Winter 2020/Spring 2021
POSITIVITY IN THE PANDEMIC
finding the good
NEWS & VIEWS Winter 2020/Spring 2021
IN THIS ISSUE 4
COVID-19 Can't Stop Our Cardinals
VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT
Gary Klein M'04
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EDITOR
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Positivity in the Pandemic
Giving Back
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Hendrickson Forum
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Athletics
Deb Nahrgang Phone: 507-457-6966 dnahrgan@smumn.edu
Lisa Guyott, Deb Nahrgang, Kate Norlander, Michelle Rovang
PHOTOGRAPHERS Bob Conover Geoffrey DeMarsh
PRODUCTION
Cheryl Boone Perez Robert Fisher ’97, M’06
PRINTED BY
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The John Roberts Company
Retirees
Saint Mary’s Magazine is published by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for its alumni, parents, and friends.
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ADDRESS CHANGES
News & Views
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Saint Mary’s Magazine Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399
Alumni
ON THE WEB
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ABOUT SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Class Notes
ON THE COVER
For the one-year anniversary of the pandemic, the Student Activities Committee compiled questions and photos for a commemorative display. Pictured are, from left: Christa Ingabire ’23, Faustyna Nguyen ’22, and Seth Gonring ’24. Photos courtesy of Stephany Beck ’21.
smumn.edu/magazine
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 Clarification on ‘Looking Back’ image clarification I enjoy the Saint Mary’s Magazine very much. I recognized a picture on page 57 of the winter 2019 edition, the ’Hear no evil...’ picture. It was stated that the picture was taken in the winter of 1976-77. This is impossible, as this picture appears in my 1976 Redman yearbook, ironically also on page 57. My guess would be it was taken in winter of 1975-76. It is a memorable picture. — Joseph Doyle ’76
Where are our 1950s grads? I enjoy reading (everything) in your Saint Mary’s Magazine. I’m 91 and from the class of 1951, and I am sure grads from the 50s are still around. Sorry you cut us off in a recent issue at the 1960s. We are not all dead yet and still like to read about our fellow ’50s grads — Jack Schodowski ’51 Editor’s note: Hey grads of the 1950s! Let us know what you’re up to!
Reading about frontline heroes was inspirational Wanted to congratulate you on the latest ( Spring/ Summer) issue of the Saint Mary’s Magazine. Featuring the “Heroes on the Frontline” certainly was evidence of values that are stressed while receiving an SMU ( and CST ) education of making a difference while giving to others. During this time of a pandemic, reading of the contributions of alumni was both inspirational and positive. The university can be very proud that the legacy of Christian values continues in its graduates. Good to remember that we are all in the presence of God. — Ken ’64 and Mary (Blaney) CST’65 Sichz •
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ALUMNI! Send us all your good news for class notes. We want to know your major academic and career milestones, and family additions. Let's celebrate together! Email alumni@smumn.edu or write to Saint Mary's University, 700 Terrace Heights #21, Winona, MN 55987.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Outstanding publication The Spring/Summer 2020 issue of the Saint Mary’s Magazine was outstanding in so many ways. The story of Brother James Miller’s Beatification, along with your quick response articles about the Front Line Heroes were remarkable. Additionally, providing the Strategic Plan of “Building A Future Full of Hope” gives students, faculty, and alumni a glimpse into the direction of SMUMN. Thanks for providing such an outstanding publication. — Jim Struble ’59
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
POSITIVITY IN THE PANDEMIC →
The enjoyment of working from home in fuzzy slippers is no match for all that I’m missing. I miss watching people’s faces light up with laughter, the in-person bantering and hallway run-ins, and the quick lunches with friends where we work to solve the world’s problems by the end of a turkey sandwich. Just over a year ago, we never could have envisioned all this. In the beginning, it was like a scene from a sci-fi movie, seeing everyone in masks, spacing stickers covering our floors; sanitizing stations placed strategically; classroom chairs placed precisely 6 feet apart; and Plexiglass hanging from the ceiling.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
For nearly a year, the ever-changing safety protocols included new lists of “can’t”s.
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We can all learn from these young leaders who are facing obstacles never before faced with determination and perseverance.
But — even in my slippers, I’ve witnessed the strength of our Saint Mary’s community during this pandemic. We’ve proven, over and over, that Cardinals can; it just takes a little creativity. When Ray Faber, Ph.D. was told he couldn’t take large groups into the wilderness, he stepped outside of his technological comfort zone and completed on-site recordings to share in class. When the concert band members were told they couldn’t practice and perform in close proximity, they rehearsed outside, socially distanced, with special coverings for instruments and director Janet Heukeshoven communicating via bullhorn. (Check out more on page 4.) Though athletic competitions were postponed until winter, our student-athletes continued to train and to support each other in hope and in preparation for the day when they could once again showcase their skills. Our instructors, like Zakary Mayo of our Business and Communication Department, are still providing real-world experiences from virtual settings (pages 11-13). And though our in-person alumni gatherings and student activities came to a halt, our Alumni Relations Office and Student Activities leaders have crafted a wide variety of to-go kits and virtual events to keep us all engaged, entertained, and connected (page 40).
At the start of the fall semester on the Winona Campus, members of our community were unsure how long we’d be able to keep students on campus. Reports of major outbreaks were surfacing at other schools, and it seemed the odds were stacked against us.
Week after week I’m impressed by how much our students have focused on all the things they can do, and less on what they’re missing out on. But every missed awards banquet and competition is tough and continuously tests their resilience. We can all learn from these young leaders who are facing obstacles never before faced with determination and perseverance. We can only imagine what they’ll be able to accomplish once they get out into their jobs and communities. Likewise our alumni, faculty, and students have not slowed their dedication to making our classrooms — and our world — a better place. •
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enerous benefactors are ensuring our G student-athletes have everything they need to succeed, and that additional scholarships will be available for deserving students. (pages 22, 26, and 28) Cathy Heying M’01 is changing lives one car at a time. (page 8)
Our students have faced a very different academic year, with social distancing and masks.
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C ole Irish M’18 is working on cutting edge research to fight COVID-19 at Mayo Clinic. (page 16) S chool of Business and Technology dean Michelle Wieser, Ph.D., is working to change gender inequity in the workplace. (page 14) S enior Clare Bath and sophomore Jonathon Krull are closing the political divide and promoting civil discourse on campus and beyond. (page 18) Sue Fangel M’09, ’19, is helping to prepare the next generation of ethical nurses and graduate students. (page 20)
Stories of success and tales of triumphs are everywhere; we just need to look beyond our fuzzy slippers. We share these stories to lift your spirits, warm your hearts, and connect you to Saint Mary’s. Together, Cardinals can get through this. Together, we ARE Saint Mary’s.
Deb Nahrgang SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE EDITOR
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
But our students stepped up and said, “Yes, we can.” Because of their diligence, and their encouragement of one another, we were able to keep learning on ground just two weeks short of our end goal before Thanksgiving. This spring, we’re still going strong.
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COV I D -1 9 C A N ' T STO P →
A year ago, Kodey Kiel ’21 had just returned to campus from his Florida baseball trip. He remembers just how quickly the pandemic turned the world upside down. “Everything happened so fast; first we were told we wouldn’t be playing any more baseball, then they told us we needed to go home immediately,” the marketing and management major said.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Dr. Janet Heukeshoven and the concert band were just two days from giving their spring performance when Winona students were sent home in March to begin online classes. The band could no longer practice or perform together. “Everything changed,” she said. “Removing active music-making from our lives was quite devastating.”
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Even though students were excited to return to the Winona Campus in fall, life looked and felt considerably different because of safety protocols. Bridgette Hegarty, a junior elementary education major, said looking back on this past year has caused her to reflect on how much we take for granted. “Life since last spring has been a constant opportunity to develop my adaptability and flexibility,” she said. “I had to accept that, for the time being, things will be different.”
Flexibility and resiliency have been key themes as Saint Mary’s discovered that, together, we can accomplish some pretty amazing things.
Learning and Teaching a Whole New Way
Dr. Ben Pauli, assistant professor of biology, recalls how much work there was last spring to abruptly transition on-ground classes to purely online experiences.
“Despite the difficulties, our students were really understanding, even when things didn’t go smoothly,” he said. Additional adaptation was needed in fall with the increase in safety protocols. “It wasn’t a complete move ‘back to normal,’ ” he said. “Most of my ‘lecture’ classes became a hybrid of in-person and Zoom classes. Students in my labs were split into two groups, and most labs were designed to be outside the majority of the time (even in cold weather) to make things as safe as possible. Many of us, myself included, have quickly enrolled in and completed the training in online instruction so that we can become much better online instructors.”
OUR CARDINALS
“We rehearse differently — half the band at a time, with fall and spring outdoor rehearsals when weather permits, all to maintain 6 feet between student musicians during rehearsals,” Dr. Heukeshoven said. “It’s difficult to make music when sitting so far apart from each other, but we’re making it happen; we’re keeping music in our students’ lives.” As an RA, Hegarty adapted the way she connects with residents and offers programs. For example, she is especially intentional in stopping to chat with a resident when she sees them. “Small interactions can have a large impact on someone’s day, now more than ever,” she said. “I send my residents weekly Motivation Monday emails with a quote to start their week. I hosted
a virtual art afternoon where residents gathered via Zoom to follow art tutorials. I also hosted a socially-distanced fall frolic bluff hike first semester. Most recently, I led a Valentine’s Day ‘grab and go’ card making program with a fellow RA. We collected the cards and donated them to a local senior living community.’ Kiel praises his instructors for trying their best to encourage participation online but said there’s no comparison to in-person learning. “Coming back to campus this fall and being able to go to class and interact with classmates and professors has been the highlight,” he said. “It is much easier for me personally to be engaged and committed to the class when I am physically present. I have been able to adapt and make this my new normal for the time being. Teachers have done a great job at giving us the same experiences that we would normally have in class.”
Containing the Spread and Building a New Normal
Ann Merchlewitz M’95, JD, senior vice president and general counsel, said she is proud of how the community has been able to minimize and contain the spread of COVID-19, and she largely credits the students.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
In fall, Dr. Heukeshoven, professor of Music and Music Education, quickly worked to ensure students could once again perform while mitigating the virus as much as possible. With the cost of professional musicians’ masks out of reach, she found and modified a musicians’ mask pattern and invented “flute flaps.” Likewise, Dr. Patrick and Lindsy (Nelson) ’05, M’06 O’Shea designed singer scarves for their vocal groups.
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CAN'T STOP OUR CARDINALS “Our students feel a strong sense of connection to each other, their faculty, and staff,” she said. “I think they wanted to stay in person to foster and rely on those connections in a time of great upheaval and uncertainty. They have also been great advocates for the protocols among themselves, meaning they are holding each
other accountable. Again, I think that speaks to our students’ dedication to the community that is Saint Mary’s.” Kiel agrees. “The students are committed to keeping themselves and each other safe,” he said. “Everyone wants to be on campus and attending in-person classes, so it is worth the small inconveniences that COVID-19 protocols have created for us. As for me personally and the baseball team, we want a chance to play this year, considering we had last year taken from us.” Dr. Pauli said the fact Saint Mary’s is a small, residential college on the outskirts of town has been a benefit. He credits the university for taking great steps to quickly quarantine infected students and their close contacts. And he is glad to see more testing this spring, including random testing of the student body to understand infection rates and prevent its spread.
Families smiled behind their masks during Move-In Weekend.
“We know that we have something to lose if we can not be together,” Hegarty said. “The strong sense of community and unity promotes an attitude of hope and possibility.”
What Hasn't Changed
Saint Saint Mary’s Mary’s Magazine Magazine •• Winter Winter 2020/Spring 2020/Spring 2021 2021
While much has changed during this pandemic, there’s comfort in knowing the important things have not.
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“Lots of things haven’t changed,” Dr. Pauli said. “Saint Mary’s is still a place with a strong community. The faculty at Saint Mary’s are still committed to providing the highest quality education to our students as possible. We still get to teach, learn, and work on a campus set in a truly beautiful landscape. We are still Saint Mary’s.”
Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president, elbow bumps a parent during Move-In Weekend.
“The thought, care, and dedication of my professors haven’t changed,” Hegarty added, “It has only increased. My professors have gone
Everyone looks forward to something slightly different when the fears of this pandemic have passed. For Kiel, not surprising, it’s being able to attend sporting events and support other athletic teams. For Dr. Heukeshoven, it’s the opportunity to perform music for a live audience, both as a conductor and a flute player — but also as an audience member who misses live music and other performing arts, including theatre and dance.
My professors have gone above and beyond to ensure we still receive the quality of education they intended to provide pre-pandemic. Bridgette Hegarty ’22
Dr. Pauli most looks forward to attending community events like sporting events, picnics and barbecues. “I also am looking forward to more impromptu conversations with colleagues, he said. “I am looking forward to students stopping by my office just to chat and catch up.” Merchlewitz can’t wait to greet students with handshakes or hugs, and both she and Hegarty can’t wait to see all the smiles. “Despite living through a pandemic, Saint Mary’s is a place that still makes me smile every day, even if it’s behind a mask for the time being,” Hegarty said. •
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After the Pandemic
Saint Mary’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP) transitioned to offering the majority of its courses online in spring 2020, and continued these offerings in the fall. The decision to continue with online courses was made to avoid potential disruptions to the learning experience in the wake of COVID-19, and to promote safety and well-being of our more than 5,200 non-residential adult learners. Building on its longstanding tradition of personalized online learning, Saint Mary’s continues to support and enhance the online learning experience by offering a newly developed faculty online instructor certification series. This four-week course provides faculty with online teaching skills and prepares them to deliver an enhanced student experience informed by best practices in online education. All SGPP faculty, regardless of delivery modality, are dedicated to providing quality educational activities and opportunities. We are committed to helping our adult learners fulfill their academic, career, and life goals, and are working to ensure their academic experience exceeds their expectations. •
Saint Saint Mary’s Mary’s Magazine Magazine •• Winter Winter 2020/Spring 2020/Spring 2021 2021
above and beyond to ensure we still receive the quality of education they intended to provide pre-pandemic.”
LIFE AT OUR GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
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POSITIVITY IN THE PANDEMIC
LIFTING LIVES ONE CAR AT A TIME →
Cathy Heying M’01 had never even changed a tire before. As a pastoral minister, she was equipped with an entirely different set of tools. She could have never predicted that one day she’d be changing struts, replacing a timing belt, and balancing a set of tires. But the Holy Spirit, she believes, had other plans. Heying attended Saint Mary’s as an undergraduate for two years from 1988-1990 and then came back to get her master’s in pastoral ministry in 2001. While working at Saint Stephen’s Catholic Church in Minneapolis, she spoke with guests staying at a shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
She soon discovered that having a safe and reliable vehicle was a key factor in changing people’s lives.
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Jesus might not have envisioned the work of the Holy Spirit in fuel injectors or oil changes, but there He is, alive and well. Cathy Heying M’01
“It’s like a Jenga game for them,” she said. “They’re barely hanging on and precariously put together and if one peg is pulled, their entire world collapses. Not having a reliable car leads to greater suffering and poverty. Often, there were jobs, but it meant a two and a half hour bus ride, and their jobs started at 6 a.m., so they’d be trying to get out the door at 3 a.m. to catch a bus to start their manufacturing job. It never lasted long because it’s an impossible schedule to keep. A working car could mean the likelihood of moving more permanently out of their current situation.” Other times, she said, their cars served as their homes. “It became so clear to me that a working vehicle could make all the difference,” Heying said. And, although she uncovered some part-time, low-cost car care alternatives in Minnesota, most were still not affordable to low-income people. Reluctantly, Heying went back to school to study automotive repair. “I was still paying off grad student loans and was quite content with my life,” she said. “I didn’t know much about cars, and I did not have a natural ability. I thought, ‘I’ll just try it.’ One step at a time, and I thought almost immediately, ‘What in the heck have I done?’ Here I am 38 years old with a room full of 18- to 20-year-old men. The few women in the program dropped out before the first quarter. Honestly, if I had not been 38 and beyond caring, I would have probably quit, too.”
Cathy Heying M’01
In 2013, Heying founded The Lift Garage in Minneapolis, an affordable, nonprofit auto repair service for all Minnesotans that meet the 150% Federal Poverty Guideline. They charge only $15 per hour, plus the cost of parts at no markup. The website calls The Lift “A vehicle for repairing lives. Changing the world one car at a time.” Even the name of the garage, she said, was inspired by a greater power. “We use lifts in the garage, and we were going to try to lift people’s lives,” she said. “It was an instant fit.”
In the beginning, she sublet one bay one day a week. But, with a little divine intervention, her work sparked the attention of the CBS Evening News, which shared her story nationally — and gave The Lift a lift. “Money started pouring in and so did customers,” she said. “We kept adding staff and adding space and learning as we went. Now we own the building we are in; we have five bays, a staff of 12, and we’re open five days a week.” Since 2013, they’ve served 1,400 customers, made 3,000 repairs, and saved customers $1.1 million. And she’s been interviewed countless times, by everyone from the Washington Post to CNN. She’s also done her own TedTalk (https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=SAyP7iYlKVI). “I don’t find myself nearly that compelling, but it’s good for the organization,” she said.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Heying said the program was run like a boot camp. “And I had been in the Pastoral Ministry program at Saint Mary’s where we’re all about the love,” she said with a laugh. “I thought, ’’I’ve got a master’s degree, how hard could tech school be?’’ It totally kicked my butt. My brain was designed for people and ministry and social work — not math and science and electronics.”
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NEWS & VIEWS
Cathy Heying M’01
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
With all its growth, demand for The Lift’s services has always exceeded capacity. Hundreds of people are waiting for appointments. And while they fix 125 cars a month on average, they are booked months in advance.
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“We’re intentionally inefficient,” she said. “We could get them through faster, but we’re not willing to compromise our core values. It matters to us that every car gets a full inspection. We help people prioritize and make the best decisions they can. We try to meet people where they’re at, and people in poverty are often in crisis for various reasons. Sometimes the crisis causes poverty or vice versa. They bring a lot of those needs to us. We are social workers, grief counselors, and pastoral ministers who fix cars on the side.” It’s a job that can be incredibly rewarding ... particularly when they lose customers. Heying recalls one client who brought in a
donated car to be serviced. As a result, she was able to get a higher-paid position as a case worker who could make client visits. “She was otherwise qualified but didn’t have a car,” Heying said. “She got this job and made too much money to qualify for our services. I can still see the day she stopped by to tell us that. She said, ’Hopefully I’ll never see you again.’ Those are usually not words you want to hear, but in this case, those are exactly the words we want to hear.” Heying admits that many days she leaves work crying, often because of the situations people are in, and sometimes because of the way she and her colleagues have been treated. “Having insight into their pain can be more than impossible to bear,” she said. “But it’s good work and it’s holy work. Jesus might not have envisioned the work of the Holy Spirit in fuel injectors or oil changes, but there He is, alive and well. The whole thing was led by something bigger than me from the very beginning.” •
POSITIVITY IN THE PANDEMIC
CREATING REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCES IN A VIRTUAL WORLD Mere months from graduating, Saint Mary’s sport management students are set up to successfully market themselves into successful careers. Their résumés already contain direct real-world experience; they’re comfortable with presenting; and they’ve built valuable networks with wellknown and well-respected names like X Games, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, and Fanatics (previously WinCraft). In the most recent example, this past fall, Zakary Mayo’s Sport Marketing class prepared marketing presentations for the Minnesota Whitecaps of the National Women’s Hockey League, and Elete Dribble, an app designed to improve dribbling skills for basketball players of all ages. As a basketball player and overall sports fan, Caily Landers, a senior sport management and management double major, enjoyed the challenge. She hopes one day to both be an entrepreneur and to work for an organization just like the Minnesota Whitecaps.
Although, prior to the introduction of this project, Landers didn’t know much about the Minneapolis-Saint Paul-based women’s hockey team, she and her class immersed themselves in how to creatively increase fan engagement during a pandemic. Her team chose to come up with ideas that were both affordable (knowing the sports industry has taken a financial hit) and COVID-19 safety conscious. They developed five winning strategies that would not only work during a pandemic, but could also carry through when social distancing is no longer necessary. Each appealed to various interests and audiences, and could drive revenue, increase visibility, and keep fans connected and engaged. The Whitecaps representatives were impressed with the PowerPoint Landers designed for her team. “I think it makes you feel appreciative of all the work you put into it and gives us lots of confidence,” Landers said. “My professors — and that goes for the whole Business and
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
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Brady Stevens ’21
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POSITIVITY IN THE PANDEMIC Communication Department — have taught me a lot of skills that we could implement. They definitely do a great job in preparing us to present. They’re always providing realworld experiences, and when you’re looking for jobs, all that networking and all that experience is great for a résumé.” Senior Nick Nast also hopes his future career combines his love for sports and his double major of business intelligence and analytics and sport management. When thinking about marketing ideas for the Whitecaps, Nast dipped into his background as a lifelong hockey fan, channeling ideas he’d seen other teams do, or things he wished teams would implement more to engage their fans.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
“Sports is such a big part of so many people’s lives,” he said. “During this pandemic, people need that out, and that’s where sports comes in. It’s important to have that
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For us as students to be able to interact with those kinds of organization in those industries — that we all want to get into — it makes the dream more realistic for you. Nick Nast ’21
escape, and as an athlete myself, I know the advantage of having that escape.” To hear from the Whitecaps representatives that his ideas could be utilized by the team, was — in a word — cool. “Anytime any pro organization compliments the ideas you’ve come up with, it is pretty cool,” he said. “It feels even better as a student. One day you’d like to work in that kind of industry, so it’s a reassuring or feel-good moment. The Business and Communication Department tries to set us up for success and they’re doing a good job of it from what I can tell. “I think it motivates you that much more to be sure you do the best you can to come up with these ideas. For us as students to be able to interact with those kinds of organizations in those industries — that we all want to get into — it makes the dream more realistic for you.” Brady Stevens, a senior marketing and management double major, was also on the Cardinal basketball team, so his dribbling skills came in handy when creating a visual marketing pitch to Elete Dribble. His team focused on improving their social media presence to get more exposure through market penetration and to increase visibility and revenue by pairing with other companies. “Because they’re already an app, during this pandemic, it could be an advantage for them that more people will want to do online training instead of in person,” he said. “We decided that marketing to parents is key as they are the ones who would pay for the app, and they want their kids to have every opportunity.” Stevens hopes to work for a professional sports team as a marketing manager and experiences
like this, he said, mean all the difference. “We put more effort and care into it because it’s actually something real. For us to get several different real-world projects and for the companies to take the time to talk with students … they hire professionals to do what we did, but the fact they took the time to listen to us is pretty awesome.” Senior Stephany Beck echoed that she and her teammates utilized a lot of skills learned from previous classes during their presentations, from advertising and promotions to strategic management. The marketing and entrepreneurship major was impressed by the entrepreneurial aspect of Elete Dribble.
After college, she hopes to get a career in marketing, potentially something in advertising or social media. “It was a surreal experience to present in front of the Elete Dribble co-founder as well as build our connections and complete a project that has more meaning and could potentially be used. Being an entrepreneur, it was cool to create and implement and propose a social media platform. It looks good for a résumé and portfolio. “When we were presenting, Sean Possemato, co-founder, asked me for one of the mock social media graphics I had made. It was pretty cool knowing that as a student you can make a bigger impact.” •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Caily Landers ’21 presents a fan package idea.
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POSITIVITY IN THE PANDEMIC
WOMEN AND MEN: TOGETHER FOR CHANGE →
When Michelle Wieser, Ph.D., became dean of the School of Business and Technology at Saint Mary’s in 2019, she brought with her a vision for opening new pathways to degree completion for a new generation of students. Many of these innovations are designed to appeal to underrepresented groups in business and technology, including women.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Statistics show that women in the United States have made slow progress toward gender parity in the workplace. According to McKinsey & Company’s 2020 Women in the Workplace report, between January 2015 and January 2020, the percentage of women in senior vice president positions increased from 23 to 28 percent, and women in executive-level positions increased from 17 to 21 percent. On average, Minnesota women were more successful. The 2019 Minnesota Census of Women in Corporate Leadership showed that women held nearly 23 percent of executive-level positions in the 76 largest publicly traded companies headquartered in Minnesota.
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These findings and the fact that the pay gap between men and women also had been gradually narrowing is good news. This is pre-pandemic though. McKinsey & Company predicts “the progress we’ve seen over the past six years could be erased.” On Nov. 6, 2020, the Washington Post reported that the percentage of women in the U.S. labor force was equivalent to what it was in 1988. The pandemic has a two-pronged effect on working women: Many of the eliminated jobs are low-paying service sector ones traditionally held
by women, particularly women of color. Another issue is a lack of childcare and online school, forcing working mothers to juggle even more responsibilities than they usually do. Many have chosen to stay home. In September 2020 alone, 865,000 women dropped out of the workforce.
Involving men in gender diversity matters
Dean Wieser and others are addressing these matters by engaging men. In January 2020 Wieser joined the pilot group for Menttium’s new program, Women Mentoring Men: Standing Together for Change. Menttium is a womanowned business specializing in mentoring programs. Women Mentoring Men activates men as advocates for gender parity. An expert in gender equality in the workplace, Wieser jumped at the opportunity to get involved. The pilot group of 10 included senior leaders with the power to create change within their companies. Mentors and mentees met one-on-one and in group sessions with structured discussion topics and deliverables. Wieser’s mentee was Rob Grubka, president, employee benefits, at Voya Financial. He was searching for insight into gender imbalances on one of Voya’s teams, which includes sales reps, most of whom are men, and client service employees, most of whom are women. Most women weren’t interested in the hours or travel that was typical on the sales side, raising questions for Grubka, such as “How do we change the job to make it more inclusive? What does the job really need to be?”
Allies and advocates
Naturally, participants discussed how women are being affected by the pandemic. Mothers often carry more of the parenting load. They have more difficulty juggling the demands of work and parenting children who are no longer in school or daycare.
From conversation to change
Menttium designed the program to have depth and to produce change, but the outcome was better than anyone expected. Wieser’s mentee Grubka reports that he has material to share with Voya’s leadership team and that he is prepared to elevate the conversation on how to deliberately create an environment that values diversity. The mentors reported that they got a lot out of the program too. “Because of the level of individual and group interaction in this program, we couldn’t run from tough conversations,” Wieser said. “That made all the difference for me. I have always been deeply passionate about gender equality in the workplace, but this program helped me view all of this through a race and ethnicity lens, too.” Wieser will use what she has gained from the program in her next research project. Her Ph.D. dissertation was a major study on the impact of an MBA on women’s careers, conducted for Forté, a nonprofit dedicated to women’s
Michelle Wieser, Ph.D. Dean, School of Business and Technology
career development. Comparing both extrinsic and intrinsic factors, Wieser found that men outpaced women in most factors, particularly in extrinsic areas. Her next study will consider how race and gender affect the experience of MBA students, from the application process through career success after graduation. If workplaces are to achieve gender parity, it is important for men to be involved. In order to do that, we need safe spaces for courageous conversations about bias and privilege. When women mentor men, men have the opportunity to gain a different perspective and build skills for advocacy and allyship. If there was ever a time when women and men need to work together for change, it’s now. To learn more visit menttium.com/services/ women-mentoring-men. •
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Find the results of Wieser’s dissertation research by searching for “Women, Men, and the MBA: A Quantitative Assessment of the Impact of the MBA Degree on the Extrinsic and Intrinsic Career Outcomes of Graduates.”
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
The already negative impact on the careers of mothers has disproportionately affected Black women, and women who are senior leaders. McKinsey & Company reports that women are worried about being negatively judged because of their caregiving responsibilities, and they are uncomfortable sharing their challenges with colleagues. This makes conversations like the ones that took place between mentors and mentees more important than ever.
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POSITIVITY IN THE PANDEMIC
COLE IRISH M’18
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In the global race to combat COVID-19, Cole Irish M’18 and his team at Mayo Clinic are often among the first off the starting block to work on critical, revolutionary new research that will affect patients’ lives. And though the race is far from over, hurdle after hurdle, these skilled researchers are motivated to get the right tools in place to help medical personnel establish effective treatment, verify test outcomes, and obtain faster results. Irish has worked at Mayo Clinic for 16 years, but has served as a translational research innovation and test development supervisor there since 2018, when the office was created as a rapid paced innovation and discovery department within lab medicine. Earlier this summer, he was involved with Mayo Clinic launching a new SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody test in support of the national Expanded Access Program for Convalescent Plasma.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
“It was a neat opportunity to be involved with,” Irish said. “That assay was critical to physicians in order to find out which patients have antibodies in their system that may help combat COVID-19.”
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According to a Mayo Clinic article, information from the new test or assay — developed after just two months — will help assess critical research efforts to establish effective therapies and vaccines for COVID-19. Irish's team is also involved with testing another assay that delivers COVID-19 test results in as few as 15 minutes to an hour, instead of the current wait time of 24 hours or more. That time difference could lower transmission rates, but also, importantly, will ease patients’ minds. “For a parent, it’s about being able to take your child in for a test and get a result in a timely fashion,” he said. “It takes a lot of anxiety out of
the situation if you can know within a few minutes to an hour.” Irish said he finds it especially exciting to be on the front end of the test development process. “There is some really cool stuff coming down the line; it’s a big need,” he said. “People are going to benefit from a lot of the tests we are bringing forward.” Each day for Irish is fast paced, exciting, and varied — but it isn’t without its share of disappointments, as well as discoveries.
Irish said he has always been fascinated by science. With a background in biology, he started out at Mayo Clinic in the department of lab medicine, where he began working with viruses. “On the other side, I was involved in performing these tests,” he said. As he looked for other opportunities within Mayo Clinic, Irish found that obtaining his MBA degree from Saint Mary’s in 2018 gave him added confidence and skills to advance his position. He found the university’s flexible schedule and blended online and onground delivery a perfect way to balance his work at Mayo Clinic and his studies simultaneously. And he found that much of what he was learning has directly applied to his career. “A lot of the
Cole Irish M’18
strategy components learned during class are things you can really start to consider during test development as a whole,” he said. “Learning who you can reach out to and realizing you don’t have to be the content expert on everything. It’s important to learn how to use your network to figure out where you need to move to. Finance classes have also been extremely helpful and very eye opening when planning.” At Mayo Clinic, Irish is involved in an extensive annual planning process that involves aligning resources and budgets. Still, he said, priorities are frequently realigned based on the needs and priorities of the areas he assists. He stresses that, at Mayo Clinic, a large network of teams, from development and lab technologists, to physicians, facility crews, and beyond collaborate together to ensure success. “You look at these projects and see how everyone is working for that one piece to move forward,” he said. “I’m a very small component. The people I work with every day are truly making a difference, and I just go along for the ride.” •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
“That’s just science as a whole,” he said. “You have to be comfortable with failure.” Ironically, much of Irish’s work is actually about eliminating failure. “From our side, when we look at a test development project, the needs of the patient come first; it’s the hallmark at Mayo Clinic. We ask ourselves how we can make the best test with the best results but also have it be easy and understandable for the people operating it. Complex protocols are needed to run these assays.”
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POSITIVITY IN THE PANDEMIC
LEADERS OF OPPOSITE PARTIES STAND UNITED →
Jonathon Krull, president of Saint Mary's College Republicans, and Clare Bath, president of the College Democrats, stand on opposite sides of many national issues, yet throughout the year they’ve stood united on two fronts: empowering students to vote and the need to model civil discourse, particularly during the most recent divisive national election. Despite their differences, both students share similar backgrounds and goals, as well as a sincere love of the democratic process.
Saint Mary’s Mary’s Magazine Magazine •• Spring/Summer 20202021 Saint Winter 2020/Spring
Krull is a sophomore majoring in political science; Bath is a senior double majoring in political science and history. Whereas Bath is interested in international issues — focusing on the Middle East and North Africa — Krull hopes one day to run for political office. Both see politics as a way to help people and to make a positive difference locally and globally.
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Both grew up immersed in politics. Krull’s father is an alderman in his hometown of Seymour, Wis. The Krull family always watched the news, and politics was a frequent topic of discussion in his household. Bath’s father is a political science professor at Concordia Moorehead; likewise her family openly and frequently discussed political matters. Both college political leaders believed it was critical that their peers voted this past November, regardless of how they were voting
In a joint project with the President’s Office, the Student Senate, and the College Republicans and Democrats, Bath and Krull assisted with hosting a voter registration drive, included voting information in newsletters and on social media, put up flyers with informational QR codes; passed out “I will vote” stickers; and spoke to classes. Bath alone spoke to 30 classes about how to register to vote, and the various voting options. And both Bath and Krull believe our nation’s leaders, representing both major parties, should do better. They grew tired of what they call hyperpartisanship, increased fear mongering, and name calling in this past election. “It was very unbecoming. Political offices are esteemed offices,” Krull said. “We can respectfully disagree with one another. It’s important to see where the other person is coming from and how they got there. Instead of accusing and name calling, we should be coming up with wellfounded arguments and having a civil discussion.” Bath agreed. “Showing civil discourse is very important,” she said. “In my mind, there are two benefits. By listening to others’ points of view, you can reemphasize and legitimize your own point of view. You can also appreciate another person’s point of view and think about how it relates to or shapes your own political philosophies. It shouldn’t be ‘We have different views so I’m not going to listen.’ It should be ‘I’m going to hear
your point of view because you may have different experiences than I may have had.’ ” Bath and Krull believe the country has grown increasingly and alarmingly divisive, particularly since 2016.
Jonathon Krull ’23 President, College Republicans
Clare Bath ’21 President, College Democrats
Krull believes social media has played a significant role in creating a bigger rift between the two parties. He’s currently researching its role in hyperpartisanship. “It’s an echo chamber,” he said. People sound out their own views and don’t want to read or believe anything that differs from their own viewpoint. There’s a confirmation bias; they only seek articles that support their viewpoint. People are more entrenched in their own views than ever before.
Republican presidential candidate, the late John McCain. And he recalls how the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia were on opposite ends of the political spectrum but remained close friends. “I’d like [national politicians] to take the viewpoint that although politics is their life, the greater good of the country comes first. It’s country first, politics or party second, and I think that’s the mindset they have to get back to. The constituents are the focus, not your own party.”
“On campus, students wanted to listen to the other viewpoint and have that civil discussion; that’s something the rest of the nation can learn from,” he said. “We’ve reached a point where we need to try to turn back and fix our problems.”
For Bath it’s about sticking to politics and not letting it degrade into pettiness. “It’s a shift in culture,” she said. “It has potential to happen with new leadership, but it’s going to take everyone holding ourselves and our neighbors accountable.”
So how do we begin to turn things around? Bath and Krull believe it’ll take all of us showing character and virtue with open mindedness, patience, civility, honesty, compassion, and justice.
Coverage of their stories included:
Krull referenced the close relationship Democratic President Joe Biden had with
• MPR News with Kerri Miller, Oct. 22, 2020 • Star Tribune Opinion/Editorial, Oct. 30, 2020 • Post-Crescent (Appleton, Wis.), Nov. 2, 2020 • MSN, Nov. 2, 2020 • Winona Daily News, Nov. 5, 2020 • Star Tribune, Nov. 9, 2020 •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
“I think politics has been partisan to the extreme and that’s really frustrating,” Bath said. She believes civil discourse must first be modeled by the current administration. “In the last four or so years, hate speech found a safe place in America,” she said. “Commonly coined terms have been used to brush off mainstream media. We’ve delegitmized other people’s voices and struggles in America. These perspectives, rooted in hatred, have really blossomed.”
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GIVING BACK
ADVISING PROGRAMMING BY SHARING EXPERIENCES →
Sue Fangel M’09, ’19 knows Saint Mary’s from pretty much every angle: graduate student, nontraditional undergraduate student, undergraduate parent, and alumna. And now she’s using her knowledge — and her vast career experiences in nursing administration — to prepare Saint Mary’s for the students of tomorrow. Her introduction to Saint Mary’s came while her eldest son, James ’08, was enrolled as an undergraduate on the Winona Campus. At 48, she decided to enroll in the university’s M.A. in Health and Human Service Administration program at the Twin Cities Campus and fulfill a long-standing educational dream.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Deciding on Saint Mary’s started with a web search. “Saint Mary’s was more affordable, convenient, and it resonated with me when I looked at the curriculum,” she said. “It was geared toward what I was looking for, and had a broad spectrum of classes.”
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This is how I can give back to the university that has given me the opportunity to do the job I’m doing ... and for what my sons and their wives have gained in their careers and their lives. It’s just a blessing. Sue Fangel M’09, ’19
She admits that going back to school again, after 14 years away from the classroom, wasn’t always easy. “I’ll be honest, my first class was a communication class,” she said. “And if not for that professor, I don’t know if I would have stuck it out. She told me, ‘Don’t worry about it; your experiences in life are going to carry you through this whole program. I’ll teach you how to write’, and she did, and I enjoyed it. I really liked the diversity of the program and the diversity of students in my classes. It was interesting to work and get perspective from social workers, other nurses, and law enforcement.” Ten years later, when she was 58, Fangel was told a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree was a requirement of her position as VP chief nursing officer for Saint John’s and St. Joseph’s hospitals in the Twin Cities. Again, she turned to Saint Mary’s. “I thought, ‘Why would I even doubt where I’m going to go?’ I began the online RN to BSN program the spring of 2018 and did the full program in three semesters.” She recalls it was an “enlightening” experience. “It’s a good program, and it’s very doable,” she said, adding that she promotes the program within her organization and was honored to serve on the RN to BSN advisory board. Her eldest son James graduated from Saint Mary’s in 2008 and her second son Andrew graduated in 2011, both in biology. “They had great experiences and they received a great education,” she said. “They were really set up well. James loved taking genetics from Dr. Dick Kowles M’67, and Dr. Jeanne Minnerath was very instrumental in
helping James find his career direction in cytogenetics at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.” Andrew also started his career at Mayo Clinic and now works at Minneapolis Children’s Hospital as a lab safety and education specialist. Both James and Andrew met their wives at Saint Mary’s. James’ wife Sophie (Harrison) ’13 studied psychology and currently works for Mayo Clinic, and Andrew’s wife Abby (Lough) ’13 studied education and works for the South Saint Paul School District.
Sue Fangel M’09, ’19 Saint Mary's University Nurse Advisory Board
With Sue’s encouragement, James, Andrew, and Sophie followed in her footsteps and also graduated from Saint Mary’s M.A. in Health and Human Service Administration program.
So when Fangel was asked to be part of the Nursing Advisory Board as Saint Mary’s initiates a B.S. in Nursing program on the Winona Campus this fall, she agreed and is bringing a wealth of career knowledge with her. As the VP chief nursing officer, she oversees all nursing operations at two hospitals. “All nursing directors and managers report to me, from a gamut of nursing units from the emergency room to maternity to the NICU,” she said. “A lot of my focus is on finance, customer experience, employee engagement, and well being, quality, and patient safety.” While her job entails everything from inspections, to meeting the changing demographics of her patients, she said everything she does revolves around ensuring the hospitals are providing safe, high quality, and compassionate care to their patients. Her main goal for Saint Mary’s pending nursing program is, in a nutshell, that it’s successful. “I
saw the curriculum, and it’s so exciting that there’ll be another nursing program in the state,” she said. “I love that students can have the whole college experience and be on campus, and that they will be enrolled in the nursing program right away their first year. Saint Mary’s will develop ethically strong and well educated nurses who will come and work in our communities. There’s always a need, particularly in rural healthcare.” And, as a new member of the Board of Regents, the advisory board of the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, she’ll extend her advisory role. “I hope Saint Mary’s will continue to build and grow,” she said. “The university is adding several programs, which is exciting, especially some bachelor’s completion programs. There are a lot of unconventional learners, like I was, out there,” she said. “This is how I can give back to the university that has given me the opportunity to do the job I’m doing — in the position that I’m in — and for what my sons and their wives have gained in their careers and their lives. It’s just a blessing.” •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
“Saint Mary’s became part of our landscape,” she said.
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GIVING BACK
LOVING GIFT LEAVES LASTING LEGACY →
The late Kendrick “Ken” Melrose left behind a lengthy legacy — and an even longer list of best friends.
As the former chairman and chief executive officer of The Toro Company, he took the company from the brink of bankruptcy to historic levels of prosperity. As a generous philanthropist, he and The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation have supported countless community interests and topics — from environmental efforts, to health-related initiatives, educational endeavors, animal care, and beyond.
Kendrick “Ken” Melrose
And as a devout man of faith, he founded Leading by Serving, LLC. His parents instilled in him a belief that the purpose of life is to serve others, and Melrose modeled servant leadership throughout his life, writing and speaking extensively on the subject. Robin Doyle, his long-time executive personal assistant, believes Melrose’s legacy lives on in everyone who knew him before he passed in May 2020.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
“He was the most generous, thoughtful, and caring person I have ever met,” she said. “I would put him at the top of my list in all of those categories. He was just so thoughtful of everyone, and he showed that every day.”
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Saint Mary’s is grateful to the Melrose Family Foundation for its generous $500,000 gift to the renovation of the Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman and Brother Charles Halls, where business and science education will innovatively prepare tomorrow’s leaders. Kaye O’Leary
The gift to support business and science makes sense, considering his dedication to those two fields. Melrose graduated with honors
A rendering of the new Adducci Science Center's Brother Charles and Hoffman Halls.
But Doyle said the gift particularly reflects his love of his life partner Kaye O’Leary. “It was made in honor and recognition of Kaye because of all the work she does and how dedicated she is to Saint Mary’s,” Doyle said. “Ken loved her so very much and always wanted to recognize her dedication and hard work.” O’Leary has had a lengthy and successful business career as well. A current Saint Mary’s trustee, she served as the CFO of Bucca de Beppo from 20052007, where she led a major restructuring. She then served as CFO of Caribou Coffee Company in 2008 before becoming an executive consultant focused on corporate strategy and governance. “She’s such a mirror image of Ken,” Doyle said. “She is generous on a personal level, too, and she
dedicates a lot of her time to Saint Mary’s, and I can’t say enough about how much I admire that lady. I wish I would have known her earlier in my lifetime.” After Melrose’s passing, O’Leary and Doyle discovered yet another talent he had — the ability to make nearly everyone he spoke with feel as though they were his best friend. “When you talked, he listened,” Doyle said. “He always wanted to know more about how you were and what was going on in your life. He would never start off talking about himself. It was always about the other person. “He’s left quite a footmark in the sand, and I don’t think it can ever be washed away.” •
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The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation’s gift was matched by an anonymous $5 million gift, doubling its incredible reach in supporting the renovation of the Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman and Brother Charles Halls. To take advantage of this matching gift and to support this innovative initiative, please contact Gary Klein at gklein@smumn.edu.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
from Princeton University in 1962, where he majored in mathematics and electrical engineering. He furthered his education with a master’s degree from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and later earned his MBA from the University of Chicago. His 36-year career at The Toro Company exemplified business innovation.
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HENDRICKSON FORUM
HENDRICKSON FORUM 2020 →
Our species has evolved to be good.
Simple artificial intelligence can increase human cooperation within groups. It’s important to choose to work for a company with core values that align with your own. Saint Mary’s tackled the complex and diverse topics of evolution, sustainability, and artificial intelligence — and how they all relate to ethics — during this year’s Hendrickson Forum, offered virtually on Nov. 10, 2020.
Nicholas A. Christakis, M.D., Ph.D., MPH
The Hendrickson Forum, held annually through the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership, is a venue for thought-provoking information and discussion. Also at the forum, a local leader receives the Hendrickson Institute Medal for Ethical Leadership and speaks briefly about their professional experiences.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
This year’s medal recipient was Mary Jane Melendez, chief sustainability and social impact officer for General Mills, and president of the General Mills Foundation
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Mary Jane Melendez
Melendez exemplifies the values of ethical leadership, not only as a business leader, but also as a humanitarian. By promoting environmentally and socially responsible practices, she works tirelessly to both conserve our planet’s resources and nourish our communities. Under her guidance, General Mills Foundation is working to move the needle on hunger relief, regenerative agriculture, and food waste reduction by focusing on food rescue, school feeding programs, improving soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and farmer resilience. And under her leadership, General Mills’ investments in food rescue saved more than 4 billion pounds of food, turned that food into more than 3 billion meals for the hungry, and avoided more than 2 billion pounds of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
“In my lifetime I have been fortunate to learn from the courageous actions of others who found it in their hearts to do what they can — to fix what’s broken, to right what’s wrong and to help nurture the next generation of strong leaders in our community,” she added. This year’s keynote, Nicholas A. Christakis, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, addressed “Blueprint: How Artificial Intelligence Can Build on the Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society.” The director of Yale University’s Human Nature Lab and co-director of the Yale Institute for Network Science, Christakis has been named to TIME’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” and to Foreign Policy’s “Top 100 Global Thinkers.” His current research is primarily focused on two topics: the social, mathematical, and biological
rules governing how social networks form (“connection”), and the social and biological implications of how they operate to influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (“contagion”). His lab uses both observational and experimental methods to study these phenomena, exploiting techniques from sociology, computer science, biosocial science, demography, statistics, behavior genetics, evolutionary biology, epidemiology, and other fields. Christakis identified the social suite: identity, love, friendship, networks, cooperation, in-group preference, mild hierarchy, and teaching, and provided examples of how these universal traits in humans mutually reinforce each other. “The arc of our evolutionary history is long but it bends toward goodness,” he said. •
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To view the presentation, visit tpt.org/evolution-sustainability-and-ai/
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
“We live in such uncertain times and ethical leadership has never been more important,” she said. “Now more than ever, our world and our communities need ethical leaders. In many ways this award belongs to the individuals who nurtured and empowered me to live and lead ethically and with a sense of purpose.
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ATHLETICS
BASEBALL ALUMNI PROVE GIVING IS CONTAGIOUS →
It’s been scientifically proven that seeing others give makes an individual more likely to give.
Generosity is contagious, and head Saint Mary’s baseball coach Nick Winecke ’07, M’12 can attest to the fact because he’s seen it in action. Benefactors spanning more than five decades are giving back to a sport and a program they love. It all began on Jan. 14, 2019, as Saint Mary’s unveiled its new $704,000 baseball clubhouse, “Pudge’s Place.” The 2,500-square-foot facility was made possible by a generous lead gift from Marc Weisenburger ’75.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Weisenburger had been inspired by previous benefactors of Saint Mary’s initiatives like the Science and Learning Center and the Kabara Institute.
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“In thinking about how I could help define success for Saint Mary’s baseball, I wanted to try and determine what I could do to make a difference,” he said. “I am honored that my nickname is on this clubhouse, and I am proud to be forever connected to Saint Mary’s baseball … and all that it stands for.” Winecke said that Weisenburger’s generosity inspired a giving trend for the baseball program. Of the 46 lockers located in Pudge’s Place, all (plus two coaches’ lockers) were quickly sponsored. The cost to sponsor a locker was
set at $2,000, but several alumni, Winecke said, have made gifts over the requested sponsorship amount. In total, 66 individuals and families supported the project. Even more impressive, about 50 percent of the lockers were supported by young alumni from the past 13 years — alumni like Taylor Thelemann ’14, who played shortstop for the Cardinals between 2011 and 2014. “I decided to sponsor a locker and give back to the program in general because of how much the team and university did for me as a person,” Thelemann said. “I matured and developed more than I could have ever expected, and I attribute a lot of that to the inclusivity and camaraderie associated with the program. The culture that Coach Winecke has built at Saint Mary’s is truly special, and I wanted to help make that bond more noticeable to prospective students.” Thelemann said having his name permanently attached to the facilities is an honor. “Alumni banded together collectively to make the opportunity a reality,” he said. “My former teammates who were contacted agreed to assist without hesitation.” As great as the on-field accomplishments were, Thelemann said it’s the time spent off the field
with teammates he misses the most. “Coach Winecke always said that the first day you come on campus as a new student and member of the baseball program, you gain 40plus best friends, and that could not be more true. It is hard to find a professional environment where everyone cares more about the common goal than individual accomplishments or milestones.”
This generous donation has established “The Max” player package. “The name, in addition to being inspired by Molock, is also centered around the knowledge that giving the max effort and having the max contributors will lead to max results,” Weisenburger said. As part of the package, all Cardinal baseball players every year will receive a pair of spikes, training shoes, and practice gear (two T-shirts and a pair of shorts). Moving forward, first-years will get a certain package every year, and returning players will be able to choose from a menu of options, based on their need. “He’s allowing us to have a Division 1 experience at a Division III institution,” Winecke said. “This sets us apart to win with recruitment, but it also takes the financial burden off of some students and their families.” Sophomore biology pre-med major Brandon Merfeld said it took awhile for the news of this gift to sink in. “Playing Division III sports, it is really unheard of to get all that equipment for free,” he said. “It
Brandon Merfeld ’23
really speaks to the quality of alumni that this program produces. It also displays that there is a high level of investment from our alumni, which in turn will make our team work harder as we do not want to let down those who came before us.” Ryan Wolfe ’20, enrolled in Saint Mary’s finance certificate program, agrees. “ ‘The Max’ shows a lot of what our program and culture is all about. Alumni care about this program so much that they give generous donations year after year. They want to make sure this program is in a better place and make our experiences even greater than theirs were.” Merfeld said as a member of the baseball team he feels part of a family, one in which everyone has each others’ back. “I think that’s why Saint Mary’s is special,” he said. “This goes beyond the baseball program to the professors and administrators who are always there to lend a helping hand. “If I am ever able to give back in any way, I will certainly do so. I have seen first-hand how ‘The Max’ package has impacted my teammates, not only emotionally but financially,” he said. “I think it would be a surreal opportunity to be able to bring joy to Cardinal Baseball players to come.” •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Weisenburger shared this same experience while playing under the guidance of Hall of Fame Coach Max Molock between 1971 and 1975. To further honor Molock, Weisenburger has now committed generous funding for another important Cardinal baseball initiative.
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ATHLETICS
RECORD-SETTING GIFT MADE TO CARDINAL HOCKEY →
Thanks to the generosity of a family that wishes to be anonymous, Saint Mary’s Cardinal hockey programs will receive some major upgrades next season — including rink improvements and new men’s apparel and equipment. With an outright gift of $250,000 and a commitment of $750,000 for future needs, these philanthropic Cardinal hockey fans are giving back to a sport that has brought their family so much joy — and so many meaningful connections — through the years.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Multiple children in this hockey family have played competitively, from youth through college. “They loved the sport, and we loved the sport, and it has taken us all over the world. We’ve met some great people along the way. It’s a great group, and
The impact this gift will have, not only short-term but long-term, will help carry this program through the next decade and beyond. We are forever grateful to these benefactors.
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Ryan Egan
some of our best friends have been made through hockey,” the family shared. The benefactors expressed their appreciation of men’s coach Ryan Egan, women’s coach Sarah Murray, as well as Sarah’s father, Andy Murray. Though the hockey world is expansive, they describe the network within hockey as supportive and close knit. Their faith, they say, played a large role in their decision to make this gift. “We contemplated together and prayed together about where to donate and how to give back,” the family shared. It was this same faith component that helped connect them to Saint Mary’s. Although their goal with these gifts is to enhance the men’s hockey program, they are also very excited that the women’s program will benefit from these upgrades. They know playing hockey is costly, both for the athletes and their families, and for the school programs. “Equipment and operating a rink is expensive and the travel as well; it’s an expensive sport,” the family shared. In addition to bigger items like a second scoreboard, and new sound and acoustics, the initial $250,000 will include men’s equipment and apparel. It was this family’s wish that seniors be able to take some of their equipment and apparel with
The men's team raises their sticks in thanks.
program through the next decade and beyond. We are forever grateful to these benefactors.”
“We thought it would be great for them to have that equipment, so they can “Our Cardinal continue The women's team reacts to the athletes are playing their news of the generous gift. grateful for all the sport, professionally enhancements made or within leagues,” the possible because of this family shared. “And having generosity,” Murray added. “The Saint Mary’s name out there is a results of this gift will be visible to not only recruitment tool. When they go out, someone our athletes and fans, but also to prospective will see that, and then (hockey alumni) can share students, and will help set us apart from our their hockey stories and what Saint Mary’s meant competitors.” to them and spread that message.” Coaches Egan and Murray agree that this gift not only enhances the players’ experiences, but also helps drive recruitment efforts for future Cardinal student athletes. “I can’t even put into words what this gift means to the Saint Mary’s men’s hockey program,” Egan said. “The impact this gift will have, not only short-term but long-term, will help carry this
Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president, said he was honored to speak with the benefactors. “We are so grateful for their generosity and commitment to Saint Mary’s and edified by their trust and faith in God,” he said. “They are exemplars of the work we are doing at Saint Mary’s, particularly in regard to our character and virtue initiatives. This gift helps us to foster our vision for this critical initiative.” •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
them when they graduate.
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ATHLETICS
SAINT MARY'S UNVEILS SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2021 This spring’s Sports Hall of Fame induction has a lot of firsts. • It’s the first virtual induction in hall of fame history. • The university’s first alumni-athlete from men’s track and field is being inducted. • It’s the first time a husband and wife are being inducted together. The Saint Mary’s Athletic Department, in association with the Saint Mary’s Alumni Association, will proudly induct four former student-athletes into the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame: Barb (Bock) Loahr ’87, Doug Loahr ’87, Andrew Brueggen ’11, and Jackie Huegel ’03, as well as long-time sports information director Donny Nadeau ’85. The five will be recognized in a virtual ceremony at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 24, viewable at smumn.edu/hof21. “We are beyond excited to welcome an amazing group of Cardinal greats into the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame,” said Saint Mary’s athletic director Brian Sisson. “This class, as all members in the past and in years to come, has left their mark on Cardinal athletics, and represents amazing accomplishments within our Saint Mary’s family. This grouping is a very special and unforgettable Hall of Fame addition.”
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
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A four-year letterwinner, Barb (Bock) Loahr ’87 was a driving force in Saint Mary’s dominance in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Barb (Bock) Loahr ’87 Conference during her Women’s Soccer time as a member of the Shoreview, Minn. Cardinal women’s soccer team. She helped guide the Cardinals to three MIAC regular-season titles — including a perfect conference season and a berth in the NCAA Division III national tournament during her senior season. Loahr closed out her illustrious career as a two-time All-MIAC First-Team selection, while also garnering NSCAA All-West Region First Team honors following her senior campaign. She recorded 37 goals and 23 assists for 97 points during her four seasons, with her senior year — 16 goals, eight assists, and 40 points — being her most productive. Loahr ranks in the top 10 in program history in all three offensive categories, while her 16 goals and 40 points in 1986 remain single-season top 10s.
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Doug Loahr ’87 was a four-year letterwinner for the Saint Mary’s men’s hockey team, and one of the program’s most prolific scorers. A four-time Doug Loahr ’87 All-MIAC First Team Men’s Hockey Shoreview, Minn. selection, Loahr scored 10 or more goals — and recorded 20 or more points — in all four of his seasons in a Saint Mary’s uniform. Loahr enjoyed his most productive season as a sophomore, scoring 41 goals and adding 29 assists for 70 points. All told, the speedy forward closed out his collegiate career with 90 goals, 65 assists, and 155 points in 95 games. His 70 points during the 198485 season rank third all-time, while his 41 goals that season are fourth in program history. Loahr’s 90 career goals leave him No. 5 all-time, while his 155 career points have him sitting eighth.
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Jackie Huegel ’03 played a major role in helping the Cardinals post a perfect run through the NCAA national tournament field en route to the program’s — and the school’s — first-ever national championship. Huegel, who started all 137 games she played in as a Cardinal, closed out her career with a .406 batting average, the fourth-highest career average in program history. During the Cardinals’ national championship season in 2000, Huegel, then a first-year student, hit a career-best .455, while also posting career-highs in Jackie Huegel ’03 Fastpitch Softball at-bats (123), runs (38), hits (56), home runs (3), RBIs (39), and stolen bases Maple Grove, Minn. (22). Her third home run of the season — a two-run, first-inning blast — helped propel the Cardinals to their national title-winning 5-0 win over Chapman. A four-time All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference First-Team selection, Huegel was also a regular on the NFCA post-season award podium, being named All-Region Second Team in 2001 and Third Team in both 2002 and 2003. Huegel, a 2002 CoSIDA Academic All-District selection, as well as Saint Mary’s Outstanding Female Athlete, was also recognized with the 2000 national championship team during its 2005 induction.
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Andrew Brueggen ’11 was one of the most dominant male track and field athletes during his time as a Cardinal, and with his induction, he becomes the first male track and field athlete to be inducted into the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame. Brueggen kicked off his three-year Saint Mary’s career by winning the MIAC Outdoor hammer throw in 2009. In 2010, Brueggen earned the first of his two All-American honors, this one in the indoor hammer throw, where he finished fourth. That was nothing, compared Andrew Brueggen ’11 Track and Field to what he was able to accomplish as a senior, winning the MIAC indoor Holmen, Wis. weight throw and outdoor hammer throw, while earning MIAC Indoor and Outdoor Outstanding Performance of the Meet honors. Brueggen qualified for the 2011 indoor national championships and captured his second All-American honor with a sixth-place effort in the hammer at the outdoor national championships. Not to be overshadowed by his exploits on the track, Brueggen was also a two-time USTFCCCA All-Academic selection and earned MIAC All-Academic honors in 2011. Donny Nadeau ’85 completed his 25th season as Saint Mary’s sports information director in May 2020. Throughout his career, Nadeau has been responsible for all aspects of sports information, including statistics, press releases, media relations, print materials, promotions, award nominations, and more — which equates to countless long and late-night hours. In addition, he is the webmaster of saintmaryssports.com and is masterful at supplementing his stories with innovative videos, digital media guides, and plentiful social media posts. Not only does he thoroughly cover 300 athletic Donny Nadeau ’85 Sports Information events annually, he created and co-hosts a weekly television show, “The Director • Winona, Minn. Cardinals Nest” to spotlight what’s happening in athletics. In recognition of his work, Nadeau has received the Saint Mary’s Employee Recognition Award three times and was honored with the prestigious Saint Mary’s Heffron Award in 2014. Nadeau also received the MIAC Mike Augustin Award and has been recognized for the quality of his writing, including second in the district (event coverage) and third in the nation (athlete profile) honors in CoSIDA’s Fred J. Stabley writing contest. Considered by many among the conference and the Midwest as one of the best in the business, Nadeau has served as host sports information director for two NCAA Division III Final Fours and spearheaded all media relations for the annual MIAC Men’s Hockey Showcase. •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
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RETIREES
Ray Faber, Ph.D. Current/former titles Professor of biology How many years have you worked at Saint Mary’s and what brought you here? 45 years! For a wildlife ecologist, this area is a paradise! What are your retirement plans? I hope to enjoy more time outdoors as well as collating many years of field data and perhaps staying somewhat involved in field research. What have you enjoyed most about teaching? Using my experiences to give clarity to difficult topics as well as demonstrating scientific rigor in evaluating information. How do you hope you’re remembered? I hope it will be having a storehouse of knowledge to draw upon at any moment. My favorite student comment was, “This guy is a walking encyclopedia.”
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Any particularly meaningful or humorous stories stand out through the years? I always tell students that the No. 1 objective for a lab class is to maintain my perfect record — no fatalities. We did get shot at once but there were no casualties.
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What are you most proud of from your career? Many things stand out: My work with herring gulls was influential in the decision of the White House to ban PCBs. My testimony was influential in MPCA preventing building of new municipal “waste-to-energy” facilities. My herring gull studies have continued for almost 50 years with the longest record of contaminant data in wildlife in the U.S. Additionally, research projects with many students have resulted in a wide variety of creative and meaningful studies. •
Preston Lawing, M.F.A. Current/former titles I am currently a professor of art and design and served as chair of the department for 10 years. I started at Saint Mary’s in 1997. What are your retirement plans? I look forward to working in my art studio full time. What will you miss the most? The laughter around the department, the student engagement, and the ability to see the joy in life through the lens of young people, and the wisdom of life through this excellent faculty. What have you enjoyed most about teaching? I love getting the students excited about seeing their artistic success for the first time. It is that magical moment when the light turns on for them that is most exciting for me to watch. How do you hope you’re remembered/what do you think you’ll be most remembered for? I would hope that I am remembered for my ability to help them think about things (artistically, critically, and creatively), and for the importance of how to be a good storyteller. A truly lost art. I am proud that I helped develop the Italy Study Abroad Summer program, taking numerous groups of students through Rome, Florence, and Venice. I feel fortunate to have left a lasting legacy with the design and construction of the Veterans Memorial. I am extremely proud that I was awarded the Brother Charles Severin Award for Excellence in Teaching, which was nominated and voted on by the university faculty. •
RETIREES
Current title Assistant professor of art and design. I was department chair for eight years prior, ending this last summer. When I started at Saint Mary’s, I worked in Campus Safety with Jerry Seibert as assistant director, then in Marketing and Communication as a web technician. Throughout this time, I also was an adjunct instructor in the Art and Design Department. How many years have you worked at Saint Mary’s? I started the summer of 1998. What are your retirement plans? I plan to spoil my grandchildren and travel. What will you miss the most? The students have been an amazing part of my life for the last two decades. I will miss the ‘department meetings’ that Preston Lawing, Lisa Truax, and I have had by yelling at each other down our office corridor. What have you enjoyed most about teaching? I love showing students how art and design is a learned skill, not an innate talent. Many of my students enter the classroom so fearful of their abilities; much of my job is to help them put down that anxiety so they can tap into their creative potential. How do you hope you’re remembered? Making art and design is hard work, but I hope that I am remembered for the joy I brought into the classroom. I have always endorsed making mistakes and having fun doing it. Messing up is a path to creative discovery. What are you most proud of from your career? Sharing the world of art and design has been a real privilege that I will always hold close to my heart. •
David Sokolowski ’83, Ph.D. Current/past titles: I am an associate professor of English. I’ve served as faculty chair, faculty secretary, English Department chair, writing director, and assistant men’s and women’s tennis coach. How many years have you worked at Saint Mary’s? I’ve taught at Saint Mary’s for 32 years. What are your retirement plans? I’m a physically active person, so, provided my body holds up, I hope to continue to enjoy the outdoors. I have this fantasy about spending an entire ski season out in Colorado while working a part-time job. What have you enjoyed most about teaching? I’ve enjoyed sharing my sense of humor with students, perhaps endowing some of them with a greater sense of irony. In addition, it’s been very satisfying to see some students adopt a more diligent work ethic as a result of taking a class with me. Finally, I relished those times when I was able to coax out of students some truly insightful observations about a text. What are you most proud of from your career? We all experience times when things aren’t easy or when we’re not at the top of our game. I’m most proud those times when I persisted in the face of fatigue and/or lack of inspiration. How do you hope you are remembered? My hope is that some will remember me for my sense of humor, diplomacy, insight, and persistence. •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Rob McColl, M.F.A.
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RETIREES
Kenneth Solberg, Ph.D. How many years have you worked at Saint Mary's and what brought you here? I have had three different “careers” at Saint Mary’s: teaching (later chairing) the newly established undergraduate Psychology Department in the ’70s and ’80s; teaching in the expanding master’s program in counseling psychology (serving for a few years as the associate program director); and returning in 2009 as the director of the newly established Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
What have you enjoyed most about teaching? There is a concept from developmental psychology called scaffolding which suggests that learning is optimal when individuals are presented with tasks and problems which are just beyond their current level of ability. If the task is too easy the learner is bored. If the task is too difficult, the learner is frustrated. I have really enjoyed the challenge of creating educational experiences which provide just the right level of challenge to enable the student to move forward to the next step in their learning.
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How do you hope you're remembered? I am honored to have received so many comments from students and former students who have expressed their appreciation for the way I made challenging material understandable, relevant, and enjoyable. Any particularly meaningful or humorous stories stand out through the years? I will never forget when my general psychology class decided to “condition” my behavior. Whenever I walked toward them, they were very attentive. When I went to the board, they were distracted and disruptive. Sure enough, I found myself hanging closer to them before I figured out what was going on. We had a good laugh about it, and I commended them for their effective application of Skinnerian principles. •
Paul Weiner, Ph.D. Current/past titles Professor of Mathematics; associate dean of the sciences (2005-2009); chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (1999-2005); and interim chair of the Physics Department (2013-2014) How many years have you worked at Saint Mary’s and what brought you here? I have been at Saint Mary’s since 1984 (that’s 37 years). When I came for my interview, I developed a fever that turned into the flu. Despite coughing through my candidate lecture, and perhaps being slightly delirious, I still landed the job! What are your retirement plans? I plan on developing some new hobbies, as well as keeping up an interest in math and computer programming. I may do some adjunct teaching or volunteer work. What will you miss the most? I will especially miss my colleagues, who have been a wonderful group to work with over the years, and I will miss the interactions with students. What have you enjoyed most about teaching? I like sharing my passion for math with students. It is especially rewarding when some students catch the enthusiasm. How do you hope you’re remembered? I hope to be remembered for caring about students and their learning — and for loving math and sharing that with the students. I hope to be remembered as a good faculty colleague. What are you most proud of from your career? Receiving the Brother Charles Severin Award in 2015 meant a lot to me (and having a captive audience that day for about two-and-a-half minutes to babble on about sphenic numbers). •
NEWS & VIEWS
KLEIN RETURNS TO SAINT MARY’S AS VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Gary Klein M’04 took over as vice president for advancement on Jan. 18.
Klein, who most recently served as vice president of university development and alumni engagement at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, is no stranger to Saint Mary’s. A Saint Mary’s alumnus, with a Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development, Klein spent several years in progressive leadership roles in advancement at Saint Mary’s early in his career. Prior to Buena Vista, he served as vice president for institutional advancement at Edgewood College in Madison, Wis., from 2015-2019. There Klein completed and surpassed a campaign that funded the 2017 construction of a new residence hall. Additionally, he developed and implemented an advancement plan that strengthened fundraising infrastructure resulting in a systematic process capable of predictable results, regular growth, and more. During his tenure, he secured the largest gift commitment in the history of the college. Klein also previously served as vice president for institutional advancement at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., from 2002 to 2015, during which time he oversaw two successful capital campaigns and increased fundraising by more than 400 percent. “Gary Klein has 25 years of experience in development and is a proven leader with a
collaborative vision,” said Father James P. Burns, IVD, president. “He has a proven track record in major gifts, advancement leadership, managing capital campaigns, and growing affinity and engagement with alumni and benefactors. He will be an excellent fit to help us advance our strategic plan, build strong and innovative partnerships, and to further our Lasallian Catholic mission.” Klein is stepping into a role previously held by Audrey Kintzi, who moved into a new position as vice president emerita for advancement and executive director of the Philanthropy and Development Program at the start of the year. In the past eight years, Kintzi completely reorganized, refocused, and elevated the work being done in Development and Alumni Relations. Kintzi also oversaw Marketing and Communication for two years until this fall. Under her guidance, Saint Mary’s completed an incredibly successful Discover Inspire Lead Campaign, the largest in Saint Mary’s history. The campaign raised a record $74 million in five years, far surpassing the $57 million goal. Under Kintzi’s leadership, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has recognized the efforts of Saint Mary’s Development team each of the past four years with Educational Fundraising Awards: a Sustained Excellence Award in 2019, an Overall Performance and a Sustained Excellence Award in 2018, and Overall Improvement Awards in 2017 and 2016. •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
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Gary Klein, M’04
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NEWS & VIEWS
U.S.-Latin American Sisters Exchange Program students
SAINT MARY’S TOUCHES HEARTS AND MINDS WITH U.S.-LATIN AMERICAN SISTERS EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
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During many times in history, Catholic Sisters have taken on the roles of healers, missionaries, and educators, building the foundations of America. Regarded as compassionate yet fearless, the Sisters have carried out service work against great challenges and impending threats. Small groups of Catholic sisters are continuing this legacy — even during an international pandemic — venturing into some of America’s poorest regions to build vibrant faith communities as part of the successful U.S.-Latin American Sisters Exchange Program. The inaugural class graduated in 2019, with the newest class blossoming from a partnership with Saint Mary’s and the Catholic Extension Society. Funded in large part by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, more than 40 Latin American religious sisters from 15 religious congregations benefit from this latest partnership, which launched this past fall and will complete by spring 2025.
After formational training, the Sisters were assigned to mission dioceses in the U.S., prepared to minister among Latino immigrant populations while earning their degrees online and in a hybrid format from Saint Mary’s. Sisters participating in the program receive intensive pastoral leadership training and gain valuable ministry skills to strengthen the faith of the people they serve in communities ranging from Birmingham, Ala., to Stockton, Calif. Through their work, the Sisters serve families, provide religious education, and lead programs for women’s spirituality and young adult ministry. At the end of the program, they return to their Latin American congregations, which will benefit from their education and experience. The impact the women religious have within these communities is described as transformational, reflecting the role local parishes can play in communities. “As a Latino, I can share how crucial it is for the Sisters to work toward an academic degree that
NEWS & VIEWS
Saint Mary’s recognizes its new and returning members of the Board of Trustees. In February 2020, the university welcomed: • Raffi Festekjian • Mark Jacobs, who previously served 2005-2015.
We are assisting them in fulfilling their calling.
In October 2020, the university welcomed: • Robert Cerone ’75 • Mary Pat (Cunningham) Clasen ’76 • Bobbie (Smith) Gostout ’83, M.D.
Robertolino Vargas Guerrero
Recently completing their service on the board were: • Brother David Poos, FSC, who has served from 1998 to 2008 and his most recent term from 2010-2020. • Mary Ann (Wera) Remick CST’64, who has served from 2004-2014 and her most recent term from 2015-2020, serving as chair from 2016-2020.
The additional 15 sisters are at the graduate level, working toward an M.A. in Integrated Studies. In addition to faculty, guest speakers are featured in the online curriculum concerning the Lasallian charism, immigration laws, and health care public policy. Residential coursework at Saint Mary’s is scheduled for summer due to COVID-19 safety protocols. Karen Sorvaag, Ed.D. of Saint Mary’s Education Department and Vargas Guerrero created a friendship exchange with the Sisters and education degree students have paired up so that they can practice their Spanish and English via Zoom. “We envision that this world-class education will benefit both the sisters and their respective religious congregations, because the sisters will not only be more equipped to serve as leaders in ministry, but also to potentially serve as leaders within their own religious congregations someday,” said Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension. •
Additionally, the following individuals were presented with trustee emeritus status: • Michael Dooley ’66 (1984-1994 and 2001-2011) • John Ehlert ’67 (1999-2009) • Paul Meyer ’64, J.D. (1986-1996 and 2006-2016) • Mary Ann (Wera) Remick CST’64 (2004-2014 and 2015-2020). These individuals have demonstrated exemplary service and have a history of providing philanthropic support to the university. •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
While the Sisters provide educational opportunities within local congregations, they are also progressing in their own educational journey. Twenty-six sisters have enrolled at Saint Mary’s at the undergraduate level, working toward a B.S. in Healthcare and Human Services Management.
BOARD OF TRUSTEE UPDATES
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can empower their own lives and the livelihood of the Hispanic population,” said Saint Mary’s program director, Robertolino Vargas Guerrero. “The Sisters routinely share that they are implementing these lessons immediately in their work. We are assisting them in fulfilling their calling.”
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NEWS & VIEWS
NEW ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP WITH VITERBO UNIVERSITY
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Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and Viterbo University of La Crosse, Wis., are pleased to announce a new partnership that provides flexibility and increased academic offerings for students at both schools. University presidents Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., of Saint Mary’s and Glena Temple, Ph.D., of Viterbo signed a partnership agreement Feb. 23.
Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.
Glena Temple, Ph.D
Both universities are founded in Catholic values and have a shared mission of transformative education. “Partnering with Viterbo is a natural extension for Saint Mary’s as we look to serve students who seek an excellent education rooted in leadership and service to others,” said Father Burns. “In these increasingly challenging times, we are called to be especially innovative and creative in serving students and meeting employer and societal needs going forward. Strong partnerships create opportunity, and we are pleased to be working closely with Viterbo.” “This partnership is mutually beneficial for students looking to jump start meaningful advanced degrees or certificate programs, as well as for regional employers,” said Dr. Temple. “Students will emerge from these collaborative programs with valuable skills, strong leadership traits, and ethical values — characteristics highly desirable in today’s workforce. Our collective goal is to offer flexibility and opportunity — two things today’s deserving students seek when determining where and how to advance their education.”
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
As part of the agreement:
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• S aint Mary’s will offer 6 credits toward its 36-hour M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics from the following Viterbo bachelor’s degrees: accounting, business administration, finance, health care and wellness management, management and leadership, marketing, sport management and leadership, applied math and analytics, computer science, engineering, and psychology. • V iterbo agrees that graduates from Bachelor of Arts programs at Saint Mary’s are able to enroll in Viterbo University’s 30-credit hour M.A. in Servant Leadership program. Students will accelerate their M.A. degree by taking 6 credits of Viterbo University graduate coursework during their B.A. studies at Saint Mary’s. These 6 M.A. credits will also count for 6 B.A. credits. Specific courses will be identified by program leadership. • Saint Mary’s will make its graduate certificate in Project Management available to Viterbo graduates. • Viterbo will make its certificate in Ethical Leadership available to Saint Mary’s graduates. The agreement is effective for fall 2021. For more information, visit smumn.edu/academicpartners. •
NEWS & VIEWS
COUPLE QUIETLY LEAVES $5 MILLION ESTATE GIFT TO SAINT MARY’S
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Saint Mary’s recently became the beneficiaries of more than $5 million from the Lucille G. Stiever estate — the biggest estate gift in university history. Although Lucille G. Stiever and her husband, Saint Mary’s 1949 alumnus Robert J. Stiever, who preceded her in death, 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.
Robert ’49 and Lucille Stiever
The couple resided in both St. Paul, Minn., and on Lucille’s family farm in Caledonia, Minn. Robert was an economist and accountant for the USDA Commodity Credit Corporation and the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service and retired after 40 years. Lucille retired from the Ramsey County Public Library after 30 years as the office and property manager. 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 that more students would be able to afford a college education. Saint Mary’s looks forward to many years of providing scholarships from this generous gift. •
EXPANDING HEALTHCARE OFFERINGS
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New programs, such as the B.A. in Health Humanities, helps meet the rapidly-growing demand for professionals who understand the patient-centered, empathetic, ethical aspects of healthcare. The new B.A. in Social Work builds upon our Lasallian Catholic commitment to serve the community through an emphasis on addressing social injustice. These programs form a robust suite of healthcare programs in Winona, including our existing 3+2 Physician Assistant Program in collaboration with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. Our proposed B.A. in Nursing — launching its first cohort in fall 2021 — builds on the success of our established RN to B.S. in Nursing program, preparing graduates to become leaders in the broad healthcare field. Since we first announced the program in 2020, Saint Mary’s leadership team has developed a curriculum to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s nurse leaders. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and Saint Mary’s is seeking approval by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Over the past year, Saint Mary’s has expanded its suite of healthcare programs for both traditional undergraduate students and adult learners to help fulfill our mission. Our unique approach not only provides practitioner training, but the context and perspective to apply those skills in an impactful way.
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ALUMNI
WELCOME HOME! chance meeting with the trustee of a local nonprofit led to an introduction, a blind date, and a proposal. We have had an amazing adventure these past 20-plus years, and we are both grateful to be back where it all began.
Gary Klein M’04 Vice President for Advancement
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Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Some 20 years after leaving my first position in fundraising, I was surrounded with this heartfelt greeting from many alumni, family, and friends of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. I am so excited to have said yes to the call to come home.
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My association and previous work at Saint Mary’s have forever shaped my professional career and personal life. A chance meeting and a request for my résumé turned into my first position as a major gifts officer at the university, as well as a lifelong passion for helping benefactors improve the world through their philanthropy. The past 25 years have taken me to four institutions of higher education and involvement in eight fundraising campaigns with several hundred million dollars in transformational philanthropy. I am forever grateful to then vice president of university relations, Mary Catherine Fox, AFSC ’75, Ph.D., for seeing the talent within me as well and for providing sage professional guidance. I’m also grateful to President Emeritus Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC and former colleague Kevin Matheny M’97. Your friendship and guidance at the beginning of my career have left a tremendous impact. While at Saint Mary’s, I also met my wife, Melissa at the annual Philanthropy Day for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Another
My first few months on campus have been busy reacquainting with former colleagues, friends, and benefactors. I am grateful to Audrey Kintzi for her gracious support and friendship during this transition home. We have known each other for many years, and I have admired her many accomplishments — from teaching the next generation of professional fundraisers to her successful completion of Saint Mary’s most recent comprehensive campaign. Audrey has built an incredible team and an amazing foundation for the work we have been entrusted to carry on. It is reassuring many things have not changed at this Lasallian Catholic university, like our dedication to the Lasallian core principles and our mission to awaken, nurture, and empower learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. It is also clear we are blessed in new ways. Although it has only been a few weeks, it is clear to me that our president, Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., has been called to this position and to all of us. He is tireless in his efforts as he prepares our beloved Saint Mary’s for the future. I am grateful to partner with Father Burns and our many benefactors to implement the vision for Saint Mary’s future. I look forward to working with all alumni, family, and friends of the institution to enhance the opportunities for our current and future students through our character education and virtue formation, First Generation Initiative, scientific study endowments, research, faculty development, and scholarships, which keep a Saint Mary’s education affordable to all who seek it. If you ever wondered if you could go home again, it is possible, and it is very rewarding. •
ALUMNI EVENTS
EVENTS RECAP
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The Saint Mary’s Alumni Office has held more than 81 alumni virtual events since mid-April 2020. Topics of these events and presentations have ranged from remote working tips to Greek cooking classes, and from art classes to small business loan suggestions. These events continue to engage alumni in a variety of topics; all are welcome to join.
Dr. Gary Diomandes (theatre faculty emeritus) led a virtual cooking class on Greek cuisine on July 30, 2020.
→ In collaboration with the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, the alumni association has been offering many art classes, including Autumn Expressions with Oil Pastels on Oct. 1, 2020.
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→ The Alumni Association also collaborated with the Minnesota Conservatory of the Arts to create a family Valentine’s Day craft on Jan. 30, 2021.
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→ Arizona alumni and friends gathered virtually for an update about business and science and a visit with Saint Mary's president on Jan. 30, 2021.
Alumni Bryan Atchison ’09 and Neil Olstad ’11, members of the music group Koo Koo Kanga Roo, put together a mini concert for Saint Mary’s alumni and their families on June 25, 2020.
The inaugural session of the Novel Reads Online Book Club discussed The Power of Moments. Dr. Paul Kotz, faculty in the Ed.D. program, facilitated the session on Nov. 18, 2020.
To connect to past recordings or see what's coming up next, visit connect.smumn.edu/events.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
→ Liz (Wiske) Unze ’97 and members of her family — Darin, Katelyn, and Megan — donated and participated in Lasallian Day of Service at Bridging in Bloomington, Minn., on Oct. 24, 2020.
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Here are a few examples of our programming since April 2020:
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ALUMNI REUNION
REUNION WEEKEND 2021 UPDATE
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Saint Mary’s had planned one of its largest reunions for this June, bringing together alumni classes from the past two years, rolled into one. And it hoped to celebrate the class of 2020 the same weekend. Under guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, Saint Mary’s has switched the in-person gathering to a full schedule of virtual events June 26-27. For more information, go to connect.smumn.edu/reunion2021. The following individuals will be honored virtually with the 2021 Alumni Awards on June 26 at 6 p.m. at connect.smumn.edu/reunion2021:
Michael Cannon ’73
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
ALUMNI APPRECIATION AWARD
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Mike Cannon ’73 began supporting Saint Mary’s as a student. He was a member of Alpha Delta Gamma, and served as president of the fraternity for one year. He also was an RA, and even coached women’s football! Since graduating, he has been a very active alumnus. He’s attended more than 20 reunions, has helped to plan or host numerous Saint Mary’s golf tournaments, and he’s served on the First Generation Initiative Board as well as two Celebration of Excellence planning committees. He’s hosted a prospective student and parent information session and two FGI fundraisers. He’s constantly advocating for Saint Mary’s. A love for Saint Mary’s runs in the Cannon family, as Mike followed in the footsteps of two Saint Mary’s alumni siblings, Jack ’64 and Tom ’69. After graduation, he spent his career in sales. And he’s just completed 10 years as alderman of Rolling Meadows. He and his wife, Sally (Weldon) ’74, have three adult children.
Susan (Orlowski) Paul Caulfield ’80, Ed.D.
LASALLIAN SERVICE AWARD
Susan Caulfield ’80, Ed.D., served at two Catholic high schools in the Twin Cities, both rooted in their Lasallian heritage. For 11 years, she was a religion teacher and later director of Campus Ministry at Totino-Grace High School. During this time, she earned her master’s degree in non-public administration and her doctorate in education leadership, specifically researching what “community” meant in a Catholic high school. With licensure in hand, Caulfield joined the staff at Hill-Murray School as principal and later as president. Committed to educating the whole student, she worked to provide her staff the resources they needed to ensure that graduates left Hill-Murray confident, capable, and resilient. For 24 years, she proudly assured graduates, “You are not only ready for the rigors of college, you are ready to change the world in wonderful ways because of your membership in this community.” She also serves on the Simon
ALUMNI REUNION Says Give Board of Directors, Minnesota State Council for NCA-CASI, and NCA Board of Trustees. For her dedicated work, she received the MN AdvancED Excellence in Education Award and the Archdiocesan Excellence in Catechesis Leadership Award. Thoroughly enjoying retirement, she now spends more time with her husband, Bruce, and their 12 grandchildren.
populations in Rwanda; a trial to assess the impact of interventions to improve child feces management in India; and an evaluation of a slum redevelopment intervention in Fiji and Indonesia. Clasen was the chief scientific adviser to the World Health Organization in developing the first set of Guidelines for Sanitation and Health. He holds an MSc (Control of Infectious Diseases) and Ph.D. from the University of London; he also holds a J.D. (Law) from Georgetown University. Prior to transitioning to public health, Clasen practiced international corporate law for 20 years.
Thomas Clasen ’78, Ph.D.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
Jennifer (Lawrence) Nelson ’04
LASALLIAN SERVICE AWARD
Jennifer (Lawrence) Nelson ’04 has had a passion for service her entire life. When asked her New Year’s resolution at age 11, she responded, “World peace.” As a member of her high school’s campus ministry team, she was the first to letter in service. At Saint Mary’s, she co-lead Outreach, a team that led confirmation retreats throughout the diocese, and participated in Habitat and S.O.U.L. mission trips. After serving two years in the Peace Corps in Kyrgyzstan, Nelson fell into the profession of volunteer engagement and never looked back. As the manager of Volunteer Services at Maple Grove Hospital, she has overseen the growth of the department from 90 to 500 volunteers since 2011. Under her leadership, the hospital was the first in the nation to achieve Service Enterprise status from Points of Light. Nelson continues to actively volunteer in her church and community with her husband Travis ’05 and son Bekett. •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Thomas Clasen ’78, Ph.D., an epidemiologist, is professor of environmental health and interim chair of the Department of Environmental Health at the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, where he holds the Rose Salamone Gangarosa Chair in Sanitation and Safe Water. Clasen has led more than $50 million in research in household- and community-level environmental health interventions in lowincome countries and has published more than 185 peer-reviewed papers. His research includes randomized controlled field trials to assess the health impact of water, sanitation, and household air pollution interventions, systematic reviews of water quality and sanitation interventions to prevent diarrhoeal disease and enteric infection, assessments of environmental interventions in emergency and outbreak response, and cost and cost-effectiveness analyses of interventions. His current research includes a multi-country trial to assess the health impact of LPG stoves; a large-scale trial of a program to provide water filters and improved cook stoves to lower income
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ALUMNI REUNION Saint Mary’s University
N
A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION
June 25–26
21
connect.smumn.edu/reunion2021
→
FRIDAY, JUNE 25
Saint Mary’s University 6 p.m.
Class of 1970 - 50th Ceremony
7 p.m.
Class of 1971 - 50th Ceremony
8 p.m.
Anniversary Class Gatherings
SATURDAY, JUNE 26
→ 8 a.m. IRTUAL CELEBRATION
Yoga
10 a.m. ect.smumn.edu/reunion2021
Anniversary Class Gatherings
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
June 25–26
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9 a.m.
University Update Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president
11 a.m.
College of Saint Teresa Tour
Noon
Saint Mary’s Tour
1 p.m.
Art Session
2 p.m.
Anniversary Class Gatherings
3 p.m.
Saint Mary’s Bluffs Tour
4 p.m.
Alumni Mass from Saint Thomas More Chapel
5 p.m.
Class of 1970 Memorial Service
5:30 p.m.
Class of 1971 Memorial Service
6 p.m.
Alumni Awards Ceremony
7:30 p.m.
Anniversary Class Gatherings
To register and for more information, go to https://connect.smumn.edu/reunion2021
CLASS NOTES 1960s George Pulchinski ’66, Austin, Minn., was inducted into the Pacelli High School Hall of Fame.
Kelly (Steuck) Hendershot ’01, Arlington, Va., was named the senior director at the Institute for Excellence in Psychosocial Care at Cancer Support Community.
Joe Ellis ’68, former Marinote, played more than 200 songs over 75 consecutive days from his driveway in Marion, Iowa. These mini performances began on Easter Sunday when neighbors in his townhome association stepped outside to sing “Amazing Grace” as he played. During each subsequent day, additional songs were played as the neighbors continued to be outside to hear the music and visit with each other.
Karla Winter M’01, C’12, Winona, Minn., is now director of learning and teaching, Winona Area Public Schools in Winona.
Susan (Jeffrey) Busen ’85, Palos Heights, Ill., self-published a book titled “Tormented by Technology: The Silent Health Effects of Wireless Electromagnetic Radiation.” Gregory Zimprich ’86, Eden Prairie, Minn., received the Minnesota Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America’s highest honor, the Donald G. Padilla Distinguished Practitioner Award.
Veronica Mathison M’03, Saint Michael, Minn., is the public schools principal of R.L. Stevenson Elementary School in Fridley, Minn. Justin Johnston M’04, Belle Plaine, Minn., was named assistant principal at Waseca Junior and Senior High School in Waseca, Minn. Sarah (Marek) Landman ’04, M’07, Naples, Fla., was named to the “40 Under 40 leaders of Southwest Florida” by the Naplesbased Gulfshore business publication. Donita Stepan C’04, C’15, Thief River Falls, Minn., is superintendent of schools in Thief River Falls, Minn.
Michael Huntley M’89, Saint Paul, Minn., is the executive director of the Youth Service Bureau.
Jennifer (Cochran) Biederman ’05, M’08, Ph.D., Winona, Minn., is now assistant professor of Freshwater Biology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
1990s Todd Guenther ’91, Louisville, Ky., is in customer support/inside sales for Mallory Safety and Supply.
Kenneth Fincher M’05, Psy.D., Bonaire, Ga., was named vice president for institutional advancement for Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Ore.
Matthew Bubala ’94, West Dundee, Ill., hosted Christine Beech, D.M., director of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and assistant professor of business, on his WGN-AM radio show.
Melissa Majerus M’05, Ph.D., Watertown, Minn., is serving as dean of liberal arts and sciences for transfer programs at Ridgewater College in Willmar and Hutchinson, Minn.
Msgr. Jeffrey D. Burrill ’94, Washington, D.C., was named general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Ragan Royal M’05, Columbia, Mo., is vice president of individual giving at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Tracy (Trowbridge) Hale ’95, Trempealeau, Wis., was named director of alumni engagement at Winona State University.
Darcy Josephson C’06, Redwood Falls, Minn., is an assistant superintendent for teaching and learning in Alexandria, Minn.
Marcie Rendon M’95, Minneapolis, was awarded the McKnight Foundation’s Distinguished Artist Award in 2020.
Veronica Raulin ’06, Los Angeles, is head of change management at SADA Systems in Los Angeles.
Sean Tuchner ’95, Mount Prospect, Ill., is a strategic business director for national accounts at Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Nakita Savant D’06, Minneapolis, is a lecturer and instructional designer at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minn.
Daphne Brown M’96, M’02, Columbia Heights, Minn., is a professor, life coach, educator, author, motivational/inspirational speaker, trainer, and diversity/social justice leader. Julie Nielsen M’98, C’00, C’14, Prescott, Wis., was appointed superintendent for South Washington County Schools in Cottage Grove, Minn. Keri Bergeson M’99, C’00, Jackson, Minn., was named principal at New Jackson County Central High School in Jackson, Minn. Joseph Bieker M’99, Longmont, Colo., was featured on Live Your RAW Life podcast. Armando Camacho M’99, C’00, Saint Paul, Minn., is CEO of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. Quiana Perkins ’99, Ann Arbor, Mich., was named social justice pastoral care coordinator at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Patricia Samples M’99, a former Saint Mary’s faculty member from Brooklyn Center, Minn., was featured in an article, “Safe, Quiet Adventure of a Different Kind is Close at Hand,” in the Brooklyn Park Sun-Post. Samples is a co-founder of the Minnesota Creative Arts and Network. 2000s Jonathan Clark C’01, C’13, Pequot Lakes, Minn., was named superintendent of Pine River-Backus schools in Pine River, Minn. Bruce Frishkoff M’01, Ghent, N.Y., was named parish life coordinator at Our Lady of Hope in Copake Falls, N.Y.
Matthew Bilski ’07, New Brighton, Minn., who served two years as president of Saint Mary’s University’s Alumni Board, was named lead chemist at Ecolab in Saint Paul, Minn. Thomas W. Tusken ’07, Duluth, Minn., is serving as principal of Denfeld High School in Duluth, Minn. 2010s Kristen Douglas M’10, Minneapolis, was named division controller at ITW EAE. Linda Pulchinski C’10, M’12, Austin, Minn., was inducted into the Pacelli High School Hall of Fame in Austin, Minn. Rachel Hughes C’11, Northfield, Minn., was chosen as the Thomas Lake Elementary School principal in Eagan, Minn. Stephen Craig, M’12, Ed.D., Tallmadge, Ohio, is an instructional designer for the University of Mount Union, Tallmadge. Nicole Cuilla ’12, Winona, Minn., is an assistant professor of English at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Robert Gas ’12, Rochester, Minn., is director of sales for western and U.S. retail league development at Fanatics, Inc., in Winona, Minn. Madelyn Kettner ’12, Anchorage, Alaska, is program director at Safe Seniors AmeriCorps. Cindy Nelson-Kaigama M’12, Saint Paul, Minn., is director of innovation and learning for Minnesota Community Care.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
1980s H. William (Bill) Metzger ’83, Wheaton, Ill., is a consultant at Deutsche Bank Securities.
Carrie (Beckenbach) Mach ’02, M’07, PharmD., Osprey, Fla., received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
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CLASS NOTES Neil Wimmer ’12, Saint Charles, Minn., is a senior information security engineer for Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Graham Rendell ’17, Denver, is a marketing development coordinator for Teriyaki Madness.
Jennifer Hall M’13, Albertville, Minn., is the director of excellence for Catholic Schools Center of Excellence in Saint Michael, Minn.
Michael Amelio ’18, Venetia, Pa., is a transaction advisory and business valuation associate at Lurie, LLP.
Michael Macken C’13, Saint Paul, Minn., is serving as principal of Centerville Elementary in Centerville, Minn. Bryan Volk M’13, Minnetonka, Minn., is vice president of finance and accounting at Twin City Tile and Marble Company in Eagan, Minn. Austin Balko ’14, Byron, Minn., is assistant coach/director of sales at Austin Bruins NAHL and Rochester Grizzlies NA3HL Austin and Rochester, Minn. Heidi Loeffler ’14, Denver, is assistant asset manager at My Block Wash Park in Denver. Jedidiah McGlasson ’14, Soldotna, Alaska, is I & R technician at Alaska Communications. Melissa Severson M’14, Annandale, Minn., was awarded The Leadership in Educational Excellence Award, given by Resource Training and Solutions, a Minnesota Service Cooperative assisting school districts across the state. Reid Smithe ’14, Palatine, Ill., is the director of partner development at EAB of Washington, D.C. Gregory Dodd ’15, M’17, Odenton, Md., is a supported employment program manager with Community Therapeutics Manager. Amanda Lindholm ’15, Bloomington, Minn., is an occupational therapist, OTD teaching specialist, and registered yoga teacher. Colleen Morgan ’15, Montgomery, Texas, is the executive director of Terrace Theatreworks in Houston.
Javier Madrid ’18, Tucson, Ariz., is an account manager with Crest Insurance Group of Denver. Bailey Windsperger ’18, Delano, Minn., is a licensed physical therapist assistant at Centrex Rehab. Tyler Aliperto ’19, Saint Paul, Minn., is a middle school social studies teacher at Friendship Academy of the Arts in Minneapolis. Andrew Allemann ’19, Cochrane, Wis., is an account executive with Lamar Advertising Company in La Crosse, Wis. Frydha Cordova-Fragozo ’19, Tucson, Ariz., is a bilingual customer service representative at Kemper. Laura Horihan M’19, Lanesboro, Minn., is teaching ninth, 11th, and 12th grade English and K-3 Special Education at MabelCanton Public School in Mabel, Minn. Jeff Kantos M’19, Savage, Minn., has a YouTube channel called SingingWithJeff. Lindsey Loftus M’19, Rootstown, Ohio, is executive director of Portage Foundation in Kent, Ohio. Lisa McKelvey M’19, Edmond, Okla., is associate director of development, annual giving for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Daniel Narveson ’19, Chatfield, Minn., is a seventh-grade life science and eighth-grade physical science teacher with Chatfield Public Schools.
Megan Hafner ’16, O.D., La Crescent, Minn., earned her doctorate in optometry.
Tyler Ratajczak M’19, Beaver Dam, Wis., is the director of major and planned giving for Wayland Academy.
Tyler Kline ’16, D.P.T., North Saint Paul, Minn., earned his doctorate in physical therapy.
Meg Steeves ’19, Bloomington, Minn., participated in International Scholar Laureate Program Relations, Diplomacy, South Africa.
Clare (Siska) Matthews ’16, Byron, Minn., is a senior data analyst at C.H. Robinson in Rochester, Minn. Chazz Robinson ’16, Buffalo, N.Y., was named an Arthur A. Schomburg Fellow at the University at Buffalo. Alec Rolain ’16, Appleton, Wis., is an associate attorney at Fowler and Ditsch Law Firm in Shoreview, Minn. Stephen Scatassa ’16, Westchester, Ill., is a pitching coach for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Madaline (Eichers) Lodwich ’18, Vernon Hills, Ill., is an IQA specialist II at Metabyte Ventures, LLC.
Anna Segner ’15, Owatonna, Minn., was the featured artist at Ankeny Art Center in Ankeny, Iowa.
Adarsh Kumar Aerra M’16, Medina, Minn., is a quality assurance engineer with MoneyGram International.
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William Arvinius ’18, London, England, is a management accountant at Jaja Finance.
Nicholas Thell ’16, D.P.T., Saint Joseph, Minn., is a physical therapist at Adaptive Rehabilitation Services. Lori Arndt, M’17, Blooming Prairie, Minn., is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Accountancy. Dzenan Berberovic M’17, Sioux Falls, S.D., was appointed chief philanthropy officer at Avera Health. Jason Blosmo C’17, Hendricks, Minn., was appointed assistant principal at Hendricks Public Schools.
Jill Tye C’19, Milaca, Minn., was named director of Sauk RapidsRice Public School Early Childhood Family Education. Quinncy Zupko ’19, Wyoming, Minn., is a first-grade teacher at Chisago Lakes Primary School. 2020s Zachary Bracken ’20, Osseo, Minn., is a medical scribe for Emergency Care Consultants in the greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minn., area. Jared Hippman ’20, Melrose, Minn., is a first-grade teacher at Sacred Heart Schools in Freeport, Minn. Jacob Kramer ’20, Rushford, Minn., is a biology teacher at Rushford-Peterson High School. Robert Sobczak ’20, Caledonia, Minn., is a middle and high school social studies teacher in Caledonia, Minn. Michelle Wing ’20, Rochester, Minn., is a first-grade teacher at Goodview Elementary in Goodview, Minn.
Emily (Winter) Bonfe ’17, Saint Paul, Minn., was named account executive for When I Work in Minneapolis.
Marissa Ziebell ’20, Grand Meadow, Minn., is an inventory liability analyst for Fastenal Company headquartered in Winona, Minn.
Peter Liavas ’17, Park Ridge, Ill., is an inside sales specialist at Duraco in Forest Park, Ill.
MARRIAGES
Allison Lincoln ’17, Northfield, Minn., is a digital fundraising producer for the Animal Humane Society.
Desiree (Caballero) Schumann ’13, Waipahu, Hawaii, married Ramon Schumann on Aug. 14, 2020.
Andrea (LaMere) ’00 and Curtis ’02 Mangan, Pine City, Minn., a son, Stephen, on April 10, 2020. He joins siblings Alana (15), Carolyn (13), James (11), Luke (8), and Josephine (6). Eric and Ellen (Ulrich) ’01 Egan, Sioux Falls, S.D., a daughter, Maeve, in August 2020, who joins sister Audrey. Grandparents are Bonnie and John Ulrich ’65. Steph and Dan ’05 Piscitiello, Winona, Minn., a son, Luca Benjamin, on June 9, 2020. Grandparents are Tony ’69, AFSC, and Kathy (Ordahl) CST ’70 Piscitiello. James ’12, M’17 and Carissa (Hahn) ’13, M’20 Andrews, Carver, Minn., a daughter, Quinn, on Oct. 11, 2020. SYMPATHIES 1950s Raymond Greable ’55, on the death of his wife, Dolores Greable, on May 31, 2020. James Shrake ’53 and Mark Shrake ’62, on the death of their brother, Daniel Shrake ’58, on April 25, 2020. 1960s Brian Marton ’66, on the death of his wife, Marcia Marton, on Jan. 10, 2021. 1970s Peter ’71 and Barb (Ostrom) CST’73 Schaefer, on the death of their father and father-in-law, Peter L. Schaefer, on March 27, 2020. Michael ’74 and Cecilia (Carroll) ’74, O.D. Heiges, on the death of their father and father-in-law, Patrick Heiges, on Sept. 20, 2020. Mary Pat (Trauscht) Jewison CST’74, Robert ’76, M.D., and Ann (O’Connor) ’77, M.D. Trauscht, on the death of their husband, brother, and brother-in-law, Raymond Jewison ’69, on Jan. 30, 2021. Thomas Rauch ’75, on the death of his wife, Mary Beth (Bry) Rauch CST’75, on Sept. 26, 2020. William ’76 and Margaret (Hansen) Clarey ’79, on the death of their son, Chase Clarey, on Sept. 22, 2020. Michael Regan ’79, Robert Regan ’11, Erin Regan ’12 and Kelly Regan, First Generation Initiative Advisory Board, on the death of their father and grandfather, Donald Regan ’51, on Oct. 23, 2020. Mary (Brooks) Sullivan ’79, Matthew Brooks ’83, Ann Marie (Brooks) ’85 and Joseph Hettinger ’87, and Erin Hettinger ’20, on the death of their father, father-in-law, and grandfather, Don Brooks ’51, on April 11, 2020. 1980s Lori (Nelson) Quinn ’80 on the death of her mother-in-law, Regina Quinn, on April 21, 2020.
Anthony ’83 and Debra (Walsh) ’83 Rappold, on the death of their father and father-in-law, Paul Walsh ’57, on Aug. 16, 2020. Patrice Henning ’84, on the death of her mother, Cordelia F. Henning, on July 4, 2020. John ’87 and Kathryn (Geheren) ’87 Blake, William ’90 and Mia (Cacciabondo) ’90 Geheren and James Geheren ’95, on the death of their father and father-in-law, Thomas Geheren, on Oct. 29, 2020. 1990s Richard Curran ’93, M’96, M’10, and Sean Curran ’23, on the death of their father and grandfather, Desmond Curran, on April 24, 2020. Melissa (Goo) Schultz ’97, M’01, on the death of her mother, Sharyn Goo, former dean of students and vice president for student development at Saint Mary’s University, on Dec. 8, 2020. Rebecca (McAulay) Roe Rutgers ’99, on the death of her brother, Timothy McAulay ’02, on Oct. 7, 2020. 2000s James Long ’99, M’99, Jennifer (Long) Kavanagh ’01, and Kathy (Devlin) Long CST’71, on the death of their father and husband, James Long ’71 on Jan. 9, 2021. Mary (Wadden) Basch ’05, on the death of her mother, Mary Wadden, on Aug. 22, 2020. Lance ’05, M’11 and Amber (Paulson) ’14 Thompson, on the death of their mother and mother-in-law, Tracy Thompson, on Oct. 12, 2020. Amanda (Tristano) Weyer ’06 and Richard Tristano, Ph.D., former faculty, on the death of their brother and son, Joseph Tristano ’09, on Dec. 23, 2020. Greta (Bernatz) Poser C’08, M’09, on the death of her husband, Jason Poser C’08, on Jan. 26, 2021. 2010s Cassandra (Berning) Mockler ’12, Carolyn and John Mockler, former Saint Mary’s Parents Council members, Katherine ’14, Brian ’18, Emma ’20, and Andy Meyer ’15, C’16, on the death of their husband, son, brother, and brother-in-law, Michael Mockler ’12, on Jan. 21, 2021. Lorraine (Muscat) Vassallo ’14, M’16, adjunct instructor in the ESL program, on the death of her mother, Beatrice Muscat, on Jan. 18, 2021. Cecilia Mutharia M’17, on the death of her father, the Rev. Joseph M. Gacheru, on Jan. 28, 2021. Nathan Boice ’19, on the death of his grandfather, Frederick Boice on Jan. 23, 2021. DEATHS 1940s Edward R. Lee ’46, M.D., Fremont, Calif., in December 2020.
Daniel ’81 and Patricia (Walsh) ’82 Healy, Mark Healy ’80, Thomas Healy ’89, and Katie (Healy) Bitterman ’92, on the death of their father and father-in-law, James Healy ’54, on March 4, 2019.
James Casella ’49, Chicago, on Jan. 2, 2021.
Richard Moutvic ’81, on the death of his brother, Daniel Moutvic, on Sept. 4, 2020, and his mother, Mary Moutvic, on Dec. 2, 2020.
Dr. Thomas Tang ’49, Brookfield, Wis., on May 8, 2020.
Kitty (Merrick) Jansen CST’59, Steven Jansen ’82, and Jane (Blackburn) Jansen ’83, on the death of their husband, father, and father-in-law, Kenneth Jansen ’58, on March 8, 2020.
1950s Lawrence Urbanski ’50, Cloquet, Minn., on Aug. 14, 2019.
Donna (Schuster) Hrebec ’83, on the death of her father, Kenneth Schuster, on Feb. 29, 2020.
Donald Brooks ’51, Evanston, Ill., on April 11, 2020.
Henry Jakobsze ’83, on the death of his mother, Janet Jakobsze, in January 2020.
Lawrence Juracic ’49, Oak Park, Ill., on Nov. 7, 2020. John Lelwica ’49, Lindstrom, Minn., on Feb. 19, 2020.
Dr. Gordon Boudreau ’51, Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., on Nov. 18, 2020. Donald Regan ’51, Saint Paul, Minn., on Oct. 23, 2020. James Loughlin ’53, Indian Head Park, Ill., on Oct. 26, 2020.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
BIRTHS
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CLASS NOTES Father Robert Maher ’53, Las Vegas, on Aug. 14, 2020.
Michael O’Connell ’74, Brooklyn Park, Minn., on April 3, 2020.
Bernard Schmanski ’53, Sioux Falls, S.D., on March 30, 2020.
David Feeney ’75, Moline, Ill., on March 28, 2020.
James A. Healy ’54, Deerfield, Ill., on March 4, 2019.
Daniel Krcmar ’75, La Grange, Ill., on June 16, 2020.
Richard Sherman ’54, Fort Collins, Colo., on Aug. 13, 2020.
Rosemarie Merrigan ’75, St. Louis Park, Minn., on Sept. 25, 2020.
Stanley Hanson ’55, Woodstock, Md., on Aug. 25, 2020.
Thomas Masterson ’76, Winfield, Ill., on Aug. 16, 2020.
Brother Bernard Rapp, FSC ’55, Romeoville, Ill., on Aug. 9, 2020.
Timothy Bowler ’78, Chicago, on Oct. 16, 2020.
Brother Edward Gill, S.J. ’56, Wauwatosa, Wis., on June 6, 2020.
Marvin Tunstall ’79, Chicago, on Nov. 19, 2020.
Edward Berger ’57, Saint Paul, Minn., on March 21, 2018. Martin O’Malley, Sr. ’57, Wilmette, Ill., on Dec. 22, 2020.
1980s Sister Marie Jacqueline Burke, VHM M’81, Washington, D.C., on June 2, 2020.
Paul Walsh ’57, Rochester, Minn., on Aug. 16, 2020.
William McMahnon Jr. ’82, Countryside, Ill., in August 2020.
Kenneth Jansen ’58, Loudon, Tenn., on March 8, 2020.
Martin O’Toole ’84, Los Angeles, on Oct. 15, 2019.
Merlyn Honerman ’57, North Platte, Neb., on June 18, 2020.
Daniel Shrake ’58, Winona, Minn., on April 25, 2020. Thomas Mulvaney ’59, White Bear Lake, Minn., on Dec. 20, 2020. Brother James Wegesin, FSC ’59, Des Plaines, Ill., on Sept. 17, 2020. 1960s Gerald Beyersdorfer ’60, Claremont, N.C., on May 27, 2020. Robert L. Roy ’60, Murrieta, Calif., on May 17, 2020. David Behun ’61, Columbia Heights, Minn., on Sept. 7, 2020. William Delladio ’61, Mokena, Ill., on July 15, 2020.
Joseph W. Krage M’92, Houston, Minn., on Aug. 4, 2020. Thomas Gibson ’95, M’99, Winona, Minn., on May 5, 2020. Mary Bright M’96, Shakopee, Minn., on Nov. 24, 2020. Charles Alexander, IV M’99, Stillwater, Minn., on Aug. 13, 2020. Melissa Callahan C’99, Maplewood, Minn., on April 1, 2020. 2000s Doris Folger M’00, Rochester, Minn., on May 20, 2020. Lynn Haldy M’01, Becker, Minn., on Aug. 25, 2020. Colleen McLaughlin M’01, Bloomington, Minn., on Aug. 6, 2020.
Francis Sheeran ’62, Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 17, 2019.
Timothy McAulay ’02, Saint Paul, Minn., on Oct. 7, 2020.
Joel Gorun ’63, D.Min., Dubuque, Iowa, on March 24, 2019.
Scott Becker ’03, D.V.M., Frankfort, Ill., on Sept. 21, 2020.
Brother Richard Paszkiet, FSC ’64, Willowbrook, Ill., on March 23, 2020.
Jessica Zaback M’07, Waconia, Minn., on Nov. 17, 2020.
David M. Jones, Jr. ’65, Enid, Okla., on July 26, 2020.
Jason Poser C’08, M’12, Winona, Minn., on Jan. 26, 2021.
Donald Barry ’66, Ph.D., North Brunswick, N.J., on Feb. 1, 2020. Henry Lams ’66, Ann Arbor, Mich., on Jan. 23, 2018. Brother John Wozniak, FSC ’66, Cedarburg, Wis., on April 10, 2020. Robert Gerry ’67, Lake Zurich, Ill., on May 3, 2020. Richard Kane ’67, M.D., Raleigh, N.C., on May 10, 2020. Patrick Madison ’68, Little Egg Harbor, N.J., on Oct. 12, 2020. John Comford ’69, Saint Paul, Minn., on Dec. 14, 2020. Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
1990s Dale Peterson M’91, Bloomington, Minn., on Oct. 1, 2020.
Brother Thomas Geraghty, FSC ’62, Minneapolis, on April 23, 2020.
Malcolm Abel ’66, Oswego, Ill., on Sept. 10, 2019.
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Richard Borsch ’79, Elm Wood Park, Ill., on June 14, 2020.
James Coogan ’69, Burr Ridge, Ill., on Aug. 12, 2020. John Frasco ’69, D.D.S., Mason City, Iowa, on May 28, 2020. Raymond “Dave” Jewison ’69, Rochester, Minn., on Jan. 30, 2021. 1970s Allan Hida M’70, Carmichael, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2020. Frank Slepicka ’70, Addison, Ill., on Jan. 19, 2019. James Long ’71, Westmont, Ill., on Jan. 9, 2021. Sister Colleen Byron, OSF M’72, Rochester, Minn., on Dec. 18, 2020. Father William Moore ’72, Los Angeles, on Oct. 18, 2020. Robert Murphy ’72, Billings, Mont., on April 19, 2020.
Phillip Johnson M’08, New Brighton, Minn., on April 11, 2020. Timothy Bollis ’09, Milwaukee, on June 16, 2020. Joseph Tristano ’09, La Crosse, Wis., on Dec. 23, 2020. 2010s Michael Mockler ’12, Dubuque, Iowa, on Jan. 21, 2021. Shane Potter M’18, Garrison, Minn., on Dec. 13, 2020. FACULTY/STAFF Rodney Becker, former faculty, Hinghman, Mass., on Jan. 2, 2020. Eldon Fritz, former employee, Winona, Minn., on Nov. 21, 2020. Sharyn Goo, former vice president for student development, on Dec. 8, 2020. William Kelly, Ph.D., former faculty, Hudson, Wis., on June 7, 2020. Thomas Mans, Ph.D., former administrator, on Dec. 16, 2020. Gladys Mrachek, former employee, Winona, Minn., on Nov. 10, 2020. Father Paul Nienaber, S.J., Ph.D., former faculty, Winona, Minn., on Oct. 31, 2020. Teresa Nye, former employee, Minneapolis, on Aug. 31, 2020. Brother A. Stephen Rusyn, FSC, Ph.D., former faculty, Winona, Minn., on Nov. 17, 2020. Brother Stanislaus Sobczyk, FSC, Ed.D., former faculty and trustee, Moraga, Calif, on July 22, 2019.
BROTHER A. STEPHEN RUSYN, FSC, Ph.D.
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Brother A. Stephen Rusyn, FSC, Ph.D., longtime faculty member at Saint Mary’s, died Nov. 17, 2020.
Brother Stephen taught at Saint Mary’s for 25 years, but also worked as both a teacher and administrator in various high schools and colleges in Rhode Island, New York, and California, beginning in 1962. “That’s a long time dealing in education with young people,” he said. In addition to literature and writing courses, Brother Stephen taught a variety Brother A. Stephen Rusyn, FSC, Ph.D. of subjects including religion and math, but when you asked him what subjects he taught, he responded, “I’ve taught students, and that’s what’s important. The subject matter is irrelevant. That is the basic Christian Brothers’ philosophy of education; it’s very studentoriented, and that’s the distinctive aspect of being Lasallian.” A particular specialty of Brother Stephen’s was his ability to connect with all students, especially troubled students who might have been otherwise overlooked or forsaken. At Saint Mary’s, he was particularly known for standing in the halls and greeting students with both a serious face and some humorous banter. It was important, he said, for students to know he was there and always available. “Whether I’m saying hello or goodbye, I am physically there, and students can make some type of contact with me if they so choose,” he said. “I did this in high schools even when I was a principal. Graduation wouldn’t be the first time that the students saw the principal. My presence simply says, ‘Here I am.’ ” Brother Stephen was honored as Saint Mary’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator in 2010. •
DON REGAN ’51
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Don Regan ’51, long time Saint Mary’s benefactor and business visionary, passed away Oct. 23, 2020.
According to his obituary, Regan began working at 12, shoveling coal from railroad boxcars, and didn’t stop working until contracting COVID-19 shortly before his death at 91.
He and his wife Jean (Joyce) CST’55, who preceded him in death, received Saint Mary’s University Heritage Award for Transformational Philanthropy in 2018. The couple generously contributed to Saint Mary’s in support of scholarships, athletics, the First Generation Initiative, the Business Initiative, and the Saint Mary’s Fund. In total, the Regan’s lifetime giving to Saint Mary’s has exceeded $1 million. Don also received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit in 2015. Though the Regan Ice Arena Lobby, dedicated in 2005, is their namesake, Don said supporting education and academic programming was most important to them. The couple has always believed strongly in giving back in thanks for the blessings and successes they received in life. •
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
Don ’51 and Jean (Joyce) CST’55 Regan
By the time he was 21, Regan became the owner and operator of a Ford dealership in LeRoy, Minn. From there, he founded St. Paul and Suburban Bus Co. before shifting careers to banking. In 1974, he started Maplewood State Bank, which would become Premier Bank for the rest of his life. The onetime Minnesota Banker of the Year presided over a bank board meeting, via Zoom, just nine days before his death.
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CLASS NOTES
JIM COOGAN ’69
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James “Jim” Coogan ’69, active alumnus, generous benefactor, and long-time devoted trustee, died Aug. 12, 2020.
Coogan left a legacy of generosity at Saint Mary’s in numerous ways. He was generous with his time and talent, serving on the Board of Trustees from 20062016, including seven years as vice chair of the board. And his philanthropic generosity will live on at his alma mater for many years.
James L. ’69 and Marianne Coogan
The James L. ’69 and Marianne Coogan Student Learning Commons in the Science and Learning Center was dedicated in summer 2019 (during Jim’s 50th class reunion). The area recognizes the generous support of the couple — along with the KPMG Foundation, Jim’s place of employment. The couple also established the James ’69 and Marianne Coogan First Generation Initiative Scholarship. And, although Jim will never see its completion, the Coogans also supported the renovation of the Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman and Brother Charles halls. Another learning common area will be named in their honor at the completion of the project. As his son Mark Coogan wrote, “I’d ... like to thank you for being a part of my dad’s life, I believe that a person is a product of the decisions they make, the people they have around them, and the way they connect with their world. Given the quality of the man my dad became, the value of your friendship to him was a benefit to us all.” •
FATHER PAUL NIENABER, SJ, Ph.D.
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Father Paul Nienaber, SJ, Ph.D., former chair and associate professor of physics at Saint Mary’s died Oct. 31, 2020, at the age of 65.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
According to his obituary, Nienaber worked at Fermilab (Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory) in Batavia, Ill., where he was a member of the MiniBooNE Collaboration, a neutrino experiment. He worked at Fermilab both full-time (2000-2001; 2002-2004) and part-time while teaching.
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Father Paul Nienaber, SJ, Ph.D.
From 2004-2019, he worked at Saint Mary’s, serving as associate professor of physics and chair of the Physics Department. He was a priest, a teacher, a particle physicist, a gifted homilist, and a poet. He was deeply dedicated to his teaching and to his students, encouraging and supporting a number of budding young physicists through their work with him at Fermilab and beyond, and watching their success brought him great joy. He lived the compatibility of science and faith, perhaps because he was able to give so much of both his mind and heart to each. But he was equally an artist, composing and publishing texts for sacred music, explaining, “I’m constantly looking for words that help people pray, that can express in a new way, or undiscovered way, what is this great mystery we’re caught up in.” •
LOOKING BACK
The label on this photo says it was taken in the 1970s. Can anyone pinpoint it more directly? We love that it directly captures the relationships and friendships on teams that extend into lifelong bonds.
Saint Mary’s Magazine • Winter 2020/Spring 2021
If you have more information about this photo, please contact Saint Mary’s Magazine editor, Deb Nahrgang. 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.
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Coming this Fall!
Watch for more information about the opening and dedication of the Adducci Science Center's Hoffman and Brother Charles Halls — where innovation between business and science occurs.