SM Mag F22W23

Fall 2022/Winter 2023

Outstanding in his fields Henry Gathje ’25 is nursing student and Cardinal catcher

INSIDE:

Success in the Sciences

CONTENTS

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FALL 2022/WINTER 2023 SUCCESS IN THE SCIENCES

FINANCIALS

ATHLETICS

HERITAGE AWARD

NEWS AND VIEWS

ALUMNI

CLASS NOTES

DR. DICK KOWLES TRIBUTE

ON THE COVER Henry Gathje ’25, like all Saint Mary’s nursing students, finds he can pursue his academic passion and successfully participate in campus life, starting Day One.

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT Gary Klein M’04 EDITOR Deb Nahrgang Phone: 507-457-6966 dnahrgan@smumn.edu CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Donny Nadeau B’85, Deb Nahrgang, Ben Rodgers PHOTOGRAPHERS Bob Conover, Geoffrey DeMarsh, Deb Nahrgang, Jana Noonan PRODUCTION Sara Anderson, Megan Weilandt CREATIVE DIRECTOR Bill Neumiller ART DIRECTOR Maria Beyerstedt PRINTED BY La Crosse Graphics ADDRESS CHANGES Saint Mary’s Magazine Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 ON THE WEB smumn.edu/magazine ABOUT SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Grounded in Lasallian Catholic values, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. Whether in person or online, adult or undergraduate, students are treated with respect, taught with humanity, and supported by faculty and staff committed to their success in programs designed to prepare graduates for today’s and tomorrow’s careers. Founded in 1912 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota enrolls nearly 4,100 students at its undergraduate and graduate programs on campuses in Minneapolis, Rochester, Winona, and online. Saint Mary’s offers a highly personal, real-world-ready educational experience that fully prepares students to work, lead, and serve with character and purpose.

Learn more at smumn.edu.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Celebrating the Sciences I

But success spans all academic areas

t doesn’t take a rocket scientist to clearly see this issue is about the sciences, an area that has excelled here for more than half a century.

Saint Mary’s was one of the first universities to require undergraduate research; our alumni say when they get to graduate school, they’re a step above the competition. In fact, I just interviewed an alumna who said when she got to graduate school, she was able to waive several courses because of the quality of the courses she had already taken at Saint Mary’s.

Clearly the undergraduate campus location — with the proximity of Gilmore Creek; the bluffs and their bountiful habitat, and the nearby Mississippi River — has always been an environmental biologist’s dream classroom. When we acquired what is now our Rochester Campus and its surrounding restored wetlands, we expanded our students’ environmental study opportunities.

How many alumni have stories of spending their summers doing research on the river? Our faculty have always involved students in their research, and — as a result — many students have had their work published while undergraduates. (Mark Leonard B’19 talks about this, beginning on page 16.)

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Additionally, each year, the university’s GeoSpatial Services employs dozens of students, involving them in important research that shapes the future of our environment. (See page 12.)

Alumni also aid in providing research opportunities for our students in many ways.

One of our generous benefactors, Betty Kabara, has made fighting cancer another part of her life’s work. Because of this, our students have the opportunity each summer to work in cancer research at the Kabara Cancer Research Institute at Gundersen Lutheran Health System. (See more on page 4.)

Our new undergraduate nursing program, currently in only its second year, with 30 enrolled students, is likely to more than double next fall — with 60 students already committed and a cap of 80 students. Just one of the things that sets Saint Mary’s program apart is the fact our students are admitted as nursing students as they begin as first-years.

So they’re able to take full advantage of a rich undergraduate experience and be part of the nursing program throughout their four years.

(See our cover story on page 13.)

And students in our 3+2 physician assistant program with Mayo Clinic School

of Health Sciences are now completing their fourth year, just one year from setting out into the world as PAs. They not only are learning from the best in the nation, they are also setting themselves up for amazing job placements, and they’re doing it all in just five years. (See the journey of one of our students, Britney Blacker ’23 on page 8.)

Saint Mary’s renowned science programming includes psychology at the graduate and undergraduate levels. (Chazz Robinson B’16 shares how his psychology degree led to his career on page 18.) One of our graduate alumni (and current Psy.D. students), Quincy Guinadi M’20, has been elected to a nationwide role with the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students. (She and several others who are either excelling in the sciences or helping Saint Mary’s excel in the sciences are mentioned on pages 20-21.)

Also at the graduate level, our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program typically has a waiting list, as our adult learners know the course is exactly what they need to excel in their careers. The DNP, formally our nurse anesthesia program, has made a name for itself in the industry. (See page 6 for an entrepreneurial alumna success story.)

The list goes on.

Next issue, I hope to showcase alumni and students in business, marketing, communication, and technology — another growing area with abundant success stories at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

As always, we’ll continue to celebrate all of our alumni, in every issue, because regardless of their academic areas of study, they’re accomplishing amazing things.

For now, let’s celebrate the sciences — the areas of study that help us make sense of the universe, cure diseases, feed the world, learn sustainable farming practices, study behavioral and mental processes, and much more. Our alumni are out making a difference in the world in many ways. That’s what’s worth celebrating.

Deb Nahrgang Saint Mary’s Magazine Editor

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FEATURE › SUCCESS IN THE SCIENCES

An opportunity to further cancer research Summer internship solidifies career aspirations

B ... being chosen to do this was exciting, and I know that what I’m doing is going to a bigger purpose …

Kaydi Breeser ’23

eing able to say you completed a summer internship at Gundersen Health System Kabara Cancer Research Institute is great for a résumé, but it was only a side benefit.

More importantly, for Saint Mary’s senior Kaydi Breeser ’23, a pre-physician assistant studies major from Caledonia, Minn., it solidified her medical career aspirations — and it was an opportunity to play a small role in the fight against cancer.

Breeser was a Saint Mary’s University Fellow at Gundersen, an academic collaboration brought about through 1958 alumnus Dr. Jon Kabara (now deceased) and his wife Betty, founders of the Kabara Cancer Research Institute in La Crosse, Wis. Breeser spent her summer learning how to use the flow cytometer, making samples, and assisting in an experiment aimed at fighting ovarian cancer.

“This experience was amazing, because research is extremely needed,” Breeser said.

“It’s really rewarding to play even a small role and hope that someday it helps research go further.”

Karen Cowden Dahl, Ph.D., a senior research scientist, has headed the institute’s ovarian cancer research for three years. As her mother died of cancer when she was a child, her work takes on added meaning.

She said not much progress has been made in ovarian cancer, a devastating disease with only a 46 percent survival rate. Because there’s no screening, she said the vast percentage of women don’t know they have

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the disease until it has progressed beyond hope for a cure.

“One of our biggest challenges is how to understand the cells that start tumors,” she said. “Cancer starts from one cell that goes crazy, the initiator cell. We know they exist but need to know more. If we know more about them, we can help get rid of them. One of the problems with ovarian cancer is that these cancer cells survive chemotherapy and can start new tumors. If we understand them, we can target drugs at the cells not killed by chemotherapy. We are doing a number of tests to define them better.”

Breeser hopes to become a physician assistant, and although she doesn’t plan to further a career in research, the lessons she learned in a real-life lab setting were invaluable.

“It verifies how much I enjoy the sciences and biology, and I know I’m heading in the right direction,” she said.

It also taught her valuable skills about communication.

“Everyone has heard from someone who has had bad experiences at doctor appointments, and it’s usually because they feel like the physicians aren’t paying enough attention,” she said. “I want to be a PA who is there for my patients and makes them feel heard, and I look forward to connecting with every patient.”

Cowden Dahl agrees that undergraduate research is one of the best things a student can do. “It solidifies their career path, and

most importantly develops those critical thinking skills.”

She said working with students is rewarding and energizing. “Students are fantastic. They come in with enthusiasm, wanting to learn, wanting to make a difference,” she said. “I’ve been very pleased with Saint Mary’s students. They’ve been fantastic, especially Kaydi, who has worked hard from Day One, reading things that helped her understand her project. All of her classwork and experience paid off, and she understood and took her project and ran with it.”

Breeser credits her classes and professors for helping to prepare her. “Saint Mary’s has some of the best professors I could imagine,”

she said. “I’ve never had a professor I didn’t like. They’re excited and passionate about what they’re teaching and always available to help you.”

Breeser is also grateful she had the opportunity to meet with Betty Kabara, who has herself battled cancer and whose philanthropic work and connections made her internship possible. “This position is very important to her, and she wants to make sure we are getting the most out of it as possible, so being chosen to do this was exciting, and I know that what I’m doing is going to a bigger purpose and will further Betty’s work.”

Kaydi Breeser ’23, right, worked closely with Karen Cowden Dahl, Ph.D., a senior research scientist, while she was a fellow at Gundersen Health System’s Kabara Cancer Research Institute.

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FEATURE › SUCCESS IN THE SCIENCES

Inventor by necessity Ventilator creation leads to successful company

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r. Roxanne McMurray M’93, a nurse anesthetist by trade, never planned on starting a medical device company.

“I never set out to be an entrepreneur,” she said. “I am very content providing anesthesia.”

But, as they say, necessity is the mother of invention. After years of frustration with ventilation equipment used to help patients breathe, McMurray knew something new

Dr. Roxanne McMurray M’93 holds the device she invented called the McMurray Enhanced Airway.

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and innovative was needed in the field.

This led to the invention of the McMurray Enhanced Airway and the foundation of McMurray Medical, the company she now runs with her husband and three other investors.

“With liability going up, not having devices that adapt to meet patient needs, and having to do workarounds to keep patient’s airways open, I noticed, ‘We need a device to open the distal pharyngeal tissue and keep patients breathing. The tools created a century ago do not work as well as they once did. ’ ” So, in 2016, McMurray and her business partners set out to design the McMurray Enhanced Airway. They oversaw the development of a number of prototypes and eventually were able to find a manufacturer for the device. In 2019, they officially launched the product.

The company is now on its third production run and is experiencing success.

The device is being used in 49 states and is used in major healthcare systems. According to McMurray, most of the connections the company has made have been through wordof-mouth advertising.

“We’re a bootstrap company,” she said.

And the device is being used beyond just the administration of anesthesia. In 2021, the McMurray Enhanced Airway received the EMS (emergency medical services) Innovation of the Year Award.

“The beauty of the device is that it is easy to use, it’s a multi-purpose tool, and it’s a simple, smarter, not harder device,” she said.

McMurray’s ability to create this groundbreaking medical device comes from years of experience in the field, along with advanced nursing education, which includes a

Master in Nurse Anesthesia degree from Saint Mary’s, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

Prior to attending Saint Mary’s, McMurray had been working as a critical care nurse.

Wanting to attain an advanced practice degree, she began weighing her options.

“Every nurse anesthetist I talked to loved their career,” she said. “I also enjoyed one-onone critical patient care, and being a nurse anesthetist is a good step towards having increased autonomy with critical patients.”

What impressed McMurray about Saint Mary’s program was the focus on particular body systems during clinical practices.

“We would do six weeks of the nervous system and then six weeks of the cardiac system, instead of a hodgepodge where you might say, ‘Oh, I’ll focus on this system today and this system tomorrow,’ ” she said.

She added that clinical placements during her time in the program were top-notch.

“There were always excellent practitioners at all of our clinical sites who provided stimulating learning,” she said.

Now nearly 20 years after her time at Saint Mary’s, McMurray says the education she received during her master’s program has helped her as she leads at McMurray Medical.

“Nurse anesthetists are leaders,” she said. “We’re taught to continuously improve our career, and we’re always wanting to do our best. In each scenario we’re in, we’re passionate about patient care and making sure we have the best devices possible to provide that care. And Saint Mary’s helped me develop that concept of doing your best and going beyond what is expected of you.”

Nurse anesthetists are leaders. In each scenario we’re in, we’re passionate about patient care and making sure we have the best devices possible to provide that care.

Dr. Roxanne McMurray M’93

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FEATURE › SUCCESS IN THE SCIENCES

Compassionate care Former patient studying to become PA

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When the No. 1 hospital in the nation says, ‘Hey want to come study with us?’, you don’t really say no.

Britney Blacker ’23

ritney Blacker ’23 can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to go into medicine. She has photos of herself, dressed in scrubs, at the age of 4. And when Blacker wasn’t dreaming of medicine, she was dreaming of softball.

She chose to leave her hometown of Castle Rock, Colo., to attend school nearly 1,000 miles away after doing an online search for Division III schools where she could both play softball and study in the sciences. She found Saint Mary’s.

A campus visit further narrowed her search, and when she was accepted into Saint Mary’s 3+2 physician assistant program with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, her decision was solidified.

“When the No. 1 hospital in the nation says, ‘Hey want to come study with us?’, you don’t really say no,” she said.

What draws Blacker to medicine is twofold. She loves the combination of solving problems and interacting with people.

“Healthcare is a beautiful world where I get to help people but also be a scientist,” she said. “It’s about being able to make a difference.”

The past few years, Blacker has gotten an in-depth look at healthcare from the other side — as a patient.

Her sophomore year, she required hip surgery. Blacker next suffered a blood clot,

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and through the surgeries and extended hospital stays, she struggled to keep her grades at the required GPA level to continue in the highly rigorous program.

Appropriately, Blacker — a former Cardinal infielder — summarizes life using a softball metaphor.

“Life sometimes throws you curveballs, but God also gives you a bat,” she says with a smile and a shoulder shrug.

Despite the obstacles, Blacker — now in the +2 portion of the program — has persevered and credits her team, both on the ballfield and in the classroom, with helping her stay in the game.

“I ended up dropping down to 12 credits at one point because I was in a wheelchair, so getting around was difficult,” she said.

“All the professors, and my adviser, were super understanding. And the softball team too. The support that I had from them was awesome. In this program, I have never once felt like a number. I tell stories to my family members who went to big colleges about how my faculty doesn’t just ask me, ‘How was our game?’ They know how the game was because they already know if we won. It’s a community.”

Blacker hopes her in-depth knowledge as a patient helps her become a better PA. “I hope it will help me be more empathetic with a better understanding of what it feels

Britney Blacker ’23 hopes her experience as a patient helps her better serve her future patients.

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FEATURE › SUCCESS IN THE SCIENCES

like to be a patient,” she said. “In the ICU on my third day, my hair was a mess and I didn’t feel human. A nurse asked if she could braid my hair, and it made me feel so much more human. That’s something I will carry through with me for my PA career and the rest of my life.”

All PA students spend their first three years on the Winona Campus; the following two years, they learn from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences faculty at the university’s Rochester Campus. In Rochester, they engage in

3+2 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM Saint Mary’s 3+2 PA Program, in collaboration with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, prepares you to pursue a physician assistant (PA) career. Learn more about the program at smumn.edu/ 32-pa-program.

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clinical learning experiences at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and throughout the Mayo Clinic Health System.

At the end of this year, Blacker will earn a B.A. in Biology Health Sciences, and at the end of next year, she’ll earn a Master of Health Sciences degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.

Blacker said her experiences on both campuses have been great. And she’s excited that learning is more hands-on and clinically based. “Now it isn’t just

‘What is this bone?’ It’s ‘There’s a 65-year-old man experiencing pain in this region; where is the fracture?’ It isn’t just a true or false question.”

She’s also performing pap smears, drawing blood, and working on both manikins in the sim center or on nurses from Mayo Clinic who volunteer as patients but also expertly guide students through the process.

“Every day I feel like I don’t deserve it,” Blacker said. “This is a world-class education.

From the livestreams of the cadavers, to the quality of the videos, to the way they teach, it’s a whole other level of education.

“And the emphasis is not only on the learning but about humanity,” she added.

“You are treating people, and you need to be compassionate.”

Blacker said any students who know with certainty they want to be a PA should apply to Saint Mary’s for several reasons. “I absolutely would recommend the program,” she said. “It’s a great option to be graduating earlier, and you are going to be challenged and be building your relationships with Mayo Clinic professionals early. It does take a year of your undergraduate experience, which is a sacrifice I knew I wanted to make, because I’m passionate about the PA program.

“I think there are very few programs out there like this one that provide the opportunities that this one does.”

Blacker ’23 is now in the final portion of the 3+2 program at Saint Mary’s Rochester Campus along with Cole Gunneson ’23.

Reviewing material is Alan Brokenicky, MPAS, PA-C of Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.

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FEATURE › SUCCESS IN THE SCIENCES

Informing the Supreme Court Students’ work at GeoSpatial Services submitted as testimony in clean water act case

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ith years of expertise in geographic information systems and natural resource management, Saint Mary’s GeoSpatial Services was tasked with compiling data that was used as testimony in a legal case that went before the Supreme Court in early October.

The case, Sackett vs. the EPA, focuses on a portion of the Clean Water Act that defines “waters of the United States,” and whether wetlands apply to that definition.

For the testimony that was submitted to the court, GeoSpatial Services engaged in modeling work that demonstrated what it would mean for wetland environments if the definition of “waters of the United States” were to be modified. According to Andy Robertson, director of GeoSpatial Services, the testimony is a culmination of five years of work mapping and modeling wetlands across the country.

Isabelle Ostrem ’23 and Katrina Danzinger ’23 work through a mapping project at GeoSpatial Services, which employs 38 full-time staff and between 35-55 students, depending upon the time of year.

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“No other organization nationwide has access to data like this,” Robertson said.

Because GeoSpatial Services hires undergraduate and graduate students, many Saint Mary’s students were involved over the years collecting this data. Students were also involved in quickly compiling data after GeoSpatial Services was approached to assist in the case, which Robertson says was a quick turnaround.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see the efforts of our students and professional staff contributing to national policy,” Robertson said. “This is a critical case before the Supreme Court and has the potential for nationwide impacts on clean water management.”

While the exact timing is not known, a decision on the case is expected during the court’s current session.

Outstanding in his fields Henry Gathje ’25 is both a nursing student and a Cardinal catcher

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enry Gathje ’25 hopes one day to work as a travel nurse in underserved and impoverished communities; it’s his dream to improve lives. Until then, he’s proving that it’s possible to be both a nursing student and be fully immersed in student activities — like serving as a catcher for the Cardinal baseball team.

“Being in the nursing cohort and on the baseball team provides me with a strong sense of purpose and belonging,” he said. “They both help me manage my time in order to create a healthy balance between academics and athletics. My baseball team highly emphasizes the importance of being a good person, being a great teammate, caring, and working extremely hard. These adopted values translate into any professional career — especially nursing.”

Gathje came to Saint Mary’s to experience the best of both worlds, participating in college life to its fullest while working toward his dream career of being a nurse — from Day One on campus. That’s something that sets Saint Mary’s apart from the competition.

Learn more about Saint Mary’s undergraduate nursing degree program at: smumn.edu/nursing.

Henry Gathje ’25 is one of 30 current nursing students in Winona.

Next fall, between 60-80 students will be enrolled in the nursing program.

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FEATURE › SUCCESS IN THE SCIENCES

Nontraditional path to higher ed Advanced degrees lead to career advances

G Completing my degree was doing something for me. And I knew by doing that and making that single decision, it would change the pathway for my future as a professional.

Emy Johnson B’07, M’15

rowing up, Emy Johnson B’07, M’15 was taught by her mother that one can get by in life with “a little bit of grit, a whole lot of grace, and a whole lot of faith.” That determination launched Johnson, who now serves as the vice president and chief security officer at Allina Health, into a successful career in the corporate business world.

When Johnson first entered the corporate world at Target Corporation, she had only a high school degree. During her first few years, as she moved up within the company, she had no plans to further her education.

However, Johnson said she reached a point where she knew she would need to obtain a bachelor’s degree to further advance her career in the retail sector. But enrolling in college was a daunting thought.

“I just wasn’t sure I could do it at the end of the day,” she said.

What she needed to return to the classroom was a little push, and she received it from a Saint Mary’s faculty member before she even enrolled.

While working on a project for a local law enforcement organization, Johnson had the opportunity to meet Don Winger, the program director for the B.S. in Law Enforcement Leadership program at Saint Mary’s. During their interactions, Winger asked Johnson where she received her degree.

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“I answered the way I always did in professional settings: The school of hard knocks,” she said.

Upon hearing her response, Winger insisted that Johnson return to the classroom and suggested she do so at Saint Mary’s. Still feeling she lacked the confidence to return to school, she had to think about it. To help ease those feelings, Winger said he would assist Johnson through her education any way he could, even on Day One. “I still felt I wasn’t ready to go back, and so to Don’s credit, he said, ‘I’ll walk with you to your first class, and I will help you be successful,’ ” she said.

It was that promise, and follow-through, that led Johnson to enroll in a bachelor’s completion program.

“I just saw myself as someone who needed to get a degree but I didn’t actually see myself as a student,” she said. “And the idea of being a mom and a wife and a worker, while being a student on top of that, seemed overwhelming. But the day I walked into Saint Mary’s, I knew I had the support of the administration, faculty, and my fellow students. I knew I would be successful.”

After finishing the bachelor’s completion program, Johnson wanted something that would complement her B.S. in Police Science, which led her to enroll in the M.A. in Human Development program at Saint Mary’s.

Now equipped with two degrees, Johnson says her experience at Saint Mary’s informs

Emy Johnson B’07, M’15, vice president and chief security officer at Allina Health.

how she leads as the chief security officer at Allina Health.

“At the end of the day, when I think about what I took away from Saint Mary’s, the most important thing is community,” she said. “And that’s something we believe in at Allina. We’re not just a healthcare provider, we’re a healthcare provider that is making the community better. And Saint Mary’s taught me whether I was going to a class, an event, or even graduation, all of that was being part of a community.”

Johnson knows continuing schooling can be daunting for nontraditional and adult learners; however, she wants those

considering returning to school to know it’s never too late to do so.

“Going back for my degree cemented in me the idea that I don’t have to do everything for everybody all the time. Completing my degree was doing something for me,” she said. “And I knew by doing that and making that single decision, it would change the pathway for my future as a professional.”

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FEATURE › SUCCESS IN THE SCIENCES

Mark Leonard B’19 began building a career in public health entomology while a student at Saint Mary’s.

Bitten by research bug College research set Mark Leonard B’19 on successful career path

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fter his first taste of field research, Mark Leonard B’19 was bitten.

And now, the biology major has built a career studying and controlling dangerous mosquito populations.

Leonard’s end goal, as a research scientist at Iowa State University, is to control populations of these vector species, because they can transmit diseases to us and to animals. According to the World Health 16 | SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | FALL 2022/WINTER 2023

Organization, vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually.

If he gets bitten in the process, it’s a risk he’s willing to take.

“You get used to it,” he said. “You develop a habit of not itching them.”

Armed with long sleeves and long pants, and typically walking around marshy areas in humid conditions, Leonard also battles the

heat, various weather conditions, and many interesting people who are wary of him being near their property.

But Leonard wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The biggest focus is making sure people are safe, keeping diseases out of human circulation, as they can be chronic and even lethal,” he said. “And they’re often underreported. There’s lots of risks out there, but the work being done is definitely helping.”

Leonard came to Saint Mary’s with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.

After taking standard biology courses, he realized the versatility of a biology degree.

And, after working on tick research with one of his professors, Dr. Jeanne Minnerath, and observing woodpecker scavenging behaviors with his adviser, Dr. Benjamin Pauli, he became fascinated with field research.

His work with Dr. Pauli was published in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology.

“That was my first time ever doing highly detailed scientific writing for a journal, and it was a big learning experience. I found it exciting,” he said.

The summer before grad school and during the summer of 2020, he began working with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) as a control technician and inspector.

“Most of what I did was fieldwork, going to various sites around the Anoka-Hennepin area, doing treatments and surveillance for both larval and adult mosquitoes. I also went out to wetlands with dry material in trucks and applied the material treatment. And I determined where and how much material should be distributed aerially by helicopter,” he said.

Leonard continued in public health entomology, graduating early from the University of Minnesota, earning a Master of Public Health degree in 2020. In grad school, he and colleagues came up with a concept for a sampling tool, and he ended up making a prototype; the results of this process were

published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association.

In 2021, he became a vector control director/GIS manager for Lake County Health Department in Crown Point, Ind. “There I was in more of a directorial position,” he said. “I was responsible for leading a small crew of technicians who did what I did at MMCD and made bigger decisions for control methods. I also processed the data generated and what was reported to the state.”

Since June, Leonard has been working at Iowa State University, where life has come full circle and he is now working with students on research.

“In the summer months when it’s warm, we have a handful of counties who collect mosquitos with their own health departments and send them in for identification,” he said.

“I work summers with another colleague and students to identify these samples and log them into a data form so at the end of the season, my colleague and I can pick up on patterns, determine where to sample in the future, and make recommendations.”

Looking back, Leonard says the handson learning he received with Saint Mary’s faculty set him up for a successful graduate experience, as well as career.

“It is one of, if not, the strongest bricks in the foundation that was laid in my professional academic life,” he said. “Having the opportunity to work in that capacity and work on projects affiliated with the internship and working with Dr. Pauli on the publications and in general with my thesis, it set a lot of really strong precedents, habits, and ways of thinking as I moved through my education and into the professional working sphere.

“The Biology Department is great.

Professors are amazing. They do a great job teaching. If someone has an interest in life sciences or chemistry or biochemistry, I would definitely recommend Saint Mary’s.”

(Hands-on experiences in college) set a lot of really strong precedents, habits, and ways of thinking as I moved through my education and into the professional working sphere.

Mark Leonard B’19

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FEATURE › SUCCESS IN THE SCIENCES

Advocating for education Chazz Robinson B’16 knows from experience that education is transformational

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Chazz Robinson B’16 is currently serving as a policy adviser for Third Way.

n his current position as a policy adviser for Third Way, Chazz Robinson B’16 says he’s always thinking about low income students, racial minorities, anyone who could be left out of the conversation.

He can’t forget them, because he once was them.

As a young man growing up in poverty in inner city Milwaukee, Robinson describes himself as someone who was too quick to anger and frequently in the principal’s office.

School wasn’t a priority.

“My upbringing, in a tough environment, was rough around the edges,” he said. “I didn’t even know a world existed outside of my neighborhood.”

Ironically, in high school, Robinson transferred to a charter high school, primarily so he didn’t need to walk so far from his home, and it ended up being a step in the right direction. There he was required to wear a dress shirt and tie every day, and for the first time, his grades became a priority.

Suddenly, college seemed like an option as a way up and a way out.

“I was the first one in my neighborhood to go to college, to get away,” he said. “It was a big weight to carry but was something I wanted to do.

It changed my life, just leaving and going to Saint Mary’s.”

For two years as a young teen, Robinson said his family moved up to middle class, back when his mother’s job as a realtor

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was flourishing. Then, with a 2008 recession, they lost everything. “We had moved to a different neighborhood. We had a nice rec room in the basement,” he said. “It was enough of a taste. When the recession hit and we lost it all, I was still motivated to get that back.”

He credits Saint Mary’s for accepting him and for giving him the confidence and support he needed to further his studies and his career.

“Education changed my life, short and sweet,” he said. “I didn’t really have any confidence, didn’t know if I could do a degree in general, didn’t know if I could do college. At Saint Mary’s, I had the supportive faculty and staff to encourage me and build confidence in me, saying ‘You can do this!’ After a while, you start to believe it a little bit. Saint Mary’s was big for me, because it was so close knit.

Every office knew me.”

Robinson also credits his mother for instilling the importance of education in him.

In fact, she started college at the same time as he did; the two graduated on the same weekend.

And now, the young man who once dreaded school has never left school — earning a B.A. in Psychology from Saint Mary’s in 2016, and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University at Buffalo. He then went on to receive the Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship and become a Presidential Fellow at the University at Buffalo, where he is currently completing his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy.

At Saint Mary’s, Robinson studied psychology because he was fascinated by human behavior. “I used to wonder why people did the things they did and think the things they think,” he said. “I enjoyed learning

how our environments play a big role in the things we accomplish. “ His background in psychology and in education are pairing well in his new position at Third Way, in which he is working to improve student outcomes, particularly for low-income students. Third Way is a national think tank which provides information to legislators and federal policy makers.

Its website describes the organization as “fighting for opportunity, so everyone has the chance to earn a good life; progress on social issues, so all have the freedom to live the lives they choose; and security, so we are protected from 21st century global threats.”

His most recent research has been on graduate student debt. He is delving into topics like the true return on investment for graduate students and for taxpayers. Seven months into his job, he’s learning more about the intensive political divide. “No one size fits all in this work,” he said. “That’s probably the hardest pill to swallow. There’s not a policy or bill in this world where everybody says, ‘We all love it.’ ” He puts his psychology knowledge to good use regularly. “It’s important to question why someone, even those people you are not fond of, feel the way they do. People think how they think based on how they are raised, their environment. People may be different from me politically and racially, and we can still have a good conversation. I might not agree with you, but I can understand your perspective.”

It all starts with a conversation, and Robinson wants other youths to know he’s there for them. “Now when people reach out to me, it’s a full circle moment,” he said.

“Those are very dear to my heart, because people were there for me.”

Education changed my life, short and sweet.

I didn’t really have any confidence, didn’t know if I could do a degree in general, didn’t know if I could do college.

At Saint Mary’s, I had the supportive faculty and staff to encourage me and build confidence in me, saying ‘You can do this!’

Chazz Robinson B’16

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FEATURE › SUCCESS IN THE SCIENCES

Saint Mary’s Science Highlights

Alumni, faculty, students continue successful science legacy Denise Klinkner B’97, M.D.

In 2015, Denise Klinkner B’97, M.D. played a role in successfully separating conjoined twins Knatalye Hope and Adeline Faith Mata at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. The highly complicated — and highly publicized — surgery took roughly 18 hours in all. The two girls, just 10 months old at the time, were joined at the chest and abdomen, and Dr. Klinkner had known them since birth.

Christopher Virruso III B’18

An avid outdoorsman and environmental biology major, Christopher Virruso III B’18 works as a firefighter; however, there are no big red trucks in his line of work. As a wildland firefighter and forestry technician with the U.S. Forest Service stationed in White River National Forest, he hiked the Rocky Mountains of Colorado during fire season — sometimes working 16 hours a day for 14 straight days — to suppress wildfires with hand tools and chainsaws.

Jon Roesler

Jon Roesler, Saint Mary’s new Master of Public Health Program director, has more than 35 years of experience working for the Minnesota Department of Health. He recently co-published an article titled “Trends in Deaths Fully Attributable to Alcohol in Minnesota, 2000-2018” in Public Health Reports 2022, Vol. 137(6) 1091–1099 © 2021, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health. Conclusions of the study may increase awareness of racial and ethnic disparities and continuing health inequities and inform public health prevention efforts. In December, he also co-authored “Establishing a Baseline Measure for Evaluating Upstream, Primary Prevention Efforts: Quantifying Fatal Events Associated with Law Enforcement Service Calls and Encounters in Minnesota – 2016-2021” for the Minnesota Department of Health.

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Joseph Cochran B’00, M.D.

Joseph Cochran B’00, M.D. is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in endovascular surgery, cerebrovascular surgery, brain tumors, skull base surgery, and complex and minimally invasive spine surgery in Houston, Texas. He has co-authored numerous articles regarding cerebral vasospasm, traumatic vascular injuries, and cervical artificial disc replacement. His work has even been featured in People Magazine for helping Meredith Staggers, founder of Cake & Confetti, after she suffered a brain aneurysm. In 2017, he made headlines for rescuing people by boat who were stranded during Hurricane Harvey.

Robert ‘Bob’ Godar B’67

Bob Godar B’67 is the CEO of Scientific Equipment Liquidators in Big Lake, Minn. Godar’s company acquires and relocates health care equipment; he was gracious in donating more than $10,000 worth of exam tables, stretchers, hospital beds, and a medical crib, now part of the Winona Campus nursing simulation lab. He also gifted equipment for the Nurse Anesthesia simulation lab on the Minneapolis Campus. These valuable learning tools, if purchased outright, would have cost the university considerably more.

Quincy Guinadi M’20

Current grad student Quincy Guinadi M’20 was elected 2022 chairelect of the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS), which serves as the main body and voice for Psy.D. students nationwide. During her three-year term, it is her goal to advocate for students who are struggling with loan debt; finances/financial support, scholarships and grants; and equity in graduate training programs. She’s been a leader in Saint Mary’s Psy.D. program and active in the Minnesota Psychological Association’s Student Division, where she served as cochair as a first-year Psy.D. student.

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FINANCIALS

Financials 2021-22

Saint Mary’s annual report of its financial status Revenues and Expenditures

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Revenues and Gains

Assets

Net tuition and fees Government grants Private gifts and grants Sponsored research and programs Endowment income Other sources Net gain on investments Auxiliary enterprises

$51,274,552 $8,210,900 $13,253,146 $682,533 $1,424,482 $1,966,555 ($5,109,470) $7,967,347

Total revenues & gains

$79,670,045

Cash and cash equivalents Receivables Prepaid expenses Endowment investments Other investments Property, plant, and equipment Total assets

$18,461,488 $15,091,735 $273,570 $68,776,461 $360,529 $99,391,800 $202,355,583

Liabilities Expenses Instruction Research Public service Academic support Student services Auxiliary enterprises Institutional support Annuities payable adjustment

$25,337,114 $86,356 $5,432,703 $8,520,032 $17,425,363 $5,883,909 $17,369,031 $38,655

Accounts payable Accrued liabilities Deposits and deferred revenue Asset retirement obligation Contract payable-food service Loans and notes payable Bonds payable Annuities payable Deposit held in custody Government grants refundable

Total expenses

$80,093,163

Total liabilities

Increase in net assets

($423,118.00)

$2,351,972 $1,792,883 $12,695,811 $971,875 $1,774,350 $23,131 $4,736,985 $328,978 $40,802 $958,893 $25,675,680

Net Assets Funds Raised from Development Efforts Foundations Friends Alumni Corporations Parents Minnesota Private College Fund Faculty and staff

$4,863,984 $1,786,725 $1,766,333 $1,489,269 $1,342,773 $37,867 $19,065

Total funds

$11,306,016

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Unrestricted Restricted

$101,425,592 $75,254,311

Total net assets

$176,679,903

Total liabilities & net assets

$202,355,583

FINANCIALS

Sources and Uses of Funds Revenues n Net tuition and fees n Private gifts and grants n Government grants n Auxiliary enterprises n Other sources n Endowment income n Sponsored research and programs

10.00%

64.36% 16.64% 10.31% 10.00% 2.49% 1.79% 0.86%

10.31%

64.36%

16.64%

Expenses n Instruction n Student services n Institutional support n Academic support n Auxiliary enterprises n Public service

2.49% 1.79% 0.86%

6.79%

31.68% 21.79% 21.72% 10.65% 7.36% 6.79%

7.36%

31.68%

10.65%

21.72% 21.79%

Funds Raised from Development Efforts n Foundations n Friends n Alumni n Corporations n Parents n Minnesota Private College Fund n Faculty and staff

43.02% 15.80% 15.62% 13.17% 11.88% 0.33% 0.17%

0.33% 0.17%

11.88%

13.17% 43.02%

15.62%

15.80%

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ATHLETICS

Sports Hall of Fame and Cardinal Excellence Dinner

T EVENT DETAILS WHERE: Visions Event Center 22852 Cty Rd 17 Winona WHEN: March 11 Social hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and program.

TICKETS: $75 per person with tables of eight at $600.

Admission includes two free drink tickets, dinner, and dessert.

ATTIRE: Formal Register online: saintmarys sports.com

he Saint Mary’s Athletic Department, in association with the Saint Mary’s Alumni Association, will induct five members into the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame on March 11, 2023: Bruna Bucciarelli B’76, George Drouches B’78, Mark Staub B’88, Jennifer (Gutterman) Becker B’06, and Jennifer (Schipp) Stewart B’06. The five will be recognized as part of the Cardinal Excellence Fund Dinner, held in Winona.

“This year we honor five alumni who excelled on the court, on the rink, and on the field,” said Brian Sisson, athletic director.

“We look forward to not only congratulating these five successful Cardinal greats but also celebrating all of Cardinal athletics, which has had a fabulous year competitively and academically.

“I look forward to a sold-out event; I invite you all to join us for this signature event. Together, we’ll propel Cardinal athletics forward, and recognize the tremendous athletic accomplishments by our five Hall of Fame inductees.”

Watch the Cardinal Athletics webpage at saintmaryssports.com for more information about the Cardinal Excellence Fund Dinner.

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2023 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees BRUNA BUCCIARELLI B’76 (Women’s Basketball, Cross Country, Volleyball)

A true pioneer for women’s athletics at Saint Mary’s, Bucciarelli was among the first — and the best — to put on the Cardinal uniform in the inaugural stages of women’s sports.

A three-sport standout in basketball, cross country, and volleyball, Bucciarelli epitomizes greatness and boldly led the way for decades of talented women athletes. Just as 50 years ago, Title IX made history in creating equal opportunity for all, Bucciarelli’s pioneering achievements led to greater opportunities for all women at Saint Mary’s.

GEORGE DROUCHES B’78 (Men’s Basketball, Baseball)

Drouches was a two-sport standout during his time at Saint Mary’s, excelling both on the hardwood and on the diamond. A FirstTeam All-MIAC selection during his junior and senior seasons, Drouches averaged 15.5 points per game and ranks 16th all-time in career scoring with 1,176 points. He enjoyed his best season as a senior, averaging 13.5 points-per-game, while dishing out 67 assists and adding 88 steals. On the baseball field, Drouches enjoyed his best season as a junior, hitting .314 (33-for-105) with three doubles, three triples, and a home run in 28 games. For his career, Drouches hit .267 (70-for-262) with eight doubles and four triples, while going 22for-26 in stolen bases.

ATHLETICS

Bruna Bucciarelli B’76

George Drouches B’78

MARK STAUB B’88 (Men’s Hockey)

A four-year letter winner, Staub, a goalie, was named First-Team All-MIAC following both his junior and senior seasons, and helped lead Saint Mary’s to a regular-season conference title in his final campaign in 1987-88. Staub, who made 74 career appearances between the pipes, saved his best season for last, appearing in all 29 games, while compiling a 3.84 goals-against-average and an .886 save percentage. Staub remains No. 1 all-time in career wins as a goalie with 50 — including a single-season school-record 22 wins in 198788 — and is No. 2 all-time in saves in a season (872) and a career (2,266).

JENNIFER (GUTTERMAN) BECKER B’06 (Fastpitch Softball)

Becker, a four-year regular on the Cardinal fastpitch softball team, led the Cardinals to an NCAA Regional appearance in 2005, while closing out her collegiate career as one of the most prolific hitters in program history.

Earning conference post-season honors in all four seasons — an honorable-mention selection as a freshman and a First-Team pick as a sophomore, junior, and senior — Becker was also named Second Team All-Region following each of her final three seasons.

Becker, who started every game during her four-year collegiate career, boasted a career batting average of .379 (209-for-552) with

Mark Staub B’88

Jennifer (Gutterman) Becker B’06

Jennifer (Schipp) Stewart B’06

30 doubles, 16 triples, six home runs, and 62 RBIs. She holds single-season records in games played (49), at-bats (168), and triples (8), and is the program leader in games played (162), at-bats (552), and triples (16), while sitting No. 2 all-time in hits (209).

JENNIFER (SCHIPP) STEWART B’06 (Fastpitch Softball)

Stewart was a dual threat for the Cardinals fastpitch softball team, causing opponents fits both at the plate and in the pitcher’s circle. A four-year standout, Stewart joined Becker as a member of the NCAA Regionalqualifying 2005 team and earned First-Team All-MIAC and Second-Team All-Region accolades following each of her final three seasons. In the circle, Stewart is among the program leaders in virtually every pitching category, including ranking No. 1 in career strikeouts (545) and shutouts (22), while sitting No. 2 all-time in complete games (52), innings pitched (516 2/3), and appearances (99). Stewart put together her best season in 2005, when she set single-season program records for wins (25) and shutouts (9), closing out the year with a 27-7 record and a 1.80 ERA. At the plate, Stewart boasted a career .289 batting average — including hitting .358 in 2006 — with 24 doubles, five home runs, and 71 RBIs.

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HERITAGE AWARD

Saint Mary’s honors former presidents

Brother Louis DeThomasis and Brother William Mann receive Heritage Award for Transformational Philanthropy

O

n a night dedicated to recognizing the generosity of benefactors and supporters of Saint Mary’s, Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, Ph.D., and Brother William Mann, FSC, D.Min., both former university presidents, received the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Heritage Award for Transformational Philanthropy.

The Heritage Award, given annually at the university’s Benefactor Recognition Dinner, held this year on Oct. 14, recognizes special individuals whose exceptional philanthropy has significantly transformed the university

Brother William Mann, FSC, D.Min., left, and Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, Ph.D. received the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Heritage Award at the university’s Benefactor Recognition Dinner.

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and positioned Saint Mary’s for the second century of excellence in education.

Brother Louis served as president of Saint Mary’s from 1984 to 2005 and chancellor from 2006 to 2011. He guided Saint Mary’s through an exciting period of change and growth in enrollment and programming. The college became a university, with successful new graduate and special programs at the Minneapolis and Winona campuses and Rochester Center, as well as classes in Apple Valley and more than 50 off-campus sites throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

HERITAGE AWARD

Dr. Samuel “Sam” Cascio B’48, former trustee.

Brother Louis has continued to be a dedicated philanthropic supporter of the university.

Brother William served as president of Saint Mary’s from 2008 to 2018. During his tenure as president, he oversaw a decade of significant building projects and acquisitions including the Science and Learning Center (now Aquinas Hall), a baseball clubhouse, and Brother William Hall in Winona; Cascade Meadow in Rochester and its subsequent expansion into what is now the Rochester Campus; and the mansion and Saint Mary’s Event Center in Minneapolis. Under his leadership and vision, the university also saw significant growth in its online programs, initiated a collaboration with Mayo Clinic for a Physician Assistant program, and founded the First Generation Initiative. Brother William has also made regular and generous contributions to Saint Mary’s.

The Saint Mary’s community is grateful to be able to recognize these two individuals who are responsible for the growth of the university and have been committed to the institution’s mission and vision.

Jamisen Beevers ’02 and Betty Kabara, former trustee; Bob Kierlin and Mary Burrichter, former trustee; Michael “Mike” Gostomski B’62, trustee emeritus, and Roberta “Bobbi” (Dock) Kochevar M’08; Mary Pat (Navins) Wlazik B’73 and John Domanico B’77, D.D.S. current trustees.

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NEWS AND VIEWS

Showcasing Saint Mary’s continues While the university unveiled its new brand earlier in 2022, the Marketing and Communication Department continues to look at new opportunities and effective ways to showcase our brand and get it in front of as many of our audiences as possible, with a particular eye on prospective students. This work includes radio spots, digital advertising, billboards, and continued branding efforts on the web.

“We are in a highly competitive market and prospective students have many choices for quality education,” said Kelly Shannon, vice president for Marketing and Communication.

“Saint Mary’s strong brand visuals and messages create visibility, awareness and, if compelling and relevant to people, engagement and interest to find out more. We simply want to be a solid consideration when a prospective student is researching the best options for them.”

Billboards In December, the university was offered a deep discount in the Twin Cities for 60 billboards in the market for the entire month of December, a heavy travel time for families with holiday activities and errands. The billboards targeted various prospective student groups with branded messages like “Meet life’s demands while meeting your goals” and “Our mission: Helping you find yours.”

More than 60 billboards, emphasizing our new brand, promoted Saint Mary’s across the Twin Cities area over the busy holiday travel season.

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Website update Since the new website launched this fall, the university has experienced an increase in prospective students. More than 136,000 new visitors have gone to the website, with a 10% increase in returning visitors. This is a good indication of engagement, as it refers to new visitors who have viewed our website on more than one occasion. The website has also experienced an 80% increase in visitors who clicked to apply, which amounts to over 6,000 clicks to apply. Marketing and Communication will continue to monitor and analyze traffic to the website and make improvements to ensure a visitor has the best customer journey possible. The department is working closely with enrollment management to better track a prospect from the very first visit.

As the website is geared toward a primary audience of prospective students, we want to be sure alumni can also successfully navigate our site! When you click on smumn.edu, a key area for alumni is the upper right corner’s drop down menu (three lines). Here you will find links for athletics, alumni page, a current calendar of events, info on how to give and more — all in one easy-to-find location. We invite alumni to visit our site and see the new navigation and branding, but more importantly to stay connected with your alma mater.

NEWS AND VIEWS

Undergrad academic update

This past spring, Saint Mary’s announced academic changes at the College that included the phasing out of 11 low-enrolled undergraduate majors. Since the May announcement, Saint Mary’s administration, staff, and faculty have been working diligently through various committees to ensure all students’ academic needs are met.

The current general education program has remained intact for all incoming and returning students while a new but also strong liberal arts experience for the graduating class of 2027 is developed. This core set of courses will provide students with knowledge that will benefit them throughout their life. Saint Mary’s will continue to offer courses that provide students with the ability to think critically, solve problems, communicate clearly, and discern the truth.

The Co-Curricular Arts Planning committee engaged the Saint Mary’s and local community to develop the future of the arts. This committee worked diligently to craft a proposal that honors Saint Mary’s tradition of the arts (music, theater, and visual arts) and sets the stage for future development. Program details university leaders hope to share soon will include opportunities for students to participate in choir, theater performances, and arts workshops, among other things. Saint Mary’s remains committed to engaging the arts as part of our students’ rich campus experience.

Alumni invited to annual biology research symposium

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Biology Research Symposium, started by the late Dr. Richard Kowles M’67, Saint Mary’s alumni are invited back to campus Saturday, April 15, to Aquinas Hall.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Sue Glatowitsch of the University of Minnesota, who specializes in restoration and wetland ecology.

The day begins at 9 a.m. with coffee and doughnuts, the keynote at 9:30 a.m., followed by student senior presentations and an alumni panel discussion and luncheon. Watch your email for more information.

Save the Date for Hendrickson Institute Forum, featuring David Brooks

Save the date for Tuesday, April 18, when author and major political and social analyst David Brooks will serve as the keynote for the Hendrickson Forum on Saint Mary’s Minneapolis Campus. The event will begin at 11 a.m. with the lunch and keynote from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Brooks has a gift for bringing audiences face to face with the spirit of our times with humor, insight, and quiet passion. He is a keen observer of the American way of life and a savvy analyst of present-day politics and foreign affairs. He holds several prestigious positions as a commentator including serving as a bi-weekly op-ed columnist for the New York Times and as a regular analyst on PBS NewsHour and NPR’s All Things Considered.

His New York Times bestseller, The Road to Character, “explains why selflessness leads to greater success. He tells the story of ten great lives that illustrate how character is developed, and how we can all strive to build rich inner lives, marked by humility and moral depth. In a society that emphasizes success and external achievement, The Road to Character is a book about inner worth.”

In his most recent book, The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life (Random House), Brooks explores the four commitments that define a life of meaning and purpose: to a spouse and family, to a vocation, to a philosophy or faith, and to a community.

Brooks is currently teaching a course at Yale University. He holds honorary degrees from Williams College, New York University, Brandeis University, Occidental College, among others.

In 2010, Brooks became a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

He has worked at The Weekly Standard, joining the magazine at its inception and serving as senior editor. He has been a contributing editor at Newsweek and the Atlantic Monthly.

He worked at The Wall Street Journal for nine years in a range of positions, including op-ed editor.

For more information and to register, go to smumn.edu/hendricksonforum.

David Brooks, author and major political and social analyst, will serve as the keynote for the Hendrickson Forum on April 18.

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ALUMNI

A lifetime of connections

W

JOIN THE ALUMNI BOARD Saint Mary’s is now seeking applications for candidates to join the Alumni Board. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please complete the Alumni Board Volunteer Interest Form, connect. smumn.edu/ alumni-board.

hat are you grateful for?

We start each quarterly meeting with a gratitude exercise. This puts our hearts and minds in a space of gratefulness, and we’re reminded of the gifts and talents we bring back to our university. We listen with empathy and seek to understand.

I’m Kerry Edwards, a 2004 graduate and your current Alumni Board of Directors president. I recognize our alumni offer a great diversity of talents, skills, and abilities, which should be acknowledged and engaged to benefit one another, their communities, and Saint Mary’s. I’ve challenged our board to extend the challenge to other alumni to share their responses to this question, “What Saint Mary’s experiences helped develop the person I am today?”

Saint Marys empowered me to live a life of service and leadership — to lead by example and be an example in my community. One way we lead by example is hosting a service project at every meeting. Our projects have included packing hygiene products that we donated to the Wellness Center, collecting food for

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a Rochester food shelf, and wrapping toys for Toys for Tots.

When my wife and I had our daughter, it was a time of reflection for me.

Who am I and what shaped my character? And what do I want for “my” next generation? To me, our success is measured by the fulfillment of the people we serve, and the communities we foster. The Saint Mary’s Fund is the heart and access for the next generation.

I’m fortunate to work for a company that helped me achieve financial clarity and contentment, which in turn, allows me to live generously.

The organizations and causes we care about are different for everyone. But ask yourself, “What experiences helped develop the person I am today?” That is why I give back to Saint Mary’s.

I am most proud of our Alumni Board members for sharing their ‘Why Saint Mary’s’ stories on our social media channels. Please take note of these!

Lasallian Day of Service 2022 was a huge success!

On Oct. 22, 2022, more than 150 students, staff, and alumni went out into their community to share their time as a part of Lasallian

Kerry Edwards B’04 Alumni Board President

Day of Service. Saint Mary’s was represented at service sites in 14 cities, five states, and two countries. An alumni board member also raised monetary donations to buy school supplies and traveled to Peru to deliver them to students. Their combined efforts totaled 450 hours of service, which included packing 8,500 meals (which will feed 20 children for a year); measuring, tagging, and shelving 1,000 pairs of jeans; donating $1,000 worth of household and school supplies as well as food; helping remove invasive species in the campus bluffs; and helping elderly community members and others in need with household chores.

Thank you to all who participated! We have a big role to play in telling our story to the world, sharing all that Saint Mary’s was, is, and will become. We are all Saint Mary’s storytellers.

ALUMNI

Over 400 alumni and their families attended the 2022 Reunion Weekend from June 22-24, 2022. The full weekend of activities included the 50th anniversary dinner, alumni awards brunch, alumni BBQ dinner, as well as various tours and class specific events. Enjoying the alma mater banquet are, from left: Bernadette and Thomas B’67 Schaefer, Edward “Ed” Bock B’67, and John Hendele B’67.

On Sept. 27, 2022, alumni from Saint Mary’s and Winona State University gathered for an evening cruise on the Mississippi River. Two attendees included Heather (Kjome) Buege B’97 and Tracy (Trowbridge) Hale B’95, WSU’20, Winona State’s director of alumni engagement.

Alumni returned to the Winona Campus in early fall to welcome first-year students during a “welcome home” BBQ.

On Oct. 27, 2022, the Saint Mary’s Alumni and Benefactor Engagement team welcomed Saul Hernandez B’17 and Martin Quintana B’16 to Saint Mary’s Winona Campus to participate in a Hispanic Heritage Diversity Panel.

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ALUMNI

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS March 11 Cardinal Excellence Fund Dinner and Hall of Fame Ceremony June 23-25 Reunion Weekend 2023 To see what’s coming up next, visit connect. smumn.edu/ events

The Saint Mary’s Alumni Board organized the annual Lasallian Day of Service on Oct. 22, 2022.

On this day, alumni across the country gather together in the Lasallian spirit of service, to give their gift of time in their own communities. Lori Quinn B’80 (right) led a site at Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg, Ill., that included, from left: John Cosgriff B’77, Larry Stephan B’70, Lynn Callahan B’80, Joe Quinn (husband of Lori Quinn B’80), Anna Pasteris B’80, and John Brady (husband of Kathleen (Richter) Brady B’84).

On Oct. 27- 28, 2022, the men’s hockey team celebrated the MIAC Championships of the 1964 and 1965 teams. The members of the team gathered back on campus for two days of activities. Attendees included, from left: Keith Hanzel B’59 (head coach), Brian Desbiens B’67, John Ulrich B’65, Bob Paradise B’66, Andre Beaulieu B’65, and Joseph Clarkin ’67.

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On Dec. 30, 2022, 27 alumni and friends gathered at Old Irving Brewery prior to a men’s basketball game against North Park University. In an exciting win, Saint Mary’s hit a three-pointer a fraction of a second before the buzzer, 83 to 82. A few alumni cheering on the Cardinals (including several former basketball players) were, from left: Jeffrey Norris B’76; William Figel B’76; Bob Biebel B’79, M’07; Coach Joe Fano; Thomas Keenan B’68; John Richards B’76; and Terrance Cullen B’80.

CLASS NOTES 1950s Thomas “Tom” Sullivan B’57, Oak Lawn, Ill., was named St. Mel High School Man of the Year in June 2022.

1960s Paul Magallanes B’63, Thousand Oaks, Calif., starred as Carlos Valdes in the Gaslit Watergate presentation on STARZ to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Watergate Burglary Case; it premiered on April 24, 2022.

Dennis “Denny” McNicholas B’69, Lombard, Ill., received the leadership and service award from Montini Catholic High School on April 30, 2022.

Dr. Amanda Craig M’98, C’02, New York, N.Y., wrote a book titled “Who Are You & What Have You Done with My Kid? Connect with Your Tween While They Are Still Listening.” It was published on Sept. 20, 2022.

Brother Carlos G. Gomez, FSC, D’99, Bogotá, Colombia, was elected Vicar General of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in May 2022.

2000s G. Bryan Fleming M’00, Prior Lake, Minn., was named president of Groves Learning Organization in July 2022.

1980s

Amy Worden M’00, Bemidji, Minn., was named principal of Northern Elementary, effective in the 2022-23 school year.

Matthew Hunckler B’81, South Bend, Ind., retired after 40 years of teaching at Niles High School as the choral and musical director.

Katie (Boller) Gosewisch B’01, Brighton, Minn., began her position as executive director at U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking in May 2022.

Timothy O’Rourke ‘81, Cape Coral, Fla., began his position as registered nurse at Shorepoint Health in May 2022.

Amy Powers M’01, Saint Paul, Minn., received the 2022 University of Minnesota Morris Distinguished Alumni Award in June 2022.

1990s Kathleen Buhle B’91, Washington, D.C., wrote a book called “If We Break,” published on June 14, 2022.

Rachel Jackson M’02, C’12, Duluth, Minn., began her position as principal at Myers-Wilkins Elementary School on Sept. 1, 2022.

Timothy Swanson B’91, Woodbury, Minn., began his position as senior vice president of sales at Smead Manufacturing Inc. in August 2022.

Neil Jennissen C’02, Grasston, Minn., was inducted into the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame on May 7, 2022.

Tiana Weiler M’93, Schaumburg, Ill., began her position as director of cultural services for the Village of Schaumburg in May 2022.

Jeffrey “Jeff” Briard M’03, Danbury, Wis., retired from teaching and coaching at Springfield Public Schools in May 2022.

Mario Mollo B’94, Lemont, Ill., was named director of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for the Protection of Children and Youth on Aug. 1, 2022.

Christina “Crissy” (Van Deusen) Knowles B’03, Farmington, Minn., began her position as accounts receivable manager at Anuvu in September 2022.

Dr. Stephanie Krusemark M’97, Westminster, Colo., earned the strategic enrollment management endorsement from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers in August 2022.

Kevin Bross M’04, Blaine, Minn., was named one of TIME Magazine’s innovative teachers of 2022 in June 2022.

Michael “Mike” Linden B’98, M.D., Saint Paul, Minn., was awarded the 2022 CAP Lifetime Achievement Award.

David Haveman C’04, C’07, Hastings, Minn., was selected as executive director of student services at Lakeville Area School District beginning August 2022.

Michelle Mechtel M’04, C’06, St. Anthony, Minn., was named director of Saint Thomas Academy Middle School, effective July 1, 2022.

Stephen Embree Jr. B’05, Ascheville, N.C., began his position as a paramedic at Buncombe County Government in June 2022.

Katherine “Katie” Raso Carter M’05, C’07, Hastings, Minn., was named activities director for the Austin public school district in May 2022.

Jennifer Sadlovsky M’05, Pierz, Minn., wrote a curriculum for Early Childhood Family Education in May 2022.

Dennis Vickers B’05, Burlington, Vt., began his position as director of player personnel for the North American Hockey League in June 2022.

Allyn Emery B’06, Green Bay, Wis., began his position as vice president commercial banker, middle marketing banking at JP Morgan Chase & Co. in June 2022.

Catherine “Katie” Julsrud B’06, Eau Claire, Wis., began teaching at Eau Claire Area School District in June 2022.

Dominic Lawrence B’06, M’10, Farmington, Minn., was promoted to senior director of development at Ducks Unlimited in July 2022.

Kelly Ohde B’06, Chicago, Ill., began her position as marketing director, recruitment at FullBloom in May 2022.

Dr. James Payette M’06, D’19, Coon Rapids, Minn., began his position as special education teacher at Mounds View Public Schools in August 2022.

Jill Meschke B’07, M’12, C’15, Wausau, Wis., began her position as CFO at Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center in June 2022.

Eric Olmscheid M’07, Des Moines, Iowa, was selected to serve as executive director of Michigan State University’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts, effective June 22, 2022.

Ariana Wright M’07, Kasson, Minn., was named National Distinguished Principal of the Year in May 2022.

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CLASS NOTES Ryan Weinandt M’08, Dassel, Minn., was named principal of Dassel Elementary, effective for the 2022-2023 school year.

Adam Wiltgen B’08, Red Wing, Minn., began his position as program director at Anderson Center at Tower View in May 2022.

Melinda (Smith) Harkins M’09, Lake City, Minn., began her position as supply chain supervisor at 3M in June 2022.

Melissa Paulson B’09, Minneapolis, Minn., began her position as director, IT performance and metrics at Focus Brands LLC in July 2022.

Paula Stock M’09, Worthington, Minn., retired from Worthington Middle School in June 2022.

2010s George Diaz M’10, Minneapolis, Minn., was promoted to undergraduate online business department chair at Concordia University in St. Paul in July 2022.

Clayton Ellis M’10, Savage, Minn., was selected as principal at Shakopee Public Schools East Middle School, effective June 20, 2022.

Mark Frank M’10, C13, Nevis, Minn., was hired as assistant principal for grades 4-8 at Century School in July 2022.

Valerie “Val” (Koch) Harris B’10, Waukesha, Wis., was promoted to brand manager at Milwaukee Tool in June 2022.

Sophie (Harrison) Fangel B’13, M’18, Rochester, Minn., began her position as data manager III, at Mayo Clinic in May 2022.

Saurabh Kapoor M’10, San Francisco, Calif., began his position as senior digital project manager at Wells Fargo in September 2022.

Michael McGreevey M’13, Big Lake, Minn., began his position as special needs plans senior at UCare in May 2022.

Sara (Eisenhauer) Quinnell B’10, Saint Paul, Minn., began her position as communications specialist at City of Oakdale, Minn. in July 2022.

Julianne “Julie” (Bartosz) Olivo B’13, Mokena, Ill., began her position as external communications associate for special events, digital and technology at Macy’s in May 2022.

Brandon Wanless B’10, Saint Paul, Minn., began his position as assistant professor of dogmatic theology at Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity in August 2022.

Cody Sprague B’13, M’17, Mc Gregor, Minn., began his position as senior innovation manager at BMW Brilliance Automotive in November 2022.

Brandon Christensen B’11, Farmington, Minn., was promoted to associate director of business analytics at Optum Serve in November 2022.

Jessica Vitale ‘13, Chicago, Ill., was promoted to executive assistant to managing partner at Northwestern Mutual in May 2022.

Sarah (McDonough) Howard B’11, Pleasant Prairie, Wis., was promoted to executive director at Visit Pleasant Prairie in November 2022.

Kyle Johnsen B’14, Eagan, Minn., was promoted to manager of analytics and reporting strategy at CVS Health in June 2022.

Caitlyn Cole B’12, Minneapolis, Minn., was promoted to career and college readiness team director at Achieve Twin Cities in July 2022.

Nicholas Kasel B’14, Saint Paul, Minn., began his position as scientist II at Donaldson in May 2022.

Brian Dillon B’12, Maple Grove, Minn., was promoted to senior value manager at Workday in May 2022.

Elizabeth Niedbala B’14, Batavia, Ill., began her position as applied social scientist at the United States Department of Defense in May 2022.

Claudia Roesler M’14, Janesville, Minn., began her position as head of Loyola Catholic Schools on July 1, 2022.

Evan Shockley B’14, Omaha, Neb., began his position as a research staff member at the Institute for Defense Analyses in September 2022.

Saint Mary’s Career Services has created a hashtag campaign for social media and the university website in an effort to share the outcomes of our amazing Saint Mary’s graduates.

We’d love to showcase your current position. Tell us how Saint Mary’s helped prepare you for a successful career and use our new #Cardinal2Career hashtag. This visibility helps encourage prospective students to attend Saint Mary’s!

34 | SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | FALL 2022/WINTER 2023

Elizabeth (Rodriguez) Treacy B’14, West Des Moines, Iowa, was promoted to people solutions director at CLA in June 2022.

Janna (Mason) Van Antwerp B’14, Brentwood, Tenn., was promoted to consultant at Halloran Consulting Group, Inc. in June 2022.

Connor Ahern ‘15, Bluffton, S.C., began teaching special education at the Tomahawk School District Middle School in the 2022-23 school year.

CLASS NOTES Octavia Brown B’15, M’21, Winona, Minn., began her position as outpatient mental health practitioner at Nystrom and Associates, Ltd. in August 2022.

Douglas “Doug” Brands C’17, Worthington, Minn., was selected as the assistant principal at Worthington High School in May 2022.

Paul Baglio M’19, Portland, Ore., began his position as project manager, owner’s rep services at Hyphn Studio in August 2022.

William Peel C’15, C’17, Sturgeon Lake, Minn., began his new position as Barnum Public Schools superintendent in July 2022.

Lauren Finley B’17, Minneapolis, Minn., began position as PGY-2 ambulatory care pharmacy resident at Williams S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital in July 2022.

Olivia Kostueck B’19, Minooka, Ill., began her position as a registered nurse at University of Minnesota Medical Center in August 2022.

Joseph “Joe” Bosco B’16, Palatine, Ill., began his position as senior manager CPG marketing and media at Albertsons Media Collective in August 2022.

Kathleen “Kathy” Butler M’16, Kelowna, British Columbia, received the Okanagan College Foundation Distinguished Service Award in May 2022.

William “Will” Doll B’16, Minneapolis, Minn., began his position as SMB account representative at Arctic Wolf in August 2022.

Dwayne Dyce M’16, New York, N.Y., began his position as divisional equity and belonging programming coordinator at The Dalton School in September 2022.

Jonathon Elliott B’16, Winona, Minn., began his position as director of hockey operations at Miami University in August 2022.

Kelli Harstad B’16, Minneapolis, Minn., was promoted to senior application engineer of respiratory protection at 3M in November 2022.

Christopher “Chris” Hirsch B’16, Richfield, Minn., began his position as an officer with the Gaylord Police on May 9, 2022.

Margaret “Rosie” Lacy B’16, Chicago, Ill., began her position as marketing coordinator at @properties in July 2022.

Elizabeth (Schmidt) Thedens B’16, Plainview, Minn., began her position as administrative assistant at Mayo Clinic in August 2022.

Kevin Valverde B’16, Minneapolis, Minn., began his position as retail relationship banker at BMO Harris Bank in September 2022.

Heidi Addo M’17, Minneapolis, Minn., was promoted to vice president at Michel Commercial Real Estate in August 2022.

Stephanie Hammes B’17, Faribault, Minn., began her position as early childhood special education teacher at Kenyon-Wanamingo Schools in the 2022-23 school year.

Michael “Mike” Amelio B’18, Venetia, Pa., began his position as senior associate at Cherry Tree & Associates in May 2022.

Sean Butcher B’18, Eau Claire, Wis., began his position as S&OP analytics manager at Ashley Logistics Solutions in July 2022.

Sara Dethloff B’18, Chicago, Ill., began her position as education manager at Association Management Center in June 2022.

Liam Gorman B’18, Orland Park, Ill., began his position as senior account specialist at Lockton Companies in June 2022.

Garrett Grunke B’18, M’22, C’22, Eagan, Minn., was promoted to financial planning and analysis manager at Factory Motor Parts in June 2022.

Jared Johnson B’18, Saint Paul, Minn., began his position as associate wealth manager II and shareholder at Echo Wealth Management, LLC in August 2022.

Tara Nagy B’18, Oak Lawn, Ill., began her new position as senior analyst, business intelligence at Ulta Beauty in August 2022.

Spencer Rohlinger M’18, Baraboo, Wis., began teaching science at River Falls High School in the 2022-23 school year.

Nathaniel Vandegrift B’18, Lakeville, Minn., began his position as accounting controller at Thatcher Pools and Spas in June 2022.

Dakota Lawrence M’19, C’21, Worthington, Minn., was chosen as the new principal of District 518 Learning Center in July 2022.

Erin McElligott B’19, Iowa City, Iowa, began teaching at Waterloo Public Schools in July 2022.

Lucas Mlinarcik B’19, Richfield, Minn., began his position as specialty sales team lead at Target in June 2022.

Rachel Jaye Meyer M’19, Eau Claire, Wis., began her position as proposal specialist at Badger Meter in August 2022.

Jordan Victoria ‘19, Rochester, Minn., opened a restaurant called Sorellina’s Italian, by Victoria’s in August 2022.

Shawn Williams D’19, Saint Michael, Minn., began his position as associate dean of education services - law enforcement at Alexandria Technical and Community College in August 2022.

2020s Theresa Cheever B’20, Saint Paul, Minn., began her position as community support specialist at Gateway Unlimited Living in July 2022.

Justin Edwards B’20, Wauwatosa, Wis., began his position as associate wealth manager at Echo Wealth Management, LLC in June 2022.

Christina Galvan B’20, Racine, Wis., began teaching at Racine Unified School District in August 2022.

Patrick Laughlin B’20, Saint Louis, Mo., was promoted to senior assistant examiner at Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis in June 2022.

Ryan Schultz B’20, Edina, Minn., began his position as police lieutenant at the Edina Police Department, effective Sept.

6, 2022.

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CLASS NOTES Alexander Bader ‘21, Chanhassen, Minn., began his position as media intern at Haberman in August 2022.

Clare Bath B’21, Minneapolis, Minn., began her position as research assistant at University of Notre Dame Sociology in April 2022.

Jenifer “Jeni” Giefer B’21, Rochester, Minn., began her position as personal banker at ONB Bank in July 2022.

Jacob “Jake” Homan B’21, North Mankato, Minn., began his position as audit associate at Abdo in May 2022.

Jonathan Meaden B’21, Rosemount, Minn., began his position as general duty deputy at Dakota County in May 2022.

Jack Pierazek B’21, Winona, Minn., was promoted to supplier development manager at Fastenal Company in August 2022.

Andrew “Andy” Tepp B’21, Owatonna, Minn., began his position as marketing development trainee at Federated Insurance in June 2022.

Warlyston “Wally” Barros B’22, Sparta, Wis., began his position as IT associate project manager at Fastenal Company in July 2022.

Jada Biermeier B’22, Minnetonka, Minn., began her position as associate account manager at Lockton Companies in June 2022.

Luke Gilbertson B’22, Windom, Minn., began his position as bulk fuel sales manager at Staples Oil Co. in May 2022.

Jacob Johnson B’22, Hartland, Wis., began his position as marketing coordinator at Wolter in June 2022.

Henry Kelly B’22, Saint Paul, Minn., began his position as market research analyst at Ames Construction in May 2022.

Emily Kline B’22, New Brighton, Minn., began her position as special projects editor at Endeavor Business Media in June 2022.

Jordyn Matthews B’22, Winona, Minn., began her position as sales associate at Align Technology in May 2022.

Luke Pauly B’22, St. Anthony, Minn., began his positions as high school mathematics teacher and soccer coach at Spring Lake Park Senior High School in July 2022.

2010s

Noah Reinhardt B’22, Castle Pines, Colo., began his position as marketing manager at AvidMax in September 2022.

Gregory “Greg” Freeman B’11 and Margaret “Maggie” Allexsaht B’12, Minneapolis, Minn., a daughter, on May 31, 2022.

Kayla Sjodin B’22, Waterford, Wis., began her position as retirement plan administrator technician at TSC Inc. in May 2022.

Erin Sullivan B’22, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., began her position as clinical research coordinator at Mayo Clinic in July 2022.

Robert Tilot B’22, Pulaski, Wis., began his position as conversion analyst at Fiserv in May 2022.

Clarissa Van Dale B’22, New Brighton, Minn., began her position as clinical research assistant at HealthPartners, Inc. in June 2022.

Trevor Wilhelm B’22, St. Louis, Mo., began his position as supply chain analyst at Fastenal in May 2022.

Caroline Woodle B’22, Knoxville, Iowa, began her position as living skills advisor at Christian Opportunity Center in May 2022.

MARRIAGES 2020s Ethan B’21 and Sally (Traxler) B’22 Lacey, New Prague, Minn., on July 16, 2022.

Brian B’11 and Michelle (Quinn) B’11 C’12, M’14 Kusek, Winona, Minn., a son, on May 25, 2022.

Conner B’15, M’17 and Christine (Volk) B’15, M’20 Ellinghuysen, Storm Lake, Iowa, a son, on Aug. 9, 2022.

Patrick “Pat” B’15 and Dorothy (Kirsch) B’19 Sweet, South Saint Paul, Minn., a daughter, in January 2022.

Andrew B’16 and Jocelyn “Josie” (Moreno) B’16 Jaworski, Elk Grove Village, Ill., a daughter, on April 23, 2022.

Jake and Kendra (Palkowski) Budish B’16, Arcadia, Wis., a son, on Jan. 14, 2022.

Samuel “Sam” B’19 and Erin (Budin) B’20 French, Winona, Minn., a son, on Oct. 24, 2022.

FACULTY/STAFF Anna, Library Circulation Services Manager, and James “Twigz” McGuire, Recreation, Involvement, and Student Engagement Coordinator, Winona, Minn., a son, on June 27, 2022.

DEATHS 1940s Raymond Basso B’47, Jacksonville, Fla., on Sept. 2, 2022.

John Paul B’22 and Felicity (Bieker) B’22 Keane, Saint Paul, Minn., on June 4, 2022.

Dr. James “Jim” Beaudry B’49, Indianapolis, Ind., on June 8, 2022.

BIRTHS

Dr. Robert Krupp B’51, Bradenton, Fla., on Aug. 9, 2022.

2000s James and Amanda “Rosie” (Gwost) Dotson B’04, M’05, New Prague, Minn., a son, Gabriel, on April 11, 2022.

Shelby Hicks B’07, C’09, M’12, New Richmond, Wis., a daughter, on June 17, 2022.

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1950s

John Schutz B’51, Elmwood Park, Ill., on July 20, 2022.

James Dolan, Sr. B’52, Crestwood, Ill., on April 1, 2022.

Msgr. James McCauley B’52, Brownsville, Minn., on June 5, 2022.

CLASS NOTES Thomas “Tom” Meagher Sr. B’53, Burr Ridge, Ill., on Nov. 21, 2022.

Daniel Kelley, Jr. B’58, on Aug. 22, 2022.

Arlon Sieve B’62, Windham, N.H., on June 17, 2022.

Brother Ignatius “Iggy” Brown, FSC B’54, M’62, Memphis, Tenn., on July 4, 2022.

Delroy “Mike” Palmer B’58, Raymond, Iowa, on July 12, 2022.

Richard “Dick” Walters B’62, Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich., on Nov. 1, 2021.

1960s

Hon. Ronald “Ron” Wietecha B’64, Cape Coral, Fla., on Aug. 9, 2022.

Donald “Don” Cremer B’56, Harmony, Minn., on May 4, 2022.

Dr. Robert “Bob” Hoffman B’56, Berlin, Md., on Oct. 23, 2022.

Dr. Joseph Benigni B’57, Minneapolis, Minn., on Feb. 9, 2022.

Edward “Ed” Bohrer ‘57, Saint Paul, Minn., on March 12, 2022.

Brother Kenneth Gillund, FSC B’57, Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 23, 2022.

Edward “Ed” Driscoll Jr. B’58, Mendota Heights, Minn., on Aug. 21, 2022.

Most Rev. Robert Brom B’60, San Diego, Calif., on May 9, 2022.

John Speltz B’60, Roseville, Minn., on July 3, 2022.

Morris “Moe” Berk III B’61, St. Louis, Mo., on March 12, 2022.

Brother Konrad Diebold, FSC B’61, M’69, Chicago, Ill., on Oct. 11, 2022.

William “Bill” Hayes B’61, Naples, Fla., on July 22, 2022.

Richard “Dick” Velner B’61, Minneapolis, Minn., on June 7, 2022.

Patrick Reisinger B’65, Apple Valley, Minn., on Oct. 2, 2022.

William “Bill” Latusky B’66, Las Vegas, Nev., on June 13, 2022.

Dr. Richard “Dick” Kowles M’67, Winona, Minn., on Aug. 22, 2022.

Michael McLean B’67, Aiken, S.C., on April 27, 2022.

1970s Dr. John “Jack” Navins B’70, Springfield, Ill., on July 11, 2022.

Thomas Meagher B’53 Thomas Meagher B’53, renowned Chicago influencer, and longtime generous supporter and trustee emeritus of Saint Mary’s, died Nov. 21, 2022.

Meagher met his wife Mona (Carens) CST’53 at Saint Mary’s, and the two married shortly after graduation. He then served in the U.S. Marine Corps and obtained the rank of Captain.

Meagher’s career began with Sears and American Airlines management training programs.

He later worked for and became president of Continental Air Transport bus company (owned by Checker Motor Company) that served Chicago’s hotels and airports. While in that role, Richard J. Daley, Mayor of the City of Chicago, asked him to become the first President of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (now known as Choose Chicago).

After serving in that role, he returned to Continental Air Transport as CEO and led the purchase of Continental from Checker Motors.

Years later, he sold his interest in Continental and purchased Howell Tractor and Equipment

Company and PGC Golf Carts in Stuart, Fla. He also shared his business and leadership talents by serving on many boards, including Saint Mary’s University’s Board of Trustees between the years of 1973 and 1979 and 1988-1998.

He started the Lt. Thomas F. Meagher, C.P.D. Scholarship at Saint Mary’s in memory of his father, a Chicago Police Officer, ensuring the Meagher name would continue at his alma mater. The first scholarship was awarded in 1994-95. To donate in his memory, connect.smumn.edu/donate.

Among his survivors are his son Mike B’87 (Margaret “Peggy” Drennan B’87) Meagher, also a former Saint Mary’s trustee, and son Terence Meagher B’91.

SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | FALL 2022/WINTER 2023 | 37

CLASS NOTES Dr. Michael “Mike” Barcelona B’71, Kalamazoo, Mich., on April 20, 2022.

Kay Harvey M’03, Saint Paul, Minn., on Aug. 17, 2022.

Luke Botica B’71, Orland Park, Ill., on May 13, 2022.

2010s

W. Patrick “Pat” O’Hara B’71, Romeoville, Ill., on May 28, 2022.

John “Jack” Tierney B’73, Naperville, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2022.

Sheila (Kabara) Howell ‘75, Stone Mountain, Ga., on April 27, 2022.

Dawn (Pendzimas) Klein ‘75, Ouray, Colo., on Feb. 14, 2022.

Gayl Madigan B’76, Shakopee, Minn., on March 20, 2022.

1980s Patricia “Patty” (Clark) Kardashian B’83, Pine Springs, Minn., on Jan. 14, 2022.

Dr. Michael Kierski B’84, Sauk City, Wis., on June 20, 2022.

Deborah “Deb” Clasen M’87, Duluth, Minn., on April 10, 2022.

Mark Soder B’87, Palos Heights, Ill., on July 23, 2022.

Jeanne (Dvorak) Nolden B’88, Forest Lake, Minn., on June 16, 2022.

Daniel “Dan” Locher B’89, Apple Valley, Minn., on May 27, 2022.

Brandon D. Voss C’10, Andover, Minn., on Feb. 20, 2022.

David Cahill III M’11, D’19, Pelican Rapids, Minn., on May 5, 2022.

Katherine “Kate” Beesch C’14, Saint Paul, Minn., on May 16, 2022.

Eric Zeitlin B’15, Lagrange Park, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2022.

2020s Shahid Hussain ‘23, Saint Louis Park, Minn., in June 2022.

FACULTY/STAFF Jerome “Jerry” Baertsch, former custodial staff, Winona, Minn., on July 24, 2022.

Dr. Richard “Dick” Kowles M’67, former professor emeritus of biology, Winona, Minn., on Aug. 22, 2022.

Cleo McMillen, former director of the reading and study skills center and assistant professor in the education department, Burnsville, Minn., on May 4, 2022.

Brother Lawrence Oelschlegel, FSC, former English professor, Romeoville, Ill., on Aug. 1, 2022.

1990s

Marcella (Langowski) Peplinski, Winona, Minn., on Nov. 10, 2021.

Tina (Haas) Wright B’91, Hazel Green, Wis., on Aug. 21, 2022.

Lisa Tudahl, former custodial staff, Winona, Minn., on July 3, 2022.

Dorothy “Dotte” Crowder M’94, San Francisco, Calif., on July, 30, 2021.

Barthlette “Barky” Weaver, former maintenance staff, Winona, Minn., on Feb. 24, 2021.

Rose Schaffhausen M’95, St. Paul, Minn., on Nov. 22, 2021.

Daniel Bowler M’99, Minneapolis, Minn., on May 21, 2022.

2000s Father Dana Christensen B’01, Sioux Falls, S.D., on May 15, 2022.

Betty Gottsacker M’03, Lakeville, Minn., on May 16, 2022.

Brother Herman Zaccarelli, former director of business and entrepreneurial management, Notre Dame, Ind., on Jan. 19, 2022.

SYMPATHIES 1950s Richard Bergman B’58, on the passing of his wife, Patricia “Pat” (White) CST’58, on May 25, 2022.

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John Martin B’58, on the passing of his sister-in-law, Nancy (Feltl) Martin CST’60, on Aug. 29, 2022.

1960s Robert “Jerry” Lang B’66, on the passing of his wife, Mary “Sue” (Joyce) Lang CST’68, on July 2, 2022.

Michael B’64 and Teresa (Lanphear) CST’65 Reisinger, Timothy “Tim” B’69 and Barbara “Barb” (Reisinger) CST’69 Padden, Dr. Brian Padden B’94, Dr. Karen (Padden) Kress B’97, and Jeffrey Reisinger ‘02, on the passing of their brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and father, Patrick Reisinger B’65, on Oct. 2, 2022.

1970s Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Foody B’72, Steven “Steve” B’74 and Elizabeth “Beth” (Foody) ‘75 Bork, Richard “Rich” Foody ‘77, Sandra “Sandy” (Baggio) Foody B’83, Julie (Bork) B’01 and Gregory “Greg” B’02 Miller, Teresa “Teri” (Bork) Paradowski ‘03, Lisa (Bork) Leslie ‘05, and Christopher “Chris” Foody ‘08, on the passing of their mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and grandmother-in-law, Teresa (Hepp) Foody, on Jan. 10, 2022.

John Pribyl B’73, Emily (Pribyl) B’03 and Nathan “Nate” B’04 Semsch, on the passing of their brother, father, and father-in-law, Stephen Pribyl, on March 22, 2022.

Jeffrey “Jeff” Johnson B’74 and Jay Johnson B’04, on the passing of their mother and grandmother, Margie (Bjorkman) Johnson CST‘45, on June 5, 2022.

Frank III B’75 and Rochelle (Stewart) CST’76 Kozera, and Jeanne Stewart B’82, on the passing of their father-inlaw and father, Harold “Stu” Stewart, on Sept. 22, 2022.

Thomas Markwardt ‘78 and Nathan “Nate” Campbell B’07, on the passing of their father and grandfather, Kenneth Markwardt, on Oct. 22, 2022.

Douglas Kowles B’79, Gregory Kowles B’80, Deborah “Debbie” (Kowles) Erickson B’84, Jeanne (Kowles) Rye B’85, and Brian B’89 and Eileen (Gibbons) B’88 Kowles, on the passing of their father and father-in-law, Dr.

CLASS NOTES Richard “Dick” Kowles M’67, on Aug. 22, 2022.

1980s James “Jim” Halpin B’80, on the loss of his son, Matthew Haplin, on Aug. 28, 2022.

Walter III B’81 and Mary (Moore) ‘82 Smithe, Timothy “Tim” Smithe B’85, Mark Smithe B’86, Walter Smithe, IV B’09, Cameron Smithe ‘13, and Reid Smithe B’14, on the passing of their father, father-in-law, and grandfather, Walter E. Smithe, Jr., on Oct. 9, 2022.

Mark Meyer B’83 and Lynn (Meyer) Zahorak B’86, on the passing of their father, James Meyer, on Aug. 6, 2022.

Mark Munns B’83, Emily Munns B’12, Rebecca Munns B’14, M’20, and Sarah Munns B’18, on the passing of their mother and grandmother, Mary Munns, on Aug. 28, 2022.

Michael “Mike” B’87 and Margaret “Peggy” (Drennan) B’87 Meagher and Terence Meagher B’91 on the passing of their father and father-in-law, Thomas “Tom” Meagher Sr. B’53, on Nov. 21, 2022.

Catherine “Cathy” (Frankard) Cooksy B’86, Caroline (Frankard) Henderson ‘88, and Scott Frankard B’89, on the passing of their father, James Frankard, on Oct. 17, 2022.

1990s Dr. Joyce Bautch B’91, Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy, on the passing of her sister, Susan Mary Oldakowski, on Sept. 15, 2022.

Asta (Tijunelis) Dauksa B’92, on the passing of her mother, Vida Tijunelis, on May 15, 2022.

Dr. David Belde B’94 and Robert “Rob” Belde M’96, on the passing of their mother, Judith Belde, on May 27, 2022.

Jeffery “Jeff” Schneller B’96, on the passing of his father, Alfred Schneller, on July 1, 2022.

Tara Tvedt B’96, on the passing of her father, Jerry Tvedt, on Aug. 15, 2022.

Bernie Wagnild Bernie Wagnild was not an alumnus, but his respect and admiration for Saint Mary’s, and in particular to the De La Salle Christian Brothers, inspired his lifelong commitment to the university. Though Wagnild passed away on Dec. 25, 2022, this legacy at Saint Mary’s lives on in his many accomplishments and contributions.

In 1993, Wagnild generously helped found the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership at Saint Mary’s to “encourage and develop creative, ethical, and globally oriented leaders. Then, in 2000, he and his wife Jan created the Wagnild Family Scholarship to support students at the institute.

The Wagnilds have also supported the Centennial celebration, the Tim Burchill Scholarship, the annual fund, and various campaigns, as well as the Christian Brothers Statue on campus, installed in 2013. In 2003, Saint Mary’s honored him with an Honorary Doctorate of Philanthropy and Leadership.

Wagnild earned the title trustee emeritus, serving as a university trustee for more than two decades, from 1980 to 2002, using his successful automotive business knowledge to help guide the university. Wagnild started by working in the parts department of a dealership in the Twin Cities. After that he worked his way up to General Manager through the ’60s and early ’70s at various dealerships in the Twin Cities area, before starting his own dealership, Wagnild Chevrolet in Winona, in 1975. Later he grew his business to include several dealerships known as the Valley Automotive Group, and he had dealerships in Apple Valley, Hastings, Waconia, and Hutchinson.

In honor of his success, he received the 2006 TIME Magazine Quality Dealer Award. Generous to many organizations and causes, Wagnild once said he carried “a passion for returning to the world the same opportunities I so greatly benefited from.” Survivors with ties to the university include his son, Dean Wagnild B’86.

James B’99 and Gina (Mandeville) B’99 Karnick on the passing of their father SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | FALL 2022/WINTER 2023 | 39

CLASS NOTES and father-in-law, James “Jim” Karnick, on Sept. 16, 2022.

2000s Matthew “Matt” Palkert B’00, M’05, on the passing of his mother, Gladys, on Feb. 3, 2022.

Reyanna ‘02 and Jeremey (Stark) ‘05 Klein, on the passing of their mother and mother-in-law, Dawn (Pendzimas) Klein ‘75, on Feb. 14, 2022.

Allan M’02 and Terri Lieder, marketing and communication senior designer, and Katharine Lieder B’14, on the passing of their father-in-law, father, and grandfather, Gerald Niehaus, on Aug. 8, 2022.

James “Jim” B’04 and Jennifer “Jenny” (Folgers) B’05 Baertsch, and Jerod Baertsch B’09 on the passing of their father-in-law and father, Jerome “Jerry” Baertsch, on July 24, 2022.

Tera Bollig B’07, Ashley Bollig B’15, and Madalyn Bollig B’20 on the passing of their mother, Lisa (Sandberg) Bollig, on June 8, 2021.

Stephanie (Klinger) B’07 and Michael B’09, C’11 Sweeney, on the passing of their mother-in-law and mother, Nancy Sweeney, on Oct. 21, 2022.

James B’08, M’19 and Sophie (Harrison) B’13, M’18 Fangel, Susan “Sue” (Vitelli) Fangel M’09, B’19, Andrew B’11, M’19 and Abby (Lough) B’13 Fangel, on the passing of their grandmother, grandmother-in-law, and mother, Harriet Vitelli, in Oct. 2022.

2010s Peter Tornquist B’10 and Julia Waterloo B’19, on the passing of their grandmother, Shirley Waterloo, on Oct. 7, 2022.

Steven Gottsacker M’18, on the passing of his mother Betty (Rominski) Gottsacker M’03, on May 16, 2022.

Amanda Kintzi B’19 and Audrey Kintzi, vice president emerita and executive director, M.A. in Philanthropy and Development, on the passing of their grandfather and father, Stan Pacholski, on Oct. 16, 2022.

Donald “Don” Alsum, Ph.D. Donald “Don” Alsum, Ph.D., longtime science faculty member, passed away Dec. 29, 2022, leaving behind a lengthy educational legacy.

Dr. Alsum began teaching at Saint Mary’s in 1974, and for 28 years, he taught anatomy, physiology, general biology, microbiology, and graduate courses in histology and endocrinology. He established the allied health programs and developed partnerships for student placement with hospitals in four states.

He also acquired, participated, and taught in a variety of summer grants for pre-college teachers. According to his obituary, during his 37 (total) years of teaching, he enjoyed challenging students at every level of development.

Even in his retirement, Dr. Alsum and his wife, Mariann, continued to support the university as a generous benefactor, as well as by attending numerous events. His son, David ’95 also attended Saint Mary’s.

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2020s Edward Driscoll IV ‘21, on the passing of his grandfather Edward “Ed” Driscoll, Jr. B’58, on Aug. 21, 2022.

Quinn McGranaghan B’21, on the passing of her grandfather, Dr. John Munro, on Jan. 20, 2022.

Alexus Lawrence ‘25, on the passing of her mother, Kristina Stettler, on Oct. 17, 2022.

FACULTY/STAFF The Very Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., university president, on the passing of his father, John “Jack” Burns, Sr., on Oct. 20, 2022.

Lynette Johnson, director of event services, on the passing of her father in October 2022.

NOTE: Class Notes reflects submissions from May 6 to Nov. 21.

CLASS NOTES

Dr. Dick Kowles M’67 Dr. Dick Kowles M’67, long-time Saint Mary’s biology educator, renowned researcher, and distinguished professor emeritus, passed away Monday, Aug. 22, 2022.

Renowned regionally and nationally as an expert in the field of genetics, Dr. Kowles distinguished himself as both a researcher and a writer through the publication of books, textbooks, and scientific articles. He is revered for his extensive research on genetic and molecular aspects of kernel development in maize (corn).

Dr. Kowles taught at Saint Mary’s for 36 years, retiring in 2008. In addition to his professor emeritus title, he earned the Brother Charles H. Severin Award in 1979 and the Minnesota Science Teacher of the Year honor in 1984. He also was involved in the university receiving $1.1 million in grants during his years at Saint Mary’s.

A respected educator, he was constantly searching for a better way to present material to his students. “Learning should be joyous,” he said.

“I hope I would also be remembered for taking complex structures and making them simple for students to learn. That would be the sign of a very good teacher.”

SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | FALL 2022/WINTER 2023 | 41

DR. KOWLES TRIBUTE

Dr. Richard Kowles M’67 Genetics Lab honors biology legend

D

r. Richard Kowles M’67, distinguished professor emeritus of biology, died just two days before a genetics lab on the Winona Campus was to be dedicated in his honor.

His daughter, Deb (Kowles) Erickson said at 9 a.m. on Aug. 22, 2022, she received an advanced copy of his remarks. By 10 a.m., he was in cardiac arrest, and by 11 a.m., he was gone.

Dr. Kowles’ former students Dr. Steve Rice B’79, second from left, and Dr. James Dolan B’79, fourth from left, joined Father Burns, fourth from right, and members of Dr. Kowles’ family, from left: Vanessa Kowles, Brooke Kowles, Doug Kowles, Deb (Kowles) Erickson, Carmen Erickson, and Sandy Kowles.

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She joked, “Only Dick Kowles could work his a** off until the final moments of his life.”

More than one person remarked that Dr. Kowles always liked to keep people on their toes, and — in his memory and his honor — the event went on as planned.

Bittersweet and heartfelt dedication remarks focused on an educator and researcher who not only had an inspiring career, he inspired the careers of countless

DR. KOWLES TRIBUTE

others throughout 36 years of teaching — alumni like Dr. James “Jim” Dolan B’79, who met Dr. Kowles in the fall of 1975, when “Doc” was assigned his faculty adviser.

“The first class I had with him was Cell Biology in the Fall, 1976,” he said. “I was a sophomore in a room of upperclassmen. I had several additional classes taught by Doc, acted as his lab assistant, and he was my faculty adviser on my senior research project.

His encouragement and guidance bolstered my confidence and truly inspired me to believe that medical school acceptance was a possibility.

“This Laboratory Space … will be a symbol of permanence and be named in his honor as a gift of gratitude and appreciation from former students, colleagues and friends,” he added.

Dr. Dolan finished his speech by saying funds gifted in Dr. Kowles’ honor would “allow for the pursuit of scientific truth, virtue, knowledge, and scientific inquiry, and I am sure Doc would appreciate a little humor and joy along the way.”

Dr. Kowles’ daughter Deb (Kowles) Erickson read her father’s remarks, excerpted below.

Firstly, thanks to everyone who made this event possible. I regard it as a great culmination of a career that was filled with joy and fun of working with many young minds — students and colleagues who kept me young. Too bad it doesn’t last.

In 1971, I was teaching at the University of Wisconsin River Falls. I became aware of a position opening up at Saint Mary’s

The newly dedicated Dr. Richard Kowles M’67 Genetics Lab, located in Aquinas Hall.

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DR. KOWLES TRIBUTE

Dr. James Dolan B’79 addresses attendees of the lab dedication.

University. I immediately decided that I wanted the position.

Saint Mary’s was very familiar to me because I had taken part in the national science programs developed by Brother Charles and Brother George. What really caught my attention was the curriculum for the biology major. It included ample chemistry, physics, math, along with genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and biometrics, a strong major that existed in 1971-72 and I wanted to be part of it.

When I interviewed, I pointed out that I could teach the entire curriculum, even wash dishes after lunch in the cafeteria.

Not only did a superb major exist but it included an undergraduate research requirement. That was something Brother Charles began in 1936, absolutely unheard of in those days. Today it is a widespread undergraduate practice. What a place I found myself in. The place was active, friendly, energetic. Students wanted to be your friends

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without blurring the lines between studentfaculty relationships.

I liked my job so much that I never even took a sabbatical. After 36 years of full-time teaching, I had a number of them coming and could have just checked out for about five years or so. I never suffered from burnout. I appreciated Saint Mary’s.

Where else could I mock the president’s talk to the student body with his ridiculous props and throw him completely off course?

Where else could I take my underwear off without taking my pants off in class to make a point in tomography?

On a more sobering note, where else could I become long-time friends with so many students who after many years are willing to write to you, send you emails, and come visit with you?

Gratefully, thank you, SMU, for allowing me to be part of your community and your family.

LOOKING BACK

These photos, taken in the 1950s through the 1970s, showcase our strong science programming, back in the days of black and white. So many legendary professors have taught in these classrooms including Brother Charles Severin, FSC, Ph.D.; John Hoffman, Ph.D.; Phil Cochran B’77, Ph.D.; Dick Kowles M’67, Ph.D.; and so many others. Which professor helped you master the sciences?

If you have more information about these photos, please contact Saint Mary’s Magazine editor, Deb Nahrgang. Mail comments to Saint Mary’s Magazine, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, 700 Terrace Heights #36, Winona, MN 55987. Or, send an email to dnahrgan@smumn.edu.

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WINONA CAMPUS 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 USA

Save the date for June 23-25, 2023, and join us for another fun- and friend-filled alumni reunion on the beautiful Winona Campus. All alumni are invited back, with special emphasis on those classes celebrating a five-year-increment anniversary, from a 5th to 50 plus! So if your graduation year ends in a 3 or 8, we hope to see you and your whole class there!

connect.smumn.edu/reunion2023

Online registration will open in March 2023.