Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Fall 2021/Winter 2022

IN THIS ISSUE

Fall 2021/Winter 2022

4

Innovation

30

Heritage and Mission

38

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT Gary Klein M’04

EDITOR

Deb Nahrgang Phone: 507-457-6966 dnahrgan@smumn.edu

Athletics

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

40

PHOTOGRAPHERS

News & Views

45

Alumni

49

Class Notes

ON THE COVER

Alumni, faculty, and students are showcasing Saint Mary’s innovation in their daily work.

Check out pages 4-29.

Donny Nadeau B’85, Deb Nahrgang, Ben Rodgers, Maura Sullivan Hill

Bob Conover, Blake Darst, Geoff DeMarsh, Deb Nahrgang, Ben Rodgers

PRODUCTION

Robert Fisher B’97, M’06

PRINTED BY

The John Roberts Company Saint Mary’s Magazine is published by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for its alumni, parents, and friends.

ADDRESS CHANGES

Saint Mary’s Magazine Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399

ON THE WEB

smumn.edu/magazine

ABOUT SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. At Saint Mary’s, students find in every classroom — whether in person or online — a relationshipdriven, person-centered education. Through intense inquiry, students discover the truths in the world and the character within. Founded in 1912 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota enrolls 5,200 students at its residential undergraduate college in Winona and its Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, based in Minneapolis with programs offered in Rochester, other locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and fully online.

As a Lasallian Catholic university welcoming all students, Saint Mary’s offers respected and affordable programs in a variety of areas leading to bachelor’s, bachelor’s completion, master’s, certificate, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Learn more at smumn.edu.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

One standout memory from that season was when the team traveled to Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind., just before Easter. The campus there included a wonderful theatre venue. There was a professional Broadway touring company performing “Godspell” and the Butler coach provided our team with complimentary tickets to see the show. Of course, Max insisted that we go.

We had many WOW moments on the field, but that evening was a standing WOW! I think I will leave the (memory of ) freezing in a snowstorm on the bench in Moorhead, Minn., in the back of my memory for now, but thanks for the nudge. — John F. Richards B’76 Further baseball players identified The player on the far left of the picture with glasses is John Michels B’73. The player with the helmet on in the upper left corner is Marc Macarol 19711975. The tall player in the middle without the hat is Brian McGuire 1972-1973. The player with his arm around McGuire is Craig Miller 1972-1975.

The player to the right of Macarol with sideburns appears to be Marc Weisenburger B’75. Check out the roster from 1973: https://saintmaryssports.com/ sports/baseball/roster/1973.

Thanks to Michael Keating B’73, Jim Redding B’83, Kevin Moss B’75, and Pam and Marc B’75 Macarol for helping us identify these 1973 teammates.

An update since the ’50s I just received the Winter/Spring 2021 alumni magazine.

I immediately read it through hoping to see once familiar faces and names. A note from Jack Schodowski, class of ’51, caught my eye. The note requested more info on those who graduated in the 1950s. A footnote from the editors followed. “Hey grads of the 1950s! Let us know what you are up to!” I am pleased to oblige.

I was in the Class of 1953 for three years and six or seven months when (there was an) early exit. Brother Albert gently and reluctantly but firmly pronounced the sentence.

Three years later after a stint in the Army I reapplied.

Saint Mary’s graciously allowed me to complete my last semester at Loyola University and followed by including me in the Class of 1956.

A class in the philosophy of education by Dr. Boelen stayed with me, and I soon found myself teaching high school history and economics.

In the Fall of 1968 we opened the Edmund Burke School with 17 students. Despite our chosen name, we were soon one of the most progressive schools in the city.

In the first year of the school we had a restless crew.

This was 1968 in Washington, D.C. Anti-war rallies and assorted protests were a daily occurrence. Discipline problems were certainly present; some of the problems had to be asked to leave. As I sat at the desk in my office with our first but certainly not the last major problem, I had this déjà vu feeling that I was sitting on the same side of the desk that Brother Albert had sat. When I spoke to the boy’s mother, I hope I was as kind and as firm as Brother Albert.

I learned a lot at Saint Mary’s but the soundest and most important lesson came from Brother Albert.

— Dick Roth B’56 Remembering Marvin Tunstall I hope there is more than a one line mention of Marvin Tunstall in a future edition of the magazine. Marvin was not only a Saint Mary’s Hall of Fame basketball player, he was a fun guy to hang out with at Saint Joe’s Hall. I was saddened to see he is gone now. Do Marvin up right!

Thank you for all you do.

— Chris Cowen B’78

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Looking Back photo stirs memories I jumped when I saw the photo inside the cover of the recent magazine. It brought back a flood of memories. The photo was taken in the spring of 1973. (I happen to be the player second from the left.) In light of the article included in this edition “Baseball Alumni Prove Giving is Contagious,” I would also mention that Marc “Pudge” Weisenburger B’75 was the starting catcher on the team. (Yeah, I was a backup catcher.)

1

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

RESULTS OF READER SURVEY →

Saint Mary’s alumni are complex — all 54,000 of them.

Some had an immersive four-year experience on the Winona Campus. Some completed a graduate course in Rochester or Minneapolis. And some attended courses online and never stepped foot on any campus.

Some of you have received multiple degrees. Some of you graduated last year, some more than 50 years ago.

You range in ages, location, level of degree, and — not surprisingly — what type of information you’d most like to see.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Where some of you want more athletic information, others think there’s too much emphasis on sports.

Some want to hear more about how the university is responding to issues of inclusion; others strongly do not. For some our Lasallian Catholic roots are vital; this doesn’t resonate at all with others.

2

If there’s one thing certain in this business, we’ll never make everyone happy, but it’s our job to provide you, our alumni and friends, with the information and stories you want and need to stay connected to our university, know what’s going on, and feel good about your Saint Mary’s connection.

It started with asking you your thoughts.

We surveyed 18,800 alumni this past June about Saint Mary’s Magazine. A total of 619 of you responded, and the majority of respondents were undergraduate alumni.

Gratefully, our respondents have positive feelings toward the university, with approximately 75 percent of both graduates or undergraduates rating an 8 or above (on a scale of 10) on whether they would promote Saint Mary’s to others. In fact, around 75 percent of both said they have!

About 66 percent of undergrad alumni and 60 percent of graduate alumni view the magazine as their primary source of information. Here’s where a disparity begins: Ninety percent of undergrads vs.

79% of Graduate and Professional Programs alumni agree or strongly agree the magazine is a useful tool for getting university news yet the majority of both groups say topics covered are of interest to them. Of those who acknowledge receiving the magazine, 91 percent of undergraduate alumni and 81 percent of SGPP alumni say they read or looked into every or most issues.

However, while three quarters of undergrad alumni look forward to receiving it, only half of SGPP respondents do. A total of 68% of undergrad alumni believe the magazine strengthens their personal connection to the university and over half say it keeps them in touch with their class.

In comparison, over half of SGPP alumni say the magazine strengthens their connection to the school, and nearly one third report that it helps them stay in touch with their cohort or programs.

The magazine does not drive connection to the school for 31% of Graduate and Professional Programs alumni, and we’re not surprised. This is an area we’d like to improve. With a diverse academic portfolio of certificate, master’s,

I like the magazine content. I am interested in keeping in touch with what’s happening on campus and understanding how the university is evolving.

specialist, doctoral, and bachelor completion in more than 60 programs, it’s tough to provide content in all areas. But we know it’s exactly this content our SGPP alumni crave. We know SGPP alumni want career counseling, networking opportunities, and alumni stories specific to their academic areas, as well as details about professional course offerings and events. For you, it’s about professional development.

We also don’t want to lose the portions of this magazine that many of you hold dear.

“Staying connected to the positive feelings, traditions We know the and people of my undergrad alumni magazine may not experience and how the be of interest to everyone. If you would like to opt out of receiving the university continues magazine, would like to opt out of the to offer a positive paper copy but would like notice when experience for current it’s available online, or if you would like to students.” ensure you continue receiving Saint Mary’s Magazine, go to connect. smumn.edu/magazinepreference or email Hannah Kuhn at hkuhn@ smumn.edu.

Sixty percent of undergrads and about 50 percent of SGPP want both the magazine but also more current information electronically. One fifth of SGPP do not want the magazine but would like to get current information in other ways.

This issue, we began listening. You asked for more stories on the professional growth of alumni. Check out our innovation series on pages 4-29. Those surveyed looked for more stories of alumni talking about their Saint Mary’s experiences. The French family was gracious enough to share both similar and unique Saint Mary’s memories; check out pages 30-33. In addition, we featured a story about

“As a graduate/ scholarship provider, it is vital to my keeping informed about SMU, direction it is going, leadership, changes, events, etc. I live three states away.

Keep it up.”

“I like the magazine content. I am interested in keeping in touch with what’s happening on campus and understanding how the university is evolving.”

Deb Nahrgang SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE EDITOR

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Each year, we complete an average of 300 stories about university events, students, faculty, and alumni. It’s our goal to better share those most of interest to you with you in a useful format.

one of our faculty, Amy Jauman, talking about her expertise in work from home policies and how the pandemic has changed the typical workplace, forever (page 26). How should your business adapt?

This issue is also full of news, updates, and familiar faces.

3

INNOVATION

A NEW APPROACH TO NURSING Sister Agnes Mary Graves, RSM, DNP, isn’t only leading Saint Mary’s new B.S. in Nursing pre-licensure program, she’s also hoping to shift the direction of healthcare — one cohort of nurses at a time.

She believes that armed with the courage and knowledge to question the status quo, those who graduate from Saint Mary’s nursing program will have something else: an understanding of the whole patient, intellectually, psychologically, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

“I want our first class of graduates to leave Saint Mary’s and go out into the world and make us known throughout the region but also change our healthcare system as leaders,” she said.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

This approach is what she’s bringing to her new position as the Jack and Mary Ann Remick Chair of Nursing, which involves overseeing the university’s first undergraduate nursing program from the Winona Campus.

4

She believes the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing — offered from Saint Mary’s Winona Campus and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing — sets itself apart in several ways.

Four-year liberal arts education with students enrolled in nursing program as first-year students

Saint Mary’s undergraduate nursing students are enrolled in this program as first-years and continue in a close-knit cohort through all four years, obtaining not just quality nursing skills, but a wellrounded liberal arts education.

“Across those four years, our students will be formed into caring nurses; it’s not just two years at the end of their college experience,” Sister Agnes Mary said. “Although your last two years will include the majority of your nursing courses, you’ll get to know us from your very first week on campus.”

SAINT MARY’S BEGINS OFFERING DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE

→

Sister Agnes Mary Graves, RSM, DNP

Saint Mary’s received Council of Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) approval to offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree effective Aug. 2, 2021, and timing is right with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics prognosticating the demand for nurse anesthetists is expected to grow by 45 percent

A holistic health view

“At Saint Mary’s, we’re not just going to teach you how to care for the health of the body of the patients, we’re going to teach you comprehensive health care, which means looking at the whole person, body, soul, mind, heart, and intellect,” Sister Agnes Mary said.

“You learn how to see your patients in that full broad context,” she added. “That’s something that Saint Mary’s can provide, because we have this Lasallian Catholic heritage, we’re a liberal arts institution with that strong foundation. And that’s what sets us apart from other nursing programs.”

between 2019 and 2029.

The Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia began in 1953 out of Abbott Northwestern Hospital. The program moved to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in the 1990s, with official transcripts reflecting the transfer of ownership beginning in 1997. Over the decades, the program has graduated over 1,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) that work all over the country and the world.

The new 85-credit, 36-month DNP program consists of courses in four areas, including a scientific core, leadership core, project core, and clinical scholarship core. Students will complete over 3,000 hours of bedside clinical practicum rotations at over 40 regional clinical sites already established by the current program.

The first DNP cohort of 21 students began fall semester. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Nursing students, she said, are immediately welcomed into a supportive community and a cohort of students who will learn and grow together all four years. “Saint Mary’s at large is known for its community connectedness,” she said.

“It’s inclusive, it’s like coming into a family that’s going to help nurture you into being a great nurse.

We are connected, and we’re here for you. And we want to get to know you as an individual in your nursing education.”

5

INNOVATION Personal attention and individualized focus

Sister Agnes Mary touts Saint Mary’s low facultyto-student ratio of 13:1. “We’re going to really keep tabs on you and see what’s going on with you,” she said. “Are you excelling? Are you struggling? How can we help you? Furthermore, when you’re in your clinical setting, what do you really like? Do you really like working with OB patients? Then I want to try to get your senior practicum, your last piece of nursing education, in an OB setting with more hours. Why? So that you can experience it more, learn more about it, but also so that potentially that could be an opening for a job when you graduate.”

Committed healthcare partners and job placement

A competitive aspect of any nursing degree is job and practicum placements. “We’ve already started developing those relationships with over 10 different health care systems in our area in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and across the

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

CECILIA FLORES

6

Seeing the vital role nurses are playing throughout this pandemic helped to solidify Cecilia Flores’ career choice. “Since the pandemic, I definitely gained more interest in nursing, especially within critical care aspects,” she said. “It really touches me thinking about how critical COVID-19 patients are … it’s nurses who are with them during their last breaths and last words. I would do everything I could do to make them as comfortable as possible.”

The West Saint Paul native said she uncovered in high school her drive and passion to help people.

“It brings me a lot of joy helping people improve their health,” she said. At first, Flores admits she was worried she wasn’t smart enough, particularly in math and science, to consider a career in nursing. “Although to an extent we

It’s inclusive, it’s like coming into a family that’s going to help nurture you into being a great nurse. We are connected, and we’re here for you.

Sister Agnes Mary Graves, RSM, DNP

region,” Sister Agnes Mary said. “ We have great communication and relationships with all of our clinical partners, which is frequently where our students will go upon graduation as places of employment. And so in communication with those chief nursing officers and the educational staff in those institutions, we’re finding out what they are looking for in graduates. We continue to be flexible and modify and update with the times and with the needs of the current healthcare systems.”

New, state-of-the-art facilities

Catholic nursing

Saint Mary’s University is inclusive and welcoming of all different diverse faith backgrounds and cultural backgrounds.

“We want all students to be able to feel welcomed and feel like they can really learn in our university setting,” Sister Agnes Mary said. “We are a Lasallian Catholic university. That’s the perspective we bring. We welcome diversity, we welcome different opinions, we want to talk and dialogue and learn from one another. It’s so important in nursing to have a diverse cohort and a diverse faculty, because

need to do well in these areas,” she said. “It's also about having the drive and the passion to help others.”

When investigating nursing schools, it was Saint Mary’s direct admission to the nursing program that most drew her to Winona.

“I liked not having to worry and compete with your classmates for one or two years and then applying to the nursing program,” she said. “I liked the idea of really getting to know my classmates and the people within the program and working as a team instead of competing against them to get into the program like at other universities. We’re already in the program. That’s probably the main thing that made me choose Saint Mary’s.”

Flores isn’t certain what aspect of nursing she wants to go into just yet. As a first-year student in Saint Mary’s new B.S. in Nursing program, she

that’s who we serve.

We’re going to serve all, and all people are created with inherent human dignity.

“Catholic health care is so important in society today, because it’s looking at the broader picture of health. And sometimes I think in the modern trends of healthcare, we’re looking at physical health only, or we’re looking at mental health, separated from spirituality. The understanding of the human person from the Catholic perspective is that it’s body and soul. And that they’re fused together in such a way that they’re inseparable.” •

has plenty of time to consider her options. “I’m going into this with an open mind. I do eventually want to be a nurse practitioner,” she said. “I know one of my top interests is psychiatric health. I’ll be having an open mind when going into clinicals to see what interests me.”

Flores said she is already seeing how her Integratus general education courses tie into her future nursing career. “I’m taking theology and science courses, both of which correlate for nursing because we’re not just taking care of a body, we’re taking care of a person with thoughts and feelings,” she said.

Though her nursing classes won’t begin for a couple of years, Flores said she’s excited to work in the new facilities in Aquinas Hall. “They’re beautiful — the layout, the lab area,” she said.

“When you’re in there, it makes you want to get to work. I wish I was a junior already because I just want to start.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Saint Mary’s newly renovated Aquinas Hall includes an advanced nursing suite, including a clinical simulation lab, which will provide students with a safe, yet hands-on learning experience with cuttingedge simulated technology that will give them a true taste of a variety of trauma, operating room, and inpatient settings.

7

INNOVATION

AQUINAS HALL DEDICATION The theme was collaboration.

On Oct. 15, 2021, Saint Mary’s publicly dedicated Aquinas Hall, its newly renovated $17 million facility, which fosters interdisciplinary innovation between business, psychology, and science — and houses its new B.S. in Nursing program.

As a senior at Saint Mary’s double majoring in marketing and sport management, and double minoring in digital media and journalism and leadership, Jordan Modjeski spends a great deal of time in Aquinas Hall.

“In fact, there’s a table inside to which I have laid claim all semester, and I practically hold office hours,” she said with a laugh to the audience gathered Oct. 15.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

She added, “I’ve found that nearly every type of organization and occupation — from education to healthcare — requires employees with strong business skills, so it’s only natural that we collaborate with other disciplines to be able to step in where we are needed.”

8

Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president, also spoke to the collaborative interdisciplinary learning happening inside Aquinas Hall. “The complex problems that exist today will need their combined expertise to arrive at solutions that utilize all of their skills, from scientific discovery, to marketing, to data analysis, to behavioral trends.

“And, as important as those technical skills are, as a Lasallian Catholic university, character and virtue is always at the forefront of all that we do. We provide

Jordan Modjeski ’22

our students with both cutting edge, relevant skills, as well as the ethical foundation necessary to truly change the world. And they won’t gain those skills from lectures alone. This groundbreaking and dynamic building was constructed for experiential learning, experimentation, and interactive collaboration in order to seek, understand, embrace, and stand up for the truth.”

In addition to the nursing facility, Aquinas Hall (formerly known as the Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman and Brother Charles Halls) includes the Anthony B’59 and Sandra Adducci Family Makerspace, the home of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, a partner suite, simulation and control rooms, a debrief room, and hands-on labs and classrooms.

Story is continued on page 12 •

Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Student musicians shared their talent with dedication guests.

9 The Adducci family gets a tour of the makerspace.

INNOVATION

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

De La Salle Christian Brothers Terrace

10

Finance Lab

Nursing Suite

Anthony B'59 and Sandra Adducci Family Makerspace

APPLICATION Students designed and produced stained glass panels under the guidance of Garrick Holey from Willet Hauser.

Assistant professor Matt Klosky gives a demonstration to students in the Anthony B’59 and Sandra Adducci Family Makerspace.

Sister Agnes Mary Graves, RSM, DNP works with students in the nursing suite.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Students using the De La Salle Christian Brothers Terrace have the best view on campus.

11

INNOVATION Father Burns went on to explain that it’s fitting the newly renovated building be named Aquinas Hall after the Catholic theologian, philosopher, and priest who is the patron saint of students — and who spent his entire life seeking truth through knowledge.

It also marks Saint Thomas’s return to the university, as what is now known as Vlazny Hall was once known as Aquinas Hall.

A new recognition wall inside Aquinas Hall continues to celebrate longtime educators Brother Charles Severin and Dr. John Hoffman, for whom the building was named for several decades.

Terry Russell, chair of Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees, spoke to the collaboration of benefactors and friends. Because of their generosity, Saint Mary’s has been able to complete three major construction projects in the past five years.

“God answers our prayers and so do you,” he told the crowd at the dedication. “Thank you to everyone who has made this glorious day possible for our students, who will directly benefit from this magnificent building.”

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Sister Agnes Mary Graves, RSM, DNP, director and inaugural Jack and Mary Ann Remick Chair of Nursing, said the Minnesota Board of Nursing was impressed by Saint Mary’s dedicated benefactor and philanthropic support.

12

“They told us this is the most supportive community they had ever encountered on a site visit. And it was that collaborative spirit they really admired,” she said, adding, “The generosity of our benefactors is certainly visible in this building. The future fruits of their investments will one day become evident as our students go out and transform the nursing profession and the healthcare system using the skills and values they learn here.

“These gifts allow us to live out and realize the mission of Saint Mary’s to awaken, nurture, and empower our graduates so they can be servants and

Pictured left (top to bottom): Mike B’73 and Sally (Weldon) B’74 Cannon; Roger B’67 and Elaine Haydock; Jerry B’62 and Pat Papenfuss; Chuck B’70 and Connie Schrup; William and Patricia Fiss and Jerry B’69 Colletti.

Pictured right (top to bottom): Zack B’11 and Jessica (Adducci) B’12 Cizek with Jess’s parents Debbie and Mike B’87 Adducci; Andrew Guzzo from Merchants Bank with School of Business and Technology Dean Michelle Weiser, Ph.D.; Matthew Jon Smithmier, Betty Kabara, and Lisa Pollock; Dr. Marilyn Frost, surrounded by benefactors and friends.

ethical leaders, women and men of character and integrity, in the region and in the world.”

R Recognizing those with named spaces in the building, thanks to their own and others’ generosity: • The Anthony B’59 and Sandra Adducci Family Makerspace • The Conway Cannon-Weldon Student Learning Commons • The WNB Financial External Partner Suite • The Merchants Bank Seminar Room • The Dr. Jon B’48 and Betty Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies Office Suite • The Roger S. B’67 and Elaine Haydock Center • The De La Salle Christian Brothers Terrace, made possible by Marni (Haydock) Bond B’90 • The Jerry V. B’62 and Pat Papenfuss Multi-media Lab

• Collegial Faculty Offices in honor of Joseph J. Elston B’51; Colletti-Fiss LLC; Charles J. Fiss; William ’41 and Barbara Schuler; and Dr. Marilyn Frost.

We are grateful as well for additional office spaces made possible by the generosity of Gregory B’74 and Catherine (Trusk) B’76 Stevens in honor of Brother Ambrose Trusk, FSC B’43 and Brother Jerome Rademacher, FSC B’58. Thank you to everyone who made gifts toward these named spaces; your generosity will live on in this building. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

• The learning commons spaces named in honor of James L. B’69 and Marianne Coogan and Charles J. B’70 and Connie Schrup

13

INNOVATION

DIXON WORKING FOR HUMAN DIGNITY As he stepped into the newly created position of vice president for inclusion and human dignity this past summer, Leon Dixon said he’s not one to shy away from a challenge.

He is committed to advancing Saint Mary’s goal to develop and foster a more inclusive university community that emphasizes human dignity.

“Anywhere you go, universities exist to serve the students,” he said. “So that's why I'm here — to serve them.”

A particularly meaningful title

At many colleges and universities, and other industries for that matter, similar roles hold the title of diversity, equity, and inclusion officer. For Dixon, having the words “human dignity” in his title is crucial.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

“Usually, chief diversity officers deal a lot with demographics and try to make sure demographic needs are accommodated for and accounted for.

Well, our students, our society deserve more than just demographic treatment. We're more than just figures to check off in a box,” he said.

14

Dixon says in today’s society, diversity, equity, and inclusion can be “loaded words” that can lead to fractures among people. However, he says people can’t disagree when speaking about human dignity.

“Human dignity, that’s a God-given right. It’s not a mandated right; it’s not written in by law. This is something that God mandates — that everybody is treated with dignity and respect. You can’t divide that,” he said. “I don’t care what faith you practice … We all believe that.”

A year of pain and division

Discussions of inclusion and diversity have become more prevalent, and more sensitive in the past year after high-profile killings of Black men and women at the hands of law enforcement, as well as the evidence pointing to vast disparities in everything from health care to jobs to the economic impact witnessed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Dixon sees the current climate as an opportunity to lean into dialogue and change.

“I really believe the only way you address these kinds of conversations, these kinds of issues, is to actually have conversations,” Dixon said. “Once we get to that place where we feel as though we have to voice our opinion, whether it's in the affirmative or the negative, it's still a good place to be, because that's where the learning comes.”

Dixon says the discussions and exchange of opinions has to be continual for sustainable change to happen.

“You know, your opinion is yours, and you can get mad and be like a kid on the playground, ‘I’m taking my stuff and going home.’ But as long as you come back to the playground again tomorrow, that’s what is most important, because sooner or later, we’re going to get past the emotional part and really get into who and what the conversation should be about and who we want to be.”

Being mindful of the past year can be a way to continue to move the conversation forward, Dixon said.

“What it does give us is an opportunity to actually have a conversation about how we can prevent

this from happening again. How can we recognize and lift up those who are feeling marginalized? How can we find a way for law enforcement and communities of color and communities of low economic means to coexist? We need systems of law and order for a society to function … but we also need law enforcement to work with people they are serving instead of controlling them.”

Leon Dixon

Building a more inclusive campus and university

Building a hospitable university can take many shapes, but Dixon says having a community that is close and intentional in its actions is vital.

Adhering to the school’s Lasallian Catholic tradition, which places an emphasis on concern for the marginalized and social justice, will also play a role in conversations about inclusion and human dignity.

“We’re Lasallian Catholics, it’s not an either or proposition,” Dixon said. “At the end of the day, we’re all guided by the Holy Spirit that keeps us moving and pushes us forward.”

He believes most people in the university community are not afraid of changes that may need to be made.

“That’s a beautiful place to be in, because so often we know change is hard on most people,” Dixon said.

“That makes my job easier. But more importantly, it creates an environment so these conversations can be the catalyst for what we can become.

“However, to be successful, everybody in the university community needs to take part in the work. When we do inclusion work on campus, it’s important that everybody knows they have a stake

in this. While your background or demographic profile are important, every person comes with a unique and particular history. All of these aspects of each person’s life are necessary ingredients for a vibrant and hospitable community where all are welcome and supported,” Dixon said.

To implement change, Dixon is in the process of engaging the entire university community. “I need to hear firsthand where the problem areas are, or where the opportunity for growth is, or just what everybody is feeling,” Dixon said.

Measures of success

How students discuss their experiences at Saint Mary’s will be the best way to gauge whether the environment is inclusive.

“What we don’t want is that statement where (students) say, ‘This isn’t the place for me because I don’t feel valued or respected …’ And it can be just one student and we fail. These are things I don’t ever want to hear. These are the things that are non-negotiables,” Dixon said. “I'm here to help create an environment where we can all thrive.

“If any student ever feels they don’t belong for reasons other than being homesick, we’ve got to work harder. I’ve got to work harder.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

“We’ve got a lot to do, we have a long way to go, but we have to start somewhere,” Dixon said. “And it starts with us being intentional about our actions, intentional about conversations, and intentional about building a better place.”

15

INNOVATION

READING THE DATA Data analytics might be made up of numbers, but ask Ellyn Vranicar M’20 and she’ll tell you it is really all about storytelling.

“Collecting and consuming data doesn’t mean anything if you can’t clearly visualize it to derive insights and tell a story that will ultimately make an impact,” says Vranicar, the manager of data analytics and reporting at Grainger in Lake Forest, Ill., North America’s leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products.

At Grainger, Vranicar works with finance departments across the company to collect their data and present the information in a clear, concise way that enables the departments to use datadriven decision making. She oversees a team of data visualization developers who create visual representations of data and trends, thereby empowering other members of the company in their decision making.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

When it seems like there is an overwhelming amount of information to share with her partner departments, Vranicar falls back on a philosophy she learned as a student in Saint Mary’s M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics program: Keep it simple.

16

“Saint Mary’s has taught me a lot about communication strategies. For example, less is more. Simple really goes a long way — it is easy for end users to understand and interpret with minimal to no learning curves, which ultimately leads to high adoption rates,” says Vranicar, who heard about the Saint Mary’s program from her cousin, who had come across it in his own work in higher education.

“I always knew that I wanted to get my master’s, but I was never really sure what I wanted to get it in. I

knew I didn’t want to pursue one just to get it. My cousin told me about this program, the master’s in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics at Saint Mary’s, because he knew that’s where my passion was,” she says. “My cousin raved about the program and the program director, Michael Ratajczyk B’03, M’05, and his passion in creating this program and continuously improving it. I signed up for the program literally the next day, in spring 2019.”

Vranicar graduated from the University of Iowa in 2012 with an undergraduate degree in finance and a minor in Spanish. She chose a career in data analytics because she saw potential in the growing field, and the Saint Mary’s program was the ideal complement to her day job. At the time, she was working as a senior client consultant at Donlen, a vehicle fleet leasing and management company

Vranicar is based in the Chicagoland area and did not have to leave home to earn her master’s degree, because the Saint Mary’s program is entirely virtual.

“I really felt a sense of flexibility, because many of us in the program had full-time jobs and families and many other responsibilities while taking these classes,” she says. “So that was definitely part of my decision making [in choosing Saint Mary’s].”

Vranicar also appreciated the emphasis on real-world business scenarios in each of her courses, and the opportunity to interact with her remote classmates and provide each other with feedback. “It wasn’t just about the technology and the analytics. It always had a communication component to it, which is critical in today’s world,” she says. “A good portion of the work that you did in each of these courses was participating with your

I really felt a sense of flexibility, because many of us in the program had full-time jobs and families and many other responsibilities while taking these classes.

Ellyn Vranicar M’20

classmates, giving your perspective and gaining their perspective. It was a virtual environment — we were all across the country — but it didn’t feel that way.”

Gathering different perspectives is essential to how Vranicar leads her team at Grainger, and she says she loves the opportunities for creativity and problem solving that each day on the job brings.

“Within our team, we all approach problems differently, which has proven really helpful and successful in the work that we do. It allows us to brainstorm solutions with various approaches and ultimately move forward with a product that is going to be the best solution,” she says. “In leading our team, for me, it’s encouraging creativity, out-ofthe-box ideas and solutions. It’s OK to fail, which allows us to learn from those opportunities and improve upon new ones. My favorite thing about being a people leader, which I’ve only been for just over two years now, is the coaching, mentoring, and helping my team members grow, develop and learn new skills, and advance their career.”

With all the supply chain issues caused by the pandemic, there is more demand than ever for the expertise from Vranicar and other data analytics experts. And amid the uncertainty, she’s sticking to the keep it simple philosophy she learned at Saint Mary’s.

“Across industries, things that previously arrived the next day or in a couple days could now take one, two weeks, or longer. The demand is greater than the supply,” she says. “Companies are leveraging their analytics to drive business decisions and to flex, given the supply chain disruptions. What I’ve learned is that, many times you might be sharing an end product with individuals who are not as analytical as you are and sticking to the basic visualizations will be more well-received, because it's easy to interpret. There's no learning curve and users really can focus on the findings.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

based in Bannockburn, Ill., where she analyzed data and metrics to improve efficiency and costsaving measures. She started working at Grainger in October 2019, before graduating from Saint Mary’s in December 2020.

17

INNOVATION

A VOICE FOR IMMIGRANTS Abdurrahman Mahmud (who also goes

by Abdu Rahman) B’19 doesn’t often talk about his young life as a refugee in Dadaab, Kenya. He’s worked hard to build a life beyond the trauma and feels it doesn’t do any good to look back. Yet, in many ways, hidden in this past, is the reason Mahmud has dedicated his life to helping others.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Born right before Somalia’s civil war, Mahmud was only 1 year old when the country collapsed.

In need of help, his mother carried him 700 kilometers before arriving at a refugee camp where he spent the next six years of his life. He remembers being ill as a child, suffering from asthma, malnutrition, and other chronic illnesses.

18

Perhaps this is why he first sought a career in clinical nursing. During his final year of college, Mahmud worked for the Ethiopian government and was sent to clinic outposts in rural areas. “I realized the problem deep down in my life — the trauma — wasn’t an issue that a doctor deals with,” he said. “It involved things you can work on at a community level. Public health was a new trend at that time. I realized I can do more in the public health world than in the clinical world.”

For the next few years in Africa, he worked in the public health sector for INGOs (international non-governmental organizations) funded by the UN — including training TBA (traditional birth attendants) with Bemoc (basic emergency obstetric care), educating populations about preventing AIDS, HIV, and female genital mutilation. He immigrated to the U.S. when he was 25.

People need to feel seen and heard and feel cared for.

I want to show the world stories that are not seen, heard, or cared enough about.

Abdurrahman Mahmud B’19

In Minnesota, he struggled for nearly two years to find comparable work.

“Before I came here, I had been a field manager.

But here, I didn’t know how the system worked, and employers didn’t know how to understand my background,” he said. “They didn’t know my educational background and were unfamiliar with the names of my previous employers, and I couldn’t get a job. I had managed grants, funds, teams. I just wanted to do the work.”

After 18 months of working various labor positions, he was hired for a part-time position educating the African community in Minnesota about HIV, largely because the man who hired him was himself African. “He knew the names and knew they were big employers,” Mahmud said.

From that connection, came more connections and more jobs. Mahmud realized the key was both networking and having employers see the results of his work.

And he realized he could help the larger Minneapolis metro immigrant population also

struggling to find employment comparable to their skill levels. “They feel such despair and end up in labor jobs,” he said. “They’re accountants and lawyers. They needed a place that puts people together.”

Abdurrahman Mahmud B’19

In 2018, he started Twinist (www.twinist. com), an online resource to connect immigrant citizens with professional jobs and employers who want to diversify their teams. Although it was designed as a resource for immigrants, Mahmud stresses the site is free and available to everyone.

Currently, several job seekers have profiles on the site, and an average of 70 jobs are posted monthly.

The site receives 10,000 visitors each month.

Mahmud further became an immigrant advocate in Minneapolis. He founded the City of Nations Storytelling Studio, sponsored by Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, to empower local residents to be advocates for their own health care and to create a dialogue about important timely issues.

His studio produces films and healing circles, and he focuses on taboo topics, specifically mental health, substance abuse, and reproductive education especially sex education, which are often interconnected, in order to address persistent health disparities. His work also expanded to a focus on Lake Street after the murder of George Floyd spurred rioting and mass destruction in that area.

“I’m creating a documentary film about the stories of Black immigrants who lost businesses because of the riots,” he said. “Ninety percent of businesses that were destroyed were immigrant- owned businesses. That’s a narrative that is not public.”

Several individuals chose not to be filmed or photographed, fearing retribution. “There’s a lot of mistrust in the community,” he said. “The purpose was to tell us what happened. Tell it to the world.”

The film, which will be shown at Mixed Blood Theatre this spring, will also travel as needed.

Mahmud said if individuals have the space and the audience, he will bring the film to them in order to share these important stories.

“My studio focuses on these taboos and current issues in this community,” he said. “People need to feel seen and heard and feel cared for. I want to show the world stories that are not seen, heard, or cared enough about.”

Mahmud believes Saint Mary’s does a good job in assisting diverse and immigrant populations.

When he found his previous bachelor’s degree fell just short of what he needed to continue his graduate studies, he found Saint Mary’s Healthcare and Human Services Management bachelor’s completion program and graduated in 2019. “Saint Mary’s was convenient, and people I knew had recommended it,” he said. “I had a good experience and learned things that were helpful to my career, particularly in working with communities.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Users can create profiles, upload résumés, and apply to positions. [Twinist also publishes a bilingual magazine that educates African-born Minnesotans about the services and products of Minnesota-based employers, organizations, and companies.]

19

INNOVATION

REMOVING THE OPTION TO FAIL As principal of Sunrise Park Middle School in White Bear Lake, Minn., Christina Pierre C’05, C’10, D’16 deals with a lot of paperwork, personnel, policy revisions, and budgets.

Never losing sight that learning is the No. 1 priority of her work, Pierre believes it’s incredibly important to carve out time to investigate organizational development changes that better meet the needs of her sixth- through eighth-grade students.

“I wish my entire job was about this,” she said.

“Working together to move education forward is absolutely critical.”

One outcome of these discussions has been making headlines. This past fall Pierre and her school changed their grading system, replacing the “F” with an “I.” In short, she explains that an “I,” which stands for incomplete, still means students aren’t passing, but it also means they still have more work to do.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

“A grade is a form of communication,” she said.

“It should communicate what a student knows

20

In the end, what I expect to see is test scores going up because they’re engaging in learning more.

Christina Pierre C’05, C’10, D’16

and nothing else. We wanted to make that communication as clear as possible. We don’t ever want students to wonder, ‘How did I get that grade?’ and ‘How to make changes to it if I’m not satisfied?’ ” Students are encouraged to retake tests and quizzes to better their grades and learn the content instead of giving up.

It was also part of their goal, according to Pierre, to take behavior out of grades. Grading no longer reflects classroom misbehavior or tardiness.

“Grades should be about learning. We can address behavior in other ways,” she said.

Another change at Sunrise Park Middle School, the new grading scale now bottoms out at 50%.

Pierre explains, “When you look at a scale, we’re used to the 10 percentage range for grades: ‘A’s are 90 and above, ‘B’s are 80 and above, etc. An ‘F’ (or an ‘I’) is so much bigger than all the other ranges, from 0 to 59, so when averaging, it’s weighted a lot more than with those other grades.

To rebalance the ‘I’ with the same weight, we needed to have a 50 percent floor.”

Not everyone was a fan of the change. Some opponents argued that the school is being too easy on their students and isn’t holding students accountable enough. Pierre counteracts with, “There’s more accountability this way because the message is ‘You still have work to do.’ ” “What I see from students is the recognition that they still have a responsibility,” she said. “When their grade isn’t what they want it to be, they still have the ability to change it. It isn’t just, ‘I got a

And, she said, no student who truly wants to learn will be left behind when subsequent tests build off of the previous chapters or units. While this change doesn’t affect A and B students as much, it can especially help those on the margins, particularly those who become discouraged and drop out of school.

Pierre knows first-hand how beneficial this change in mindset can be. She began her education career as a math teacher for 11 years in middle school and high school before becoming an associate principal and then principal at Sunrise Park seven years ago.

“I love the process of learning, and I love making it happen for other people, whether children or adults,” she said. “It’s very humbling, and it’s an honor to be part of something as life-changing as learning is.”

It was Saint Mary’s Lasallian Catholic mission of making education accessible to everyone that drew her to Saint Mary’s for her principal’s license. After a great experience, she returned to obtain her Ed.D. “I felt like Saint Mary’s was very welcoming and provided the knowledge I was looking for.

I absolutely loved the experience,” she said. “I found the classes challenging, and the Ed.D. program prepared me for my position as a leader.

I learned about working with a wide range of voices, appreciating differences, and bringing lots of different perspectives together and finding ways to move forward. As a school leader, I need all of that.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

bad grade, and I’m not understanding, but let’s move on.’ Students know that if they don’t like it, they can do the revision process and can relearn the material and do a retake before the end of the quarter. The learning is in their hands. We’re not going to stop them from learning because they already took the test. But they need to do their part. There’s an increase in accountability for students. It’s actually the opposite of giving everyone a participation award. We’re giving everyone more responsibility. In the end, what I expect to see is test scores going up because they’re engaging in learning more.”

21

INNOVATION

LIBERAL ARTS IN ACTION When Armando Salgado B’14 graduated from Saint Mary’s, he planned on utilizing his psychology major to either become a clinical counselor or to attend medical school and become a psychologist.

Then, he says, life happened.

Instead, Salgado married his college sweetheart, Danielle Pues B’15, had three beautiful children, earned an M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and built a successful career in the sales industry over the past eight years, the last five in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. About a year ago he became an immunology specialist with Janssen Biotech, the pharmaceutical company of Johnson & Johnson.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Salgado specializes on a gastroenterology biologics portfolio within Janssen’s Immunology Division. He educates medical professionals on the latest infusion therapies for patients who suffer from these debilitating diseases.

22

“I specialize in the therapeutic area for irritable bowel disease, where there is no cure, but every therapy treats a patient differently to get them into remission,” he said.

“I’m passionate about this. My grandmother had Crohn’s disease, and I saw how debilitating it was.

When I was younger, these therapies didn’t exist.

It’s part of my passion to be in this role to help

Armando said his career may not have gone the way he originally planned, but in addition to fulfilling his dream of helping others, he’s finding that the skills he learned obtaining a liberal arts degree at Saint Mary’s — and as one of Saint Mary’s inaugural First Generation Scholars — come into play every day.

“The liberal arts education and content prepared me for what happened in the real world,” he said. “Life throws real situations at you. Getting married and having kids at such an early age made me have to pivot and utilize all those assets in other ways. All those soft skills are definitely coming into play.”

The idea of pairing business, science, and psychology with interdisciplinary study — as Saint Mary’s has done within Aquinas Hall on the Winona Campus — makes sense to him as it’s the three disciplines he utilizes in his current position.

“Psychology is applicable to any field where you interact with humans and behaviors,” he said, adding that earlier in his career, he worked directly with psychiatrists, and being able to speak knowledgeably about disease states to his customers was beneficial.

As a business administration and management minor, Salgado said he learned how to read a room and obtain the information needed for his clients.

Additionally, he obtained a background in analytics, specifically looking at business and marketing trends and strategizing messages accordingly.

And, although, he admits science may not have been his strength at Saint Mary’s, the study skills he learned as an FGI Scholar with memory tips have been very helpful when he needs to launch a new therapy or device and has four weeks of training to learn the science behind what he’s promoting.

For Salgado, his position also gives him a great deal of autonomy. “You get a territory, and it’s your job to grow it, so that’s the best part,” he said. “I’m the only rep in this territory, in charge of 80 customers, and I am the face of Janssen Pharmaceuticals for them. I’m the CEO of my own territory. I don’t have a corporate business office. I’m in the field, driving from customer to customer (both larger medical institutions but also private practices), so every day is different and new.”

And he has more time to spend with his wife and family, including Armando III (age 4), Viviana (age 2), and Camila (7 months).

When Salgado looks back at his years at Saint Mary’s, it’s natural many of his memories revolve around his wife, whom he met as a sophomore.

“Next would be the faith component,” he said. “I don’t think my faith would be where it is today if it wasn’t for Saint Mary’s. It was important to me to go somewhere with similar values my families had and the values I wanted my family to have in the future. I also think about the relationships that were built.”

Salgado said he had also been accepted into Michigan State, but once he learned he had obtained the First Generation Initiative Scholarship to attend Saint Mary’s tuition-free, there was no question he would attend Saint Mary’s.

“At the time, I was oblivious to its actual significance.

I understood it was a free college education, and obviously that is important, but I took for granted all of the resources they provided,” he said.

“Looking back, FGI was a support system, not just about providing free college tuition and study hall assistance. It’s a community there to make sure you're not only getting into the program but also succeeding throughout the program.

It’s a program that is breaking the statistics of failing rates of minorities in college, and I hope it continues to grow.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

these patients. Science and therapy have advanced a long way.”

23

INNOVATION

DIGITAL BADGES LEAD TO JOB OFFERS When Shauna Spencer M’21, C’21 was first told Saint Mary’s was offering her a digital badge to recognize the graduate certificate she had earned as part of her master’s degree at Saint Mary’s University, she wasn’t sure what to think.

“It was cool to get an email saying that I had this badge and that I could print out my certificate,” Spencer said. “But my initial thought was ‘What else does it do?’”

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

At Saint Mary’s, graduate students are offered digital badges as a graphic verification representing their achievement after completing a specific online course or program. The badges can then be added to a résumé, portfolio website, or LinkedIn and other social media to draw attention to what they’ve learned.

24

Shauna Spencer M’21, C’21

it didn’t take Spencer long to find a new job with Children’s Minnesota. And she says her education from Saint Mary’s, combined with the digital badges, played a role in the career move.

“When I was talking to the person who is now my supervisor, he said, ‘By the way, I noticed all these badges or certificates that you received from Saint Mary’s, can you tell me a little bit more about those?,’” she said. “They’re really a great conversation starter.”

Most of those conversations about the badges aren’t even started by her. “It’s usually the recruiter or the person interviewing me who asks about them,” she said.

To Spencer, the badges give recruiters and hiring managers a quick look into what students have learned while in the classroom.

“You can always say you got a master’s degree from a Now, with six badges added to her résumé and certain program, but employers want to know more LinkedIn profile, the M.S. in Business Intelligence about that program’s content,” Spencer said. “Digital and Data Analytics graduate says she understands the badging allows you to stand out, because it shows a value of the digital credential. software engineering or specific analytics class you may Like many students in the Schools of Graduate and have taken and succeeded in.”

Professional Programs, Spencer sought out Saint As someone who has seen the benefits of digital badging, Mary’s for its flexibility in allowing her to continue she encourages any Saint Mary’s students or graduates her career while earning a degree. who have accumulated the credentials to take advantage “Working and learning on the job, along with of them. obtaining a formal education was super important, “I just think it’s a great way to differentiate yourself from and Saint Mary’s allowed me to do that,” she said. other competitors when you’re looking for a position or even looking for a promotion,” she said. “They’re just a After finishing her master’s program in business intelligence and data analytics in September 2021, great way for you as an individual to stand out.” •

GET NOTICED

→

In 2021, Saint Mary’s launched 87 digital badges through a partnership agreement with Credly, and although we’re just getting started, we’re already seeing the benefits of these visual credentials.

The best outcome is that our alumni are landing jobs because their badges are getting noticed on platforms like LinkedIn.

How it works: • Saint Mary’s teaches students the knowledge, skills, and values they need and provides them with experiences to excel.

• Students then use the badges to showcase the skills desired most by employers, acknowledge their achievements, and improve their marketability.

• Employers looking for trusted sources of talent are coming to know that Saint Mary’s badges showcase potential employees with verified skills that match their job requirements.

Jonathan Bruesch, a recent M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics graduate, was transitioning into business analytics from another field, and his digital badge helped him get noticed by the right employers.

“Once the badges came out, I shared them all on LinkedIn and developed my LinkedIn content to showcase them,” he said. “The badges clearly showed prospective employers how job-ready I was and I landed a job at Vanco because of them.”

Additional benefits of badging to Saint Mary’s include brand awareness (with free social media impressions), increased retention, widespread recognition for course and degree accomplishments, and increased demand for programs that teach the skills students desire.

We can also signal to employers that our programs align with in-demand skills in the marketplace. Should they be searching for continuing education for their own employees, they can turn to us. And we can connect graduates to opportunities for continuing education at Saint Mary’s.

We’ve issued 3,616 credentials to date with a 54 percent share rate, resulting in 3,007 page views.

Expansion plans include expanding to all graduate programs and potentially also to undergraduate programs. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Saint Mary’s is committed to your success by providing you with the tools necessary to not only achieve your professional goals, but to share them with the world — especially the digital world.

25

INNOVATION

THE NEW NORMAL OF WORKING REMOTE Now almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, we have experienced many “new normals.”

From masking in public, opting for takeout instead of dining out, and using Zoom to gather with friends and family, many of us have learned to adapt to pandemic life.

Another “new normal” that many have experienced since March 2020 is remote work. In May of 2020, when remote work was at its highest, 35%

of American workers were working from home, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And while that number has changed throughout the pandemic, it’s likely that this “new normal” will be one that will remain, according to Amy Jauman, former program director for (and current instructor in) the M.A. in Human Resource Management at Saint Mary’s.

The current status of remote work

Throughout the pandemic, those following headlines regularly saw companies pushing back the dates they planned to bring their employees back to the office, with some announcing plans to remain remote even after the pandemic.

Jauman says this could continue to play out as long as the pandemic remains, especially with the rise of different variants.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

“We’re seeing employers that are being smart enough to press pause and recognize, that when they had to on a dime, their employees were able to work remotely, still get their work done, and still be productive,” she said.

26

One of the biggest advantages of remote work is the work-life balance it can provide for employees.

Amy Jauman

Pros and cons of remote work Like any topic, remote work has its pros and cons. However, Jauman, who has previously done consulting work regarding the topic of remote work, will tell you the pros outweigh the cons.

Jauman says one of the biggest advantages of remote work is the work-life balance it can provide for employees.

“What most people talk about is the idea that they don't have to figure out that commute or the idea that they can pop out of the office for half an hour to pick their kids up or drop their kids off from school. It just has opened up so many opportunities that, without even us really realizing it, have given employees a fuller, richer life outside of work, which makes them more productive, and even just happier with their dayto-day job,” she said.

For employers, the biggest benefits of remote work are typically financial, according to Jauman. She says when companies began sending their employees home during the pandemic, employers began realizing they didn’t need to pay for massive portions of office buildings or other resources they were using when employees were in the office.

When it comes to the downsides of remote work, Jauman says a lack of communication and the risk of missing opportunities is often at the top of the list. She says that when management is able to see workers on a day-to-day basis, they are able to better understand what their employees do and the contributions they make to an organization, which in turn helps employees with advancement in the workplace.

Areas to perfect

While many companies are seeing benefits to a remote work model, Jauman says there are still some challenges organizations will have to overcome.

She says the biggest hurdle is finding ways to offer informal gatherings and continuing education as it relates to the job.

“Organizations are still struggling with how to maintain camaraderie and team building. And right now, a lot of people are so tired of being online. The idea of a virtual happy hour or virtual training, one more reason to spend more hours staring at a computer screen, for a lot of people is really unappealing,” she said. “So right now, we’re really in this place of everyone trying to figure that out.”

Is remote work here to stay?

Despite some drawbacks, Jauman says she sees remote work remaining well after the pandemic.

She says one of the biggest incentives for employers to continue to institute a remote work model after the pandemic is the fact that remote work boosts the potential for recruiting and hiring.

“Employers realized that there were all these opportunities that would, with a small modification in their work environment, allow them to hire people who were a better fit for the role, not just a fit within a zip code,” she said.

With many employees proving they’ve been able to work remotely, Jauman also foresees workers asking for at least the option to work remotely.

“More and more employees are going to be stepping forward and saying, ‘Hear what I'm saying, trust that I know how to make good choices, and don't force me to do something like come into an office and sit in a specific place to do the same work I could do anywhere else.’” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

By pressing pause, Jauman says companies have been able to receive input from their employees and test different ways to safely bring employees back to the workplace.

27

INNOVATION

PHYSICIAN TO OLYMPIANS Born and raised on the Mississippi River in Winona, Dr. Heather Cichanowski, a 1995 graduate of Saint Mary’s and lifelong athlete, grew up testing the capabilities of her body. She competed in swimming, biking, and naturally — as the daughter of Mike Cichanowski, founder of Wenonah Canoe — canoeing.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

But her primary sport and passion was cross country skiing, a love also instilled in her by her father, who is competing in his 43rd American Birkebeiner this year. (The love for skiing also extended to Heather’s older sister Amy Cichanowski, a 1992 graduate of Saint Mary’s, who now serves as executive director of the Minnesota Youth Ski League.)

28

As a young cross Heather Cichanowski country skier, Heather B’95 Cichanowski glided down the hills, her lungs expanding with the brisk icy air, while dreaming of one day racing on an Olympic team.

In February she came as close to the Olympic action as possible without donning skis, as she served as

team physician to the U.S. Olympic Cross Country Ski Team in Beijing, China.

There was no big “ah-ha” moment that drove Cichanowski to study medicine. Instead, it was a series of small ones.

It was Cichanowski’s own athletic experiences and injuries that narrowed and inspired her career path. “It was just one of those things,” she said. “When I was younger, I was always interested in first aid, physiology, and anatomy.

I just always gravitated to wanting to know how the body worked and functioned, and that, coupled with my sporting background and interest, made primary care sports medicine a good fit.”

A major in biology at Saint Mary’s, Cichanowski lists Brother Jerome Rademacher, FSC B’58, among her favorite professors, not only for his physics classes but because he, too, loved to ski and is one of the people credited with starting the ski trails that run throughout Saint Mary’s Winona Campus — the

same trails Mike Cichanowski and the Winona Nordic Ski Club have supported and utilized for decades.

As medical director of Women’s Sports Medicine, at Tria Orthopedics in Woodbury, Minn., (where she’s worked the past 16 years), her goal is to help guide her clients back to the sports and activities they love and provide the tools they need to prevent re-injury.

Combining her love of sports medicine and her competitive spirit, she began volunteering as a traveling team physician with the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team about 10 years ago. To qualify for the position, she underwent the background check, provided letters of recommendation, and met board certification guidelines and other strict requirements of U.S. Ski and Snowboard. As part of her role, she has traveled with the team to one of their World Cup competitions in Europe each year.

Then, this past May, she was asked to be their head physician. “And that’s what opened the doorway to go to big events, such as the Olympics,” she said.

“I went as a spectator to the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics, but now I’m serving in more of an official capacity, which is a dream come true.”

As head physician, Cichanowski became more intimately associated with the team, attending team camps, helping with yearly physicals, and being involved with team meetings with the rest of the high-performance team members.

Heather Cichanowski B’95 is also in the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame.

“What’s nice is we had a top-notch sports dietitian and tremendous coaching staff, so my focus was on the medicine part,” she said. “Even just a small, simple cold can really affect their performance. It’s about getting good sleep and good eating habits, good advice for all of us.”

Cichanowski said there was much to learn about her expanded role, particularly all the COVID-19 protocols to follow.

“Really, the main goal was to be there for the athletes, be a resource for them, and keep them healthy,” she said. “I was there to help figure it out. There was a Beijing Organizing Medical Community and a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee also bringing resources over. Part of my role was, if somebody needed something, to figure out where to go.”

And, there’s no doubt, Cichanowski cheered on the U.S. team — including Minnesota's own Jessie Diggins — to bring home the gold. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

After graduation, she attended medical school at the University of Minnesota.

Her subsequent family medicine residency with another U of M program was followed by a sports medicine fellowship through the Hennepin County Medical Center.

29

HERITAGE AND MISSION

FRENCH FAMILY LEGACY A member of the French family will have been enrolled at Saint Mary’s nearly consecutively from 1986 to 2026.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

They’ve completed both undergraduate and graduate degrees; they’ve been involved in music, theatre, athletics, musical variety shows and more; they’ve witnessed buildings constructed and demolished; they remember four different university presidents; and they’ve majored in different subjects. Yet, as different as their experiences have been, they say they’re all proud to share a common Cardinal connection.

30

The family legacy began with biology major Amy (Keen) French B’90 who, after graduating from Cotter High School in Winona, wanted to continue her Catholic education close to home. Her sister, Ann Keen B’94, followed and majored in theatre.

Amy’s husband Bob French completed a master’s degree in telecommunications in 1997.

The next generation included Amy and Bob’s children: Sam B’19, who majored in psychology; Jacob B’21, who majored in social studies education (and is currently getting his master’s in curriculum and instruction), and David B’21 who studied

David B’21 and Jacob B’21 French with grandparents John and Judie Keen.

Judie also worked at Saint Mary’s for more than 10 years in the library.

The French family gathers for Sam’s graduation. Sam B’19, in the center, is surrounded by his parents, Amy (Keen) B’90 and Bob M’97 French on either side; brothers, David B’21, Noah ’21, and Jacob B’21; sister Alison ’26; and his grandparents.

Career preparation

“Dick Kowles shaped my career,” Amy said. “I did research with him for three years, which was instrumental in me getting a job. I owe my career to him. He gave those tests where you had to understand the material and couldn’t just memorize the material. You had to take what you knew and apply it.”

After graduation Amy got a job at Mayo Clinic in genetics. “I have done cancer research for almost 30 years, have authored or co-authored over 60 papers, including in the journals of Nature and New England journal of medicine,” she said. “I

have presented my work at national conferences.

The education I received led to my post graduate education and achieving a master’s degree in biomedical science. I am currently employed at Mayo Clinic as a senior research technologist by the department of laboratory medicine and pathology and do cancer research.”

Ann has had a variety of jobs and careers since Saint Mary’s and credits the theatre department for providing the skills and confidence she’s needed for them all, from founding a nonprofit theatre company to owning 360 Flavor and Spice, a custom blend store, and from serving as the venue director at Chicago Union Station to working for JP Morgan Chase. “The Lasallian mission of being of service and getting to know people can apply anywhere,” she said. “The biggest guiding principal Saint Mary’s taught me was to carry

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

business management and history. Youngest sibling Alison is committed to starting in 2022 and has been accepted into the physician assistant program.

On top of all that, Sam married Erin (Budin) B’20, who is also part of her own legacy family. And the legacy also extends to cousins.

31

HERITAGE AND MISSION my ideas and principles to every job and that will always yield success.”

David is currently working at Fastenal Company as the associate supplier development manager in lighting and electrical. “Saint Mary’s helped me tremendously in my career preparation,” he said. “I attribute the ease of working in a corporate setting to the discussions and presentations that gave me the tools of communicating and critically thinking to solve business problems.” He particularly credits his business “strategies” course because it culminated in a high stakes final presentation that utilized everything he had learned in the business program. “It really taught me intellectual grit and challenged me on how to think on my feet,” he said.

Erin, currently teaching band for the La CrescentHokah School District, said getting out into the field as early as her sophomore year as an education major and having three years of being immersed in the schools helped her prepare for her career. She had the added challenge of student teaching during the pandemic.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Involvement and opportunities

32

Erin and Sam first met while playing music together. They, David, and Jacob all participated in various music ensembles on campus.

Jacob and David were both on the baseball team.

One of David’s favorite memories is when the baseball team won the MIAC tournament in 2021.

“Working through all the adversities of COVID-19, from 2020 our season being canceled in the spring to the challenges of being on campus in 2020-2021, made our playoff run even more memorable,” he said. “Teachers were really flexible and worked with our schedules and emphasized the importance of making sure education was a priority,” Jacob added.

“Saint Mary’s encourages students to be involved in activities, clubs performances, and sports while being a student. I was involved in a lot and they were all very different in their nature which allowed me to meet new people and grow more

Sam French B’19 and Erin (Budin) B’20 met at Saint Mary’s.

Their marriage united two legacy families.

Ann Keen B’90 poses with Dr. Michael Flanagan B’63 during the 1993 theatre production of “Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Sam recalls having a lot of fun at various campus events including the musical variety shows.

His jazz combo played for the ceremony at the dedication of the first section of Aquinas Hall (formerly the Science and Learning Center).

One more French, youngest sister Alison, has grown up hearing all the Saint Mary’s stories and will soon be making some of her own. One big draw for her was the opportunity to play softball with award winning Coach John Tschida B’90 who returned to Saint Mary’s last year.

“Coach Tschida is an amazing person and coach,” Amy said. “His softball knowledge is exceptional.

But most importantly he is a great mentor to his players. Alison has grown up around the ball field.

She started playing baseball at 3 until she was old enough to join the softball league in town. If not playing, she was attending her brothers’ games.

She spends hours each week in the weight room and honing skills. She is driven to work to improve and be the best teammate she can be. And the culture that Coach Tschida creates matches what Alison wants in a program. She is super excited to play for him.”

Cardinal pride The Frenches are Saint Mary’s advocates.

“I would recommend Saint Mary’s because it is a community that cares about you and your future. Saint Mary’s is a Lasallian Catholic School that focuses on your growth as a person and human and provides countless opportunities that challenge you to look at the world in a new perspective of empathy, dignity, resilience, and respect,” David said.

Alumni Legacy Scholarship $1,000 per academic year Saint Mary’s automatically awards this to family members of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota or College of Saint Teresa graduates who are parents, siblings, or grandparents of applicants.

Students must indicate this relationship in their application as this is awarded only at the time of admission.

“Saint Mary’s is where you go to not just be a number, you are a name,” Erin added. “There is so much opportunity for involvement, community, and achievement. A big part of Saint Mary’s is the people who are there who made that experience so enjoyable.”

“It’s had a big impact on my life through significant events,” Jacob said. “It’s the overall sense of community. You’re immersed in a good community.”

Amy added, “It’s a very tight, faith-filled community offering an excellent Lasallian education.”

A shared experience

The French family uses words like “amazing” and “incredible” to describe the unique bond of attending the same alma mater.

“I think it is really cool that we are all Cardinals and a part of the Saint Mary’s alumni family, but it is also a cool thing to think that even though we all went there, that each of our experiences was so different and unique to all of us,” Erin said. “The connections we formed, the classes we took, the things we were involved in — nothing was the same for any of us. And it’s fun to be a part of something so connected, yet knowing our experience was unique.”

“It is an awesome feeling knowing that we shared a college experience with my family members,” David added. “It’s a testament to the quality of the school and how beneficial Saint Mary’s is from an educational and communal standpoint.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

relationships with the community,” Erin said.

“Saint Mary’s is where I met my closest friends, my husband and my family. Saint Mary’s prepares you for the future and gives you life changing experiences.”

33

HERITAGE AND MISSION

TSCHIDA RETURNS TO SAINT MARY’S, WHERE THE TRADITION OF WINNING BEGAN On June 1, 2021, John Tschida B’90 rounded third and headed home to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

different levels of players and watching them grow as people and as players.

his winning tradition continued with seven more national fastpitch championship appearances and two other national titles (in 2004 and 2005).

Tschida brings with him a remarkable overall 27-year coaching record of 1,010-197. He’s one of only 25 active NCAA softball coaches to reach 1,000 victories.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

“Saint Mary’s, of course, is my alma mater, and I have a nephew (Nick Winecke B’07) coaching Tschida, hailed as the coach with the highest baseball there, so I’m still connected,” he added. winning percentage of all NCAA Division III “It is appealing to be able to coach there and be softball coaches, returned to his alma mater — around family again. Saint Mary’s has done where he FIRST led his fastpitch team to a a great job of valuing the educational national championship in 2000. component outside the classroom Beginning June 1, Tschida began that athletics provides and once again serving as head has invested the required resources needed to provide coach of the Saint Mary’s the student-athletes with a Cardinal fastpitch team, a great experience. I’ve seen the position he held from 1995 to changes, and they’ve done a 2000, in addition to serving great job of stepping up their as assistant baseball coach game. They’re on the right path, from 1990-1994. Tschida John Tschida B’90 and it’s exciting to see what we most recently coached at the can accomplish.”

University of St. Thomas, where

34

Tschida returned to Saint Mary’s for a number of reasons, including the fact that St. Thomas moved to NCAA Division I. “I love the Division III atmosphere; it’s the culture I grew up with, and I appreciate the relationships you develop with student-athletes in this division,” he said. “I enjoy the Division III philosophy of developing a lot of

“I feel winning is a by-product of having disciplined student-athletes who take pride in what they do, on and off the field,” Tschida said. “With having coached 33 All-Americans, I am continuously amazed that nearly all of them also achieved Academic All-American status. Better people make better Saint Mary’s softball people.

I believe athletics is an educational component outside of the classroom.

Athletics can lead to more confident leaders, who lead by example on and off the field, in and outside of the classroom.

John Tschida B’90

Father James Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president, was excited to welcome Coach Tschida back to Winona. “Not only do we believe he has what it takes to lead our women to greatness on the field, he’ll also develop them as great leaders with strong character and virtues both on and off the field,” he said. “When we looked for the very best for our Cardinal athletes, we knew there is no one better than Coach Tschida, and we’re grateful to welcome him home.”

Brain Sisson, athletic director, shares Father Burns’ excitement. “Of course, it’s our goal to win games and attract talented student-athletes but also to shape tomorrow’s leaders. Coach Tschida will help us do that; his record speaks for itself,” Sisson said. “He is a proven winner, mentor, and leader. I have no doubt he will maximize the potential of

our student-athletes and staff and help us become a force in the MIAC, regionally and nationally. I also know the relationships he will build with our student-athletes will strengthen our program.”

Tschida, voted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame, is also a twotime National Coach of the Year and has been named MIAC Coach of the Year in 13 of his 26 seasons at Saint Mary’s and University and St. Thomas. In addition, Tschida and his staff have been named the 2014, 2016, and 2019 Division III Midwest Regional Coaches of the Year by the NFCA. He’s twice been inducted into the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame, first as the coach of the championship team in 2005 and again for his success as a coach in 2010.

A respected clinician and speaker, Tschida travels the country and the world to promote fastpitch softball and educate fellow coaches on fine points of training and competition. Due to time commitments away from coaching, he turned down invitations by two different countries to coach their national teams in the 2008 Olympics Games. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

“I believe athletics is an educational component outside of the classroom. Athletics can lead to more confident leaders, who lead by example on and off the field, in and outside of the classroom.

Teamwork, inclusiveness, and fair play are all part of what can make athletics an important part of the growth of our future leaders.”

35

HERITAGE AND MISSION

WOLF NAMED 2021 HOCKEY HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNER Saint Mary’s senior Cardinal hockey player Delaney Wolf B’21 was a blur on and off the ice.

In addition to her responsibilities as a team captain and student-athlete, she balanced the rigors of carrying close to a 4.0 GPA as a double major in biochemistry and Spanish, and was active in an abundance of extracurricular organizations ranging from Biology Club to Concert Band.

Above all, this future med school student made it her mission to help others — tutoring students, mentoring youth hockey players, volunteering with the Humane Society, and working with the local warming center. Her service encompassed all ages, from tutoring elementary Spanish immersion students to interacting with residents at local senior living communities.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Her volunteer list was long — long enough to garner the attention of the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation, who presented her with the Hockey Humanitarian Award (HHA) in 2021.

36

This award is presented annually to college hockey’s finest citizen — a student-athlete who makes significant contributions not only to his or her team but also to the community-at-large through leadership in volunteerism.

Wolfe was recognized virtually April 9, 2021 during the Friday Night at the Frozen Four ceremony, and her Saint Mary’s community was able to join her in celebration during a viewing party.

“I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity by my coaching staff and could not have been so involved in the community without the encouragement of my teammates, friends, and professors,” said Wolf. “It’s an honor to be chosen, especially in light of the incredible accomplishments of the other candidates.”

“Each season, it is exciting to learn about many exceptional student-athletes who are committed to volunteerism,” said Matt Patrick, executive director of the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation,

noting that Wolf is the 10th female — and just the eighth NCAA Division III student-athlete — to win the Hockey Humanitarian Award. “Delaney’s academic and athletic achievements, leadership, and long-term community focus are remarkable; we are delighted that she is this year’s recipient.”

Wolf said she believes serving others builds a connection, and that connection is what makes a community. Because Wolf values the Saint Mary’s community and the wider communities of Winona, Minn., and her hometown of Bismarck, N.D., she believes volunteering is a great way to give back.

Wolf was a team leader from the minute she stepped on Saint Mary’s Winona Campus. Voted a team captain as both a junior and a senior, Wolf was beloved by her teammates, coaching staff and Saint Mary’s professors — because they all knew she would bring her best to whatever she was asked to do.

“I am ecstatic and so happy for Delaney in receiving this tremendous honor,” said Brian Sisson, Saint Mary’s athletic director. “Delaney truly embodies what being a student-athlete at Saint Mary’s is all about. She is such a high-character individual who is a servant leader for others in everything she does. Her incredible success as a student, first and foremost, as a student-athlete, and in helping those in need is something we look for all our studentathletes to emulate.”

“We are incredibly honored that Delaney was selected as the Hockey Humanitarian Award recipient,” said Saint Mary’s women’s hockey coach Sarah Murray. “We know it was a tough year for volunteering and community involvement, but Delaney made the most of a tough situation — and her history of selflessly giving back speaks for itself.

“We are incredibly proud of all of Delaney’s accomplishments, both on and off the ice, and her commitment to serve the people around her.”

The Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation presented Wolf with a check for $2,500, which she donated to Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota for the Winona Community Warming Center. Additionally, she and the other HHA finalists each received $500 for their respective designated charities. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Wolf is congratulated by her Cardinal women’s hockey team and coaching staff.

37

ATHLETICS

HALL OF FAME AND CARDINAL EXCELLENCE FUND DINNER →

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

The Saint Mary's University Athletic Department, in association with the Saint Mary’s Alumni Association, inducted three members into the Saint Mary's Sports Hall of Fame on March 12, 2022: Marni (Orthey) Lamberty B’96, M’07, Tyler Stevenson B’06, and Emily Kearns B’04. The trio was recognized as part of the inaugural Cardinal Excellence Fund Dinner, held at Visions Event Center in Winona.

38

“This year we honored three alumni who excelled on the court, on the rink, and on the field,” said Brian Sisson, athletic director. “We not only congratulated these three successful Cardinal greats but also celebrated all of Cardinal athletics, which has had a fabulous year competitively and academically. I’m also especially proud of how resilient our studentathletes have been throughout this pandemic; they’ve shown great care and concern for one another, and thankfully they are now able to showcase their skills and we have an opportunity to cheer them on.

“Together, we propelled Cardinal athletics forward and recognized the tremendous athletic accomplishments by our three Hall of Fame inductees.”

For more details on the Cardinal Excellence Fund, go to https://connect.smumn.edu/ CEFDinner. •

We not only congratulated these three successful Cardinal greats but also celebrated all of Cardinal athletics.

Brian Sisson

2022 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees Marni (Orthey) Lamberty B’96, M’07 (Women’s Soccer) A four-year letterwinner, Orthey helped lead the Cardinals to an impressive 52-16-6 overall record during her collegiate career. Orthey appeared in 66 games for Saint Mary’s, compiling 21 goals and 11 assists for 53 points. And as good as she was during her first three seasons in a Saint Mary’s uniform, Orthey saved her best season for last, posting career highs in goals (7), assists (3) and points (17) en route to earning First-Team All-MIAC honors, as well as ThirdTeam UMBRO and NCAA All-American accolades. Along with her impressive play on the soccer field, Orthey was also instrumental in the creation of the women’s hockey club team, which officially earned varsity status two years after her graduation.

Emily Kearns B’04 (Women’s Hockey) A four-year letterwinner, Kearns was an unstoppable threat on the ice for the Cardinals during her collegiate career, scoring 99 goals and adding 54 assists for 153 points in 109 games. Kearns took the women’s hockey scene by storm her freshman season, scoring 21 goals and adding 33 points in helping Saint Mary’s reach the AWCHA national tournament. And that was just the tip of the iceberg, as Kearns followed up that stellar freshman campaign by scoring 32, 24, and 22 goals, respectively, in her final three seasons. A three-time First-Team All-MIAC selection, Kearns was named AHCA/Jofa FirstTeam All-American following her senior year. Kearns ranks among the program’s best in virtually every offensive category, including first all-time in career goals (99) and games played (109), second alltime in career points (153), and third all-time in career assists (54).

Her 32 goals during the 2001-02 season are the most in program history and her 21 assists in 2003-04 ranks No. 2. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Tyler Stevenson B’06 (Tennis) Arguably one of the best men’s tennis players ever to take the court for Saint Mary’s, Stevenson was a dominant force during his four years as a Cardinal, compiling a 64-18 record in singles play, while going 51-24 in doubles action. A four-year letterwinner, Stevenson earned First-Team All-MIAC honors five times, becoming the first Saint Mary’s men’s tennis player in 24 years to earn all-conference honors at No. 1 singles in 2004, before sweeping All-MIAC honors in both singles and doubles during his junior and senior seasons. The 2006 Saint Mary’s Outstanding Male Athlete, Stevenson sits No. 1 all time for career singles wins (64), while his 51 doubles victories rank No. 3. His single-season career-high 19 singles wins in 2006 are the second-most in program history.

39

NEWS & VIEWS

Bishop John Quinn, AFSC, D.D. with other De La Salle Christian Brothers and affiliated Brothers.

BISHOP QUINN NAMED AFFILIATED DE LA SALLE CHRISTIAN BROTHER, RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING MERIT In recognition of his inspirational dedication to and support of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, the Most. Rev. John M. Quinn, AFSC, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, was named an Affiliated Christian Brother Aug. 25 in the Brothers’ residence on the Winona Campus.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

The highest honor the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools can bestow, affiliation is given to those who have demonstrated knowledge of, interest in, and commitment to the charism and heritage of the Brothers. As an affiliated Brother, the person may use the initials AFSC after their name. These initials stand for Afiliatus Frater Scholarum Christianarum, Latin for Affiliated Brother of the Christian Schools.

40

Bishop Quinn joins a number of previously affiliated De La Salle Brothers connected to Saint Mary’s, including: the late Father Andrew Fabian, OP, AFSC; Mary Catherine Fox, AFSC B’75, Ph.D.; Jeffrey Highland, AFSC, Ph.D.; Anthony Piscitiello, AFSC B’69, M’82; and the Rev. Robert Stamchror, AFSC B’57.

Additionally, Bishop John Quinn, AFSC, D.D., was surprised with the Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit for serving as an inspiring leader, engaging shepherd and teacher, and

Bishop Quinn with Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president.

genuine friend of the university during the annual Benefactor Recognition Dinner Oct. 15, 2021.

Bishop Quinn has had a longstanding connection to the Christian Brothers, beginning with his ministry in Detroit, and he has taught in the Theology Department on the university’s Winona Campus since he arrived in Winona in 2008. He has befriended the Brothers and regularly joins their community for Mass and dinner. Most recently, he received approval from the Vatican to allow the Diocese of Winona-Rochester to officially celebrate the feast of Blessed James Miller (our Saint Mary’s alumnus) each Feb. 13. •

NEWS & VIEWS

In the fall, we launched Saint Mary’s Currents, https://newsroom.smumn.edu/currents, a podcast series on current topics relevant to the world of work and life. Through this podcast, we address issues that are trending, relevant, and yes, sometimes divisive or controversial. Just as a current is a flow of positive electric charge, the goal of Saint Mary’s Currents is to find a positive path forward.

Some our recent interviews include: • The Future of Remote Work with Amy Jauman, Ed.D. • Equity in the MBA Experience with Michelle Wieser, Ph.D. • Addressing Teacher Burnout with Sarah Haugen, M.Ed., and Tracy Lysne, M.Ed. • Where No Social Work Researcher Has Gone Before with Dr. Mallory Knipe, DSW As we produce more episodes with new guests and topics, we ask you to subscribe to Saint Mary’s Currents wherever you stream your podcasts. Sharing episodes you have enjoyed also helps extend the podcast’s reach and helps amplify the expertise of our faculty and staff. • Ben Rodgers, Marketing and Communication staff, with Amy Jauman, Ed.D.

SAINT MARY’S RANKS NO. 1 FOR ‘BEST VALUE’ IN MINNESOTA ACCORDING TO U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT Saint Mary’s ranked No. 3 in the “Best Value” category among all Regional Universities in the Midwest — and No. 1 among all Minnesota universities in this category — according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 ratings.

According to criteria, the Best Value calculation takes into account the school’s academic quality and the net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid.

According to U.S. News, “The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal.”

Additionally, the university was ranked No. 34 in the Best Regional Universities of the Midwest category. The ranking positions Saint Mary’s in the top 20% of the 157 schools listed in this category.

In January, U.S. News and World Report also listed Saint Mary’s No. 1 in Minnesota for its online MBA and its online business master’s programs.

“We appreciate these rankings because we know U.S. News & World Report is a source many students and families look to when comparing higher education institutions,” said Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary’s. “The report includes such areas as retention and graduation rates, strength of faculty, and employment outcomes, all of which are topics important to students, their families, and all of us at Saint Mary’s. It’s imperative for us to be constantly improving in order to provide the best possible formative and educational experience.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

PODCASTS SPOTLIGHT EXPERTISE, INSIGHTS

41

NEWS & VIEWS

SISTERS FROM LATIN AMERICA VISIT WINONA CAMPUS As part of Saint Mary’s Lasallian Catholic mission, the university was excited to welcome 40 religious sisters from Latin America to its Winona Campus the week of Nov. 14, 2021.

The sisters’ visit was made possible through the U.S.-Latin American Sisters Exchange Program, a partnership between Catholic Extension and Saint Mary’s. As a part of the program, the sisters serve as missionaries in underserved Latino communities across the U.S. while also receiving degrees from Saint Mary’s.

The sisters (42 total) have been enrolled in the university’s Health and Human Services programs online since 2019, with 28 of the students working toward an online bachelor’s program and 14 completing a master’s degree. Once the sisters complete their degrees, they will take their knowledge, and their newfound Lasallian charism back with them to their home countries, where they will lead and nurture their congregations.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, this was the first time the sisters were able to visit Saint Mary’s. The group of enthusiastic and friendly women were welcomed with a full week of events.

42

The sisters completed one class, while also becoming acquainted with students, staff, and faculty. Experiencing Winona Campus life to the fullest, they enjoyed meals in the dining hall, enjoyed a mariachi band, and attended the university’s student musical variety show, Blue Angel. The sisters also celebrated Mass with Father James Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president, and the Most Rev. John Quinn, AFSC, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, and visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wis. A fun and useful connection, the sisters interacted with students from Karen Sorvaag’s Advanced

The Latin American Sisters visited the Winona Campus in November.

Literacy Methods course. During the meeting, the sisters practiced their English conversational skills and learned about Minnesota and the Midwest.

The visit also provided these women with an opportunity to learn firsthand about Lasallian traditions and values.

“The sisters were able to identify with the Lasallian charism and values, and now they can carry that on in their mission,” said Robertolino Vargas Guerrero, program director for the initiative. “Leaving Saint Mary’s, they feel more Lasallian.”

While in Minnesota, Catholic Extension also thought it was important for the sisters to visit George Floyd Square, where they prayed and sang in memory of George Floyd. Their visit to the memorial was covered by KSTP-TV and the Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Those on campus who were able to interact with the sisters say it was rewarding, citing the excitement they felt from the sisters the moment they stepped foot on campus.

“I think they inspired themselves, and they inspired us because they were so positive and wanted to know about Saint Mary’s and the culture of Minnesota,” said Susan Jarosak, who oversees the academic programs the sisters are enrolled in. “Their visit was the highlight of my year. With COVID-19 and everything else, having all these inspirational women on campus, praying, singing, and dancing, it was wonderful.” •

NEWS & VIEWS BROTHER JOHN GROVER CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARIES On Aug. 11, 2021, Brother John Grover, FSC B’65 was honored on the Winona Campus for serving an impressive 60 years as a De La Salle Christian Brother and 60 years at Saint Mary’s. Brother John continues to work at his alma mater as the Environmental Awareness Center coordinator, sharing his love of the outdoors with our community. •

JONATHAN HAIDT KEYNOTES NEXT HENDRICKSON FORUM

NEW TRUSTEES, RETURNING ANNOUNCED

Save the date for Thursday, April 7. Jonathan Haidt will serve as the keynote for the Hendrickson Forum on Saint Mary’s Twin Cities Campus. Haidt is a social psychologist who is widely considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of morality.

Saint Mary’s announces its new and returning members of the Board of Trustees.

Drawing on extensive research surrounding the book he is currently writing — “Three Stories about Capitalism: The moral psychology of economic life” — Haidt will help people think about capitalism, business, prosperity, and ethics, not just in North America and Europe, but in the world’s many rapidly developing countries, where he’s found great interest in understanding the relationships between morality, prosperity, and society. Any country that gets capitalism right will prosper; the costs of getting it wrong are immense.

For more inofrmation, go to smumn.edu/ hendricksonforum. •

Ann (O’Connor) Trauscht B’77, M.D., retired physician from Advocate Occupational Health, Cottonwood Heights, Utah, was elected to a second five-year term.

And the following individuals were elected as new members: • M atthew Bilski B’07 (a new young alumni position: a three-year term), lead chemist with Ecolab, New Brighton, Minn.

• J erome Colletti B’69, retired managing partner of Colletti-Fiss, LLC, Scottsdale, Ariz.

• Dr. Julie Kaiser B’84, DPT, Glenview, Ill. • S arah Marek Landman B’04, M’07, senior vice president of Insightful, Naples, Fla. The Saint Mary’s community thanks these individuals for their dedicated service. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Haidt will specifically address the ethics of capitalism, which requires that we first understand why the left and the right disagree so sharply about what it is and what its effects are. It’s Haidt’s hope that in the 21st century, we may come to understand capitalism and the human person well enough to better control our own destiny and that “we may attain forms of capitalism that exemplify dynamism with decency.”

Sandra (Kaiser) Simon CST’72, president of KJ Investment, LLC, Jupiter, Fla., and Kaye O’Leary, Partner with River Rock Partners, Wayzata, Minn., were elected to their third five-year terms.

43

NEWS & VIEWS

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

FOX AND EUBANK HONORED WITH BROTHER JOHN JOHNSTON, FSC AWARD

44

Two longtime Lasallian professors and scholars from Saint Mary’s were honored with the Brother John Johnston, FSC Award for their significant contributions to the Lasallian Catholic mission on Saint Mary’s campuses and beyond.

Brother John Johnston Institute of Contemporary Lasallian Practice. She was a participant in the Region’s first Lasallian Women’s Symposium and the 2nd International Mission Assembly, both held in 2013. The Midwest District honored her as a Distinguished Lasallian Educator in 2012.

Roxanne Eubank, Ed.D., and Mary Catherine Fox, AFSC, B’75, Ph.D., were celebrated during the opening session of the Huether Lasallian Conference, Nov. 18, in Baltimore, Md. Established by the former Regional Education Board in 2009, the Johnston Award is now presented by the Lasallian Education Council (LEC). It was named in honor of Brother John, the 25th Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, for his uniquely significant lifetime contribution to the Lasallian mission. Eubank and Fox were the first women to be honored with this award.

Fox, an alumna of Saint Mary’s, returned to the university in 1990, where she served for 28 years in a variety of roles, including service as the first dean of the School of Business, Computer Science and Media Communications, vice president of University Relations, and professor in Interdisciplinary Studies. She currently serves as professor emerita at Saint Mary’s and on the Lewis University Board of Trustees. Among her many contributions beyond the university, Fox served the Midwest District over many years through District Chapters and Assemblies and on the District Council, served as a delegate to the Regional Assembly in 2005 and to the International Assembly on Association in 2006, and taught for many years in the International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU) Leadership Program. The Midwest District honored Fox as a Distinguished Lasallian Educator in 2013, and she was recognized as an Affiliated De La Salle Christian Brother in 2014.

Eubank served at Saint Mary’s for 30 years in a variety of roles, including as director of the Institute for Lasallian Studies and faculty member in the Ed.D. program. She is a pioneer in scholarly research on women in the Lasallian story and fosters research by others on this topic. Among her many contributions to her university and beyond, Eubank led the International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU) Leadership Program for many years, co-founded AXIS: Journal of Lasallian Higher Education, and founded the International Lasallian Research Symposium, which is co-sponsored by the Christian Brothers Conference. She has served regional programs as a presenter at the Huether Lasallian Conference and the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies, along with helping to design the

Brother John Johnston, FSC earned his bachelor’s degree in 1955 and his master’s degree in 1963, both from Saint Mary’s. •

ALUMNI

IT’S ALL ABOUT BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

→

As an alumnus of both the undergraduate and SGPP programs at Saint Mary’s, I am humbled and honored to serve as president of the Saint Mary’s Alumni Board. Saint Mary’s has been instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today, which is why I choose to serve on the alumni board. Board service allows me to help give back to the university that I love, while also helping me to stay connected with the amazing things happening at Saint Mary’s!

An annual board event that is most near and dear to my heart is the Lasallian Day of Service, held every year in late October. On this day alumni volunteer in their communities — in the spirit of the Lasallian mission of service to others. The scope of Lasallian Day of Service has evolved over the years, especially in the past couple of years as we have all navigated the global pandemic. Our board hopes to continue to grow this event as a way for our alumni to connect with each other and their communities. Look for information about this great event early next fall!

Ryan Pajak B’04, M’10 Alumni Association president

We’d love to see you at our many events around the country.

Check out all of our offerings at https://connect.smumn.edu/events.

Finally, as a fellow alumnus, I encourage you to consider serving on the alumni board. It is a rewarding experience that will further your connection with the university that we all love!

Will be looking for new board members soon; please apply at https://connect.smumn.edu/ alumniboardinterest.• Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

The mission of the alumni board is to establish ongoing and mutually beneficial relationships between the university and its alumni. Our board meets quarterly with subcommittee meetings held in between. We are constantly working to find ways to engage with alumni and promote relationships. This year our board focused on goals to align with our mission, including connecting our current students with the vast network of Saint Mary’s alumni and partnering with admissions staff on both the Winona and Twin Cities campuses to assist with recruitment efforts.

45

ALUMNI

HERITAGE AWARDS Saint Mary’s recognized the generosity of two alumni families — Robert J. B’49 and Lucille G. Stiever and Anthony B’59 and Sandra Adducci — with the Heritage Award for Transformational Philanthropy on Oct. 15, 2021.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

The Heritage Award, given annually at the university’s Celebrating a Tradition of Philanthropy benefactor dinner, recognizes special individuals whose exceptional philanthropy has significantly transformed the university and positioned Saint Mary’s for a second century of excellence in education.

46

Anthony B’59 and Sandra Adducci

Anthony J. Adducci B’59, a pioneer in Minnesota’s medical device industry, and a trustee emeritus, dedicated his life to the sciences. The Adducci Science Center on Saint Mary’s Winona Campus (now known as Aquinas Hall) was named in honor of the Adducci family in 1987 in honor of Anthony Adducci’s success. Soon after his graduation from Saint Mary’s, Adducci was hired as an engineer by Medtronic and helped teach doctors how to implant pacemakers. In 1972, he helped found Cardiac

Accepting the Heritage Award for Transformational Philanthropy on behalf of Anthony B’59 and Sandra Adducci was their son Mike B’87 Adducci.

Pacemakers (now Guidant). The company went on to develop the first lithium battery-powered pacemaker and was a leader in cardiovascular technology. After selling his stake in Cardiac Pacemakers to Eli Lilly & Company, Adducci worked as a private venture capitalist in the Twin Cities. He was president of Technology Enterprises and director of North American Banking Company and Capsule Design, and he established the Adducci Family Foundation, which provides grants to programs serving children, battered women, and seniors.

The award recognizes Anthony B’59 (posthumously) and Sandra Adducci, longtime philanthropic supporters of Saint Mary’s, for their dedication to furthering the needs of our students.

Most recently, they established the Anthony B’59 and Sandra Adducci Family Makerspace, a handson lab that will transform the learning experience for students. Sandra Adducci passed away in January, not long after this recognition.

BENEFACTOR DINNER GUESTS

Dr. Robert F. B’67 and Molly O’Dea

Robert J. B’49 and Lucille G. Stiever

Preceding his wife in death, Robert Stiever was an economist and accountant for the USDA Commodity Credit Corporation and the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service and retired after 40 years. After 30 years, Lucille Stiever retired from her position as the office and property manager for the Ramsey County Public Library.

Though the Stievers will never hear the thanks or get to know the many students who will benefit from the scholarship support generated from this gift, this is exactly the way this humble and generous couple would have wanted it. •

Jim B’74 and Ann Hoey

Michelle Gerlach and Brother Larry Schatz, FSC

Brother Jack Curran, FSC, Saint Mary’s trustee, and Chuck B’70 and Connie Schrup.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Robert J. B’49 and Lucille G. Stiever’s generosity is transforming the lives of students at Saint Mary’s today and in the future with their $5 million estate gift, the largest estate gift in university history.

Both Stievers were lifelong learners and avid readers. It was their desire that their estate gift be used for undergraduate students on Saint Mary’s Winona Campus with financial need so more students would be able to afford a college education.

47

ALUMNI

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS

→

Looking forward to seeing alumni at upcoming events this spring.

For the most current event listing, go to https://connect.smumn.edu/events.

April 7: Hendrickson Forum, Minneapolis May 10: Novel Reads Book Club (Virtual) June 24-26: Reunion Weekend 2022

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

ALUMNI EVENTS RECAP

48

Saint Mary’s Alumni Board organized the Lasallian Day of Service, across the Midwest and beyond, on Oct. 24, 2021. On this day alumni “gather together” in service in their own communities. Julianne (Bartosz) Olivo B’13 and family volunteered at The Bridges Thrift store in Orland Park, Ill.

The Saint Mary’s Alumni Association welcomed alumni and friends of the university to the annual Holiday Gathering at the Minneapolis Club. Father James Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president, gave remarks on the exciting future of Saint Mary’s.

The Saint Mary’s Alumni and Benefactor Engagement team welcomed Juliet Mitchell M’04 to the Saint Mary’s Winona Campus to provide our undergraduate students with valuable lessons in business eiquette.

Alumni and friends of the university gathered for the annual Winona Holiday Gathering at the Alverna Center. Enjoying the event are Delaney Wolf B’21, Katie Ball B’21, and Chad Cagle B’18.

To connect to past recordings or see what's coming up next, visit connect.smumn.edu/events.

CLASS NOTES Martin B’58 and Judith (Hartert) CST’58 McMahon, Port Wentworth, Ga., welcomed their first great-grandchild, Kenzlee Marie.

1960s Dr. Parnell Donahue B’60, Brentwood, Tenn., was invited to write a recurring parenting column for The Epoch Times.

Richard Kowles M’67, Ph.D., Winona, Minn., distinguished professor emeritus of biology at Saint Mary’s University, presented his 20th genetics lecture to the Winona Learning Club.

Jerry F. Westermeyer B’68, Chicago, published a book, “El Salvador Stories: Attaining an Education Despite Poverty and Violence.”

1970s Timothy Casey B’71, Marshfield, Mo., celebrates 15 years as science program coordinator at Drury University in Springfield, Mo. Michael Charron B’79, Winona, Minn., retired from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and joined the staff in English and drama at Hope Lutheran High School in Winona.

Daniel Ebener M’79, Davenport, Iowa, published a book, “Leadership for the Greater Good: A Textbook for Leaders.”

recognizing members, volunteers, partners, and supporters who make extraordinary contributions to the organization.

Michael Neubeck C’99, D’05, S’18, Hugo, Minn. was named superintendent of Byron Public Schools in Byron, Minn.

Christopher Smith M’99, C’10, Owatonna, Minn., was named principal at Saint John the Baptist Catholic School in Jordan, Minn.

Martin Stensing B’99, Powell, Wyo., was named interim dean of student learning at Northwest College in Wyoming.

2000s Douglas Anderson M’00, C’12, Ellendale, Minn., retired after working in education for 36 years.

Dianne (Lord) Miller B’00, Eagan, Minn., received the credentialed manager designation from the International City/ County Management Association.

Karen Orcutt D’00, Maple Plain, Minn., retired after working 39 years in education.

Heather Fitzloff M’01, C’04, Farmington, Minn., was named principal at Winona Senior High School.

Paul Meyer M’01, C’04, Lakeville, Minn., was named credit recovery specialist for the United South Central School District in Wells, Minn.

Katherine (Kump) Murck B’79, Winona, Minn., retired from her position of director of Home and Community Options.

Janey Blanchard C’02, C’08, D’15, Park Rapids, Minn., retired as the Chisholm School superintendent.

1980s

Frank Miley C’02, Saint Paul, Minn., and Kevin Miley B’15, Mendota Heights, Minn., are two of five Miley family members featured in an article on educators in TheCatholicSpirit.com.

Dr. David Smithson B’81, Stillwell, Kan., published a book, “The Parable of White Fang,” based on the classic Jack London novel. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Allen Klein M’83, San Francisco, recently published his 30th plus book, “The AWE Factor.” The book tells the story of personal grief, his wife’s humor, and how humor helps with healing.

Matthew Bullard M’03, C’05, Paynesville, Minn., assumed the role of superintendent for the Lakeport Unified School District in California in July 2021.

Sheila Hendricks M’03, D’15, Belle Plaine, Minn., was named president of Unity High School in Burnsville, Minn.

Daniel Lange B’83, Palos Hills, Ill., retired from education after 37 years of teaching and coaching high school.

Jenny Van Aalsburg M’03, Waconia, Minn., was named assistant principal for Minnewashta Elementary School.

Hon. Elizabeth (Doody) Gorman B’87, Orland Park, Ill., was appointed to serve on the Regional Transportation Authority Board of Commissioners representing Cook County suburbs.

Sarah (Marek) Landman B’04, M’07, Naples, Fla., was interviewed on Catholics Come Home [YouTube].

1990s David Browne M’94, Grand Rapids, Minn., had an art show featured at the MacRostie Art Center.

Jesse Thomas B’95, Faribault, Minn., was named interim Rice County sheriff.

Michael Morsberger M’97, Orlando, Fla., was named chief philanthropy officer and president of Jupiter Medical Center Foundation in Jupiter, Fla. Dan Riordan B’97, Ph.D., Beaverton, Ore., recently earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver. He is currently a faculty member in the College of Education at Pacific University.

Joshua Birkholz M’98, Savage, Minn., was awarded the 2021 Bethany Lutheran College (Mankato, Minn.) Distinguished Alumni Award.

Michelle Krell M’98, Blooming Prairie, Minn., was awarded the Minnesota Association of School Administrators Outstanding Central Office Leader Award for her work as director of teaching and learning at Owatonna Public Schools.

Michael A. Linden B’98, M.D., Ph.D., Saint Paul, Minn., received the Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) Golden Apple Award

Sarah (Fisher) Wanger B’04, M’11, D’21, Bloomington, Ind., was recently named executive director for Kelley Direct Online MBA and M.S. programs at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She served for two and half years as the director of admission for Kelley Direct programs.

Mollie Busta-Lange M’05, Onalaska, Wis., was presented with the Luther College 2021 Dr. Carlo A. Sperati Award.

Jenny (Folgers) Baertsch B’05, wrote and published “Junkyard Tough: A ‘Tail’ of Bravery,” a children’s chapter book.

Joshua Omang M’05, Detroit Lakes, Minn., was named principal of Detroit Lakes High School.

Cynthia Palm M’05, Pine Island, Minn., retired after working in the district for over 23 years.

Christina Pierre C’05, C’10, D’16, Wyoming, Minn., a principal at Sunrise Park Middle School in White Bear Lake, was recently featured in a TV news story about the changes she is making to the grading system.

Rachel Schultz M’05, Monticello, Minn., was named principal of Delano Elementary School.

Joanne Wheatley M’05, Litchfield, Minn., is the new second-grade teacher for the Gibbon, Fairfax, Winthrop (GFW) School District in Gibbon, Minn.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

1950s

49

CLASS NOTES James Menton C’06, S’21, Olivia, Minn., was selected as high school principal for the BOLD school district in Olivia.

Joey Page C’14, D’14, Byron, Minn., is the new superintendent for public schools in Austin, Minn.

Deacon Richard Miech M’06, Saint Germain, Wis., retired from the Institute of Pastoral Ministries and Pastoral Associate at St. Peter the Fisherman Church in Eagle River and is currently serving on the Feed Our Rural Kids Board of Directors.

Matthew Traxler B’14, M.D., Iowa City, Iowa, has completed his residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program.

Heather Mueller D’06, Mankato, Minn., was appointed the Minnesota Department of Education commissioner.

Charles Rick D’06, Cambridge, Minn., is an adjunct professor at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Sharon Lee M’07, Toronto, Canada, is president of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke and also a committee member of AFP Major Gifts with the AFP Canada Foundation.

Kelly McDermott M’07, Rosemount, Minn., was appointed principal at Kenwood Trail Middle School in Apple Valley, Minn.

James Amsden C’08, Milton, Minn., retired after 34 years in education.

Chandra Hutchens M’08, D’17, Rochester, Minn., was recently promoted to supervisor clinical research coordinator in epidemiology and the Kern Center for Health Care Delivery at Mayo Clinic.

Gail Moriarty M’08, Le Sueur, Minn., retired after over 22 years in education.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Mary Verrill D’15, Saint Paul, Minn., published a biography, “Thea Bowman: A Story of Triumph.”

Jessica Warehime B’15, M’18, Winnebago, Minn., opened her own accounting firm, JW Accounting in Blue Earth, Minn.

Natalia Benjamin C’16, Rochester, Minn., was named 2021 Minnesota Teacher of Year.

Deidra Peaslee D’16, North Branch, Minn., was selected as the president of Saint Paul College.

Xavier Reed M’16, C’18, Brooklyn Park, Minn., was appointed principal at Wayzata Central Middle School.

Jessica Booker de Carbo M’17, Plymouth, Minn., was appointed assistant principal for grades 6-12 at Windom Area High School.

Nicole Fennern D’17, Elgin, Ill., was promoted to executive vice president at Judson University in Elgin, Ill.

Adam Wiltgen B’08, Red Wing, Minn., was featured on WCCO’s “Finding Minnesota” regarding his work as the Red Wing Anderson Center’s director.

Suwana Kirkland B’17 was named the first Black woman director of Community Corrections (Dakota County) in the state of Minnesota.

Nerita Hughes M’09, D’20, Minnetonka, Minn., academic dean at North Hennepin Community College, was recently spotlighted on Good Day Fox 9 discussing how to help students stay safe during their return to school.

Jaime Kroeger M’17, Davenport, Iowa, was hired as the director of human resources and equity for Muscatine Community School District.

2010s

50

Kaylie Broberg M’15, C’18, Minneapolis, joined Evolve Therapy as a marriage and family therapist.

Rachel Langer M’17, Lonsdale, Minn., was appointed a sixth-grade science and reading teacher at Cannon Falls, Minn.

Erika Bakke M’10, Clearwater, Minn., joined the Annandale Elementary School District as a music teacher.

Darren Best M’18, Eden Prairie, Minn., was named assistant principal at Minnetonka High School.

Father William Duffert B’10, Saint Francis, Minn., was ordained

by Archbishop Bernard Hebda in May 2021.

Isaac Landsteiner B’18, Fairmont, Minn., is the new parish social ministry director for Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota.

Joshua Fischer M’10, Kimball, Minn., joined the Annandale Elementary School as a physical education teacher.

Jacob Mencacci B’18, Pittsburgh, is working as an assistant for coaching and player development for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Weston Johnson C’10, M’12, D’20, Cottage Grove, Minn., published “Purposeful Teaching: A Reflection on the Practice of Supporting Students as They Learn.”

Serafina Miessen M’18, Annandale, Minn., is an English language teacher at Annandale Elementary School.

Ayodeji Oyebola M’10, D’17, Rochester, Minn., started a new position as a senior consultant at DeYoung Consulting Services and published an article on their website.

2020s

Hoa Tran M’10 Rochester, Minn., retired from IBM Watson Health.

Lillian Braun B’20, Mantorville, Minn., is a seventh-grade math teacher and head volleyball coach in Plainview, Minn.

Amy Yaeger M’10, Black River Falls, Wis., was named vice president of strategic services at Legato Healthcare.

Adam Dittberner M’11, C’14, Carver, Minn., accepted the principal position at New Prague Area Schools’ Eagle View Elementary in Elko New Market, Minn.

Christopher Carlson M’12, Grand Rapids, Minn., published an article, “Keeping your accounts safe: Part 1 - Passwords and Password Managers.”

Bret Domstrand M’12, C’14, Minneapolis, a current Ed.D. student, was chosen to receive the 2021 Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association Division Leadership Achievement Award for the South Suburban Division.

Thayne Johnson M’12, Hutchinson, Minn., was named activities director at New London-Spicer School District.

Yusra Arab M’20, Minneapolis, ran for Ward 2 Minneapolis City Council.

Joshua Bruning M’20, Canby, Minn., purchased Canby Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center.

Kendall Archer B’21, was awarded the Presidential Scholarship at George Washington University School of Law. Bridget Finley B’21, Estherville, Iowa, joined the staff at Martin County West Junior/Senior High School in Sherburn, Minn., as a Spanish teacher.

Jesse Hoeppner M’21, Byron, Minn., is the alternative learning program teacher at Pine Island School District.

Thomas Stang B’21, Mendota Heights, Minn., signed his first professional hockey contract to play for the Quad City Storm of the Southern Professional Hockey League.

BIRTHS

Thomas Marek B’69, Westchester, Ill., on Nov. 12, 2021.

Brendan Corcoran B’07, Santa Maria, Calif., a child in November 2020.

Frank Romano III B’69, Northbrook, Ill., on March 13, 2021.

DEATHS

1970s Joseph Brisch B’70, Brooksville, Fla., on May 19, 2021.

Joseph Kurtz B’70, Eden Prairie, Minn., on Dec. 17, 2020.

Dr. Paul Lamberty B’71, Brandon, S.D., on Dec. 25, 2020.

Peter Lucas B’74, Serbia, in December 2021.

1940s

Michael Brawley B’77, Arlington Heights, Ill., on April 6, 2021.

Father Edward Mountain ’44, Owatonna, Minn., on March 8, 2021.

Joseph Hasling B’77, Fridley, Minn., on Oct. 13, 2021.

Paul Buhl ’46, Marlborough, Mass., Navy V-12 program, on June 11, 2020.

Daniel Glynn B’79, Minneapolis, Minn., on Aug. 11, 2021.

Christopher Esty B’78, White Bear Lake, Minn., on Aug. 5, 2021.

Lloyd Rudd, Jr. ’46, Fergus Falls, Minn., on April 26, 2021.

Daniel Stiles B’79, Somerset, Wis., on Sept. 2, 2021.

1950s

1980s

Rev. Harry Jewison B’50, Rochester, Minn., on July 15, 2019.

David Kulhanek B’81, Elmhurst, Ill., on Oct. 19, 2021.

John Hoffman B’51, Ph.D., Richardson, Texas, on Feb. 3, 2021.

Paul Kronschnabel B’86, Saint Paul, Minn., on Aug. 25, 2021.

Paul Miller B’52, Northbrook, Ill., on April 22, 2021.

1990s

Edward Bermes, B’54, Ph.D., Northbrook, Ill., on Feb. 16, 2021.

Doris Deml M’94, Wyzata, Minn., on Sept. 12, 2021.

Eugene Lavin B’54, Wauwatosa, Wis., on July 27, 2021.

Richard Eldridge M’96, Vadnais Heights, Minn., on Nov. 4, 2021.

Brother Martin Spellman, FSC, B’54, Chicago, on June 12, 2021.

Irene Kilpatrick C’98, Minneapolis, on Aug. 19, 2021.

William Masterson B’54, Chicago, on March 11, 2020.

David Crummy M’99, Monticello, Minn., on Aug. 26, 2021.

H. James Farrell B’57, Colorado Springs, Colo., on July 18, 2021.

Brother Ralph Heppe, FSC, B’58, Chicago, on Feb. 9, 2021.

Damaris “Madie” (Beltran) Hatfield ’99, Schaumburg, Ill., on Aug. 6, 2021.

Harry Plotke B’59, Highlands Ranch, Colo., on Oct. 5, 2021.

2000s

1960s

Laurie Schmidt M’03, Jordan, Minn., on Aug. 19, 2021.

Roy Fisher B’60, Elmhurst, Ill., on Dec. 11, 2021.

2020s

Dennis “DJ” Leary ’61, Minneapolis, on Aug. 4, 2021.

Brenda McAloon M’20, Hudson, Wis., on Sept. 14, 2021.

Robert Nelson B’61, Saint Paul, Minn., on Sept. 6, 2020.

Brother Thomas Vance, FSC, B’61 Westmont, Ill., on Nov. 13, 2020.

Brother Leo Jones, FSC, B’62, Romeoville, Ill., on Dec. 1, 2020.

Richard (Dick) Dietering B’63, Bancroft, Iowa, on Aug. 21, 2021.

Jerry Maurer B’62, M’67, Chicago, on July 14, 2021.

Anthony Towey B’63, M’71, Chicago, on Feb. 22, 2021.

Daniel Finn B’64, Mt. Prospect, Ill., on Nov. 12, 2021.

Merrill Kline B’64, Pittsburgh, on July 9, 2021.

Michael Fitzgerald B’65, M’72, Saint Paul, Minn., on Aug. 16, 2021.

Robert (Bob) Hanusz ’65, Erie, Mich, on Dec. 12, 2021.

James Johnson B’65, Frankfort, Ill., on Nov. 27, 2021.

Faculty/Staff Dr. James Fitzmaurice, Winona, Minn., former faculty member in the Department of English, on Dec. 13, 2021.

Dr. Christina Huck, Minneapolis, former director of the master’s degree in counseling and psychological services program, on July 13, 2021.

Donald Joseph, Hudson, Wis., former men’s hockey coach, on Sept.

14, 2021.

Simone Joyaux, Foster, R.I., faculty in the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development program, on May 2, 2021.

Heda Najmaie, Winona, Minn., former IT staff, on July 1, 2021.

SYMPATHIES

Dr. Dennis Murphy B’65, St. Charles, Ill., on June 24, 2021.

1950s

Daniel Boyce B’66, Milwaukee, Wis., on Nov. 7, 2021.

Robert B’56, Ph.D., and Barbara (Plunkett) CST’57 Hoffman on the passing of their brother and brother-in-law, John Hoffman B’51, Ph.D., on Feb. 3, 2021.

Martin Woerter B’66, Elmwood Park, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2021.

Thomas Harvick B’67, Glenview, Ill., on March 18, 2021.

Hon. John Laurie B’67, Chicago, on June 6, 2021.

Gregory Cryns B’68, Paso Robles, Calif., on Sept. 24, 2020.

John Kenneavy B’68, Port Charlotte, Fla., on Feb. 2, 2021.

Jerry Klug ’68, Rosemount, Minn., on June 1, 2021.

William B’56 and Therese M’99 Murphy, Erin MurphyKaminski B’91, and Brent Murphy B’99, on the passing of their brother, brother-in-law, and father, Dennis Murphy B’65, on June 24, 2021.

William Jarvis ’58 on the death of his brother-in-law, John Kenneavy B’68, on Feb. 2, 2021.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Lily (Trelstad) B’10, M’17 Landry and Kevin Landry, Cannon Falls, Minn., a son, Cooper William Landry, on May 26, 2021. Cooper joins big brother Wyatt.

51

CLASS NOTES 1960s

1980s

Robert Collopy B’60, M’84, on the death of his wife, Harriet Darling Collopy, on Sept. 15, 2021.

Lori (Nelson) Quinn B’80, on the passing of her mother, Bernice Lemke, on June 4, 2021.

Michael Leary B’61, and Linda L. Wilson M’91, on the death of their brother and husband, Dennis “DJ” Leary ’61.

Michael Masterson B’81 and Sheila (Masterson) McCarthy ’84, on the death of their father, William Masterson B’54, on Feb. 16, 2021.

Edmund Burke B’65, Kevin Sullivan B’72, Joseph Sullivan B’90, Susan (Cahill) Sullivan B’91, Katie (Burke) Anderson B’90, Edmund Burke B’92, and Patricia (Migley) B’93 Burke, John ’01 and Jamie (Carter) ’02 Sullivan, and Meghan Sullivan B’06, on the passing of their sister-in-law, sister, and aunt, Denise Huguelet.

Carol (Pierzynski) Woerter CST’67, on the death of her husband, Martin Woerter B’66.

John Masterson B’69, Michael Masterson B’81, and Sheila (Masterson) McCarthy ’84, and on the death of their uncle and father, William Masterson B’54 on March 11, 2020.

1970s Jack Jungbauer B’71, William Jungbauer B’75, Louis Jungbauer B’76, Joe Jungbauer B’77, Jerry Jungbauer B’78, Ron Jungbauer B’81, Walter Jungbauer ’87, Dr. Becky Jungbauer B’02, Paul Jungbauer B’03, Missy (Mollick) Jungbauer B’03, Katherine (Jungbauer) Johnston B’07, Paula (Jungbauer) Hinnerichs B’12, and Stephen Jungbauer B’19 on the death of their mother and grandmother, Lorraine Jungbauer, on Nov. 2, 2021.

William Kronschnabel B’71, Rita (Kronschnabel) Spiess B’77, Jane (Kronschnabel) Hanson B’78, Mike B’83 and Ellen (Kronschnabel) B’84 Kelly, Julie (Biesanz) Gardner B’85, Theodore Kronschnabel B’89, Mary Beth (Kronschnabel) Schmidt M’92, Sara (Spiess) Carkoski ’06, Katherine (Kronschnabel) Ratley M’10, Daniel B’12 and Lacy M’19 Spiess, Michael Kelly, Jr. B’17, and Christopher Kelly B’21 on the death of their brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, Paul Kronschnabel B’86, on Aug. 25, 2021.

John B’73 and Mary (Cassidy) ’75 Brawley, Kathleen (Brawley) B’79 and Kevin B’79 Cavanagh, Mark Brawley B’84, Richard Tobin ’76, and Michael Tobin B’78 on the passing of their brother and brother-in-law, Mike Brawley B’77.

Donald Brisch B’74, on the death of his brother, Joseph Brisch B’70, on May 19, 2021.

James Hoey B’74, on the passing of his mother, Elizabeth Hoey, on May 5, 2021.

Kevin Buhl B’75, and Patrick Buhl ’85, on the passing of their uncle, Paul R. Buhl ’46, on June 11, 2020.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Victor “Skip” Cassato B’75, on the passing of his mother, Marjorie Cassato, on April 21, 2021.

52

Ann Lucas B’75, M’02, Daniel Lucas B’79, Kathleen (Lucas) Reding B’83, John B’84 and Judy (Mullins) B’83 Lucas, Alina Reding B’18, and Ana Reding B’20, on the death of their brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, Peter Lucas B’74 in December 2021.

Sue (Rettig) B’76 and Paul B’76 Trunk, and Robert (Bo) Rettig B’77, on the passing of their father and father-in-law, Robert Rettig, Sr. Dr. John Domanico B’77, on the passing of his mother, Theresa D. Domanico, on Sept. 18, 2021.

Deborah (Cantieri) B’77 and Dr. John B’76 Kolb, on the passing of her father, Alfred Cantieri, on May 28, 2021.

Michael Medina B’79, on the death of his mother, Margaret Medina, on Sept. 19, 2021.

Patricia (Gies) B’81 and Paul Mulcahy B’81, M.D., on the death of their son, Colin Mulcahy, on Feb. 25, 2021.

Mark B’82 and Amy (Glen) Miller B’82, on the death of their father and father-in-law, Paul S. Miller B’52.

Maureen (Curtin) B’82 and Mark B’83 Plotke, and David Plotke ’90, on the death of their father and father-in-law, Harry Plotke B’59, on Oct. 5, 2021.

Mark B’83 and Jeanine (Baldwin) B’83 Bermes, on the death of their father and father-in-law, Edward W. Bermes, Jr. B’54, Ph.D. Timothy Leary ’84 and Linda Wilson M’91, on the death of their father and husband, Dennis “DJ” Leary ’61, on Aug. 4, 2021.

Gordon Hannon B’86, on the death of his mother, Marlene Hannon on Sept. 16, 2021.

Elizabeth (Towey) Beasley ’88, Kathryn (Towey) ’90 and Steve B’90 Szamocki on the death of their father and father-in-law, Anthony Towey B’63, M’71, on Feb. 22, 2021.

Aidan Fitzmaurice B’89, on the death of his father, Dr. James Fitzmaurice, former faculty member in the Department of English, on Dec. 13, 2021.

1990s Dr. Denise Buege-Sherrill B’92, and Dr. Kristin Buege B’00, on the passing of their father, Robert Buege on Sept. 9, 2021.

Tim B’89 and Megan (McCarver) B’94 Bergstrom, Chris B’92 and Tara (Roling) B’92 McCarver, and Tom McCarver B’93, on the death of their mother and mother-in-law, Josanne McCarver, on Dec. 10, 2021.

Keith Deitering B’93 and Jennifer (Deitering) B’95, M’99 Mann, on the death of their father, Richard (Dick) Deitering B’63, on Aug. 21, 2021.

Joseph Finn ’95, Eleanor (Finn) Verdico B’96, Mary (Finn) Erickson B’99, and Bea (Liske) Finn CST’63, on the death of their father and husband, Daniel Finn B’64, on Nov. 12, 2021.

Bob Fisher B’97, M’06 and Lucille (Farley) Fisher CST’60, on the death of their father and husband, Roy Fisher B’60, on Dec. 11, 2021.

2000s Tera Bollig B’07, Ashley Bollig B’15, and Madalyn Bollig B’20, on the death of their mother, Lori Bollig.

2020s Cheryl Harlicker M’21, on the death of her father, Craig Harlicker on July 26, 2021. ***Completed degrees from Saint Mary’s University are noted with a B for bachelor’s, C for certificate, M for master’s, S for specialist, and D for doctorate.

CHRISTINA HUCK, PH.D. Christina Huck, Ph.D., longtime administrator and educator in Saint Mary’s graduate and professional programs, died unexpectedly on July 13, 2021.

Huck taught in, contributed mightily to, and directed the master’s program in Counseling and Psychological Services on the Twin Cities Campus for more than a quarter of a century, beginning in 1994. She touched the lives of hundreds of students, their families, and, through their education and training, their clients. She was known for the personal attention and mentoring she provided to her students.

In 1999, she was honored by Saint Mary’s with the Lasallian Service Award and was cited as one who “embodies the Lasallian Spirit as demonstrated by the integrity and ethical behavior with which she interacted with colleagues and students.”

Christina Huck, Ph.D.

In 2011, she was the first recipient of the Brother Louis DeThomasis award, recognizing her “creativity, innovation, and a spirit of educational entrepreneurship which are hallmarks of Saint Mary’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs.”

Her family made a $160,000 gift in her memory to establish the Dr. Christina Huck Scholarship, which aids students enrolled in the M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services program. •

SIMONE JOYAUX Trailblazer, pioneer, mentor, women’s advocate, inspirational educator, and passionate lover of all things development are but a few of the words and phrases used to describe Simone Joyaux, who died suddenly May 2, 2021.

A prolific writer and author of three books on fundraising, she also blogged as Simone Joyaux Simone Uncensored; she cherished her time spent as a mentor and adviser to many young professionals; and, she served in volunteer leadership roles with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, CFRE International, and the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island.

Executive director of the M.A. Philanthropy and Development program, Audrey Kintzi, added, “Her cage rattling questions weren’t just for our students, she challenged each of us to be better development professionals, to question the status quo, and to work tirelessly toward what could be.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

For nearly two decades, Joyaux taught in the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development program, through which she shared a lifetime of knowledge and experiences with energy, passion, and an unforgettable sense of humor.

Known for her “cage rattling” questions, students feared the legend prior to her class and fell in love with the actual person once in class.

53

CLASS NOTES BROTHER FINBAR MCMULLEN, FSC B’46 Brother Finbar McMullen, FSC B’46, longtime faith-filled fixer, connector, builder, and inventor on Saint Mary’s Winona Campus, died Sunday, May 2, 2021, at the age of 97.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Brother Finbar joined the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1940. When asked what it means to be Lasallian, he shared these words, “I cannot say what Lasallian means because it is all I’ve experienced.

Everything about me comes from being a Brother … Being a good Brother means being dedicated to education, being dedicated to young people, and being dedicated to justice.”

54

He first came to Saint Mary’s in Winona in 1943 as a college student. After graduation, he began his career teaching biology, algebra, and geometry, as well as shop courses, in Memphis, Chicago, and the Twin Cities. He also trained a group of young men called the “mobile crews” — Brothers who were not going to be educators but would serve education in other ways — in industrial skills.

In 1967, he returned to Saint Mary’s to do repair work for the science department and he stayed in the community until recent years. Even when he could no longer live on campus because of his health, his heart remained on Terrace Heights.

Brother Finbar McMullen, FSC B’46 throughout his time at Saint Mary’s.

During his career, he oversaw Aquinas Hall (now Vlazny) for 15 years, and had the challenging job of overseeing Saint Mary’s first co-ed residence hall. In the process, he made lifelong friends and furthered his understanding of and respect for women.

From 1984-85, he was director of the La Salle Community and served as a hall director in Watters and La Salle halls in the late ’80s. The Brother Finbar McMullen Award, established in 1981, is presented to a professional member of the Saint Mary’s Winona Campus community who unselfishly meets the needs of the undergraduate community.

At age 65, he retired from residence hall work but worked in the science shop until he was 75.

During his semiretirement, he began a commercial sideline, and because of this, he’s been called the “Brother of Invention.” His collective work became known as Finovations.

In the early ’70s, and late ’80s, he ran a program of camping courses, including winter camping at Saint Mary’s. During this time he made his first “Finbar Hood.” He fashioned a separate hood that would roll with the person at night and could be more easily dried than a sleeping bag. He made enough for the whole class and eventually patented his creation. He received endorsements from Paul Shurke, co-leader of the Steger North Pole Expedition and Bering Bridge Expedition, and Ann Bancroft, leader of the American Women’s TransAntarctic Expedition.

He was also an accomplished woodworker and even taught courses in constructing items from cardboard. When walking became difficult, Brother Finbar could be seen riding a Segway (with an adapted cardboard cane holder) around campus. As remembered as he is for the items he created, he will forever be cherished for the relationships he cultivated.

He leaves behind his brother Brother Arnold McMullen, FSC B’53 on the Winona Campus and the De La Salle Christian Brother community and affiliated De La Salle Christian Brothers. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

Then, when winter campers got their skis caught in the marshland grass, he devised a piece of riveted sheet metal to solve the problem. Where he saw a need, he invented the solution — from a fabric tucker, to a grape cutter, to a collapsible fire grate.

55

CLASS NOTES DR. RANDALL W.A. DAVIDSON B’53 Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson B’53 passed away in August 2021. A Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 2003, Davidson wore many hats throughout his life, including those of Christian Brother, educator, professional actor, businessman, writer, and safety expert. Most recognized for his work in developing the first inspection and safety standards for theaters, his expertise in risk assessment and management also has been applied to secondary schools, school districts, and commercial venues.

As president of Risk International & Associates, Inc., he conducted seminars on health and safety, environment, and security to audiences in more than 30 countries and was instrumental in developing codes and standards for entertainment venues internationally. •

Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson B’53

PATRICIA M. SOMMERVILLE, PH.D. Patricia M. Sommerville, Ph.D., who taught for 29 years in Saint Mary’s Business and Communication Department, alongside her husband Mike Sommerville, passed away on Nov. 25, 2021, in La Crosse, Wis. The Sommervilles retired in 2008, but continued to generously support the university — establishing the Drs. Michael and Patricia Sommerville Scholarship before Mike’s passing in 2018. They also stayed in close contact with many alumni, whom they considered their extended family.

Pat enjoyed staying in touch with their former students and said, “Our time at Saint Mary’s was the happiest of my life (and I believe also Mike’s).” •

Patricia M. Sommerville, Ph.D.

JOHN HOFFMAN B’51, PH.D.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

John Hoffman B’51, Ph.D., a dedicated college educator who is credited with designing instruments for a number of NASA missions, died Feb. 3, 2021.

56

Hoffman was a longtime faculty member at the University of Texas at Dallas and studied planetary atmospheres. He developed instruments for NASA missions to the moon’s surface on Apollo17, to Venus on Pioneer Venus, to Halley’s comet, and as part of the Phoenix mission to Mars, which actually discovered water on the red planet.

For his many contributions to science, he received a President’s Award for Outstanding Merit in 2015 and the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1976.

John Hoffman B’51, Ph.D.

John and his brother Robert B’56 Hoffman are the only set of brothers (or any immediate family members) who have had instruments on the same NASA satellites, Atmosphere Explorers C and D. (Robert designed a low-energy electron detector; John, a magnetic ion mass spectrometer.) The two were inspired to pursue careers in science by their father, professor John Hoffman, Ph.D., longtime science educator at Saint Mary’s who started both the Chemistry and Physics departments and for whom Hoffman Hall was named. •

LOOKING BACK

For this looking back, we only go back to 2008, to a chilly evening’s candlelight Christmas service. It’s a long-standing tradition at Saint Mary’s to gather together to hear the Christmas story in the chapel by candlelight, briskly walk to the plaza for a lighting ceremony and to sing a Christmas carol, and then into the dining room to warm up with a late-night breakfast, served by Saint Mary’s faculty. It was once called the Provost’s Breakfast and is now called the Pre-Finals Breakfast. Fueled by eggs, sausage, and hashbrowns, students gathered around a piano to sing more carols with the then provost Dr. Jeffrey Highland, AFSC, Ph.D., (pictured in 2007), before heading back to study for finals.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Fall 2021/Winter 2022

What was your favorite tradition at Saint Mary’s? Mail comments to Saint Mary’s Magazine, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, 700 Terrace Heights #46, Winona, MN 55987. Or, send an email to dnahrgan@smumn.edu.

57

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID WINONA CAMPUS

Twin Cities, MN Permit 4612

700 TERRACE HEIGHTS #21 WINONA, MN 55987-1399 USA

SAVE THE DATE FOR REUNION WEEKEND 2022!

Save the date for June 24-26, 2022 on the beautiful Saint Mary’s Winona Campus.

All alumni are invited back, with special emphasis on those classes celebrating a five-year-increment anniversary, from a 5th to 50 plus! So if your graduation year ends in a 2 or 7, we hope to see your whole class there! https://connect.smumn.edu/reunionschedule Online registration will open on Monday, March 21, 2022.