Fall 2009 Alumni Magazine

Together We Are Working to build a stronger university

SMU is going green with online magazine A dozen of you have told us you’re willing to read your Saint Mary’s Magazine online instead of receiving a paper copy in the mail. It’s never too late to help SMU conserve paper and energy — and still get up-to-date news about your alma mater and your classmates.

This alumni magazine is now available in a fun new format on our website. It’s as close to the real thing as possible.

By moving your cursor, you can literally grab and turn pages. One mouse click can change the view from normal to magnified; another mouse click returns the view to normal. Special options for searching, printing, cropping and downloading are also available. Starting with this issue you’ll find video links of events. Now you can be a part of the story, not just read about it. See Donny Nadeau ’85’s face as he plunges down the zip line on our new ropes course. Take a look at who attended this year’s Homecoming festivities — see how many people you can recognize after all these years.

It’s easy and fun to use, and it’s available anytime online.

Go to www.smumn.edu/magazine to see the latest edition and archived issues.

Editions are also always available from the alumni mainpage. Go to www.smumn.edu/alumni and click on publications. Give us a virtual read, and let us know what you think.

If you would like to stop receiving the magazine in paper format, we’ll notify you via e-mail when a new edition is available online instead. You’ll be able to link directly from your e-mail notification to the magazine.

To make the switch, e-mail alumni@smumn.edu with your name, address and e-mail address, and specify that you’d like to switch from paper to digital.

Together, we can help lessen the environmental footprint of this publication as we work toward a greener tomorrow!

If you haven’t already, check us out; SMU news is always available, right at your fingertips!

www.smumn.edu

VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS Joseph Sweeney ’81 VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATION & MARKETING Bob Conover DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Meg (Leuer ’97) Richtman EDITOR Deb Nahrgang Phone: (507) 457-6966 Fax: (507) 457-6967 dnahrgan@smumn.edu CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Donny Nadeau ’85 Deb Nahrgang Meg (Leuer ’97) Richtman PHOTOGRAPHERS Chris Ebert ’06 Gerard Lampo Deb Nahrgang GRAPHIC DESIGN Maria Beyerstedt Denise Hamernik PRODUCTION Pat Beech Pat Fleming Winona Printing Company Saint Mary’s Magazine is published by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for its alumni, parents and friends.

Third-class postage paid at Winona, MN 55987-1399.

ADDRESS CHANGES Saint Mary’s Magazine Saint Mary’s University 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 ON THE WEB www.smumn.edu/magazine

ABOUT SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private, Lasallian Catholic institution offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. About 1,400 students are enrolled in the residential undergraduate College at the Winona campus, established in 1912. More than 4,300 students are enrolled in the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, which offers certificate, bachelor degree completion, master degree, specialist, and doctoral programs. The university delivers education to its adult learners through campuses in Minneapolis, Winona and Nairobi, Kenya; centers in Apple Valley, Rochester and Minnetonka; and at numerous other locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Jamaica. Saint Mary’s is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

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MAGAZINE

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FROM THE EDITOR So many opportunities to work together

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NEWS AND VIEWS SMU gets grant to improve education in Minnesota; nearly 1,000 commence this spring; annual benefit raises $17,000; new trustees named; and more

11 SGPP UPDATE MBA students weigh in on Duluth Farmer’s Market; Play Therapy now offered; soldier takes classes long-distance

16 LEARNING THE ROPES Donny Nadeau ’85 braves the SMU Challenge Ropes Course

19 GEOSPATIAL SERVICES Winona GSS employees do national resource assessments for major U.S. parks

24 FINDING HER WAY HOME

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SMU student visits orphanage in Poland

26 SPORTS NEWS Season highlights recapped

29 ALUMNI NEWS Lasallian Day of Service news; Homecoming dates change

33 HOMECOMING 2009 350 enjoy weekend events

36 A DIFFERENT TIME

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V-12 alum re-visits campus for 60th anniversary

38 ALL IN THE FAMILY Three generations share memories of SMU

ON THE COVER Mary’s pond, located near Saint Mary’s Hall, got a facelift this past summer, courtesy of the Class of 2006. The class gift included funding for landscaping, the pond’s reconstruction, and a new fountain foundation platform for the statue of Mary. It was intended to both beautify the area and make it more welcoming.

Funds are still being collected for additional landscaping.

40 CLASS NOTES Alumni news, weddings, births and deaths

FROM THE EDITOR

Great things come from working together It’s funny the lessons in life that can be learned balancing on a log.

Students giggle uproariously as they walk across a log, their only safety net the hands of their classmates.

For one particular portion of the new SMU Challenge Ropes course (which you can read about on page 16), two people must depend upon each other, pulling, pushing, stepping on and grabbing each Deb Nahrgang other’s clothing — Saint Mary’s and sometimes Magazine editor body parts — to successfully climb a very tall swinging ladder. Modesty is put on the back burner 30 feet in the air.

It’s all about cooperation.

It seems like one of those “Things I Learned in Kindergarten” lessons. Yet the art of working together toward a common goal is often lost once we trade our backpacks for Blackberries.

Together, we can and have accomplished great things.

It’s a spiritual cooperation that binds us all to Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s mission. Together, and by association, we strive to provide an excellent education that includes a global perspective, as well as highly personalized attention. At Saint Mary’s we’ve been doing this for nearly 100 years.

As you can guess, the centennial provides some great opportunities to elicit your cooperation.

With our 100th anniversary on the horizon, we’re planning a variety of ways to celebrate and commemorate Saint Mary’s.

As part of the festivities, we’re planning a 100th anniversary book. As we began pouring through archival photos and conducting interviews, it occurred to us that many of the photos we want to see, and many of the stories we want to hear, come from you.

Now’s the time to dig through your photo albums and look for unique photos that show special people, events,

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locations, and even “styles” of the times.

If you are able, please send your photos to us electronically at dnahrgan@ smumn.edu. Photos can also be sent to me at 700 Terrace Heights #36, Winona, MN 55987. We’ll scan them in and return them as soon as possible.

Please also include your name, phone number, e-mail and any information you have about the date of the photograph and what/whom it depicts.

Of course, we can’t guarantee all photos will make it into our publication, but as many photos as possible will become a permanent part of our archive. Every photo that shows a piece of Saint Mary’s history is precious to us.

We’re also looking for ideas and support. What events would you like to see us host? What should we call this shindig? What would bring you back to campus? What would you most like to see remembered or highlighted?

To make this event a success, we need your cooperation. Saint Mary’s University has touched the lives of more than 30,000 alumni and countless other faculty, staff, parents, family and friends in its near 100-year history. We need you to help make our anniversary a resounding success!

Together, we can all make a difference through our Lasallian Day of Service date. The Alumni Board is starting an annual tradition through which SMU alumni are encouraged to help out a number of Lasallian organizations throughout the Midwest on Oct. 24 … Read more on page 29.

Is your family tree rooted in Saint Mary’s history? Do many of your family’s branches contain SMU students and alumni? Take a look at the Howard/ Manahan family on page 38. Here’s one example of a family with a long history at our university. Send us your SMU family tree information! We’re starting a new section in the alumni magazine titled, “All in the Family.” Tell us who’s who, what your graduation years are and how you’re all related. Please include a contact name, phone number and e-mail.

Our alumni are constantly collaborating and cooperating. This issue’s “We are Saint Mary’s” on page 54 features a group of alumni living and

working in Las Vegas. The group is currently working in various aspects of Vegas’ entertainment industry. Together, they’ve formed a close network, passing each other clients, ideas and support. If you’re an alum who was helped in your career by another alum, let us know by responding to the question on the back page!

It truly took an act of cooperation for the class of 1959 to raise a recordbreaking $1.66 million gift to Saint Mary’s. In honor of its 50th anniversary, this class found a way to share its spirit with future generations; their gift endows three scholarships. Read more on page 35.

SMU’s GeoSpatial Services, on page 19, is cooperating with the National Park Service to assess the natural resources of our nation’s most amazing national parks and attractions.

And, with a little long-distance cooperation, we’ve been able to bring a class to a student serving in Afghanistan for the first time. See page 12.

We hope you enjoy these stories, and the many more squeezed into this issue. As always, it’s hard to limit the information we can provide. There are so many alumni accomplishing amazing things. Please keep telling us your stories, because you are what makes SMU so special!≠

We’re interested in your thoughts We want to hear from you, the alumni, parents and friends of Saint Mary’s University.

You’re welcome to respond to something you read in Saint Mary’s Magazine, or to comment on any subject that involves the past, present or future of the university.

Send letters to Saint Mary’s Magazine Editor, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #36, Winona, MN 55987-1399 or e-mail editor Deb Nahrgang at dnahrgan@smumn.edu.

FALL 2009

LETTERS

Saint Mary’s Magazine brings back memories

CAMPUS RESOURCES WEBSITE www.smumn.edu ALUMNI ASSOCIATION • Winona Undergraduate Alumni (507) 457-1499 Fax: (507) 457-6697 Toll-free: (800) 635-5987, Ext. 1499 alumni@smumn.edu • Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs Alumni (612) 728-5202 Fax: (612) 728-5167 Toll-free: (866) 437-2788 sgppalumni@smumn.edu www.smumn.edu/alumni ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT (507) 457-1579 dnadeau@smumn.edu www.saintmaryssports.com DEVELOPMENT (507) 457-6647 Fax: (507) 457-6697 giving@smumn.edu www.smumn.edu/giving PERFORMANCE CENTER BOX OFFICE (507) 457-1715 tickets@smumn.edu www.pagetheatre.org COMMUNICATION AND MARKETING (507) 457-1497 spopp@smumn.edu ADMISSION – WINONA Toll-free: (800) 635-5987, Ext. 1700 admission@smumn.edu ADMISSION – TWIN CITIES SGPP Toll-free: (866) 437-2788, Ext. 207 tc-admission@smumn.edu JOB OPPORTUNITIES www.smumn.edu/jobs

I just got the latest Saint Mary’s Magazine. Nice job; brought back some memories.

I was a student at De La Salle High School from 1958-62 and knew Chet Bulger.

Also, Brother Finbar McMullen ’46 taught me to use the lathe and milling machine in the Physics Department, but that was in 1964-65. I graduated in 1966. Your story said he came to Saint Mary’s in 1967. I suppose that was fulltime since I knew him before then.

— Peter Kilkus ’66

Science alum says SMU made a difference in his life It was great to get an update on Jim Vogel’s move forward in the SMU alumni publication. Jim, all the best in retirement. It sounds like you and your wife have set the stage for good times. I’ll never forget the inorganic class you gave while at Saint Teresa’s; it was great.

Thanks.

Roger Kugel ’70, you’ve been chair for a while, is it getting to you yet? I was interim chair at Western Michigan University, where my position is now, for five years and it darned near knocked me out. Jim’s message of moving forward with one’s work so long as it doesn’t deal poorly with students is exactly on message.

I have been on sabbatical this year.

The fall term (I was) in Spain teaching marine chemistry for grad students at the University of Las Palmas, Grand Canaries, on a Fulbright Fellowship.

Now I’m in Oklahoma, at an EPA lab doing a subsurface hydrocarbon bioremediation pilot at an old refinery near here on a NRC Fellowship and ready to get back to the Midwest. I’ve worked in marine chemistry, hazardous wastes cleanup, and contaminated groundwater cleanup for the last 33 years and it’s still fun. Students especially still make it work. I’ll be back in the classroom in the fall.

Saint Mary’s made all the difference in my life. It was a great gift that touched many. Thanks to Jim, Roger, Larry Dieterman, Ernie Kaufman, and

even Brother Ambrose Trusk ’43 who nearly kicked me out of the department for going to the march on Washington in 1968. Thanks again and the best in the future, peace.

— Mike Barcelona ’71

Remembering the Brothers in the ’70s Just a little note to say how much I enjoyed the article(s) on the Christian Brothers. I was there between 1974-78.

Wow, what an interesting time with those men of God … Live Jesus in our hearts, Forever.

— George Drouches ’78

Rettig enjoys stories on Christian Brothers, alumni I was reading through another wonderful issue of Saint Mary’s Magazine last night and I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful job you do. The breadth of topics you take on across magazine issues, and even within a single issue is breathtaking. And still you do it with a focus that brings out the stories in a wonderful manner. The Christian Brothers story and the alumni-student success stories articles are particularly good. The fact you do this within the (supposed) confines of an alumni magazine is a testament to your talent and creativity. I look forward to each issue.

As you said, it doesn’t have to be Time Magazine to be rewarding, and great.

— Bo Rettig ’77 WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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News and Views Saint Mary’s receives funds to improve education in Minnesota With $418,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), Saint Mary’s University plans to train and mentor K-12 educators in targeted Minnesota schools.

These Congressionally directed grants include $190,000 for technology upgrades, including the purchase of equipment, and $228,000 for professional development for teachers. The “Teachers Teaching Teachers Through Technology” project will receive funding in fall 2009 and run for two years.

These noteworthy grants — a first for Saint Mary’s – cover 100 percent of the cost of the project and come from the DOE’s Fund for the Improvement of Education and the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education.

The “Teachers Teaching Teachers Through Technology” project will

enhance K-12 educators’ professional development using technology such as interactive television and Web 2.0 distance learning tools, and enable teachers from rural and high-need Minnesota schools to engage in meaningful collaboration with each other and with content specialists from Saint Mary’s, especially in critical areas such as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Elementary and secondary schools participating in this partnership include: • Marshall Public School District #413 in Marshall • Rushford - Peterson Schools in Rushford • Higher Ground Academy in St. Paul • Anishinabe Academy in Minneapolis The grants were sponsored by U.S. Congressman Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, and then-U.S. Senator Norm Coleman. The DOE funds support nationally significant programs to improve the quality of elementary and secondary education at the state and local levels, which will help K-12 students meet challenging state achieve-

ment standards and academic content standards. STEM education is considered critical to meeting the demands of the science and technology labor force in Minnesota and the nation.

“We know that there are a significant number of new teachers who resign within the first five years in the field,” said Rebecca (Prell ’94) Hopkins M’00, C’05, dean of the university’s Graduate School of Education. “Saint Mary’s will enhance outreach to teachers through educational technology, communications and scientific equipment. Strategically positioned professional development centers will allow the university to reach even more educators in need of mentorship, professional connection, and content knowledge.”

Research shows when teachers are supported with ongoing mentoring and professional development in their crucial early years, they are more likely to stay in the teaching profession.

The DOE grants recognize the expertise and resources of Saint Mary’s graduate and undergraduate education programs.≠

Still bound for Saint Mary’s Walter ’81, Mark ’86 and Tim ’85 Smithe opened the doors to their Oakbrook, Ill., Smithe Furniture Store on Aug. 9 for a Chicago send-off. Incoming Chicagoland students were invited to mingle with alumni, meet other students and enjoy refreshments. Students received T-shirts printed with a photo from 1941 (see above right) of some of the Saint Mary’s-bound Chicago-area students. The Office of Admission hopes to make this an annual event.≠

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FALL 2009

NEWS AND VIEWS

Sustain Winona partners become ISO 14001 certified This summer, the seven member organizations of Sustain Winona, including Saint Mary’s, became ISO 14001 certified.

To become certified, Purdue University’s Center for Clean Manufacturing conducted an onsite conformance audit in June.

Results affirmed that Sustain Winona partners have a structure in place to achieve its collective goals (ISO calls this structure an Environmental Management System, or EMS).

Each of the Winona partners (including the city, the county, Winona Area Public Schools, Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical, Saint Mary’s University and Winona State University) has agreed to achieve the following goals by the end of 2011: • reduce solid waste generation by 25 percent; • reduce electrical energy consumption by 10 percent; and • reduce fuel use by 5 percent.

Winona is believed to be the first community in the nation that has become ISO certified as a multi-organizational partnership.

For more information on SMU and Sustain Winona’s ISO certification, visit www.sustainwinona.org.≠

Mars water investigator, inspirational barbecuer visit campus

Dr. John Hoffman ’51 shared details of the Phoenix Mars Mission, the first in NASA’s Scout Program, with the SMU community this spring. He detailed how the Phoenix was designed to study the history of water and habitability potential in the Martian arctic’s ice-rich soil. Dr. Hoffman, a professor of physics at the University of Texas at Dallas, was a co-investigator for the TEGA experiment that flew on the Mars Scout Phoenix Mission. Dr. Hoffman’s visit to campus was part of the Science Initiative Event in April. (See page 32.)

Administration changes The following changes have been made in the administrative structure of the university for the 2009-10 academic year.

Ann Merchlewitz M’95 was named executive vice president, and she will continue to serve as general counsel.

James Bedtke now serves as vice president of the College as well as vice president of the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs. Bedtke is the principal academic officer of SGPP, while Dr. Tom Mans is vice president for academic affairs for the College and its principal academic offices.

Sister Judith Schaefer now works with the president as his special assistant with the title of university dean for university affairs. She continues to serve as chair of the Theology Department, and is now a member of the President’s Cabinet.

Tracy Lehnertz M’97 now works with Bedtke as the dean for institutional effectiveness. She continues to serve as associate dean of the College for off-campus programs, and she is now a member of the President’s Cabinet.≠

Dave Anderson, founder of the popular barbecue franchise Famous Dave’s of America, shared some heartfelt optimism and some valuable life lessons.

The April event, hosted by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, was open to the public. SMU business students helped to bring Anderson to SMU. Attendees enjoyed free appetizers, barbecue sauce and coupons, courtesy of Famous Dave’s of La Crosse.≠

WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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NEWS AND VIEWS

Nearly 1,000 students commence from three campuses this spring Programs and diplomas are checked and re-checked, caps and gowns are issued, speakers practice their speeches, folding chairs are aligned, and families — armed with cameras and camcorders — prepare to capture proud moments.

Just one commencement involves a lot of preparation. Imagine six!

On the Winona campus, there are about 1,400 traditional undergraduates.

Additionally, close to 4,300 nontraditional adult learners are enrolled in graduate, bachelor completion and professional programs at the Twin Cities and Winona campuses; Rochester, Apple Valley and Minnetonka centers; and at more than 100 other sites across Minnesota and Wisconsin. And, we can’t forget our affiliated programs in Nairobi, Kenya, and Jamaica.

With an array of diverse learners, in many locations — and even on two continents — graduation celebrations at Saint Mary’s span five weeks throughout the spring.

The Outstanding Male and Female Seniors, Jakub Szymanski and Emily Berg, gave student perspectives during Winona’s undergraduate commencement ceremony May 9. SGPP students in Winona graduated later that afternoon.

BELOW: Students in SGPP programs at the Twin Cities campus participated in commencement ceremonies on June 7.

BOTTOM: Seventy-six graduates received diplomas during Saint Mary’s Nairobi graduation ceremonies May 2.

• On May 2, 76 students received diplomas and degrees during the Saint Mary’s Nairobi campus ceremony.

• On May 9, the Winona campus hosted two commencement ceremonies to mark the end of the academic year. Approximately 220 undergraduate students participated in the morning commencement ceremony, and about 425 students — from the graduate and professional programs administered from Winona — participated in the afternoon ceremony.

• Additionally, 243 SGPP students participated in SMU’s Twin Cities campus ceremonies on June 7. (The Twin Cities campus also hosts a winter commencement.)

And while commencement ceremonies traditionally mark an end, they also represent a beginning. Each SMU graduate — whether in their professions, their communities or their families — has been empowered by the university’s mission: “to awaken, nurture, and empower learners to ethical lives of service and leadership.”≠

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FALL 2009

NEWS AND VIEWS

Money raised at this year’s Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance helped SMU alumni Bill ’90 and Mia (Cacciabondo ’90) Geheren of Huntley, Ill., purchase a handicapped accessible van for their family. The Geheren family includes, from right, Bill, Tommy, Charlie, Michael and Danny; Mia is not pictured. Nikki and Taylor Richmond (the benefit’s namesake, seated at left) joined the family.

Annual benefit dance raises $17,000 for Geheren family About 650 people attended Saint Mary’s University’s ninth annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance on March 28.

Proceeds from the dance — and a silent auction held on campus — raised approximately $17,000 for this year’s beneficiaries, Bill ’90 and Mia (Cacciabondo ’90) Geheren of Huntley, Ill., and their four children. Their three adopted children were born addicted to cocaine; one child is addicted to heroin and meth as well. Money from the benefit dance and silent auction will help the family purchase a handicapped accessible van.

This benefit dance has become an annual tradition since it was started by students in 2001 in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of Saint Mary’s Campus Ministry staff member Nikki Richmond and her husband Nick Richmond — both of Cochrane, Wis. Taylor has a genetic terminal illness called Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) and the money from his benefit was used to fulfill Taylor's dream of going to Disney World. Each year this event benefits someone from the SMU community in need.≠

Approximately 650 people danced to the Johnny Holm Band during this year’s Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance March 28.

WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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NEWS AND VIEWS

SMU names two new trustees Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has announced two new members of its board of trustees.

Bill Herzog ’70 of Apple Valley, Minn., is a founder and managing partner of Course Charters, LLC. Course Charters provides a variety of management consulting services to small and mid-sized organizations. He is past president of the SMU Alumni Board and served on the most recent presidential search committee.

Linda Kuczma ’78, J.D., of Park Ridge, Ill., has more than 25 years experience in the practice of intellectual property law. She practices in the Chicago offices of Banner & Witcoff, Ltd. Mary Ann Remick (CST ’64) of Rochester was appointed to an additional five-year term. Remick has served on the board since 2004, and chaired the most recent presidential search committee.

Brother Michael Collins ’59, FSC, Lyle Delwiche, and Oscar Straub ’52 completed 20 years of service on the board. Delwiche and Straub were named trustees emeriti by the board in recognition of their service. John Ehlert ’67 completed 10 years of service on the board, and Timothy Horan ’70 completed his five-year term on the board.

The university is indebted to these trustees for their dedication and service.≠

Welcome Cardinal Legacy students Saint Mary’s extends a special welcome to our Cardinal Legacy students. These are incoming freshmen whose parent(s) also attended or graduated from Saint Mary’s.

We are deeply honored that these families have chosen to carry on the SMU legacy. Our Lasallian family continues to grow here on the Winona campus!

Incoming Winona freshmen and their alumni parent/s are: Hannah Burns — William Burns ’85 Joseph Desrocher — Peter ’90 and Karin (Ritacco ’91) Desrocher Rhea Fosco — Edward Fosco ’82 Jamie Heit — James ’83 and Kim (Rogowski ’85) Heit Jordan Junker — Jaime Junker ’84 Justin Kaufenberg — Joseph ’84 and Colleen (O’Melia ’84) Kaufenberg Collin Kirby — Shawn Kirby ’85 Derek Kudjer — James Kudjer ’74 Kelsey Landro — Jodi Landro M’97, C’97 Jacob Loechler — Dr. Kathy Ryan M’07 Marianne Lynch — Jeffrey Lynch ’77 Angela Mazzuca — Frank Mazzuca ’80 Clinton Nienhaus — Darold Nienhaus ’82 Colin Norris — Jeffrey Norris ’76 William Pottratz — Mary Beth (Bork ’75) Pottratz Tara Rasmussen — Pamela Rasmussen M’09 Matthew Rice — Dr. Steven Rice ’79 Riley Sinn — Ruth Sinn M’93 Anna Sonday — Mooreen Sonday M’04 Andrew Thorson — Kristy Thorson M’08 Thomas Walker — Scott ’91, C’96, M’98 and Molly (McManus ’91) Walker We also welcome the sons and daughters of College of Saint Teresa alumnae: Mary Lauermann — Celine (Graf CST’77) Lauermann Jenna Putz — Carol Janka CST’84 Anthony Speltz — Maureen (Salmon CST’72) Speltz Robert Steingraeber — Carolyn (Skemp CST’81) Steingraeber If your son or daughter is an incoming freshman and his or her name was omitted, contact Deb Nahrgang at dnahrgan@smumn.edu.

New displays recognize alums for service Saint Mary’s University recognizes alumni for their service in two new displays outside of the Office of Campus Ministry in the Toner Student Center. One display acknowledges the 63 alumni who have served in the Peace Corps, along with their years of service and countries. Another display identifies the nearly 100 alumni who have served one year or more through the Lasallian Volunteers Program.≠

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FALL 2009

NEWS AND VIEWS

Saint Mary’s community members participate in Lasallian education and formation programs $75,000 donation given in honor of the Brothers’ 75th anniversary This past summer, 14 members of the Saint Mary’s University faculty, staff and administration participated in national and international Lasallian education and formation programs sponsored by the Christian Brothers and the larger Lasallian network of educators. This participation is one way Saint Mary’s is responding to the university priority of enhancing the Lasallian Catholic mission and culture.

This summer’s participants are the first beneficiaries of a $75,000 gift to the university, specifically designated for Lasallian education and formation for faculty and staff. At the Founder’s Day Convocation in February, Brother William announced this gift in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Christian Brothers at Saint Mary’s. The gift, made anonymously by a friend of the university, recognizes the relationship fostered between an alumnus and the Brothers during his college years.

The $75,000 donation is the lead gift to an endowment fund that is designed to sponsor, outside of the University’s normal operating budget, Lasallian formation and education activities.

Although there are fewer Brothers present today in Lasallian schools — including Saint Mary’s — the Lasallian network is committed to the formation and empowerment of lay colleagues, who are truly partners in continuing the work begun by Saint John Baptist de La Salle over 300 years ago.

Seven people participated in the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies from June 28-July 10 at Saint Mary’s College of California. The Buttimer Institute provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Lasallian charism through in-depth study of John Baptist de La Salle’s personal journey and the Lasallian spirituality and pedagogy. Two-week sessions are held for three consecutive summers. Attending Buttimer I were Dr. Mark Barber, associate dean of humanities and associate professor of philosophy; Dr. Patrick Barlow, director of college assessment; Gena Bilden, dean of enrollment management and student services - SGPP; and Elizabeth Childs, associate dean for curriculum and assessment - SGPP. Attending for their second summer were: Timothy Gossen ’01, dean of students for the College; Linka Holey, associate vice president/academic dean - SGPP; and Mary Thole M’01, coordinator of student services - SGPP. Four administrators participated in the Lasallian Leadership Institute, a three-year program consisting of a oneweek session during the summer (July 19-24) and weekend sessions in the fall and spring. The Lasallian Leadership Institute integrates and promotes the Lasallian heritage in the personal and professional lives of ministry leaders as future catalysts of the Lasallian mission. Attending were: James Bedtke, vice president – SGPP and the College; Chris Kendall ’79, M’95, vice president for student development; Merri Moody M’89, dean of the Graduate School of Health & Human Services; and Joseph Sweeney ’81, vice president for development and alumni relations.

Saint Mary’s also had three people attend the third International Lasallian University Leadership Program (IALU), which was held June 7-20 at the international center of the

Christian Brothers in Rome. The theme of this year’s conference was “Partners in Catholic Lasallian Higher Education: Enhancing Understanding & Eliciting Commitment.”

The program is specifically designed to assist universities in their ongoing faculty formation and enrichment. Attending the Rome program were: Dr. Daniel Bucknam, assistant professor of psychology; Rebecca (Prell ’94) Hopkins M’00, C’05, dean of the Graduate School of Education and MAI program director; and Dr. Jack McClure, assistant professor – SGPP. Dr. Roxanne Eubank, SGPP professor and director of the Lasallian Studies Program, was the coordinator of the 2009 IALU Rome program. Dr. Mary Catherine Fox ‘75, M’89, professor of interdisciplinary studies, was also a member of the IALU staff this summer.

“These programs are training the next generation of Lasallian leaders,” said Brother Larry Humphrey, director of mission at SMU. “The goal is that people who participate in these programs will come away from them with the spirit of De La Salle and his mission. And they can then share that spirit with their students and their colleagues.”≠ WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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NEWS & VIEWS

Jerrie Seibert and Dr. Jane Cowgill retire Spring 2009 brought several faculty and staff retirements.

Campus Safety director Jerrie Seibert retired after 11 years, and Dr. Jane Cowgill, assistant professor in the English Department, retired after 10 years.

Seibert first served 32 years with the Winona Police Department. He was hired as a patrolman in 1966, following service with the U.S. Army. In 1969, he was promoted to lieutenant in charge of the investigative division. He subsequently was named deputy chief of police.

Cowgill came to SMU in 1988 from Connecticut.

During the ’80s, Cowgill worked at the University of Connecticut, where she taught English and served as an assistant to the Medieval Studies Program. She also was a caseworker for the Department of Welfare in New York, N.Y., and was a member of the Rod Rodgers Dance Company.≠ ABOVE: Jerrie Seibert was given a Golden Doughnut Award by the Department of Art and Design during his retirement celebration.

LEFT: Dr. Jane Cowgill spoke at the spring Employee Recognition Ceremony.

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FALL 2009

S G P P U P D AT E

Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs MBA students explore growing Duluth Farmer’s Market facility While local farmers nurtured fruits and vegetables this summer for the Duluth Farmer’s Market, college students were fine-tuning finance and marketing options to improve the health of the nearly 100-year-old nonprofit organization.

The farmer’s market board of directors has solicited business advice from 18 MBA students from Saint Mary’s University in the Twin Cities to help the market realize its potential and overcome pitfalls. Students have set out to compile a complete business plan with advice on one of the most important issues for the market: whether a move from the current facility to a new building is necessary to remain viable.

“The board needs a disseminator and people from a different perspective,” said Jim Laumeyer, a representative for the market. “The growers are important, but we need people who know business.”

The market’s current location at 1320 E. Third St., under a short-term lease with the city of Duluth, lacks running water, bathrooms for customers and adequate parking.

“The facility is a top issue,” Laumeyer said. “Customers will drive by because of the parking, and you hate to see that.”

A new facility could provide the market a chance to grow and a hightraffic location could provide the marketing benefits without having to spend money on advertising, said student Travis Mjolsnes.

“We want to help bring the market to the next level,” Mjolsnes said. “They don’t have the time to do that with the busy season coming. We hope to provide unbiased advice.”

This article, shortened for this publication, was written by Andy Greder and printed in the Duluth News-Tribune on June 1, 2009. Reprinted with permission from Duluth News-Tribune and www.duluthnewstribune.com.≠

MBA students do a site visit to the Duluth Farmer’s Market.

SMU adds Play Therapy to list of SGPP offerings Saint Mary’s is now offering a Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy. Play Therapy is a specialized area utilized by marriage and family therapists, counselors and Linka Holey, associate vice president and academic dean psychologists to treat children the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, and adults as an alternative to of and Dr. Stephen Peltier, program director, Marriage and and in conjunction with Family Therapy and Play Therapy for the SGPP, hold a certificate recognizing Saint Mary’s approval to offer a traditional talk therapies.

Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy.

The Play Therapy Graduate Certificate program has been designated as an Approved Center of Play Therapy Education, according to Bill Burns, executive director of the Association for Play Therapy (APT).

The play therapy program was developed by Dr. Stephen Lander, Dr. Steven W. Peltier, Diana Teodorescu, and Dr. Mary Louise Wise. Dr. Peltier has been named the program director.

Those who have received a master’s degree in a mental health area are eligible to enroll in the program. Students who are enrolled in the M.A. or Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy program or the M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services can also apply if all prerequisite courses are completed.≠

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Soldier stationed in Afghanistan brings new meaning to long-distance learning

On the last day of her spring graduate education class, 1st Lt. Rachel Ryba asked her Winona classmates to re-introduce themselves on a more personal level.

Unfortunately, hugs — or even handshakes — weren’t an option between Winona and the 3-401st Army Field Support Brigade in Bagram, Afghanistan.

Instead, by using a Skype Internet software application, the instructor carted a laptop displaying Ryba’s smiling face around to her cohorts, one at a time.

Some of her classmates remembered Ryba from student teaching. One classmate told Ryba that her daughter was a student at the Winona Middle School, where Ryba teaches special education when she’s not serving as an Army transportation officer. The classmate wondered if Ryba knew that during a recent middle school music performance, a song was dedicated in her honor.

These personal tidbits were precious little pieces of home to a local servicewoman, as she continued through the second half of her second deployment, half a world away.

Michelle (Galles) Cochran ’79, M’05, C’07, then associate director of the K-12 Reading Teacher Program, said that when the class — “Reading Instruction for Linguistically and

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Culturally Diverse Learners” — 1st Lt. Rachel Ryba was completed many of Ryba’s Winona classmates were sorry the experience was over. Some had stayed into their lunch breaks to continue the long-distance conversations. A few might share another class with Ryba through Skype technology this fall.

Twice Ryba had started courses toward earning Saint Mary’s K-12 Reading Teacher Certificate, only to have her studies interrupted, first by a deployment to Iraq from 2003-2005, and then with a deployment to Afghanistan in October 2008. She’ll return home in winter 2009.

Denise Cichosz, K-12 Reading Teacher coordinator, had been communicating with Ryba via e-mail, when she got the idea to use Skype programming.

She shared the idea with Cochran.

Time passed, and Cochran attended a presentation at the SMU Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs about helping veterans transition back to civilian life. “(Program facilitators) described how important it is for people to main-

tain ties here, and they discussed ways to integrate them when they get back.

That made a big impact on me,” Cochran said. “They talked about how they (servicemen and women) come back and find that life has gone on without them and how difficult that is.”

Cochran immediately thought of Ryba.

Cochran was just beginning to teach “Reading Instruction for Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Learners,” a class that involved a lot of reading and discussion. She thought this would provide a perfect opportunity for long-distance learning. She and Cichosz contacted Ryba, who was excited to be able to continue her studies.

A syllabus was then adapted.

Readings were scanned and put online and made accessible to Ryba.

Additionally a variety of DVDs were mailed to Afghanistan — along with a stock of chocolate and licorice. SMU’s IT department helped facilitate the Skype connection.

With a lot of planning, Ryba could see PowerPoints at the same time as the class. If the class was watching a film, she could watch it via DVD and then join the discussion.

FALL 2009

S G P P U P D AT E

1st Lt. Rachel Ryba attended Saint Mary’s classes from her military station in Afghanistan using a computer and Skype.

The first connection was rough.

“The first time we tried to connect, we found out her troop was on a furlough and had just been relocated,” Cochran said. “People there were scrambling to help her get connected. It was evening there for her, and she was exhausted.”

At each connection, her Winona cohorts would see Rachel, often with a funny T-shirt, sometimes in Army fatigues. “She would be talking to us and all of a sudden we’d hear this huge noise, and she would explain that it was the planes going overhead. Once it sounded like a torrential rain. She also explained that (during one connection) it was 105 degrees outside. She was sharing her life with us, and it was great for us to see that,” Cochran said.

Ryba also provided some real-life practical experience to the class. Twice a week, she has been teaching 11 Afghan

men and women how to read and speak English; they in turn, have been teaching her about their culture and their lives.

In a letter to Cichosz and Cochran, Ryba wrote, “I received a lot of assistance that I have cherished. I am utilizing the resources and information that I have received these past couple months to help create some strategies and lessons.

“I am extremely grateful to you both for allowing me the opportunity to take a class here online with your program and do the classroom stuff via Skype – now that was cool. It was nice to be able to do something else and get my mind off of my daily duties and relax a bit more …

“I am not only thousands of miles away from my home, my family, friends and work, but I am also away from a world that is constantly changing and moving forward. Things aren’t waiting

for me or anyone else to return home.

We have to stay positive and find things that are going to help us with this experience, so we can get our mission accomplished and go home.”

A special paragraph, thanking Cichosz and Cochran for the licorice and chocolate, was accompanied by not one, but two smiley faces.

“I appreciate what you all have done back home to bring a little bit of home over to Afghanistan,” Ryba wrote.

Ryba explained that as a transportation officer, she works 12-14 hour days moving equipment, personnel, supplies and cargo to soldiers out in the field and throughout Afghanistan, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq.

“These people are giving up so much,” Cochran said. “This is a real service to them, a really important way to serve the people who are serving us.”≠ WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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This photo, taken in summer 2009, shows off new athletic fields and the track and soccer complex at the Winona campus. The campus profile has changed dramatically since its founding in 1912.

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FALL 2009

SMU to celebrate its centennial in 2012-13 Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will observe its 100th anniversary, beginning in August 2012. All alumni, friends, parents, students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in a number of special activities.

SMU began as an all-boys school in 1912. It evolved into a diverse, coeducational university, with multiple campuses and locations that serve both undergraduates and graduates.

A commemorative book with colorful photos and interesting details from Saint Mary’s history is being planned. Planning is also underway for a full year of special events.

Join us in making the centennial a huge success. As we begin to compile information and plan an event calendar, we invite you to send us your memories, photos and ideas. Tell us your memories; find that special photo that captures your time on Terrace Heights (or any of our locations).

Mail them to Deb Nahrgang, 700 Terrace Heights #36, Winona, or e-mail dnahrgan@smumn.edu.

And watch for more information on how you can join the celebration of the century!≠

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Learning the Ropes When the magazine editorial staff talked about doing a story on the new Challenge Ropes Course, we discussed that the only way to truly describe it would be to do a first-person account.

With a little trepidation, mixed with some curiosity, Donny Nadeau ’85 bravely volunteered to battle his acrophobia, climb more than 40 feet in the air, and balance precariously high above the Winona campus. He survived to tell us his story … .

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By Donny Nadeau ’85 So there I was on a summer afternoon in mid-June, hands sweating, heart pounding, knees knocking, walking across a rope suspended high above the ground — terrified out of my wits.

According to the brochure, the Challenge Ropes Course, which is part of SMU’s Outdoor Leadership Program, provides a unique and fun environment for experiential and adventure-based education.

It certainly was an adventure, and I can certainly see how the “Challenge” course got its name.

For those of you who don’t know what a ropes course is, it’s a set of elements — some high off the ground and some low — that are designed to build selfconfidence and teamwork, as well as develop an understanding of the complexities of human nature.

SMU’s ropes course includes low-challenge elements that are 2- to 3-feet above the ground, and high-challenge elements that are 25-to-50 feet above the ground (it felt much higher to me) — including a climbing wall and a zip line.

I met my facilitators, strength and conditioning coach Jamie Herrick and Cardinal assistant women’s hockey coach Tennie McCabe ’04, at the course and promptly realized that it looked a lot more imposing up close than it did from farther away.

While Herrick completed preparations, McCabe gave me a walking tour of the low-ropes course, explaining the different apparatuses.

(continued on pg. 18)

FALL 2009

“I can certainly see how the ‘Challenge’ course got its name.”

— Donny Nadeau ’85

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“Can I please do it again?!?”

“It’s more of a teambuilding-type setup (than the high ropes course),” she explained. “You do a lot of different elements that require working as a group, trusting one another, and team building.

“The high-ropes are more one-on-one, you against the elements.”

The biggest element … my fear of heights.

“It’s easy,” Herrick said as he finished strapping me tightly into my safety harness and led me to the first element — the Catwalk (a pole 4 inches wide and 40 feet in the air). “Just climb up the pole and walk across the log. Piece of cake.”

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Yeah, right.

I slowly but surely made my way up the pole, with a few stops along the way to gather my courage (and to try and stop my body from shaking), and finally made it to my first element — the Catwalk.

“Now what?!” I yelled down to Herrick.

“Just walk across the log,” he repeated.

They say slow and steady wins the race, but there wasn’t anything steady about my slow trek across that log. I made it — eventually — and actually walked all the way back across, too.

My accomplishment drew a round of applause from my ever-

growing peanut gallery of coworkers (merely the size of ants) below.

One down, five to go.

The Grape Vine proved to be the most difficult element, crossing 30 feet of rope by holding onto a series of ropes hanging down from above. The Hour Glass, Rope Bridge and Rock Wall were equally as challenging, but my adrenaline and comfort level increased with each step. I learned the hard way not to look down.

The only way down from the Rock Wall was via the Zip Line — my final challenge.

McCabe smiled as she hooked me up to the Zip Line

harness, which carried me — screaming like a little kid — back down to earth.

Once I finally pried my fingers off the rope and was unhinged from the Zip Line, I got down on my hands and knees to kiss the beloved earth. Once my heart rate calmed, I had just one last question: Can I please do it again?!?≠

•••••••••••••••••• For more information about booking the Ropes Course, go to www.smumn.edu/challenge.

••••••••••••••••••

FALL 2009

d scientist, John Anderson, wetlan i M’79, and Barry Drazkowsk Saint Mary’s executive director of GeoSpatial Services.

GeoSpatial Services Spatially speaking, there’s a whole lotta mappin’ going on When traveling to Alaska, SMU’s GeoSpatial Services (GSS) employees make sure to pack cameras, their Global Positioning Systems, a variety of maps, laptops, extra clothing, equipment like core samplers — and especially mosquito repellent.

The mosquitoes in Alaska are the size of small birds.

But, Barry Drazkowski M’79, executive director of Saint Mary’s GeoSpatial Services, doesn’t mind.

“It’s been my fantasy to go to Alaska since I was a kid. As a biologist, even the smallest opportunity (in Alaska) was a dream,” he said.

Alaska has become a familiar slice of ecological heaven for a small group of GSS employees.

A while back, the team completed mapping for more than 100 million acres of wetlands

across the U.S., including 40 million acres in Alaska.

Most recently, a team of GSS employees has been working on natural resource condition assessments for major parks in the United States in cooperation with the National Park Service.

The first of these cooperative agreements, which started last fall, was for WrangellSaint Elias National Park, which constitutes 13½ million acres in Alaska (six times the size of Yellowstone National Park). They just started working with Denali and Klondike Gold Rush National Parks, as well.

Their work in Alaska has led to further assessments in the lower 48 states including: Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Devil’s Tower National Monument and the Missouri National Recreation River, scheduled to start in September 2009. GSS will be applying what it learned about resource

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GeoSpatial Services has completed mapping for 100 million acres of wetlands, including 40 million acres in Alaska.

Barry Drazkowski M’79

assessment in Alaska to these four “lower 48” parks.

“What’s even more flattering, an accolade for SMU, is that we were asked if we would take these new projects on,” Drazkowski said. “We’re working on the most incredibly diverse ecologic systems in Alaska and the lower 48 states.

“It’s a very, very big deal involving a new multi-million dollar National Park condition assessment program. We’re examining fish, vegetation, wildlife, forests, climate, and landscape patterns. We are focusing on existing and emerging resource condition influences (threats and stressors, like human use,

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invading pests, and climate). We assess the status and quality of the area. The data we gather will be used by park management and will help determine how resource money is spent. It will have a huge impact. No other university is involved at this scale.

We’re the first to develop a production process on these type of large-scale projects.”

Besides the National Park Service, GSS also boasts clients like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and BP North America.

They’ve examined everything from recreation boating patterns on the Mississippi to ecological effects of flooding. And they developed and

It’s a very, very big deal involving a new multi-million dollar National Park condition assessment program. The data we gather will be used by park management and will help determine how resource money is spent.

— Barry Drazkowski

FALL 2009

GeoSpatial Services is working with the most incredibly diverse ecologic systems in Alaska and the lower 48 states.

What is GSS/GIS? GSS often does GIS development using GPS units.

Confused yet? What about when we use words like raster-tovector conversion and image orthorectification?

A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced map information. A web example is Google Earth.

GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts. To learn more about GIS visit www.esri.com.

GeoSpatial Services (GSS) — Saint Mary’s University project center and program within the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs — is a GIS and natural resource consulting and development service provider.

There’s both a Winona GSS office, located on the Saint Teresa campus, and a Minneapolis office, located on the SMU Twin Cities campus. To learn more, go to www.geospatialservices.org.

GeoSpatial Services offers a wide range of services including:

manage the custom web mapping applications BP Pipelines and Logistics.

These are some of the most sophisticated custom GIS web applications in the oil and gas industry.

Not bad for a crew of 10 full-time individuals and a handful of SMU Geographic Information Science graduate students.

At the core of GSS is its mission to educate. While fast becoming a nationally known service provider, GSS also provides SMU graduate students with practical, hands-on experience in the fields of environmental science, GIS, and image processing. By combining GIS education and project-based experiential learning,

GSS is unique in the region. SMU has created an opportunity for skilled students to work in a mentored environment on active client projects. GSS also provides a source of research and development for the Department of Resource Analysis as some of the toughest GIS problems are solved in a real-world environment. (Read more about SMU’s educational GIS opportunities in the sidebar on page 23.)

GeoSpatial Services’ 10 employees specialize in application development, photo interpretation or natural resource management. Most are graduates of SMU’s Resource Analysis program.

“We offer an apprenticeship experience where students have

• aerial photo interpretation • digital processing • image orthorectification • GIS data conversion projects • environmental impact • habitat analysis • GIS web applications GIS also stands for Geographic Information Science, and SMU offers a GIS master’s and certificate program from both its Winona and Twin Cities campuses. To learn more, go to www.smumn.edu/giswinona. aspx.

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We work hard to benefit the university’s academic mission; and yet, we still operate and manage on a model typical of a consulting business.

— Barry Drazkowski

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the opportunity to work throughout different aspects of the full scope of project activities,” Drazkowski said.

“It typically adds a prominent piece to their resumé. They didn’t just get the degree, but they received experience, with a nationally recognized GIS and natural resource program.”

Dave McConville, chair of the Resource Analysis Program, and the late Rory Vose, former biology professor, started the Resource Studies Center as a companion to the graduate program 13 to 14 years ago.

It grew out of the university’s commitment to research of the Upper

Mississippi River and their passion for experiential learning.

About 12½ years ago the university decided to formalize the project center and grow the GeoSpatial Services operation.

Drazkowski was hired and initially worked in partnership with Vose and McConville to develop GSS. The beginning was a struggle.

Then, in 2000, GSS sought and was awarded British Petroleum’s GIS development project, which Drazkowski said was the catalyst for GSS’s growth.

In the beginning, they did pipeline and wetland mapping, data FALL 2009

LEFT: Saint Mary’s GeoSpatial Services employs about 10 people and provides hands-on learning for SMU’s graduate students — including Chuck Schoeneberger M’02.

BOTTOM: Examples of some of the mapping projects completed by GeoSpatial Services.

A bright educational future tied to GIS SMU’S GIS PROGRAMS Saint Mary’s University offers a Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and the GIS Certificate from both the Winona and Twin Cities campuses. The program is a 41-semester-credit graduate degree intended to prepare learners for careers in geographic information sciences. The program focuses on the application of modern spatial and analytical techniques to solve real-world problems. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning.

Areas of concentration include: Natural Resource Management, Homeland Security/Emergency Management, Business Administration, Policy Administration/Criminal Justice and Project Management.

JOB OUTLOOK There’s a 99 percent employment rate in the GIS field. “Across the country, tens of thousands of trained geospatial workers are needed to fill positions that are going begging,” according to Emily Stover DeRocco, assistant secretary, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.

Geospatial technology is recognized as one of three key industries in the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative, and a new report by the National Science Board declares that a “troubling decline” in the number of U.S. citizens training to become scientists and engineers is creating an “emerging and critical problem” for the United States.

GRADUATE STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES GeoSpatial Services employs graduate students, providing invaluable handson, real-life experience.

“Students today have so many more opportunities than I did when coming out of college and graduate school,” said Barry Drazkowski, executive director for GeoSpatial Services. “Today a person can package themselves in any flavored discipline, add some GIS expertise, and choose any area of the U.S. to work in and any type of work they want to do. Our graduate students don’t ask, ‘Can I get a job?,’ it’s ‘What job should I take?’ and ‘Where do I want to live?’ It’s a very enviable position.”

development and imagery processing. Over time, they added the desktop and web applications development functions. Now — with the national parks collaborations — the organization has shifted into the natural resource assessment area. These are environmental science-based projects with a GIS component.

“We’re unique for a university-based projects center; we have a diversity of project types, from mapping and imagery, to studying the environment and planning for the future.

We work hard to benefit the university’s academic mission; and yet, we still operate and manage on a model typical of a consulting business,” Drazkowski said.≠

POTENTIAL FOR UNDERGRADUATE LEARNING “We have not had many undergraduates working in the program, but that is changing this fall as we develop stronger relationships with the undergraduate SMU program,” said Drazkowski. “As our organization grows and changes, the opportunities for undergraduates is much greater.

New multidisciplinary projects that are grounded in interdisciplinary sciences offer more undergraduate opportunities.”

New this year, Drazkowski is partnering with the undergraduate honors program to better utilize GSS as a resource for student projects, regardless of students’ disciplines. “We have a resource that very few universities have,” he said, explaining that students working in GSS can acquire experience in communication skills like phone calling, e-mailing, interviewing, collaboration on work tasks, writing, speaking, and critical thinking.

“For our natural resource projects, students need a core capacity in environmental science, but we give them experience in other marketable areas,” he said. “Instead of just biology, just chemistry or just engineering, students need interdisciplinary skills to make them successful. There’s a growing demand for trained, multi-disciplinary environmental scientists (as well as most of the other science-related fields), and SMU has the opportunity to make those opportunities available to students that want to learn at our university and pursue our graduate programs. It sounds clichéd, but the jobs we’re training students for today don’t exist today.”≠

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Finding her way home SMU study-abroad student finds opportunity to revisit her orphanage in Poland

By Ania McNamara ’11 On June 27, 2009, my sisters and I celebrated the 16th anniversary of our arrival in America. See, it was 16 years ago that my mother, Grace McNamara ’77, and my father, the late Bill McNamara ’76, ventured back to their roots and adopted four little girls — my sisters Paulina, Magdalena, Bogusia and me, Ania, from an orphanage in Chotomow, Poland.

By extending my study-abroad experience in Italy this past semester, I was able to return, for the first time, to my home in Poland. This is my story …

St. Augustine, a wise man, once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

Studying in Italy was a life-changing experience that helped me grow as a person in more ways than I could ever imagine. My personal, emotional, and spiritual strength was tested, and I came out a better person. It helped me grow up and gave me a whole new way of looking at the world and this beautiful thing called life.

After my study-abroad program ended in June, I decided I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay in Europe a little longer so that I could return to Poland. My friends and family pushed me to follow my heart.

My two girlfriends, Ashley and Nikki, and I (all students at SMU) booked the first flight from Rome to Prague and a ninehour overnight train to Poland. Spontaneous and nervous, we made it to Poland at the crack of dawn where we rented an

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apartment for two weeks in Krakow, the historic capital of Poland, and had the best experiences of our lives.

After our stay in Krakow, Ashley and I took a train to Warsaw (Warszawa) where I was born. When we arrived I had the most amazing feelings; I felt like I was home! With only one day left in Poland, I was determined to make it back to the orphanage, my home for the first four years of my life.

Ashley and I found a bus that would take me to Chotomow, a small town about 45 minutes outside of Warsaw. With no information about the orphanage’s whereabouts — and without any contacts or help — I hopped on the bus. I put the rest in God’s hands. When I arrived at what seemed to be the most deserted city in all of Europe, I got off. After walking 10 minutes, I saw a “food store” and went in for help. The only thing I knew how to ask was, ‘I am looking for an all-girls orphanage (domu dziewczynek).’ The kind women at the counter drew me a map on a napkin.

A mile or two later familiar green gates caught my eye. They were the gates from the street that entered the orphanage. It was just like I had remembered and seen in pictures and in our home videos. Tears filled my eyes. I noticed a group of children playing in the sand and swinging in the same playground that I used to make mud hamburger patties in with my sisters.

I then came face to face with Siostra Elizabeta, the same nun who changed my diapers. Sixteen years later, she was still as

FALL 2009

Ania McNamara ’11 felt at home in Warsaw, Poland, her hometown, as she walked around the gardens (pictured above) and posed in front of the Uprise Statue (pictured left), which depicts Poland rising up after World War II.

ABOVE: Ania McNamara ’11 (center) returned to the orphanage she was adopted from in Poland, and through a translator, talked with the Sisters who had cared for her and her sisters.

OPPOSITE PAGE: This is the first picture Ania McNamara’s ’11 adoptive parents took of her and her sisters including, from left: Magda, 5; Bogusia, 4; Ania, 4; and Paulina, 7. They have no other baby pictures.

charming and loving as I remembered. I introduced myself in Polish to her and a smile lit up her face and in seconds she remembered who I was. She brought out Siostra Irena, another sister who was aware of my story. At this point, I was an emotional mess because I was standing at the same place I took my first steps, and said my first words.

The sisters then left the room only to return a few minutes later holding a frame. It was a picture of my adopted parents with my three sisters and me. They told me how they never forgot us, and that we were remembered as the “pearls of the orphanage.” Those words brought tears to my eyes, and I was so emotionally overwhelmed that the little Polish I knew, I could not speak, and even English was confusing to me. The sisters asked a local teacher to come and help translate.

Meeting some of the children brought tears to my eyes — yet again! They were so cute, and precious. They reminded me of my sisters and me.

The translator showed me around Chotomow, to the church where my sister Bogusia and I were baptized as babies, and the school Paulina and Magdalena attended. The sisters showed me

around the orphanage and found pictures of my sisters and me playing dress-up.

I stayed for about four hours before I had to catch the last bus back to Warsaw. On my way out I asked them if they had any information about my parents or grandmother, but Siostra Elizabeta told me that unfortunately, after we were adopted, they ended all communications. I wasn’t disappointed. The sisters then gave me countless hugs and kisses and blessed me, and I promised to them I would write and come back with my sisters.

When I got back on the bus, my mind was spinning. I felt like a big part of my life was fulfilled and I was so happy. For many orphans it’s hard to accept losing the parents that gave you up, and I completely understand, but I have always been thankful for what I have. I know that God has a plan for us all, sometimes bigger than we could ever imagine. I know I am blessed to have never been separated from my sisters and am very fortunate to have had a childhood full of growth, love and opportunities. The next step is to return to Poland with my sisters and mother and to adopt children myself in my future!≠

They told me how they never forgot us, and that we were remembered as the “pearls of the orphanage.”

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Sports News MEN’S HOCKEY RECORDS: 3-12-1 MIAC, 4-20-1 overall BRIEFLY: Juniors Jeff Miller (Portage, Mich.) and Nick Carlson (Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) were honorablemention All-MIAC selections. … Junior Steve Murphy (Anchorage, Alaska) closed out his first season with the Cardinals as the team’s leading scorer, boasting team-bests in goals (11) and points (18). Murphy collected a team-leading three twogoal games this season. …

Murphy was one of six players with 10 or more points. Sophomore Mike Glaesmer (Traverse City, Mich.), junior A.J. Woodward (Lenexa, Kan.), junior Matt Staehely (Shorewood, Ill.), junior Anthony Bohn (Spring Hill, Fla.) and Carlson were the other five, boasting 15, 14, 10, 10 and 10 points, respectively. … Woodward also finished with a teamhigh 10 assists. … SMU’s four game-winning goals came from four different players — Carlson, Miller, senior Andy Roberts (Rochester, Minn.) and junior Eric Dahl (St. Cloud, Minn.). … Freshman goalie Scott Pederson (Lake

Stewart

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Villa, Ill.) stopped a careerand season-high 48 shots vs.

Hamline on Dec. 5. …

Fourteen of Saint Mary’s 25 games were against nationally ranked teams, while seven of SMU’s nine nonconference games were against teams in the Top 15.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY RECORDS: 6-10-2 MIAC, 7-14-2 overall BRIEFLY: Sophomore Dyanna Stewart (Eden Prairie, Minn.) was named to the AllMIAC First Team. …

Freshman Stevie Fiek (Rochester, Minn.) scored three goals in SMU’s final two games — including her first career two-goal, three-point game in a 4-1 win vs. Saint Benedict on Feb. 20 — and was one of four SMU players to boast a team-best seven goals. Sophomore Katie Cachey (Orland Park, Ill.), sophomore Jamie Henneman (Countryside, Ill.) and sophomore Ingrid Klockars (Wheaton, Ill.) were the other three. … Cachey also finished with a team-best 13 points, with Fiek and Henneman tied for second at 11. … Cachey and freshman Alex Braun (Darwin, Minn.) shared the

team assist lead with six each. … Freshman Madeline Lenz (White Bear Lake, Minn.) was a workhorse in goal for the Cardinals, appearing in 18 of the team’s 23 games. She boasted a 2.76 goals-againstaverage, while stopping 515 shots en route to a .915 save percentage. … Lenz stopped all 26 shots she faced in recording her first collegiate shutout on Jan. 31 vs. Bethel. … Lenz stopped 40 or more shots three times, including a career-best 46 vs. Gustavus on Nov. 14. … SMU’s nine game-winning or game-tying goals came from eight different players.

MEN’S BASKETBALL RECORDS: 6-14 MIAC, 7-18 overall BRIEFLY: Sophomores Will Wright (Chicago, Ill.) and Lukas Holland (La Crosse, Wis.) were both named to the All-MIAC First Team. …

Wright scored a team-best 24 points in SMU’s seasonending win vs. playoff-bound Augsburg. Wright, who boasted the team’s top seven offensive performances of the season — including a seasonand career-best 41 points vs.

MacMurray on Nov. 22 —

Holland

scored 20 or more points 10 times this season and netted 10 or more points in 23 of the Cardinals’ 25 games this season. In his two seasons as a Cardinal, Wright has scored in double figures in 45 of his 50 collegiate games. …

Holland posted his eighth 20point effort with 21 points vs.

Augsburg in SMU’s season finale. … Wright and Holland closed out the season as the team’s scoring leaders, with Wright boasting a team-best 18.8 ppg average, while Holland was at 15.6 ppg. The two also ranked No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, in the MIAC in scoring. Holland was first in the conference in freethrow attempts (114), second in free throws made (101) and fourth in free throw percentage (86%), while Wright was No. 1 in steals (35, 1.75 spg). … As a team, the Cardinals ranked No. 1 in the MIAC in offensive rebounds (227). … Junior Brad Knight (Plainfield, Wis.) missed just one free throw in his three-year collegiate career. Fueled by a 9-for-9 effort last year, Knights is 19for-20 in his SMU career.

Wright

FALL 2009

SPORTS NEWS

Fox

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RECORDS: 4-18 MIAC, 4-12 overall BRIEFLY: SMU sophomores Jess Miller (Carver, Minn.) and Cherie Kulig (Independence, Wis.) earned honorablemention All-MIAC honors. …

The Cardinals closed out the season ranked No. 3 in the MIAC in 3-point field goals made, attempted and 3-point field goal percentage, going 140-for-410 (34 percent) in 22 conference games. …

Miller and Kulig closed out the season as the Cardinals’ leading scorers, averaging 11.2 and 10.7 ppg, respectively. The two led the team in scoring in 18 of the team’s 25 games. … Kulig led the MIAC in free throws made (111) and attempted (133) and was fifth in free throw percentage (83%). …

Sophomore Jesa Hall (Glenwood City, Wis.) finished the season ranked No. 2 in the MIAC in 3pointers made with 47. All but one of Hall’s 3-pointers came in conference play. …

Both of SMU’s wins vs. St. Olaf this season came by identical 65-62 scores. …

SMU’s 73-69 win over Bethel on Jan. 24 was the Cardinals’ first overtime game since a

Olberding

66-60 OT loss to St. Olaf on Jan. 31, 2007. The last time SMU had won an overtime game was a 75-73 OT win over — ironically — Bethel on Jan. 2, 2006.

SWIMMING & DIVING MEN’S MIAC FINISH: 7th WOMEN’S MIAC FINISH: 10th BRIEFLY: Junior John Fox (Winona, Minn.) became SMU’s first-ever NCAA Division III National Championships automatic qualifier, posting an All-MIAC second-place time of 55.61 in the 100 breaststroke. … Fox went on to place 38th in the 100 breaststroke and 56th in the 50 freestyle at the national championships. …

Fox had a hand in setting five school records at the MIAC Championships, while freshmen Tim Tysk (St. Paul, Minn.) and Matt Ramey (Centennial, Colo.) also put together school-record performances — Tysk in the 100 freestyle and Ramey in the 1,000 and 1,650 freestyle. … All told, SMU broke 10 school records and boasted season- or careerbest times in 93 percent of its swims at the season-ending conference championships.

BASEBALL RECORDS: 2-18 MIAC, 8-28 overall BRIEFLY: Sophomore Zach Olberding was named to the All-MIAC First Team. … SMU closed out Nick Winecke’s first season as head coach with a thrilling, come-frombehind 5-4 win over nationally ranked and regional-qualifier St. Thomas. … Olberding closed out the season as the team’s batting leader with a team-best .394 batting average. … Tyler Kruse (Minneapolis, Minn.) — one of five seniors on last year’s squad — enjoyed a career year in 2009, hitting .378, while leading the team in doubles (7), triples (4), walks (14), total bases (55) and slugging percentage (.561). His four triples were one shy of the single-season school record. Kruse, who had not hit an extra-base hit in his first three seasons as a Cardinal, finished with 12 this season. He also hit safely in the team’s last 13 games — the longest hitting streak of the season by any Cardinal. … Junior Kyle Ryan (St. Paul, Minn.) boasted a teamleading 122 at-bats — it was the fifth-most single-season at-bats in SMU history. Ryan also led the team in runs (19),

hits (41) and stolen bases (14). … Ryan and Olberding shared the team lead with 12 multiple-hit games, while Olberding and Kruse led the team in multiple-RBI games with five each. … With his two-run home run in the sixth inning of Game 1 vs.

Bethel on April 18, freshman Jack Dwyer (Minneapolis, Minn.) became the fifth SMU player to hit his first collegiate home run this season. Kruse (vs. Gustavus), sophomore Ryan Archambault (Faribault, Minn. / vs. Augsburg), Olberding (vs. Monmouth), and freshman Curt Swanson (Woodbury, Minn. / vs.

Monmouth) are the other four. All nine of SMU’s home runs were hit by players with a combined total of zero home runs prior to this season.

Check out the latest sports news online: www.saintmarys sports.com

MORE SPORTS ➜ WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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SPORTS NEWS

Betzold

FASTPITCH SOFTBALL RECORDS: 10-14 MIAC, 18-22 overall BRIEFLY: Senior Cassie Otte (Randolph, Minn.) earned her third straight All-MIAC First Team honor, while also being named to the NFCA/Louisville Slugger All-Midwest Region Second Team. … Sophomore Mallory Betzold (Farmington, Minn.) joined Otte on the AllMIAC First Team. … Otte closed out a stellar collegiate career in 2009, leading the team in virtually every offensive category, including batting average (.449), atbats (147), runs (38), hits (66), total bases (70), on-base percentage (.477) and stolen bases (21). … Otte’s 66 hits rank No. 2 in program history behind SMU Hall of Famer Jenny Garin’s 72 hits in 1997, while her .449 batting average ranks 10th all-time. … With her 2-for-4 and 2for-5 performances in her final two games at SMU Field on April 28, Otte finished with a team-best 22 multiplehit games this season including a pair of four-hit performances. Otte had only one four-hit effort in her first three years combined. …

Sophomore Katy Gannon (Roselle, Ill.) finished as the team’s RBI leader (33), while

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Otte

Snyder

Harstad

sharing the team home run lead with senior Danielle Geske (Rosemount, Minn.) (4) and carrying a team-high .508 slugging percentage. …

Gannon also boasted a teambest 12 extra-base hits and eight multiple-RBI games — including a career-best five RBIs during a 3-for-3 showing against Mount Mary on March 20. … SMU finished 14-0 when holding its opponents to two runs or less, and was also 14-0 when scoring first.

No. 1 singles. … Sophomore Justin Loeffler (Winona, Minn.) and Junior Andy Weigman (Maple Plain, Minn.) shared the team lead with five singles wins each. …

Loeffler was also one of three Cardinals with five doubles victories on the season.

Harstad (Chatfield, Minn.) and junior Kevin Hein (Zumbro Falls, Minn.) all earned All-MIAC honors at the MIAC Outdoor Championships, with Heinzen placing third in both the 100 and 200, while Harstad was third in the hammer throw and Hein was third in the discus. … Heinzen’s time of 25.83 in the 200 at the MIAC Outdoor broke the school’s two-year-old school record. … On April 17, the Cardinals held their first-ever outdoor event on the new track and field complex. SMU will host the 2010 MIAC Outdoor Championships.≠

TENNIS MEN’S RECORDS: 1-8 MIAC, 5-10 overall WOMEN’S RECORDS: 3-7 MIAC, 9-9 overall BRIEFLY: Freshman Rebecca Snyder (Eden Prairie, Minn.) was named to the All-MIAC First Team in both singles and doubles. … Snyder capped a stellar freshman year with a three-set, 2-6, 7-5, 10-6 win vs. Hamline in a 7-2 SMU win on April 26. Snyder closed out her first collegiate season with a perfect 11-0 singles record — with all 11 wins coming at No. 2. She also posted a 9-3 doubles record. … Fellow freshman Bailey Edwards (Fond du Lac, Wis.) also enjoyed a solid first season, collecting 10 wins at

TRACK & FIELD MEN’S MIAC FINISHES: Indoor 11th / outdoor 11th WOMEN’S MIAC FINISH: Indoor 10th / outdoor 10th BRIEFLY: Junior Teri Heinzen (Marshfield, Wis.) led the way for the Cardinals at the MIAC Indoor Championships, earning All-MIAC honors in the 200, placing third overall. … Heinzen, sophomore Sara

Heinzen

Hein

FALL 2009

ALUMNI NEWS

Homecoming: Father’s Day Weekend no more!

Saint Mary’s, like most colleges, has had a long tradition of Homecoming celebrations. However, I don’t believe that many can boast of the variety of “Homecomings” that we have experienced throughout our history. Here’s a brief retrospective of our past Homecoming traditions… .

Up until the fall of 1954 – the last season for the Saint Mary’s football program – our Homecoming Weekend was held in October.

The weekend was filled with Meg (Leuer ’97) parades of Richtman multicolored Director of floats with Alumni Relations classes competing for prize honors, pep rallies and football games on Maxwell Field. The festivities included waving pennants, boisterous cheerleaders and the smell of popcorn. I would be remiss not to mention the strong tradition of lighting a large bonfire on the evening before the big game, as well as the annual decoration of the campus in “Redman” tradition with a Native American theme, including tepees and costumes. Many weekend nights concluded with dances at the Union or the Oaks and the coronation of the Homecoming Queen and her court.

Homecoming Weekend toward the end of the ’50s switched over to the spring – usually the end of April or beginning of May. These festivities included a Friday night sock hop and bonfire. On Saturday there was a baseball game and Homecoming Queen coronation, followed by a dance in the Union. However, without momentum, the “Homecoming” weekend turned into the “Spring Festival” by 1960.

In the early ’60s, Homecoming was moved into the early summer months where it has remained today. Although the event has evolved, the “Welcome Alumni” signs and banners still drape over campus, the camaraderie still lives strong, and the spirit of our Lasallian experiences are shared and embraced.

Last fall we sent out a survey to all our college alumni inviting feedback regarding our annual Homecoming Weekend. The results gave us clear indication that having our event on Father’s Day weekend was a concern to many alumni. I’ve received many requests over the years to change our date. With this information, we set out to do just that. However, with the wonderful growth of our graduate programs and summer camp opportunities, this feat was no simple process. But today I am very happy to announce that our Homecoming weekend will be held the last full weekend in June!

The survey results also showed that many alumni, especially young alumni, are interested in coming to campus in fall.

Thus, we have created a Young Alumni Weekend in September that combines with our annual Cardinal ‘M’ Club athletic weekend. I think we will continue to see that weekend grow in alumni presence – which is a wonderful opportunity for our alumni to also engage with our current students and our faculty and staff – something that is not possible in the summer.

I am hoping that you find many reasons to come back home to your alma mater. Whether it be a class reunion, athletic competition, theater performance, speaking in a class or hopefully showing your families and friends where you spent your college days, please know, you are always welcome home!

Saint John Baptist de La Salle… pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts… forever!≠

upcoming alumni events SEPTEMBER 11-13 Winona Young Alumni Reunion (Graduates of the last decade) 11-13 Winona Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend OCTOBER 24

Lasallian Day of Service Twin Cities, Chicago, Winona

NOVEMBER 18

SMU/CST Lecture Series Chicago, Ill.

DECEMBER 12

Alumni Christmas Party Chicago, Ill.

JANUARY 2010 16

Alumni Holiday Party Winona

FEBRUARY 25

Florida Alumni Event Bradenton, Fla.

MARCH 29

Chicago Networking Event Chicago, Ill.

APRIL 10

Benefactor Recognition Event Twin Cities

JUNE 25-27 Homecoming 2010 Winona

Lasallian Day of Service is Oct. 24 The Saint Mary’s University Alumni Association and its board of directors are sponsoring a volunteer service day called “Lasallian Day of Service” on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. This event will offer Saint Mary’s University alumni the opportunity to participate in service projects supporting Lasallian schools and ministries in their hometowns — as well the opportunity to learn more about the larger Lasallian community. If you are interested in volunteering and/or have organizations/ministries that could use the assistance of fellow alumni in your area, please go to www.smumn.edu/lasalliandayofservice.

For updates on future events for our alumni, go online:

www.smumn.edu/ alumni

WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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ALUMNI NEWS

Colorado Alumni Gathering A gathering for Colorado alumni, hosted by Dr. John Sbarbaro ’58, was held on March 5. The event brought together alumni spanning 60 years, 1948 to 2008.

Attendees included Jane Troller Wood ’78, Lindsay Dickson ’08 and Kasey Schultz ’08.

• INSET: Carole (Schultz ’77) and Dan ’77 Lundin visited with Joe Sweeney ’81, vice president for Development & Alumni Relations.

Washington, D.C. Alumni Gathering The annual Washington, D.C., Alumni & Friends Gathering took place on Feb. 2 at the University Club of D.C. This event brought together more than 30 alumni and friends to socialize, network and hear more about Saint Mary’s. Brother President William Mann spoke with two young alumni, John Skonieczny ’03 and Kristina Perkins ’08.

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FALL 2009

GETTING TOGETHER

Benefactor Recognition Dinner On Saturday, April 25, the university hosted its annual Benefactor Recognition Dinner on the Winona campus, celebrating the generosity shown to Saint Mary's and our students through named scholarship funds, planned gifts, and annual leadership gifts of $1,000 or more. More than 80 guests were in attendance for dinner and the program, which included remarks from graduating scholarship recipients Benjamin Linder ’09 and Emily Berg ’09; Brother President William Mann; and Joseph Sweeney ’81, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations. Pictured above left, Dr. John Hoffman Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship recipient Vanessa Grams ’10 with donor Dr. John Hoffman ’51. Pictured above right, SMU Trustee Michael Dougherty ’76 spoke with Gerald Papenfuss ’62 and Jakub Szymanski ’09.

Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers Outing An outing for Cubs and Brewers fans was held this year on July 2 at Wrigley Field.

More than 80 alumni gathered before the game for a private social on the rooftop of Casey Moran’s including, from left, Bob Bartz ’86, Mark Martinez ’86, Jeanne Doran ’86, Tom Flynn ’86 and Bill Vonderheide ’86.

• INSETS: Katie (Arndt ’85) Simons, Bill ’85 and Barb (Vollmer ’84) Naughton; Sarah McDonough ’11 and Theresa Weber ’07 came to cheer at the game.

WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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ALUMNI NEWS

Science Initiative Event brings alums, students together An event was held on the Winona campus April 24 to bring science majors together to learn about the university’s plan to build a 21st Century Center for Science Education and Research.

The event featured a social with current and former science faculty and staff; a presentation about the science initiative by Dr. Thomas Mans, vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Roger Kugel ’70, professor and chair of chemistry, as well as a tour of the Adducci Science Center.

Dr. Richard Kowles M’67, university professor emeritus of biology, gave a special presentation called “Amazing Maize” which detailed the many benefits of maize to agriculture, manufacturing, genetic research, and numerous everyday uses. A significant amount of discussion was centered upon the role that SMU has played in understanding the genetics of the organism and its uses in future scientific endeavors.

Dr. John Hoffman ’51, shared details of the Phoenix Mars Mission with the SMU community, and Dr. Jerome Workman ’76, director of Measurement Systems for Luminous Medical Inc., in Carlsbad, Calif., discussed “Vision, Science Fiction, and Technology in afterburner: Looking ahead to the next 30 years of making measurements with light …”

The event concluded with a lunch presentation by Brother President William Mann. Other activities included student research presentations and displays and an environmental biology demonstration at Gilmore Creek.

To see video presentations, go to www.smumn.edu/alumni scienceevent.aspx.≠

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ABOVE: Dr. David Christenson ’68 and other alumni visit with current students as they display their posters in Brother Charles Hall during the tour of the science center.

RIGHT: Dr. Phil Cochran ’77 (professor and chair of biology) shows Pam Joachim ’77, Dr. John Domanico ’77 (alumni board president) and Cynthia Calderon (SMU Trustee) an up close and personal look at Gilmore Creek.

LEFT: Dr. Roger Kugel ’70, professor and chair of chemistry, gives a tour of the current science facilities.

ABOVE: Dr. Phil Cochran ’77 introduces one of the guest speakers, Dr. Dick Kowles M’67, university professor emeritus of biology.

LEFT: Dr. Jerome Workman ’76 discussed measuring with light.

FALL 2009

The class of 1984 met with Brother President William Mann during Homecoming Weekend at Wellingtons Pub. Pictured are, from left: top, Mark Tomashek, Christopher Kavanaugh, Doug Hettinger, Kevin McKenna, Patrice Henning, Mary Beth Fencl, Mike Brennan, Brother William Mann; front, Chris (Von Wahlde) Kavanaugh, Kathleen (Crozier) Eikens, Kathy (Richter) Brady, Terri (Landrus) Kersting, and Leo Schultz.

350 come ‘home’ for 2009 Homecoming It was a weekend full of friends, food and festivities.

Saint Mary’s 2009 Homecoming Weekend had a little something for everyone.

Alumni golfers began their weekend Friday on the greens.

By Friday night, the 50-plus anniversary dinner brought in a dedicated group of alums who got together to make a little music, tell a few jokes and reminisce about the past. The class of 1959 presented a $1.66 million “check” to the university in honor of their anniversary; Brother President William Mann handed out special diplomas; and the partying went on well into the evening.

On Saturday, some attendees awoke to run the Gilmore Gallop through the bluffs; still others opted to take riding tours of the bluffs on golf carts.

Some alumni and their families braved the Challenge Ropes Course; others photographed it from the ground.

A special presentation and social were planned in honor of the Christian Brothers’ 75th anniversary on the Winona campus. And alumni had the opportunity to hear about SMU’s new science initiative.

The alumni picnic brought sunshine and good food. While kids enjoyed the bouncy house, parents sought some shade and refreshments.

Later that evening, Saint Mary’s presented this year’s Distinguished Alumnus Award to Thomas Kilbride ’78, the Religious Service Award to Msgr. Roy Literski ’49, and the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award to Matt Bubala ’94. The Alumni Appreciation Award recipients included Ken Ortman ’59, Harry Plotke ’59 and James Hoey ’74.

In addition to numerous gettogethers, the weekend concluded with a traditional sing-along and dance party.

Make plans to get in on the fun during next year’s Homecoming weekend, June 25-27.

NOTE THE DATE CHANGE! Come and see how your friends have changed, but your friendships haven’t.

More photos of Homecoming 2009 are online: www.smumn.edu/homecoming WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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A group of golden alumni got together during the picnic including, from left: Richard Zimny ’49, Brother Richard Gerlach ’35, Brother Frank Walsh ’45 (standing), Raymond Janiak ’49, Brother Basil Rothweiler ’38, and Brother Finbar McMullen ’46.

Harvey Weiss ’59 joined a group of his classmates in song.

Fifty-eight runners and walkers participated in this year’s Gilmore Gallop.

Talking theatre were, from left: front, Brad Perri ’94, Taya Luke ’94, Heather (Winters ’94) Carroll, Dr. Gary Diomandes (faculty), back, Mike Charron ’79 (administration), Jason OuJiri ’94, Ben Carroll ’94 and Don Lorr ’93.

Looking at old photos brought back some fun memories for Mary (Blaney CST’65) Sichz, Bob ’64 and Mary Mallon, and Ken Sichz ’64.

Enjoying the sun were Tricia (Sweeney ’94) Battis, Nikki Richmond (staff), Tom Battis ’94 and Peter Battis ’89.

Jason OuJiri ‘94 made his way across portions of the SMU Challenge Ropes Course.

Doing some reminiscing at the picnic were SMU alums (and spouses) including, from left: Karen Zeleznak, Joan (Grethen ’79) Thompson, Jim Fournier ’64, M’71, Tom Kilbride ’78, Brother Finbar McMullen ’46, Paul Ruff ’79, Mary Gebhart ’79, Peter Newby, Mary (Hildebrand ’79) Kilbride and Lou Guillou ’58.

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FALL 2009

More than 50 percent of the class of 1959 returned to Winona for their 50th class reunion including, from left: front, Gerald Orth, Tom Daly, Jim Hanzel, Anthony Partipilo, Harry Plotke, William Harwood, Pete Duszynski, Robert Degnan; second row, Dick Diaz, Dale Kaiser, Don Stella, Maurice Morjarty, Frank Collins, Walter Wisniewski, Ludwig Soder, Steve Kral, Len Plein; third row, Tom McKenna, Bob Slomka, Terry Hebig, Deacon John Meere, Thad Trenn, Mike Hanafin, Ken Ortman, Harry Bock; fourth row, John Schultz, Mike Waters, Dennis O’Malley, Henry Irace, Ed O’Connell, Father Don Lovas, Ed Ellis, Tom Weidenkopf; back, Dave Thies, Richard Rock, Harvey Weiss, Phil Barrett, Bob LaPata, Rod Jacobson, Tom Mulvaney, Richard Pavilon, and Brother Charles Kelly.

SMU class of 1959 gifts $1.66 million for alma mater In honor of their 50th anniversary, the Saint Mary’s University class of 1959 secured pledges in gifts of $1,663,000 for its alma mater. The class gift supports several funding priorities of the university, including three endowed scholarships, which will provide a permanent source of financial assistance to future generations of students.

• The Brother I. Basil Rothweiler ’38 Endowed Scholarship honors the seventh president of Saint Mary’s and his lifelong commitment to the Lasallian charism as an advocate for the work of the Christian Brothers. This scholarship gives preference to young men aspiring to become teachers through involvement in the Lasallian Teacher Immersion Program.

• The Ken Wiltgen Endowed Scholarship gives preference to students aspiring to become teachers and coaches and honors longtime Saint Mary’s teacher and coach, Ken Wiltgen.

• The Class of 1959 Scholarship honors the 50th anniversary of the class and gives preference to students with demonstrated financial need.

The gift was recognized during this year’s Homecoming festivities. Recipients of the Rothweiler and Wiltgen scholarships, Stephen Schmidt (Shoreview, Minn.) and Ryan

Presenting a $1.66 million “check” to Joe Sweeney, Saint Mary’s vice president for development and alumni relations, left, and SMU President Brother William Mann, FSC, center, are, from left: Dave Thies, Ken Ortman, Dennis O’Malley, Harry Bock, Harry Plotke, Tom McKenna and Tom Daly, all from the class of 1959.

Wockenfus (New London, Wis.), were in attendance at Homecoming Weekend. The Class of 1959 Scholarship has not yet been awarded.

More than 50 percent of the class of 1959 returned to Winona this past June for Homecoming Weekend, and more than 70 percent of the class donated to the class anniversary gift.≠

WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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A Different Time Navy V-12 alum celebrates 60-year anniversary Audrey Janiak admits she sometimes had a hard time remembering the last names of her young suitors back in the ’40s.

But with Ray Janiak ’49, a young man who kept her laughing all night, Audrey only had to remember that it rhymed with “maniac” and started with a “J.” Humorously, when her father asked her what Ray’s last name was, she responded, “Junatic.”

Spunk was obviously one of the qualities that compelled Ray to marry Audrey.

“Among other things,” he says with a smile.

Audrey paints a clear picture of Ray as a very physically fit beau. “I used to stand on his stomach. Of course, I only weighed 115 pounds back then,” she says, “And he used to tell me to punch him. All you did was meet steel. His stomach was so tight.”

“Those days are gone,” Ray, now 87, laments with a smile.

The couple found a shady spot to sit at this year’s Homecoming celebration — just after visiting the Veterans Memorial — to talk about where life has taken them in the past 60 years.

For Ray, the Veterans Memorial holds particular meaning; he is one of SMU’s few known remaining Navy V-12 alumni. “It’s very nice,” he says after looking at the names represented on the list of deceased alumni and on the memorial bricks. None of those names, he admits, sound familiar. “Perhaps I knew them at some time,” he says. “But I don’t recall.”

Ray joined the Navy in 1942, just after Pearl Harbor. Audrey encourages him to explain why he chose the Navy.

“This is funny,” she says, pre-empting his explanation.

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“My mother said to pick the Navy because they’ve got nice clean beds,” Ray says matter-of-factly.

Ray quickly became part of the medical service furnished by the Navy for the Marines — a World War II Navy Corpsman.

“I was in New Jersey before I went overseas. I was in the service for a year and half, and I decided it wasn’t my bag, and that’s how I was introduced to Saint Mary’s,” Ray says in summary.

Audrey furrows her eyebrows.

“You’re leaving out the big parts,” she chides him, explaining, for example, that he was involved in the Battle of Tarawa in 1943 — one of the bloodiest battles of Marine history. In three days, the U.S. lost more than 1,600 servicemen (with thousands more wounded), and the Japanese lost 4,700 men.

Taking Tarawa, located 2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii was crucial, Ray says, “It was necessary for us to take the airfield, a stepping stone to Tokyo.”

Ray doesn’t go into further details.

If you search the Internet for this battle, graphic black and white photographs of corpsmen carrying wounded and administering aid in primitive conditions are posted.

Ray simply says that he lost friends among the high casualties.

Back home, Audrey was busy writing to the many servicemen who asked her to. Some she barely knew, but she agreed to send them precious news from home. She and Ray were just friends back then, and she had no idea where he was stationed or how he was.

After Ray decided to apply for Officer Candidate School, he was put into the Navy V-12 Program at Saint Mary’s University from 1943-44.

“You wouldn’t know (the campus) between then and now,” he says. “It was a couple buildings, and it was an all-boys school. There weren’t many students around because they were all gone to war.” At the time, he estimates there were between 35 and 40 men in the program.

Ray remembers getting up early, doing reveille in the field on campus, and going swimming downtown on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

“I remember Bub’s beer,” he says with a smile. “We drank a lot of that after a hard day of running.”

A science student, some of his favorite teachers and mentors were Brother (Hilarion) Charles Severin, Brother George Pahl ’36 and Dr. John Hoffman. He also fondly remembers Brother Basil Rothweiler ’38, Brother Luke (Azarias) Herbert M’74 and Brother J. Robert Lane.

In 1947, he returned to Saint Mary’s again to get his chemistry degree. GIs, he said, were having a difficult time getting accepted into colleges; Ray had enjoyed his time at Saint Mary’s, and was glad to return.

He and Audrey married in 1945 and had five children, one of whom is now deceased. After graduate school, he became a biochemist. Now retired, the Janiaks keep busy in Omro, Wis. There wasn’t any question the couple would return for Ray’s class reunion.

“He was still able to stand up,” Audrey jokes.

“Yeah right,” he responds. “I’ve always enjoyed coming here. I thought it would be nice to show up for my 60th reunion. That doesn’t happen very often.”≠

FALL 2009

LEFT: Ray Janiak ’49 pictured at the Veterans Memorial on the Winona campus.

BELOW: Ray Janiak’s photo from a 1948 yearbook.

WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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All in the Family Three generations graduate from Saint Mary’s To the applause of friends and family, Marty Howard crossed the stage this spring during the 2009 Saint Mary’s University undergraduate commencement ceremony — 90 years after his great grandfather, Thomas Manahan, earned his diploma from Saint Mary’s in 1919.

Manahan was a member of the school’s second graduating class — back when it was a newly founded school for young men.

In 1919, the most popular car was the Model T; the 18th and 19th amendments passed, authorizing prohibition and guaranteeing suffrage to women; the Treaty of Versailles was signed, ending World War I with Germany; and President Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke.

Manahan’s grandson and Marty’s father, Garry Howard ’74, calls his grandfather a “man of very few words.” He recalls that Manahan went on to work for International Harvester and moved his family from Chatfield to Chicago and back.

Garry Howard and his brother Frank ’76 attended their grandfather’s alma mater during a very different time in U.S. history, the tumultuous ’70s. {His sister Nora (Howard ’84) Guerino attended SMU later.}

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In 1974, for example, Richard Nixon resigned after the Watergate scandal; Patty Hearst was kidnapped; Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record; and the Vietnam War was winding down.

Garry Howard nods in recollection.

He recalls wild clothing, a love of Led Zeppelin, fraternities that partied hard — and an amazing concert by a then virtually unknown John Denver at the Winona campus.

When asked, “Did you have long hair?”, the now Cook County circuit court judge recalls that “even he” let it grow beyond his ears. His wife, Barbara, glances at her husband’s head as she rephrases the question, “Did he have hair?”

Three of Garry and Barbara Howard’s four children have also attended SMU. Kerry graduated in 2007 in education; Marty earned a degree this year in criminal justice; and Patrick ’11 is currently studying journalism.

Garry’s brother Frank married an SMU alum, Mary Beth (McCall ’76), whose brother Mike McCall ’73 and father Chuck McCall ’49 are also alums. Garry and Barbara Howard’s nieces also graduated from SMU, Elizabeth (Chambers ’01) Boyle and Sarah O’Brien ’08.

Garry Howard’s family shares inside jokes about cafeteria food (Marty will miss the French toast); professors (all of them had or will have long-time philosophy professor Father Andrew Fabian); and what dorms were the best (both Marty and Garry lived in Benilde Hall).

Some things haven’t changed.

“There’s still that feeling of a closeknit, loving, mentoring community, and Saint Mary’s still does a fabulous job of educating young people,” Garry Howard said.

As his family strolled across campus after commencement, they remarked about all the changes that have taken place at Saint Mary’s.

When Manahan attended in the early 1900s, one lone classroom building — Saint Mary’s Hall – stood atop Terrace Heights. All three generations have attended classes inside.

Garry Howard remembers telling his sons as they walked through Saint Mary’s Hall during freshman orientation, “Just think, your great grandfather once walked down the same hall that you are in right now.”

“Saint Mary’s is in the family,” Marty Howard said.≠

FALL 2009

LEFT: Thomas Manahan was part of Saint Mary’s second graduating class in 1919.

TOP: Ninety years later, Manahan’s great grandson, Marty Howard, graduated from SMU. Joining him are, from left, Marty’s sister Kerry Howard ’07, dad Garry Howard ’74 and brother Patrick Howard ’11.

What about your family?

Do you have a lot of children/parents/ grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins/ siblings who attended Saint Mary’s University? We want to hear from you.

Send us a picture of your SMU family, and we may put it in an upcoming Saint Mary’s Magazine issue. Let us know who’s who, and please include a name and contact information. Send them to dnahrgan@smumn.edu or mail them to SMU at 700 Terrace Heights #36, Winona, MN 55987.

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CLASS NOTES

Who’s where, doing what...

1956 Larry Price, Chicago, continues to run Southport City Saloon, a neighborhood bar and restaurant in the Lake View area, 1¼ miles from Wrigley Field. “Redmen” of Winona are welcome!

Howard Tomashek, Winona, and his wife, Patte, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 4, 2009 at the American Legion with their children and siblings. They were married May 16, 1959.

1957 Robert Hentzen, Kansas City, Kan., is president and cofounder of the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. He will begin an estimated 8,000-mile walk, beginning Dec. 29, 2009.

The walk will take him through 12 countries in Central and South America. The trek, called “Walk 2gether,” will help to counterbalance the isolation of people living in poverty, and show them someone cares. You can follow his journey through his regular blogs at www.cfcausa.org Tom Sullivan, Oak Lawn, Ill., has walked 10,000 miles since making a New Year’s resolution in 2000. Read all about him in an article at southtownstar.com from June 15, 2009.

Dr. Harvey Weiss, Brooklyn Park, Minn., after retiring from high school teaching, became a nutrition consultant for Pharmanex, a division of NuSkin Enterprises. He is active in barbershop quartets and choruses.

1960 Reverend James Bream, Sioux Falls, S.D., retired on July 1, 2008 after 44 years as a parish priest.

Dennis Daly, New Brighton, Minn., who also taught at Saint Mary’s from 1963-1978, retired from Metropolitan State University in spring 2009. He served 16 years as a professor in the College of Management’s accounting program.

Bob Fieberg, Danville, Ky., had hip surgery on April 20, 2009 and is ready to play tennis again.

1962 Jerry Kulasik, Port St. Lucie, Fla., started the internal audit department for Food for the Poor, a non-profit organization.

Dick Diaz, Chicago, is working on his dissertation for a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. He is also teaching curriculum and instruction and ESL at Concordia University.

Jerry Papenfuss, Winona, and his wife, Pat, co-owners of the Winona Radio Group, were honored with the Outstanding Leadership in Community Development award by the Greater Winona Area Chamber of Commerce at its spring 2009 Business Appreciation Week luncheon.

Dr. Stephen Kral, Vancouver, Wash., and his wife, Nina, have four children, Elizabeth, Stephen, Anne and Peter. He retired from a career of teaching and research and is now doing consulting work. He ran experimental tests on a prototype helium liquefier using

Dr. David Trudeau, Cornucopia, Wis., guest-edited a focus issue of Journal of Neurotherapy on Addictive Disorders, and he remains the editor emeritus of this journal.

He serves as president for the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research

1958

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a magnetic refrigerator. He presented a series of lectures on applied superconductivity at Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

He and his wife love to travel and kayak.

SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE

Foundation. He and his wife, Karen CST’63, also love spending their time fishing and with their grandchildren.

of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

1966 1963 Jack Lawlor, Ashburn, Va., jokes that his ninth and youngest child graduated from college this year, so after 40 year of paying college tuition, he and his wife Charlene are done. He retired from the Navy after 13 years active and 10 years of reserve duty in 1984, retired from the Ashburn Volunteer Fire Department with 10 years of service in 1986 and retired from United Air Lines with 10 years of service in 2003.

Dr. Vincent McClean, Rock Island, Ill., is serving as the director of Catechetic for the Catholic Diocese of Peoria.

Dr. Lee Van Horn, Bellingham, Wash., was appointed chair of the Community Investment Committee of the Board of the United Way of Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He and his wife, Mamiko, founded an “Opera in the Schools” program at Western Washington University.

Ed Zabrocki, Tinley Park, Ill., was elected an eighth consecutive four-year term as mayor of the Village of Tinley Park.

William Goodrich, Chinle, Ariz., will retire to Cochabamba, Bolivia, next May. Marty Woerter, Elmwood Park, Ill., received the Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois High School Association for his work as a high school soccer coach and referee and for serving 38 years as an announcer for the Boy’s IHSA Soccer Tournament.

1967 Mike Casey, Elmhurst, Ill., was elected chairman of the board of Ringler Associates, the largest structured settlement firm in the United States.

1968 Joe Ellis, Huxley, Iowa, retired in January from the state of Iowa after 34 years of service.

Upon his retirement, the governor of Iowa recognized him with the certificate of recognition.

Dr. Bernard Sans, St. Augustine, Fla., was appointed director of music at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine.

1964 1969 Stephen Amend, Orting, Wash., has been with 3M for 29 years. He is a sales executive.

Bruno Contreras, Tallahassee, Fla., retired after 22 years of service to the Department of Corrections with the state of Florida. His last position was as a computer analyst at Jefferson Correctional Institution. He now keeps busy with all those projects he never seemed to have time to tackle.

Reverend Martin Gomes, Nassau, Bahamas, celebrated his 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood as a member

Edmund Carroll, Aurora, Ill., and his wife, Pat CST’69, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They renewed their vows before local parish and family members including Ben ’94 and Heather (Winters ’94) Carroll and Steve Carroll ’06.

(Christopher Carroll ’94 was unable to attend.)

Jim Coogan, Hinsdale, Ill., retired as a partner from KMPG, LLP, following a 40-year career with the international accounting firm. He was elected vice chair of the Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees.

FALL 2009

CLASS NOTES David Dyer, Elmhurst, Ill., was re-elected to his third term as treasurer of the City of Elmhurst. His first grandchild was born on June 9, 2009, to his daughter Christianne.

John Nett, Winona, is retired as vice president from Winona National Bank.

Don Nitti, Winona, is head of the math department at Cotter High School and coach of the math team. The math team won the 2009 Minn. High School League State Championship.

Jeff Sheehan, Burnsville, Minn., director of college counseling at Visitation School in Mendota Heights, delivered a panel presentation at the 2009 Minnesota Association of College Admission Counseling annual conference. His presentation, titled “Breathe Easy,” helps participants learn to use yoga and energy medicine to help calm the mind, manage emotions, reduce tension and improve concentration.

1970 James Farrell, Venice, Fla., opened a restaurant, “The Panini Press,” in downtown Sarasota, Fla. Jack Gjeldum, Lindenhurst, Ill., retired in December 2008, and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in February 2009.

Dr. Joseph Hellige, Los Angeles, Calif., moved across town to become vice president of Research and dean of Graduate Studies at Loyola Marymount University after 32 years as professor and academic administrator at the University of Southern California.

Bruce Lesser, Pleasanton, Calif., retired from Gilead Sciences in April 2009 after 37 years. He now enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities in Northern California, part-time consulting work, travel and volunteer activities with Habitat for Humanity and Hope Hospice.

1972 Neil Sharpe, Collierville, Tenn., has worked for Gerdau Macsteel

Classmates share love of flying Walt Kelly and Frank Miller from the class of 1965 spent time together at the Theatre Alumni Weekend in March 2009 at SMU. Miller had no idea that Kelly was an aircraft owner and pilot, and Kelly was not aware that Miller was also an aircraft owner and pilot. The two pilots spent an afternoon flying the bluffs and river around Winona before attending the theatre alumni dinner and SMU production of “A Chorus Line.” Miller’s interest in aviation was a result of flying out of Winona with classmate Bruce Sorensen ’65 in the early ’60s in a rental aircraft.

Sorensen is retired from Northwest Airlines.≠

for 29 years, where he is a senior regional sales manager.

He and his wife, Lona, have been married for 26 years. He enjoys riding bicycle, especially the annual trips to Europe. This year they will ride the Normandy coastline.

1974 Kathleen (Bishop) Walker, St. Paul, Minn., received her Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management.

1975 Mary Beth (Glynn) Rubin, Evanston, Ill., was promoted to senior director of development for Geneva Foundation of Presbyterian Home.

Patty (Bowman ’75) Ruth, Port Washington, Wis., and her husband, Jim, have two

beautiful granddaughters, Patty and Babe.

Dr. Steven Sirus, Greendale, Wis., was named one of the “Top 200 Milwaukee Doctors” in Milwaukee Magazine, July 2008.

1976

1977 Tom Michon, Elgin, Ill., has been in the sports department at WGN Radio for more than 25 years. WGN is the home of the Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks, and Northwestern University Wildcats.

1978 Patrice LaBelle, Woodridge, Ill., has a new position with Fannie Mae as a REO sales representative.

Dr. Jerome Workman, Madison, Wis., received the Williams-Wright Award recognizing the significant contributions of leaders in the fields of analytical chemistry and applied spectroscopy on March 8, 2009.

Stephen Porter, North Oaks, Minn., was recognized as one of the top advisors for Merrill Lynch in Minnesota.

Marty Cormack, Rochester, Minn., retired from IBM after 30 years to become the information technology manager at Rochester Catholic Schools. He and his wife, Ginni (Bleise ’81), are cojourners (lay associates) with the Rochester Franciscan Sisters.

Bill Finnegan, Peninsula, Ohio, was promoted to president of “More Than Gourmet” in 2008.

His sons, Jack and Tim, and daughters, Bridget and Molly, are all doing well in their respective fields.

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CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES

1979 John McGarvey, Waxhaw, N.C., is a vice president with Wells Fargo in Charlotte.

Dr. Laurie (Ruzich) Zuelke, Kissimmee, Fla., graduated with a doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Florida in December 2008.

1980 Don Aleksy, Peru, Ill., was appointed the economic director for the City of LaSalle, Ill., in June 2009.

Nicholas Burke, Tucson, Ariz., was nominated for the 2009 Tucson Pima Arts and Business Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award honors outstanding luminaries who have made significant contributions to the arts in Tucson.

Mark Ferrante, Chicago, celebrated the 18th anniversary of opening his law office in April 2009.

Maggie (Lebens) Friend, White Bear Lake, Minn., went on a church youth mission trip to Cortez, Colo., in June 2009.

She enjoyed the diversity of the people and helping those in need.

Frank Pomeroy, Winona, retired from the police department after 34 years of service. He held the chief of police position for 22½ years.

Paul Ritter, Mount Dora, Fla., works for the City of Mount Dora as a storm water environmental manager.

Thomas Zumm, Wheaton, Ill., works for TBS Development Services Group doing sales and purchasing. He is also a volunteer pilot and former board member of Angel Flight, a non-profit organization which helps arrange for charitable flights. He and his wife will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in October 2009.

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1981 Tom Figel, Chicago, earned a certificate for the National Board of Professional Teachers Standards and received his master’s degree in Education from Olivet Nazarene in 2002.

He teaches English at Kelly High School.

Matt Guzik, Hamilton, Mont., completed a marathon in Antarctica on March 10, 2009.

He has now run 56 marathons — at least one on each of the seven continents.

Greg and Jean (Martin) Pechman, Burnsville, Minn., welcomed their first grandchild, a girl, on Nov. 7, 2008.

1982 Angela (Buehler) Dreis, Lake Elmo, Minn., is Global Key account manager with a large Fortune 500 Company. She is enjoying the challenges of managing a large and complex business. Her two sons are almost out of college and she and her husband, Chris, are looking forward to the next phase of life.

Patricia (Killeen) Vasquez, Albuquerque, N.M., is an artist.

She sells her paintings in the Santa Fe area.

1983 Kevin Burns, Frankfort, Ill., is president of Bark Realty.

Beth (Corcoran) Dreyer, Elmhurst, Ill., and her husband own the gourmet restaurant “Wine and Vine,” located in downtown Elmhurst.

Dr. Keith Elliston, Concord, Mass., completed his third degree black belt in Uechi Ryu Karate.

1984 John Mickey, Chicago, celebrated his one-year anniversary as owner of Burly Bear Promotions.

Alan Peters and a trained dog A.J.

A doggone good cause Dog obedience takes on a whole new meaning.

Way beyond the elementary commands of “sit,” “stay,” “speak,” and even “roll over,” dogs trained at Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota learn to pull wheelchairs, pick up objects, open doors and flip light switches and are trained to alert clients to important sounds. In addition to the jobs they do, these canine helpers raise the spirits of the human partners.

Alan Peters ’74 is the program’s founder and executive director. He started out his career in insurance and real estate development before deciding at age 35 to start pairing pooches with people in need. “I was looking for a way to ‘pay back’ to the community some of the blessings I had received — a way to combine my love of dogs with a desire to help someone less fortunate,” he said. “Then I discovered this unmet need for assistance dogs.”

The nonprofit organization, located in south Minneapolis, is celebrating 20 years of community service this year. With the help of a legion of volunteer puppy raisers and specialized trainers, about 30 dogs are placed each year — ranging from a 6-pound Malty-poo to a 92-pound Doberman. About half are dogs rescued from shelters. Peters does the fundraising so the dogs (and all the training) are provided to clients free of charge.

Assistance dog clients have a wide range of disabilities including spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, osteogenesis imperfecta, fibromyalgia, severe arthritis, and seizure disorders like epilepsy and deafness. They recently added service dogs that specialize in signaling people with uncontrolled diabetes and in helping children with autism.

Peters invites people to tour his facility and to attend the next graduation ceremony on Nov. 14, featuring assistance dogs and their human partners.

He advises, “When you attend this heartwarming event, bring your camera, your friends and family, and possibly a Kleenex to help with an occasional tear or two.”≠ ■ To learn more, go to www.hsdm.org.

FALL 2009

CLASS NOTES Leo Schultz, Hoffman Estates, Ill., has a new position with Lawson Software as a pre-sales manager.

1985 Maryann (Meyenberg) Keblusek, Island Lake, Ill., is teaching sixth-grade language arts and literature at McHenry Middle School. Her daughter, Gretchen, is following in her mother’s footsteps by majoring in elementary education.

Jennifer (Devereux) Lajewski, La Grange Park, Ill., worked part time with Down syndrome firstgrade children in her daughter Meghan’s class. She hopes to expand her hours when school resumes in fall 2009.

On June 5, 2009, Saint Mary’s alumni gathered at Frank Howard’s ’76 Golf Daze golf outing, which has been held annually at Evergreen Golf Club in Elkhorn, Wis., for the past 25 years or more. This year the event honored the memory of the late William “Bill/Mac” McNamara ’76 — a dear friend, brother and strong mentor to his younger Alpha Kappa Psi Brothers. McNamara departed this earth in July of 2008 for the “Rushville in the Sky.” Attending were, from left: Michael Horvath ’82, Michael Spagnoli ’82, Lawrence Pietras ’80, Kevin Horvath '78, Fred Lamb '77, Dennis Marani (parent), Patrick Buckley '77, Mike McCall '73, Rory Neill '74, Carmie Catino '75, Thomas Evon '76, Rich Reedy '76, Garry Howard '74, Edward Mullins '75, Frank Howard '76, David Von Schaumberg '76, Jeff Adair '76, Kenneth Kasarski '77, Don O'Rourke '76, Bob Greco '75, Phil Corcoran '76, Bob Cerone '75 and Mike Schuld '76.

1986 Lisa (Rath) Maddock, Shakopee, Minn., is a published author. Her children’s book, titled A Tale of Two Guinea Pigs, is a humorous mystery chapter book for children ages 8 and older. Her website is www.teddyandpip.com.

Michelle (Emond) Wolfe, Aurora, Colo., became the deputy city manager for the city of Aurora in January 2008.

Raymond Zwack, Minneapolis, has committed 2009 to volunteering at The Option Institute, an autism treatment organization.

1987 Roseann (McLaughlin) Federico, Chicago, was named the director of recruiting and HRIS at the American Bar Association in Chicago.

Elizabeth (Doody) Gorman, Orland Park, Ill., graduated from the University of Notre Dame with an Executive Master’s in Business Administration. She is serving as the Cook County Commissioner.

Ray Tavarez, Menlo Park, Calif., is the owner of Tavarez Orthodontics. He and his wife, Kathleen, have two children Kaitlin, 12, and Raymond Jr., 9.

1988 Margaret Connelly, Nashville, Tenn., was diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2001. She worked for GE Water as a technical writer, creating and updating manuals for water purification, but is no longer able to work because of her illness. She would love to hear from alumni.

Molly (Harten) Landgrebe, Plymouth, Minn., is head of her own company, Montessori on Call, LLC., a substitute teaching service company.

Check out the website at www.montessorioncall.com.

She is also very active in theatre, performing in Cross Community Players production of “Seussical” as the Sour Kangaroo.

1990 Reverend James Steffes, Winona, was appointed Vicar General for the Diocese of Winona, beginning July 15, 2009.

Joseph Sullivan, Chicago, is a senior trader with Wolverine Execution Services.

1991 Daniel Bauer, Issaquah, Wash., works for Microsoft as a solutions manager.

Kari Lynn (Shutte) Doffing, Cottage Grove, Minn., was elected the president of the Hidden Valley Homeowners Association. She is appearing in a Kraft commercial for ranch dressing that is showing nationally.

Scott Stelmok, North Babylon, N.Y., after 15 years with the New York Police Department, was promoted to the rank of captain. He and his wife, Jeanne, have one daughter, Ashley, 13.

1992 Diane (Nickels) Folwer, Hinckley, Ill., is in grad school pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Leadership and Human Resources at Aurora University. She and her husband, Mike, have three children, Sarah, Zachary and Thomas.

1993 Dr. William Aubin, Elmhurst, Ill., has two college-age daughters, Ellie and Molly.

William Healy, Annandale, Minn., works for Bituminous Roadways. He and his wife, Jill, have three boys, Leo, 9; Vincent, 8; and Joseph, 3.

Michelle Rivard, Chaplin, Minn., graduated from Bethel University in May 2009 with a master’s degree in Communications.

1994 Jennifer (Ellsworth) Billington, Crosslake, Minn., was named program director for Project New Hope.

Heather (Perkins) Ferber, Brookfield, Wis., is an associate with EIRO Research. She and her husband, Dave, have three boys.

Michael Howard, Jefferson, Wis., has a new position as an elementary principal for the Jefferson School District.

Anthony Iori, Bloomingdale, Ill., became the plan manager of the health, welfare and pension funds for Central States Joint Board of Chicago.

1996 Tonya (Ramey) Bell, Buford, Ga., has a new position with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as senior GCP compliance auditor.

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CLASS NOTES Kate (Carey) Mutschler, Edwardsville, Ill., has a new position with the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services as a rehabilitation counselor in East St. Louis. She helps people with disabilities return to work.

1997 Dr. Patricia (Reardon) Price, Rochester, Minn., graduated from the University of St. Thomas in 2006 with a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. She is a stay-athome mom with two boys, Michael and Christian.

1998 Jennifer (Klinkner) Hagen, La Salle, Minn., works for Citizens Bank Minnesota as a loan processor/teller.

Mike Hatton, Geneva, Ill., is a territory manager for E-Z-GO Golf Cars.

Rev. Robert Horihan, Hokah, Minn., is doing graduate studies in Rome.

Dr. Jami Hughes, Shakopee, Minn., began a new job as

clinical psychologist/behavior analyst at Minnesota Autism Center in Minnetonka in January 2009. She passed her licensure exam to practice as a licensed psychologist in May 2009.

Alex Kugel, Fargo, N.D., is finishing his Ph.D. in Polymers and Coatings at North Dakota State University.

Brian Zirngible, Minneapolis, graduated from Saint Mary’s University with his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2009.

1999

Andrew Lucca, St. Louis, Mo., switched employers from the Chicago Police Department to the Ballwin, Mo., Police Department.

Lisa (Dombroske) Murphy, Apple Valley, Minn., teaches seventh- and eighth-grade science at Inver Grove Heights Middle School. She is deeply involved in the curriculum and teaching of gifted students.

Sherri (Lien) Thompson, New Orleans, La., received her master’s degree in Education from the University of New Orleans in 2007.

Corey Anderson, St. Michael, Minn., is the owner of Corey Anderson Insurance Company.

He is the National Association of Independent Free Appraisers Minneapolis president and the National Young Advisor Team committee chair.

Dr. Angela (Corfits) Timm, Peoria, Ill., graduated from a combined internal medicinepediatrics residency program in July 2009. She will be joining an outpatient practice in Peoria.

She and her husband, Joel, have an 18-month-old son.

Allison Fritscher, Atherton, Calif., taught middle school at a Stanford University-affiliated urban charter school for the past two years.

Annissa Ulbrich, Glen Allen, Va., works for GTECH Corporation in the Virginia Lottery quality assurance department.

Dr. Jun Koike, Mullins, S.C., joined the Marion County Medical Center as an OB/GYN in August 2008.

Samuel Wagner, Saint Paul, Minn., is studying at the seminary for the Diocese of New Ulm.

Scott Welch, Avon, Ohio, began a new career path at 3Com Corporation as a regional sales manager.

2000 Amy Henderson, Madison, Wis., is an accounting manager with Steve Brown Apartments.

Heidi (Wall) Pickwall, Winona, has a new position as financial advisor with Waddell and Reed.

Angela Witt, Minneapolis, is teaching eighth grade at San Miguel Middle School.

2001 Jora Deziel, Plymouth, Minn., is a public relations coordinator for the Xcel Energy Center.

Mike Walsh, Baltimore, Md., has taught at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School for seven years.

2002 Caitie (Wondergem) Bowers, Milwaukee, Wis., was promoted to senior human resource generalist in April 2009.

Faith, hope and Google Larry R. Boller ’72 of St. Cloud, Minn., pictured here with his granddaughter, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in January 2007. While undergoing surgery, doctors also found a malignant, inoperable tumor on Boller’s liver. He received the devastating news that he had six months to live.

Both Boller and his wife have worked in healthcare for 42 years. Their backgrounds, coupled with their hope and faith in God, led them to keep fighting. Their friends and relatives searched the Internet for treatment ideas regarding inoperable liver tumors. Soon, according to Boller, people across the country were “Googling” for solutions.

With faith and perseverance, the Bollers convinced doctors to keep fighting as well. Over the next 20 months Boller underwent many innovative treatments for both esophageal and liver cancer. The outcome has been very positive.

Boller credits his medical success to his faith and hope in God and the guidance the Holy Spirit gave his family and friends. To read more of his inspirational story, go to www.smumn.edu/google.≠

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FALL 2009

CLASS NOTES Anthony Headrick, St. Paul, Minn., opened a new company, Tony’s Tigers, LLC.

2003 Andrew Blake, Columbia Heights, Minn., completed the Buttimer Institute, a Lasallian formation program at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif.

He is working toward a master’s degree in Lasallian Studies through Saint Mary’s.

Jen (Solz) Blake, Columbia Heights, Minn., graduated from Hamline University with a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language.

Whitney (Mueller) Jost, Brookfield, Wis., works for Aurora Healthcare as a medical social worker.

Dr. Theresa (Miller) Dlugi, Mukwonago, Wis., successfully defended her dissertation to earn her Doctorate of Philosophy in Molecular Biology from Marquette University in May 2009. She will continue to do research and will be teaching undergraduate cell biology and genetics classes during the 2009-2010 school year.

Nichole (Legus) Olsen, Brooklyn Park, Minn., is owner of N. Lee Photography and is a Minneapolis-St. Paul based photographer. Her website is www.nleephotography.com.

Josh Wolever ’03 and Brandon Darling ’01, Chicago, have had great success over the past two years and are expanding their business, Darling & Wolever Consulting Group.

2004

Lillianna Petsch-Horvath, a senior at Catholic Central High School, Burlington, Wis., and daughter of Kevin Horvath (’78) and Mary Petsch-Horvath, was honored by being asked to sing with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. As part of a group of 25 high school students from Wisconsin, she sang for the final season performance of Mahler's 8th Symphony on June 12 and 14, 2009. Sharing the moment with her were, from left, grandpa Louis Horvath, Mary Petsch-Horvath, uncle Dan Horvath, aunt Mary Lou (Horvath ’80) Dwyer, uncle Mike Horvath ’82, aunt Ann Horvath ’84, aunt Patty (Horvath ’81) Carroll, cousin Kelsey Horvath (daughter of Mike and Kathy), cousin Ella Hovath (daughter of Dan), aunt Kathy (Wolf-'83) Horvath and Kevin Horvath ’78.

Allison Drueck, Sheboygan, Wis., is a Licensed Practical Nurse for Golden Living Center.

Kerry Edwards, St. Anthony, Minn., works for the University of Minnesota as a ticket sales executive.

Jonathan Helwig, Rochester, Minn., received his certificate in paralegal studies and is working at a small law firm in Rochester.

Steve Recker, Maplewood, Minn., is an associate communications manager for Capella University.

Renee Willkom, Cadott, Wis., started a new position as campus librarian at Globe University in Eau Claire, Wis., in September 2008.

2005

Heidi Andre, Fairbanks, Alaska, returned to her hometown of Fairbanks in April to accept a job as a superior court judicial law clerk.

Amanda Kasten, Hugo, Minn., is a Federal Boards NonCommissioned Officer in the Minnesota National Army National Guard.

Allison Burm, Champlin, Minn., began a new position with Preferred One as a marketing and product development specialist in 2008.

Darby (Cusick) Koehne, Brookfield, Wis., created a unique and beautiful line of coats, bags, table and floor cloths.

Amy Koenigsberger, West St. Paul, Minn., graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine degree on May 1, 2009.

Dr. Kellie Lease-Stecher, graduated in May 2009 from the Medical College of Wisconsin as a medical doctor.

She is completing her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Michigan State University Program and Grand Rapids Medical Education and Research Center.

Jessica McElmury, Winona, is a veterinarian technician at Pet Medical Center.

Nicholas Morse, Duluth, Minn., graduated from the Minnesota State Patrol Academy in April 2009. He is working in Thief River Falls during his probationary year.

David O’Leary, Duluth, Minn., is the regional manager for Hearth Connection.

2006 James Becker, Rockaway, N.Y., in January 2008, accepted a position with the New York City Fire Department.

Dan Cosgrove, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., is a correctional officer with Ramsey County.

Jeffrey Kunick, Naperville, Ill., was married in August 2008 and became certified as a paramedic.

Desiree Larson, Blaine, Minn., is working for the Department of Homeland Security as a contracting officer’s technical representative. She also coaches Junior Olympic Volleyball for Minnesota Vantage.

Juliana Piscitiello, Breckenridge, Colo., was hired

by Cultural Care Au Pair as a local childcare coordinator.

Abby Reding, Mankato, Minn., is a senior associate/certified public account with Eide Bailly, LLP. Rachel Rivers, Bloomington, Minn., has a new position at Cargill, Inc. as a data standards analyst.

Anna Robertson, Andover, Minn., graduated from the University of Minnesota with a master’s degree in Natural Resource Management. She started a new job as the state’s biomass coordinator. She works on policy pertaining to the state’s renewable energy mandates.

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CLASS NOTES

Frank Suera ’07 and Rachel Dolton ’06 were married on May 30, 2009 in Alden, Minn. Saint Mary’s alumni and staff attending a reception in Albert Lea, Minn., included, from left: back row left to right: Tim Wojcicki ’10, Adam Stasica ’07 (staff), Mark Fitzgerald ’79, Dave Hajoglou (staff), Dustin Kresen ’06, Tera Bolig ’07, Tim McAllister ’07, Megan Germo ’06, Nathan Barthel ’09, Jason Bujold ’07, Steve Ritscher ’07, Tyler Pritchard ’07, Beth Schubert ’06, Anne Schulte ’07, Jonna Schimek ’07, middle, Sean O’Brien ’08, Maggie Kennedy: ’07, Andy Nadeau ’07, Ashley Davis ’07, Melanie Reuvers ’07, Kaylene Mrozinski ’07, Emily Prigge ’07, Rebecca Jelenc ’07, Rachel (Harrison ’07) Behl, front, Michelle Dezelar ’07, Missy Berg ’07, Jessica Voight ’07, (with Joshua Cherry ’07 in front), the groom and bride, Grant Barthel ’07, Jake Olzen ’07, John Fitzgerald ’07, and Sean Moriarty ’07. Go online to www.smumn.edu/wedding to read a personal story about this group of SMU alums.

Nicole (Welle) Nere, West Fargo, N.D., started a new position as the communications and events coordinator for Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church.

2007 Rachel (Harrison) Behl, McFarland, Wis., has a new position with ECCS Mobile Labs as a lab technician.

Sarah Bellingham, Pawtucket, R.I., was hired to be a sixthgrade teacher after completing two years a Lasallian Volunteer at the San Miguel School in Providence, R.I. John Castano, San Jose, Calif., is working for Good Technology as a senior network engineer.

Melissa Mondo, Vadnais Heights, Minn., is a personal trainer with Gold’s Gym.

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clinical laboratory specialist in cytogenetics. She is employed at Mayo Clinic as a cytogenetic technologist.

Maggie Soucheray, Duluth, Minn., is a morning news producer with WDIO-TV.

Valerie Rodriguez, Woodbury, Minn., is attending the physician assistant program at Augsburg College.

Theresa Weber, Lisle, Ill., teaches middle school English and literature at Saint Joan of Arc School.

Anna Skonieczny, Rochester, Minn., accepted a position at the Mayo Clinic as a cytogenetic lab technologist.

2008 August Aleksy, Berwyn, Ill., is a mental health worker at Rush Day School.

Rachel Dufresne, Roseville, Minn., has a new position with Merrill Corporation as a human resources representative.

Nathan Schilz, Hopkins, Minn., started his own music production company, NMS Productions. He does short films and other composition work.

Walter Mannino, Charlotte, N.C., was hired to expand the tennis program at Park Crossing Country Club. He teaches private lessons for fitness and tennis, as well as adult and children’s clinics.

Jonna Schimek, Rochester, Minn., was certified through the National Crediting Agency as a

Dan Murray, Madison, Wis., is a project manager for Epic Systems.

SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE

Candice Norrell, Duluth, Minn., is an administrative assistant for Faster Solutions, Inc.

2009 Bryan Atchison, Bloomington, Minn., and Neil Olstad ’08, Farmington, Minn., of the dance duo “Koo Koo Kanga Roo” are performing on a second tour beginning in July 2009. Check out their website at www.kookookangaroo.com.

Tony Freeman, Inver Grove Heights, is the director of music and liturgy at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Alison Kay, Rush City, Minn., is a marketing and public relations coordinator at a technology company called VISI.

Weddings Mark Dwyer ’79 to Sally Nixon, Manunda, Queensland, Australia, on March 30, 2009, at Moffat Beach Queensland.

Thomas Norton ’81 to Therese, Avondale, Pa., on Aug. 23, 2008.

Beth Corcoran ’83 to Hank Dreyer, Elmhurst, Ill., in January 2009.

Stacey Giordano ’94 to Benjamin Sather, Minneapolis, on May 30, 2009.

Kate Carey ’96 to Ralph Mutschler Jr., Edwardsville, Ill., in May 2009.

Elizabeth Wiske ’97 to Darin Unze, Shakopee, Minn., on Sept. 14, 2007. Present at the ceremony were Amy (Unze ’97) Zwart, Mary (Coughlin ’95) Rothschadl, Rachell (Maras ’96) Horbenko, and Laura (Manchester ’96) Petersen.

Jennifer Klinkner ’98, M’06 to Trent Hagen, La Salle, Minn., on Feb. 10, 2007. Alumni in attendance were Dr. Denise Klinkner ’97, Allison Schaffner ’98, Krista (Knepel ’99) Bitzan, Sara (Crumb ’98) FALL 2009

CLASS NOTES

Eric Froistad ’02 and Angela Brackey ’04 were married June 28, 2008, in St. Paul, Minn. SMU alumni in attendance included, from left front: Megan (Kaffine ’04) Hollnagel, the groom and bride, Krystal (Endres ’04) Vinck, Ann Kennedy ’04, Rachel Seykora ’04; middle row, Rob Hollnagel ’04, Dusty Wilhelmy ’05, Joe Pope ’02, Ben Gelschus ’03, April Majerus ’04, Jaimie (Lee ’04) Owler, Sarah (Burgess ’04) Schweitzer, Cory Kanz ’03; back row, Ian Garvey ’02, Teresa (Wysocki ‘03) Garvey, John Vinck ’02, Laurel Danielson ’04, Leah (Moen ’04) Strickland, Corey Strickland ’02, Brad Huegel ’01, Andy Ebert ’02, Dave Johnston ’03, Nick Jedinak ’02, and Tim Shannon ’02. Also in attendance but not pictured was Brother Robert Smith, FSC ’76, uncle of the bride. The former vice president for mission and director of the Center for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching at Saint Mary’s University, Brother Bob is currently serving as vice president for academic affairs at Bethlehem University.

A group of SMU alumni came together to celebrate the wedding of Bridget Scheid Moroney (daughter of Stephen ’76 and Mary Lou Black ’76 Scheid) on Oct. 24, 2008. The group included, from left: Eileen (White’ 75) Kelly, Mary (White’ 74) Krasner, Cheryl (Magnuson ’75) Verdeja, Peggy (Potter ’77) Renz, Mary Kay Smith ’76, Marilyn (Lueck ’75) Noel, Mary Catherine Fox ’75, M’89, Margie (Schottler ’77) Hamel, Jim Wright ’77, Mary Lou (Black ’76) Scheid, Alice (Green ’77) Wright, David Scheid ’68, Erica Ruther ’05, John Scheid ’01, Emilee (Conley) Scheid ’03, and Elizabeth Scheid (potential class of 2026).

Tony Gruenke ’04 and Beth Larson ’04, M’07 were married on June 28, 2008, at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels at the Saint Teresa campus in Winona. SMU alumni and staff attending included, from left: back, Mike Semsch ’71, Judy (Barrett CST’71) Semsch, Travis Bare M’08, Terri (Tlougan CST ’71) Lambaere, Bryan Streefland ’04, Travis Nelson ’06, Nate Semsch ’04, Dr. Scott Sorvaag M’07 (faculty), Jesse Sorvaag, Dr. Karen Sorvaag M’07 (faculty), Denise (Aug CST'67) Hennen, Steve Thompson ’05, Emily (Lambaere ’04) Hovland; front, Jess (Boll ’04) Bare, George Lambaere ’69, Jenny Lawrence ’04, Emily (Pribyl ’03) Semsch, Kissie (Noll CST’74) Larson, Mary Jane (Noll CST’77) Young, Isaiah Sorvaag, Maureen (Auge CST’74) and Kraushaar. Not pictured are: Colleen (McGovern ’03) Streefland, Jennifer Reckinger M’07, Kari Rugless M’07, Ruth (Jankowski CST’39) Rice-Koenings, Debbie Vanschooten M’07, Tom Barret ’42, Mary Jane (Jankowski CST ’42) Barrett, and Eric Lindquist (staff).

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CLASS NOTES Dahlerup, Becky Comnick ’98, Andrew Wolf ’98, Becca (Schafer ’98) Wolf, Krissy (Anttila ’98) Coudron, and Anne (Wolkerstorfer ’98) Besek.

Michael Linden ’98 to Marc Schulte, Seattle, Wash., on Sept.

15, 2008.

Stephen Doerr ’99, M’00 to Maria del Rosario Zuniga Escamilla, Atascosa, Texas, on July 17, 2009. The ceremony was celebrated in Pozos, GTO, Mexico.

Sherri Lien ’99 to Scott Thompson, New Orleans, La., on April 18, 2009.

Beth Chambers ’01 to Seamus Boyle, Chicago, on Dec. 1, 2007.

Kesney LaBerge ’01 to Marty McCarthy, Chicago, Nov. 1, 2008.

Dustin Noble ’01 to Meghan, Valencia, Calif., on May 19, 2008.

Rebecca Jungbauer ’02 to Doug Bachler, Ambler, Pa., on May 23, 2009.

(Mollick ’03) Jungbauer, Emilee (Conley ’03) Scheid, John Scheid ’01, Luke Hofmann ’03, Keith Pieschek ’04, B.J. Klenke ’03 and Ellen Koranda ’06.

Gabrielle Buschmann ’06 to Brian Blake, Milwaukee, Wis., on Oct. 18, 2008. Maid of honor was Erin Donnelly ’05, and Timothy Mallers ’06 was a groomsman.

Megan Kaffine ’04 to Rob Hollnagel ’04, Onalaska, Wis., on July 25, 2008.

Rachel Dolton ’06 to Frank Suera ’07, Byron, Minn., on May 25, 2009.

Jonathan Helwig ’04 to Katie, Rochester, Minn., on Dec. 31, 2007.

Jeffery Kunick ’06, to Terese Schlais, Naperville, Ill., on Aug 2, 2008. Saint Mary’s alumni in attendance were Mark Matyas ’06 (groomsman), John Vik ’06, Mike Schmitt ’07, Mike Boland ’06, Andy Kozar ’06, Eric Luzzi ’97, and Emily Duffey ’08.

Karen Dockery ’03 to Jeffery Schwan ’03, Seattle, Wash., on Aug. 9, 2008.

Nicole Kadlec ’04 to Mike Prax, Burnsville, Minn., in January 2009.

Theresa Miller ’03 to Jonathan Dlugi, Mukwonago, Wis., in August 2008. Saint Mary’s alumni in attendance were Paul Jungbauer ’03, Missy

Katie Blaschko ’06 to Ryan Braulick, Mankato, Minn., on April 18, 2009.

Marty McCarthy and Kesney LaBerge ’01 were married Nov. 1, 2008, in Chicago. SMU alumni in attendance included, from left, Jeanna Sullivan '01, Kim Krisman '01, Jon Minnick '02, the groom, Jora Deziel '01, Eric Cronin '01, the bride, and Dan Naliwajko '03.

Rachel Harrison ’07 to James Behl, McFarland, Wis., on Oct. 18, 2008.

Tim Rothe Jr. ’07 and Laura Betchner ’07 were married May 2, 2009, at Saint Thomas More Church in Appleton, Wis. Alumni joining the couple included, from left: Dolly Durley ’07, James Hoogerwerf ’07, Amanda (Bainbridge ’06) Schilz, Nathan Schilz ’07, Angie Sahr ’00, M’01, Jonna Schimek ’07, Allison Peterson ’07, Katie O’Brien ’07, Jake Fleming ’07 and Nicole Schroeder ’08.

Wes Hueseman and Maria Rinaldi ’02 were married Sept.

5, 2008 in Lake Geneva, Wis. Attending SMU alumni included: Bill Guinane ’02, Trish (Begg ’85) Ivansek, Annie Ivansek ’12, Catherine (Marx ’02) Moriarity, Eileen Guinane ’01, Katie (McGrath ’01) Guinane, Lisa (Schroeder ’01) Zitlow, Kesney (LaBerge ’01) McCarthy, Amber Francis ’03, Jo Dunham ’01, the groom and bride, Erin Halloran ’02, Julie (Moran ’01) DeTineo, Beth (Chambers ’01) Boyle, Don Ivansek ’83 and Patricia Hoffmann ’02.

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SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE

FALL 2009

CLASS NOTES

Births Amy and Tom Figel ’81, Chicago, a daughter, Sophia Maeve, on April 2, 2009. She joins Liam, 5, and Sean, 3.

Thomas Mulhall ’85, Green Oaks, Ill., a son, Bryan Yoshihiro, on Aug. 24, 2008.

Richard and Laurette DattaConcaildi ’87, Chicago, a daughter, Regina Marie, on Nov. 22, 2008.

Jeanne and Bryan Flynn ’90, Washington Township, N.J., a son, Gavin Thomas, on Oct. 17, 2008. He joins Connor and Patrick.

Michael Bragg and Elizabeth Weightman ’87, Prior Lake, Minn., a daughter, Elizabeth Jane Weightman-Bragg, on Sept. 2, 2008. She joins Amelia, Liam and Aidan.

Todd and Amy (Zang ’91) Hartke, St. Charles, Ill., a daughter, Adeline Louise, on Jan. 26, 2009. She joins Julianna, 12; Dominic, 10; Evalena, 7; Augustine, 6; and Sebastian, 2.

Patrick and Beth (Daly ’92) Lynch, Darien, Ill., a son, Michael Patrick, on April 30, 2008. He joins Maggie, 7, and Conor, 3.

Katie and Kevin McManaman ’92, Chicago, a son, Dylan Patrick, on May 29, 2009.

Robert and Janene (Armstrong ’93) Reding, Maple Grove, Minn., a daughter, Olivia Ann, on May 14, 2009.

Richard and Shannon (Hansen ’94) Christenson, Greenfield, Wis., a daughter, Trinity Rose, on March 10, 2009.

John and Tricia (Tepesch ’95) Ferrell, Hampton, Ill., a son, August William, on July 27, 2008.

Siri and John Heille ’95, Fairmont, Minn., a daughter, Norah, on Feb. 16, 2009. She joins twin sisters, Faith and Gracia, 6.

Sheila and Jamie Chambers ’96, Western Springs, Ill., a daughter, Colleen, on March 30,

2009. She joins Brady, 4, and Tyler, 2.

Karl and Kelly (Finzen ’96) Omdahl, Victoria, Minn., a daughter, Avery Jean, on April 22, 2009.

Megan and Brian Wagner ’96, Oak Lawn, Ill., a daughter, Payton Mary, on July 28, 2008.

She joins Logan, 2.

Tony and Sheila (Murray ’96) Zagotta, Warrenville, Ill., a son, Joseph Anthony, on Nov. 18, 2008. He joins Alyssa.

Jason M’08 and Melanie (Audette ’97) Bexell, Moose Lake, Minn., a daughter, Margaret Renee, on Dec. 7, 2008.

Kim and Chad LaRoche ’97, Chaska, Minn., a son, Trent Anderson, on April 20, 2008.

He joins Lisa, 7, and Olivia, 5.

Brent and Beth (Aga ’97) Larson, Hudson, Wis., twin sons, Gabe Joseph and Owen James, on May 20, 2009. They join Luke, 2, and Cale, 1.

Matthew and Tiffany (Brown ’97) Larson, Woodbury, Minn., a son, Sigur Matthew, on Oct. 2, 2008.

Kristen (Lendway ’97) Lorsung, Isanti, Minn., a son, Alec Anthony, on Dec. 16, 2008.

Brian and Amy Carroll-Olson ’97, Hammond, Wis., adopted their first child, Finn Thomas.

Finn was born on Sept. 22, 2008.

Christopher and Patricia (Reardon ’97) Price, Rochester, Minn., a son, Christian John, in November 2008. He joins Michael Alexander.

Jason ’97 and Michelle (Willborn ’97) Schmidle, Madison, Wis., twin boys, Theran and Cade, on Dec. 22, 2008.

Jim and Kathleen (Smith ’97) Tomczak, Orland Park, Ill., twin daughter and son, Emma Kathleen and Jake Patrick, on Feb. 9, 2009. They join Ryan Christopher, 3.

“SAY CHEESE” — Charles “Charlie” Anderson, and his sister Kate, are the children of Corey ’99 and Stacey (Simenson ’00) Anderson of St. Michael, Minn.

Darin and Elizabeth (Wiske ’97) Unze, Shakopee, Minn., a daughter, Katelyn Elizabeth, on Feb. 7, 2009. Godmother is Amy (Unze ’97) Zwart.

Marty ’97 and Kelly (Anttila ’98) Momsen, Winona, a son, Fin Patrick, on Feb. 4, 2009.

Michelle and Nate DeMars ’98, Centerville, Minn., a son, Brooks Nathan, on June 9, 2009. He joins Addisyn Jo, 3, and Ryland Richard, 1.

Tim and JoAnn (Bokowski) Gronholm ’98, Chicago, a son, John Robert, on Oct. 20, 2008.

Godparents are Jim Bokowski ’96 and Mary Gronholm ’06.

Trent and Jennifer (Klinkner ’98, M’06) Hagen, LaSalle, Minn., a son, Christopher Mark, on May 22, 2008. He joins Kari and Dustin.

Alex ’98 and Jill (Rosstedt ’00) Kugel, Fargo, N.D., a daughter, Auna Aurell, on April 9, 2009.

Jesse ’98 and Sarah (Tureson ’97) Murray, Duluth, Minn., a son, Peter Lane, on Feb. 19, 2009. He joins Clare, 2, and Henry, 4.

Jeff and Andrea (Blume ’98) Tilkes, Savage, Minn., a daughter Natalie Rose, on March 6, 2009. She joins Lauren, 3.

Andrew ’98 and Rebecca (Schaefer ’98) Wolf, Forest Lake, Minn., a son, Charles Andrew, on March 10, 2009. He joins Eliana, 4.

Carolyn (Fox ’99, M’04) Borgen, New Ulm, a daughter, Elizabeth Claire, on March 14, 2009.

Kevin ’99 and Allison (Lucca ’99) Geist, Cedarburg, Wis., a son, Charles Owen, on Sept. 19, 2008. He joins Hannah, Elizabeth, and Jonathon.

Mary and Andrew Lucca ’99, St. Louis, Mo., a daughter, Natalia, on Jan. 1, 2009.

Michele Nauman ’99 and Deb Sazama, Dubuque, Iowa, a daughter, Addison Marie Sazama Nauman, on Sept. 19, 2008.

Brian and Keira (Schroepfer ’99) Short, Sun Prairie, Wis., a daughter, Maya Elizabeth, on April 2, 2009.

Katie and Scott Welch ’99, Avon, Ohio, a daughter, Grace Kathleen, on Dec. 31, 2008.

Kelly (Gleason ’00) Banyai, Prior Lake, Minn., a daughter, Addison Marie, on Nov. 21, 2008.

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CLASS NOTES Adam and Becky (Sklenicka ’00) Clark, Mantorville, Minn., a daughter, Julia Elise, on April 12, 2009.

Aaron ’02 and Rebecca (Deuel ’02) Schnitzler, Saint Michael, Minn., a daughter, Ella Dawn, on Jan. 12, 2009.

Caroline and Anthony Holter ’00, South Bend, Ind., a daughter, Julia Marie, on Dec. 27, 2008.

Deb and Anthony Sherlock ’02, Chicago, a daughter, Natalie Rachel, on June 18, 2008. She joins Claire, 2. Proud grandparents are Bill and Andre (Carlevato ’77) Sherlock.

Justin and Dianne (Lord ’00) Miller, Falcon Heights, Minn., a daughter, Julianne Hope, on Feb. 6, 2009. She joins Karen, 2.

Joshua and Gina (LaCognata ’00) Peterson, Romeoville, Ill., a son, Parker Philip, on Feb. 26, 2009.

Ryan and Kathy (Goggin ’00) Sather, Eden Prairie, Minn., a son, Luke Patrick, on Jan. 28, 2009.

Alison and Chad Springer ’00, Wabasha, Minn., a son, Caleb Robert, on July 30, 2008. He joins Parker, 4.

Neil ’01 and Mary Beth (Kruse ’00, M’08) Dahlheimer, St. Paul, a daughter, Josephine Nicole, on Dec. 5, 2008. She joins Anna, 2.

Reuben and Katie BollerGosewisch ’01, Elk River, Minn., a daughter, Grace Ann Boller Gosewisch, on March 23, 2009.

Charlie and Valerie (Amick ’01) Salyer, Bow, N.H., twin son and daughter, Peyton Charles and Paige Lillian, on Jan. 22, 2009.

They join Samantha, 3.

Maureen and Mike Walsh ’01, Baltimore, Md., a daughter, Madeline Grace, in August 2008.

James and Anne (Wooden ’01) Bremer, Red Wing, Minn., a son, Henry, on May 11, 2008.

He joins Grace, 4.

Dan ’02 and Caitie (Wondergem ’02) Bowers, Milwaukee, Wis., a daughter, Elizabeth Jane, on Sept. 19, 2008.

Sam and Amanda (Ries ’02) Buckwalter, Chandler, Ariz., a daughter, Allison Claire, on May 4, 2008.

Anthony Headrick ’02, St. Paul, Minn., a daughter, Zina Gundria, June 2009.

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Jeffery ’02 and Danielle (Sexton ’03) Voigt, Lakeville, Minn., a daughter, Sadie Danielle, on March 18, 2009.

Joe ’03 and Nicole (Spears ’04) Drennan, Lindstrom, Minn., a son, Gus Jackson, on June 26, 2008. He joins Gertie Belle, 2.

Adam ’03 and Jessica (Gubash ’02) Skoda, Cresco, Iowa, a

son, Awnan Joseph, on Aug. 27, 2008. He joins Aidan, 3.

Travis and Crystal (Erickson ’03) Syverson, Menomonie, Wis., a daughter, Whitley Rae, on May 25, 2009.

Jesse and Bethany (Duchow ’04) Christensen, Arlington Heights, Ill., a daughter, Addison Beth, on April 15, 2009.

Garrick ’03 and Erin (Ida ’05) Holey, Winona, a son, Peter, on Feb. 16, 2009.

Brandon ’05 and Kristy (Dougherty ’05) Horsch, Haven, Kan., a daughter, Hazell Lee, on Feb. 26, 2009.

Bob and Darby (Cusick ’05) Koehne, Brookfield, Wis., a daughter, Darby Maryalice Trillium, on Nov. 11, 2008.

University remembers Bishop Watters Bishop Loras Watters, who led the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona from 1969 to 1987, died March 30, 2009. During his tenure, Bishop Watters served on the SMU Board of Trustees from 1970 to 1980, and was subsequently named trustee emeritus.

Watters was ordained a priest in 1941. He became auxiliary bishop of Dubuque, Iowa, in 1965. Four years later, he was named by Pope Paul VI as the fifth bishop of Winona. Bishop John Vlazny replaced Bishop Watters when he retired in 1987.

Bishop Watters then took up residence at Saint Mary’s and served as chaplain to the Brothers who resided and taught on campus.

Bishop Bernard Harrington, who retired from the Winona Diocese in spring, told the Winona Daily News that Watters was “a wonderful, simple bishop who went about doing his work quietly every day, unassumingly, and for this, the Lord will reward him well. After so many years as a great bishop, and now gone home to his eternal rest … I’m sure he is delighted.”

Long-time friend Don Justin visited Bishop Watters just before his death. “He wanted to go home,” Justin told the Winona Daily News. “And if the gates of heaven weren’t wide open when he got there, we’re all in trouble.”

Watters Hall on SMU’s Winona campus is named in his honor.≠

Tom ’06 and Jennifer (Schipp ’06) Stewart, Eagan, Minn., a daughter, Quinn Eliana, on Oct. 9, 2008.

Deaths Brother J. Leo Keindel, FSC ’36, St. Paul, Minn., on Feb. 21, 2009.

Cyril M. Koob ’36, Slayton, Minn., on Jan. 29, 2009.

Brother H. Raphael Erler, FSC ’38, Winona, on May 15, 2009.

John W. Schaefer ’40, Mundelein Lake, Ill., on July 2, 2008.

Charles L. Knapp ’44, Valencia, Penn., on Jan. 19, 2009.

W. Wayne Smith ’46, Winona, on April 21, 2008.

Harry M. Schermerhorn ’48, Beloit, Wis., on Oct. 28, 2008.

Russell R. Custer ’49, Oak Forest, Ill., on Aug. 10, 2008.

Eugene D. Pinski ’49, Indio, Calif., on March 16, 2009.

James T. Robb ’49, Hamburg, N.Y., on Dec. 12, 2008.

Daniel V. Hubbell ’50, Downers Grove, Ill., on June 27, 2009.

Dr. George R. Morgan ’53, Sanibel, Fla., on Dec. 16, 2007.

John A. Brenner ’55, Inverness, Ill., on Feb. 7, 2009.

George A. Craver ’55, Montgomery, Ill., on March 12, 2007.

Thomas M. Haywood ’56, Niles, Ill., on July 14, 2009.

William J. Bowman ’61, Winona, on April 28, 2008.

Joseph B. Collins ’61, Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 14, 2009.

Brother Patrick G. O’Brien, FSC ’62, Ferdinand, Ind., on March 30, 2009.

George L. Spirek ’62, Brooksville, Fla., on Feb. 14, 2008.

FALL 2009

CLASS NOTES George E. Kirk ’69, Saratoga, Calif., on March 5, 2008.

Daniel J. Mulcahy ’69, Indian Head Park, Ill., on July 12, 2009.

Bernard J. Malloy ’70, Dowagiac, Mich., on May 23, 2009.

Janice M. Gorecki ’76, Indian Head Park, Ill., on Feb. 11, 2009.

James H. Miller ’77, Rochester, Minn., on Nov. 30, 2008.

Steven J. Stremikis ’96, Savage, Minn., on March 6, 2009.

Justin J. Hendershot ’01, Milan, Ill., on May 20, 2009.

Joseph Kritzeck ’10, Elk River, Minn., on July 20, 2009.

Joshua D. Gunderson ’11, Stillwater, Minn., on March 24, 2009.

Sympathy To Frank Collins ’59, on the death of his brother, Joseph Collins ’61, on Jan. 14, 2009.

J. Thomas Finnegan ’60, on the death of his wife, Joyce (Willmes CST’61) Finnegan, on Feb. 1, 2008.

Walter Kelly ’65, on the death of his wife, Janice Kelly, on October 25, 2008.

Dr. Gustavo Valadez Ortiz ’65, on the death of his sister, Enriqueta Valadez de Mascorro, on Dec. 9, 2008.

Richard Wieser ’68, on the death of his son, Michael Wieser, on Feb. 25, 2009.

Russell Custer ’71, on the death of his father, Russell R. Custer ’49, on Aug. 10, 2008.

Cathy (Lynch) Serrano ’72, on the death of her father on June 16, 2009.

Carol (Malloy ’75) Dykstra and Mary Malloy ’82, on the death of their brother, Bernard Malloy ’70, on May 23, 2009.

SMU says goodbye to inspiring educator, Christian Brother Raphael Erler Long-time Saint Mary’s University educator and alumnus, inspiring Christian Brother and dedicated leader, Brother H. Raphael Erler, FSC, Ph.D., died Friday, May 15, 2009 (fittingly, on the feast day of Saint John Baptist de La Salle). He was 93.

A De La Salle Christian Brother for 75 years, he graduated from La Salle High School in Glencoe, Mo., and entered the novitiate of the Brothers in 1934. He pronounced his first vows in 1935 and his final vows in 1941. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s College in 1938, a master’s degree in English from Loyola University in 1942 and a doctoral degree in American Studies from the University of Minnesota in 1959.

During his years as an educator, Brother Raphael taught at St. George High School in Evanston, Ill., St. Patrick High School in Chicago, Christian Brothers High School in Memphis and Cretin High School in St. Paul. At different times he taught at Saint Mary’s University, most recently from 1954 to 1981 when he retired. After retirement, Brother Raphael continued to be active on the Winona campus.

Known for his sense of humor and his challenging classes, Brother Raphael served as director of American Studies and a professor of the English Department at Saint Mary’s. In 1981, he was awarded the Brother Charles Severin Award for Excellence in Teaching.

SMU — and Brother Raphael himself — received an outpouring of heartfelt letters from Saint Mary’s alumni in his final days.

Former SMU Trustee Tim Horan ’70 said, “I used to joke that I didn’t really major in English lit, I majored in Brother Raphael.” After describing himself as a struggling student, Horan explained that Brother Raphael issued him a stern challenge to “go to work.”

“No, I didn’t win a Rhodes Scholarship like another of his students, but I did finish; his challenge was just what I needed.”

Horan said. “Then on graduation day, after receiving my diploma, I departed the stage and made a hard right turn into the area where the faculty was sitting. I shuffled past several startled professors and shook Brother Raph’s hand and said, ‘See I made

it … thanks for everything.’ I can still see the smile on his face.”

For Rita “Retsey” (Ronk ’80) Anderson, Brother Raphael’s class inspired her to switch majors from math to English. “I am finishing my 29th year as an English teacher,” she told Brother Raphael. “If I can make as much an impact on students as you have, I will truly be blessed as a teacher and a human being.”

Survivors include his brother Arthur Erler of Little Canada, Minn., the Christian Brothers and devoted friend and caregiver Mary Malloy ’82. A Brother Raphael Erler Scholarship Fund has been set up at Saint Mary’s in his honor.≠

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CLASS NOTES

Saint Mary’s student dies in Big Lake car accident Saint Mary’s University senior Joseph Kritzeck, 21, of Elk River, Minn., was killed July 20 in a car accident near Big Lake, Minn.

Almost immediately students gathered online during the summer, most visibly on Facebook, to share memories of a friend they defined as creative, kind, supportive and genuine.

Pictures and stories of Kritzeck from theatre, Chamber Singers, studying abroad in London and honors courses were shared as friends mourned a man whose life ended too soon.

Kritzeck was a theatre major and English minor who hoped to teach high school and coach drama. He was active with the Saint Mary’s Theatre Department.

Gary Diomandes, professor of theatre arts, remembers Joe’s semester in London last fall. “I will remember the great performance he did in Radium Girls portraying a number of different, memorable characters,” he said. “I will also miss the passion he brought to our classroom debates discussing the various plays we saw in London for the ‘Page to Stage’ class.

He will be missed.”

According to the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol, Kritzeck’s sedan crossed the median and collided head-on with a pickup truck around

Kevin Costello ’76, on the death of his wife, Donna Costello, on Jan. 4, 2009.

Walter Ayotte ’53, Karen (Ayotte ’78) Sullivan, Paul Ayotte ’80, Mark ’82 and Christine (Calabrese ’82) Ayotte, Neil Ayotte ’85, Abby Ayotte ’11, on the death of their former spouse, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, Mary Jo Ayotte, on Feb. 4, 2009.

Tom ’79 and Barb (Berge ’81) Singsank, on the death of their mother and mother-in-law, Mercedes Singsank, on March 3, 2009.

Dr. Susan (Orlowski ’80) Paul, Tom ’98 and Jennifer (Paul ’99) Hogan, and Jaclyn Paul ’02, on the death of their husband, father and father-inlaw, Richard Paul, on Jan. 24, 2009.

Patrick Corcoran ’82, Beth (Corcoran ’83) Dreyer and John Robin ’85, on the death of their father and uncle in summer 2008.

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Mariclaire (Smith ’83) Fleming and Britton Smith ’97, on the death of their father and grandfather, W. Wayne Smith ’46, on April 21, 2009.

Michael ’87 and LeAnn (Ryzner ’89) Brenner, on the death of their father and fatherin-law, John Brenner ’55, on Feb. 7, 2009.

James Lah ’87, on the death of his father, William Lah, on Dec. 10, 2008.

Patricia (Kovach ’88) Papineau, on the death of her father, Michael Kovach, on Feb. 23, 2009.

Jennifer (Lala ’92) Mavilla, on the death of her parents, Beverly in April 2007 and Ronald in January 2009.

Reverend Christopher Hughes ’94, on the death of his father, Fred Hughes, on Jan. 2, 2009.

Alan ’97 and Kathryn (Kadlec ’97) Conniff, on the death of their father-in-law and father,

10:15 a.m. Monday on the southern edge of Big Lake.

“Our hearts go out to the Kritzeck family during this terrible tragedy,” said SMU President Brother William Mann.

“Joe’s presence will be greatly missed at Saint Mary’s. The university community joins me in extending our sympathy and prayers.≠

Joe Kritzeck, left, with his SMU classmates in London during the Steffanié Valéncia Kierlin Study Abroad Program.

Raymond Kadlec, on Oct. 7, 2008.

Bruce Kryzer ’98 on the death of his wife, Mary Kryzer, on July 14, 2009.

Kelly (Steuck ’01) Hendershot, on the death of her husband, Justin Hendershot ’01, on May 20, 2009.

Jeremy Stremikis ’01, on the death of his brother, Steven Stremikis ’96, on March 6, 2009.

Renata Adamski ’06, on the death of her father, Kazimierz Adamski, on Jan. 20, 2009.

Andy ’02 and Liz (McDowell ’03) Myscofski, on the death of their daughter, Erin Myscofski, on Feb. 10, 2009.

Angel Weisbrod M’94, Jonathan Weisbrod ’06 and Jessica Weisbrod ’08, on the death of their mother-in-law and grandmother, Evelyn Weisbrod, on April 16, 2009.≠ FALL 2009

If you believe in paying it forward and having a direct influence on the lives of others, you can choose a gift that will forever make a difference at Saint Mary’s University.

We Can Help!

For more information, please contact: Nancy A. Wiltgen ’75, J.D. Director of Major and Planned Gifts Phone: (800) 635-5987, ext. 1467 Fax: (507) 457-6697 E-mail: nwiltgen@smumn.edu

Steve Schmidt ’12, recipient of the Brother I. Basil Rothweiler Endowed Scholarship, and Dave Thies ’59*

Ken Ortman ’59* with Ryan Wockenfus ’11, first recipient of the Ken Wiltgen Endowed Scholarship

Create an Endowment

Make a Memorial Gift

The gift that keeps on giving

Honor a special person in your life

What an endowment can do: ■ Strengthen the financial foundation of Saint Mary’s University ■ Support and sustain a university initiative ■ Encourage new initiatives ■ Award scholarships to current and future students Once an endowment is established, Saint Mary’s will apply a fixed percentage of its annual value for the designated recipient or project each year. Earnings over the fixed amount are reinvested in the university’s general endowment, continuing to strengthen Saint Mary’s University.

What a memorial gift can do: ■ Honor the memory of a person who made a difference in your life ■ Provide grants or scholarships in that person’s name ■ Support a special project ■ Partially or fully fund a university initiative ■ Establish an endowment in that person’s name Making a memorial gift to Saint Mary’s honors an individual who was admired, loved and respected. Your gift is a lasting tribute to the important part he or she played in your life.

It establishes a permanent link with the past and encourages others to participate in a vision for the future.

*Read more about their stories in the 2008-09 Investors’ Report to be published in the fall of 2009.

www.smumn.edu/giving WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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We are Saint Mary’s Alums light up Vegas scene They all came to Las Vegas with a dream. Whether promoting Donny and Marie, teaching Peter Pan how to fly, starring in “West Side Story,” or keeping the “city of lights” well lit, Saint Mary’s alumni are making their dreams come true.

And within the entertainment capital of the world is a supportive network of entertaining alums.

Jon Champelli ’93, president of shop12 design, meets up with fellow SMU alum Todd VonBastiaans ’94, president of Alios, Inc., on a weekly basis.

VonBastiaans is a local representative for lighting manufacturers. As an architectural lighting designer, Champelli uses a lot of the products VonBastiaans represents. “He is an absolutely invaluable resource for me, and I get to support him by using a lot of his stuff,” Champelli said. “We’re able to share a lot of information about the inner workings of the architectural and entertainment industries in the city and use each other’s insight into problems or opportunities. It makes things easier, and a lot more fun.”

VonBastiaans and Champelli, along with Laura Ishum ’95, director of entertainment of Harrah’s, Flamingo, Imperial Palace, Bill’s and O’Shea’s, were all in SMU’s theatre program at the same time.

“We have a long history of staying up all night and working on a show,” VonBastiaans said. “It’s not much different than working on a huge project. We get in there and get it done. We were close then, we are close now. OK, we are pretty much family now.”

Ishum (who showcases Vegas acts like Donny and Marie) says their friendships have naturally carried on past graduation because of their industry and Vegas connections. “Todd sells lights that are used in our showrooms daily. He is able to keep us up on the latest and provide industry support,” she said.

“Vegas is often about word of mouth and who you know.

Having people throughout Vegas that are alums and in the industry helps when you need to pick up the phone. A past connection has comfort in a town as transient as Vegas. The trust is built-in.”

Ironically, VonBastiaans said outsiders in Vegas have “bragged” to him that they know Ishum and Champelli and will try to introduce him to them.

Two of the newest SMU Vegas alums, Nell Gelhaus ’02 (project specialist in corporate marketing for Harrah’s Entertainment) and her brother Ed ’05 (who acts in Vegas shows like “West Side Story” and serves cocktails for Studio 54 and Wet Republic) are amazed by the connections SMU has in the area.

“Todd, Laura, and my sister Nellie have been very helpful in providing me with knowledge and recommendations in the performing world,” Ed Gelhaus said. “Having the Saint Mary’s base in Vegas has provided me with a solid support factor.”

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“High Rollers” A group of Saint Mary’s University alumni moved to the bright lights of Las Vegas to pursue careers centered on the city’s entertainment industry. Pictured at Las Vegas’ Boneyard, these alumni include, from left: front, Laura Ishum ’95, director of entertainment for Harrah's, Flamingo, Imperial Palace, Bill's, and O’Shea’s; Nell Gelhaus ’02, project specialist in Corporate Marketing, Harrah’s Entertainment; Ed Gelhaus ’06, actor and singer; back, Todd VonBastiaans ’94, president of Alios, Inc.; Jon Champelli ’93, president, shop12 design; and Matt Scherbring ’03, who works at Encore Las Vegas and is the lead engineer at the restaurant Switch.

(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Maupin)

Nell Gelhaus agrees. “It’s a good feeling to know that we all have each other’s backs. Speaking for myself, I know that I would always do whatever I could to help out an SMU alum. I’ve been helped along the way and I think it’s important to pay it forward.”

Nell Gelhaus attended SMU with Matt Scherbring ’03 and Jon Hayunga ’05, still more SMU alums working in Vegas.

VonBastiaans helped Scherbring secure his internship in Vegas. “All I did was wedge the door a bit. Matt’s personality, quality and abilities moved him up and through the system,” VonBastiaans said.

FALL 2009

Scherbring now works at Encore, where he is the lead engineer at the restaurant Switch. Switch is aptly named because as guests are dining, elements of the restaurant (walls, lighting, artwork, etc.) move in coordination with lighting sequences and a music track. Scherbring leads the crew that operates and maintains all the theatrical elements of the restaurant.

“That first internship was the stepping stone I needed to move from the educational to the professional world. In turn, it has allowed me to help other students and alumni to take those steps as well,” Scherbring said.

VonBastiaans says he is constantly running into other SMU alums. “We travel in some of the same circles and some different ones,” he said. We are all on crazy hours. Nothing is 9 to 5 in Vegas, but I’ve found that no matter what time it is, we all answer texts from each other. I would not hesitate to do anything for any of us, and I know we all feel the same.”

Champelli agrees. “Saint Mary’s was such a small, tight-knit community that I think you can’t help but forge some pretty strong bonds with the people you knew there,” he said. “I’m extremely thankful for my time there.”≠

WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE

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So, what’s new with you?

calendar of events

Alumni — send us your news! Saint Mary’s Magazine welcomes contributions to the Alumni Class Notes section. Use this form to fax or mail in your personal and professional news items. Photos, news clippings, etc., are also welcome, as well as tips about fellow alums who might make good feature story subjects.

• SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Alumni Class Notes are printed in the Saint Mary’s Magazine so that Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Winona campus alumni can share news of significant events in their lives. We welcome items about personal and professional achievements, as well as life milestones such as weddings, births, adoptions and deaths.

We do not print news of engagements or pregnancies. We also do not print notices of non-legal commitment ceremonies. Photos and news clippings are welcome, but cannot be returned.

• MINIMUM SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Your legal name, class year and email address; spouse’s legal name, class year and email address (if applicable); home address; and home phone number. Other useful information includes your business title, company name, address, phone number and e-mail address.

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E-mail

SEPTEMBER 7 Classes in session University Holiday Some offices closed 25-27 Family Weekend OCTOBER 10-13 Autumn recess 14 Classes resume NOVEMBER 25-30 Thanksgiving recess DECEMBER 1 Classes resume 10 Study day 11-12 Final examinations 14-15 Final examinations 16-Jan. 4 Christmas recess JANUARY 5 Semester II classes begin FEBRUARY 13-21 Winter recess 22 Classes resume MARCH 2 Founder’s Day 27-April 5 Easter recess

Address City, State, Zip

APRIL 6 21

Home phone Business name Business address City, State, Zip Business phone

29 30

Classes resume Senior Academic Honors Banquet Study day Final examinations

MAY 1 3-4 8

Final examinations Final examinations Commencement

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What’s new?

SPORTS www.saintmaryssports.com

■ Check here if your son or daughter would like to receive SMU admission materials.

A representative will contact you for more details.

Send to: Saint Mary’s University 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 Fax: (507) 457-6967 Contact us online: www.smumn.edu/classnotes E-mail: alumni@smumn.edu

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SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE

THEATRE www.pagetheatre.org

FALL 2009

O U R H I S T O RY

lookingback

Let’s play ball!

Though the uniforms have changed, the baseball spirit is still alive at Saint Mary’s.

These unnamed black and white photographs show Saint Mary’s baseball teams in 1916 and 1919. When the school opened in 1913, young men in seventh-grade through college attended classes atop Terrace Heights. The color photograph depicts the 2009 team.

Anyone with more — or more accurate — information about this photo is welcome to contact Saint Mary’s Magazine editor, Deb Nahrgang. Mail comments to: Saint Mary’s Magazine, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #36, Winona, MN 55987. Or, send e-mail to: dnahrgan@smumn.edu.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Winona, MN Permit 99 WINONA CAMPUS 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 USA

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HAS ANOTHER SAINT MARY’S ALUM HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? TELL US YOUR STORY! Submit your answers online: smumn.edu/magquestion.

We’ll publish the results in the next magazine and online.

the

e v a S e! t a D Homecoming 2010 • June 25-27

No longer Father’s Day Weekend!

Young Alumni Weekend & Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend • Sept. 10-12, 2010 First Women of Saint Mary’s Events • Oct. 15-17, 2010

Which Christian Brother made a difference in your education and why?

Brother George Pahl shares credit for building SMU science department It was a surprise to me that Brother George Pahl, FSC, had not been mentioned until this last edition of Saint Mary’s Magazine when Tim O’Farrell wrote about Brother George in “Letters.” The great “build-up” of the science department began with two very important N.S.F. grants: one for “Freshwater Ecology” etc. and one for “Radiation Biology.”

I was happy to have been awarded the grant for the classes in “Ecology” (1965) and my thought was “if I do well in these classes, I may be able to apply for the classes in radiation biology next year!” Toward the end of the eight-week session (climbing up Stockton hill, checking on “critters” in the woods at 4 a.m., wading in streams and the Mississippi with Brother Charles Severin!), Brother George came to me and asked, “If we were to get N.S.F. grants to cover the cost, would you be willing to study for an M.A. in biology?” WOW! I was already excited about returning to my high school classes (to teach the “green version”) in the inner city of Los Angeles and so I was delighted about this new opportunity to increase my teaching skills.

I continued to teach biology (in L.A. after the Watts riots) until I was appointed as a supervisor of high schools in the Department of Education, Archdiocese of Los Angeles. At that time there were 72 high schools. My goal was to improve the teaching of science by all means possible. The teachers were encouraged to apply for N.S.F. grants (several went to Saint Mary’s). After five years, I was appointed associate superintendent of schools.

All of these events in my life would never have taken place without my OUTSTANDING EDUCATION at Saint Mary’s.

— Sister Mary Christopher Miller, O.P. M’69 P.S. After graduating from Saint Mary’s, I worked in the office of the Biology Department when Brother George Pahl was appointed president. I also tutored six of the students who had failed one or more sections of our comp exams. They “passed” the second time around.