s College graduates. On behalf of the Alumni Board, thank you to those who planned the socials and the nearly 500 alumni who attended! We hope to see many more of you for our third annual Purple and Gold Day next March.

I am reminded almost weekly of how important volunteerism is to our society. Why do we volunteer? Is it to feel good about ourselves? That certainly is possible. Is it a way of saying “thank you”? That is another reasonable explanation. Do we because volunteering is something we were taught to do growing up? Perhaps because is it part of the culture at Saint Michael’s?

Most likely, it’s a combination of all of these.

I am pleased to see how the concept of volunteering resonates within the Saint Michael’s College community. Volunteering has a significant impact on those around us. Through programs like MOVE, Fire and Rescue, and the Community Service day for faculty and staff in May, the College continues to promote volunteerism as a core value of who we are. Giving back to the College does not always get noticed, but I am proud to say it is a pervasive theme that is alive and well on campus. If you are interested in volunteering with Saint Michael’s, email Angie Armour ’99 M’09, director of alumni and parent relations at aarmour@smcvt.edu.

Volunteering is part of the culture at Saint Michael’s, and more than 180 alumni volunteer each year for the college. Thank you!

Finally, to the new alumni of Saint Michael’s College, congratulations Class of 2015, welcome to the Alumni Association! Keep up the volunteerism and good luck pursuing your dreams!

P. Jonathan Heroux ’87 President, Saint Michael’s College Alumni Association

S U M M E R 2015 24

CLASS NOTES

(Left) On a trip to Morocco, John D. Wagner ’81, his wife, Dr. Leita Hancock, and their sons, Asa and Micah rode camels in Essaouira, on the Atlantic coast of Africa. “That’s me, second in line in the yellow tunic; you can’t really see it, but I look smashing in my blue Berber turban, which covers what is still a pretty good head of hair,” he writes.

(Below) On October 4, 2014, Paul Molzon ’08 and Holli Brousseau ’08 were married at the Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel on campus, with Rev. Brian Cummings, SSE ‘86, presiding. After their small Vermont ceremony, they had a larger party in New Jersey, with alumni friends and family attending both. Attending the Vermont wedding were: Nick Stanton ’08, Paul Molzon Sr. ’76, Timothy Humphrey ’08, Susan Molzon ’12, Jordan Scampoli ’08; Center: the bride and groom.

Attending at the New Jersey event on October 18, 2014: Timothy Humphrey ’08, Linette Letendre ’05, Robert Fox ’76, Paul Molzon Sr. ’76, Daniel McNeil ’76, Kristen Totten-Greenwood ’08, Michael Corbett ’76, Emily Letendre ’08, Susan Molzon ’12, Thomas Thaler ’76; Center: the bride and groom.

(Above Left) Alumni present at the September 13, 2014, wedding of Eric and Liz Haversang ’11: Emily Durkin ’11, Heidi Allen ’11, the bride and groom, Kayleigh Ferrari ’11, Leslie Lindquist ’05, Christian D’Amour ’11, Olivia D’Amour ’11, Natasha Skryzpek ’11, Mike LaPan ’11, Matt Jordan ’11, Colin Shea ’02, Jess Shea ’02, Kate Soons ’94, Mike Bodreau ’14, Tim Hackett ’11, Don Sutton, Caitlin Dugan ’14, Anna Fetterolf ’14, Amy McGann ’15, Jim O’Neil ’09, Erica Sabelawski ’12, Patrick Mager ’08, Bridie Dailey ’10, Tommy Farragher ’11, Alicia Holman ’11, Jim Watson ’12, Denise Belanger ’12, Pete Soons ’82, Chris Eldridge ’12, Kat Bangs ’11, Larry Donnelly ’97, Liz Siracusa ’11, Patrick Kernan ’04, James Seamus McLaughlin ’12, Alex Hill ’09, Meg Herrick ’11, Kimmy Thevnet ’11, Olivia Springer ’11, Hannah Archibald ’11, Andrew Beyer, Ben Granja ’12, Fire & Rescue Chief Mike Chmielewski ’72, Matt Tivnan ’12, Kyle Brownell ’11, Margaret Adams ’11, Emily Paquin ’11, Alyssa Mabardy ’11 and Tom Fergus ’13.

(Left) Will Rothermel ’06 married Laurel Crane on April 25, 2015, in New Kent, VA. Pictured: Brian Callahan ’06, Charlie Zambri ’06, Kaylin Williamson Hague ’06, Will Rothermel ’06, the bride, Jerrod Hall ’06, Sarah Redgrave Akins ’07, Andy Akins ’06 and Andrew Dion ’06.

25 S A I N T M I C H A E L’ S CO L L E G E M AG A Z I N E

CLASS NOTES Class of 1957

JACK KINGSTON, Englewood, FL,

writes that for the 15th year, he and his wife, Carol, hosted a group of 1957 classmates at his home in Englewood. “The gang includes John Hooben, Joe Brault, Roger Chapdelaine, Bob Conlin, Bill Kreuter and wives. After all these years, we still enjoy our time together, including golf and dinner.

This year we spent a moment to remember Paul Kane, who had been a regular and who passed in July.”

Class of 1961

PETER W. CLEMENT, Chicopee,

MA, shares word of the publication of his new book: No Need for God (Xlibris). Peter, a professor emeritus at Elms College in Chicopee, sent the following description of his book: “Using arguments from science presented in layman’s terms, [the author] contends that Catholic theologians must adapt to the revelations of modern science.”

U.S. SEN. PATRICK LEAHY (D-Vt.),

Middlesex, VT, and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) received the Constitutional Champion Award for their efforts to reform the criminal justice system. The Constitution Project, a D.C.-based bipartisan think tank, presents the annual awards to individuals and organizations that defend the Constitution and its principles. In an op-ed piece, which ran in the Huffington Post recently, project President Ginny Sloan said Leahy and Paul have “both have worked doggedly to build bipartisan consensus on a number of critical constitutional issues,” including NSA spying.

Class of 1963

JOHN F. PURGAR , Johnson City,

TN, was widowed when his wife of 43 years, Noma, died on March 24, 2015. John wanted to acknowledge that fact to his old Saint Michael’s classmates, his daughter Page reported recently.

Class of 1969

J. CHURCHILL “CHURCH” HINDES, Colchester, VT, writes, “My

initial attempt at retirement lasted all of six weeks back in 2012. Now I am giving it another try, having retired as Vice President of the University of Vermont Medical Center (known as Mary Fletcher Hospital when we were Saint Mike’s students). I am also closing out my 38 years as a faculty member at the UVM medical school. Looking ahead, plans include serving as a trustee for the Curtis Fund Foundation and for the Vermont State Colleges system, ongoing efforts to improve end-of-life care in our region, and participating in the liturgies at SMC’s chapel. I expect life will be full when family time is tossed in along with projects in the woodshop, some traveling, and boating on the lake. My best wishes to all.”

On March 19, a group of alumni from the Hartford, CT/ Springfield, MA, area gathered for a luncheon celebrating an early Purple & Gold Day and Alumni Appreciation Week. Top row: Joe Seremeth ’65, Tom Colangelo ’65, Ray Dargie ’65, Brian Giantonio ’77, Drew Hamilton ’95, Tom Thayer ’64, Tom Foley ’70, Bill Donovan ’50; Bottom row: Fran Spellacy ’58, Steve O’Brien ’56, Jim Quinn ’51, Kev Slane ’65, Ed Speight ’53, Ben Walker ’50, Ed Casey ’50.

Not pictured but in attendance: Dick O’Brien ’53, Helene Myers and Judy Casey.

Class of 1972

CHARLIE TITUS, Roxbury, MA,

received the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Guardians of the Game Leadership award April 5, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN. Guardians of the Game is a national awareness and education program that seeks to focus attention on the positive aspects of basketball and the role coaches play in the lives of student-athletes, in addition to the contributions coaches make to their communities.

Jocelyn Woodward ’07 married Brian Booth on November 1, 2014 at Sleepy Hollow Inn in Huntington, VT. Alumni attending included: back row, Christopher Jennings ’07, Jonathan Namdar ’07, John Lane ’65, Jennifer Vesey Pena ’07, Kelley Ouellette ’07; front row, Emily Heffernan ’06 and Kate Woodward ’10.

Class of 1976

EARLE W. PITT, Jr., East Falmouth,

MA, the managing director at Centinel Financial Group, LLC, in Marshfield, MA, was named a Five Star Wealth Manager by Five Star Professional for 2015. His selection was announced in the February 2015 Issue of Boston Magazine.

Meghan Dumont Jackson ’07 and Derek Jackson ’07, welcomed their third son, Edmund Patrick Jackson on August 6, 2014.

Class of 1978

PAUL GALBRAITH writes, “Just

wanted to reminisce a bit back 40 years ago when I was in my first of many shows at St Mike’s! Godspell in April 1975 proved to be one show that everyone wanted to see.

I will always remember this cast as a truly

S U M M E R 2015 26

CLASS NOTES

unique and talented bunch of actors.” (See photos.) He adds, “watch for me as Otto Von Bismarck in the Travel Channel Series “Mysteries at the Museum,” to be aired late Summer/Early fall in Season Eight Episode One on Friday Night at 9 p.m.

Class of 1980

JACOB BELT, Seekonk, MA, was

promoted to senior vice president of Freedom Equity Group, a national financial services company.

Class of 1981

JOHN D. WAGNER , his wife, Dr.

Leita Hancock, and their sons, Asa, 17, and Micah, 14, traveled to Morocco. He writes, “Our family visited Essaouira and Marrakech recently,” John writes, “and we had a marvelous time learning about Islam and experiencing the great hospitality and good humor of the Moroccans.” See photo on p. 27

Class of 1983

RALPH ARNONE writes: “On May 21, Paul Galbraith ’78, pictured above as Otto Von Bismark in the Travel Channel’s Mysteries at the Museum,” sent in an additional archive photo at top, writing, “Just wanted to reminisce a bit back 40 years ago when I was in my first of many shows at St Mike’s! Godspell in April 1975. I will always remember this cast as a truly unique and talented bunch of actors.”

2015, Class of ’83 fellow alumni, Rob Allen, Peter Hans, and Ralph Arnone tailgated and attended a Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals day game at Citi Field. Our wives Ginger, Sue, and Joanne, respectively along with Hans’ daughters Emma & Molly witnessed a glorious victory by the Amazin’s over the Cards, much to the chagrin of the Hans.

We are thankful to St. Mike’s for a 36-year friendship.”

Class of 1984

BOB RYAN is president of Ryan & Ryan

Insurance Brokers, Inc., in Kingston, NY. He shared a photo of Class of 1984 alumni reuniting this past winter at Deere Valley ski resort in Utah (see photo).

Tom O’Riordan’s ‘07 was named Eastern Independent League Men’s Track Coach of the Year. Tom is a faculty member and coach at Landmark School in Prides Crossing, MA.

Class of 1985

ANTHONY PIOPPI, Middletown, CT, writes that the second edition of his book To the Nines is out now in softcover and as an E-book, and is available wherever books are sold, including independent book sellers. It is published by Taylor Trade Publishing.

27 S A I N T M I C H A E L’ S CO L L E G E M AG A Z I N E

PATRICK BLAIS, Washington, DC,

on June 30, 2014 married his partner of eight years, Warren Adams. Patrick is a vice president at a consulting firm in the Washington, DC area. Warren is the director of ambulatory services for a large health-care organization.

MAURA KEEFE, Washington, DC,

was featured in a recent National Journal piece titled “The 20 Most Powerful Women Staffers on Capitol Hill.” The article noted that Maura is the leader of the Senate Democratic Chiefs of Staff, a post she holds for New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.

“Across Capitol Hill, Republicans and Democrats say Keefe has managed to earn a reputation as a level-headed and pragmatic negotiator. She is the leader of the Senate Democratic chiefs of staff—a position she earned after a group of women chiefs rallied together to put a fellow woman forward,” the article explains. “People who know her say Keefe invests the time to build relationships early so that she isn’t calling up favors from strangers when she’s in a bind.”

Class of 1986

ED LAUDISE, Naples, FL, teaches World History in Collier County in Florida and was a recent recipient of The Golden Apple for outstanding teaching, awarded annually to five teachers in a district of 3,000 teachers and 45,000 students.

Class of 1987

JAY BELLISSIMO, Riverside, CT,

recently wrote an article titled “What’s The Future Of Cognitive Computing?” for Forbes (February 23, 2015). Jay is general manager of Watson Transformation, IBM Watson Group.

Class of 1994

JONATHAN ZAFFINO, New

Canaan, CT, has joined the Everest Re Group, Ltd., based in Hamilton, Bermuda, as president of Everest National Insurance Company / U.S. Insurance Operations. He was with Marsh & McLennan Companies, where he served as managing director of

CLASS NOTES

U.S. Casualty Practice from 2010 to 2013, and most recently as president of Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. Before Marsh, he was a senior underwriter with ACE and Willis North America.

KATHLEEN POWERS PARENT,

Class of 1995

ANGELA AJA ARMOUR ,

T. BRIAN ANDERSEN, Boston,

MA, was featured in a story in the March issue of Boston Magazine for his work as a special agent with the Department of Homeland Security. He investigated and brought to justice a New Hampshire immigrant from Rwanda who, he discovered, was notoriously complicit in that nation’s genocide of the 1990s.

MICHELE JOHNSON, Colorado

Springs, CO, is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force who recently earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership and will be transitioning to the faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy in June. “I will be attending my 20th reunion … and look forward to seeing all of the changes that have taken place on campus,” she wrote.

Class of 1999

HEATHER LASHWAY, Orchard Park,

NY, was promoted by Berkshire Bank to the new role of first vice president, retail banking district manager of New York and Vermont. She will lead Berkshire Bank’s New York and Vermont branches and regional managers, in addition to continuing to lead Berkshire Banc Investment Services.

CHRISTINE TEDISKY, Enfield, CT,

is the new Windsor, CT, school system science director. She has been working as her district’s K-12 science supervisor. She has an education master’s from the University of New England and a sixth-year degree in educational leadership. Christine started her teaching career in Chicopee High School in 1999. In 2001, she moved to East Windsor High School as a science teacher and department chair before her present supervisor post in Windsor. She also served on the Connecticut State Department Next Generation Science District Advisory Council for new science standards.

South Burlington, VT, and her husband, Jay, welcomed a daughter, Lillian Mae Parent (Lil) on March 15, 2015. She joins two-year old big sister Nora at home.

Colchester, VT, and her husband, Josh, have a new daughter, Hayley Quinn, born on February 4, 2015.

Class of 2000

DAN KELLOGG, Forrestdale, MA, and his wife, Rhonda, welcomed a healthy baby boy, Keegan Paul, on December 7, 2014.

Dan is vice president of BJ’s Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc.

Class of 2001

KEVIN J. LANE JR., Somerville, MA,

graduated in August 2014 from Boston University School of Public Health with a PhD in Environmental Health. Kevin was awarded a two-year postdoctoral research fellowship with the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies funded by the Yale Climate and Energy Institute in New Haven, CT to examine the role of landbased mitigation strategies on urban heat island effects and health impacts. He is married to Nikki Lowe Lane ’02.

Journalism graduates Matt Leon ’02, Adrienne Leon ’03, and John Noetzel ’83, have been colleagues for nearly a decade with the Communications Service of New York’s Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), which works with more than 50 public school districts across New York. This past fall, Adrienne Leon was named one of “35 Under 35” school communications professionals to watch across the country by the National School Public Relations Association. In each of the last two years, Noetzel and Matt Leon were part of the team that organized regional advocacy forums on school funding that brought together more than 1,000 parents, students, educators, taxpayers, and legislators

MELISSA HAYDEN-RALEY, Fairfax,

VT, and her husband, Michael, had a son, Marshall Adrian, born on October 25, 2014.

Class of 2002

PHILLIP MOORE, South Burlington,

VT, and his wife, Colleen McCormick Moore, welcomed a daughter, Kennedy, born on June 24, 2013 and a daughter, Cassidy, born on April 10, 2014. Phillip received his master’s in history from the University of Vermont in May 2012 and is in the third year of doctoral studies in history at the University of Connecticut.

Members of the Class of 1984 reunited this past ski season to celebrate the 30th year reunion of their first ski trip out West to ski after graduation. Bob Ryan ’84 shared this shot take at the top of Deere Valley resort in Utah. From the left are Class of ’84 alumni Bobby Sullivan, Mike Scanlon, Tim Driscoll, Jeff Moss, Kevin Murphy, Bob Ryan and Fran Flahive.

“Missing in action is Kerry Sullivan ‘84, who was out too late the night before (shocking to all!) Sue Burke ’84 joined us for a day of skiing too,” Bob wrote.

Class of 2003

DREW RUSSO, Lynn, MA, is the new

executive director of the soon-to-be-merged Lynn Museum and Historical Society and

S U M M E R 2015 28

CLASS NOTES

LynnArts. He started his new job May 4.

He’s been charged to help remake Lynn’s downtown Cultural District and preserve the arts and cultural hub that the museums bring to the North Shore.

Class of 2004 Ralph Arnone ’83 and fellow alumni Rob Allen, Peter Hans, and Ralph Arnone tailgated and attended a Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals day game at Citifield on May 21, 2015.

KATE SPINNER GRIEVE, Epping, NH, was named New Hampshire School Psychologist of the Year for 2015 by the National Association of School Psychologists. “I owe a great deal of my successes in life and my career to the educational experiences I had at Saint Michael’s College,” she writes.

ERIC DOUGLAS AND LISA CROWLEY DOUGLAS, Norwood, MA, had a daughter, Whitney Rose, born on March 24, 2015. Whitney joins her proud big brothers, Luke and Nolan.

A group of friends from the Class of 1996 gathered in Boston recently “for our 19th reunion in prep of next year’s 20th,” writes Mandy Mladenoff Headrick, who sent this photo. Pictured are: Marty Frazer, Mandy, Phil Renzi, Rich Illiano, Peg McLaughlin Cole, Michael O’Connor and Brian Horner.

JESSICA SIMMONS, Burlington, VT,

married Lee Cornell on September 20, 2014.

Class of 2005

MATT HAJDUN ’05 shared a “small

world SMC story” via email: “Anne Gardon ’93 and I are both attending a conference in Luxembourg for educational coaching. Anne is currently teaching at the Seoul Foreign School. I am currently at the American School of Brasilia. At our workshop, we were asked to find a partner at random, interview them and introduce them to the group. Anne and I found each other across the room, and immediately laughed at how random it was that we both grew up in Connecticut.

Then Anne mentioned that she went to Saint Michael’s College! Our jaws dropped.

We have been reminiscing about SMC and BTV ever since the first 10 minutes of our workshop.” See photo on p. 31.

ALLISON SHERMAN GARDNER , Ashley Collins ‘10 and Micho Pilotte ‘10 ran the Boston Marathon on April 20 for the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team.

Colchester, VT, and her husband, Richard Gardner, had a son, Theodore Walter, born on April 4, 2015.

ZACHARY VICKERY, Baton Rouge,

LA, graduated this spring of 2015 from Louisiana State University with a master’s in library and information science. He became

29 S A I N T M I C H A E L’ S CO L L E G E M AG A Z I N E

a librarian with the East Baton Rouge Public Library system right before graduation, and volunteers with the Department of Archives at the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge.

RYAN STROBEL and MALLORY BREINER ‘07, Astoria, NY, were married on August 2, 2014.

Class of 2006

MEAGAN LEE NEWLAND,

Hardwick, VT married Spencer John Howard, on October 4, 2014 (See photo).

Her sister, Katy Newland ’08, was maid of honor. Meagan received her CPA licensure in 2010 and is currently enrolled in the online MBA program at Plymouth State University. She is Controller at Lyndon Institute and is transitioning into the Assistant Head for Finance role beginning July 1, 2015. After a honeymoon in Playa Mujeres, Mexico, they moved to their newly constructed home in Hardwick, VT.

JEFF BAKER, Burlington, VT, wrote a

Letter to the Editor in the Burlington Free Press in which he takes issue with a recent beer-marketing campaign by AnheuserBusch that he regarded as irresponsible. Jeff is the Bar Manager at the Farmhouse Tap & Grill in Burlington.

REBECCA DAWSON, Los Angeles,

CA, is featured on Career Contessa, a career website. Her profile there notes that “After college (and a tiring schedule working as both a waitress and an intern), Rebecca found her niche at Disney and ESPN Media Networks. She works today as the Manager of Global Distribution Strategy and Business Development at Disney & ABC Television Group, communicating with teammates across countries and time zones.”

MEGHAN HALL , Nashua, NH,

married Nicholas Cooney on May 2, 2015.

MELINDA THERIAULT, Gorham, ME, married Jesse Cleary on November 22, 2014. (See photo.)

CHARLES ZAMBRI, III, Jamaica Plain, MA, married Margaret O’Brien on May 25, 2014.

CLASS NOTES KRISTIN BEATTIE, Denver,

CO, married Brian McAndrew on September 20, 2014.

CATHERINE FAIR , Norwood, MA,

married Adam Mavrikos on July 26, 2014.

KELLY FLYNN, Exeter, NH, married Nicholas Caruso on July 26, 2014.

MEGAN RAYMENT, Salem, NH,

married Garrett Malloy on August 9, 2014.

LINDSEY BALKCOM, New Haven, CT, married Matthew Norton on September 6, 2014.

J. WILL ROTHERMEL , Ithaca,

NY, married Laurel Carne on April 25, 2015 (see photo)

KAYLIN WILLIAMSON, Chevy

Chase, MD, married Christopher Hague on September 1, 2013.

Class of 2007

JACK OWENS, South Boston, MA,

in November was named the inaugural Michael A. Leven ’55 Director of Athletics at Boston Latin School. A two-sport Boston Latin varsity athlete in hockey and baseball, and seasoned member of the school’s coaching staff, Jack joined the leadership team in a new full-time administrative post. He oversees all aspects of Boston Latin School’s athletics and wellness programs including staffing, communications, fund raising, scheduling and integration of these programs into the academic and extracurricular life of the school. He has a master’s in sports leadership from Northeastern University (2011) and has coached youth sports for several years in his hometown.

JOCELYN WOODWARD, Jamaica Plain, MA, married Brian Booth on November 1, 2014 at Sleepy Hollow Inn in Huntington, VT. (See photo).

MEGHAN DUMONT JACKSON and DEREK JACKSON, Clinton, NY, welcomed their third son, Edmund Patrick Jackson on August 6, 2014. (See photo).

GREG TOBEY, Lynn, MA, recently

completed his master’s in elementary education at Salem State University. He also ran in the 119th Boston Marathon with Brigham and Women’s Hospital Marathon Team on April 20, 2015.

MALLORY BREINER, Astoria, NY, married Ryan Strobel ’05 on August 2, 2014.

ERIN PLUDE, Northfield, VT, married Aaron Fifield on August 23, 2014

Class of 2008

CIARAN GILMORE, Burlington, VT,

is the director of student life for Mansfield Hall in Burlington, an innovative college support program and living and learning community for students with disabilities who have strong potential to succeed with the right support. He has worked as an academic support for first- and second-year college students and most recently led a transitional living program for young adults in Burlington.

PAUL MOLZON and HOLLI BROUSSEAU, Jersey City, NJ, were

Mark Madkour ’82 and Chris McMullin ’80 met up in Utah for a ski reunion this past ski season.

married October 4, 2014 at the Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel on campus, with Rev. Brian Cummings, SSE, presiding (See photo).

SCOTT GREENAN, Cambridge,

MA, is a content editor for Skyword, a Boston marketing firm focused on storytelling online. One of his co-workers there, Jess Huckins, told some of Scott’s story, including some of his days as an English major at St. Mike’s, in a March blog post about career advice for story-tellers. Some interesting facts she shares: Mike started as editorial manager in October 2014 after studying in Emerson College’s Master of Arts in Publishing and Writing program; his St. Mike’s degree was in English literature with a minor in journalism and mass communication and he edited the Onion River Review literary magazine. He’s worked for an educational publisher as associate acquisitions editor before going to Skyword. He’d like to become a “triple threat” as animator/graphic designer, editor, and writer, and write a book. He’s taken

Lisa Jabaut ’09 and Peter Pikulski ’09 were married on August 8, 2014 Bolton, Vermont. Alumni attending: Brandon White ’10, Bryan Zaremba ’09, Zach Jandl ’10, Lauren Dunn ’10, Brian Downes ’09, John McLean ’09, Ashley McLean ’09, Allison Pratt ’09, Conley Eagan ’09, Taylor Smoke ’09, Scott Saleski ’09, Matt McMahon ’09, Ryan Astin ’09, Matt Irons ’09 and Juliette Gaudier-Jabaut ’12.

S U M M E R 2015 30

CLASS NOTES

boxing classes and spends summer weekends on Block Island in Rhode Island, working on a personal drawing and animation portfolio.

Travel is another big goal: He intends to visit at least one new country each year. In 2014, he spent two weeks in Colombia and Brazil and plans on visiting Japan and Taiwan this year.

AMELIA HOLSTON HOLSTROM, West Springfield,

MA, and her husband, Stephen, welcomed a baby boy, Carter Lawrence Holstrom, on March 27, 2015.

SEAN DULMAINE, East

Sandwich, MA, married Palm Prommin on May 1, 2015.

SARAH DEGRANDPRE,

Washington, DC, married Paul Shinkman on July 12, 2014.

Meagan Lee Newland ’06 married Spencer John Howard on October 4 2014 on the grounds of the Boyden Valley Winery. Her sister, Katy Newland ’08, was maid of honor.

Class of 2009

MOLLY ROY YANUS, Underhill, VT, and her husband, J.P., welcomed a baby boy, Tyler James Yanus on January 29, 2014.

JACQUELINE COTE DUANE,

Hudson, NH, in December 2014 had a baby daughter, Claire Evelyn Duane. She joins big brother Jason.

MELISSA FAGNANT AND RAYMOND SANSOUCY,

Worcester, MA, were married May 9, 2015.

ANDREW PARISE, Burlington, Matt Hajdun ’05 and Anne Gardon ’93 had a surprise encounter at a conference in Luxembourg for educational coaching. Anne is currently teaching at the Seoul Foreign School and Matt is teaching at the American School of Brasilia. See ’05 class notes for the story.

VT, married Julia Watson’10 on October 25, 2014.

MEGAN DENARDO and ANDREW COLLINS, Greenfield, MA, were married September 27, 2014.

LISA JABAUT AND PETER PIKULSKI, Jericho, VT, were married August 8, 2014. (see photo)

CHRISTINA EATON AND PATRICK KELLY, Williston, VT, were married May 16, 2015.

31 S A I N T M I C H A E L’ S CO L L E G E M AG A Z I N E

WINSTON HALE MARRIED BETH MORGENTHAU (see 2010 notes).

Class of 2010

ASHLEY COLLINS and MICHO PILOTTE ran the Boston Marathon on

April 20 for the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team, raising money for cancer research. “Just wanted to share that the community spirit of SMC and giving back still continues for us!” writes Ashley. See photo on p. 31.

KATHLEEN CLEMENTE AND KEVIN WICKLES, Latham, NY, were married September 20, 2014.

JULIA WATSON married ANDREW PARISE ’09 (see 2009 notes).

HEATHER FRENCH, Fairfax, VT,

married Dayton Brown on July 27, 2013.

KELLY EGAN, Franklin, MA, married Ryan Sherman on June 28, 2014.

MARY NEWMAN AND MICHAEL MCNIECE, Wakefield, RI, were married September 13, 2014.

BETH MORGENTHAU, South Burlington, VT, married WINSTON HALE’09 on September 13, 2014.

STEPHEN CONTI, Barre, VT, and his wife, Kaylee, had a daughter, Avery Alexis, on October 13, 2014.

Class of 2011

ERIK HAVERSANG AND ELIZABETH MORONO, Colchester, VT, were married September 13, 2014. (see photo).

MEGAN PLANTE, Swanton, VT, married Stephen Gnade on September 19, 2014.

CLASS NOTES Class of 2012

Master’s Class of 1998

an administrative assistant to the Dean of Executive Education at Babson College and plans to start earning his master’s in the summer of 2015.

GA, was named 2015 Georgia Middle School Science Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Science Teachers Association.

Robert has been teaching at Richmond Hill Middle School in Bryan County, GA, for 10 years. He currently teaches seventh grade Advanced Content Life Science. He is also the coordinator for a Field Studies Program that provides students, their parents, and other staff with opportunities to conduct real-world surveying, monitoring, and research activities with scientists and specialists from different agencies.

BRAD BOLLINO, Norfolk, MA, is

Class of 2014

ALYSSA CUDDY, Lawrence, MA,

was offered a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant to Thailand for an English Teaching Assistantship, the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board announced recently. She is one of over 1,900 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad for the 2015-2016 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Recipients are selected for academic and professional achievement and leadership potential.

Master’s Class of 1983

TIM DONOVAN, Montpelier, VT,

was honored in Boston on March 13, 2015 at the 13th annual New England Higher Education Excellence Awards ceremony.

Tim was awarded the 2015 Eleanor M. McMahon Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Tim recently retired from a career in higher education that spanned four decades, culminating in five years as the chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges (VSC).

ROBERT HODGDON, Savannah,

Mindy Theriault ’06 married Jesse Cleary on Nov. 22, 2014 a in Portland, ME. Alumni in attendance: back row: Evan Jewell ’03, Jessica Floyd Trombley ’06, Michael Theriault ’06, the groom, Liz Gray ’06, Katie Hefferan Mann ’06. Front row: Kristin Lesage ’06, Lauren Frazee ’06, Melissa Theriault Jewell ’03, the bride, Erin Dennen ’06, Lauren Kimball ’06. Not pictured: Johnny Holdsworth ’06

Master’s Class of 2007

BRET KERNOFF, Burlington, VT, just

published two books: A Teacher’s Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis and The Path to Passing the BACB exam for BCBA and BCaBA. He works as a consulting special educator and board-certified behavior analyst for Behavior Institute LLC, which has the motto “Changing the world, one behavior at a time.” He guest-lectured in Dave Landers’ Senior Psychology Seminar at Saint Michael’s this year, and has been mentor and supervisor for Saint Michael’s undergraduate senior psychology interns placed in his classroom for their practicum.

S U M M E R 2015 32

CLASS NOTES

Reunion 2015 Over 800 Saint Michael’s alumni and their families returned to campus for Reunion 2015 June 4 to 7.

Some highlights included...

CRUSADING AGAINST CANCER: At a Saturday morning talk, Pam Carroll ’85 spoke to alumni about her commitment to work for better cancer treatment and a cure for the disease that claimed the lives of at least five of her 1985 classmates. Since 2002, Carroll said, she’s focused on many types of late-stage cancer in her work. The thrust of her talk was explaining an increasing shift recently toward targeted therapy in cancer, using white blood cells, cytotoxic t-cells and other aspects of tumor immunology instead of (or more often in concert with) more traditional chemo and radiation treatments. She and others are shifting “from being cancer scientists to immunologists,” she said. She cited recent results that have “amazed” her and fellow researchers and are causing “huge excitement.”

Her coming work will pursue this growing trend, she said.

REUNION ALUMNI AWARDS Young Alumna of the Year: Emma Stenberg’10, director of student activities and an English teacher at Portsmouth Abbey School in Rhode Island. An alumni club volunteer in Providence, she’s was her class’s Reunion co-chair, inspiring more than 70 classmates to attend. She is pursuing a master’s in Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf program.

Alumnus of the Year: John Cummings ’55, who has been a long-time volunteer and has served as class agent, former and current reunion co-chair and career adviser. After 38 years in the military, he retired as Colonel, and then earned a chemistry doctorate and a law degree. He’s active in professional groups and his home parish in California and is a highly successful environmental consultant and attorney.

Alumnus of the Year: Matthew Mostoller ’00. After graduation he was his class rep for the Alumni Board of Directors for two years, and became very involved with Boston’s alumni club, serving as president and planning several major events. He was his class’s 15th reunion co-chair, is member of the Career Advisory Network, has been an alumni mentor and a Boston Career Seminar presenter. He has a master’s in public administration from Suffolk University and is environmental manager of the Acton Water District.

Alumna of the Year: Deidre Maggipinto Tavera ’85: She’s supported Saint Michael’s in many ways, including co-chairing multiple reunions, serving four years on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and later as the group’s vice president and president (2010-12). She initiated improvements in strategic areas: admissions, career development and alumni relations. Recently she has served on the Board of Trustees. With a communications master’s from University of Hartford, she served roles with the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. She now does development work for Hartford Public Schools.

Alumnus of the Year: Jack Bergeron ’70. A successful attorney and founding partner of his Burlington law office, Jack was a longtime trial lawyer and a well-known mediator and arbitrator. Now retired from law, he heads his family’s Bergeron Family Foundation. He served the College Board of Trustees from 2005-2014, the Career Advisory Network, cochaired his reunion this year and is a Heritage Circle member with an estate gift intention.

Fr. John Verret Good Citizen Award: Donald “Pappy” Sutton former dean of men, acting director of physical plant, and first special events director. In 1980 he became director of safety and security, serving until 1993. He’s best known as founder of the Fire and Rescue Program and for spearheading the building of the squad’s current home. 

33 S A I N T M I C H A E L’ S CO L L E G E M AG A Z I N E

At Reunion, Kelly Colliton Briggs ’85 presented a check for $841,935 from those celebrating a reunion this year, and the gift amount grew over the weekend.

CLASS NOTES

(Below) The Class of 1990 became Silver Knights during reunion weekend, celebrating 25 years since graduation. Over 65 members of the class attended to commemorate the occasion.

(Right and Above Right) Mike the Knight made the rounds at Saturday’s barbecue, greeting guests, shaking hands and posing for photos, including one with a future Knight and Walter Fitzmaurice ’49. Walter is 91 years old and never misses a reunion weekend!

(Far Right) The class of 2010 had 110 returnees to celebrate their five-year reunion. A few members from the class (Ashley DeTrano, Dustin Hunter, Amanda Vaughan, Sara Corbishley-Brown and Becky Liebal) spent some time on campus and stopped by the festivities under the tent.

(Upper Right) At Saturday’s awards ceremony and gift presentation, Don Sutton offered remarks after receiving the Reverend John Verret SSE Distinguished Alumnus Award.

(Right) The Class of 1965 celebrated their 50th reunion, joining the ranks of Golden Knights. Forty-seven members of the class attended Reunion this year.

S U M M E R 2015 34

Saint Michael’s College Heritage Circle The Heritage Circle at Saint Michael’s College has been established to recognize and thank alumni, parents and friends who have taken steps to include Saint Michael’s in their estate plans.

More than 200 individuals have joined the Heritage Circle.

For the O’Hara’s, Saint Michael’s College is a family affair! Howie O’Hara ’71 said, “My parents sacrificed to make a St. Mike’s education a reality for me, so now my family and I want to pay it forward.” His wife, Sue, son Steve ’00, and daughter, Liz ’04 have established the O’Hara Family Scholarship, so that future deserving students can enjoy the privilege of a Saint Michael’s education. “Sue and I have set aside a percentage of our estate ~ after having first provided for family ~ to be designated to the O’Hara Family Scholarship, and the entire O’Hara Family is on board in support of this gift!” said Howie proudly.

Learn more about the Heritage Circle. Discover how you can make an impact on the College and its future students. Your support matters.

Contact Kathie Berard M’96 at 802.654.2576 or kberard@smcvt.edu

IN MEMORIAM Class of 1938

Class of 1947

ROBERT J. BOLDUC SR ., Saco, ME,

CHARLES P. BRAMBILLA , Exeter,

died April 19, 2015. After Saint Michael’s, he graduated from the Massachusetts College of Optometry in 1939 and began a practice that lasted for 58 years. In 1980, his son joined him in the practice and they worked together for 18 years before Bob’s retirement in 1998. A football player for the first graduating class of St. Louis High School in Maine, he started filming games in the 1960s so teams could review strategy. He took up golf at age 70 and became an enthusiast, golfing until he was 95. He enjoyed travel, including a cruise on the QE2 and to Alaska.

He loved owning a boat, and for a time was a recreational lobsterman. He loved the Patriots and Red Sox and was active in his parish.

His first wife, June, predeceased him, as did a daughter. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Charlotte; two sons, two daughters and extended family.

NH, died February 2, 2015. After Saint Michael’s, he received his master’s in sociology and psychology from Catholic University of America and his master’s in social service from Fordham. Before he retired, he was CEO of Family Services of America in Gaithersburg, MD. He enjoyed woodworking and stained glass projects. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary; a son and extended family.

Class of 1949

GEORGE H. CUMMINGS, JR.,

South Attleboro, MA, died November 2, 2014. He served in the Navy in World War II, attaining the rank of Aviation Radioman Third Class. George was a sales representative for the National Federation of Independent Business until his retirement.

35 S A I N T M I C H A E L’ S CO L L E G E M AG A Z I N E

He belonged to the Knights of Columbus in Franklin, MA, where he lived many years before moving to South Attleboro. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eleanor; two sons, three daughters and extended family.

Class of 1950

WILLIAM F. FORD, Carlsbad, CA,

died May 8, 2014. A Navy veteran, Bill was a longtime President’s Medallion Society supporter of the college. In a long and successful business career, Bill worked for State Loan and Finance Corporation, the General Electric Company and Security Pacific Corporation. His wife of 55 years, Marcia, predeceased him in 2011. At that time, survivors included four sons, a daughter and extended family.

EDWARD F. HAYES, South Windsor, CT, died April 11, 2015. He served in the U.S. Army Third Division during World

IN MEMORIAM

War II in the European Theater, was wounded twice and received the Purple Heart and Oak Leaf Cluster, three battle stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, good conduct medal and French Fourragere for distinguished service in France. After the war he came to Saint Michael’s, then made South Windsor his home for 54 years while working at Pratt & Whitney until his retirement in 1986. He also worked for the U.S. Census Bureau in 2000 and 2010. He was active in the VFW and his parish and volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the American Lung Association. An avid golfer, he loved crossword puzzles and Boston sports teams. His wife, Ruth, predeceased him in 2003. He is survived by a daughter and extended family.

Class of 1951

ROGER C. BLANCHARD, South

Burlington, VT, died April 11, 2015. He enlisted in the Army out of high school in Winooski and joined the 104th Infantry Division in Belgium. Roger was wounded during battle in Germany and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After the service he earned his bachelor’s and master’s at Saint Michael’s, working in secondary education for 34 years in Greensboro, Winooski, South Burlington and Burlington, Vermont. His wife of 60 years, Ida, predeceased him. He is survived by a brother, a sister, a son and extended family.

GERALD M. DEVER , Stowe, VT, died

April 26, 2015. He enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and served during World War II in Brazil. After his discharge as an aviation machinist’s mate third class, he came to Saint Michael’s and earned his business degree. While a student, he worked in furniture stores, installing drapes, carpet and flooring. In the 1950s he opened Finnie & Dever Inc. in Montpelier, specializing in floor coverings. He sold that business and later opened Design Studio of Stowe in 1983 with his daughter. His wife joined them after she retired from nursing. He worked well into his 80s. Gerald loved to ski, passing that passion on to his children and working as an official for their races. He also

loved airplanes, glider rides, and making/ flying model airplanes. He enjoyed puzzles, historical documentaries and movies. He is survived by his wife, Isabel; two sons, two daughters and extended family.

JOHN D. WEINMAN, Hudson, NY,

died January 25, 2015. After Saint Michael’s he joined the Register Star newspaper as circulation manager in 1954; he became the editor and general manager in 1958 and then vice president of both the Register Star and Chatham Courier in 1969. John was active in the New York State Publishers Association, Rotary, and other community civic activities. He earned the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America for distinguished service to a local council.

After leaving the Register Star in 1980 he began a career with newspapers in Greene, Dutchess and Orange Counties, NY, and later marketing for premium outlet malls in New York, Delaware and South Carolina. In retirement he was a hospice volunteer, and received the Life Long Learning Award from a community college near him in 2011. He is survived by two sons, two daughters and extended family.

MICHAEL ZITER , Essex Junction, VT,

died April 20, 2015. After Saint Michael’s he worked at Thermal Wire of America, then as a real estate agent and most recently for Essex Automotive. He was an avid golfer and UVM hockey fan. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ann, two sons, two daughters, and extended family.

Class of 1952

PETER D. LYNCH, Palm Bay, FL, died

March 12, 2015 of lung cancer. He served in the Army as a sergeant and was retired as coowner/manufacturing representative for P.J. Lynch in the commercial plumbing industry.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary, and extended family.

DOUGLAS E. O’NEIL , Greenfield, MA, died October 20, 2014. After Saint Michael’s he earned a law degree from Boston University. He was an attorney in Greenfield for many years and after he retired, he was town administrator

for the Town of Northfield. In his early career he was assistant attorney general in Massachusetts. He also served the Greenfield School Committee and was a town assessor. Doug was predeceased by his first wife, Mary. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lorraine; two sons, three daughters, six step-children, a sister and extended family.

THOMAS F. SHIELDS, Marco Island,

FL, died April 2, 2015. A longtime resident of Boston before moving to Florida, he was founder and CEO of Shields Health Care Group and Shields MRI. He served many years as a trustee at Saint Michael’s College and received an honorary degree from the college. An Army veteran, his earliest business career was as a sales executive for Dowd Paper Company and advertising executive for CBS and RKO General, New York and Boston.

Returning to Boston from New York in 1972, he and his family began building the Shields Health Care Group, a family business offering out-patient MRI, radiation oncology, positron emission tomography, elder care and dialysis services. He gave to many worthy educational, civic, religious, medical and community causes, including college and high school scholarships and medical research. He also supported respite care for the handicapped and disabled and medical aid to Haiti, to name a few causes. He received numerous honors for his philanthropy from educational institutions, the Boys and Girls Club, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, churches and temples, and others. He received honorary degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Stonehill College. Tom served on the Weymouth School Committee. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Mary Jane. He is survived by three sons, four daughters, a brother, Mark Shields H’13, the PBS political commentator and Saint Michael’s Commencement speaker in 2013, and extended family.

S U M M E R 2015 36

IN MEMORIAM Class of 1953

CHESTER P. JASINSKI, Springfield,

VT, died December 30, 2014. A Navy veteran of World War II, he worked as an accountant and later was an inspector with Bryant Grinder in Springfield for 32 years.

He enjoyed sports, hunting, fishing and animals. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, a sister and extended family.

JOSEPH P. VIGNALY, West Boylston,

MA, died December 6, 2013, the college recently learned. While studying for his master’s in social work at Catholic University after Saint Michael’s, he joined the Army during the Korean War, serving in the Medical Corps. In 1959 he joined the Massachusetts Department of Welfare as a social worker, rising through the ranks to Regional Director for the Department of Transitional Assistance before retiring in 1992 after 33 years of service. He received a key to the City of Worcester for his efforts. Joe volunteered at nursing homes, hospice agencies and a hospital, and was very involved in his parish as a Eucharistic minister and St. Vincent de Paul Society volunteer. He was a founding member of the West Boylston Housing Authority, serving from 1980-93, and was an America Legion member. He participated in many Public Welfare Conferences, and served as president in 1970. He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Phyllis, in 2004; Survivors in 2013 included three sons and extended family.

DONALD A. BURKE, Somers, CT,

died March 18, 2015. After Saint Michael’s he returned to his hometown of Springfield, MA, and for 20 years worked in his father’s family business, Benton Park Package Store, developing an interest in wine that became one of his life’s passions, along with classical music and fine food. In 1973, he joined a Hartford-area distributer as director of the firm’s wine division. Some years later he was recruited by Italy’s Villa Banfi and enjoyed enormous success at the height of the Riunite brand explosion. Eventually he returned home to finish his career as vice president of the wine division. He enjoyed putting on puppet shows for his family, and dining occasions with close friends. He is

survived by his wife of 61 years, Anne; four sons, two daughter and extended family.

JOHN J. FOLEY, West Springfield, MA,

died January 29, 2015. After Saint Michael’s he earned a master’s from Westfield State College and a law degree from Western New England College. He was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar Association and worked as an attorney for the Claim Department of the Travelers Insurance Company for over 30 years. A President’s Medallion Society supporter of the college, he was active in the Saint Michael’s Golden Knights. He also coached youth basketball and baseball in West Springfield and was active in the Elks, his parish and the Nocturnal Adoration Society, the Hibernians and his country club. A fan of Boston’s major sports team, he loved gardening and playing pitch. His first wife, Margaret, died in 1997. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (“Betty”); three sons, a daughter, a brother, two sisters and extended family.

JOHN J. “JACK” WALSH, Portland,

ME, died January 15, 2015. Son of immigrants from Ireland, Jack enlisted in the Navy while still in high school in World War II, seeing service in Argentina, Newfoundland and aboard the USS Eastland, USS Shenandoah and USS Perry as gunner’s mate 3rd class. This earned him several service medals, and he was discharged in 1947. Using the GI Bill, he finished high school in Maine and attended a Boston prep school before coming to Saint Michael’s, then went on to graduate from Boston College Law School. Jack passed the bar exam in 1954 and was admitted to the state and federal courts. He retired from Traveler’s Insurance Company where he worked in the Casualty Property Claim Department. In retirement he continued to work as an adjuster for various firms. He did many pro bono cases for co-workers and did financial counseling through a credit union.

He loved golf and won a club championship teamed with a friend in 1997. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rosaria, and extended family.

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Class of 1954

JOHN “JACK” KENDRICK , Saranac

Lake, NY/Stockholm, Sweden, died March 9, 2015. Jack was a prolific author, poet and playwright, as well as an athlete, actor and educator. He was a roving Cold War ambassador, often for USAID, sharing his poetry and athleticism. He would tell you he loved Saint Michael’s College more than anything, and also his hometown of Lake Placid, boxing, wrestling, track and field and his Irish-American heritage. He also loved and told a good story. He was a great self-promoter and promoter of others.

He was inducted into the Saint Michael’s Athletic Hall of Fame and Lake Placid Hall of Fame, won grants and awards for his writing and had bit parts as an actor in films and soap operas; he also starred in local Playhouse roles in Connecticut for a time. He told of attending the Tokyo and Rome Olympics as an alternate for track and field, wrestling and boxing, and in Rome shared a room with the man then known as Cassius Clay. He was an eight-time New York Athletic Club boxing champion, Army decathlon champion in 1955, and a regional AAU decathlon champ. He coached championship teams in wrestling, track and field, boxing, basketball, rugby, and field hockey at nine different universities in the U.S. and Europe. After Saint Michael’s he earned degrees from Syracuse and University College Dublin. He authored four books of poetry, three published, and three plays, and traveled the world over, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and racing in the 90KVasaloppet ski race in Sweden. He is survived by his wife, Ulla; a son, Rhidian Kendrick ‘94, a sister and extended family.

Class of 1955

DONALD K. ATWOOD, Kihei, HI,

died January 16, 2015. After Saint Michael’s he earned a doctorate in chemistry from Purdue University and studied mathematics at the University of Houston. His career in chemistry spanned 35 years and included EXXON Corp. 1960-69 (senior research specialist), University of Puerto Rico 1969-76 (associate professor chemistry/

IN MEMORIAM

oceanography), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/U.S. Department of Commerce 1976-95 (director of Ocean Chemistry Division). His later degrees include a BA Dance/BA Theatre, Naropa Institute; MFA Choreography, University of North Carolina/Greensboro, and MFA Design (Dance), University of North Carolina/Greensboro. He enjoyed a long dance/theater career as choreographer, dancer, actor, and technical crew member, was a dance producer, founded dance reviews and assembled a dance-works portfolio. He was married to his wife, Jody, from 1955 to 1978. He was a member of the Grange in Vermont, the American Chemical Society and several dance and cultural groups.

He also was a swim and water polo coach for many years, a pioneer of women’s water polo, and coached the Puerto Rican men’s national team. He also was an avid cycling racer. He enjoyed music, particularly classical. Donald is survived by two sons and two daughters, four sisters and extended family.

THOMAS A. SICILIANO, Rowland

Heights, CA, died April 22, 2015. He was a President’s Medallion Society supporter of the College. After his Saint Michael’s math degree, he did advanced studies at UCLA and had expertise in statistical reliability.

Tom retired from a 30-year career with Boeing North America as a member of the technical staff and an engineer. He also worked in aerospace engineering with TRW, Northrop and Rockwell in California for several years each. His wife, Celeste, died in 2012. Survivors include three sons, a daughter, a brother, Neil Siciliano’58, and extended family.

Class of 1956

PAUL M. COLE, Woodbridge, VA,

died December 22, 20143 of pulmonary fibrosis and Merkel cell carcinoma. After Saint Michael’s he joined the Marines. He had always wanted to fly and became a highly decorated Marine fighter pilot. He was shot down over Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam on September 26, 1967. He recovered and returned to finish two tours in Vietnam, earning the Distinguished

Flying Cross, Purple Heart, multiple air medals, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation and Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation Award. He retired as a Marine lieutenant colonel in 1979 and worked for a time as a Veterans Administration adjudicator. Paul was predeceased in 2010 by his wife of 52 years, Joan. He is survived by a son, three daughters and extended family.

Class of 1957

JOHN L. WEGRZYNSKI, Bayonne,

NJ, died April 9, 2015. A member of the basketball team at Saint Michael’s and an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he worked in information technology/data processing for most of his career, retiring as vice president from Unisys. John was a President’s Medallion Society supporter of the College. He was predeceased by his wife, Janice. Survivors include a son, a daughter and extended family.

Class of 1958

MICHAEL E. O’KEEFE, West Babylon,

NY, died April 2, 2015. A veteran of the Korean War, he was retired from a career as an English teacher at East Meadow High School in East Meadow, N.Y. Michael was outreach coordinator at his parish for many years and a past president of the Saint Michael’s Alumni Association during the 1970s, serving in that capacity on the Board of Trustees for those years. He is survived by his wife, Noreen; a son, two daughters and extended family.

Class of 1960

PATRICK J. RESTIVO, Westhampton, NY, died November 10. After Saint Michael’s he graduated from Georgetown Dental School and served in the Air Force from 1964-66. He had a long professional career as a dentist and was active in his church. Patrick is survived by three daughters and extended family.

STANLEY F. TENCZA , New Bern,

NC, died January 24, 2015. He was a retired U.S. Air Force pilot, serving honorably for over 21 years. He flew C-130, C-47 and T-36, earning many awards and medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Gallantry Cross with Palm and several Oak Leaf Clusters. He also received the Alaskan Air Force Association award for bravery by the governor of Alaska for a daring and courageous flight to save a civilian. He was a member of Military Officers Association of America, Order of Daedalians, and Firebirds. He enjoyed golf, building furniture and travel. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his mother, two sons, two daughters, three sisters and extended family.

Class of 1961

MICHAEL J. PELHAM, Scotia, NY,

died December 20, 2014. After completing Air Force ROTC at Saint Michael’s, he was an Air Force first lieutenant stationed in Texas and South Carolina. He then returned to the Scotia area and worked for 35 years for the New York Department of Civil Service. He was a 30-year Mason and active in the Knights of Columbus, Little League and Boy Scouts, as well as an avid sports fan. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ann; a son, three daughters, two sisters and extended family.

WILFRED J. MAYETTE, Mishawaka,

IN, died January 31, 2015. He spent four years in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and after Saint Michael’s earned a law degree from the University of Notre Dame. He was a deputy prosecutor for St. Joseph County and an assistant city attorney in Mishawaka for many years. He was in the private practice of law in Mishawaka at his own firm for more than 40 years, a member of the U.S., Indiana and county Bar Associations, a member of the Trial Lawyers Association and other professional organizations. He was active in Kiwanis. He is survived by his wife, Virginia; a daughter, two sons and extended family.

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IN MEMORIAM Class of 1964

THOMAS E. SNEDEKER , Basking

Ridge, NJ, died December 10, 2014. He was an Army veteran who served as a Green Beret in the 11th Special Forces. He worked for several decades in Manhattan in the insurance industry before starting his own firm. In retirement he became a lacrosse referee and was a top-rated official in New Jersey. He was president of the Summit Lacrosse Club in the 1980s and built a winning tradition there. He loved the beach, fishing, and jokes, and was active in Republican politics, the Jaycees and numerous municipal campaigns in New Providence and Summit. Tom also was active in Indian Princesses and Indian Guides with his children, and in his parish.

He was an eight-year cancer survivor. He is survived his wife of 50 years, Valerie; a son, a daughter, a sister and extended family.

THOMAS M. BURKE, Portland,

Ontario, Canada, died March 15, 2015.

After college, he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force for 29 years before joining the private sector. For a time he was director of project management for Systemcorp in Ottawa. While in the service, he achieved the rank of Major, with postings that included international logistics officer for Canada’s Department of National Defence, embassy staff officer to the air attache in Washington, DC, for liaison on Canadian purchase of the F-18 fighter aircraft in the 1980s, and faculty head of the Canadian Air Force’s Material Management Training Program. He presented programs on procurement ethics in several countries and for Saint Michael’s business classes.

He graduated with honors in 1996 from a program in advanced police science and criminology. Tom retired to Ontario’s Rideau Lakes region, where he loved to fish and kayak, and began his second career as a nature photographer. He stayed active in many groups and associations on both sides of the border. He is survived by a son and daughter and extended family.

THOMAS J. MCGRAIL, Williston,

VT, died February 15, 2015 of Alzheimer’s disease. He worked for many years for the

James River Corporation, retiring as vice president of sales and marketing in 1993. He started his own consulting business, which he operated for 13 years, retiring in 2006.

In 2003 he and his wife moved to Vermont to be closer to family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gloria; two daughters, a son, two brothers, two sisters and extended family.

Class of 1966

STEPHEN C. O’ROURKE,

Weymouth, MA, died January 14, 2015. He was Saint Michael’s College Alumnus of the Year in 1986. Stephen worked for Newport (RI) Electric Corp. and their succeeding companies for 21 years. He then was a self-employed businessman in Englewood, FL, before returning to New England to work with Promptus Communications and Video Server Connections. He retired from the Preservation Society of Newport (RI).

He was active for years in his parish men’s club and confirmation classes and was past president of the Newport County Catholic Regional School Parents Association, and a member of the Hibernians. He also coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. He is survived by a sister, a son, two daughters and extended family.

Class of 1969

JOHN A. DIGIULIAN, Alexandria,

VA, died June 29, 2014. He had been a President’s Medallion Society supporter of the college. John had a long career as president of his family-owned marble business. He is survived by his wife, Andrea, a son and daughter, his mother, two brothers and a sister.

MICHAEL J. STONE, Newburyport,

MA, died February 15, 2015. After Saint Michael’s he served in the Army Rangers, doing a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1972 with the rank of Second Lieutenant. Michael retired from a long career with the IRS in 2012. He was active in the Elks for over 40 years, and enjoyed cards, golf, crosswords, Sudoku and jigsaw puzzles. He is survived by his

39 S A I N T M I C H A E L’ S CO L L E G E M AG A Z I N E

wife, Susan; a daughter, a son, a sister, two brothers and extended family.

Class of 1971

JAMES F. SAVOY M’73, Sparks, NV,

died August 3, 2013. After Saint Michael’s he did advanced studies at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. He worked for a time as network data sales specialist for Waters Corporation in Milford, MA, for Varian Associates Inc. and elsewhere in the analytical instrument manufacturing and sales field, living for periods in Maryland and California. No information was available about survivors.

Class of 1972

JAMES M. MCNAMEE, Nashua,

NH, died November 24, 2014. After Saint Michael’s, he earned a master’s from Niagara University and a law degree from Boston University. In Nashua he worked as an attorney in private practice and as public defender, alderman and city attorney. He was deeply involved in civic affairs in the city, particularly causes to help children and supporting the business community.

Professionally he was a volunteer mediator in Superior Court and for a Mediation Program. He enjoyed singing, soccer, distance running and travel. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Nicholson, a son, three daughters, a brother, four sisters and extended family.

Class of 1983

PATRICIA COLE, New Hartford, CT,

went missing in January while kayaking on West Hill Pond in New Hartford on New Year’s Day. According to news reports, she is presumed dead after crews found her overturned kayak, an oar and a glove on the pond. As of late April, news reports say that search continues for her remains.

Class of 1984

JEANNE E. KEATING, Mineola,

NY, died April 12, 2015. She had lived for a time in Los Angeles, CA, and in Port Washington, NY, working in public

IN MEMORIAM

relations with Wior Corporation. She is survived by her parents, a sister, two brothers including Larry Keating’86; by her partner, Matthew Viverito; and by extended family, including sister-in-law Lynore Keating’86.

Class of 1987

PAULA C. JUSTUS, Walpole, MA,

died December 22, 2012, the college learned recently. After Saint Michael’s she studied computer science at Northeastern University and had worked for a time as a software engineer in Needham. She was survived in 2012 by her parents, a brother, a sister and extended family.

Class of 1995

ANTHONY P. SEBASTYN,

Maynard, MA, died December 24, 2012, the college learned recently. He had worked for a time as a technical recruiter for The Davis Companies in Marlborough, MA. He was survived at his death by his mother and father, a sister, three brothers and extended family.

JOEL TAPLIN, Newburyport, MA, died

January 7 in a motorcycle accident in China.

After Saint Michael’s he earned a master’s from The Breadloaf School of English at Middlebury College. He was employed at the Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai College of International Education, where he was Director of Teaching. He is survived by two brothers, four sisters and extended family.

Class of 2006

ANDREA M. COLE LAWSON,

Bethesda, MD, died February 24, 2015 of cancer. Her passion since high school growing up in St. Johnsbury, VT was study of the Japanese language and culture. She did a junior-year semester in Japan as a Saint Michael’s political science major and after graduating with high honors, moved to Japan to teach English for two years. There she met her husband, Bill, a teacher, whom she married in 2011. On returning to the U.S. she earned a law degree at Catholic University, where she was a star of the Arbitration Moot Team. She worked for the

State Department under Hillary Clinton for more than a year, then went on to pass the bar and take a job with a small law firm in Washington, D.C. before giving up her career when her son was born in June 2014.

She is survived by her husband, Bill, her son, a brother, her parents and extended family.

Masters Class of 1972

MAURICE JOSEPH BARRY, South

Burlington, VT, died March 7, 2015. Joe served in the Army from 1956-58, graduated from the University of Vermont in 1961 and did advanced studies at colleges in New York, Massachusetts and Nebraska before earning his Saint Michael’s education master’s. He had a long and honored career as a science educator, retiring in 1997 after 31 years of teaching including in South Burlington and Oyster Bay, NY. He received several National Science Foundation grants in physics and physical science and honors from University of Chicago, U.S. Army Research Office and MIT, also winning the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science & Mathematics Instruction in 1994. He was inducted into the University of Vermont and Vermont Academy Athletic Halls of Fame and volunteered at the Champlain Science Basin Discovery Museum and with the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, a daughter, a son and extended family.

Master’s Class of 1999 KEDRIC PETER PARENT,

Richmond, VT, died December 23, 2014 of cancer. He served in the Army as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne and 8th Infantry Division. He retired after 32 years at IBM in Essex Junction. A lifelong student with a passion for continuing education, he earned his bachelor’s from Trinity College in Burlington before his Saint Michael’s master’s. He was active in Richmond Congregational Church, Green Mountain Community Church, Richmond town government, and enjoyed golf and reading. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra; a son, a daughter, a brother and extended family

Master’s Class of 2011

MICHAEL MURDOCK , Montpelier,

VT, died December 23, 2014. He earned a bachelor’s from Vermont College before receiving his clinical psychology master’s from Saint Michael’s. He co-owned Charles River Movers in Boston with his brother for 25 years before working in Vermont as a substance abuse counselor. He was an accomplished musician and writer, coproducing several CDs of original blues and folk music and playing on the Boston blues scene for years. He also had three Vermont bands: Car Tunes, The Vermont All-Stars and the Heckhounds. He is survived by his partner, Gale; a brother, a sister, a daughter, stepdaughter and extended family.

Faculty, Staff & Friends

DOMINIQUE P. CASAVANT

M’55, Auburn, ME, died January 16, 2015. He taught physics at Saint Michael’s for 45 years, retiring in 2001, and was the coach of the ski team. He also served as mayor of Winooski and later was a representative in the Vermont House. After retiring from Saint Michael’s, he moved to Auburn and taught statistics at Central Maine Community College until 2014.

He graduated from Bates College, in his hometown of Lewiston, ME, with a physics degree, then served two years in the Army on ski patrol in Germany. In 1951, he placed well in the Olympic racing trials and considered becoming a professional skier.

After the service, he came to Saint Michael’s to earn a teaching master’s in philosophy, and from there went on to his master’s and eventually doctorate in physics on an IBM scholarship at the University of Vermont.

He and Saint Michael’s students built the college’s fabled ski jump, which he designed.

It sat atop a rise in the woods behind Fanny Allen Hospital, and lasted a decade till the jumping program ended. His career in politics included a Winooski City Council term, chairing the city’s Model Cities program and two terms as mayor from 197175. A Fulbright Fellowship to the Teacher’s College of the University of Marrakesh in 1982 interrupted his mayoral career, and he

S U M M E R 2015 40

IN MEMORIAM

lived in Morocco for 10 months, lecturing there, in French, on solar energy. Alternative energy was a keen area of interest and activity for him for decades. He returned to Morocco on a second Fulbright in 1988-89.

His discussion in 1980 of an energy-saving dome over Winooski, after a conference talk by dome expert R. Buckminster Fuller, drew national attention. He enjoyed canoe trips in the summer and cross-country skiing on local trails in winter, frequently with longtime friend Fr. Ray Doherty SSE ’51. All his children are Saint Michael’s graduates. A son, Andre ’85, predeceased him. Dom is survived by his wife, Lucille; a daughter Catherine ’78, two sons, Thomas ’81 and Jay ’83; and extended family.

BONNIE CHRISTENSEN,

Burlington, VT, died January 12, 2015 of ovarian cancer. She had been an art instructor at Saint Michael’s for many years, starting in 1995. Bonnie was an awardwinning author and illustrator of children’s books illuminating the lives of cultural icons such as Elvis Presley and Woody Guthrie. She also produced picture books on diverse topics: medieval bookmaking, grandmothers, the printing press, and borscht. She is survived by a daughter, a sister and extended family.

CARMEN M. CLARINO, Rutland,

VT, died January 20, 2015. She and her husband, the late Charles Clarino ’39, supported many charities and were longtime substantial patrons of Saint Michael’s College. All her life she was active in her parish and local service clubs including the Columbiettes, Girl Scouts and the Sunshine Club. She worked for the State of Vermont for 20 years in social welfare and vocational rehabilitation. She learned sign language and was a registered interpreter for the deaf.

WILLIAM R. HAUKE JR., Jensen

Beach, FL/Colchester, VT, died April 1, 2015. He was a former Associate Trustee of Saint Michael’s College and President’s Medallion supporter of the college. A Burlington native and graduate of MIT, he worked in his family building business, devoted to providing affordable housing to Chittenden County, until his retirement

in 1989. He served boards of many local colleges and Burlington Public Works Department, and was a director for the National Association of Home Builders.

He enjoyed hiking and completed both the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail. He also enjoyed square dancing, theater and UVM hockey, and summers on Lake Champlain.

He retired to Florida in 1995, staying active in volunteer work with Kiwanis, a children’s shelter, a museum and Habitat for Humanity. Diagnosed with leukemia eight years ago, he participated in the Jimmy Fund Walk for 11 years and helped raise funds for cancer research. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carole; two sons including Steven Hauke ‘87, two daughters, two sisters and extended family.

FRANCIS C. ROONEY, Rye, NY,

died March 24, 2015. A supporter of the college, he was chairman of H.H. Brown Shoe Company and former chairman and CEO of Melville Corporation, and “one of the leading retail executives of his generation,” according to his New York Times obituary. Francis served during World War II aboard a battleship in the Pacific as a Naval Reserve gunnery officer with 10 major engagements, then returned to start a sales career that blossomed fast. He took Melville Corporation from a shoe company to a specialty retail business with revenue of more than $7 billion. His businesses at retirement in 1987 included Marshall’s, Linens & Things, K.B. Toys and CVS Drug Stores. He emerged from retirement to be CEO of H. H. Brown, a family business by marriage. When it was sold to Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffet requested he become chair. Francis was committed to numerous educational, charitable and educational causes, including assisting innercity children to attend Catholic schools, fighting cerebral palsy and supporting hospitals, the March of Dimes, Boys & Girls Clubs, the Smithsonian Institution and many universities. He served on numerous corporate boards. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Frances; four sons, four daughters and extended family.

41 S A I N T M I C H A E L’ S CO L L E G E M AG A Z I N E

SAVE THE DATE

Reunion 2016 June 2 to 5

S U M M E R 2015 42

NON - PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 154 BURL ., V T 05401

Saint Michael’s College One Winooski Park, Box 6 Colchester, VT 05439 Change Service Requested

THE CAMPUS SEEN When: June 1, 2015. 9:58 a.m.

Where: Gilbrook Natural Area What: Students studying environmental science as part of the Saint Michael’s Accelerated Summer College visit the nature area adjacent to campus to conduct water quality analysis.