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FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 3 – V O L U M E 4 7 , N U M B E R 1
Contents 1
FROM THE EDITOR
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NEWS AND VIEWS… UNDERGRAD UPDATES, SGPP POSTINGS, ALL-UNIVERSITY NEWS
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TRUSTEE PROFILE
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TRUSTEES TRAVEL TO FRANCE
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STRATEGIC PLAN PROGRESS
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FACULTY FEATS
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COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE
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CENTENNIAL HIGHLIGHTS
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FATHER FABIAN
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IBRAHIM DICKEY RETURNS TO SIERRA LEONE
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THE CUP
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ALUMNI NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
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CLASS NOTES
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100 FOR 100: LIVING THE SAINT MARY’S MISSION
ON THE COVER John McDonough ’75, President and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, shared the Stanley Cup with Saint Mary’s and the surrounding community.
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR MARKETING & COMMUNICATION Nick Lemmer ’94 VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT Audrey Kintzi, MS, ACFRE EDITOR Deb Nahrgang Phone: (507) 457-6966 Fax: (507) 457-6967 dnahrgan@smumn.edu CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Donny Nadeau ’85 Deb Nahrgang Stacia Vogel PHOTOGRAPHERS Rick Busch Bob Conover Chris Ebert Deb Nahrgang Stacia Vogel Jeff Wieczorek GRAPHIC DESIGN Maria Beyerstedt Denise Hamernik PRODUCTION Pat Beech Bob Conover Kenzie Corrow ’14 InTech Integrated Marketing Services Saint Mary’s Magazine is published by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for its alumni, parents and friends. Third-class postage paid at Winona, MN 55987-1399. ADDRESS CHANGES Saint Mary’s Magazine Saint Mary’s University 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 ON THE WEB www.smumn.edu/magazine
ABOUT SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private, Lasallian Catholic institution offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. About 1,300 students are enrolled in the residential undergraduate College at the Winona campus, established in 1912. More than 4,300 students are enrolled in the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, which offers certificate, bachelor degree completion, master degree, specialist, and doctoral programs. The university delivers education to its adult learners through campuses in Minneapolis, Winona and Nairobi, Kenya; centers in Apple Valley, Oakdale, Rochester and Minnetonka; and at numerous other locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Jamaica. Saint Mary’s is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.
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The party’s over but reasons to celebrate keep coming CAMPUS RESOURCES WEBSITE www.smumn.edu ALUMNI ASSOCIATION www.mysmumn.org • Winona Undergraduate Alumni (507) 457-1499 Fax: (507) 457-6697 Toll-free: (800) 635-5987, Ext. 1499 alumni@smumn.edu • Schools of Graduate & Professional Programs Alumni (612) 728-5202 Fax: (612) 728-5167 Toll-free: (866) 437-2788 sgppalumni@smumn.edu ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT (507) 457-1579 dnadeau@smumn.edu www.saintmaryssports.com DEVELOPMENT (507) 457-6647 Fax: (507) 457-6697 giving@smumn.edu www.supportsmu.org PERFORMANCE CENTER BOX OFFICE (507) 457-1715 tickets@smumn.edu www.pagetheatre.org MARKETING & COMMUNICATION (507) 457-1497 spopp@smumn.edu www.smumn.edu/news ADMISSION – WINONA Toll-free: (800) 635-5987, Ext. 1700 admission@smumn.edu ADMISSION – TWIN CITIES SGPP Toll-free: (866) 437-2788, Ext. 207 tc-admission@smumn.edu JOB OPPORTUNITIES www.smumn.edu/jobs
The big question … after the last handshake is given, after the dishes are all washed, after the red carpet is all rolled up and after the ice sculpture has melted … is “Now what?” Within 13 months, Saint Mary’s put on the most spectacular, most highly attended, most memorable events in its history – all in honor and in celebration of its Centennial. About 5,000 people joined us in commemorating this momentous milestone! For those who missed it, the Red Carpet Centennial Gala, the pinnacle to the year’s celebrations, was held June 22, and we definitely painted the town red. From the fireworks, to the music, and from the food to the elegant ambiance, attendees still excitedly remember the evening in awe. In this issue, you’ll get an opportunity to see how we finished the Centennial year and kicked off our second century in style! We would be remiss without continuing to dole out abundant thank yous to all of those who made these events possible. Saint Mary’s is grateful to the many men and women Deb Nahrgang who – from throughout these past 100 years – have shared Saint Mary’s their time, talents and treasures to building and growing our Magazine editor university. But now, to the question everyone asks (some in long-distance jest to still-weary event planners), “Now what?” Well, I can guarantee you that dust isn’t settling. Renovations have occurred all summer on the Winona campus as we upgrade facilities for our students; new partnerships have formed that enhance Saint Mary’s science programming even further; expanded online programming at both the graduate and undergraduate levels is making a Saint Mary’s degree even more accessible; living learning communities are enriching the undergraduate experience; and the list continues to build. There’s a sense that we’re on a pinnacle; and my challenge to all of us who care about Saint Mary’s is to join in building its second century. We’ve proven that Saint Mary’s alumni have got spirit and energy. I’ve been continuously moved as I listen to the outpouring of appreciation and admiration our alumni express toward their alma mater. Armed with the new strategic plan, and under the leadership of Brother William, we’ve got great plans and dreams for the future. When my communications counterpart 100 years from now writes about the past 100 years, I want to make sure those pages are rich and full. And won’t it be fun to see how every chapter of the next century unfolds? There’s never been a better time to join the momentum and keep the reasons to celebrate coming. Don’t pack away your dancing shoes just yet.≠
We’re interested in your thoughts We want to hear from you, the alumni, parents and friends of Saint Mary’s University. You’re welcome to respond to something you read in Saint Mary’s Magazine, or to comment on any subject that involves the past, present or future of the university. Send letters to Saint Mary’s Magazine Editor, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #36, Winona, MN 55987-1399 or e-mail editor Deb Nahrgang at dnahrgan@smumn.edu.
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News and Views Undergrad online courses expand to meet students’ needs In a continuing effort to make education accessible and affordable, Saint Mary’s University is increasing the number of its summer online courses at the undergraduate level. This is the third summer Saint Mary’s has offered summer online courses, primarily major courses, with a few select general education offerings. The first year was a pilot program involving business classes. During the summer of 2012, eight courses were offered. This past summer Saint Mary’s expanded to nine online courses. It was the first summer of teaching online courses for assistant professor of biology Josh Lallaman. Constantly adapting his teaching methodology for this new platform, Lallaman admits he was learning along with his students. “It’s the direction teaching is going, and I thought that learning about this method of teaching early on in the process will help me adapt my teaching accordingly,” he said.
Lallaman taught “Current Science Issues,” a class for non-science students that can sometimes be difficult to get into because of the high number of students who require it. A full load of 31 students completed the eight-week condensed course. Many students who may be intimidated by science may have chosen to take this course during the summer because they didn’t have a full course load. Although summer poses other distractions, including full-time jobs. “For some it was tougher than they expected,” Lallaman said. “Just because it’s summer and it’s online doesn’t mean it’s easier, but students appreciated the flexible schedule to do the work and were thankful for the opportunity.” He added, “It might be helpful for students who have a science phobia because it’s a different environment.” For example, Lallaman said he observed a much higher level of open discussion online, whereas students are often hesitant to speak up in class. “Students have more confidence online,” he said. “This is a medium where they feel more comfortable. They are more willing to contribute their opinion without hesitation.”
Lallaman said he plans to incorporate more online discussions into his regular classroom courses, based upon this newfound insight. The growth of online learning is accelerating. Thirty-two percent of higher education students now take at least one course online. “Online courses are a reality in higher education,” said Jason Spartz M’07, director of instructional technology. “Our professors are seeing opportunities for blended delivery (a mixture of both classroom and online learning) for an overall stronger educational experience. Faculty are discovering that technology can be used outside of the classroom as a preparation tool and that the classroom experience is more active as a result. “It’s a way to keep students on track to graduate within four years, and it is a wise use of our campus resources over the summer,” Spartz said, adding that taking online courses will help students prepare for a growing virtual job environment. “Those teaching online are rethinking the face-to-face classroom experience, and they are continuing to share their experiences with other faculty so we can grow together,” Spartz said.≠
Eboo Patel leads discussion about interfaith cooperation As a further expression of the ecumenical and religious openness that characterizes Saint Mary’s Lasallian Catholic heritage, on May 13, Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith Youth Core, a Chicago-based international nonprofit that aims to promote interfaith cooperation, spoke to a variety of faculty, staff and administration. Patel, a member of President Barack Obama’s inaugural Advisory Council on Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnerships, spoke at the third in a series of dialogs called Cardinal Conversations. Patel, who has written two books about interfaith cooperation — “Acts of Faith” and the most recent “Sacred
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Ground” — spoke of the imperative for dialog between faiths so as not to let intolerance be the dominant voice. He believes that colleges and universities are the perfect place to foster such interfaith-shared inquiry and understanding. He encouraged those present to do all of these things from a deep and broad understanding of our rich Lasallian Catholic heritage.≠
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U N D E R G R A D U P D AT E S
Welcome to Cardinal Legacy students The new lounge at the Saint Edward’s Living Learning Center.
Summer projects designed to enhance student experience In the brief window between spring commencement and the start of the academic year, the Winona campus was humming with the sounds of construction. In less than eight weeks, a number of improvement and renovation projects occurred within classrooms, residence halls and other facilities — all to better meet the needs of our students and in direct response to the goals listed in Strategic Plan 2017. “We want our students to have a quality experience at Saint Mary’s,” said Jim Bedtke, vice president for university facilities. “These enhancements will make our facilities even more attractive to potential students and will enhance the living and learning experiences of our current students.” Goal 1.1 — Develop and practice methods, techniques and teaching strategies that respond to the learning styles of today’s learners Goal 1.4 — Significantly integrate technology into teaching and learning Classrooms in Saint Yon’s Hall and Fitzgerald Library were renovated to improve the quality of the highly used spaces. Technology and soundproofing were added, and furniture was installed that can be more easily reconfigured for a variety of usages. Computer facilities were upgraded in the International Center and De La Salle Institute, and lab facilities got a facelift in the Chemistry Department. Goal 3.1 Develop learning and living communities at the College that facilitate the integration of curricular and co-curricular living Goal 3.2 Upgrade residential housing, wellness and recreation facilities, alternative learning commons and student gathering spaces in Winona for both undergraduate and graduate students
Renovations were made to the Saint Edward’s Living Learning Center, Residencia Santiago Miller, La Salle Hall, and Saint Joseph’s Hall, including bathrooms, kitchens, hall director apartments, carpeting and furniture. Visitors to campus will notice that Saint Ed’s now boasts additional lounge space which serves as a new and attractive entrance, as well as an additional student gathering space. Vlazny Hall was remodeled from a residence hall to now accommodate the offices and services of Student Life (including Campus Ministry, the Hendrickson Institute, the Jay Johnson Wellness Center, the Office of Mission, Residence Life and Student Life). These new locations promote a high degree of communication between these offices, which collaborate to provide a successful student experience outside of the classroom. The former Residence Life offices in the basement of the Toner Student Center are in the process of being renovated for a variety of gathering spaces and conference rooms. The former Wellness Center and Student Activities area has been renovated into alternative student learning spaces. And, a summer remodeling project brought the offices and functions of the Student Success Center together into one convenient, multifunctional area in lower Griffin Hall. This “one-stop academic shop” offers advising, disability support services, career services and internships, tutoring, and writing services. Goal 3.4 Invest in the success and competitiveness of intercollegiate athletic teams Locker rooms and athletic classroom space got a facelift this summer as well.≠
Saint Mary’s extends a special welcome to our Cardinal Legacy students. These are new students whose parents also attend or graduated from Saint Mary’s. We are deeply honored that these families have chosen to carry on the SMU legacy. Our Lasallian family continues to grow on the Winona campus! New Winona students and their alumni parents are: • John Ethen, the late Thomas Ethen ’87 • Madison Gately, Joseph Gately ’87 • Ryan Grant, Michael Grant ’00 • Elizabeth Hayes, Robert Hayes ’73 • Ellen Hinck, David Hinck ’11 • Spencer Holtorf, Stephen Holtorf ’87 • Shane Jacobson, Leah (Mensink ’99) Jacobson • Michael Kelly Jr., Michael Kelly ’83 • Maeve McDonnell, Michael McDonnell ’80 • Patrick McErlean, Patrick McErlean, ’89 • Jessica Menden, James ’88 and Ann (Conniff ’87) Menden • Celeste Nitti, Kristine Nitti ’08 • Pamela Potempa-Rivers, Nancy Potempa ’78 • John Stang, Brian Stang ’86 and Megan (Faricy ’86) Stang • Brittany Stenzel, Marsha Stenzel ’03 • Kelsey Stenzel, Marsha Stenzel ’03 • Lauren Streich, Sarah Streich M’98 • Colleen Thul, Lori Thul M’11 • Kasia Wienckowski, Rian Wienckowski ’94 • Anthony Williams, Martin Williams ’89, M’09 • Acacia Wimmer, Neil Wimmer ’12 • Andrew Wright, Terri (Port ’80) Wright PSEO students include: • Bryan Pierce, Michael Pierce ’90 • Renee Sullivan, Karen (Ayotte ’78) Sullivan≠
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SGPP POSTINGS
At the 2013 Hendrickson Forum, Ian Bremmer, above left, and Doug Baker Jr., right, were joined by Julie Hendrickson, founding family member, and Brother William.
Hendrickson event examines world’s political future What will the world look like in five years? That’s a critical question that can’t be answered with certainty, although Dr. Ian Bremmer provided likely scenarios at the Hendrickson Forum 2013. Forum 2013, “Rocking the World Order: How Changing Politics, Economics and Geography Impact Us,” was held April 17, at SMU’s Twin Cities campus. Guest speaker Dr. Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group (a leading political risk consultancy), shared possible outcomes for the “leaderless” world order of today, which he calls “G-Zero,” rather than the G-8 or G-20 groups that have led the world in the past. He also offered advice on how leaders can prepare for the changing world. Dr. Bremmer engaged with the audience and forum emcee, Fred de Sam Lazaro (director of the Under-Told Stories Project at SMU) during an energetic Q&A discussion. The program was recorded by Twin Cities Public Television and can be viewed via www.mnvideovault.org, The New Abnormal. During the forum, the 2013 Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership was awarded to Doug Baker Jr., chairman and CEO of Ecolab, Inc. Among other accomplishments and volunteer leadership initiatives, Ecolab has been named one of the world’s most ethical companies for the past seven years by the Ethisphere Institute under Baker’s tenure.
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The Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership at Saint Mary’s University provides special events and training of interest to leaders in every profession. Its annual forum and seminars share the expertise of noteworthy ethical leaders with the Twin Cities community.≠
SAVE THE DATE: 2014 Hendrickson Institute Forum Speaker: The Honorable Sheila C. Bair, former head of the FDIC, now leading the Systemic Risk Council, will address current risks and regulations impacting financial services, banks and consumers. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Date: April 8, 2014 Location: Saint Mary's University Center, 2540 Park Ave., Minneapolis Website: www.smumn.edu/hendricksonforum
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SGPP POSTINGS choose between specialization coursework in business economics and finance or strategy and management before moving on to their dissertation. Other news this academic year from the Graduate School of Business and Technology:
Brother William and Brother Robert Smith ’76, right, with Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Veterans’ Roundtable examines access to education and workplace The complexity of applying for education benefits and learning how to translate skills earned in military service onto a resume were two issues that surfaced during a recent Saint Mary’s University Veterans’ Roundtable with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). More than 80 people — veterans and civilians — came to the university’s Twin Cities campus on Aug. 26 to discuss how to improve education and workforce skills development for veterans returning to Minnesota following service. Invited panelists gave insights into some of the issues veterans face upon returning from active service, including: Brother William, Saint Mary’s president; Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.); Dave Bellefeuille, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs; Carin Anderson, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education liaison; Captain Aaron Oelschlager, Minnesota National Guard; Alison Block, Saint Mary’s director of student services; Gina Sobania, Military Education Academic Credit director at MnSCU; Julie Selander, director of One Stop Student Services & University Veterans Services at the University of Minnesota; and Jacqueline Mahon, Saint Mary’s student and Minnesota Air National Guard member. After the panel presentation, audience members engaged in small-group
discussions to provide additional insights and recommendations for policy changes to enhance veterans’ access to and success in higher education and the workplace. The issue of transitioning veterans from service to the workplace has long been at the forefront of education policy in the United States and Saint Mary’s University has been engaged in conversations in Minnesota and on Capitol Hill. “We were happy to sit down with Sen. Klobuchar to talk about what we can do to help in preparing veterans to adjust to the civilian workplace. As Saint Mary’s looks toward its next 100 years, it is committed to working on higher education solutions and bringing people together for the common good,” said Brother William. All of the information captured during the event will be provided to Sen. Klobuchar as she continues to advocate for veterans in Washington, D.C.≠
New DBA program begins training business professionals Business professionals can now become even better leaders through Saint Mary’s new Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. This fall the university launched its first DBA cohort of 18 students at the Twin Cities campus. DBA students will gain enhanced research, writing and problem-solving skills. Students will engage in coursework centered around research methodology and leading in diverse business environments. Participants will then
• The MBA International Capstone class will travel to Manila, Philippines, in the fall to work with a number of firms and visit with MBA students, faculty and staff at De La Salle University Manila. (De La Salle, like Saint Mary’s, is part of the international network of Lasallian schools and universities.) • An M.S. in Accountancy is in development, with a planned launch in 2014. • The rollout of six new business program specialization tracks is underway. In the Graduate School of Education, here’s what’s new this fall: • A Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language program will begin. This program prepares K-12 teachers to effectively serve those students in their classrooms for whom English is not their first language. • The first two fully online graduate education programs are being launched: the M.A. in Special Education in October and the M.A. in Educational Leadership in January. (Note: Opportunities to gain licensure in special education will only be available for the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin.) • An M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology is in development and will be launched in partnership with the St. Paul/Minneapolis Archdiocese this spring, and then launched fully online next fall. • The second Missing Voices: Equity in Education Summit will be held Feb. 6 at the Saint Mary’s University Center and feature Gloria Ladson-Billings as the keynote speaker. The summit will again include youth; however, this year, parents are invited to join the conversation. In the Graduate School of Health and Human Services the following new programs are being launched: • The B.S. in Psychology starts on the Twin Cities campus in January, with WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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SGPP POSTINGS applications now being accepted. • The M.A. in Health and Human Services is offering, for the first time, the courses needed to take the licensure exam for Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. This license also covers administrators at group homes, residential treatment centers, hospice care, home healthcare, assisted living, adult daycare and other areas. • The Certificate in Addiction Studies is accepting applications. This program is open to anyone with a B.S./B.A. degree or higher. The cohort starting in January is filling.≠
University expands online graduate education On Aug. 27, Brother William, Brother Robert Smith ’76, vice president for the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP), and Linka Holey, associate vice president and academic dean – SGPP spent time at the corporate headquarters of our online education partner, Deltak. Brother William and Craig Pines, president and CEO of Deltak, signed an agreement to extend the contract for delivering up to 12 additional fully online programs in the coming years — a move that marks substantial progress on the online initiatives goal of Strategic Plan 2017. Deltak provides marketing, recruiting, instructional design, technology hosting and student-faculty support systems for the university’s 100 percent online programs. The meeting included a review of the successes and challenges of the first year of operation and provided an opportunity to identify future initiatives. In the spirit of innovation and providing access to adult learners, Saint Mary’s now offers fully online master degree programs in four areas with many more on the way. The following programs are currently offered 100 percent online: • M.A. in Human Resource Management • M.A. in Organizational Leadership • M.S. in Project Management • M.A. in Special Education What this means is that the excellent educational programs offered by Saint Mary’s have expanded to anyone living anywhere. This is possible through the use of the Apple iPad and a special app. Saint Mary’s University became the
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Brother William signed a contract with Craig Pines, president and CEO of Deltak.
first institution in the country to offer a full-service app specially designed for adult learners in online graduate programs. Students enrolled in these online master’s programs at Saint Mary’s receive iPads preloaded with the app. A “one-stop shop” learning experience, the app includes all coursework and enables students to communicate instantly with instructors and classmates. Launched in the summer of 2012, online programs are designed to further meet the needs of busy adult graduate students, many of whom must balance schoolwork with full-time jobs and fami-
lies. There are currently 200 students enrolled in the online programs. Students in these programs live throughout the world, including numerous states, Guam, Afghanistan and Ecuador. And, even though the students may live miles away, they are experiencing the same level of educational excellence and close interaction with the Saint Mary’s faculty members who are also working professionals in the fields in which they are teaching. Want to embrace technology and further your education, or know someone who does? Visit onlineprograms. smumn.edu.≠
Scott McMahon chosen to lead Hendrickson Institute Scott McMahon was welcomed as the new associate vice president of external affairs and executive director of the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership on the Twin Cities campus. McMahon, an Iowa native and longtime Minnesota resident, was most recently the director of government and community affairs for the Minnesota Private College Council. There he advocated on behalf of 17 nonprofit, liberal arts colleges and universities in Minnesota. He has two master’s degrees – one in public policy from the University of Minnesota and the other in nonprofit administration from the University of Notre Dame. McMahon has a B.A. in political science from Saint John’s University in Minnesota. In his dual role, he will lead Saint Mary’s Twin Cities campus community relations’ efforts and direct the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership, which serves emerging and current leaders of society through special events and corporate training for business leaders. The institute’s annual Hendrickson Forum is the university’s signature Twin Cities event, featuring world-renowned speakers on global ethics issues.≠
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Kabara Institute looks to engage alumni entrepreneurs The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Saint Mary’s is hoping to expand its reach by extending an invitation to engage with all Saint Mary’s alumni entrepreneurs and hopeful entrepreneurs. The institute was established in 2005 with a mission to “inspire the entrepreneurial spirit within students, alumni and the community by providing integrated and innovative programs.” The institute was founded by the late Dr. Jon Kabara ’48 and his wife Betty as a way to help aspiring young entrepreneurs at Saint Mary’s. Dr. Kabara, an entrepreneur in the field of medical research, and his wife Betty, also a successful entrepreneur, wanted to share their passion, spirit and know-how with the businessmen and women of tomorrow. As Dr. Kabara was a chemistry major, he and Betty especially wanted all students across the university, regardless of whether or not they were business majors, to benefit from the Kabara Institute’s mission. James Bedtke, vice president for university facilities, assumed the role of executive director of the Kabara Institute in June. He described the institute’s main goals as fourfold: 1. To work with students and alumni (both undergraduate and graduate) who want to become entrepreneurs or have recently started a business and are looking for advice or assistance. “We are going to identify key people who want to engage with the Kabara Institute to launch their businesses or to grow and invigorate their newly formed businesses,” he said. Through the institute’s talented advisory board and network, Bedtke said there are many valuable connections to be made. “We would like to put them in touch with mentors and advisors and provide support materials that we believe could be beneficial to them,” he said. 2. To partner with SMU alumni who have become successful entrepreneurs or who have grown a family business. “The Kabara Institute conducts workshops, provides mentoring opportunities and hosts a speaker series,” Bedtke said. “And there are many opportunities for our alumni to share their knowledge and skills with current students, as well as to connect with other successful entrepreneurs.” 3. To continue to raise funding. “Jon and Betty Kabara and members of the advisory board have contributed to an endowment for the institute. We would like to grow that endowment through grants, and we would also like to talk with individuals interested in supporting this institute and its work,” he said. 4. To speak with alumni about possible internships and job opportunities for Saint Mary’s students. “I am interested in traveling to meet with alumni to talk with them about how our talented students could help their businesses, and about how our students could benefit from working with their successful organizations,” Bedtke said. To contact Bedtke about any of these opportunities, email jbedkte@smumn.edu or call (507) 457-1458.≠
Pyle joins SMU leadership team As part of the university’s efforts to increase enrollment and improve visibility, Brother William has appointed John Pyle, Ed.D. ’02, to the new role of vice president for enrollment, marketing and strategic initiatives. In this role, Pyle is responsible for enrollment at the College, marketing for the university, and strategic initiatives as approved by the president. Pyle comes to Saint Mary’s from Aurora University where he served as senior vice president with chief operating responsibilities for Aurora University’s Wisconsin-based campus, George Williams College. Prior to that role, Pyle served as associate vice president for planning, and vice president for enrollment and marketing at Hamline University. Pyle also previously served as vice president for graduate and professional programs here at Saint Mary’s. Pyle also has an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Immaculata College, and he has participated in the Harvard Institute for Higher Education. Pyle began his appointment on Aug. 26.≠
New trustees announced Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has announced five new members of its Board of Trustees: • John Domanico ’77, DDS, oral and maxillofacial surgeon from La Grange, Ill. • Brother Kevin Convey, FSC M’84, M’97, of Chicago, Ill. • James Horan ’72, CEO of Blue Plate Catering of Chicago, Ill. • Mary Pat Wlazik ’73, vice president, U.S. Bank – Technology and Operations Services of Gresham, Ore. Brother Michael McKenery, FSC ’84, of Providence, R.I., is retiring from the board. The university is indebted to these trustees for their dedication and service.≠ WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau ’03, M’06 received a Distinguished Alumna Award from Saint Mary’s during the university’s fall commencement ceremony for its Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013. A total of 340 graduates marched at this ceremony.
U.S. Senator Michael Johanns of Nebraska was awarded a Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, for his lifetime of work as a public servant.
COMMEN Caps and gowns were worn, diplomas were given out, handshakes were exchanged and many pictures were taken. Regardless of location (Winona, Minneapolis, Nairobi or Jamaica); and regardless of degree (bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, doctorate or certificate), Saint Mary’s welcomes nearly 2,000 graduates into its alumni family. At the Winona campus on May 11, 260 undergraduate and 135 graduate students commenced in a combined ceremony. A special speech was presented by Outstanding Senior Constance Budin, daughter of Bruce and Colleen Budin of Le Center, Minn., during the undergraduate portion, and Jeremy Joseph Storelee, Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, provided a reflection during the graduate portion of the ceremony. Outstanding Graduate Final Papers were presented to Cheyanne Constance Kofmehl, M.A. in Philanthropy and Development, and Brother Diego Armando Rico-Archila, FSC, M.A. in Educational Leadership. U.S. Senator Michael Johanns of Nebraska, a 1971 Saint Mary’s alum, was awarded a Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, for his lifetime of work as a public servant. Senator Johanns was cited for more than 30 years of distinguished service to society as mayor of Lincoln, governor of Nebraska, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and U.S. Senator. Further, or ni the citation noted that Senator Se g in nd Outsta din Johanns has “exemplified the characConstance Bu teristics of service and ethical leader-
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ship that this university strives to develop in all of its students and, by a life admirably dedicated in service of the common good, has brought honor and credit to his alma mater.”
Twin Cities campus A total of 877 students received diplomas from the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs during fall 2012, spring 2013 or summer 2013 commencement ceremonies held on the Minneapolis campus. During the Oct. 14, 2012 Commencement Convocation, 245 students marched and the featured graduating student speakers were Joel B. Eckstrom, B.S. in Business; Bret J. Domstrand, M.A. in Educational Leadership; Taiwo Saheed Afuye, B.S. in Nursing; and Christine E. Mueller Guy, M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services. At the Jan. 20 ceremony, there were 294 commencees, and the featured speakers were Dennis L. Anco, B.S. in Allied Heathcare; Joan Lapp Lennick, M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services; Benjamin A. Lane, Ed.D. in Leadership; Mohamed Adan Abdullahi, B.S. in Police Science; and Ashley R. Beatty, M.A. in Management. During the winter-time event, the following graduates were honored with Outstanding Final Paper Awards: • Beth R. Van Kampen, M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services • Susan R. Doherty, M.A. in Health and Human Services Administration • Adam R. Nelson, Ed.S. in Educational Administration • Dennis McNeil, Ed.D. in Leadership • Karly Turner, M.A. in Human Resource Management At the June 2 ceremony, 338 students commenced. The featured graduating student speakers FALL/WINTER 2013
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A graduate of Saint Mary’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs in the Twin Cities is joined by her family.
Six Jamaican students participated in the Winona commencement ceremony in May.
NCEMENT were Karen S. Nation, M.A. in Health and Human Services Administration; Judd D. Maxwell, M.A. in Education Wisconsin; John G. Keykpo, Ed.D. in Leadership; and Marc A. Peterson, B.S. in Information Technology. During the June Commencement Convocation, Outstanding Final Paper Awards were given to the following springtime graduates: • Kathryn Stemwedel, M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services • Cecilia Sung Arcinas, M.S. in Nurse Anesthesia • Chandeli O. Ramos, M.S. in Nurse Anesthesia • Ann M. Dettmann, Ed.S. in Educational Administration • Mark A. Jansen, Ed.D. in Leadership
A total of 340 graduates marched at the most recent Oct. 13 ceremony. The featured graduating student speakers were Christine R. LaMott, B.S., Human Resource Management; Bryan Volk, M.A./M.B.A., International Business/Customized Track; Deborah Anne Vanderhall, B.S., Nursing; Jamaica Leilani DelMar, M.A., Educational Leadership; Taiwo Akintola Akinsanya, M.A., Health & Human Services Administration; and Leonard Henry Moeller, M.A., Marriage & Family Therapy. The following graduates were honored with Saint Mary’s Outstanding Final Paper Awards: • Emmanuel Canaan, B.S., Business • Anthony Michael Padrnos, Graduate Certificate, Educational Administration – K-12 Principal E.D.S., Educational Administration • Julie Carol Brown, M.A., Marriage & Family Therapy • Diana Maria Loaiza Tangarife, M.A., Marriage & Family Therapy
2013 gradua tes in Nairobi .
Jamaica A commencement ceremony for 35 students was held in Jamaica in September 2013. Of those, six Jamaican students participated in the Winona commencement ceremony this past spring. The M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning program is designed for practicing classroom teachers who want to earn a master’s degree as part of a professional learning community. The program is offered in partnership with the Catholic College of Mandeville (CCM) in Jamaica. Courses are offered at CCM and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is the degree-granting institution.
Nairobi The Nairobi campus held its commencement ceremony on April 27. At this commencement, 21 students received the Bachelor of Education degree, 18 students received the ThreeYear Diploma in Education, and three students received the M.A. in African studies degree. Dr. Donna Aronson, vice president for academic affairs, represented the university at the ceremony and gave the keynote address.≠ WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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Kaye O’Leary
Kaye O'Leary, front right, with other SMU Trustees and administration on their spring trip to France.
When did you begin serving on the board and what committees are you serving on? I joined the Board of Trustees in 2011, prior to that I had served on the Council of Regents for the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs. I currently serve on the Advancement Committee. I also had the opportunity to work on the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee during the development of the Strategic Plan. Why did you agree to become a member of the SMU Board of Trustees? I strongly believe in the Lasallian mission to make education accessible to all, especially under-served youth. My parents were both educators and were firm believers in education as the best way to break the cycle of poverty. I joined the Board of Trustees because I believe that my business experience in finance and strategic planning, coupled with my passion for accessible education, will help SMU to build a strong future that will allow it to continue to offer educational opportunities well into the future. What discussions have been the most interesting since you've joined the board? The discussions that occurred during the Strategic Planning process were thought provoking and focused on the challenges that Saint Mary’s faces as it enters into its second century. There are so many exciting changes that are occurring in higher-level education and we had a lot of conversations on how to best position Saint Mary’s to address them and remain relevant. The SGPP has provided an interesting testing ground for the university in the use of online course delivery; it has been exciting to watch the Schools of Graduate and Professional Program’s online program develop and to learn how they can be deployed throughout the university. We focused on how to best continue to offer an intimate learning experience in Winona that leverages the best of new technology but still offers an intimate opportunity to build relationships and a sense of community that will last a lifetime. The SGPP provides so many diverse adult learners with the opportunity to pursue a graduate or professional degree, and we discussed how to continue to position the SGPP in the Twin Cities for future success. One of my favorite experiences with SMU is to attend an SGPP graduation ceremony; it is humbling to hear the graduates’ stories about their sacrifices and triumphs in pursuing their degree and it is a delight to see all of their friends and families cheering them on. I also had the privilege to attend the offsite board meeting in Paris earlier this year. It was a wonderful way to connect with the Lasallian history and purpose. We walked in the footsteps of St. John Baptist de La Salle and had the opportunity to meet
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many of the Brothers and their passion for bettering children through education was moving and inspiring. With the beautiful backdrop of Paris, it was a special way to develop deeper connections with my fellow board members and with members of the leadership team. What are your hopes and dreams for Saint Mary's second century? Ultimately, I’d like to see Saint Mary’s fulfill its vision of being a top-tier national university that is grounded in Lasallian heritage. Saint Mary’s has a lot of strengths that differentiate it from other liberal arts universities and the Strategic Plan will continue to build on those strengths by focusing on strengthening our commitment to excellence in the sciences, developing leaders who are grounded in Lasallian principles of building a better future for their communities, and by continuing to utilize new tools in education, like online learning, to provide relevant learning experiences. What is your current employment? I am currently a Partner with River Rock Partners in Minneapolis. River Rock Partners is a boutique consulting firm that focuses on transforming businesses, companies and cultures. Our clients vary greatly, from start-ups to Fortune 500 businesses and from publicly traded companies to not-for-profit organizations. My engagements typically focus on governance (e.g. helping organizations build stronger boards) and strategic planning. What is your proudest accomplishment (personal and/or professional)? On a personal basis, it is definitely watching my two sons, Kevin and JP, mature into wonderful young adults. On a professional basis, I am always thrilled to hear that I’ve made a difference in the career development of former colleagues. It is so rewarding to hear that you have made a positive difference in someone’s life.≠
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Members of the SMU Board of Trustees visited the Fountaine Jean Baptiste de La Salle in Rouen.
Trustees travel to France Trip connects them to university’s Lasallian heritage In celebration of Saint Mary’s Centennial, several Saint Mary’s trustees joined Brother William and SMU staff members in France April 21-27 to retrace the university’s Lasallian Catholic roots. The group of 25 stayed in Paris and visited sites in Paris, Reims and Rouen, significant in Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s life. Members of the board chose to fund their trip in an effort to more deeply understand the university’s Lasallian heritage and to get to know one another better. In addition to countless photographs, they brought home a profound appreciation for De La Salle and his work, which will help them shape and form the trajectory of the university’s second century. Sandra (Kaiser CST’72) Simon said her favorite part of the trip was walking in the footsteps of John Baptist de La Salle, visiting the towns he lived and worked in, as well as developing a camaraderie among other trustees. “This trip helped me to understand what SMU means to the community and what it provides to students both educationally and morally,” she said. “I think this trip allowed the trustees to find out not only about Saint La Salle but also to find out about each other. We are supporters of an institution whose values are clearly defined by its mission. It is
our obligation as trustees to work together to help the university evolve during this new century while maintaining the core values and mission of the Lasallian tradition.” Terry ’76 and Kathleen (Conway ’78) Russell enjoyed getting to know other attendees and their families in a relaxed atmosphere. Having Cathy’s brother, Brother Pat Conway ’75, M’80, also along on the trip, held special meaning. Terry learned a lot about the Lasallian heritage including that Saint John Baptist de La Salle is credited with pioneering many now-standard classroom techniques, combined with spiritual instruction. De La Salle wanted education to be accessible to all children, regardless of their financial status, but he and the Brothers were persecuted due to the political movements of the day. “Most of all I was humbled and amazed by the dedication and sense of mission of the past and present Brothers,” he said. “The Brothers we met in their communities, as well as those who accompanied us on the tour, were generous and very knowledgeable. “The deeper relationships forged with fellow board members and staff were priceless; however, the sense that we are a small part of the Lasallian mission makes one dedicated to furthering the goals of SMU.”≠
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STRATEGIC PLAN PROGRESS
Building the Next Generation of Scientists A New Vision for Science Excellence in the 21st Century Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, a Lasallian Catholic university grounded in a reverence for life, creation and the natural world, is renewing its commitment to the advancement of science and technology through forming ethical, innovative and solutions-based science leaders. It is a compelling vision designed to inspire a new generation of bold scientists, medical professionals and educators hungry to impact the world in relevant ways. Through its undergraduate and graduate programs, Saint Mary’s University will build, nurture and cultivate a community of innovators that collaborate across science disciplines within the university and its partners, and it will encourage courageous scientific risk-taking in the promotion of promising endeavors. With institutional and philanthropic partners, graduate and undergraduate students will have access to premier laboratory and research facilities and stateof-the-art space that fosters collaborative science learning, research and practice. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will be committed to preparing its students for the following three domains: • Professional school in the medical fields and graduate school in science research and environmental sciences. • Healthcare fields and professions. • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education at the K-12 levels.
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Preparing students for professional school in the medical fields and graduate school in science research and environmental sciences Accelerating innovation through interdisciplinary cooperation in science disciplines of biology, chemistry, mathematics and statistics, physics, as well as psychology and emerging technologies, drives the vision of 21st-century science at Saint Mary’s. Pre-professional programs, such as pre-med, enjoy a long tradition and stellar reputation in successfully preparing students for advanced programs. Saint Mary’s will seek out and secure strategic partnerships with research facilities, clinical sites, and graduate schools that bring together students, scientists and healthcare professionals to address the complex areas of global concern. This integration will provide the relevant training and practical experience that will make Saint Mary’s graduates among the bestprepared and most-competitive. Saint Mary’s, located in the bluffs of the Upper Mississippi River with its associated watersheds, wetlands, forests, and prairies, will be a regional and national destination in the preparation of environmental scientists. Saint Mary’s undergraduate and graduate students will tackle difficult problems through the lens of ecological and biological discovery and invention. They will acquire expertise in the cutting edge integration of geographic information systems in scientific endeavors, and the university will be a national leader in spatially based environmental resource analysis and global mapping.
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Preparation for healthcare fields and professions Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s campuses in the Twin Cities and Winona are situated within one of the fastestgrowing medical corridors in the United States. Saint Mary’s will be known nationally for the preparation of undergraduate and graduate students for successful practice in healthcare fields and professions. Students of the Graduate School of Health and Human Services will be led by expert facultypractitioners through leading-edge methodologies and technology that open new areas for inquiry and drive a dynamic curriculum that meet the ongoing needs of society.
Preparation for teacher education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at the K-12 levels As a modern expression of its Lasallian heritage, the Saint Mary’s undergraduate and graduate schools of education will be leaders at all levels in educating highly competent teacherscientists, sensitive and equipped to address the cultural realities facing students. Saint Mary’s will be a leader in advancing STEM education by employing active, collaborative, project-based teaching methods that create more effective, meaningful and successful models for science education.≠
Other Science News Dual programming with U of M In accord with its strategic plan, Saint Mary’s has forged a transfer agreement with the University of Minnesota that will strengthen its science programming and provide opportunities to students. Under the agreement, a set of five-year, dualdegree programs allows chemistry and physics students to start their studies here, finish at the U of M College of Science and Engineering, and graduate with two degrees. Students in the dual-degree program in chemistry/chemical engineering complete the requirements for a Saint Mary's chemistry major and then may apply to transfer into the chemical engineering program at the U of M CSE. They will graduate with a B.A. in chemistry from Saint Mary’s after completing upper-division credits at the U of M CSE in their fourth year. Students then graduate with a B.Eng. in chemical engineering from the U of M after satisfying those program requirements. Students in the new physics/engineering program will complete requirements for a Saint Mary’s major in physics with engineering emphasis, and then may apply to transfer into one of seven engineering programs at the U of M CSE: aerospace engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, geoengineering, industrial and systems engineering, materials science engineering, or mechanical engineering. They will graduate with a B.A. in physics with engineering emphasis from Saint Mary’s and a B.Eng. from the U of M. “This dual degree program allows students to get the traditional liberal arts experience — with small class sizes and personal attention — and they will have a more well-rounded educational experience. After their time at Saint Mary’s, they will also be better prepared for the next step of their educational journey. The personal contact will help them succeed,” said Dr. Donna Aronson, vice president for academic affairs.≠
Schmidt named first Saint Mary’s University Fellow at Gundersen Senior biology major Bethany Schmidt served as the first Saint Mary’s University Fellow at Gundersen. Schmidt spent her summer working at Gundersen Medical Foundation’s Kabara Cancer Research Institute in La Crosse, Wis. This yearly fellowship was the brainchild of Betty Kabara, SMU trustee, friend and benefactor. Betty and her late husband, Dr. Jon Kabara ’48 have been longtime supporters of Saint Mary’s and in their fight against cancer, funded the cancer research institute that bears their name. In this educational partnership, Saint Mary’s students benefit from real-world research experience and Gundersen benefits by inspiring and training the next generation of scientists, as well as from the research assistance.≠
Spring gala celebrates the sciences at SMU A spring science gala is planned to honor Saint Mary’s alumni and raise awareness of the breadth of opportunities SMU offers in the sciences. Chaired by Chicago doctors James Dolan ’79 and John Domanico ’77, the gala celebrates the legacy of excellence in the sciences at Saint Mary’s. The event, planned for May 17, 2014, will include 350 guests at the Union League Club in Chicago. The beautiful building sets the stage for an elegant evening of music, dinner and cocktails. Saint Mary’s students will display their academic abilities and faculty their latest research through on-site poster presentations; Brother William will speak; and honorary awards will be presented to alumni. Videos will be incorporated into the active presentation, and the evening will begin with a special Mass at St. Peter’s in downtown Chicago. Other successful science alumni are serving as honorary co-chairs: Dr. Gene McEnery ’53, a renowned urologist in Park Ridge, Ill., and Dr. Sam Cascio ’48, a long-time successful dentist in Harwood Heights, Ill. “We hope to engage alumni and re-introduce them to Saint Mary’s,” Dr. Domanico said. “We want to tell the country, ‘This is who we are and this is what we do.’ ” Dr. Dolan added, “I hope that we invest in our future students, based on the tremendous legacy in the sciences of the past 100 years.”≠
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Faculty Feats Summers involve research, teaching for SMU faculty The DeLaSalle study group toured Rome with Dr. Richard Tristano and Preston Lawing Two SMU professors led a summer study tour of Italy, working with a partner in the larger network of Lasallian schools and helping to strengthen the connection between Saint Mary’s and DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis. Dr. Richard Tristano, History Department, and Preston Lawing, Art and Design Department, accompanied 25 DeLaSalle honors students as they toured Italy for a college-credit class themed around the history, art and theology of Renaissance Italy. The students were on the Saint Mary’s campus for two days in early June, working with Dr. Tristano. That overnight visit gave students the opportunity to see the SMU campus, to get a feel for what college life is like, and to help make a connection that this was a university-level history/art course. They then spent 10 days in Rome, Florence, Orrvieto and Vicchio. Among other highlights, the group visited the Christian Brothers Generalate in Rome, and worked with Brother Jerome
Cox ’60 in his Vicchio art studio. Lawing led the students through exercises on developing the “Seven Principles of Creativity” that Leonardo Da Vinci used to explore his Renaissance world. To view a blog about this trip, go to www.delasalle.com/italy-2013.≠
Malotka gains research experience with snakes, lampreys Two years ago, Scott Malotka ’14 approached Dr. Phil Cochran ’77, Biology Department, to ask about the possibility of doing research with bullsnakes, the largest species of snake found in Minnesota. Dr. Cochran said he had nothing going on that involved bullsnakes at the time, but he’d keep it mind. Flash forward to last spring, when Dr. Cochran was asked to assist the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources with radio-tracking bullsnakes at the Weaver Dunes north of Winona. He knew just the environmental biology major who’d jump at the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience. Not that Malotka didn’t already have other activities on his plate. Dr. Cochran also had a small contract from a Trout Unlimited chapter in northern Indiana that was concerned about chestnut lampreys parasitizing trout in the Little Elkhart River, and Malotka had committed to studying the problem for his senior thesis. Dr. Cochran and Malotka made two trips to Indiana this past summer to collect data. Dr. Cochran’s contracts pay only expenses and not salaries. Fortunately, Malotka was hired for the summer by Saint Mary’s Geospatial Services division — yet another way for a student to gain professional experience. The flexibility in scheduling permitted by GSS allowed Malotka to participate in the lamprey and bullsnake projects. Malotka helped Dr. Cochran with radio-tracking snakes three days per week for most of the summer. On a good day they got
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Scott Malotka ’14 with a chestnut lamprey collected in the Little Elkart River in Indiana.
to see one or more of the six snakes being tracked — and since some of them are more than 5 feet long, that can be an impressive sight — but much of the time the bullsnakes were underground. This fall, Malotka is earning internship credit with the department as he processes the collected data. In the long run, the value of the project will realized in a greater understanding of the snakes’ activity patterns and use of habitat throughout the year.≠
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Studying Gulls on Big Sister Island This story is reprinted with permission from Door County Living from its late summer 2013 edition. Photo by Len Villano; article by Carol Thompson. It’s a rare man who will don a hard hat to get closer to gulls. Ray Faber, a biology professor at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, is that man. Twice a year for the last 40 years, he’s gone out to Big Sister Island near Ephraim to study herring gull health and track the contamination they pick up from the environment. “I became accustomed to working with gulls and getting screamed at and having birds fly over my head and defecate on me, but not hitting me,” Faber said. “And then it came to the point I had to get rid of the scar tissue by wearing a hard hat.” But the gulls’ aggressiveness is a good sign – it means the birds are healthier. Gulls that dive-bomb Faber and try to knock him down probably have picked up fewer contaminants from the environment than the ones that just squawk at him. Faber studies seagulls to track the health of their habitat. Because the birds eat high on the food chain, chemicals from pesticides and manufacturing get concentrated in their systems. Plus, herring gulls live across the Great Lakes so scientists can study them to track contamination across the region, and the species is so plentiful the research won’t affect the population. Faber started studying the island’s gulls when a volcano eruption interrupted his research trip to Iceland to study puffins. He was interested in environmental contamination, so he picked the spot with some of the highest concentration of contaminants in the world – Green Bay, where pesticides from the orchards meet with pollution from nearby paper mills. Faber goes out to Big Sister Island twice a year to observe egg hatching, collect eggs to send to a Canadian lab and band birds in order to track them for future observation. His research is part of a larger study Environment Canada has conducted since 1974 called the Great Lakes Herring Gull Monitoring Program. The study collects information from 15 sites around the Great Lakes, from Faber’s birds on Big Sister Island to colonies in Lake Superior, Erie, Huron and Ontario, plus some in the Detroit, Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers. The program was started to study “legacy chemicals” such as DDT, a powerful pesticide that persists in the environment for a long time. In the 1970s, scientists noticed very few herring gulls were hatching, and a lot of birds had deformities and weak eggshells. “As a response they decided to monitor a number of different colonies for a long time period,” said Shane de Solla, Environment Canada eco-toxicologist. “Hence, the Herring Gull Monitoring Program was born.” The presence of most of those chemicals causing problems in the early ’70s, like DDT, has dropped significantly, thanks mostly to laws that outlaw some of the nastier, likely cancer-causing ones such as DDT and PCBs (fire-resistant chemicals added to products until the 1970s). Although he can’t guarantee it, Faber said he was told his data was important in getting PCBs banned, and his research has shown the birds have gotten healthier since. “As soon as PCBs were banned, [contaminant] drop-off began very, very quickly,” Faber said. “The quality of nests has improved greatly, the egg survival and hatching percentage has gone up
significantly, and especially the aggression in the birds has increased dramatically.” Banning PCBs and DDT was a step toward a healthier environment, but Faber said the work isn’t done. Green Bay is still a hotbed of contamination. “[There are] lingering PCBs, but there’s a variety of other chemicals in there,” Faber said. “Contamination is certainly improved, but it’s not gone. We still see occasionally deformed young, which is a solid indication that there’s a chemical influence.” Because it’s been running for so long, the Herring Gull Monitoring Program allows scientists to basically go back in time and see which chemicals were present in the environment over the last few decades. Scientists kept the eggs that were collected in the early 1970s and can retroactively test those eggs for chemicals they weren’t looking for originally. That makes the program stand out among other contaminant monitoring studies. “The Herring Gull Monitoring Program is arguably the longestlasting monitoring program,” de Solla said. “We can go back to the early ’70s, and not everyone can do that.” Looking back in time at chemicals in the environment allows scientists to study the effects of manufacturing and agricultural practices over the years. “The concentrations of these different compounds are going up and down based on the patterns of production and use,” de Solla said. “By and large most have been declining, but we’re starting to look at newer and more novel compounds.” Faber said cleaning up the environment would likely take a national policy to ban certain chemicals that could affect human health. Many of the contaminants are endocrine disrupters, meaning they disrupt hormone function. “I think [endocrine disrupters] are a major health issue,” Faber said. “Just as a starting point, they probably contribute to the development of breast cancer. They extend into reproductive problems.” So his work isn’t over. As long as the chemicals are out there, and as long as he’s able to find a place to anchor his boat, Faber plans to keep studying gulls. “We have a very unique record,” he said. “This is, to my knowledge, the longest study of contaminants in aquatic birds in the United States, perhaps in the world.” Dr. Faber would like to acknowledge the assistance of David Chomeau and the Tatman Foundation, and many students, friends, and family. Chomeau through the Tatman Foundation has provided logistic support (housing and boat storage mainly) for many years. Students, friends, and family have assisted with banding approximately 1,000 young birds each year. Without this support, he said his work would have been impossible to continue.≠
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First students graduate from Countdown to College They arrived as strangers and graduated as family. At first, they had some hard exteriors — even as incoming ninth graders — protective shells that somewhat reflected their hometown urban settings. But, after four years of collaborating on classroom assignments, tossing a few water balloons and sharing canoes, they call each other friends, even family. This past July, the first 20 graduates of Saint Mary’s Countdown to College (C2C) program formed a group hug as they stifled and wiped away tears. For four years, the group spent two weeks each summer at Saint Mary’s. During this time, many friendships formed and participants grew physically, intellectually and emotionally. Saint Mary’s began Countdown to College four years ago to break down the barriers to higher education by exposing youth with high potential directly to the college experience. C2C’s twoweek academic camp provides high school students from underresourced communities with activities to help them prepare for college. Students come from SMU’s partner schools, which
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Dr. Jane Anderson CST’62, program director for Countdown to College, instructs the students.
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Graduates received copies of Dr. Suess’s “Oh, The Places You’ll Go.”
One favorite yearly outing is canoeing on the Mississippi River.
include the Nativity and San Miguel middle schools and Cristo Rey high schools in Chicago, Milwaukee, Racine, Waukegan, Minneapolis, Tucson, and Browning, Mont. Saint Mary’s, through generous benefactors, offers free classes, recreation, field trips, and room and board on the Winona campus. The same students are welcomed back for four consecutive summers, graduating as they are about to enter their senior years of high school. Students take classes in vocabulary, math, writing and reading their first two summers. The last two summers they earn college credit in a science immersion class focused on water ecology, with supporting literacy classes in scientific reading and writing, and statistics. They also receive follow-up services during each school year from the C2C coordinator who visits them, reviews their grade reports, and works with school counselors to
help them stay on track for academic success. Saint Mary’s hopes to see many of these students enrolled as freshmen in 2014. C2C graduates may qualify for Saint Mary’s FirstGeneration Scholars program, which provides scholarships and educational support for students with high financial need, academic potential, and a record of leadership and volunteering. Dr. Jane Anderson, program director, said, “When we first started Countdown to College, I wondered whether four summer sessions and school-year follow-up would be enough to change the dismal college graduation rate of first-generation students from economically challenged communities. These 20 students swept away all my doubts. They will be confident, engaged college students who are academically prepared for high success in college.”≠
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////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// C2C GRADUATE BIOS ////// Javier Madrid of Tucson, Ariz., said he grew up in the small border town of Naco, Ariz., where drug smuggling proves to be a major problem. Background: “My parents raised my sister and I to be the best we could be. I was valedictorian in eighth grade, and my sister was valedictorian her senior year in high school. When my parents were asked what they fed us they replied, ‘We fed them God.’ Our faith is an essential part of our lives. After eighth grade, I moved to Tucson to attend San Miguel High School of the Cristo Rey Network. In the Cristo Rey Network students work one day a week through a paid internship. The money made from working goes straight to tuition, which makes an advanced Catholic education affordable for students.”
About C2C: “C2C was actually nothing that I imagined, it was much more than that. It was much more than just learning classroom skills, it was learning how to be a better person inside and out. I feel extremely blessed and proud to have been given this opportunity. The four years went in a blink of an eye. It is shocking. We have all grown in character and friendship and we have grown for the better gaining new skills and attributes.” Future plans: “I would like to attend Saint Mary’s University or the University of Arizona and major in political science and Spanish. I do not know which career path I would like to follow yet, however law is one of my top choices. I also want to continue playing baseball in college.” Would you recommend the program? “I do recommend this program and I encourage kids to come out and apply. This program will change your life and change the way you think. You will gain nothing but good things from this program and meet people who will have a significant impact in your life.”
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Nathalie Urbina of Milwaukee, Wis., is the second oldest of four siblings. She comes from a Hispanic family with parents who make every effort to provide her with a good education. Background: “Thankfully, I am a senior at St. Thomas More High School, a Catholic college preparatory school. Its challenging courses are preparing me for a college environment.” About C2C: “I decided to participate in Countdown to College because I wanted to increase my chance of being the first in my family to attend a college or university. My favorite part about C2C was the close friendships I built with people from Tucson, Chicago, Minneapolis and Racine. We motivated one another to never give up in school and to dream big, because we will be successful. It's just a matter of pushing yourself and never quitting. I also enjoyed the academic opportunities that were offered to improve my vocabulary, writing, reading and math skills. Some of the activities I enjoyed were canoeing in the Mississippi River, swimming, hiking in the bluffs, the cozy bonfires, ultimate Frisbee, and most of all going bowling.”
Future plans: “I would like to major in nursing or education, because I have always wanted to help people. I am looking forward to working with women and children because I am close to my mother and youngest sister.” Would you recommend the program? “Yes, I would recommend this program to others because it has helped me grow as a stronger leader. Not only have I improved many skills throughout my time at C2C, but I have learned to manage my time wisely. I have also seen drastic changes in my classmates’ behaviors and speaking abilities.”
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Caren Cazares of Milwaukee, Wis., comes from a family of six. Background: “Both my parents were born and raised in Mexico and both came to the U.S. wanting to lead a better future. They have always been working hard to give us the best. Even though they don’t earn the best income, it never stopped them from putting us in private schools to get the best educations.” About C2C: “One of my many favorite parts of C2C is the academics. I always exaggerate when I say that I learn more in the two weeks, every year, than in my school year, but I really do feel
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that way. I liked the academic opportunity at C2C because they pushed me in every class because they knew I had great potential, and this made me realize that I was capable of anything. My other favorite part was the friendships I made with my classmates, counselors, student teachers, and teachers. What makes C2C so memorable are the activities and adventures we all shared together.” Future plans: “I feel strongly about mechanical engineering because I like working hands-on with materials, and I like knowing how things work. I would like to graduate with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at a college or university that is engineering-based.” Would you recommend the program? “I would definitely recommend C2C to everyone if I could. Your first year, you will not want to leave because of the close bond you have created with everyone. C2C does lives up to its motto, we were all prepared together, unable to be put out for we had all been ignited, together we launched, and now we are all soaring.”
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Dr. Joseph Tadie ’91 leads an evening discussion with a Living Learning Community.
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Living Learning Communities create unique freshman experience /////
Strategic Plan 2017 Theme 1, Goal 3 — Residential Experience: Create a vibrant campus and transformational residential life experience at the College Objective 3.1 — Develop learning and living communities at the College that facilitate the integration of curricular and co-curricular learning. It was a boisterous bunch. Saint Mary’s first Living Learning Community in 2012-13 was made up of 26 first-year students with different majors, from different states, with different temperaments and very different opinions. But after a year of living and learning in community, the group discovered a closeness and understanding of one another and a deeper appreciation of the university, as well as the world around them. Living Learning Communities are residential groups within the greater Saint Mary’s community, helping students con-
nect and grow during their first year at college. The primary focus of the combined academics/residence life program is to create an environment that supports the educational mission of the university, by providing students with out-of-class opportunities to participate in social, cultural, recreational, academic and community service programs. The success of last year’s pilot program has spurred the launch of four separate freshman LLCs in 2013-14 in the newly assigned Saint Edward’s Living Learning Center. About 60 students are enrolled in the LLCs this fall. Brendan Dolan, director of residence life, said the purpose behind this new endeavor is to improve collaboration and integration of academic affairs and student affairs to produce a more substantial living experience and inviting firstyear experience. Living Learning Communities have been proven to also increase freshman retention. The first LLC pilot program had four topics: leadership, sustainability, wellness and spirituality, all taking a global perspective at societal issues that are relevant today. Faculty
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members Dr. Moni Berg-Binder (biology) and Dr. Joe Tadie ’91 (philosophy) – along with a team consisting of Dolan, three resident assistants, and hall director Mary Bambenek M’93 – led the experience. “We explored those themes in a way that was compatible with residential life programming,” Berg-Binder said. “Our goal was to get them thinking about areas they are not necessarily getting in the classroom.” Tadie said he was once given some sage advice that in order to engage the whole student, you have to pay attention to the living side of their college experience. So when the opportunity to expand learning outside of the classroom was extended to him, it was an easy decision. The two built a curriculum around the work of Aldo Leopold, author of “A Sand County Almanac.” The community watched a documentary on his life, took a nature walk, discussed Leopold’s classic essay “Good Oak,” and brought in other guest lecturers from the SMU community to talk about sustainability, faith, stress management, the Lasallian heritage, nutrition and strength training. Simultaneously the residence life staff took students to the farmer’s market and cooked a meal that was largely locally produced; picked apples at a local orchard; went canoeing; made Christmas cards for SMU’s Gifts for Winona program; made Christmas tree decorations; and volunteered with “Make a Difference Day.” Berg-Binder considers it a success that students could see the connections between the academic offerings and the residential life offerings.
One of last year’s outings included a canoeing excursion. They also visited the Farmer’s Market and a local orchard.
Tadie enjoyed the team-teaching approach, utilizing other faculty and staff and working across disciplines. “Moni’s type A, I’m type Z; I’ve been here 15 years, she for 2; I’m philosophy, she’s biology,” Tadie joked. “We have different perspectives and that’s the fun. That was valuable for students to be able to see how you can relate a topic to yourself.” “I think students most enjoyed the heightened sense of community and support,” Dolan added. “They made a pride connection and really felt part of Saint Mary’s and that it was a home. They got it. They were able to talk about and vocalize the learning outcomes we hoped to achieve. They have been more involved at the university and the majority are continuing on at Saint Mary’s.” Katie O’Leary, a sophomore from Chicago, Ill., decided to join the pilot LLC program last year because of the focus areas of faith and leadership. As a religious education major, she said, “My faith is very important to me, and I thought it would be a great experience to be around people who also wish to grow in their faith. I also liked the branch of leadership. “The Christmas party was really festive and everyone was in a good mood despite the stress from finals,” she said. “That evening we also had Brother Larry Humphrey (associate vice president for mission) over with his dog. He came to talk to us about the Lasallian heritage of SMU. It was really great to hear more information and receive some quotes from Saint John Baptist de La Salle. I also really enjoyed the canoeing trip in the beginning of the year. It was one of the first events and it really brought us together.” O’Leary admitted she hadn’t known much about sustainability prior to her LLC experience. “It has really helped me realize what I can do to live a more sustainable life, and I have made some small, but important changes in my life. I also was able to learn about how sustainability and spirituality should be seen as one and how they relate to one another.” She would “definitely” recommend the experience to freshmen and cherishes the friendships she made in her community. “We were a really diverse group. We all had something different to offer. We had majors ranging from business to theology, biology to psychology, accounting to youth development, education to theatre; we were really a great mix. I think this was personally my favorite part. I think that the people you live with your freshman year will probably become some of your closest friends throughout your college career. This is true for me. I am very thankful and blessed to have encountered the people and opportunities that the LLC has provided me.”≠
This year’s “Well Inc.” Living Learning Community learns about healthy food preparation from a local nutritionist.
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Four new Living Learning Communities offered this year The four Living Learning Communities (LLCs) offered this year help students both fit in and stand out as they begin their college careers. Some of the best conversation on campus one taking place in the comfort of their own residence halls. Students become a part of an instant community of students who are passionate about similar interests, have common goals, and who want to be engaged outside of the classroom. They build an instant and lifelong support network of friends (and professors) while participating in unique experiential learning opportunities. And they begin their college career with a unique and in-depth examination of forces and issues alive in our world. Each LLC is centered around a course that fulfills the first-year Lasallian Core Tradition course requirement. Students will learn together as they learn from one another. Saint Mary’s offers four different Living Learning Communities so that students can choose the best fit for themselves.
ArtsAlive!
Well Inc.
An arts Living Learning Community Faculty advisors: Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, music, and Lisa Truax, art and design This Living Learning Community is designed for first-year students either enrolled in the School of the Arts or with a strong interest in the arts. Students will learn, create and collaborate with others who share their creative passion for one or more arts areas. The program includes opportunities to both experience the arts and express themselves in collaboration with other community members. Activities may include: • Restoring a stone grotto on campus. • Visiting artistic events and shows in the region including the Commonweal Theatre, the Walker Art Museum and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. • Participating in a citywide art tour. • Enjoying creative art outlets including free-form dance, the Black Box theatre, or create a campus or community mural.
A wellness Living Learning Community Faculty advisors: Dr. Moni Berg-Binder, biology, and Chandu Valluri, business The wellness Living Learning Community is for students interested in achieving, maintaining and promoting wellness in themselves and others. The community will explore what it means to “be well” in four areas that impact human health and well-being: mental, physical, spiritual and financial. Servicelearning will immerse students in one or more of these areas of wellness and may offer opportunities for vocational and career growth. Activities may include: • Visiting local medical facilities. • Conducting a Health Risk Assessment. • Exploring exercise and wellness options including yoga, meditation and nutrition. • Learning about financial wellness from local banking experts.
Global Faith An interfaith Living and Learning Community Faculty advisors: Dr. Daniel Bucknam, psychology, and Dr. Erich Lippman, history Many difficulties in our global society stem from religious intolerance and misunderstanding. This Living Learning Community will strive to offer an alternative view. It will look at role of faith and values and incorporate those with different faith traditions and those without faith traditions. By interacting with diverse faith perspectives, the hope is to strengthen students’ own values, engage with their community, and explore global conflicts stemming from faith intolerance. Activities may include: • Visiting local faith centers. • Incorporating meaningful readings and films. • Discussing differences openly. • Participating in dialogue about faith and values with people from different faith (and non-faith) perspectives.
Wide World and Sports A global leadership Living Learning Community Faculty advisors: Dr. Joe Tadie, philosophy, and Dr. Kyle Black, modern and classical languages This Living Learning Community welcomes students who are interested in issues related to sports on both the local and global levels. Both in and out of the classroom, learners will explore the fundamental aspects of sports, especially the realm of camaraderie and enthusiastic devotion. At the same time, they will be exposed to interdisciplinary thinking (sociology, economics, theology etc.). Sports will be used as a starting point for developing the core academic skills that lead to both college and professional success. Programming will relate to academic success, personal health and wellness, identity, teamwork, critical thinking, and global consciousness. Activities may include: • Taking off-campus trips to matches and other events. • Participating in a film club/series. • Completing community service projects with area organizations. • Hosting weekly soccer events with community youth.
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The Celebration of the Century CENTENNIAL HIGHLIGHTS
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Gala culminates Centennial celebrations It literally ended with a bang! A bevy of colorful fireworks helped to cap off the year-long celebration of Saint Mary’s University’s Centennial June 22 on the Winona campus. But, even more importantly, the university community came together to launch its second century with great pride. At the Centennial Red Carpet Gala, more than 800 guests were treated like Hollywood stars, beginning with a red carpet entrance (complete with student paparazzi and live interviews). Attendees followed the red carpet gold “stars” to the festivities. Names on the stars recognized SMU’s philanthropic partners whose extraordinary cumulative giving to SMU has transformed the university during its first century, and who continue to help dynamically position the university into the future. The Gostomski Fieldhouse was transformed for the reception into a giant, glittering celebrity lounge, with entertainment provided by the John Paulson Big Band. The reception also included butlered hors d’oeuvres, elegant lounge decor, signature drinks and a special Centennial ice sculpture.
As the curtains parted, the crowd was ushered into the dining area, where a gourmet meal was served under glittering chandeliers. Bill Lunn ’87, news anchor for KSTP-TV in the Twin Cities, kicked off the program in true Oscar-esque style as music and movies set the scene for the glamorous evening. The event program spoke to the transforming nature of the university, past, present and future. Honorary co-chairs Mike ’66 and Claudia (Drvota CST’69) Dooley and Jack and Mary Ann (Wera CST’64) Remick were recognized for serving as ambassadors throughout the university’s Centennial year. Centennial Awards were presented to Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, Superior General of the Institute of Brothers of the Christian Schools, representing the Institute; and to Brother Larry Schatz, Visitor, representing the Midwest District of the Christian Brothers. The university gratefully recognized the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools for its continued leadership and vision, inspired by the teachings of its founder. The university gratefully recog-
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Gostomski Fieldhouse was transformed for the gala.
Bill Lunn ’87, news anchor for KSTP-TV in the Twin Cities, served as the event’s emcee.
Guests danced throughout the night as the gala came to a close.
Nicholas David, finalist on NBC’s “The Voice,” performed for guests.
Red carpet guests were interviewed about their Saint Mary’s experiences.
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Centennial Awards were presented to Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, Superior General of the Institute of Brothers of the Christian Schools, representing the Institute, right; and to Brother Larry Schatz, Visitor, representing the Midwest District of the Christian Brothers, second right. Joining them are Brother Robert Schieler, General Councilor, and Brother Dennis Malley, Midwest District Visitor.
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Michael ’62 and Joette Gostomski of Winona received the University’s Heritage Award.
nized the Midwest District for its work to inspire new Lasallian educational partnerships through the strength of its dedication and vision. Mike ’62 and Joette Gostomski of Winona received a Heritage Award for their outstanding support, engagement and philanthropy. The Gostomskis have shown their generosity in support of numerous university initiatives through gifts of time, talent and treasure, which know no bounds. Mike has served on the university’s Board of Trustees for 17 years. Their largest single gift to the university made possible the completion of the athletics fieldhouse bearing their name. They have also partnered with Saint Mary’s and The Wasie Foundation for more than a decade to support full scholarships for students from Poland. Other gifts to the university include support of the First-Generation Initiative, as well as campus expansion and facilities projects. Mike speaks proudly of the impact Saint Mary’s had on his own success as a local entrepreneur — one of the original founders of Fastenal Company and current president/CEO of Winona Heating and Ventilating, Inc. Brother William reflected back on key points in Saint Mary’s history and told stories of alumni who have gone on to do wonderful things, strengthened by the knowledge they gained at Saint Mary’s. He invited participants to join SMU as it steps boldly into its second century. “In our Strategic Plan 2017, we have said we are committed to our core in the second century. And our core is
excellent teaching and engaged learning,” Brother William said. “I’m going to say to you what Bishop Patrick Heffron told people 101 years ago, ‘To accomplish this dream, I need your partnership.’ There are people in Winona who said, ‘Yes, let’s do this together.’ And we honor them today. But let’s honor them tomorrow by doing for the next generation what has been done for us.” After dinner and in between thunderstorms, guests viewed fireworks in the university plaza, provided by RES Specialty Pyrotechnics (founded by 1978 alum Steve Coman). A portion of the Centennial Suite and other exciting music were incorporated into the on-campus show, which came alive from the sky, as well as on the plaza. The night was capped with dancing to the cool sounds of Nicholas David, finalist in NBC’s “The Voice.” To see more photos, go to www.smumn.edu/ alumniphotos. To view a video recap, go to www.smumn.edu/galavid.≠
Special thanks to our Centennial Celebration Sponsors PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Class of 1972
Stephen A. Coman ‘78
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Alumni of the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha got together for a theatrical pose.
All-School Reunion draws record 1,200 attendees
The cla s a chec s of 1963 pre k to Bro s ther W ented illiam.
A record 1,200 alumni and friends returned to Saint Mary’s University for its first All-School Reunion. A weekend highlight included the Red Carpet Centennial Gala, but numerous other activities kept alumni connecting on campus and off. Attendees began rolling into Terrace Heights Thursday, June 20, as alumni once again checked into the residence halls on campus. Friday events included tours of campus and the Prairie Island Field Station, as well as a canoeing excursion, led by Brother John Grover ’65. A few attendees visited the CSTea House at the former College of Saint Teresa, while others took in the sites of Winona via antique trolley. On Friday evening, the anniversary class of 1963 gathered for a special reception where they presented Brother
William with a check for $87,890. Since the All-School Reunion, the class has increased its gift to $92,950. Friday evening, SMU alumni spread throughout Winona, with special dinners on campus, as well as at the Black Horse Bar & Grill, Jefferson Pub & Grill, Wellingtons Backwater Brewing Company, and the Winona VFW. The evening capped on campus with SMU’s Eric Heukeshoven leading rousing renditions of familiar favorites around the piano. Saturday began early with yoga and the Gilmore Gallop, which included runners and walkers of all ages. Current and former Christian Brothers from throughout the world got together at the library, before everyone headed over to the reunion picnic on the front lawn of Saint Mary’s Hall. (continued on page 28)
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Headed out on the backwaters with Brother John Grover ’65.
Enjoying a trolley ride.
The class of 2008 check out their class gift — the low ropes portion of the Challenge Ropes Course.
Large class gatherings, like the class of 2003, above, got together for the alumni weekend. Robert Wacek, Emily and James Zabrocki, and James and Donna Pacholski look at 1963 yearbook photos.
Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, Superior General of the Institute of Brothers of the Christian Schools, and Brother William talk with students at the picnic.
Kids enjoy games during the picnic.
Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría met with Brother John Grover ’65, Brother Frank Walsh ’45 and Brother Arnold McMullen ’53.
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Christian Brothers posed in front of the new statue during the June unveiling ceremony. The names of the Brothers who have served the university are engraved on the statue.
The De La Salle Language Institute celebrated its 25th anniversary during the All-School Weekend.
Inside Saint Mary’s Hall, a variety of current faculty and student academic work was on display, and a special gettogether in the Office of Admission was held to commemorate the work of Tony Piscitiello ’69, M’82. Piscitiello, who continues to serve Saint Mary’s Development Office on a part-time basis, worked in admissions for more than 42 years. Additionally, a new Christian Brother statue was unveiled early Saturday evening on the Plaza. The statue, which lists the first names of the Brothers who have served Saint Mary’s, will serve as a lasting tribute to these men who have given so much to the university. The statue, designed by Brother
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The piano sing-along has become an annual tradition. Harmonizing are Sam Skemp ’52; Kate Flanagan, faculty; and Mark Neville, Development.
Jerome Cox ’60, was dedicated this fall after students arrived on campus. The evening concluded with Mass, the Centennial Red Carpet Gala, fireworks, music and celebrating long into the night. By Sunday, the weekend was only a memory as Saint Mary’s officially began its second century. Make plans to join us for the next reunion weekend June 20-22! To view photos from throughout the weekend, go to www.smumn.edu/alumniphotos. To view a video recap, go to www.smumn.edu/allschoolvid.≠
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Last chance to own a piece of history… Saint Mary’s Centennial Commemorative Book This 160-page historical keepsake is sure to become stories and rarely seen photographs richly illustrating Saint Mary's incredible 100-year history. Purchase today and your order will be shipped directly to your home. You may also call the Saint Mary's Bookstore at (800) 635-5987, Ext. 1569, or complete this form and mail with your payment to: Saint Mary’s University Bookstore 700 Terrace Heights #11 Winona, MN 55987 Questions? E-mail us at: w-bookstore@smumn.edu
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New role, same wisdom Father Fabian named Lasallian Scholar in Residence Father Andrew C. Fabian, OP, readily admits he’s not a fan of the technological age. Ironically, the long-time Saint Mary’s University philosophy professor is more virtually connected than most. For starters, there’s his Facebook fan page and his YouTube video. Even T-shirts with his image were designed by students as a fundraiser and touted via e-mail. His endless clever words of wisdom, imparted among Saint Mary’s students for 48 years, can be readily found with a diligent “Google” search. “I don’t remember giving them permission to do that,” he said with a twinkle, a smile and a deadpan tone. “I think I’ll sue.” Father Fabian says he’s not a fan of all the attention; he’s always just wanted to teach. Throughout his lengthy career, he estimates he’s handed out more than 15,000 grades plus the 156 he dolled out in spring — officially the last grades of his career. Rest assured, with a new title change — Lasallian Scholar in Residence — Saint Mary’s will not “have a void.” The legendary teacher has retained his office on campus and is continuing to play a valuable role: guest lecturing and tutoring students. “And I’ll try to catch up with those I should have caught up with a long time ago,” he said. No doubt his Christmas card list will only continue to grow. Already, he estimates he sends out 300 special letters to alumni, colleagues and friends. And the photographs of the countless students who correspond with him will continue to plaster the walls of 333 Saint Mary’s Hall. Inside that office Father Fabian stores every grade book from every class he has taught. He’s also renowned for giving roll call the first day of class, without referring to a list, causing many a raised eyebrow in his class. “I made it my business to take roll without the list; I would memorize it,” he said simply. And, when students are mysteriously absent from class, generations of alumni can remember receiving personal phone calls during which they are told, “There was a void in my life today.” It’s all part of keeping students on their toes. “I enjoy teaching, and I don’t let students get away with sloughing off,” he said. “They don’t get away with murder with me.” Along with humorous chastising, Father Fabian is known for his inspirational quotes as well. Few are the students who cannot recite his mantra: “Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest. Until the good become better and the better become best. Why? Because the human mind and heart were made for the best and will never be at rest until they get the best. So hitch your wagon to a star. Aim high because if you aim low you just might
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Father Andrew C. Fabian has taught at Saint Mary’s for 48 years. The walls of his office are filled with photos of those whose lives he has touched.
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Before Saint Mary’s: Originally from Ohio, Father Fabian said he knew he would enter the priesthood when he was a young boy. He attended Providence College in Rhode Island from 19451947; Aquinas Institute of Philosophy in River Forest, Ill., from 1950 to 1953; and the Aquinas Institute of Theology, Dubuque, Iowa from 1953-1957. He worked at DePaul University from 1957 to 1962 and was transferred to Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa from 1962 to 1964 before coming to Saint Mary’s in 1964. Career highlights: In 1981 he was honored with SMU’s Brother Charles Severin Award for Excellence in Teaching; in 2002, he was bestowed Letters of Affiliation by the De La Salle Christian Brothers; and in 2012, he was awarded the Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit at the Chicago Centennial Celebration. But Father Fabian said a career highlight includes living in Saint Edward’s Hall and Saint Joseph’s Hall and surviving al those “crazy actions” by students.
end up below the below. And who in his or her right mind wants to end up below the below? Answer: no one, in his or her right mind.” “Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest. I tell them, so many of them have too many resting stops,” he said with a chuckle. Some other favorite Fabianisms: “Liars figure, but figures do not lie.” “Make sure you don’t find yourself up the logical creek without a paddle.” The phrases are endless. “People ask me how I come up with them; I don’t know. I just make them up as we go along,” Father Fabian said. Looking back on his career, he most fondly remembers helping a lot of kids get out of a rut. “That’s what I’ll miss,” he adds. “But I’ll still be here. Maybe I’ll live forever.”≠
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Revisiting the past, guiding the future Ibrahim Dickey ’14 returns to Sierra Leone to teach, mentor youth At the tender age of 13, Ibrahim Dickey ’14 boarded a plane for the U.S. from his home in Sierra Leone, Africa. With a healthy dose of excitement, mixed with nervous anxiety of the unknown, his mind raced. He wondered what it would be like living in a new country, with a new adoptive family. At the same time he had pangs of sadness, thinking about those he was leaving behind at his orphanage, friends and caregivers who only moments before had hugged him with tears in their eyes as they wished him well on his new journey. Ten years later, Dickey would make the journey again. Now a senior cross-cultural studies major and FirstGeneration student at Saint Mary’s, Dickey had an opportunity to return to his orphanage, All As One, in Sierra Leone June 18 through July 21 as part of an internship experience. An estimated 340,000 orphans live today in Sierra Leone. The country is still suffering the effects of a brutal 10-year civil war. It’s a war Dickey, unfortunately, knows well. His parents were killed when he was only 3, young enough to not remember their voices or faces. He then spent years running and hiding, watching horrors unfold around him as he evaded being captured, drugged and forced into becoming a soldier. With assistance from extended family, his aunt and uncle, Dickey eventually came to live for nearly three years at the All As One Children’s Center. Because of the war, he had missed out on valuable school years and could not speak English very well. But at the orphanage, he was safe.
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All As One continues to serve orphaned and abandoned children in Freetown, and currently houses 75 to 85 youth from infants to age 13. Before he left for Sierra Leone, Dickey listed his learning objectives as “to translate knowledge of cross-linguistic comparisons from my Cross-Cultural Literacy Development class to development of English reading and writing for children who speak Krio as their native language, but also understand the opportunities for Sierra Leone orphans served by American NGOs compared to typical educational opportunities of government-sponsored schools.” Dickey’s goals — as a future middle school teacher — included immersing himself in their English studies and mentoring and coaching youth through sporting activities. But often, they taught him. “They have so little knowledge about everything else, but they know about suffering,” he said. “Yet it doesn’t seem like they do because they are always in a good mood.” At one point the students had to write “a memory they would never forget,” and for many of them, Dickey said, that memory was an abusive situation. “It was a bit hard to hear those kinds of things and see kids sick or see them in the same clothes each day. Because of the rainy season, they are sick a lot. They don’t have flu shots available to them like we have here.” Dickey described conditions at the orphanage as having very few resources, even for generators or textbooks (and certainly not for technology), but as having an abundance of caring
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Ibrahim Dickey ’14 returned to his hometown in Sierra Leone, Africa, this past summer. Adopted at 13, Dickey visited his orphanage, All As One, and his extended family. A future middle school teacher, Dickey assisted with English students and led sporting activities with children.
workers, many of whom continue to serve the children without regular paychecks. Students who pay a $25 per year tuition were shocked to hear the cost of Dickey’s college tuition. “I want to sponsor someone through school in the future,” he said. When he first arrived at the orphanage, Dickey said students were in the process of taking examinations, so he helped conduct tests and explain questions in his native Krio language. “It reminded me of when I was there. Unless someone read a question to me, I wouldn’t understand it; I had a very limited vocabulary.” At lunchtime and after school, he played soccer with the boys, balance ball with the girls and learning games with all the students. Even games of Duck, Duck, Gray Duck and Hangman (new to them), were adapted to increase their English vocabulary while having fun. “They got excited,” he said. “They would want to play Duck, Duck, Gray Duck every day.” When students discovered Dickey had lived at the orphanage, they eagerly questioned him about everything from whether he still plays soccer to whether or not he has a current girlfriend.
“They were very interested about the U.S. I didn’t want to tell them because it would be hard for them,” Dickey said. “They would be impatient to come and I didn’t want to get their hopes up.” He explains that adoptions are under scrutiny in Sierra Leone and fewer adoptions are occurring. Sierra Leone is reluctant to let its children go and parents storm adoption facilities accusing these agencies of selling their children. Huge obstacles remain as the country’s children’s centers clear their names of child-trafficking suspicions.“It is very heavy on the heart,” Dickey said. “There is a big problem over there because people do not know what happened to their children.” Dickey hopes to return to his homeland after graduation and plans to do a letter-writing campaign to adoptive agencies in Sierra Leone and parents who have adopted from there. These families need to know, he said, that the children were adopted and are doing well. The last day of his trip, Dickey said everyone took pictures and played games. “It was hard to leave,” he said. “It was the same feeling as when I was a kid leaving the orphanage. Everybody had tears in their eyes. Only this time I knew what I’m coming to.”≠
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More than 1,000 view Stanley Cup, rally with John McDonough ’75 More than 1,000 people came to Saint Mary’s University Sept. 6 to get a photo taken with the Stanley Cup, thanks to 1975 alumnus John McDonough, president and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, who chose to share the Stanley Cup with his alma mater and with the greater Winona area. As McDonough entered Gostomski Fieldhouse, Cup triumphantly held overhead, the crowd of onlookers shouted cheers and held out camera phones, craning for their first photos of the highly coveted trophy. In a spirited frenzy, crowds began lining up several hours in advance of the two viewings: one for the SMU community and one for the public. When the doors opened, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members had their photos taken with the Cup — some gently placed their babies inside; others kissed, hugged or
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simply pointed in awe at the shiny engraved silver trophy. Another long line of hockey fans formed to get autographs from and photos taken with McDonough. Prior to the public viewing, McDonough addressed a large rally crowd in Gostomski Fieldhouse. SMU hockey legends Bob Paradise ’66, Andre Beaulieu ’65, Terry Skrypek ’70 and former coach Don Olson were also recognized, and the crowd enjoyed presentations by McDonough and Brother William, as well as an inspiring Blackhawks highlight video. During the event, a plaque recognizing McDonough’s accomplishments was unveiled. The plaque will permanently hang in the Regan Lobby of the SMU Ice Arena. “My academic prowess wasn’t great but I learned a lot about commitment; I learned a lot about drive. I learned a lot about relationships,” McDonough told the rally crowd. “I am
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John McDonough ’75 was recognized by Brother William and Nikki Fennern, SMU athletic director. A plaque in his honor now hangs in the lobby of the ice arena. The athletics teams — including the men’s hockey team — all had photos taken with the Stanley Cup.
grateful for what this great university has given to me.” He told audience members, “Please be brave enough to have big dreams; they just might come true.” McDonough’s visit also included a meeting with the SMU Athletic Advisory Council and a luncheon with Winona-area business leaders, during which Winona Mayor Mark Peterson presented McDonough with a proclamation declaring Sept. 6, 2013, as “John F. McDonough Day” in Winona. The Blackhawks leader also found a brief time to get away with the Stanley Cup on campus, choosing to revisit the trails and the bluffs he remembers fondly from this time as a student. And McDonough capped off his visit to Saint Mary’s by addressing student athletes and placing the Cup center-ice in the SMU Ice Arena, giving Cardinal teams time to pose with the iconic trophy.
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He advised athletes, “Try to do something that you love, so you can’t wait every day to get to work.” And he added, “I would encourage you, because you’re athletes, to have a swagger, you’ve got to have that edge, and you’ve got to carry yourself a little bit differently … but I would ask each and every one of you to try to develop a humble swagger, be humble, be respectful, be fortunate of where you are and what you have.” Brother William commented on the day: “We are grateful to John for sharing his time, for sharing the Cup and for sharing his championship spirit and inspiring leadership with our communities. We look forward to John’s continued success; we know that he will continue to accomplish amazing things, and we’re proud to call him one of our own.” To see more photos, go to www.smumn.edu/photos. To view a video recap, go to www.smumn.edu/stanleycup.≠
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alumni event calendar Dec. 7 – Winona Alumni & Friends Christmas Gathering – before Lessons & Carols Dec. 13-14 – Alumni Board of Directors meeting (Minneapolis) Dec. 14 – Twin Cities Alumni & Friends Christmas Gathering
2014 Jan. 11 – Chicago Alumni & Friends Christmas Gathering Jan. 19 – SGPP commencement (Minneapolis) Jan. 25 – National event(s) (California) Feb. 3 – Washington, D.C., Alumni & Friends Gathering Feb. 13-14 – Board of Trustees meeting (Minneapolis) Feb. 28 – March 2 – National event(s) (Location TBD) March 28 – 29 – Alumni Board of Directors meeting & retreat (Winona) March 30 – April 5 – Founder’s Day/De La Salle Week (Winona) April 8 – Hendrickson Forum (Minneapolis) April 12 – Benefactor recognition event (Winona) May 8-9 – Board of Trustees meeting (Winona) May 10 – College & SGPP commencements (Winona) May 17 – Science Initiative Gala (Chicago) June 1 – SGPP commencement (Minneapolis) June 20-21 – Alumni Board of Directors meeting
Saint Mary’s University, your alma mater … only better! For the past six years, I’ve been blessed to represent over 40,000 alumni who call Saint Mary’s University their alma mater. The alumni board is very fortunate to work with every facet of the university, at the undergraduate College and with the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs. The alumni board focus is to make each Saint Mary’s degree improve in its value — as well as increase and improve the awareness of the university to its stakeholders. The board focuses on three main areas: communication, engagement and development. With communication, the purpose is to improve the way the university gets information to its alumni. I invite you to visit us on the social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, along with the SMU website. Second, we look to establish more ways to engage our alumni in a variety of events held in the many cities throughout the United States where our alumni are living. We are working to create more professional networks that will help us Joe Hettinger ’87 expand our “Cardinals Helping Cardinals” focus. Saint Mary’s University Alumni Board President Third, we look to continuously improve the relationship between alumni and the university in the area of development. For a great majority of us, an education at Saint Mary’s wouldn’t have been possible without the financial assistance of others before us. I encourage all of you to put Saint Mary’s in your top three institutions that you donate to on an annual basis. Your gift will assist students looking to make Saint Mary’s home for their higher education, whether it be in Winona, the Twin Cities, or our other locations. As previously mentioned, the alumni board is very fortunate to work with facility and staff in the areas of university advancement, admissions, academic affairs and community service projects. I can personally assure you that the Saint Mary’s that you remember is alive and thriving today. I’ve never met a more engaged, enthusiastic and innovative group of educators than the ones who educate Saint Mary’s students today. I realize that there are many choices in today’s world of education . . . but if you have a son, daughter, grandchild or family friend that is in the process of selecting a college, do them and yourself a favor and get them to apply online to Saint Mary’s. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed, and more importantly, that student won’t be disappointed. Our alma mater is thriving. The college was good for us; it will be great for your child, grandchild or friend. ≠
June 20-22 – Alumni Reunion Weekend (Winona)
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Chicago Young Alumni Cardinal Crawl SMU young alumni Ovin Munmohan ’13, Ashley Mileykovsky ’11, Marty Howard ’09, Quinten Castillo ’11, Sarah McDonough ’11 and Rob Sassetti ’11 get together at the Chicago Young Alumni Cardinal Crawl on July 13.
Twin Cities Summer Young Alumni Party D.J. Prideaux ’08 and Allison Brewster attended the Twin Cities Summer Young Alumni Party at the Liffey Irish Pub in Saint Paul, Minn., on July 20.
First Generation SOAR Breakfast Molly Murphy-Okeefe ’97; Alyssa (Gostomski ’98) Carter, current FGI Advisory Board member; and Audrey Kintzi, vice president for development, attended the FirstGeneration S.O.A.R breakfast on May 22 at SMU’s Twin Cities campus.
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Southeastern Wisconsin Alumni Gathering Alumni gathered Aug. 10 for the Southeastern Wisconsin Alumni Gathering at North Hills Country Club in Menomonee Falls, Wis. Pictured are, from left: Joan Kubacki CST’70, Mike Koenigs ’90, Amy (Loeffel ’90) Koenigs and Kevin Kubacki ’71. Enjoying the day are, from left, back: Mark Leeder ’05 and Brian Blake; front, Ann Leeder ’07, Melissa Leeder and Gaby (Buschmann ’06) Blake.
Winona Theater Alumni Event Several theatre alumni returned home to campus April 6 to take part in the Winona Theatre Alumni Event. Guest director, Winona native and Saint Mary’s theatre alum, Ann Keen ’94 (right), directed the Shakespearean tragedy “Hamlet” on campus. The production was based on Keen’s 2008 award-winning Chicago production with Polarity Ensemble Theatre, and explored the idea of the broken family. It was
set in a modern, rock-star family, and a live band with an original rock score punctuated the action. With Keen are Judy Myers, Department of Theatre and Dance, and Mike Charron ’79, dean of the School of the Arts. Libby (Kress ’96) and Steve Snyder ’94 caught up with theatre faculty member Dr. Kathleen Flanagan. WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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Colorado Alumni Gathering Deb Barwick, Allyson Barwick ’17, Suzanne (Zablocki ’83) Deranek (Admission Office) and Gary Barwick enjoyed the hospitality of Don ’53 and Eileen Gass at a reception at the Gass home just outside Denver, Colo. on April 13.
Brenna and Matthew Alderman ’04 along with Eric Saindon ’07 and Kasey Schultz-Saindon ’08 at the Colorado Centennial Gathering. Don ’53 and Eileen Skemp Gass CST’53 hosted over 25 guests in their home on April 13. The guests included SMU alumni, prospective students, parents and friends of the university.
Minnesota Twins Alumni & Friends Gathering SMU alumni attending the Minnesota Twins Alumni & Friends Gathering on Aug. 17 included, from left: Amanda Daigle ’05, Jennifer Thesing ’08, Nikki Jung ’07 and Dr. Amanda Weinmann ’07. SMU alumni and friends having a good time at Target Field are, from left: Brian Brisky, Becki Stuart C’08, M’09, Stacey Purvis-Buchwald C’04 and Todd Buchwald.
Chicago-area ’40s and ’50s Alumni Gathering On Aug. 27, Saint Mary’s alumni from the 1940s and 1950s, family members, and the wives of classmates who have passed away joined Brother William and Brother Robert Smith, vice president for the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, for a reception and lunch at the Redstone American Grill in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. Long-time friends attending included, from left: Tom Meagher ’53, Tom Baryl ’58, Bob Scurio ’57 (front, wearing his Marinotes ball cap), Brother Robert Smith ’76, Charlie Marron ’57 and Brother William. The group caught up with one another, stories from college years evoked much laughter, and Brother William shared with the group the vision for Saint Mary’s second century.
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Young Alumni Weekend draws 170 A record number of Saint Mary’s University graduates from the past decade returned to the Winona campus for Young Alumni Reunion Weekend, Sept. 13-15. Throughout the weekend, students enjoyed a faculty and staff social, a young alumni gathering at Mulligan’s, ropes course activities, a barbecue with live music on the plaza, disc golfing and the Cardinal Dash 5K. New this year, a large Saturday evening crowd converged on Jefferson Pub & Grill, where Ali and the Scoundrels (an all young-alumni band) got alumni and students out on the dance floor.
The weekend also coincided with Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend, giving SMU alumni opportunities to cheer on Cardinal athletics. Mark your calendars for Sept. 12-14, 2014, when we will again invite all young alumni back to Winona for a full weekend of events. You provide the memories, we’ll take care of the rest. To see more photos from this event, go to www.smumn.edu/alumniphotos.
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Sports News 67 goals came from 16 different players, while 21 Cardinals have recorded at least one point. … Thompson’s overtime goal against Saint John’s on Feb. 3 was SMU’s seventh shorthanded goal of the season. … SMU used three different goalies this season. Senior Andy Scheib (Sun Prairie, Wis.) owned a teambest 3.78 goals-againstaverage and an .876 save percentage. Freshman Christian Gaffy (Scandia, Minn.) compiled a 3.87 GAA and an .874 save percentage, while senior Jason Horstman posted a 4.30 GAA and an .873 save percentage. … Scheib stopped all 38 shots he faced vs. St. Thomas on Jan. 18 en route to his first collegiate shutout. … The Cardinals’ season-ending, 4-3 loss to Concordia was its third overtime game of the season, with SMU going 1-11. … SMU’s 0-0 tie vs. St. Thomas on Jan. 18 marked the first time in program history the Cardinals played to a scoreless tie. … The Cardinals scored a seasonhigh nine goals in their 9-2 rout of Hamline on Nov. 9.
MEN’S HOCKEY RECORDS: 6-9-1 MIAC, 8-16-1 Overall BRIEFLY: The Cardinals closed out the season with eight wins, the most since the Cardinals went 9-14-2 during the 2007-08 season. … Freshman Mike Hill (Fort Worth, Texas), who closed out the season as the Cardinals’ team-leader in all three offensive categories — finishing with 12 goals, 12 assists and 24 points — was named First-Team All-MIAC, while juniors Austin Balko (Midland, Mich.) and Bobby Thompson (Centerville, Minn.) were honorablemention All-MIAC selections. … Fueled by a seven-point performance in SMU’s conference-opening sweep of Hamline on Nov. 9-10, Hill earned MIAC Player of the Week honors. … Hill recorded a point in five straight games this season. … The Cardinals posted 10 multiple-goal games. Hill had four, Balko had two, and Thompson, sophomore Bob Marx (Sioux City, Iowa), senior Nick Gorup (Omaha, Neb.), and sophomore Jed McGlasson (Kenai, Alaska) each recorded one. … SMU’s
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WINTER & SPRING 2013
WOMEN’S HOCKEY RECORDS: 5-10-2 MIAC, 7-13-2 Overall BRIEFLY: Macki Fadness (Eau Claire, Wis.) was one of just two freshmen named to FirstTeam All-MIAC, while junior Haley Coolsaet (Grosse Ile, Mich.), and sophomores Mackenzie Klimek (Hastings, Minn.) and Breanna Peterson (Macomb, Mich.) were all named honorable-mention All-MIAC. … Peterson closed out the season as the Cardinals’ leader in all three offensive categories — goals (8), assists (8) and points (16). … Peterson recorded her first three-point game in SMU’s season-opener against St. Norbert, scoring a goal and adding two assists. … Peterson closed out the season as the NCAA Division III leader in shorthanded goals with three. … Sophomore Mary DeBartolo (Chicago, Ill.) — who shared the team assist lead with Peterson and Klimek, and was second to Peterson in goals (7) and points (15) — also recorded her first threepoint game, scoring three goals in SMU’s 3-2 overtime win over UW-Eau Claire on Jan. 4. … DeBartolo also netted the game-winner —
also in overtime — against Hamline on Nov. 9. … Along with her first collegiate twoassist game, Klimek also scored two goals in a game for the first time this season against Saint Benedict on Feb. 2. … Sophomore Sarah Gustafson (Esko, Minn.) and freshman Tori Herrmann (Elk River, Minn.) shared the goaltending duties this season, with Herrmann leading the team with a 2.89 goals-against-average and a .911 save percentage, while Gustafson finished with a 3.15 GAA and an .890 save percentage. … Herrmann stopped all 34 shots she faced against Concordia on Feb. 15 en route to her first shutout, then followed that up with a career-best 44 saves in the teams’ rematch a day later. … Gustafson, meanwhile, stopped all 21 shots she faced — seven in each period — in posting her fifth shutout of her career on Feb. 2 against Saint Benedict. … SMU’s 2-1 overtime win over Hamline on Nov. 9 snapped its eight-game overtime winless streak. … SMU’s 0-0 tie against Concordia on Feb. 15 was the first scoreless tie in program history. … The
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SPORTS NEWS Cardinals’ 2-0-0 start to the conference season was its first since opening the 200304 MIAC season.
MEN’S BASKETBALL RECORDS: 3-17 MIAC, 4-21 Overall BRIEFLY: Senior Michael Burfeind (Lewiston, Minn.) closed out a stellar collegiate career by earning his second straight First-Team All-MIAC selection, while freshman Will Swiggum (St. Charles, Minn.) was named to the MIAC’s All-First-Year Team. … Burfeind averaged a teambest 15.9 ppg this season. … Burfeind closed out his fouryear career with 1,058 career points, ranking him No. 24 all-time, one point behind Nick Michaels ’04. … Burfeind scored in double figures in 39 of his last 47 games and 48 times in his collegiate career. … Among Burfeind’s double-figure performances were 15 games of 20 or more points. … Burfeind was one of three Cardinals who averaged in double figures — sophomore Evan Pederson (Onalaska, Wis. / 11.6 ppg) and freshman Will Swiggum (St. Charles, Minn. / 10.0 ppg) were the other two. … Swiggum, who scored in double figures 13 times this season, netted a career-high 24 points against Augsburg on Jan. 19, and followed that
Burfeind
up with a 23-point effort against Hamline. … Swiggum, who pulled down a career-high 14 rebounds against Macalester on Feb. 6, led the team in rebounding 13 times and closed out his freshman campaign with a team-best 178 rebounds (7.1 rpg). … Swiggum recorded a team-leading three doubledoubles this season. … Before suffering a seasonending knee injury, Pederson had dished out 93 assists for the season — the most since the 2001-02 season. … As a team, the Cardinals knocked down a season-high 30 free throws on 36 attempts vs. Hamline on Jan. 21.
RECORDS:18-4 MIAC (2nd), 22-5 Overall BRIEFLY: The Cardinals boasted two players — seniors Jamie Stefely (Lisle, Ill.) and Jessica Thone (Woodbury, Minn.) — on the All-MIAC First-Team, while junior Courtney Euerle (Litchfield, Minn.) earned her second-straight MIAC AllDefensive Team honor and freshman Bridget Pethke (Larsen, Wis.) was selected to the MIAC’s All-First-Year Team. … Coach Mandy Pearson was tabbed MIAC Coach of the Year. … The Cardinals made their secondstraight MIAC Tournament
appearance this season — also reaching the tournament’s semifinals for the second consecutive season. … SMU’s tournament run came to a halt with a 69-60 loss to second-seeded St. Thomas. … SMU put together winning streaks of five, nine and five games en route to recording its 22 wins in 2012-13 — the most wins in Pearson’s six years at the helm, and two wins shy of the school record 24, set in 1984-85 and equaled in 1985-86. … The Cardinals closed out the season winning 14 of their last 16 games. … Stefely finished her senior season averaging a team-best 13.5 ppg. … Stefely also led the team with five double-doubles this season, giving her 16 for her career. … Thone scored in double figures in 37 of her last 43 collegiate games. … Thone, who started every game in her four-year collegiate career — a span of 104 straight games — owns 1,158 career points, ranking her No. 8 all time. … Thone finished the season with a team-best 102 assists — marking the second-straight year she dished out more than 100 assists. … SMU closed out the season 11-1 on its home court — with the lone loss coming at the hands of regular-season
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champion Concordia on Feb. 3. … SMU’s 85 points against Bethel in the teams’ first meeting on Jan. 12 were a season high, and the most by a Cardinal team since scoring 97 against Augsburg on Dec. 4, 2004. … The Cardinals put an end to a pair of lengthy losing streaks — SMU snapped an 11game slide against St. Thomas, then ended a 13game losing streak against Gustavus.
SWIMMING & DIVING MIAC FINISH: Men 8th, Women 10th BRIEFLY: The Cardinals boasted 100 percent seasonbest performances at the season-ending MIAC Championships. … Senior Mark Ross (Dubuque, Iowa) closed out an illustrious SMU career by placing 11th in the 200 backstroke (1:58.03) at the MIAC Championships, while missing qualifying for the 200 IM and 400 IM consolation finals by one place, clocking times of 2:02.31 and 4:25.00, respectively. … Ross’ 4:25.00 in the 400 IM was 10 seconds faster than his previous season-best time. … Fellow senior Abby Kratzke (Dent, Minn.) also had a memorable final MIAC Championships, recording a time of 1:05.19 in the 100 butterfly, a 2:31.50 in the 200 butterfly, and a 26.94 in the 50 freestyle. … Senior Anna Smaron (Maple Plain, Minn.) knocked almost 10 seconds off her season-best 200 IM time at the MIAC Championships, touching the wall in 2:23.75, while also adding a time of 1:13.90 in
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SPORTS NEWS the 100 breaststroke. … P.J. Heller (St. Cloud, Minn.) made the most of his first MIAC Championships, as the freshman stopped the clock in 22.98 in the 50 freestyle, before adding a 49.99 in the 100 freestyle and a 1:55.44 in the 200 freestyle. … Junior Sarah Jansen (Manitowoc, Wis.) chipped in 16th-place finishes in both the onemeter and three-meter diving competitions. … Jansen was named the MIAC’s Athlete of the Week, after winning the one-meter diving competition and finishing third in the three-meter at the Carleton/St. Olaf Diving Invitational on Feb. 6.
RECORDS: 19-17 Overall, 10-10 MIAC BRIEFLY: Sophomore Tyler Krysiak (Bloomington, Minn.) and freshman Willie Doll (Amherst, Wis.) were both honored by the MIAC — Krysiak was named All-MIAC First-Team, while Doll was selected to the All-MIAC Defensive Team. … The Cardinals made their secondstraight MIAC Tournament appearance in 2013, falling to third-seeded Augsburg 5-4 in 11 innings. … Junior David Barry (Apple Valley, Minn.) hit for a team-best .388 batting average. He was one of five Cardinal regulars who boasted batting averages
above .300. … Doll and junior Kevin Gannon (Roselle, Ill.) shared the team lead in hits with 37 — four more than junior Paul LaNasa (Mahtomedi, Minn.). … Doll also led the team in runs (26), home runs (4) and total bases (57). … Gannon — who was named to the 2013 Capital One Academic AllDistrict Team — owned a team-best 23 RBIs and 14 walks. … The Cardinals hit nine home runs this season. Along with Doll’s team-high four, junior Zach Wolfe (Wabasha, Minn.) hit three, and Gannon, senior Kyle Servais (Westby, Wis.) and junior Jon Schlemmer (De Pere, Wis.) accounted for the Cardinals’ other three. … Gannon posted his first sixRBI game against Illinois Institute of Technology on March 8. … Doll owned a team-best 10 multiple-hit games, while Barry, Servais and Schlemmer boasted a team-leading five multipleRBI games. … Junior Pat Krieger (Mendota Heights, Minn.) set a school record, walking five times in the Cardinals’ 12-inning win over Simpson on March 6. … Krysiak became the singleseason and career recordholder with his two saves against Carleton on May 8. Krysiak recorded saves in five of his last six appearances and is now the single-season
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(7) and career (13) saves leader. … Freshman A.J. Redders (Middleton, Wis.) made a team-high 18 appearances this season, one more than Krysiak and senior Sam Nord (Mendota Heights, Minn.). … Nineteen of the Cardinals’ 36 games were decided by two runs or less. … SMU’s early season sevengame winning streak was the longest winning streak since the Cardinals won nine straight during the 2001 season.
FASTPITCH SOFTBALL RECORDS: 11-9 MIAC (4th), 18-15 Overall BRIEFLY: Sophomore Alex Raske (Chicago, Ill.) and freshman Nat Boissiere (Plymouth, Minn.) were named First-Team All-MIAC, while seniors Hailey Ohl (Bloomington, Minn.), Paige Carter (Rosemount, Minn.) and Anna Ramboldt (Goodhue, Minn.) were honorable-mention selections. … The Cardinals earned a berth in the MIAC Tournament for the third straight time this season. … Boissiere closed out her first season as a Cardinal boasting a team-best .455 batting average. … Boissiere also led the team with 46 hits — three more than both Carter and Ohl — while Raske was the team-leader in home runs (6), RBIs (36), total bases (68)
and slugging percentage (.636). … Ramboldt owned a team-leading 11 doubles, while Thelen accounted for two of the team’s four triples. … Carter, who started every game of her four-year collegiate career — a span of 151 straight starts — scored a team-best 33 runs. … Raske boasted a team-best 16 multiple-hit games. … SMU closed out 2013 with 15 home runs, led by Raske, who finished the year with a team- and careerbest six home runs — while also launching her first career grand slam against Bethel on April 2. … Senior pitcher Kayla Peterson (Lewiston, Minn.) tossed 14 complete games, while compiling a 3.61 ERA and a 12-11 record in 153.1 innings. … Carter (6-4, 4.18 ERA) made 18 appearances — including 13 in relief and owned SMU’s two saves. … The Cardinals scored 10 or more runs six times this season. … SMU’s sweep of Bethel on April 2 pushed its conference record to 4-0, marking the first time since 1999 that the Cardinals opened MIAC play with four straight wins.
WOMEN’S TENNIS RECORDS: 2-8 MIAC, 10-10 Overall BRIEFLY: The Cardinals closed out the season with 10 wins, marking the second-
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RECORDS: 17-7 Overall, 4-5 MIAC BRIEFLY: SMU boasted three players on the All-MIAC Team — seniors Michael Lunka (Eagan, Minn.), Bobby Steingraeber (La Crosse, Wis.) and Sam Puff (Eden Prairie, Minn.). Lunka was named to the all-conference team in both singles and doubles,
while Puff was a singles selection and Steingraeber was a pick in doubles. … It was the third time in their four-year careers that Lunka and Steingraeber were named All-MIAC in doubles. … SMU head coach Jeff Halberg was also honored as MIAC Coach of the Year. … SMU made its first-ever appearance in the six-team MIAC Tournament, which began in 2007. … The Cardinals’ sixth-place regularseason finish equaled their highest conference finish under Halberg. … The Cardinals’ 17 overall wins were also the most under Halberg. … With their victory over North Central on April 20, the Cardinals improved to 13-1 in nonconference play. … Freshman Collin Kaczorowski (Suamico, Wis.) set a single-season school record with his 20th singles win. … The doubles team of Lunka/Steingraeber finished 18-7 at No. 1 doubles and have teamed to compile a 59-21 overall doubles record in their four years together. … Steingraeber recorded his single-season school-record 20th doubles win when he teamed with Lunka for an 82 win at No. 1 against Macalester April 27. … Lunka notched 18 doubles wins, pushing his school-record career wins total to 64 —
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straight season, and the eighth time in the last 10 years, that SMU has won 10 or more matches. … Senior Deanne Webber (Reedsburg, Wis.) won eight of her last 10 singles matches and closed out the season with a team- and career-best 14 singles wins. … Webber closed out her career with 33 singles wins, ranking her fourth all-time. … Freshman Katie Krull (Rochester, Minn.) finished second to Webber in singles wins with 10, one more than sophomore Lindsey Reinisch (Hastings, Minn.). … Webber also led the team in doubles wins this season with 10, one more than Reinisch and junior Grace Zachman (Elk River, Minn.). … SMU’s 8-1 loss to Berry on March 5 snapped the Cardinals’ five-match nonconference winning streak — a streak that dated back to a 5-4 loss to Michigan Tech on April 14, 2012.
MEN’S TENNIS
two more than Steingraeber. … Andrew Rangitsch (Oakdale, Minn.) set a singleday school record with five wins at the Gustavus Midwest Open last fall. … SMU’s 5-4 win over Carroll on Feb. 9 was Halberg’s 100th collegiate coaching victory.
2013 MIAC FINISHES: Men’s Indoor 11th, Outdoor 11th; Women’s Indoor 12th, Outdoor 12th BRIEFLY: Sophomore Maya Booker (St. Paul, Minn.) led the Cardinals at the MIAC Outdoor Championships, uncorking a fifth-place toss of 44.80 meters in the hammer throw. … The Cardinals also boasted three sixth-places and one seventhplace at the outdoor conference championships. … Senior Peter Borash (Bowlus, Minn.) — who was named SMU’s Outstanding Male Senior — broke the school’s 13-year-old record in the 1,500, posting a time of 3:55.23 on May 9. … Sophomore Katie Stolz (Forest Lake, Minn.) broke the school’s 3,000 steeplechase record twice this season —clocking a time of 11:47.49 on April 21, then re-breaking the mark with an 11:42.42 effort on May 9. … Junior John Soucheray
(Woodbury, Minn.) and senior Coco Booker (St. Paul, Minn.) led the way at the MIAC Indoor Championships. Soucheray shattered the school record in the 5,000 — clocking a time of 15:16.97 to place fifth overall — while Booker posted a toss of 12.56 meters to finish fourth in the shot put. … Soucheray shaved nearly 14 seconds off the school’s 5,000 meter mark — set earlier this year by teammate sophomore Aaron Haley (Plainview, Minn.). … The SMU men's distance medley relay team of senior Ryan Winegardner (Northfield, Minn.), junior Gabe Thiel (Elgin, Minn.), Traxler and junior Andrew Merkert (St. Paul, Minn.) posted a school-record time of 10:47.59 to finish eighth overall. It was the fourthstraight year the Cardinals’ DMR broke the school record — with Traxler a member of all four record-setting relay teams.Traxler and junior Andrew Merkert (St. Paul, Minn.) etched their names in the school record books, posting a time of 10:47.59 to finish eighth overall. It was the fourth straight year the Cardinals' DMR broke the school record — with Traxler a member of all four recordsetting relay teams.≠
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SPORTS NEWS
Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend 2013 supports, celebrates SMU athletics It was a great 2012-13 for Peter Borash ’13 (Bowlus, Minn.) and Alex Raske ’15 (Chicago, Ill.) — and last year became even more memorable on Sept. 13 when the two were named Saint Mary’s University’s Outstanding Male and Female Athletes during part of the Cardinal ‘M’ Club Sports Hall of Fame and Awards ceremony. Jake Traxler ’13 (Le Center, Minn.) and Bethany Schmidt ’14 (Sparta, Wis.), meanwhile, were named SMU's Outstanding Male and Female Scholar-Athletes. Friday’s festivities also included the induction of three new members into the SMU Sports Hall of Fame, as the Cardinal ‘M’ Club, in association with the Saint Mary’s Alumni Office, welcomed the Class of 2013 — Greg (Dick ’84) Arens (men’s hockey), Todd Borndale ’85 (baseball) and Ashley (Dingels ’05) Gossen (volleyball/track and field). Borash enjoyed a banner senior season as a member of the Cardinal cross country and track and field teams. During the cross country season, Borash was one of the Cardinals’ top finishers in each of their six meets — including a first-place showing at the SMU No-Limit Invitational, and an honorablemention All-MIAC effort at the conference championships. And the Cardinal senior picked up right where he left off during the track and field season, earning honorable-mention allconference honors in the 1,500, while also breaking the school’s 13-year-old record in the 1,500 at the UW-La Crosse Last-Chance Meet — the final meet of his collegiate career. A three-time All-MIAC honorable-mention selection and a three-time MIAC All-Academic performer, Borash was also named SMU’s 2012-13 Outstanding Male Senior.
There certainly was no sophomore slump for Raske, who entered the 2013 fastpitch softball season after taking the conference by storm as a freshman — a year in which she earned First-Team All-MIAC honors. Just what did Raske do for an encore? How about a second straight appearance on the All-MIAC First Team, as well as a spot on the NFCA All-Central Region Second Team. Raske finished 2013 among the team leaders in virtually every offensive category, including batting average (.393), atbats (107), runs (28), doubles (6), home runs (6), RBIs (36), total bases (69), slugging percentage (.636), walks (10) and onbase percentage (.442) — while helping the Cardinals to their third straight MIAC Tournament appearance. A biochemistry major with a 3.97 grade-point-average, Traxler — a four-year regular on the SMU cross country and track and field teams — was named SMU’s Male ScholarAthlete for the second year in a row. An Academic All-MIAC pick in both the fall and winter/spring seasons for the second straight year, Traxler was one of the Cardinals’ top cross country runners in the fall, while also proving to be among the best steeplechasers in the conference during the outdoor track and field season. Like Traxler, Schmidt was a dual-sport athlete during her junior year, competing on both the Cardinal women’s soccer and swimming and diving teams. A junior biology major with a 3.94 GPA, Schmidt appeared in 17 games for the Cardinal soccer team, scoring two goals, and adding one assist for five points. Following the soccer season, Schmidt traded in her cleats for a swim cap, where she excelled with the Cardinal swimming and diving team.≠
The SMU Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2013 includes, from left: Greg (Dick ’84) Arens, Ashley (Dingels ’05) Gossen and Todd Borndale ’85. They posed for a picture following the Cardinal ‘M’ Club Sports Hall of Fame and Awards ceremony on Sept. 13 in the SMU gym.
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SMU announced its 2012-2013 student award winners, including, from left: Outstanding Male Athlete Peter Borash ’13, Outstanding Female Athlete Alex Raske ’15, Female Scholar-Athlete Bethany Schmidt ’14 and Male Scholar-Athlete Jake Traxler ’13.
Alain St. Michel ’83 takes the puck up ice during the men’s hockey alumni game as part of the Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend.
ABOVE: SMU alums Larry Greden ’81, David Gross ’08, Kyle Ryan ’10 and Mark Montinari ’08 take a break during the Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend Golf Outing. RIGHT: Jenny (Schipp '06) Stewart takes a swing at a pitch during the fastpitch softball game as part of Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend.
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CLASS NOTES
Who’s where, doing what... 1940s Dr. Samuel Cascio ’48, an SMU trustee, was honored with the Thaddeus V. Weclew Award by the Chicago Dental Society. He has practiced general dentistry in Chicago for almost 60 years; his professional leadership has included service to the American Dental Association, the Chicago Dental Society, the Illinois State Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry.
1950s Rev. Robert Botthof ’50, Bloomington, Ind., celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood last May as well as 31 years as a member of the Order of Preachers.
1960s Arthur Clark ’61, Raleigh, N.C., is in the final year of a grantfunded project that assists former offenders with trade skills in securing post-release employment. He would appreciate hearing from alums who may know of employers to consider job-qualified ex-inmates for “second-chance” opportunities. Rev. Don Willette ’63, Masonville, Colo., recently retired from ministry as a Roman Catholic priest at Blessed John XXIII Church. This year he will make his 30th pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Dr. Robert Zirpoli ’67, Billings, Mont., retired last year from being a cardiologist at Billings Clinic.
1970s Thomas Callen ’70, Wauwatosa, Wis., was presented the Professionalism Award, which is presented to a nonpaid NARI member who has shown exceptional leadership, devotion, dedication and accomplishment through his efforts to promote the National Assoc. of the Remodeling Industry as a professional organization at the local level. Sen. Michael Johanns ’71, Arlington, Va., was presented with an honorary doctorate by Saint Mary’s University at its undergraduate commencement ceremony in May 2013. Philip Sagstetter ’71, Rockville, Md., retired from Lockheed Martin Corporation after 28 years as a software engineer on classified government computer projects. Bill Jungbauer ’75, North Oaks, Minn., celebrated 35 years of marriage with his wife Janet and his 35th anniversary working for the same law firm. Check out his website at YJBLAW.com James Pierre ’74, M’79, Duluth, Minn., retired after 33 years as a social worker with the Duluth Public Schools.
Ray Matera, a 1946 alum of Saint Mary’s from Madison, Wis., returned to campus this past summer along with friends, from left, Dorthea Haug and Pat and Nancy Brennan. At 18, Matera enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the South Pacific during World War II. Also a former fighter pilot, Matera enlisted in the Air Force in 1948 and volunteered for the 7th Fighter Squadron in Korea in 1950. In 1954, he joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard, and from 1979 to 1989, he served as Adjutant General for the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard. In 1986, he received the Order of the Sword, a U.S. Air Force program that allows noncommissioned officers to recognize command officers they hold in high regard. He has also received the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with cluster and the Billy Mitchell Award. The SMU campus, he said, has changed a lot from his last visit. He recalled his fondness for the Christian Brothers and the quality of the education he received.
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Patrick A. Salvi ’75, Chicago, Ill., has been named one of the Top Ten Personal Injury Lawyers in Illinois in the 2013 consumer edition of Leading Lawyers Magazine. Salvi was also recognized as a Leading Lawyer in the field of personal injury law, professional malpractice and aviation law. The law offices of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. are based in Waukegan and Chicago.
Second Harvest Heartland as their chief community engagement officer. SHH is the upper Midwest’s largest food bank, serving 1,000 food shelves and other agency partners in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Michael Markkanen ’84, Spicer, Minn., finished his 46th year of playing hockey and strapping on the goalie pads. He has been with the Willmar Police Department for 29 years. Vincent ‘Rusty’ Krydynski ’85, Orland Park, Ill., was honored by Marian Catholic High School as Alumnus of the Year in addition to being selected to be the vice president of institutional advancement. Anne (Eiden ’86) Boeckman, Blaine, Minn., began a new job at Wilkerson Guthmann as an accountant. Paul Nedeau ’86, Pickerington, Ohio, joined Nationwide Financial in August 2012 as a registered principal and investment representative. He directs the learning and performance team of the retirement plans division. Kathleen (Davidsaver ’88) Todd, Centennial, Colo., has been working as a paraprofessional for special education students at the Littleton Public Schools for the past four years. Mary Modelski ’89, Walnut Creek, Calif., started a new position as the division chief for Internal Audit and Specialized Accounting Units.
1990s
Jean (Bansley ’82) Maroney, Chicago, retired in August from the Chicago Police Department.
Ray Elmblad M’90, Novi, Mich., graduated from the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan with the degree of Doctor of Anesthesia Practice in the spring of 2013. He is employed as a clinical CRNA and clinical instructor at the University of Michigan’s main campus in Ann Arbor.
Laurel Feddema ’83, Bloomington, Minn., joined
Calvin Scheidegger M’92, Bellingham, Wash., retired after
1980s
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CLASS NOTES 39 years in the field of treating substance use disorders, in addition to 14 years of part-time teaching at St. Catherine University’s Minneapolis campus. Kathy Wilde M’92, Minneapolis, Minn., was recognized by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota as one of the 2013 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award. She is the chief nursing officer at Hennepin County Medical Center. Rebecca Smith-Quintela M’93, Forest Lake, Minn., opened a private practice in White Bear Lake and is in the process of designing a Spiritual Resilience Mode. She provides counseling to children, adolescents and adults in addition to doing testing for ADHS, developmental disabilities, asperger’s and autism. John Serkland ’94, River Forest, Ill., accepted an attorney position with Corti, Aleksy & Castaneda, P.C. Theresa (Burg ’94) Trevor, Ann Arbor, Mich., is employed by Amplifinity as their marketing and public relations director. Sister Maria Grace “Molly” Erickson ’95, Washington, D.C., is in her 15th year of vows as a Little Sister of the Poor, and is assigned to a home in
Tom ’75 and Sue (Sughrua ’75) Schultz were invited by John McDonough ’75, president and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, to ride in the team’s Chicago victory parade. This photo depicts some of the confetti thrown in celebration of the Blackhawks Stanley Cup win, as well as the couple out on the ice.
Washington, D.C., as mistress of postulants. Robert Graham ’95, Albuquerque, N.M., graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Brendan Brooks ’96, C’97, M’98, Rockford, Ill., is the network manager for the city of Elgin. In April 2010, he married Melissa Eckrich, and they live in Rockford with Brendan’s daughter Sabrina (7). They recently
celebrated their third wedding anniversary with a cross-country trip through Ireland. Pete Kallal M’96, Apple Valley, Minn., retired this year after teaching fourth- and fifthgraders for more than 35 years in the New Prague Area School District. Judy Hammer M’97, Cambridge, Minn., retired from Isanti Middle School after nearly 34 years of service.
Brother James Gaffney celebrates 25 years as president of Lewis University Brother James Gaffney, FSC ’64, celebrated his 25th anniversary as president of Lewis University. Brother James is a distinguished alum of Saint Mary’s, having received the Religious Service Award in 1989. Brother James first arrived at Lewis University in 1970 as a faculty member in theology. His involvement evolved throughout the next decade as he became chairman of the board of trustees for the university and then was inaugurated as president in 1988. He is credited with revitalizing the university by increasing the student count from 2,500 to 6,600; by enhancing the campus through renovation and growth; and by strengthening the university’s mission, reflected in its Lasallian Catholic values. A constant presence at both on-campus and community events, Brother James is leading the university as it embarks on a new strategic plan, a campus master plan and a fourth capital campaign. As quoted in “The Magazine of Lewis University,” Brother James said, “It is a vocation, a calling to carry on God’s work and how together we have been trusted with it.” To read more about Brother James Gaffney, go to www.lewisu.edu/publications/ magazines and click on the spring 2013 issue.≠
M = Master’s Degree; C = Certificate; S = Specialist and D = Doctorate
Michael Hill M’97, Washington, D.C., was chosen chief executive officer by the board of directors for Youth for Understanding USA. In that role, he leads international public education, fund-raising, communications, marketing and branding efforts for one of the world’s largest healthcare charities. Dr. Denise Klinkner ’97, Houston, Texas, will be a pediatric surgery fellow at Texas Children’s Hospital for the next two years. She already completed an unaccredited fellowship in St. Louis. John LeClair ’97, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., was able to revisit the Park West “flats” where he, along with 14 other SMU students, lived for the semester during their study abroad program in 1995. He enjoyed being able to walk around the neighborhood and see London once again – 18 years later! Deb Peluso-Ayres M’97, Prior Lake, Minn., retired from the Jordan Public Schools after many years of teaching physical education. Stacy DeCorsey M’98, C’00, Jordan, Minn., was named principal at Pine Hill Elementary School. WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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CLASS NOTES Dr. Jami Hughes ’98, Eagan, Minn., obtained her board Certification in Behavior Analysis. She also formed her own private practice, Alliant Behavioral Pediatrics, to provide applied behavior analysis services to children with autism and typical kids with problem behavior. Michelle Ament M’99, Rosemount, Minn., was hired as the Eden Prairie School District’s director of technology and learning. Carrie (Drazkowski) Jones ’99, C’01, M’05, Tampa, Fla., is the senior geographic information system analyst II for the city of Tampa. Lynn Stylianou-Jensen M’99, Golden Valley, Minn., owns her own business as a health and wellness coach. The work she does is scientifically proven and highly effective for dealing with stress management. It involves heart intelligence and building peace and calm from within. Dr. Ray Queener M’99, Houlton, Wis., was hired as the superintendent of the Cambridge-Isanti School District. Annissa Ulbrich ’99, Winona, Minn., has accepted a new position with Mayo Clinic in Rochester as an analyst in planning services – DSS application support. Samuel Wagner ’99, St. Paul, Minn., was ordained a deacon for the Diocese of New Ulm this past summer at the Church of St. Mary in Sleepy Eye.
2000s Lisa (Lee) Johnson M’00, Bloomington, Minn., is the president of West River Road Publishing Company. Mark Messman M’00, C’04, C’11, Burtrum, Minn., received an “A” in the recent annual school board review of his position after completing his first full year as Eden Valley-Watkins School District superintendent. Dr. Karen Orcutt D’00, Maple Plain, Minn., was named an Administrator of Excellence by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators in recog-
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During Jenna Janka Putz’s 2013 commencement, her family paused for a multi-generational Saint Mary’s/College of Saint Teresa legacy picture. Posing with her on the Winona campus are, from left: Tim Putz, Jenna’s dad; Carol Janka (CST’84), Jenna’s mom; Robert Janka ’85, Jenna’s uncle; Marilyn (Wolf CST’61) Janka, Jenna’s grandmother; and Robert Janka ’61, Jenna’s grandfather.
nition of her leadership, concern for students, and active involvement in professional and community affairs. Kenneth Turner M’00 C’11, Brooklyn Park, Minn., has accepted the position of assistant principal for the Independent School District #622. Shawn Gombos C’01, St. Cloud, Minn., is the principal for Northwinds Elementary School. Matthew Grose M’01, Deer River, Minn., was named an Administrator of Excellence by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators in recognition of his leadership, concern for students, and active involvement in professional and community affairs. Laurie Kess C’01, Ely, Minn., is retiring from her position as principal from Ely High School after 36 years of teaching. Stephanie White M’02, Mankato, Minn., is the director of special education and student issues for Mankato Area Public Schools.
A group of Saint Mary’s friends got together for an afternoon of golf at Schaumburg Country Club in Illinois. Golfing alumni included, from left: front, Brian Marron ’81, Ed O'Malley ’82, Mike Spagnoli ’82 and Tim Toohey ’82; back, Mike Horvath ’82, Bill O'Brien ’82 and Brian Reilly ’82.
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CLASS NOTES Joseph Drennan ’03, Lindstrom, Minn., began working at Welcyon Fitness After 50, a health club franchise designed specifically for adults older than 50, as a communications and social media specialist in March. Jason Wallestad M’03, St. Louis Park, Minn., was chosen by the Minnesota High School Press Association to be its 2013 Journalism Educator of the Year. He is currently the advisor to the Knight Errant newspaper for Benilde-St. Margaret’s School. Rev. Gary Blake ’04, Oglesby, Ill., joined Holy Family Church last year as their pastor. Nicole (Spears ’04) Drennan, Lindstrom, Minn., began working at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a special events and marketing coordinator in March. Robert Gelep M’04 C’06, Marine on St. Croix, Minn., joined a team of mental health therapists at Family Therapy Associates. Heidi (Morazes ’04) Roeser, Leonardtown, Md., is employed as a graphic designer by Booz
Allen Hamilton, a leading provider of management and technology consulting services.
College of Wisconsin. She is joining Clinic Sofia, an OBGYN practice in Edina, Minn.
Alissa (Schultz ’04) Sullivan, White Bear Lake, Minn., began a new career as a psychologist for the State of Minnesota Department of Corrections.
Dr. Evelyn Turner D’05, Vienna, Va., is employed by Latin American Educational Services where she teaches English to teachers in Mexico.
Colleen Lacey M’05, C’08, Minneapolis, Minn., celebrated 15 years with Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota as a child life specialist. In 2010 she began a new program at United Hospital in St. Paul, supporting children of adult patients. She also has a private practice, HeartWorks Therapy, as a licensed associate marriage and family therapist and is an adjunct instructor with Dakota County Technical College teaching an online child life course.
Sam Anderson M’06, Blaine, Minn., has been selected to be the principal at Crooked Lake Elementary School.
Ryan Redetzke C’05, Northfield, Minn., was hired as the new principal of Henry Sibley High School. Dr. Kellie Lease Stecher ’05, Grand Rapids, Mich., graduated from OBGYN residency program on June 15, 2013. She attended medical school at Medical
Daryl Kehler M’06 C’11, Waseca, Minn., accepted the director position at the Northfield Area Learning Center. Matt Menier M’06 C’12, White Bear Lake, Minn., has been named the new assistant principal of student activities at Mahtomedi High School. Bethany Whitehead M’06, St. Paul, Minn., has been named the new executive director of Banfill-Lock Center for the Arts. Zach Zeckser M’06, Richfield, Minn., was hired as the new principal of St. Mark’s School. Tracey Biles M’07, Independence, Kan., is the new
vice president of mission at Mercy Hospital. Christina Carufel ’07, Hudson, Wis., accepted a position at Aspect Automation located in St. Paul, Minn., as project coordinator. She plays a key role in communicating and organizing information, resources and financial data for million-dollar projects. Carolyn Friedman ’07, Dubuque, Iowa, and Theresa Weber ’07, Naperville, Ill., were selected from St. Joan of Arc teachers to participate in NASA’s Teaching from Space Microgravity Experience. Casey McIntyre M’07, Austin, Minn., took the reins as Albert Lea’s varsity boys’ golf head coach in addition to being an engineering teacher at Albert Lea High School. Tricia Miller M’07, Blaine, Minn., was named one of Spring Lake Park District 16’s Teachers of the Year. Paula Mortenson M’07, Dexter, Minn., was named Southland’s Teacher of the Year
Students in the Public Relations/Business Club visited with members of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ staff on April 5 at Target Center. The trip was arranged and hosted by SMU alumnus Alex Conover ’11, a web content writer in the interactive services department for the Timberwolves. Other SMU alumni and Timberwolves staff who met with the students included Ryan Tanke ’96 and Pat Freeman ’12.
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CLASS NOTES and is a finalist for Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
after serving five years as principal for the school.
Nicole Musolf M’07 C’10, West Concord, Minn., was hired by West Concord Public Charter School as their start-up coordinator.
Jennifer Benson ’09, Bloomington, Minn., is currently a GRH mental health practitioner for South Metro Human Services.
Davey Warner III ’07, Ely, Minn., is employed by Northern Tier National High Adventure as the associate director of programs.
Suzy Brandner M’09, Worthington, Minn., was awarded the 2013 Education Minnesota Worthington Teacher of the Year award. She spent her entire 22-year teaching career at District 518.
Dr. Renee Bergstrom D’08, Elgin, Minn., retired from the Mayo Clinic last summer after 34 years of service. She continues to be the facilitator in the training program for the American Academy on Communication in Healthcare. Walter Mannino ’08, Tulsa, Okla., started a position with the NBA and the Phoenix Suns as an account experience specialist. Katherine Schares ’08, Granite City, Ill., accepted a position as a sales support assistant at the world’s leading provider of science and health information, Elsevier. Andrew Winecke ’08, Riverside, R.I., was hired as a residential care councilor at Bradley Hospital last year. Laura (Eggert ’08) Wotta, Albertville, Minn., is currently a nuclear medicine technologist at St. Cloud Hospital. Jim Amsden C’09, St. Peter, Minn., was hired by Sibley East School District as superintendent
Susan Edwards M’09, Brighton, Mass., joined the Peace Corps. This past summer she left the United States for China to teach English at a university. Brittney (Stefonowicz ’09) Hynes ’09, Minneapolis, Minn., is a Title I teacher for Cedar Riverside Community School. Janelle Krzmarzick ’09, Blaine, Minn., is the coordinator of high school faith formation and youth ministry at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. Scott McGrath ’09, Addison, Texas, graduated from William Mitchell Law School in May 2013. Leandra Peak M’09, Minneapolis, Minn., launched a new service of Leandra Peak Coaching & Consulting – Daily Plain-It Accountability Coaching. Bob Wegner ’09, Eagan, Minn., retired after serving 24 years on the force as an Eagan police officer.
IHM Seminary, SMU graduates ordained to the priesthood This past May, Father Jeremy Freehill ’09, Father Thomas Otto ’09, Father Scott Potthoff ’09 and Father Jacob Rose ’09 were ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Peoria, Ill. Father Alan Guanella ’09 was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of La Crosse, Wis., in June and Father Christopher Lapp ’08, was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind., in May. All are graduates of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary.≠
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Dr. Dick Kowles recounts career in new book Dr. Dick Kowles M’67, professor emeritus of biology at Saint Mary’s University, candidly and comically recounts his career in his most recent book titled, “A Passion to Teach: 58 years of humorous, weird and engaging tales.” With a humorous twist, Dr. Kowles details his desire to be a teacher, working his way through college with terrible jobs and teaching for 14 years in three different high schools before entering graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in genetics. The graduate school episode, he notes, took place with a wife and five young children and required unbelievable financial craftiness. Much of the book also deals with teaching at the college level, chairing a biology department, conducting research, and engaging in scientific communication. Many people in the Saint Mary’s community will recognize names – and even a few embarrassing incidents. The last three chapters offer personal opinions, viewpoints and biases regarding teaching. Produced by Beaver’s Pond Press, Edina, the book can be purchased from the SMU Bookstore, the Book Shelf in Winona, Amazon, or directly through Gilmore Creek Press, 1293 Country Dr., Winona; (507) 452-1758.≠
2010s Ryan Carlson C’10, Chanhassen, Minn., is the new assistant principal at Chisago Lakes Middle School. Kristen (Hammermeister ’10) Hosman, Burnsville, Minn., began a new role as software consultant with Boyer & Associates, Inc. Benjamin Mohler M’10, Charlotte, N.C., was recognized by the Charlotte Business Journal for being among the region’s “40 Under 40” for significant strides in his career and for his positive impact on the community. He is the director of philanthropy and development for the William States Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte. He and his wife, Christina, reside in Charlotte. Kristina Scherber ’10, Brooklyn Center, Minn., has begun a new job as a foreign trainer at Disney English located in China.
Brian Smith ’10, Minneapolis, Minn., joined the Mounds View Police Department as an officer this past May. Jeromie Voeltz M’10, Spooner, Wis., has joined the staff at Spooner schools where he serves as the physical education teacher. Brandon Wanless ’10, St. Paul, Minn., has been accepted to the Ph.D. program in theology at Ave Maria University. Kevin Mahoney M’11, Durham, N.C., completed mission work this past summer with the Brothers of St. John in Guadalupe, Mexico. A highlight of the trip was participating in its annual Camp Agapetoi. He currently teaches Latin and Spanish at Durham Nativity School in North Carolina. He is a former Remick Fellow. Quentin Moore ’11, Minneapolis, Minn., has been named head cross country FALL/WINTER 2013
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CLASS NOTES
Robbie Johnson ’09 and Chelsea Meyer ’09 were married Sept. 22, 2012, in St. Ambrose Church in Woodbury, Minn. Members of the wedding party included: Stacy Mills ’09, Kevin Black ’08, Maria Kraus ’09, Elizabeth Daugherty ’11 and Andrew Warren ’11.
Sara Spiess ’06 married John Carkoski on March 23, 2013 at the Church of the Assumption in St. Paul. SMU alumni in attendance included, from left: back, Keith Donovan ’06, Sara Sloneker ’06, M’07, Kat (Reum ’05) Williams, Jane (Kronschnabel ’78) Hanson, Danny S. ’12, Lisa Boris ’07, Rachel Elbert ’11, Bill Kronschnabel ’71, Joan (Tiegen ’80) Tusa, Kim Dunford M’07, Mary Beth (Kronschnabel) Schmidt M’92, Paul Kronschnabel ’86, Katy (Kronschnabel) Ratley M’10; middle, Scott Sorvaag D’07 (faculty), Chris Markov ’06; front, Karen Sorvaag D’07 (faculty), Michelle (Mino ’06) Markov, Gabe (Tibor ’06) Woodard M’09, Annie Harala ’06, Rita (Kronschnabel ’77) Spiess, the bride and groom, Carrie (Hoffman ’06) Douglas, Erin Bily ’06, Ryan Norrell ’06, Ellen (Kronschnabel ’84) Kelly, Kacie Karels ’05, Julie (Biesanz ’85) Gardner and Bill Bishop ’85.
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CLASS NOTES coach for Academy of Holy Angels. Alexandra (Churchill ’11) Nelson, Wabasha, Minn., joined Saint Mary’s University as an administrative assistant in the K12 reading program. Jacob Timm C’11, Farmington, Minn., accepted the position of high school principal at Rushford-Peterson High School. Jonathan Glader ’12, Wyoming, Minn., was chosen by the Lakes Area Youth Services Bureau to be the recipient of the 2012 James Trudeau Law Enforcement Award for his outstanding service to youth in the community. Tim Stowe M’12, Shakopee, Minn., was hired for the Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Elementary principal/technology position. Billie (Keilen ’12) Thomas, Crystal, Minn., was recently hired as an accountant for Celleration, Inc. Synnove Abrahamson M’13, Chaska, Minn., is working as a psychotherapy intern at a privately owned mental health outpatient clinic. She also just graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University. Bryan Moore ’13 accepted a role as Indo in “West Side Story” at the Ongonquit Playhouse in Ongonquit, Maine. The show ran 10 shows a week until the end of September. Tim Schellhammer M’13, Eden Prairie, Minn., was hired as Sibley East High School’s principal.
WEDDINGS David Tibble ’96 to Michelle Wiessgerber, Des Plaines, Ill., on Jan. 18, 2013. Melissa Powers ’06 to Alex Walker ’08, Plymouth, Minn., on June 20, 2013. Graham Kuehner ’08 to Angelle Theriot, Lafayette, La., on May 25, 2013. Andrea Bennett M’09 to Ryan Bacon, Rochester, Minn., on Aug. 18, 2012.
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Brittney Stefonowicz ’09 to Anthony Hynes ’10, Minneapolis, Minn., on July 28, 2012. Saint Mary’s alumni in attendance were Ashley DeGreeff ’09, Tara (Houlihan ’09) Keifer, Michelle McQuillan ’09, Amanda Patricoski ’09, Doug Placko ’09, Lindsey (Matask ’09) Ryan, Hadley Swaggert ’09, Josh Wendel ’09, Ryan Brodd ’10, Rob Klein ’10, Zach Cizek ’11, Bob Mahoney ’11, Pat Suchla ’11 and Jessica Adducci ’12. Amy LaRue M’10 to Richard Weber, Robbinsdale, Minn., on May 31, 2013. Tara Malewicki ’11 to Jeremy Rothering, Waumandee, Wis., on Oct. 6, 2012.
Kelly and Jim Horan ’03, Baker City, Ore., a daughter, Clara Rose, on June 26, 2013. Sean and Renee (Willkom ’04) Pearl, Colorado Springs, Colo., a daughter, Gemma Therese, on Feb. 22, 2013. She joins Bernadette and Cecilia. Joseph and Dr. Kellie (Lease ’05) Stecher, Grand Rapids, Mich., a son, Joseph, on March 6, 2013. John ’08 and Jennifer (Johnson ’07) Geske, Rochester, Minn., a son, John William III, on June 13, 2013.
DEATHS Douglas Stiehm ’40, Rollingstone, Minn., on June 11, 2012.
Richard Gancarz ’70, Grayslake, Ill., on Aug. 31, 2012. Thomas Kulas ’70, Evans, Ga., on April 10, 2013. Gerald Miller ’71, Richmond, Va., on Sept. 15, 2012. Mary “Muzzy” Cross ’81, Winona, Minn., on May 21, 2013. Patricia Leonard ’81, Seattle, Wash., on March 27, 2013. Mary Nissen M’86, Mora, Minn., on July 4, 2013. Ann Geddes ’92, Birchwood, Wis., on March 22, 2013. Robyn Schmidt M’98, Mankato, Minn., on July 6, 2012. David Benson ’99, Plymouth, Minn., on March 25, 2013.
Marisa Dronen M’12 to Richard White, Austin, Texas, on March 18, 2012.
Paul Binek ’42, Chaska, Minn., on May 29, 2013.
Darren Wools ’01, Monticello, Minn., on Sept. 4, 2013.
BIRTHS
John Schliesmann ’46, Venice, Fla., on Aug. 18, 2012.
Scott and Molly (Hogan ’98) McKinley, Gurnee, Ill., a daughter, Lila Allison, on June 5, 2013.
Brother Ed “Dominic Edward” Everett ’50, Winona, Minn., on Aug. 21, 2013.
Jimmie Herron Jr. ’06, M’08, Minneapolis, Minn., on March 4, 2013.
Luke ’00 and Katie (Lentz ’02) Bunkers, Cottage Grove, Minn., a daughter, Eliza Catherine, on Dec. 20, 2012. She joins Abraham, 4, and Silas John, 2.
Rev. Msgr. Paul Evers ’50, Wabasha, Minn., on Feb. 19, 2013.
Joseph and Stephanie (Frank ’00) Moore ’00, Downers Grove, Ill., a son, Zane Joseph, on Sept. 24, 2012.
Frederick O’Brien ’56, Keokuk, Iowa, on Apr. 24, 2013.
Dan ’01 and Angela (Yockey ’01 M’06) Gustafson, Minneapolis, Minn., a son, Henrik Daniel, on June 26, 2013. He joins Annika, 4. Ryan and Dr. Abby (Ludwig ’02) DeBonis, Eagle River, Alaska, a son, Jax Calin, on Jan. 30, 2012. He joins Kade. Billy ’02 and Katie (McGrath ’01) Guinane, Chicago, Ill., a son, John William, on March 4, 2013. He joins Mary Kate, 3, and Jimmy, 1. Chris and Kathy (Groby ’02) Munns, Wabasha, Minn., a daughter, Sarah Ann, on June 28, 2012. She joins Ethan. Andrew ’02 and Brooke (Larsen ’02) Persoon, Sherwood, Ore., a son, Eldrian Flynn, on Nov. 24, 2012.
Dr. Frank Schulze ’51, Surprise, Ariz., on Nov. 22, 2012.
Lawrence Price ’56, Chicago, Ill., on June 23, 2013. Robert Buryska ’57, Owatonna, Minn., on July 2, 2013. Jude Koenig ’57, Morgan Hill, Calif., on Aug. 14, 2012. Leonard Bajork ’59, Austin, Tex., on Apr. 7, 2013. Rev. Leroy Eikens ’59, Wabasha, Minn., on Dec. 11, 2011. Brother Jeffrey Gros ’59, M’62, Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 12, 2013. Richard Tobin ’63, Palatine, Ill., on March 13, 2012. James Hoban ’69, Excelsior, Minn., on May 2, 2011. John Hogan ’69, Fall Creek, Wis., on July 19, 2011. Joseph Wirtz ’69, Wake Forest, N.C., on May 19, 2013.
Sarah Ann (Siebenaler ’04) Hackenmiller, Rochester, Minn., on Aug. 4, 2013. Royal Wentworth III M’06, Mason City, Iowa, on Sept. 10, 2012. FORMER FACULTY, STAFF AND HONOREES Brother Ed “Dominic Edward” Everett ’50, M’55, Winona, Minn., on Aug. 21, 2013. Brother Ed taught at Saint Mary’s from 1987-1988 and retired to the Winona community in 1999. He attended many community events and was a familiar face on campus. Brother Jeffrey Gros ’59, M’62, Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 12, 2013. Brother Jeffrey received an honorary doctorate from Saint Mary’s at its 2011 Founder’s Day celebration. Dan Maloney, St. Paul, Minn., on May 29, 2013. He served Saint Mary’s from 1985-1994 and 1997-2000 in a variety of administrative roles, particularly with the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs. Dr. William Medland, La Crosse, Wis., on Aug. 17, 2013. He served as executive vice president and provost at Saint Mary’s from 1986 to 1991. FALL/WINTER 2013
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CLASS NOTES
Saint Mary’s 10th president, Brother Peter Clifford, dies Brother Peter Clifford, FSC, the 10th president of Saint Mary’s University, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at De La Salle Hall in Lincroft, N.J. A dedicated educational visionary and financial steward, Brother Peter served as president of Saint Mary’s from 1976 to 1984, and is credited for bringing fiscal security to the college. Brother Peter also fostered close relationships between Saint Mary’s and the city of Winona by being an active member of the community. During his presidency, he served on the boards of both the Winona Chamber of Commerce and Norwest Bank. Additionally, he initiated the first graduate course offerings in the Twin Cities and laid the financial groundwork for the Performance Center and the ice arena on the Winona campus. Brother Peter was born in the Bronx in New York City on Feb. 17, 1925. He graduated from St. Jerome’s School in the Bronx in 1939 and entered the Junior Novitiate of the Christian Brothers in Barrytown, N.Y., at the young age of 14. In fact, Brother Peter said he knew he would become a Christian Brother when he left elementary school. He entered the Brothers Novitiate in 1943, made his first vows in 1944, and made his final vows in 1950. Brother Peter studied history at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., received his B.A. in Education from Manhattan College in 1950, and an M.A. in History from Fordham University in 1957. In 1968, he received a CAS degree in Educational Administration from Harvard University. In 1970, he received an Ed.D. degree in Educational Administration, also from Harvard. Brother Peter’s ministry career was varied. He taught at grammar schools, served as a missionary in the Philippines, acted as the academic dean at De La Salle College in Manila, served as an administrator at a variety of high schools, worked for the Catholic Schools office in Brooklyn, N.Y., and acted as the executive secretary for secondary schools at the National Catholic Education Association. Brother Peter’s ministry in higher education began as an academic dean at St. John’s University in New York City, before coming to Saint Mary’s. After the conclusion of his work at Saint Mary’s, Brother Peter served as Provincial of the LINE District of the Brothers of the Christian Schools for three years and for two years as an assistant in higher education for the U.S. Catholic Conference in Washington, D.C. His last college connection was as president of St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, Kan., from 1989 to 1994. Brother Peter then became director of finance for the LINE District of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He moved back to Winona in 2000 and worked as a vice president for the Metanoia Group, a consulting enterprise at Saint Mary’s University, until 2002. He then moved back to Rhode Island where he became assistant to the president of Ocean Tides, a residential center for delinquents, until his illness this year. Of his time at Saint Mary’s, Brother Peter said in a retirement interview, “It was a nice place to come to, I had a very warm feeling even though the temperature at the time was 15 degrees
Brother Peter Clifford served as Saint Mary’s 10th president from 1976 to 1984 and is credited for bringing fiscal security to the college.
below 0. The thing that struck me was that it was a small place that was doing a lot of interesting things … .” During his inauguration in 1976, Brother Peter told the crowd, “It is my hope and goal that our liberal arts program will focus on the integration of a strong personal value system with the stimulation of intellectual growth.” Brother Peter said he felt the college must continually explore new client groups, new experiences and programs in order to expand its resources and competencies. “Brother Peter will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his strong leadership and for establishing a solid financial foundation at Saint Mary’s, enabling us to significantly expand our reach and educational reputation,” Brother William said. “Those who worked alongside Brother Peter will also remember his kindness, generosity and enduring spirit. He will be missed.”≠ WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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CLASS NOTES SYMPATHIES Orest Ochrymowycz ’57, Boris Ochrymowycz ’63, Leo Ochrymowycz ’65 and Cynthia Murphy ’88, on the death of their mother and grandmother, Sofia Ochrymowycz, on May 14, 2013. Norb Ziegler ’61, on the death of his brother, Joseph Ziegler ’67, on March 9, 2013. Charles Biesanz ’65, Thomas Biesanz ’68, David Biesanz ’76 and Julie (Biesanz ’81) Gardner on the death of their brother, Donald Biesanz ’79, on June 8, 2013. David ’70 and Crystal (Conway CST ’72) Moede, on the death of their father and father-in-law, Jerome Moede ’41, on June 2, 2013. Ed Burke ’65, Kevin Sullivan ’72, Joe ’90 and Susan (Cahill
’91) Sullivan, Kate (Burke ’90) Anderson, Ed Burke ’92, John Sullivan ’02 and Meghan Sullivan ’06, on the death of their mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, Mary Sullivan, on Dec. 12, 2012. Jerome Colletti ’69, Robert Colletti ’72 and Father Richard Colletti ’74, on the death of their father, Jerome Colletti, on Nov. 17, 2012. George ’73 and Jacki (Nosek ’74) McNichols, David McNichols ’76, Sharon McNichols ’78, Kevin McNichols ’80 and George McNichols ’02, on the death of their mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, Dorothy McNichols, on June 23, 2011. Linda Sullivan ’80, on the death of her sister, Barbara Sullivan, on March 18, 2013.
Saying goodbye to Taylor Richmond As this publication was going to print, Taylor Richmond, son of long-time Saint Mary's staff member Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond, died on Oct. 31, 2013. Taylor, 24, had been an extended member of the Saint Mary's family throughout his life. Though diagnosed with the rare and fatal disease of Ataxia Telangiectasia at a young age, Taylor didn’t let the disease define him. Taylor’s strong sense of humor, his positive spirit and his unwaivering faith have inspired countless lives. The Saint Mary’s Taylor Richmond Benefit on the Winona campus was named in his honor. Taylor was its first beneficiary in 2001, and the annual event has continued as a way for students to help someone within the Saint Mary’s community in need. Because of this event, and because of the many people who have been touched by Taylor and his story, his spirit and his memory will live on at Saint Mary's.≠
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Peter Thelen ’80, on the death of his mother, Mary Ann Thelen, on Jan. 27, 2013. Mary Cichanowski ’82, Amy Cichanowski ’92 and Heather Cichanowski ’95, on the death of their brother and uncle, David Cichanowski ’72, on May 2, 2013.
Carol (Malloy ’75) Dykstra and Mary Malloy ’82, on the death of their mother, Margery Malloy, on April 3, 2013. Evora (Olson ’03) Wellman, on the death of her father, William Olson, on July 8, 2013.≠
Remembering Sarah Ann Siebenaler and Bob Hentzen Saint Mary’s recently lost two inspirational alumni. Sarah Ann (Siebenaler ’04) Hackenmiller, 36, passed away Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, due to complications from a lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis and a recent double lung transplant. Bob Hentzen ’57 died suddenly Oct. 9, 2013, leaving behind a long legacy of dedicated service to the poor. Diagnosed with CF at 18 months old, Siebenaler was given a life expectancy of only about 18 years, but she surprised everyone with her inspirational strength and positivity. She was hospitalized in June of 2011 and spent 4½ months in ICU before receiving a double lung transplant in October of 2011. She never looked at her illness as a curse, but rather embraced it as part of the guiding force that helped her become the woman she was. Even at her most painful moments she pointed out how others were suffering more than she and was thankful for the life she had. Putting her Graphic Design degree to good use, Siebenaler had recently started a business selling her artwork and illustrations. Her work had been on display in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries on SMU’s Winona campus this past summer. Hentzen received a Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2001 and an honorary doctorate in leadership and service in 2002. Saint Mary’s Magazine last profiled him in the fall 2010 edition as he was making it his personal mission to end poverty, one step at a time. Hentzen, the president and cofounder of Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA), had embarked on an 8,140-mile trek through 12 countries in Central and South America to draw attention to the children and seniors CFCA serves. CFCA (formed in 1981) works with 308,000 sponsored children and seniors in 23 countries by connecting sponsors with those in need. The sponsorship includes food, education, healthcare and livelihood but also gives families hope they can create a path out of poverty for their children. His goal was to finish the walk on his 75th birthday in April 2011. Hentzen completed many journeys throughout his life of service, beginning as a Christian Brother working in Colombia and Guatemala. The countless lives he touched throughout the world are many; and his enduring spirit will live on.≠
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Vision, compassion and commitment are all characteristics of leadership. Each year hundreds of alumni, parents and friends provide leadership support to Saint Mary’s. The Leadership Society recognizes individuals who give $1,000 or more to Saint Mary’s University on an annual basis. The generosity of this group enables Saint Mary’s to enhance the outstanding academic, leadership, and service-learning experiences we offer our students. Whether left unrestricted to the Saint Mary’s Fund or designated to scholarships, leadership gifts make a real difference in transforming lives.
Mike Dooley was a firstgeneration college graduate in his family and knows the importance of a great education. Through great sacrifice, his parents made it possible for him to attend Saint Mary’s and
Claudia (CST ’68) and I give to Saint Mary’s because of its ever increasing commitment to excellence in bringing out the maximum potential of all its students, in the spirit of the Christian Brothers and the Catholic intellectual tradition. I personally give to Saint Mary’s because I owe it to the university and the Christian Brothers. – Mike Dooley ’66
he has paid this forward by endowing the Clayton J. and Helen Dooley and Anthony and Irene Drvota Scholarship. Mike earned his undergraduate degree in 1966.
Please consider joining the Leadership Society program at Saint Mary’s University which recognizes annual contributions of $1,000 or more.
www.smumn.edu/giving WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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100 FOR 100
Living the Saint Mary’s Mission Teaching Minds…Touching Hearts With more than 42,000 alumni, you might be surprised where — and how often — you’ll run into a Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota graduate. Many of them we call “alumni in action” — alumni who are living the Saint Mary's mission of service and leadership, transforming others' lives and making a positive difference in their communities and beyond. In honor of our Centennial, we are gathering the “stories” of at least 100 of these volunteers, leaders, educators, healers and visionaries whom Saint Mary’s University is proud to call alumni. These are just a sampling of the stories we’ve put together. If you know of an alum you would like to see included, contact dnahrgan@smumn.edu. Luke Hofmann ’03 Pediatric hematology/ oncology nurse, St. Louis Children’s Hospital Hometown: St. Louis, Mo. Major: Biology While a student at Saint Mary’s it was Luke Hofmann’s dream to work in the field of medicine. Upon his graduation, he earned a BSN from Maryville University, and during his clinicals he developed a love for working with children battling cancer. “Every day at work I get to see the best parts of humanity,” he said. “Even in the saddest and darkest days, I get to see how love, hope, and courage always win. To be there for the kids and their families, through both the ups and downs of treatment is incredibly rewarding.”
Terence McLaughlin, FSC ’44 Civil rights leader, high school administrator, teacher, coach, athletic director; college administrator, teacher Hometown: Duluth, Minn. Major: Social Sciences Brother Terence integrated the first school, public or private, in Memphis, Tenn., in 1963. Against the advice of religious authorities, before the Civil Rights Movement took hold, and challenged by the traditions and laws of the South, Christian Brothers High School was the only high school in all of Shelby County to accept African American students.
Mary Lou Black Scheid ’76 Surgical nurse in Antigua, Guatemala Hometown: Hopkins, Minn. Major: Communication Arts Mary Lou Black Scheid and her husband Stephen Scheid ’76 made plans to volunteer in a developing country after they retired.
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Unfortunately, due to Stephen’s sudden and untimely death, they were unable to realize their goal together. But Scheid decided to continue to pursue serving in a developing country. She studied Spanish with her 11-year-old son, and they departed for the Central American country of Guatemala. Scheid served as a surgical nurse and Spanish interpreter for over three years in Antigua, Guatemala and worked with teams of doctors from the United States, Europe and Canada. She continues to make several trips to Guatemala each year with medical teams from the Twin Cities.
George Stephenson, J.D. ’80 Judge, community activist, lawyer, athlete Hometown: Chicago, Ill. Major: Education While at Saint Mary’s, Judge George Stephenson was a four-year letterwinner, three-year captain, and an AllAmerican wrestler. In 1978 he won the National Catholic Championship title. His wrestling career was impressive; however, his professional career is even more so. After graduating from Saint Mary’s, he attended William Mitchell College of Law, in St. Paul, Minn. He served as an investigator for the St. Paul Department of Human Rights, an assistant district attorney for the City of St. Paul and Ramsey County, an assistant federal defender, and duty attorney for the City of St. Paul where he headed the Criminal Division. In 2001 Judge Stephenson was appointed by then-Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura to the Ramsey County District Court and has been re-elected twice. He is an active community member who sits on numerous committees and strives to assist young people whenever he can. Judge Stephenson has been instrumental in establishing the John School Program, which helps reduce prostitution-related crime, the St. Paul Community Court, and the Ramsey County Community Prosecutor Program, which strives to improve community relations with police and community members. He also encourages and mentors young lawyers and those interested in a career in law. FALL/WINTER 2013
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Amy Korkowski Oxentenko, M.D. ’94 Medical doctor, researcher, mother Hometown: Winona, Minn. Major: Biology Upon her graduation from Saint Mary’s, Amy Korkowski Oxentenko did her medical school training at University of North Dakota, where she graduated with honors. She then completed her internal medicine residency at Mayo Clinic, and was awarded one of the four Outstanding Achievement Awards for the graduating class. She then completed a chief residency and fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology at Mayo Clinic, and was the recipient of the GI Division’s Bargen Award, and the institutional Mayo Brothers’ Distinguished Fellowship Award. She currently serves as the vice chair for education for the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo, and is an associate professor of medicine. She has been one of five core faculty who teaches the GI block at the Mayo Medical School. She is a co-editor for the fourth and fifth editions of Mayo Clinic Gastroenterology and Hepatology Board Review Book. She has been an author for the GI section of the last three editions of American College of Physician’s Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program (MKSAP), and is the GI book editor for the newest edition of MKSAP, and will continue to serve in this role for the next edition as well. She recently started a five-year term as the GI content writer for the Internal Medicine In-Training Examination. She is the current chair of the American College of Gastroenterology’s (ACG) Women in GI Committee. She serves on numerous educational committees throughout Mayo, and is Chair of the GI Education Committee. Additional research interests include duty hours and clerical documentation of trainees, and issues related to work-life balance, given she is in a dualphysician marriage with three school-aged children.
Michael Johanns, J.D. ’71 Attorney, former mayor of Lincoln, Neb.; former governor for the State of Nebraska; former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Senator for the State of Nebraska Hometown: Osage, Iowa Major: Communications Little did Michael Johanns know when he and his mother met with Saint Mary’s admission counselor, Brother Anthony, in 1967 that he would one day serve in the United States Senate. After graduating from Saint Mary’s, he attended law school at Creighton University and then practiced law in Lincoln and O’Neill, Neb. In 1991 he was elected mayor of Lincoln and in 1998 he was elected the 38th governor for the State of Nebraska. President George W. Bush named then-Governor Johanns the United States Secretary of Agriculture in 2005, a cabinet position he held until he decided to run for the open senate seat in Nebraska in 2007. Today Senator Johanns serves on the committees for Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Veterans’ Affairs; Indian Affairs; and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Thomas Kilbride, J.D. ’78 Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois, lawyer, volunteer Hometown: Bradley, Ill. Major: Sociology/Human Services & Planning After graduating from Saint Mary’s, Thomas Kilbride attended Antioch Law
School in Washington, D.C., and began practicing law in Rock Island, Ill. In 2000 he was elected to the Supreme Court of Illinois for the Third District. He is a past board member, president, and vice-president of the Illinois Township Attorneys Association; past volunteer and charter member of the Illinois Pro Bono Center; and a member of the Illinois State Bar and Rock Island County Bar Associations. He has volunteered numerous hours as a legal advisor for the Community Caring Conference, the Quad Cities Interfaith Sponsoring Committee, and Quad City Harvest, Inc. In 2010 Judge Kilbride was honored with an Award of Excellence in the Judiciary from the Illinois State Crime Commission.
Al Peters ’74 Executive director of Can Do Canines, assistance dogs advocate Hometown: Norridge, Ill. Major: Psychology Beginning in 1987, Al Peters dedicated his life to creating mutually beneficial relationships between people with disabilities and specially trained dogs. Currently he is the executive director of “Can Do Canines” in New Hope, Minn. “Can Do Canines” enhances the quality of life for people with disabilities by pairing them with well-trained service dogs. The organization envisions a world in which every person who needs and wants an assistance dog can have one. Service dogs are trained for individuals throughout the Midwest and to provide services for individuals with hearing loss, mobility issues, seizure disorders, diabetes, and children with autism. Thirty dogs a year are trained and paired with individuals with need, all of which are provided free of charge. Recently, Peters teamed with Senator Al Franken, D-Minn., to write legislation to provide service dogs to military veterans, which will assist in the recovery of soldiers from the toll of war both physically and emotionally. Peters looks beyond limitations and works to find solutions and is a leader in the assistance dog industry.
Mary Fossum Blair ’00 High school administrator, Captain-United States Marine Corps Hometown: Foley, Minn Major: Writing and Publishing Prior to joining the United States Marine Corps, Mary Fossum Blair was a high school administrator in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Prescott, Ariz. She currently serves as an investigator in the Assistance and Investigations Division of the Inspector General of the Marine Corps. She processes assistance cases in order to address complaints involving issues of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement. She also provides oversight and guidance to 47 subordinate Command Inspector General offices on inquiries and investigations. Fossum Blair served as regimental adjutant and legal officer for 16 months before deploying to Helmand Province, Afghanistan from September 2009 to April 2010. While deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, she served as the battalion adjutant and legal officer. In this role, she was responsible for accountability of personnel, awards processing, casualty reporting, and coordinating administrative legal matters. She also served as officer in charge and team leader for Female Engagement Team (FET) missions, meeting with over 200 local Afghan women in support of combat operations. Upon return from deployment, Fossum Blair resumed work as regimental adjutant for CLR-17 until joining the Office of the Inspector General of the Marine Corps in August 2010. WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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100 FOR 100 Hugo Keim, M.D. ’56 Orthopedic surgeon, philanthropist Hometown: Chicago, Ill. Major: Biology Dr. Hugo Keim was the chief of spinal surgery at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City for 29 years. During this time he witnessed the struggles of disabled young people and wanted to assist them. In 1992 Dr. Keim and his wife, Alicia, sent two students who were in wheelchairs to college. This first act of kindness started the “ChairScholars Foundation” which has over the years awarded over 640 scholarships. In 1995, after a move to Florida the Keims realized the need for a program such as this and teamed with “Take Stock in Children.” This connection made education accessible to other students by awarding them full scholarships to either vocational or four-year universities through the Florida university system. The “ChairScholars Foundation” extends beyond providing financial support for students, who are chosen for scholarship in middle school and are nurtured throughout high school and into college. After college the graduates continue to be connected with supporters and allies, ensuring that self-determination decides success and barriers to success can be removed. Dr. Keim believes no physical impairment should deter a motivated mind.
John Tschida ’90 Educator, coach, mentor Hometown: St. Paul, Minn. Major: Marketing John Tschida has been coaching fastpitch softball in the competitive MIAC conference since 1991, and he is regarded among the elite coaches in college softball. He coached for six years at Saint Mary’s guiding the team to five consecutive postseason appearances and a NCAA Division III national championship title in 2000. In 2004 (at St. Thomas) he became the first softball coach to win NCAA championships at two different schools. Tschida is also a two-time NFCA Division III Coach of the Year and is the winningest Division III fastpitch coach, active or retired. He has been the MIAC coach of the year eight times, has multiple MIAC championships, and each of his teams has been ranked nationally. An impressive and well-respected coach and mentor, he has had hundreds of student athletes who have proudly called him “coach.” Tschida was an active student at Saint Mary’s and a four-year letter-winner for the baseball team. He is a member of the SMU Sports Hall of Fame as both a player and coach.
Mariana Sanchez ’10 Soccer coach, graphic designer, cancer victim advocate Hometown: Puebla, Mexico Major: Graphic Design Mariana Sanchez was a team captain and all-conference soccer player, but more importantly she was a supporter of athletics and the university. This desire and love for athletics continued as she was asked to be an assistant soccer coach at Western Illinois University, a Division I school, where she
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helped lead the team to the end of a successful season. She also has a desire to advocate and care for children who are battling cancer. These desires led her to found the “Trains for a Cause Campaign.” This organization was established to bring happiness into the lives of children who have been diagnosed with cancer and to collect monetary donations for those in need and organizations that support these children. In addition, she is a creative graphic designer and has used her talents in multiple ways to improve the lives of others.
John Johnston, FSC ’55, M’63 Teacher, administrator, provincial, vicar general, superior general of the De La Salle Christian Brothers Hometown: Memphis, Tenn. Major: Modern Languages Brother John lived an illustrious life as a Brother that spanned 56 years. He received the habit of the Order in 1951 and professed perpetual vows in 1958. He was a high school teacher, school administrator and then college director of the student Brothers at the scholasticate (St. Joseph Hall). In 1971, Brother John was appointed provincial of the St. Louis District of the Christian Brothers. In 1976, he became vicar general of the Brothers, and in 1986, he was elected superior general and reelected for a second term in 1993. As superior general, Brother John visited all of the 82 countries where the Brothers of the Christian Schools and Lasallian Partners minister. He became known and highly respected for his great competence and influential leadership style. Time and again, he was asked to address special religious conferences, and in each group rose to such positions as vice president of the Union of Superiors General in Rome, auditor for the Synod of Priestly Formation and consultant for the Vatican Congregation for Consecrated Life.
Bill & Mia (Cacciabondo ’90) Geheren ’90 Caring parents, inspirational role models Hometown: St. Paul, Minn., and Chicago, Ill. Majors: Marketing/ Management and Elementary Education Bill and Mia met as students at Saint Mary’s in 1986. Shortly after getting married in 1993, they moved back to Winona where Bill worked at Saint Mary’s Press and Mia was a hall director at the university. After moving to campus their first child Michael was born. He spent his first four years as a “Little Cardinal.” Upon leaving Winona, Bill and Mia embarked on a journey of adopting children. Their three youngest boys have special needs that range FALL/WINTER 2013
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from moderate to severe. Their four boys are their life! They say, “We have been blessed in this life – truly blessed. Although we have had our share of challenges, knowing God is looking out for us has carried us through this journey.”
Michael Bilandic, J.D. ’47 Attorney, Chicago councilman, mayor of Chicago, appellate judge, chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court Hometown: Chicago, Ill. Major: Economics A native Chicagoan, Michael Bilandic graduated from De La Salle Institute (high school) on Chicago’s Southwest side in 1940. Upon his high school graduation he served in WWII as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific. After the war he enrolled in Saint Mary’s and earned an undergraduate degree in economics. Upon his return to Chicago, he entered De Paul University where he earned his law degree. Bilandic was a member of the Chicago City Council from 1969 through 1976 when he was appointed acting mayor following the death of Mayor Richard Daley. In 1977 he was elected mayor in his own right of the second-largest city in the U.S. After leaving the mayor’s office he returned to private law practice as a partner in the firm of Bilandic, Neistein, Richman, Hauslinger and Young. In 1984 he was elected to the First District Appellate Court, where he served until elected to the Illinois Supreme Court.
George Levy Mueller ’53 Survivor, veteran, pharmacist, musician, pilot, author Hometown: Lippstadt, Germany (Chicago, Ill.) Major: Economics George Mueller came to America putting a horrific and painful past behind him, vowing to start fresh in this new country. A concentration camp survivor, it wasn’t until he proposed to his wife at Lake Winona that he even admitted to her that he was Jewish. At the age of 8, he had seen his family’s home and business taken away. His father and uncle were detained by the SS (the black-uniformed corps of the Nazi Party) for several weeks and died shortly thereafter. The last time he and his young sister saw his mother, Lucie, was on a cold, grey, February morning in 1939 in a German railway station. She died in a concentration camp one month prior to its liberation by the Americans. All told, Mueller and his younger sister, Ursula, spent time in three different concentration camps, the last of which was Bergen-Belsen. Once George and Ursula’s uncle and aunt learned they were alive, they sent for the two children to come and live with them in America, and in 1950 Mueller came to Saint Mary’s where he kept his past a secret. In 2003, he wrote and published “Lucie’s Hope,” a memoir of his experience during the Holocaust. Reflecting on his experience Mueller said, “I must say I’m glad I went to Saint Mary’s, because for the first time since I was 8 years old, I felt like a normal person.”
Anthony “Tony” Adducci ’59 Inventor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, Knight of the Holy Sepulchre Hometown: Chicago, Ill. Major: Physics Upon graduation from Saint Mary’s, Tony Adducci did additional study in electrical engineering at the Illinois Institute of
Technology in Chicago and business administration at the University of Minnesota. In 1961, he joined International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation in Chicago where, as a development engineer, he instructed numerous training courses on digital data communication systems, and as a senior test engineer he directed ITT personnel in electro-interference testing of the Boeing Minuteman (missile) for the Strategic Air Command. He is best known for co-founding Cardiac Pacemakers Inc. (CPI), the company that manufactured the world’s first lithium battery artificial pacemaker.
Msgr. R. Paul Heiting ’78 Priest, vice rector of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, campus minister, judicial vicar for the Diocese of Winona Hometown: Winona, Minn. Major: English and Religious Studies Father Paul Heiting’s responsibilities in the Winona Diocese are wide and varied. Saint Mary’s University is fortunate to have Father Heiting preside at many weekday and Sunday liturgies. In a world where there is so much confusion and ambiguity, he possesses a wonderful gift of connecting with students, parents, faculty and staff. “As a native of Winona, I had the privilege of benefitting from solid Catholic formation, first in my family, and later through the local Catholic school system,” he said. “As a student at Saint Mary’s, I experienced first-hand the example and dedication of the Christian Brothers. At the college, my mother Betty served for many years as secretary to the academic dean. My sister, Chris, served for many years as director of financial aid. I find it providential that, in addition to my work at the diocese and seminary, I have been able to serve as a campus minister here at the university for the past 10 years. Seeing the faith come alive in the hearts and minds of our students is a real joy.”
Ian Bents ’03 Vice president — business banking, Profinium Financial, Inc., volunteer Hometown: Fairmont, Minn. Major: Management While a student at Saint Mary’s, Ian Bents played both hockey and baseball, and volunteered at Bethany Catholic Worker Homeless Shelter on weekends. Upon graduation from Saint Mary’s he was hired by Profinium Financial, Inc. Shortly thereafter, he obtained a diploma from the Central States Conference of Bankers Association and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Over the course of the past nine years he coached baseball and hockey at Fairmont High School, was a STRIVE mentor to high school students preparing them for their post-graduation opportunities and responsibilities, and served as a member of the Fairmont Medical Center/Mayo Foundation Committee. In addition, he serves as president of the Fairmont Opera House Board, and the Martin County Youth Foundation Board. “Outside of providing me with a great education, Saint Mary’s equipped me with life skills that I truly believe I could not have received elsewhere,” he said. “The opportunities that I had to build relationships with fellow students, as well as faculty and staff, provided me with infinite value that I will treasure forever.”
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100 FOR 100 Roger Lucas, Ph.D. ’65 2012 Distinguished Alumnus, chair of the board of Envoy Medical, co-founder & vice chair of the board of TECHNE Corp., board member of ChemoChentryx, Inc. & Discovery Genomics, Inc. Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn. Major: Biology Dr. Roger Lucas has enjoyed a successful career in scientific research and development. Dr. Lucas received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Institute of Technology, and was the recipient of National Institutes of Health pre- and post-doctoral fellowships. He is one of the founding shareholders of Envoy Medical Corporation, the first company to design, manufacture and bring to market a fully implantable hearing restoration device that doesn’t use a microphone or speaker. He co-founded TECHNE Corporation in 1985 and it has grown into one of the world’s largest suppliers of biotechnology products. As a way to give back to his alma mater, Dr. Lucas funds summer internship collaborations between R&D Systems (a subsidiary of TECHNE Corporation) and Saint Mary’s so that current students can gain the same exceptional practical experience he had as a student.
However, a few years earlier he was inspired by John F. Kennedy’s challenge to university students to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. Therefore, from 1965 to 1967, Paape left Minnesota and served in Nigeria as a member of the United States Peace Corps where he taught mathematics and African history. After returning to the United States, he attended the University of Minnesota and earned an M.A. in journalism/mass communication. From 1968 to 1987, and again from 1989 until 1999, he taught at Grace High School (now Totino-Grace High School) in Fridley, Minn., where he became one of the most respected teachers in the school’s history. He was granted a two-year leave of absence in 1987 in order to do another term in the Peace Corps – this time at the Universite Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco. In 1996, he received the Teacher of the Year Award from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. In 1999, after a year working at the American Refugee Committee in Minneapolis, Bud began another career at Saint Mary’s of Minnesota in Minneapolis where he serves as the administrative assistant for the M.A. in Education Wisconsin program. “Saint Mary’s showed me a path from Winona to a most interesting world,” he said. “The universality of Lasallian educational philosophy served me well in suburban St. Paul, in the bush of Nigeria, at the university in Morocco ... and beyond.”
Benjamin Murray ’96 Certified Public Accountant, co-founder & president of San Miguel Middle School of Minneapolis, volunteer ESL instructor, vice president for financial affairs for Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Hometown: Austin, Minn. Major: Accounting While a student at Saint Mary’s, Ben Murray was in the Lasallian Honors Program, led S.O.U.L. Mission Trips and Buddies (a Campus Ministry organization that works with developmentally delayed adults), was voted Outstanding Senior Male in 1996, and played an influential role representing the student body when Saint Mary’s transitioned from a college to a university. Throughout college, he also worked a minimum of 20 hours a week as part of the work-study program. Upon graduation, Murray became a licensed CPA and worked as an auditor for Virchow Krause (now Baker Tilly). After four years he left to lay the groundwork in founding San Miguel School of Minneapolis (an urban Lasallian middle school), eventually becoming its president. In 2011 he earned a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. He currently serves as chair for both the Saint Mary’s Press Board of Directors and the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Finance Committee. “Saint Mary’s University has helped me to weave knowledge, ethics and spirituality into the fabric of my life, connecting my values with my vocation. The Lasallian charism draws me into a deeper understanding of community and the importance of engaging others to work for the common good,” he said.
Emil “Bud” Paape ’62 High school teacher, Peace Corps volunteer, university instructor Hometown: Winona, Minn. Major: History From 1962 to 1965, Bud Paape taught history, mathematics and English at Hill High School, a Lasallian (Christian Brother-affiliated school) in Maplewood, Minn.
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George Speltz ’32 Priest, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Winona, bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud Hometown: Altura, Minn. Major: Philosophy Upon graduation from Saint Mary’s, George Speltz continued his studies at the St. Paul Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood in 1940. In 1944 he earned a doctorate in economics from the Catholic University of America (D.C.). Beginning in 1944 he served the Winona Diocese in many capacities which included: assistant pastor, pastor, vice chancellor, superintendent of diocesan schools, professor at Saint Mary’s, and the first rector of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. Bishop Speltz also attended the final three sessions of the Second Vatican Council (1963-1965).
Sarah Bellingham Laitinen ’07 Middle school teacher, Lasallian educator, Lasallian Volunteer Hometown: Harmony, Minn. Major: Childhood/Early Adolescence Education K-8 From August 2007 to June 2009 Laitinen was a Lasallian Volunteer at San Miguel Middle School for urban boys in the Greater Providence, R.I. area. This school is dedicated to the belief that education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, a philosophy Laitinen strongly embraces. In June 2009, she was hired full-time as a 6th grade teacher and was asked to co-moderate the Lasallian Youth Group and the school dance team. Her desire to be part of the Lasallian world continues as a participant in the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies and work on an M.A. in Education. In 2010, Laitinen was invited to participate in the Regional Young Lasallian Formation Program for the United States and Canada, and in 2011 she was asked to be a delegate at the District of Eastern North America’s Mission Assembly. She is currently a member of the coordinating committee of the Rhode Island Lasallian Association. Laitinen is a proud FALL/WINTER 2013
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daughter of a 1979 alum, Jane (Doyle) Sagen. “I feel blessed for having received a Lasallian education from Saint Mary’s. I am proud to be a Lasallian educator in association with the Christian Brothers and Lasallians all over the world who provide a human and Christian education to the children entrusted to our care.”
Robert Donahue ’29 Radio & television personality, volunteer for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind Hometown: St. Charles, Minn. After a long career in radio and television, Robert Donahue began a second career as a volunteer. In 1999 he was presented the Jane Falk Award for outstanding volunteer service by the Massachusetts Association for the Blind, after 16 years of dedicated volunteer service, where he began as a driver and escort for clients going to appointments. As a former broadcaster, his rich voice and clear diction led him to do readings for people with disabilities, first in-person and later by recording materials on cassette. One of his early reading assignments was to read mail every week to a young man with a learning disability. Over the years, he read and recorded cookbooks, a typewriter manual, magazines and medical textbooks. It gained him a reputation as a man who could be counted on to do an excellent job as a reader and recorder, whatever the assignment, and his age never stood in the way of his willingness to assist those who were in need of his vision and his voice.
Joseph J. Ross ’67 2007 Distinguished Alumnus, executive, Board of Trustees member, benefactor Hometown: Naperville, Ill. Major: Social Studies Joe Ross served as president and chief executive officer of the Fortune 500 company Federal Signal Corp. from 1987 until his retirement in 2004. Throughout his career he was committed to ethical business practices at the corporate level. Over the years he has assisted others, most importantly the poor and marginalized here in the United States and Africa. He learned early in life from his mother that respect and dignity should be given to all, men and women alike. He is a member of several boards including his current position as treasurer on the Saint Mary’s University Board of Trustees. In 2007 the university awarded Ross the Distinguished Alumni Award. He has also been a generous benefactor to the university for many years especially with the endeavors of Christ the Teacher Institute for Education (a branch of Saint Mary’s University) in Nairobi, Kenya, and the English-speaking district of the Christian Brothers in Africa.
Celeste Williams ’80 Professional actress, theatre professor Hometown: Chicago, Ill. Major: Theatre Celeste Williams is a professional actress and has starred in various theatrical shows in the Midwest. Her Chicago credits include productions at Court Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Next Theatre, Onyx Theatre Ensemble (co-founder), Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Northlight Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Writers’ Theatre, and Victory Gardens. She has also
performed regionally, including with the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, where she was a member of the acting company. She is a member of the Columbia College theater faculty where she mentors and assists performers and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. In 1999 and 2011, Williams received the “Best Featured Actress in a Play” award from Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc. Williams continues to support Saint Mary’s by being a member of various committees.
Jon J. Kabara, Ph.D. ’48 Medical researcher, entrepreneur, professor Hometown: Galena, Ill. Major: Chemistry After graduating from Saint Mary’s, Jon Kabara earned an M.S. in Organic Chemistry at the University of Miami, and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the University of Chicago. He dedicated his life to medical research. He served as a professor at the University of Detroit and later Michigan State University, where in 1969 he helped establish the first school of osteopathic medicine affiliated with a major university. An expert in the field of dietary fats and oils, Dr. Kabara and his innovative company, Med-Chem Labs, Inc. were awarded 16 U.S. and foreign patents. He is credited with more than 200 publications, including eight books. In 2005, Jon and Betty Kabara made a transformational gift to establish the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Saint Mary’s University. In 1970, Saint Mary’s honored Dr. Kabara with the Heffron Service Award; in 1998 he received the Distinguished Alumni Award; and in 2008 he received an honorary Doctorate of Ethical Leadership. In 2012 the university recognized Betty and the late Jon Kabara with the Heritage Award for exceptional philanthropy.
Janeé Harteau ’03, M.A.’06 Chief of Police, City of Minneapolis, instructor with Saint Mary’s University Hometown: Andover, Minn. Majors: B.S. in Police Science, M.A. Public Safety Administration Janeé Harteau joined the Minneapolis Police Department in February of 1987 and worked her way through the ranks, beginning as a patrol officer in both north and south Minneapolis and assigned to the SWAT team as a hostage negotiator. She has worked as a supervisor on the Street, Narcotics, Organized Crime and Gang Unit, commanded the Crime Lab and the Licensing Unit and formalized the SafeZone collaborative. Prior to becoming the assistant chief in 2010, Harteau was the Deputy Chief of the Patrol Bureau where she was responsible for all Minneapolis Police Department 911 response personnel and the department’s emergency services units. Currently she trains law enforcement leaders nationally and is an assistant professor for Saint Mary’s in the Police Science programs. Harteau also serves on the boards of directors for the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), at Youthlink (a non-profit that serves homeless youth), and Cornerhouse, which provides resources for abused children. She recently met with President Barack Obama on two occasions on issues related to gun control and public safety.≠
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So, what’s new with you?
calendar of events
Alumni — send us your news! Saint Mary’s Magazine welcomes contributions to the Alumni Class Notes section. We want your personal and professional news items. Photos, news clippings, etc., are also welcome, as well as tips about fellow alums who might make good feature story subjects.
Mail or fax this form, or submit your news online or by e-mail. Send to:
Saint Mary’s University 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 Fax: (507) 457-6967 Contact us online: www.mysmumn.org E-mail: alumni@smumn.edu
• SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Alumni Class Notes are printed in the Saint Mary’s Magazine so that Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota alumni can share news of significant events in their lives. We welcome items about personal and professional achievements, as well as life milestones such as weddings, births, adoptions and deaths. We do not print news of engagements or pregnancies. We also do not print notices of non-legal commitment ceremonies. Photos and news clippings are welcome, but cannot be returned. • MINIMUM SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Your legal name, class year and email address; spouse’s legal name, class year and email address (if applicable); home address; and home phone number. Other useful information includes your business title, company name, address, phone number and e-mail address.
NOVEMBER 27-Dec 2 Thanksgiving Recess DECEMBER 3 Classes Resume 12 Study Day 13-14 Final Examinations 16-17 Final Examinations 18-Jan 12 Christmas Recess JANUARY 13 Semester II classes begin 19 Twin Cities Campus Graduation FEBRUARY 12-14 Board Retreat and Trustees Meeting (Twin Cities Campus) MARCH 1-9 Spring Recess 10 Classes Resume 30-April 5 De La Salle Week APRIL 1 11 12
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Founder’s Day Celebration of Scholarship & Honors Convocation Benefactor Recognition Dinner Easter Recess Classes Resume Study day Final examinations Final examinations Board of Trustees meeting Winona campus graduation
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SPORTS
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2013-2014 THEATRE www.pagetheatre.org
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O U R H I S T O RY
lookingback
A “Chance” Encounter For many years, this fun and intriguing photo of students adorned the hallways of our Office of Development and Alumni Relations. We have no idea its origins (what year it was taken or where), nor do we know the context, although it appears to be a setup student shot, perhaps from a school play. For added humor, look carefully at the reading material our students chose for the photo. Anyone with more — or more accurate — information about this photo is welcome to contact Saint Mary’s Magazine editor, Deb Nahrgang. Mail comments to Saint Mary’s Magazine, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #36, Winona, MN 55987. Or, send e-mail to: dnahrgan@smumn.edu.≠
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Winona, MN Permit 99 WINONA CAMPUS 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 USA
Order your Saint Mary’s Centennial $ commemorative 39.99 plus tax and shipping book now! Call the SMU Bookstore at (800) 635-5987, Ext. 1569 or e-mail w-bookstore@smumn.edu
Save the Date… May 17, 2014 Brother Charles Severin
CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE Union League Club, Chicago
A benefit gala advancing the sciences at Saint Mary’s University For more information, contact:
Joseph P. Sweeney ’81 jsweeney@smumn.edu Senior development director - Chicago