FALL 2019
SAINT MARY’S
MA G A Z I N E
Celebrating 50 years of women at Saint Mary’s University
FALL 2019
CONtENts VO L UM E
2 WinBowl
5 1
N UMB E R
2
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVANCEMENT AND COMMUNICATION Audrey Kintzi, MS, ACFRE
6 Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman and Brother Charles Halls
EDITOR Deb Nahrgang Phone: 507-457-6966 dnahrgan@smumn.edu
10 Brother William Hall Dedication
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carissa Hahn ’13 Donny Nadeau ’85 Deb Nahrgang
12 Skemp name ingrained in Saint Mary’s history
PHOTOGRAPHERS Rick Bush Geoffrey DeMarsh Bob Conover Deb Nahrgang
14 Dr. Phil A. Cochran ’77 Auditorium Dedication
DESIGN Maria Beyerstedt
16 35th Year of GOOF
PRODUCTION Pat Beech
20 Cardinal Excellence Fund
PRINTED BY The John Roberts Company
21 Sports Hall of Fame Nominees
Saint Mary’s Magazine is published by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for its alumni, parents, and friends.
22 Athletics Updates 24 Retirees 25 News and Views 34 Alumni 35 Reunion Weekend Recap 40 50 Years of Women 51 Class Notes
ADDRESS CHANGES Saint Mary’s Magazine Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 ON THE WEB smumn.edu/magazine ABOUT SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. At Saint Mary’s, students find in every classroom — whether in person or online — a relationship-driven, person-centered education. Through intense inquiry, students discover the truths in the world and the character within. Founded in 1912 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota enrolls 5,600 students at its residential undergraduate college in Winona and its Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, based in Minneapolis with programs offered in Rochester, other locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and fully online. As a Lasallian Catholic university welcoming all students, Saint Mary’s offers respected and affordable programs in a variety of areas leading to bachelor’s, bachelor’s completion, master’s, certificate, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Learn more at smumn.edu.
Here’s where they soar — with a safety net This fall I am seeing Saint Mary’s from a whole new perspective — as a parent. My daughter moved into Skemp Hall in August. Throughout August she’s been fixated on picking out dorm necessities and learning more about the stranger (and we can hope future BFF) she would soon be rooming with. I’m in that bittersweet moment that’s filled with an equal mixture of pride, worry, excitement, and hesitation. Sure, it eases my mind that she can (and undoubtedly will) walk the short distance from her room to my office in her pajamas without even drawing too many raised eyebrows. But my angst stems more from the fact that as she transitions into adulthood, I want her to be prepared. Did I teach her everything I should have? Did I set a strong foundation? Am I ready to let go? At New Student Orientation and Registration (NSOR) I had a chance to meet other parents who are sharing those same feelings. At my lunch table were parents of an athlete, a First Generation Scholar, and a seminarian. Me? I’m the parent of a music, theatre, and art-loving social activist who wants to one day own her own bakery. As different — at face value — as all of our children seemed to be, as parents we were all passengers of the same moored but bobbing boat. Weren’t we just using Hello Kitty Band-Aids a few weeks ago? It seems like yesterday when I was finding Mason jar-filled bug habitats throughout my house. (Actually, it was just yesterday.) I feel like I’m STILL reminding my daughter to bring a jacket and eat her vegetables. As much as we’ve fought against being helicopter parents (always hovering) and a more newly coined term, lawn mower parents (constantly cutting a path so our children never hit obstacles), there’s no doubt at times we have been the poster parents for these labels. I’m guilty. So now, we’re faced with turning off our mowers and sending our children off into the weeds. And yet, we know we must if they are to become the globally aware, ethical, intelligent adults we need them to be — and society needs them to be. They have to get into those weeds with their sleeves rolled high.
And that’s why they are here. During NSOR, I heard Brother Robert Smith, FSC ’76, Ph.D., senior vice president for presidential initiatives and special advisor to the president, address the Class of 2023 and give out his personal email as a contact in times of trouble. I heard Cardinal Central staff assure parents their children could come in any time and ask them any question about the university, and they would find the answers. I heard library and bookstore staff say they work with students individually for all their academic resource needs. All these reassurances are a great comfort to our generation of clingy parents. Then, there’s the other part of the equation, one I would argue is probably more important, the part where our children truly do become adults. At Saint Mary’s they learn how to turn their passion and knowledge into careers. They learn how to respect those who have opposing viewpoints while being able to intelligently vocalize and support their own viewpoints. They learn it’s OK that not everyone shares the same viewpoints. They find out the whys and the why nots. And they become armed with the knowledge and skills to know that there isn’t always one right answer. I’ve seen it happen, and I’m blessed to be able to write about it happening on a daily basis — with both our undergraduate students and adult learners. Just one example of students meeting the challenge is described in our WinBowl story on pages 2-5. I know that during these next four years my daughter will receive a strong liberal arts education at a Lasallian Catholic university. She not only won’t be lost in the crowd, she’ll be given every opportunity to stand out. And, she’ll make some friends and have a little fun in the process. Because I trust that along the way a few people will remind her to wear a jacket and eat her vegetables. I might even be able to turn off my lawn mower.
CAMPUS RESOURCES ADMISSION Winona Toll-free 800-635-5987, Ext. 1700 admission@smumn.edu Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs Toll-free 866-437-2788, Ext. 207 tcadmission@smumn.edu
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION connect.smumn.edu Winona Undergraduate Alumni 507-457-1499 Toll-free 800-635-5987, Ext. 1499 alumni@smumn.edu Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs Alumni 612-238-4507 Fax 612-728-5167 Toll-free 866-437-2788
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT 507-457-1579 dnadeau@smumn.edu saintmaryssports.com
DEVELOPMENT 507-457-6647 Fax 507-457-6689 giving@smumn.edu connect.smumn.edu
JOB OPPORTUNITIES smumn.edu/jobs
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION 507-457-1497 marketing@smumn.edu smumn.edu/news
PERFORMANCE CENTER BOX OFFICE 507-457-1715 tickets@smumn.edu pagetheatre.org
UNIVERSITY WEBSITE smumn.edu
Deb Nahrgang Saint Mary’s Magazine Editor FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 1
Saint Mary’s students collaborate with WinCraft in first WinBowl This past spring, sport marketing students at Saint Mary’s pitched their ideas for new sports licensed product lines. They were more than a little nervous. That’s probably because instead of presenting to classmates and faculty, these students were pitching to top executives at WinCraft, a national leader in retail licensed and promotional products, located in Winona. Also invited to review and judge the presentations were representatives from nationally recognized properties within the sport industry as guests of WinCraft. There was more on the line than just a good grade. They called it the WinBowl, and John Killen, president and CEO of WinCraft, and Zak Mayo, assistant professor of business at Saint Mary’s, are hoping it’s an annual competition for Saint Mary’s students who will face new challenges each year. This year’s WinBowl was focused on esports. Mayo explained that the WinBowl competition is a collaborative semesterlong project between WinCraft and Saint Mary’s sport marketing course. After signing nondisclosure agreements, WinCraft provided students with the background, support, space, and access they needed, as well as logos, price points, and intellectual property. Students then formed small groups, analyzed data, conducted market research, and provided consultative feedback to WinCraft based on a current business venture. At the conclusion of the semester, student groups were pitted against each other for the best pitch to WinCraft. “The students worked on a real-time strategic initiative for a worldclass organization,” Mayo said. “It was pressure filled, and the students were very nervous, but it was so beneficial,” he said. “The students had the opportunity to really rise to the occasion and hit the ball out of the park. This was an amazing opportunity for our students. We’re grateful to WinCraft for partnering with us.” Isabel Bettag, a then sophomore accounting and sport management major from Maple Park, Ill., said there was a high level of secrecy among the teams, who took the competition seriously. Though she couldn’t disclose her team’s ideas, she was convinced they would win (and they actually came in third). The most exciting part for Bettag was investigating the fastgrowing, up-and-coming business area of esports, as well as the knowledge that their work guided and benefited WinCraft. “I like the firsthand experience. This is something I look for in every class I take. I love to see how what I’m doing is going to apply to what I will do in the future. We were given an opportunity to practice real-world work, but in a supportive setting.”
2 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
Steven Reamer pitches his esports marketing ideas to WinCraft executives.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 3
Isabel Bettag said that getting real-world experience, as her class did through the WinBowl, helps her prepare for her career.
4 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
Robert Gas ‘12, strategic account manager for WinCraft, helped mentor Saint Mary’s students throughout the WinBowl project.
Supportive yes, but still pressure filled. “We wanted to nail every detail,” she said. “We wanted to leave them with a good impression of Saint Mary’s and ourselves, and we didn’t want to let WinCraft down. It’s not just about a grade, it’s about their future and ours. It’s amazing to get that exposure just from taking a class.” Bettag, who plays basketball for the Cardinals, would eventually like to work for a sports team, but she said it’s been eye-opening to learn more about other potential career options at WinCraft, a business she didn’t know anything about before the project began. “Being able to apply what I’m learning to future classes and eventually to my career was a game changer,” she said. “This experience is going to put me a step ahead of everyone else.” Steven Reamer, a then junior sport management major from Mendota Heights, Minn., disagreed with Bettag. He was pretty sure his team was cinched to come in first. Although high school and college students are the target market for esports, Reamer said that because he’s not a gamer, he had to step up his research. And, as esports is a relatively new market, finding credible data was a challenge. “Fortunately, we had a lot of tools at our disposal and great people behind us helping us every step,” he said. “WinCraft was generous enough to invite us to present to their clients and involve us in starting a whole new line. It’s cool to be involved right from the start. They had faith in us. They didn’t treat us like students; they treated us like part of the WinCraft team.” One member of the WinCraft team who worked closely with students was Saint Mary’s 2012 alumnus and Strategic Account Manager Robert Gas.
Gas, along with colleagues John Killen Jr. and Liz Sagar acted as liaisons between WinCraft and the student teams, meeting regularly with students, monitoring their progress, and making sure everything was in line with who WinCraft was targeting as the end consumer for the merchandise. Gas said the students brought a unique perspective to the table for an area that is very new to the world and to the sport industry. “They found some very impactful research which can only be described as impressive,” he said. Regardless of their career path or interests, he said students will benefit from the experience. “It gave students great exposure to the vast opportunities at WinCraft or within the sport industry and is a great résumé builder,” he added. “This experience prepared them for the business world, and that’s something Saint Mary’s has historically done very well, especially in the Business Department.” Gas remembers being a sport management major at Saint Mary’s. “Back then, there were a lot of real-life examples that prepared me for the business world to have the success that I’ve had,” he said. “But these opportunities to pick the brains of industry professionals are invaluable. Saint Mary’s Business Department continues to provide a first class experience for their students. These students are far ahead of where I feel a lot of college alumni are before they hit the ground running in the business world.”
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 5
New design reflects innovation and collaboration Just over two years ago Saint Mary’s cut the ribbon on the Science and Learning Center on the Winona Campus and hundreds assembled to marvel at the innovative classrooms and labs inside. Now the university has shifted its focus to the attached Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman and Brother Charles Halls. The facility that previously held the sciences is being designed to accommodate the dynamic and collaborative disciplines of business and the STEM programs, including psychology. The interior is being reconfigured to contain a variety of office, classroom, and lab spaces including: • Psychophysiology and Human Behavioral Laboratories: The behavioral lab is where students will be involved in the investigation of interpersonal and intrapersonal thinking and behavior while the psychophysiology lab will focus on the interaction between the body and mind. Students will have
Artist renderings of the Adducci Science Center’s Brother Charles and Hoffman Halls, showing exterior renovations from Highway 14 and from the interior of campus.
6 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
the opportunity to study the physiological effects of stress, to monitor the body’s reactivity to the environment, and to explore how cognition and emotion impact mental health, physical health, and relationships with other people and society. In these new spaces, collaborative research labs will attempt to answer some of the most interesting and complex questions regarding human behavior and the human mind. • Makerspace: With approximately 2,000 square feet to work with, this area will consist of unique workspaces where small student groups can come together to imagine and innovate; and where those user groups can access a range of tools (manufacturing tools, technological tools such as 3D printers, a variety of software and electronics, etc.) to create, to invent, and to learn. • Trading Lab: This lab contains state-of-the-art computer network and software that will provide students with access to investment simulations, public and private company
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 7
accounting and economic data, and other real-time financial information. • Business Analytics Lab: Equipped with servers and software widely used in industry, this lab will give students real-world tools to apply data analysis, business forecasting, modeling operations management, market analysis, and project management techniques. • Sales Training Suite: This contemporary audio and video equipped room will help students prepare for, deliver, and gain feedback on successful sales presentations. • External Partners Suite: In this dedicated, professionally comfortable, private space, students can meet and interact with business leaders who come to the university for recruiting, mentoring sessions, or a review of co-op educational program progress. The future of business education is undergoing dramatic change.
This facility will house new concepts not yet envisioned. Already the Business Department is making news through its Cooperative Education Program (through which students are paired with area businesses for an intense immersion experience) and the WinBowl competition with WinCraft (highlighted on page 2), as well as through ongoing real-world experiences within business intelligence and data analytics. With opportunities to bring multiple disciplines together to work collaboratively, this building will provide an environment for innovation.
Matching $5 million gift Key partners are already committed to the renovation, and a generous anonymous benefactor has pledged to match up to $5 million for this project, which is estimated to be $16.5 million.
A number of generous philanthropic partners have stepped forward to sponsor spaces inside this building.
“To learn, lead, and innovate for the future, the renovation of the Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman and Brother Charles Halls will create facilities that offer the latest technology and convenience for students and faculty,” said Audrey Kintzi, vice president for Advancement and Communication. “The exterior changes will be very visible from the highway and will help us attract students and community partners. This initiative will provide students in key academic areas the resources they need to be competitive in a global workplace and to solve many of the societal issues and questions of tomorrow.”
But along with envisioning the interior, it was clear the exterior of the facility needed to be revitalized to better mirror the work that will be happening inside.
To support this initiative and take advantage of the $5 million match, contact Kintzi at akintzi@smumn.edu or 507-457-1486.
• Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies: This institute is connecting student entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow and become successful. With networking opportunities, speakers, and events, students learn to turn concepts into viable products, services, and businesses.
8 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
The proposed Trading Lab
The proposed Makerspace
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 9
You’re invited to celebrate the new and remember the old
Brother William Hall
Celebrate Brother William Hall
Remember Saint Edward’s Hall
The community is welcome to attend a ribbon cutting and dedication of Saint Mary’s newly completed residence hall, named in honor of Brother William Mann, who served as president of Saint Mary’s between 2008-2018.
In July 2019, we said goodbye to Saint Edward’s Hall, which opened in 1957 and was named for the Bishop of Winona at the time, Edward Fitzgerald. Known affectionately as Ed’s, this hall housed approximately 114 first-year students in double rooms — as well as a lot of conversations, laughter, and maybe even a little studying.
When: Friday, Oct. 4, Noon Location: Brother William Hall is located on the northeast corner of the Winona Campus and is attached to Bishops Hall (formerly Pines Hall). Building details: This $6.9 million residence hall was funded entirely through anonymous philanthropic gifts made by two families. Built to attract first-year students, the hall is co-ed by floor and features double rooms with in-unit bathrooms. It is three stories tall, houses 112 students, and has some of the best views on campus. RSVP at connect.smumn.edu/bwhdedication.
In its 62-year history, Ed’s housed more than 7,000 Saint Mary’s students, and an immeasurable number of stories and memories. Alumni and current students alike have enjoyed their experience and have been proud to call this building their home. Saint Mary’s is now providing an opportunity for Saint Mary’s community members to purchase a brick from Ed’s. For a gift of $125, you can own a piece of Saint Mary’s history. Your gift will not only cover shipping costs but will also benefit the Saint Mary’s Fund, which supports students and academic programs on campus.
Editor’s Note: As the time period between magazine printing and delivery to your homes is dependent on a variety of external factors, some of our alumni may not receive their magazines prior to this event. 10 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
Saint Edward’s Hall
Please note that bricks from Ed’s are “demolition quality.” While we will do our best to find whole, clean bricks, razing a building, is, after all, an indelicate process. Your brick will probably have a little dirt, and likely come with scars, busted corners, and/or the remains of mortar and other bricks attached. They may have imperfections, but they will be 100 percent authentic Saint Mary’s history. To purchase a brick, please visit connect.smumn.edu/ eds-bricks.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 11
Skemp name ingrained in Saint Mary’s history For Robert “Bob” Skemp ’49, visiting Saint Mary’s Winona Campus is like coming home. He and his large legacy family have been a part of the university — and supported its growth — for decades. The Skemp name has been ingrained throughout Saint Mary’s history, and various corners of campus hold a very special meaning. Skemp recalls that when a De La Salle Christian Brother came to his high school to give him the hard sell on coming to Saint Mary’s, he replied, “I’m an easy sell; I’m going!” For starters, his father, Tom Skemp, had served as a long-time football coach at the then college from 1919-1929, and his older brother, Tom Jr. ’45, was already a student, so Skemp enrolled even though he had no idea what he wanted to study. “My dad was a lawyer and my brother was in medical school, but I didn’t know what I was going to do,” he said. “It was a blank. By the end of my second year, I decided I loved history, so I became a history major and went to law school at Marquette.” Brothers Bill ’56, and Joseph ’50 would also attend Saint Mary’s and sister Eileen Gass CST’53 attended the College of Saint Teresa. Skemp went into general practice at his father’s law firm in La Crosse, Wis., where he remained throughout his career. “One of the advantages of the type of practice I had, my clients were my clients for all their lives. I had the benefit of having clients as friends,” he said. Looking back at his time at Saint Mary’s, he describes his memories in two simple words: “All good.” “I didn’t know anybody, but I made lifelong friends, and I still keep in touch with some of them,” he said. He also played basketball and football, and a clipping from his college playing days — displayed on his fireplace mantle — describes him as a “fiery forward.” “You didn’t need to be tall to play in those days,” he said with a smile. Most importantly, he met his wife, Frances (Perry) CST’51 while in college. He explains he was already seeing a nice gal when he was introduced to Perry. “But I took notice of how pretty she was,” he said. Then, the next weekend, his friend’s dad let them borrow the car — and Skemp and his friend weren’t going to waste any time finding a date to take out in that newly gained set of wheels. He called his girlfriend and was turned down. So, he told the switchboard operator to ring Perry. Unfortunately, Perry and Skemp’s girlfriend passed each other at the public phones, so Perry knew she was second fiddle.
12 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
“But, she was first fiddle ever since,” Skemp said proudly. Although his wife passed in 2017, the legacy of love they created continues. Their son Robert Skemp, Jr. ’79 also attended Saint Mary’s and daughters Frances (Skemp) Sauer CST ’76, Helen (Skemp) Roop CST’85 and Carolyn (Skemp) Steingraeber CST ’81 attended the College of Saint Teresa. The Skemp grandchildren are continuing the legacy with Robert Steingraeber ’13, Emilie Steingraeber ’20, Conner Roop ’22 (who briefly attended), and another grandson Robert Uehling ’23, starting this fall. Only a few buildings existed on the Winona Campus while Skemp was a student, but Skemp Hall, a residence hall for first-
year women, was later constructed and named in honor of his father’s tenure as a coach. Skemp and his brothers also commissioned Brother Jerome Cox, FSC ’60 to create the Stairway to the Stars statue in their father’s honor. It stands near the Performance Center. Later, he and Fran purchased the 13th station of the outdoor stations of the cross at IHM Seminary in his dad’s honor as well.
which is located on the plaza. The statue honors and memorializes all the Brothers who have worked at Saint Mary’s, dedicating their time, their skills, and their hearts in service to our students.
At the Veterans Memorial, Skemp found a way to pay tribute to his late brother who attended Saint Mary’s as part of the Navy V-12 program. He and his sisters purchased bricks in support of the memorial and in their brother’s honor.
Skemp’s latest gift was designated for the Business Initiative, and although he is excited it’s going for a growing field, where students are finding great success, he prefers to let Saint Mary’s designate where they could use his gift the most. “I had a great experience there and I just think it’s a great school,” he said. “I got a good education and I met a lot of beautiful people. It’s also a soundly Catholic school, which is very important from my perspective.
Bob and Fran also donated to the Christian Brother bronze statue, another piece of art by their friend Brother Jerome,
“I got a good sound education. I made lifelong good friends, and I met my wife. That’s hard to beat, isn’t it?”
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 13
Auditorium named for legendary biology professor
For 15 years, Dr. Phil Cochran’s voice reverberated through the hallways of Saint Mary’s science building as he worked closely with students — using humor as a learning tool and the world as his classroom. And now, four years after his passing, alumni, family, and friends have ensured Dr. Cochran’s name will be uttered and his legacy preserved at his alma mater and the university where he made learning come alive. The Dr. Phil A. Cochran ’77 Auditorium, located on the first floor of the Science and Learning Center, was dedicated July 12, in honor of the renowned scientist, beloved biology professor, gifted alumnus, and treasured friend.
Dr. Joe Cochran said the auditorium is truly the perfect way to remember his father, as Winona and the Science and Learning Center are what he called Phil’s “perfect places.” “When he came back to Saint Mary’s in 2000, it was his first semester as a professor and my last semester as a student. We lived together in a double-wide trailer in Hidden Valley while my parents looked for a home to buy,” Dr. Joe Cochran recalls. “We ate mostly liver sausage sandwiches and [drank] Sunny Delight. We played a lot of noon ball and caught a lot of fish. He was so happy to be back in Winona. It was definitely his perfect place.
“He was probably the smartest guy that I knew,” he said. “He always beat me up the bluff. He’d always catch the biggest fish. He’d always get some crazy hook shot over me. In general, he just always seemed to be one step ahead of me. And he never let me forget about that.
“Teaching at Saint Mary’s was my dad’s perfect job. He loved this job. He loved teaching. He loved research. He loved his co-workers. He truly loved mentoring young people,” Dr. Joe Cochran said, adding, “We all know that he was a brilliant teacher and a brilliant scientist. But what made him so exceptional was his ability to help young people find a life path that was right for them. In essence, to do what he had done for himself was to find a life path of meaning and purpose. To find a career that was not just a job but a way of life. Whether it be a career in science, medicine, law, business, or the arts, he helped hundreds, if not thousands, of people find their path.”
“Now, it’s not uncommon for children to think of their parents as extraordinary or exceptional,” Dr. Joe Cochran added. “But what I’ve come to realize is it’s not just me who thinks he’s exceptional. I’ve realized how many people were touched by him in some way.”
Dr. Phil Cochran’s talent and reputation truly extended far beyond Saint Mary’s, as he published hundreds of articles on countless topics, presenting his findings throughout the United States and Canada; he often partnered with students on his research.
For his son, Dr. Joseph “Joe” Cochran ’00, another term comes to mind. Dr. Joe Cochran had always thought of his dad as somewhat of a superhero.
14 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
His former roommate, classmate, and friend Bo Rettig ’77 said Dr. Phil Cochran had apparently been contributing to a book titled Lampreys: Biology, Conservation, and Control. The editor of the book, who worked for the University of Manitoba, had contacted Phil’s daughter, Dr. Jenny (Cochran) Biederman ’05, M’08, to express her sympathy and to let her know that the book had been published. The book’s inscription reads, “In memory of our friend and colleague, Phil Cochran.” How was this connection made? Rettig explained that one of Dr. Phil Cochran’s students, Scott Malotka ’14, is currently completing his Ph.D. at the University of Manitoba. “Phil’s reach continues,” Rettig said. “Phil’s wisdom continues to be available in the articles he wrote and the journals he kept. And I think this auditorium will spawn more dedicated teachers, inspired students, deeper learning, and more extensive research for decades to come.”
Father Burns joins the Cochran family including Michelle (Gales) Cochran ‘79, M’05, C’07, Phil’s widow; and Phil’s children, Jessica Cochran, Dr. Joseph Cochran ‘00, Gus Cochran, Andrew Cochran ‘03, and Jennifer (Cochran) Biederman ‘05, M’08.
Rettig likes to think about future conversations where students might say, “How can you concentrate in Cochran with all these beautiful views?” Or, “I’m totally prepared for that calculus exam in Cochran today.” Dr. Phil Cochran’s friend and colleague Dr. Dick Kowles M’67, biology professor emeritus, can attest that Dr. Cochran had an intense curiosity. “He wanted to understand absolutely everything,” Dr. Kowles said, remembering back to when his colleague was once his student. “Phil one time identified a math error in an article in a scientific journal, and he wrote to the editor about it,” Dr. Kowles remembered. “And the editor agreed that he was correct and printed a correction in the next issue. He was already making a name for himself.
Father James P. Burns, president of Saint Mary’s, unveils the donor plaque for the Dr. Phil A. Cochran ’77 Auditorium with Phil’s widow, Michelle (Galles) Cochran ’79, M’05, C’07.
“That’s why naming this seminar room after Phil is so appropriate,” Dr. Kowles added. “The guy was an excellent teacher. He was a smart researcher. He was a thinker.” The dedication ceremony also recognized the many alumni and friends who generously donated $500,000 for the naming opportunity — to ensure the Cochran legacy would live on at Saint Mary’s. It was important to family and friends (including members of the Get-Together of Old Friends group of ’70s and ’80s alumni) that Dr. Cochran’s name would grace a space in the Science and Learning Center, a space he championed but sadly never got to see completed.
Dr. Dick Kowles M’67, biology professor emeritus, talks about his memories of Dr. Phil Cochran.
Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary’s, said, “Certainly, he is part of this completion in the living stones that make up this building and now this auditorium of frequent presenters … he shared his knowledge with audiences both on and off campus and at national events. He frequently invited renowned speakers to biology seminars at Saint Mary’s, and that will continue, especially in this room. May we all delight in the years to come at the simple elegance and the technologically sophisticated nature of this auditorium. And may the words of students resound along with their professors in this hall for generations to come.” For more photos of the event, go to smumn.edu/cochranphotos. To view a recap video, go to smumn.edu/cochranvid.
A crowd of friends and supporters filled the newly dedicated Phil. A. Cochran ‘77 Auditorium.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 15
Members of the GOOF group returned to campus for the dedication of the Phil A. Cochran ’77 Auditorium.
Got to be GOOFy 16 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
Yearly campus reunion draws alumni friends for 35 years Once a year Saint Mary’s gets a little GOOFy. They call themselves the Get-Together of Old Friends (GOOF for short). This group of fun-loving, outgoing alumni of the ’70s and ’80s — and their wives, children, and sometimes now grandchildren — have returned to the Winona Campus each summer for 35 years to consume pizza at Rocco’s, enjoy the beauty and recreation Winona has to offer, catch up, and swap old stories. According to original member and often organizer Robert “Bo” Rettig ’77, “Our wives get tired of the stories after a while but the guys don’t.”
The second they gather in Winona, it’s like stepping back in time. For starters, they revert back to old nicknames like “Ralph, Ernie, Juanz, and Brueggs.” And they try to settle long-going disputes such as who kicked whom out of their college band. “There’s always a lot of laughing, a lot of teasing, a lot of reverting back to 1974,” Rettig said. “We have patient spouses.” The GOOF group was established just shortly before Bo and his wife Debbie were married — at his bachelor’s party to be exact.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 17
It was all Rettig’s best man, Paul Trunk’s (’76) idea. “We stayed in the New Village (Now Residencia Santiago Miller). I believe it was the first year Brother Louis (DeThomasis, then president) had come on board. He was staying in the New Village apartment across from us. I’m not sure what he would have made of us at that point,” Rettig remembers. “We had so much fun with that we decided to keep doing it but we wanted to do it with our families. We started as singles and then young couples and then we started to have little kids and then they got bigger. The kids would have the run of the dorm so they got to know each other and looked forward to that each year. We had a blast playing soccer and softball, and now our kids are grown and have their own kids so we’ve come full circle. “We’ve gained some weight, balded a little bit, and there’s some hearing loss, too, but we’re still pretty much the core people we always were,” Rettig said. At one point as many as 70 alumni from throughout the U.S., but mainly the Midwest, returned for the GOOF weekend. This year about 35 friends return for various events, which always includes staying in the residence halls, a tradition which began as a matter of convenience and frugality. It has remained a great way to stay together and use the common living space. “We used to grill for this big crew, but we grew up, and now we go out to dinner,” Rettig said with a laugh. Each year, Rettig said he looks forward to the familiar drive. “There are two corners, the turn at La Crosse, Wis., looking up the Mississippi and when we enter the campus that are the highlights for me. It’s just a beautiful part of the world.” The relationships have extended beyond the annual reunion. Some classmates stood in each other’s weddings and became godparents to each other’s children. They’ve also encouraged new generations to attend Saint Mary’s. “To be part of these 18 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
families’ lives has been a real gift for Debbie and I,” Rettig said. The GOOF group has experienced all aspects of life together: marriages, children, career changes, and also the loss of valuable members, Dr. Phil Cochran ’77 and Brian Montgomery ’79. “As we’ve lost a couple members of this group, we’ve relied upon the tremendous support of these friends to get through those difficult periods,” Rettig said. Remembering a classmate This year’s reunion included a special recognition of one of their own, Dr. Phil Cochran ’77 (known as Carrot in this close circle). Dr. Cochran died suddenly in 2015 and left behind a tremendous void at Saint Mary’s after teaching biology for 15 years and touching the hearts and minds of countless students. His passing also left a void in the hearts of his friends and classmates who miss his quick wit, his basketball prowess, and his love of music, as well as his vast knowledge and unparalleled kindness. These friends and classmates have led the charge to raise $500,000 to name the lecture hall in the Science and Learning Center in his name. Rettig said there’s a consensus that Dr. Cochran wasn’t a guy who would be in the forefront seeking recognition. “That doesn’t mean he wasn’t a leader,” Rettig said, adding his friend would probably ask why we couldn’t find someone better to honor. “But frankly there is no one better or more appropriate to honor,” Rettig responded. Rettig read excerpts from letters written by Dr. Cochran during the dedication — so that he could have the last word. “We miss him so much. He was funny, incredibly smart, and a great teammate in the sense that he brought out the best
Throughout the years, members of the GOOF group have expanded to include children, and now grandchildren. These families have literally grown up together and have remained close for several decades.
in those around him. He contributed a lot to the university and to his friends,” Rettig said. “We are just thrilled to have a place to remember him and for future students to remember him. His name will live on; a lot of students will say the name Cochran through the years.” It was the friendships that brought them back to Saint Mary’s, but each have felt more connected to their alma mater through the years. Some members have served on the alumni board and the Board of Trustees. “It keeps pulling us back, and we like to keep supporting it,” Rettig said. St. Jude Scholarship
Rettig remembers that in 1989, about 10 years out of college, money wasn’t plentiful so it was a rather large commitment, but 10 families stepped up to the challenge and the Saint Jude Scholarship was formed. Named for the patron saint of lost causes, Rettig said the scholarship helps students who, like several in their group, struggled to pay for tuition during their upper class years when scholarships weren’t as easy to come by. They also encourage applications from students who don’t necessarily aim for the highest GPAs but who are very involved at Saint Mary’s. This year’s scholarship will be $17,410, and in total about $186,700 has been awarded. “It shows our desire to help students enjoy a great experience at Saint Mary’s and build the kinds of friendships we enjoy,” Rettig said. “When we’ve met our scholarship winners, we feel they have the same feeling for SMU and are making the same, wonderful long-term relationships. That’s the goal of the scholarship.”
The GOOF group is about to give out their 28th scholarship to a deserving Saint Mary’s junior or senior.
Rettig said the group is still enthused about the reunion, so they’ll keep doing it.
Paul Trunk ’76 and the late Brian Montgomery ’79 first came up with the idea to start a scholarship as a legacy for future Saint Mary’s students. They invited 10 families to commit to $1,000 each over three years.
“It’s a wonderful thing and I can’t imagine my life without it,” he said. “These lifelong friendships are extraordinary. My life has been vastly enriched by these people and by Saint Mary’s.” FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 19
Name change reflects excellence in athletics Formerly called Cardinal ‘M’ Club, the newly minted “Cardinal Excellence Fund” more accurately describes the work of the fundraising arm of Cardinal athletics, according to Brian Sisson, athletic director. “The name alone signifies what we strive to do every day at Saint Mary’s, developing our student athletes in the classroom and in competition. The name is more encompassing,” he said. Sisson knows the first step to a name change is all about the branding, so he’s working on a new look for brochures, and websites, as well as restructuring the yearlong fundraising events. And he stresses that everyone is invited to the Cardinal Excellence Fund events, whether former student athletes, alumni, faculty and staff, community members, partners, or friends. “Events are structured for anyone who wishes to better Cardinal athletics,” Sisson said. “Whether you want to come and support a specific team or athletics at large, we’re grateful for your presence and support.” Key events will include a letter campaign, a golf outing in September (along with the traditional student athlete award presentations), another golf outing in June for baseball and hockey, and a more formal fundraising dinner in spring. “There’ll be ways to stay involved year round,” he said. “There isn’t just one way to support Cardinal athletics; everyone has different interests so variety is important.”
20 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
The spring fundraising dinner will become the “signature event” for athletics. “It’s more of a social event than we’ve had previously,” Sisson said, adding that the annual Hall of Fame Awards will be presented at this dinner, scheduled for March 27, 2020, in Winona. “We will continue to showcase the impact fundraising has on student athletes, and we’ll hear testimonials from current benefactors and about various ways to make an impact. There’ll be a clear presence of the fund and about the ways we are elevating athletics. “We also want to start a tradition of having former Hall of Fame inductees come back to welcome in the newest Hall of Fame class,” Sisson added. “It’s also important for our student athletes to connect with alumni athletes of years past. So we’ll have reps from teams at the event to highlight accomplishments.” According to Sisson, a main component of the spring dinner will be the opportunity to say thank you, because Cardinal athletics has been able to accomplish many great things in recent years — with the enhancements to the baseball and softball fields, the addition of the baseball clubhouse, and other updates. But there’s a lot more to do. And every athlete knows it’s about planning, practicing, and surrounding yourself with a cheering squad of supporters who are dedicated to helping you succeed — to helping create Cardinal excellence. Sisson hopes you’ll join the team. Jonathon Elliott ’16, right, former Cardinal player and current Saint Mary’s assistant men’s hockey coach, poses with fellow teammates including, from left: Jay Heinle ’18, Mike Mezzano ’17, Nick Turner ’18, and Jared Johnson ’18 during the 2018 golf outing.
2020 Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame The Saint Mary’s University Athletic Department, in association with the Saint Mary’s Alumni Association, will induct two members into the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, March 27, 2020, Barb (Bock) Loahr ’87 and Doug Loahr ’87. The husband-and-wife duo will be honored as part of the Cardinal Excellence Dinner, to be held in Winona.
“We are thrilled to announce this tremendous honor to welcome both Barb and Doug into the Cardinal Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Saint Mary’s athletic director Brian Sisson. “Even more special is that this couple will be honored at our inaugural Cardinal Excellence Dinner, the signature fundraising event for Cardinal athletics. Barb and Doug were among the most prolific student-athletes that Cardinal women’s soccer and men’s hockey have ever seen and it will be a special night honoring them both.”
Barb (Bock) Loahr ’87 (Women’s Soccer)
Doug Loahr ’87 (Men’s Hockey)
A four-year letterwinner, Bock was a driving force in Saint Mary’s dominance in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference during her time as a member of the Cardinal women’s soccer team. Bock helped guide the Cardinals to three MIAC regular-season titles — including a perfect conference season and a berth in the NCAA Division III national tournament during her senior season. Bock closed out her illustrious career as a two-time All-MIAC First-Team selection, while also garnering NSCAA All-West Region First Team honors following her senior campaign. Bock recorded 37 goals and 23 assists for 97 points during her four seasons, with her senior year — 16 goals, eight assists, and 40 points — being her most productive. Bock ranks in the top 10 in program history in all three offensive categories, while her 16 goals and 40 points in 1986 remain single-season top 10s.
Loahr was a four-year letterwinner for the Saint Mary’s men’s hockey team, and one of the program’s most prolific scorers. A four-time All-MIAC First Team selection, Loahr scored 10 or more goals — and recorded 20 or more points — in all four of his seasons in a Saint Mary’s uniform. Loahr enjoyed his most productive season as a sophomore — scoring 41 goals and adding 29 assists for 70 points. All told, the speedy forward closed out his collegiate career with 90 goals, 65 assists, and 155 points in 95 games. His 70 points during the 1984-85 season rank third all-time, while his 41 goals that season are fourth in program history. Loahr’s 90 career goals leave him No. 5 all-time, while his 155 career points have him sitting eighth.
Career By The Numbers: Year GP G A 1983 17 9 7 1984 21 6 3 1985 22 6 5 1986 24 16 8 TOTAL 84 37 23
Pts 25 15 17 40 97
Career By The Numbers: Year GP G A Pts 1983-84 27 18 16 34 1984-85 28 41 29 70 1985-86 22 20 10 30 1986-87 18 11 10 21 TOTAL 95 90 65 155
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 21
Athletics Updates Murray to head women’s hockey Sarah Murray took over as head women’s hockey coach this summer. She brings to the position a wealth of experience as former head coach of the Unified Korean National Team at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and as a two-time national high school champion and two-time NCAA Division I national champion. Saint Mary’s athletic director Brian Sisson announced she is the fifth head coach in the program’s 21-year history. “We are thrilled to announce Sarah Murray as the head coach of our women’s hockey program,” said Sisson. “Sarah’s energy, passion, competitiveness, and desire to provide a transformational student-athlete experience to our Cardinal student-athletes is what stood out most throughout the process. “Sarah is a dynamic individual who comes from a hockey family and her hockey championship pedigree speaks for itself,” Sisson added. “A product of Minnesota, her strong hockey connections in-state and within the hockey community at-large will benefit our program for years to come.” “I am very honored to accept the head coaching position at Saint Mary’s University,” Murray said. “I would like to thank athletic director Brian Sisson and the rest of the search committee for giving me this amazing opportunity.”
career at Saint Mary’s University.” — Jackie MacMillan, head coach, St. Scholastica women’s hockey “Saint Mary’s is in good hands with Sarah being the new head coach. She will lead with her professionalism, experience, ability to overcome Sarah Murray adversity, and her positive energy. Sarah should have instant respect having coached the unified Korean National Team in the Olympics. Her character will continue to earn that respect from the players, the university, and the community. I wish Sarah and Saint Mary’s all the best in the future.” — Jim Paek, Korean National Team program director and former NHL player
Egan returns to coach men’s hockey When the Saint Mary’s University men’s hockey team takes to the ice for its season-opener against Lake Forest on Nov. 1, it will be the beginning of a new era. The Ryan Egan Era. Saint Mary’s athletic director Brian Sisson announced June 27 that Egan would take over the reigns as head coach of the Cardinal men’s hockey program.
Prior to jumping into the coaching realm, Murray put together a rather impressive résumé as a player, picking up back-to-back national titles while playing for Shattuck-St. Mary’s, and adding a pair of NCAA Division I national championships as a member of the UM-Duluth women’s hockey program.
“We are extremely excited to announce Ryan Egan as the head coach of our men’s hockey program,” Sisson said. “Ryan’s energy and hockey knowledge, combined with his recruiting prowess and experience as a head coach, will serve our student-athletes well.”
A four-time WCHA All-Academic Team selection, Murray went on to play professionally in Switzerland, before taking over as the head coach of the South Korean National Team.
Egan is no stranger to Saint Mary’s, having served as the Cardinal men’s hockey team’s assistant coach from 2009 to 2014.
“Sarah’s character and her vast cultural experiences — combined with being a great communicator and owner of incredible knowledge of the game — make this an exciting time for Cardinal women’s hockey,” Sisson added. What They Are Saying About Sarah Murray: “Sarah has the ability to take the Cardinal women’s hockey program to the next level. She has a deep knowledge of the game, combined with a tireless work ethic, and will build a winning culture for the program. As a player, she had an extremely high hockey IQ, and I have seen her carry that over to her coaching career. I am extremely confident that her student-athletes will benefit in multiple ways by having her lead and develop them individually and collectively over their 22 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
“I would like to thank Father Burns, Brian Sisson and the search committee for allowing me this great opportunity to come back to Saint Mary’s University as the head men’s hockey coach,” said Egan, who takes over a program that went 9-15-3 — including a 7-7-2 showing in conference play and a third Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament appearance in the past five years. “My family and I couldn’t be happier to once again be a part of the Saint Mary’s family. I look forward to achieving many successes with the current and future Cardinal student-athletes.” After leaving Saint Mary’s, Egan spent two years as head coach and general manager of the La Crosse Freeze in the NA3HL, and then was named the head coach/general manager for the Coulee Region Chill in the NAHL. During this first season in the NAHL (2016-17), the Chill set a franchise record for NCAA
Division college commitments. He spent last season as head coach and general manager of the College Station Spirit (recently renamed the Texas Roadrunners) of the NA3HL.
Ryan Egan
Egan began his coaching career with the Omaha Energy AAA program, where he was program director and head coach. Egan then moved on to guide the San Antonio Diablos (WSHL).
“Ryan’s passion, character, and clear vision in providing a transformational student-athlete experience — along with the respect he has in the junior and collegiate hockey community — stood out during this process,” noted Sisson. “We are eager to connect Ryan with our hockey alumni and the Winona and
surrounding community and welcome him, his wife Melissa, and sons Jackson and Weston to the Cardinal family.” What They Are Saying About Ryan Egan: “Ryan Egan is a great hire for Saint Mary’s; he has worked at all the levels needed to succeed as a head coach at the collegiate level. Reputations are earned, and Ryan has a very good one. Saint Mary’s got themselves a terrific hockey coach and an even better person.” — Frank Serratore, head men’s hockey coach, United States Air Force Academy “I want to say congratulations to Ryan Egan on being named the next men’s head hockey coach at Saint Mary’s University. The university is returning a fantastic person, who is familiar with the hockey program and has a fantastic reputation in the hockey community. I look forward to seeing Ryan on the recruiting trail and am fortunate to now have him as my peer.” — Erik Largen, head men’s hockey coach, University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
Molock family tours baseball clubhouse
Athletes, alumni athletes, benefactors, and families joined us for our baseball clubhouse grand opening this spring (including Marilyn Stigler, daughter of the legendary coach Max F. Molock ’35, center right, and her family). Max Molock coached baseball for 40 seasons before retiring in 1983. Also pictured is Coach Nick Winecke ’07, M’12, left. See more photos of the clubhouse and the open houses at smumn.edu/photos.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 23
Brother Stephen Rusyn, FSC, was not really excited to retire and say goodbye to the classroom this past spring, but as much as he said that he’d miss interacting with students, he admitted that he wouldn’t miss grading papers, especially student essays. Although Brother Stephen has been at Saint Mary’s for 25 years, he also has worked as both a teacher and administrator in various high schools and colleges in Rhode Island, New York, and California since 1962. “That’s a long time dealing in education with young people,” he said, “but I can count on one hand, if even that, students who were uncooperative or negative, I am happy to say. Ultimately, once you get to know most students, you see the goodness in them. Most of the time, I was able to get along with students who were considered rough or difficult, and I enjoyed that experience as much as I did teaching students in honors classes.” For Brother Stephen, the high point of teaching in his career has been “connecting with students” in the classroom. “It’s nice if you can get students to start reading and eventually say they were engaged by what they read and enjoyed it, or that they thought at the end of the semester that they wrote better,” he said. In addition to literature and writing courses, Brother Stephen has taught a variety of subjects including religion and math (algebra, in particular), but when you ask him what subjects has he taught, he responds, “I’ve taught students, and that’s what’s important. The subject matter is irrelevant. That is the basic Christian Brothers’ philosophy of education; it’s very student-oriented, and that’s the distinctive aspect of being Lasallian.” Brother Stephen said that he has really enjoyed working with the many people at the university who are educating and helping the students here. “There are places I have worked in that were not Christian Brothers affiliated, and to me, the difference from schools like Saint Mary’s was palpable,” he said. “On a number of occasions, Dr. Joe Tadie ’91 of the Philosophy Department has said that the distinctive thing about a Christian Brothers’ educational institution is that teachers knows their students by name.” 24 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
At Saint Mary’s, Brother Stephen is known for standing in the halls and greeting students with both a serious face and some humorous banter. “I do a lot of things with a straight face, so a lot of people don’t know whether I’m being serious or not,” he said. “It takes students a while to determine whether or not I’m being serious. Sometimes I want to laugh out loud or shout, ‘Don’t you realize what I just said was ridiculous?’ And sometimes when there is a lull in a classroom discussion, I might ask, ‘Does anyone wonder how I remain a sex symbol?’ If that statement does not make a student laugh, I know that he or she is a lost cause. Most of the students have come to realize that although I maintain a straight face and do not smile a lot, most of the time, I am not serious. That’s my personality, and it has been that way all of my life.” It was important to Brother Stephen that students frequently would see him in the school hallways, particularly during the change of classes. “It’s simply a sense of presence,” he said. “Whether I’m saying hello or goodbye, I am physically there, and students can make some type of contact with me if they so choose. I did this in high schools even when I was a principal. Graduation wouldn’t be the first time that the students see the principal. I want students to know I am available to them, so
BROTHER STEPHEN RUSYN, FSC TITLE: Professor of English YEARS AT SAINT MARY’S: 25 PLANS FOR RETIREMENT: Brother Stephen plans to stay connected at the university. PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Teaching many different types of students. Although he received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award in 2010, he tends to steer clear when people try to publicly compliment him: “I appreciate the thought, but I am uncomfortable with public awards, and I always have been. That’s just me.”
that they can say hello or even ask a serious question. My presence simply says, ‘Here I am.’ ” After his retirement, Brother Stephen will continue living on campus in the Christian Brothers’ Residence. “I completed 25 years here, and I turned 80 years old. That combination was a sign, for me, that it was time to retire from the classroom, but emotionally, I found making the decision very difficult. I will very much miss teaching and the regular contact with the students.”
Saint Mary’s launches online Master of Social Work program Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota celebrated the launch of a new online Master of Social Work program on April 23 on its Twin Cities Campus. Local social work professionals, community members, and university faculty members, leaders, and students gathered in person and via live webcast to celebrate the launch, and also to learn about the program’s mission, vision, and unique features. “This program has been designed to meet the needs of adult learners,” said Suzanne Shatila, MSW, Saint Mary’s Master of Social Work program director. “We’re doing that by providing a rigorous social work education grounded in the core values and the core philosophies of social work and provided in an online format with field experiences being completed throughout the country where our students are located.” Rob Edwards, LGSW, PACC, was the guest speaker at the event. Edwards graduated from Saint Mary’s undergraduate Winona Campus in 2000 and is now the CEO of the Lee Carlson Center for Mental Health and Well-Being and the president of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association for Social Workers (NASW-MN). He has been working as a leader in the nonprofit human services sector for the past 20 years and has a background in program development, quality improvement, and leadership spanning areas of mental health, child welfare, and family services.
from NASW-MN in 2012. “To be a social worker, you must cheer others on. And that’s what we do. What I’m starting to like more and more, as I continue this journey as a social worker in leadership, is the idea of helping the helpers do their best work.” This new online program prepares learners to deepen their commitment to social justice issues through clinical practice across Minnesota and nationwide. The program features: • Coursework 100% online • Fieldwork in students’ geographic locations • No necessary social work experience • Advanced standing track for BSW degree holders • Full- or part-time options “Our mission at Saint Mary’s focuses attention on preparing students for ethical lives of service and leadership, so you can see how this MSW program is such a mission-relevant program for us,” said Todd Reinhart, Sc.D., dean of the School of Sciences and Health Professions. To learn more about the MSW program, visit smumn.edu/msw.
“To be a social worker, you must meet people where they’re at — it’s a core principle to our work,” said Edwards, who was awarded the Early Career Excellence Award
Rob Edwards ’00 speaks at the Master of Social Work launch celebration.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 25
Five honored at Founders’ Day In celebration of its heritage, Saint Mary’s University honored the leader of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, as well as one faculty member, one staff member, and two outstanding seniors at its annual Founders’ Day celebration March 12 on the Winona Campus. Brother Robert Schieler, FSC, Superior General of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, received an honorary doctorate of educational leadership. In his position, Brother Robert leads the largest order of religious Brothers in the Church dedicated to education. The honorary doctorate recognizes Brother Robert’s dedication to the Lasallian charism, especially his service to the poor and his commitment to education. Prior to being named Superior General in 2014, Brother Robert served as General Councilor for the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN). He also served as a trustee for Saint Mary’s University from 2011-2014. Brother Robert has said his mission is to “inspire the Brothers and all members of the worldwide Lasallian family to create and sustain communities of human and Christian education, especially for vulnerable young people who live on the margins of contemporary society.”
Brother Robert Schieler, FSC, is joined by Dr. Tricia Klosky who received the Brother Charles H. Severin, FSC, Award and Alisa Macksey, who received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award.
26 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
Dr. Tricia Klosky, criminal justice coordinator and department chair and associate professor in social science, received the Brother Charles H. Severin, FSC, Award. Given by the university every other year, this award is bestowed on a faculty member who demonstrates sustained excellence in teaching, contributes to the university outside of the classroom, builds community by serving as a model of the Lasallian spirit, and is a creative, passionate, and inspiring teacher. Dr. Klosky, who has taught at Saint Mary’s for 17 years, has successfully grown the criminal
Max Champa and Bailey O’Hare were named the Outstanding Male and Female Seniors.
Brother Robert Schieler, FSC, Superior General of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, receives an honorary doctorate.
justice major and demonstrates her commitment to students both inside and outside of the classroom. Alisa Macksey, dean of Student Success and First Generation Initiative, received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award. Presented each year, the award recognizes a member of the faculty, staff, or administration whose life of faith and service exemplifies the ideals of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. The award is given by Lasallian institutions like Saint Mary’s in the Lasallian Region of North America of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education. Macksey has worked in various roles within the Lasallian network since 2000 and has led the First Generation Initiative at Saint Mary’s since 2015. She also has been instrumental in developing the AXIS: Journal of Lasallian Higher Education and the International Symposium on Lasallian Research. Max Champa and Bailey O’Hare were named this year’s Outstanding Male and Female Seniors. Outstanding Seniors have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, service to colleagues and the university community, as well as genuine concern for the needs of others. Champa, son of Bill and Marykaye Champa of Bloomington, Minn., is a business intelligence and analytics major. O’Hare, daughter of Tim and Brenda O’Hare of Rushford, Minn., is a biology major. Other Outstanding Senior nominees included: males: Aldontae Guess, Zechariah Kitzhaber, Bailey Melz, and Nathan Young; females: Tatiana Jones, Marissa Kinzer, Erin McCoy, and Laura Sonday. See more photos from the day at smumn.edu/founders2019.
WIESER NAMED NEW DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY Dr. Michelle Wieser, who took over as the dean of the School of Business and Technology in August, brings to her role a breadth of academic and industry experience. Most recently, she was interim dean of the School of Business at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn., where she led all undergraduate and graduate programs and certificates within the school, providing strategic leadership over the portfolio of programs to ensure academic excellence and sustained success and growth. “Dr. Wieser brings with her deep knowledge of leadership, clear insight into areas for growth and development, and a realized commitment to our Catholic tradition and Lasallian charism,” said Father President James Burns, IVD, Ph.D. “We are confident in her ability to create an even stronger academic and professional profile for our school.”
Dr. Michelle Wieser
Prior to assuming the interim dean role at St. Catherine’s, Dr. Wieser served as associate dean of graduate programs, leading the MBA and the master of arts in leadership programs, as well as overseeing new graduate program development. As a faculty member, Dr. Wieser has taught marketing management and the strategic capstone within the MBA program. She was awarded the St. Catherine University Carol Easley Denny award for excellence in scholarship in 2016. Before joining St. Catherine University, Dr. Wieser was the director of the Graduate Business Career Center with the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, and she served in a variety of career development roles with the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to beginning her academic career, she spent several years in marketing, consulting, and recruiting. Dr. Wieser received her Ph.D. in organizational leadership, policy, and development from the University of Minnesota, an MBA in marketing from Washington University in St Louis, and a bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Missouri. Her ongoing research focuses on the experience and outcomes of MBA graduates across the globe, with a particular focus on career success and satisfaction by gender. Findings from one of her recent studies were published in The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and other industry publications. Appointed by the president with the confirmation of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Wieser has replaced Dr. Tom Marpe as dean of the School of Business and Technology, who announced his retirement earlier in 2019.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 27
Regans recognized for transformational support of Saint Mary’s The Regans
Longtime supporters of Saint Mary’s University and champions of education, Donald Regan ’51 and the late Jean (Joyce) Regan CST’55, received this year’s Heritage Award for Transformational Philanthropy. This award, a special tradition at Saint Mary’s, honors individuals and families whose philanthropy has significantly transformed the university.
Though the Regan Ice Arena Lobby, dedicated in 2005, is their namesake and recognizes their financial generosity, Don Regan said it was always most important to them to support education and academic programming.
Born and raised in LeRoy, Minn., Don Regan came to attend Saint Mary’s at the encouragement of three of his sisters, who attended the nearby College of Saint Teresa.
The couple has always believed strongly in giving back in thanks for the blessings and successes they received in life. Their generosity has also extended to the communities in which Don Regan began his thriving banking business and in which he and Jean raised seven children — the Maplewood and North St. Paul areas — as well as with their church.
As an alumnus, he and his wife Jean, a graduate from the College of Saint Teresa, have generously contributed to Saint Mary’s in support of scholarships, athletics, the First Generation Initiative, the Business Initiative, and the Saint Mary’s Fund. In total, the Regan’s lifetime giving level at Saint Mary’s has exceeded the $1 million mark.
Don Regan started his career at a Ford dealership in LeRoy. By the time he was 21, he became the owner and operator — all by cultivating strong relationships.
Accepting the award from Father President James Burns (center right) are, from left: Andre Beaulieu ’65, Brother Francis Carr, FSC ’66, and Terry Skrypek ’70.
28 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
Then he started transporting farm kids to school in a Ford vehicle, Don Regan’s grandson Garrett Regan says. He realized the larger the vehicle, the more kids he could transport. That idea grew into a successful family-owned business that included more than 1,400 school and charter buses. Garrett Regan now manages Faribault Transportation Company, a subsidiary of his grandfather’s original busing company. Garrett Regan said that Don Regan borrowed money from a local bank to fund his busing business. And this gave him an idea for his next entrepreneurial idea — a bank. Don Regan founded Maplewood State Bank in 1974 in a doublewide trailer — the smallest commercial bank in the state. He grew and nurtured that bank into Premier Bank of Minnesota and Rochester. Today Premier Banks ranks among Minnesota’s 10th largest banking organizations. In 2015, Don Regan was named the Banker of the Year by Northwestern Financial Review. Besides his success in banking and transportation, Don Regan is also involved in golf course development and commercial real estate. Throughout his life and career, he has continuously demonstrated civic responsibility and ethical leadership — two values also important to Saint Mary’s. “When I was at Saint Mary’s we had excellent instructors and academic programs,” he said. “I was blessed to have been a part of it.” In addition to their seven children, the Regans have more than 40 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Don Regan still lives in the same house in North St. Paul where he and Jean began their adventure together, more than 60 years ago.
STRATEGIC PLAN TO BE ANNOUNCED THIS FALL Saint Mary’s University is closely examining and defining both the strengths which make our university distinctive, as well as opportunities where it can focus attention and resources to better position itself as an educational leader. Throughout the current strategic planning process, various members of the university community have been prioritizing ideas and goals that are most vital to the university’s future. As part of its task to create a shared future vision, 19 members of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee have been working closely with Father President James Burns, IVD, Ph.D., and university Cabinet members on identifying key priority areas. Through multiple listening sessions and surveys this spring, many people within the Saint Mary’s community have shared their valuable feedback and ideas to guide and shape the process and vision. This group will continue to develop and define objectives and action items that will provide the university with direction for the next five years. More information will be shared with the broader community this fall as the final approval of the strategic plan is on track for the Board of Trustees October 2019 meeting. Members of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and the Cabinet.
“Marrying Jean was the best thing I’ve ever done,” he says of his wife, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in June of 2018. “She was just a marvelous person. My life would have been meaningless without her.” Accepting the award on their behalf during the April 27 Benefactor Recognition Award were friends and fellow alumni: Brother Francis Carr, FSC ’66, Terry Skrypek ’70, and Andre Beaulieu ’65. Brother Francis read aloud a letter from Don Regan, which stated: “I am humbled to have recently lost my wife of 63 years. Saint Mary’s has chosen to honor Jean and I. Unfortunately, I’m unable to be there to attend the award ceremony. Brother Francis, Terry, and Terry’s marvelous wife Valerie, and Andre — Jean’s dear friends — have been asked to accept the award for us. I am sure they will be eulogizing Jean. God knows what they’ll say about me. Thanks for all of you for all you’ve done for all of us. God love you. We do.” FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 29
Schmisek named new provost and dean of faculties Following a national search, Brian Schmisek, Ph.D., has been selected as the provost and dean of faculties for Saint Mary’s, a new position created to help lead the university to even higher levels of academic prominence and national recognition. Dr. Schmisek joins Saint Mary’s after a successful tenure at Loyola University Chicago, where he served as professor and dean of the Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS), having joined the faculty in 2012. During that time, IPS became accredited through the Association of Theological Schools and the Association of Chicago Theological Schools. Brian Schmisek, Ph.D. “We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Schmisek to Saint Mary’s,” said the Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary’s. “His commitment to serving our students and alignment with our mission and Lasallian charism will ensure an even brighter future for the university.”
Under Dr. Schmisek’s leadership, IPS increased staffing to reflect a growing emphasis on student services, increased retention and degree completion rates, expanded its degree and certificate offerings, grew its continuing education offerings, diversified faculty and staff, and created a student engagement committee. “The strong faculty commitment to teaching was evident during my visit to Saint Mary’s,” Dr. Schmisek noted, “and I feel privileged and honored to be part of that community.” Prior to joining Loyola, Dr. Schmisek was the founding dean of the School of Ministry at the University of Dallas. During that time, the School of Ministry grew to include graduate programs, undergraduate programs, and continuing education, and launched a nationally recognized annual ministry conference that still draws more than 5,000 participants each year. He earned his Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from The Catholic University of America. He holds an M.A. in Classics from the University of Mississippi and an M.A. in Theology from The Catholic University of America. His B.A. in Philosophy is from North Dakota State University. 30 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
WINONA AMONG STATE’S TOP 5 HOTTEST SMALL TOWNS In July the Minneapolis Star Tribune confirmed that Winona is one of the five hottest small town destinations in Minnesota. The article continued, “Winona has been on a festival roll lately, coming up with original yearly events that draw tens of thousands. The city currently hosts eight annual festivals, from the Mid West Music Fest highlighting regional bands each spring, to the Great River Shakespeare Festival drawing Bard superfans from around the world every summer and the Frozen River Film Festival in winter. “There’s also a Dakota powwow, a bluegrass festival, a party to celebrate the city’s Steamboat Days, a Dixieland jazz fest and a Beethoven celebration. “All this arty fun has grown over the past decade or so, helping spur new places like a hipster music bar, a small but world-class art museum and, of course, a craft brewery — Island City Brewing Co., which is located right next to the newly revitalized Levee Park.” The article goes on to promote the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, the J.R. Watkins store, Ed’s No-Name Bar, the Blue Heron Coffeehouse, and Bloedow’s Bakery. We’ve known Winona has it all, from Shakespeare to bluegrass and from works of art by Monet to mindblowing doughnuts but we thank the Star Tribune for verifying Winona is a great spot to be! Photo credit, Visit Winona
Keynote Cokie Roberts; Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Ph.D., senior vice president for presidential initiatives and special advisor to the president; moderator Mary Lahammer of TPT; Brad Hewitt, recipient of the Hendrickson Medal; Julie Hendrickson, daughter of the institute’s founders; Father James Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president; and Audrey Kintzi, vice president for Advancement and Communication.
Cokie Roberts inspires action at 2019 Hendrickson Forum At this year’s Saint Mary’s University Hendrickson Forum, held April 16 during Holy Week, keynote speaker Cokie Roberts appropriately recognized the Blessed Mother for her strength.
Keynote speaker Cokie Roberts
A sold out crowd of nearly 300 attended Roberts’ presentation at the annual forum on Saint Mary’s Twin Cities Campus, during which Brad Hewitt, retired CEO of Thrivent Financial, also received the 2019 Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership. In her keynote, “Weaving the Social Safety Net at Home and Around the World,” Roberts, a New York Times best-selling author and renowned journalist and political commentator, explained that “There has been a strong social responsibility fabric running throughout history, primarily exercised by women.” “That’s what the women in the foundation of our country did,” she added. “They looked around them. They saw what was happening. They saw the needs and strove to fill them.” FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 31
As Roberts has written six New York Times best-sellers, most dealing with the roles of women in U.S. history, she ought to know. “I came to write these books because histories that leave out half of the human race aren’t accurate,” she said. One lifelong inspiration for Roberts was her mother, who served 18 years in Congress before retiring and serving as ambassador to the Vatican. “She was an enormous influence in my life and remarkable human being in so many ways,” Roberts said, listing another major influence, the nuns from the Society of the Sacred Heart. “They took girls seriously in the 1950s. That was radical,” Roberts said. “They raised us to be anything we wanted to be.” In the continuum of religious women doing what needed to be done, Roberts mentioned the Ursulines who came to her home town of New Orleans in 1727 to open hospitals for the colonists but looked around at other needs and soon established schools for Native Americans and African Americans. In 1810, Elizabeth Ann Seton started what became the highly successful parochial school system in this country — a feat that often gets her one short sentence in history books. She detailed Sister Francis Xavier Cabrini, Sister Katharine Drexel, and others, women canonized for being ahead of their time “to bring those on margins into the mainstream and not take no for an answer.”
And, in examining Minnesota history, she credited the woman who founded Mayo Clinic. The celebrated hospital, she argued, would not exist were it not for Sister Mary Alfred Moes. “I know, of course, all about the Mayo Brothers and their remarkable father, but had it not been for a pushy nun, who wouldn’t take no for an answer, Saint Mary’s hospital wouldn’t have been built and Mayo Clinic wouldn’t exist,” Roberts said. Sister Mary Alfred Moes refused to accept that Rochester was too small a town to support a hospital and she raised the money herself. But, Roberts said, strong women aren’t just Catholic religious women. She detailed the stories of Isabella Graham, Elizabeth Hamilton, and Martha Ripley, to name a few. Amidst all of these notable women who worked, despite tremendous hardship, adversity, and often ridicule, for the betterment of society, Roberts singled out a male: Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools — with which Saint Mary’s is affiliated. “He was a man definitely before either his time, or perhaps more accurately, a man who recognized the sign of the time,” Roberts said. “His remarkable vision about education for the poor, for delinquents, is still so incredibly relevant today … everything I’ve learned about Saint Mary’s underlines that.
Cokie Roberts met with Saint Mary’s student leaders for a private Q&A session.
32 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
“It’s clear that the Lasallian principles are still the guiding force behind this very important institution,” she furthered. “Faith and the presence of God, quality education, and respect for all persons, inclusive community, and concern for the poor and social justice. Those principles need influence in our country today.” Roberts shared insights into other innovative humanitarian efforts and programs in both the private sector and U.S. government. An active volunteer and advocate for Save the Children, she detailed her work with this organization, which provides relief to children in times of distress. “War is still stunting the lives of children,” she said, providing the estimation that in 2018, 60.5 million people were displaced from their homes by war, half of them under age of 18. She said that one person in this world is displaced every two seconds. Roberts also noted there are many programs which are making great strides to help global issues. She detailed the PEPFAR program, started by George W. Bush, that is the biggest program for global health, providing anti-viral medications to 14.6 million people. Circling back to education, Roberts said it is the best way to break the cycle of poverty. “It changes not only their lives but it changes the life of a country and we have lot of data to support that,” she said. “That, remarkably, is what Saint John Baptist de La Salle recognized 300 years ago and is still true today. I am constantly blown away by kids’ ability and desire to learn, even in extremely difficult conditions. We must try as hard as possible to provide education.” Roberts encouraged attendees to do what they can do, just like the women throughout history. “To say that it’s too big a problem is just a copout,” she said. “I hope the young people coming out of this great institution, no matter what their expertise, emerge awakened, nurtured, and empowered to lead ethical lives of service and leadership.” Following Roberts’ remarks, Mary Lahammar, anchor, reporter and producer of Almanac on Twin Cities Public Television (TPT), joined her on stage to moderate the question-and-answer portion of the program before Roberts met with 20 students for a private and inspiring Q&A.
Brother Robert Smith, FSC ’76, Ph.D., and Father President James Burns, IVD, Ph.D., present the Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership to Brad Hewitt.
Hendrickson Medal recipient Brad Hewitt During the Hendrickson Forum, Saint Mary’s honored Brad Hewitt, retired CEO of Thrivent Financial, with the 2019 Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership. Hewitt joined Thrivent Financial in 2003, was named COO in 2008 and CEO in 2010 and retired in 2018. In retirement, Hewitt has found numerous ways to give back to his community. He currently serves as vice chair of the board for Habitat for Humanity International and volunteers as chair of the Itasca Project, an employer-led, cross-sector collaborative group that works to improve the quality of life for all in the Twin Cities. Hewitt also gives his time to the Christian nonprofit UpWorks, volunteering as a life advocate and helping men who are coming out of addiction or prison get back into society using their God-given talents. “The logic most important in my life and the one that I’ve seen truly inspire and transform was modeled by people like Gandhi and Rev. Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela, the example of love expressed in sacrifice,” he said. “It’s such a clear connection to the greatest example of love expressed in sacrifice in Jesus. “At Thrivent we help people express their faith through wise stewardship and generosity. This ethic was part of our culture way before I started,” he added. “I only helped spur it on. “This ethic produces the most important cultural attributes as a leader: generosity, gratitude, growth, and above all, grace.” Recipients of the Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership have made significant contributions to the Twin Cities community and exhibit ethical leadership that is globally oriented and innovative or creative; citizenship that significantly improves the lives of others; appreciation for diverse ideas and perspectives; and a commitment to inspiring emerging leaders. Past medal recipients include Rhoda Olsen of Great Clips, Inge Thulin of 3M, Mary Brainerd of HealthPartners, and more. “Cokie Roberts and Brad Hewitt inspired all of us to want to do more, to leave this world a better place than we found it,” said Audrey Kintzi, vice president for Advancement and Communication at Saint Mary’s, who heads the forum. “I can’t imagine better role models for our students than two individuals who have accomplished so many things in their professional lives, but have also made helping others a priority. With this very successful event now over, we begin to plan next year’s event as we continue to address important issues and topics that focus on ethics.” See more photos at smumn.edu/photos.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 33
AlUMnI
Exciting updates from the Alumni Association
BOB FISHER, ’97, M’06, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
New Advancement Website Last spring, the Office of Advancement and Communication launched a new development and alumni website that will be an easier access point for our alumni, benefactors, parents, and friends of the university. We encourage all alumni to bookmark connect.smumn.edu on their computers, tablets, and phones. You will be able to learn more about the alumni association and development areas of the university, view the alumni directory (if you are an alumnus or alumna), easily make a gift, register for upcoming events, and much, much more. It will require a login and password, so make sure to get your account registered. Share Feedback and Ideas The alumni office is continuously assessing programming, events, and engagement opportunities for our alumni. We know we can always improve. We want to provide the right opportunities for each of you to connect back to Saint Mary’s — to your graduate or undergraduate programs and academic departments, to your favorite faculty and staff members, and to your great experiences in athletics and extra-curricular programming. Please offer feedback, so we can look into providing the best content possible: connect.smumn.edu/feedback.
UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS
October 2019 4 4-5 11 12 15 17 23 26 27
Dedication of Brother William Hall (Winona) 50 Years of Women at Saint Mary’s Reunion (Winona) Nurse Anesthesia Reception (Brainerd, Minn.) Commencement (Minneapolis) SGPP Professional Workshop (Minneapolis) M.A. in Integrated Studies (formerly Human Development) Event (Minneapolis) Career Fair (Winona) Lasallian Day of Service (various locations) Rochester Halloween Fun Day (Rochester)
November 2019 6 9 11 14 21-23
Twin Cities Speaker Event (Minneapolis) New England Alumni Gathering (Boston-area) Veterans Day Ceremony (Winona) SGPP Professional Workshop (Minneapolis) Huether Lasallian Conference/Lasallian Alumni Association Events (Minneapolis)
34 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
50 Years of Women at Saint Mary’s This academic year, we will be celebrating a pivotal moment in Saint Mary’s history. This year marks the 50th anniversary of women at Saint Mary’s. During the weekend of Oct. 4-6, the alumni association is creating a special celebratory reunion to commemorate this important anniversary. To check out the full schedule and to sign up for the weekend, please visit smumn.edu/women50. In the spirit of this hallmark year in the history of Saint Mary’s, we are asking alumni to consider nominating women for our alumni awards (Sports Hall of Fame, Distinguished Alumna Award, Alumni Appreciation, Lasallian Service Award, and Outstanding Young Alumna Award). We are looking for an increased number of nominations, especially of the many women who are doing extraordinary things in their professions and their communities. To nominate, visit connect.smumn.edu/alumni/ alumni-recognition. We are extremely proud of the 50,000 alumni who help shape and change our world. Together and by association we make a difference every single day!
December 2019 6 6 7 7
7 14 30
Twin Cities Alumni Christmas Gathering (Minneapolis) Alumni Board Meeting (Minneapolis) Beatification of Brother James Miller, FSC ‘66, M’74 Winona Alumni and Friends Christmas Event/Lessons and Carols Choir Concert (Winona) Parents Association Reception (Winona) Santa at Saint Mary’s Event (Minneapolis) Men’s Basketball Tournament at Wheaton College (Ill.)
January 2020 11 25
Alumni and Friends Gathering (Phoenix, Ariz.) Commencement (Minneapolis)
February 2020 3 13 22
Alumni and Friends Gathering (Washington, D.C.) SGPP Professional Workshop (Minneapolis) Alumni and Friends Gathering (Naples, Fla.)
March 2020 6-7 19 27
Alumni Board Meeting SGPP Professional Workshop (Minneapolis) Cardinal Excellence Fund Banquet/Sports Hall of Fame Induction (Winona)
The class of 1999 celebrated their 20-year anniversary.
Alumni honored, 450 welcomed home to Saint Mary’s Reunion Weekend Saint Mary’s Reunion Weekend brought more than 450 alumni and friends home June 20-23. And though some alumni hadn’t visited the Winona Campus for a few years — or even a few decades — conversations picked up right where they left off. It was an emotion-packed weekend. Alumni tipped their heads back in laughter as they recalled stories from decades ago, squealed with excitement at seeing friends they hadn’t seen for too long, and dabbed tears at the veterans ceremony and in memory of classmates they have lost. And they stood with pride as they fervently applauded fellow alumni being honored for their vast and significant accomplishments. In addition to it being a heartfelt reunion, Saint Mary’s also recognizes those individuals who best represent Saint Mary’s mission — alumni who, by example, live ethical lives of service
Jim Izzo ’75 greets friends at the alumni picnic.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 35
AlUMnI
This year’s alumni award winners, pictured with Brother Robert Smith, FSC ’76, senior vice president of presidential initiatives and special advisor to the president (center), are, from left: Dr. John Domanico ’77, Mike Morsberger M’97, Jerome “Jerry” Colletti ’69, and Alan Peters ’74.
and leadership — during this annual celebration. This year’s alumni award recipients included:
their $1 billion campaign and helped to secure the two largest gifts in university history ($50 million and $30 million).
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD: JEROME “JERRY” COLLETTI ’69, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.
LASALLIAN SERVICE AWARD: ALAN PETERS ’74, MINNEAPOLIS
Jerry Colletti ’69 has made it his business to be successful — and to help others find success in business. He now is sharing the skills he acquired working for international businesses, and in his own management consulting businesses, to help Saint Mary’s Business Advisory Board. He has helped top executives increase their sales effectiveness and was recognized as an Entrepreneur of the Year finalist by Ernst & Young, LLP. Now retired, he has co-authored over 200 articles and four books.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD: MIKE MORSBERGER M’97,ORLANDO, FLA. Mike Morsberger M’97 is an accomplished advancement professional with 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and development. He has been a part of highly successful — and often record-breaking campaigns — for University of Central Florida, Johns Hopkins, and George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he oversaw 36 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
Alan Peters founded Can Do Canines in 1987 and serves as executive director of the industry-leading organization which has placed more than 650 fully trained assistance dogs into the community, all at no cost to their clients with disabilities. The business enhances the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. The work of his organization brings freedom, independence, and peace of mind to people with disabilities.
ALUMNI APPRECIATION AWARD: DR. JOHN DOMANICO ’77, LE GRANGE, ILL.
Dr. John Domanico has supported his alma mater in multiple ways throughout his life, serving on the Alumni Board, the First Generation Advisory Board, and on the Board of Trustees. He also co-chaired the Celebration of Excellence event in Chicago. He and his wife, Joanie, have generously financially supported many university initiatives. Dr. Domanico developed the idea to start Lasallian Day of Service 10 years ago, and, because of his vision, hundreds of alumni from throughout the United States have gathered together in service to their communities.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 37
AlUMnI
The Rev. Hugo Montero, Ph.D., blesses the James L. and Marianne Coogan Student Learning Commons.
The Class of 1969 announced its cumulative giving level (since graduation) as $1,125,000.
The James L. ’69 and Marianne Coogan Student Learning Commons in the Science and Learning Center was named Saturday in honor of a couple who — along with the KPMG Foundation — has long supported Saint Mary’s with their time, talent, and treasure. Jim Coogan has served as a university trustee, and the couple has philanthropically supported many university initiatives. The Class of 1969 — in addition to announcing its cumulative giving level (since graduation) as $1,125,000 — surprised classmate Tony Piscitiello AFSC ’69, M’82 with a $50,000 gift to the “Piscitiello Endowed Scholarship Fund” for the First Generation Initiative in recognition of his 50 38 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
James ’69 and Marianne Coogan
years of dedicated service to the university. Before retiring in June, Piscitiello had served the university for more than 50 years in multiple capacities including: admission counselor, vice president for admission, executive vice president, and senior development director. Later Piscitiello was surprised with another honor as the Anthony Piscitiello, AFSC ’69, M’82 Welcome Area was dedicated in the Admission Office of the Hendrickson Center. The room naming recognizes the tremendous impact he has made on generations of Saint Mary’s alumni, parents, and friends throughout his career in recruiting students.
The Tony Piscitiello, AFSC ’69, M’82 Welcome Area was dedicated during Reunion Weekend.
Kathy (Ordahl) CST’70 and Tony Piscitiello, AFSC ’69, M’82.
Alumni enjoyed campus and trail tours, took a boat ride on the Mississippi, visited the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, and sang along with the Oldie Moldie All-Stars (a studentled music group) as well as a hip reunion band of alumni. After alumni received an update on current university news, a special ceremony honored our alumni veterans, and a three-plane flyover in missing man formation was arranged by Retired Capt. Tim Tyre ’69. Some classes took over downtown Winona for small reunions, while others convened on campus, but alumni of all ages converged to Saint Mary’s Park for the traditional reunion picnic, at the site where Saint Mary’s University first began in 1912.
Classmates surprised Piscitiello by adding $50,000 to the Piscitiello Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Make plans to come to next year’s reunion June 27-29. Don’t miss an opportunity to tell those old stories and make a whole lot of new ones! View photos from throughout the weekend: smumn.edu/reunion19photos A recap video can be found here: smumn.edu/reunion19vid And other videos from the weekend can be found on Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s YouTube channel!
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 39
EVENT CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF WOMEN AT SAINT MARY’S Fifty years ago, full-time undergraduate women were welcomed into classrooms of the Winona Campus for the first time. Saint Mary’s decision to go co-ed was the start of tremendous growth and change. Currently, at the undergraduate campus in Winona, women slightly outnumber men. Throughout history women have not only made great strides in athletics through Title IX, they’ve also made headlines at Saint Mary’s. The NCAA Division III national champion fastpitch softball team, coached by John Tschida ’90, won the 2000 national title by posting a perfect 7-0 record during their postseason run. More recently, in 2018, Becca Dup ’19 made her third straight national championship appearance, qualifying in both the long jump and the triple jump. Women from every decade have graduated to serve as recognized leaders: at the Mayo Clinic, in schools, in businesses — even within the FBI. At the Twin Cities Campus, women have been involved in leadership roles since the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs were formed in the 1980s. Women have brought their opinions, insights, backgrounds, and perspectives — broadening and enriching this university. And now, it’s time to celebrate. Robert Fisher ’97, M’06, director of alumni relations, said this falls’ 50th women event builds off of the 40th anniversary celebration 10 years ago.
40 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
C E L E B R AT I N G 5 0 Y E A R S O F W O M E N AT S A I N T M A R Y ’ S
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 41
“That event focused on the first women of Saint Mary’s, particularly the decade of the ’70s,” he said. “It’s our goal now to honor all of the women who have attended Saint Mary’s and changed this university for the better.” A variety of events are scheduled that highlight successes, provide network opportunities, and are fun for all attendees. “Our overall goal with this event is to celebrate this important hallmark in the history of Saint Mary’s and to engage alumnae back to the university,” Fisher said. “Third, we want to create student and alumnae interaction and build valuable networking experiences. Activities will be centered around professional networking and leadership, as well as creativity and recreation. “Alumnae from Saint Mary’s have been change agents for 50 years,” he added. “We want to create a weekend that celebrates and elevates this important group.”
Special Requests We need your photos! To help us celebrate 50 years and be sure we’re highlighting your time here, pull out your scrapbooks (or cardboard boxes), scroll through your phone, and mail your photos to the alumni office at 700 Terrace Heights #21, Winona MN 55987 or email digital prints to alumni@smumn.edu, using subject line “50 years.” Please note, these prints will not be returned and will be placed into the university archives, so please be sure to send us your copies, not originals! 50 Years of Women Variety Show – “Angel Light” Did you perform in a Gaslight or Blue Angel Act? Have you ever wanted to relive those experiences — or create new ones? If so, we are looking for women who are interested in performing musical selections or other entertainment following the Saturday evening dinner. The brothers of Phi Mu Alpha have volunteered their expertise to help make this night a success, and Oldie Moldies will also perform! If you are interested, please contact Sue (Leo) Vanderwalker ’79 at susan.vanderwalker@yahoo.com.
Editor’s Note: As the time period between magazine printing and delivery to your homes is dependent on a variety of external factors, some of our alumni may not receive their magazines prior to this event. 42 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
C E L E B R AT I N G 5 0 Y E A R S O F W O M E N AT S A I N T M A R Y ’ S
SCHEDULE FRIDAY, OCT. 4
SATURDAY, OCT. 5 (continued)
Brother William Hall dedication — Noon
50 Years of Women Luncheon — noon-1:30 p.m. All alumnae and female faculty, staff, and student leaders are invited to a special luncheon, featuring an alumni panel on women’s leadership, in the Toner Student Center Lounge. The cost is $15 per person.
Registration and Check-In — 3-5 p.m. Toner Student Center Classroom Opportunities Attend an afternoon class and see what it’s like in today’s Saint Mary’s classrooms. Reception — 6-8 p.m. A reception will be held in the foyer of the Science and Learning Center. Current and former faculty and staff are also invited. Angel Light Rehearsal — 8-10 p.m. All musicians are invited to the Toner Student Center dining hall.
SATURDAY, OCT. 5 Continental Breakfast — 7-9 a.m. Enjoy breakfast pastries, seasonal fruit, and a selection of fruit juices, coffee, or tea in the Merle Wilberding ’66 Alumni Room Registration and Check-In — 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Toner Student Center 5K Walk/Run — 8:30-10 a.m. (Registration 7:45-8:15 a.m.) Participate in a 5K walk/run through the scenic bluffs surrounding campus. Meet at the gazebo. All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt; there is a $10 entrance fee. Yoga/Meditation, Dance Studio, Gostomski Fieldhouse — 9-10 a.m. Start the day with a class designed to bend, stretch, breathe, laugh, strengthen, and wake up to your life! Campus Tour — 10-11 a.m. Meet at the Registration Desk, Toner Student Center Athletic Scrimmages, Hockey and Basketball — 10-11 a.m. Join with current SMUMN students for some time on the court and rink. Creative Journaling — 11 a.m.-noon Take time out of your day to reflect and channel your inner artist in written and visual expression. Instructor Brianna Haupt of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will guide you through exercises and introduce materials to help you start filling the pages of a new journal.
Canoeing with Brother John (BJ) Grover, FSC ’65 — 2-3:30 p.m. Join Brother John for a scenic canoe trip on the Mississippi River. Meet at the Registration Desk, Toner Student Center. Bluff Hike — 2-3:30 p.m. View the beauty of Winona and the Mississippi on this guided hike of the bluffs surrounding campus. Meet at Registration Desk, Toner Student Center. Wine and Create — 2-3:30 p.m. Come to the Toner Student Center, where a local artist will guide you in creating visual art while enjoying some wine in the process. Women’s Soccer — 3:30 p.m. Watch Cardinal women in action as they take on the College of Saint Benedict. During half time, help us honor alumnae athletes. 50 Years of Women at Saint Mary’s Dinner and Entertainment — 5:30 p.m. In celebration of 50 Years of Women at Saint Mary’s, come for an evening of camaraderie and fun, featuring “Angel Light” music performances in the dining room of the Toner Student Center. Post-Dinner Gathering — 8:30 p.m. Come to the Oaks Wine and Bar, 75 W. 3rd St., for a social gathering.
SUNDAY, OCT. 6 Mass — 10:30 a.m. Saint Thomas More Chapel Brunch — 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Main dining room, Toner Student Center. Purchase tickets at the door.
WEBSITE For a more current schedule, event prices, and to register, go to www.smumn.edu/women50. Contact the Alumni Office at 507-457-1499 with questions.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 43
Q&A with the women of Saint Mary’s So much has happened in 50 years. There’s no doubt women’s experiences at Saint Mary’s in the 1970s are different from those attending in 2019. We interviewed Saint Mary’s alumnae from each of the past five decades at Saint Mary’s to find out their challenges and achievements. We asked what life was like for women during their college years. These women have seen success in their personal and professional lives, which span careers in medicine, education, arts, business, and beyond. See how women have supported each other for half a century at Saint Mary’s.
I think the women students contributed significantly in the arts and in raising the overall academic profile and GPA of the school. What successes did you experience as a student?
My roommates and I were academically successful. We went on to graduate school and law school and enjoyed successful careers in business, law, and not-for-profit work. How did you, as women, support each other?
We were friends, classmates, confidantes. My roommates and I remain friends and confidantes today, 44 years later. As successful alumnae, how did your time at Saint Mary’s help you grow into the roles you have now and the people you are now?
MARY DEMPSEY ’75 Major: American Studies
I think Saint Mary’s was the first of many steps for us on the road to success. It gave us a good foundation on which to grow through post graduate education and in the working world.
Current job title, name of business/organization:
President, DePaul College Prep, Chicago, Ill. Did you experience any challenges as a woman as you attended Saint Mary’s?
I don’t recall any women in significant leadership roles at Saint Mary’s during my four years there, although there were some women on the faculty. Athletics for women were virtually non-existent. We had intramural flag football, and we could play paddle ball, ice skate, or ski in the bluffs, but no organized collegiate sports that I recall.
Were there any strides or successes made by women during your time at Saint Mary’s?
How do you feel women enrich the educational experience of the university?
I think intelligent and caring women enrich society as a whole. The same would be true in any educational setting. How have you seen women’s roles change from when you were in school to today?
Mary Dempsey ’75
Because our class arrived so early in the transition, I think Saint Mary’s was still trying to figure out how to engage women when I was there.
I imagine that at Saint Mary’s, as at other schools which had previously been all male, today women play significant roles in leadership, teaching, learning, and in shaping the values and spirit of the university. Just as in any functioning society, a university benefits when both women and men are treated as equal and essential contributors to living the mission of the institution.
KATHLEEN (LUCAS) REDING ’83 Major: Political Science and Marketing
Mary Dempsey ’75 (center left) and college friends, from left: Karen McCoullough (who attended briefly), Nancy Wiltgen ’75 and Sue (Sughura) Schultz ’75,
Current job title, name of business/organization:
Retired Director of Center Store Merchandising, SuperValu/Cub Foods
Did you experience any challenges as a woman as you attended Saint Mary’s?
I graduated Saint Mary’s exactly 10 years after my sister Mary (Lucas) Karnick. Mary was in the first class of women to graduate in 1973. I would say her class experienced many more challenges than ours did. Life was grand as a student! I lived in Skemp my first two years and developed friendships that have stood the test of time. I am blessed to still be the best of friends with 13 other women with whom I graduated. Intramurals were big for my class. We all participated in flag football. Our favorite, though, was floor hockey in the old gym in Saint Joe’s.
44 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
C E L E B R AT I N G 5 0 Y E A R S O F W O M E N AT S A I N T M A R Y ’ S
LAURA ISHUM ’95 Major: Theater Current job title, name of business/organization: Director of Entertainment Operations, Mirage, Bellagio, Park MGM, City Center, showrooms and ticketing, MGM Resorts International, Las Vegas, Nev. Did you experience any challenges as a woman as you attended Saint Mary’s?
Kathleen (Lucas) Reding ’83, right, and her sisters Ann Therese Lucas ’75, left, and Mary (Lucas) Karnick ’73, center, (now deceased).
I did not. Saint Mary’s cleared all obstacles and allowed me to not feel biases. I was able to feel confident in my career, which can be a male-dominant industry, because I had learned, directed, crafted, and performed all tasks at SMU in both workstudy during the year and summer, and my practical studies. Women were very influential during my time there, Dr. Mary Fox, Dr. Kathleen Flanagan, and the peers and mentors in classes above me. I played soccer three of my years there and then missed the last year due to study abroad in London. Laura Ishum ’95 Life at Saint Mary’s was inspirational and confidence building. I was provided many opportunities to lead and grow in a safe and unbiased community.
Kathleen (Lucas) Reding ’83, second from right, and college friends.
What successes did you experience as a student?
The opportunity to have a double major, and to be able to expand my education in two different fields. This was exactly what my father Daniel Lucas ’47 wanted for all of his children. Five of my siblings are also alumni. How did you, as women, support each other?
With such a small college community it was so easy to get to know all of the women in our class and to support each other through the years. That was and still is the biggest benefit of attending a small Catholic university! As successful alumnae, how did your time at Saint Mary’s help you grow into the roles you have now and the people you are now?
Spending four years learning and living the Lasallian Core Traditions helped prepare me to enter a dominantly male grocery industry. At one point in my career I was hired by a Fortune 500 company simply because I was a woman! My education at Saint Mary’s prepared me for the challenges that lay ahead and helped me to become an effective leader.
What successes did you experience as a student?
Participating in soccer, theater, study abroad, work-study in my field, directing, and many more activities allowed me to not only shine but learn the skills I still use daily in my career. How did you, as women, support each other?
We were all supportive. Although there was competition, it was healthy competition. There was enough work for all if you took advantage of the opportunities. As successful alumnae, how did your time at Saint Mary’s help you grow into the roles you have now and the people you are now?
Saint Mary’s introduced me to peers who have helped me, hired me, and provided me avenues for my career. I was able to learn how to be successful in my career but also find other passions that I have cultivated and continued throughout my life. I still enjoy teaching aerobics, soccer (more watching than playing now), watching and supporting hockey, traveling, and participating in community arts efforts. I did have the opportunity to teach dance for the local ballet company, but my schedule no longer allows for it.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 45
A Saint Mary’s graduate alum hired me into my first “real” job teaching not only theater but dance at a university on the east coast. That experience greatly helped prepare me for the future. A peer, who is still a dear friend and confidant, introduced me and recommended me for my next job across the country in Vegas. I have remained in Vegas for over 20 years. The Saint Mary’s strong working network of entertainment professionals is astounding. The percentage of students who have been able to continue to make a living in our profession still astounds me. I believe my male professors played a huge role in my confidence as a woman. They did not discriminate and pushed all of us in all areas. Dr. Gary Diomandes, Dr. Larry Gorrell ’74, Dr. Robert Pevitts ’63, Dr. Donald Peake, Dr. Mike Flanagan ’63, Dan Lori ’85, Jim Casey and many more all contributed to the confidence today I have in my career. How do you feel women enrich the educational experience of the university?
I never experienced women not being accepted, challenged, or thought of differently at Saint Mary’s. Strong, confident, wellrespected women were both mentors and peers. I never felt that I couldn’t do exactly what a man could do. I have always been strong physically and I have felt nothing could impede my future goals and dreams. In my work environment, I have experienced prejudices and biases even more in recent years, but Saint Mary’s gave me the confidence to know what I can accomplish.
How have you seen women’s roles change from when you were in school to today?
Women in the entertainment and corporate world continue to grow and be empowered to new heights. We, as women, have learned to speak up to what we feel is right, and this was a common practice at Saint Mary’s.
BOBBI KOCHEVAR M’08 Area of study: Master of Business Administration Current job title, name of business/organization:
Chief Officer of Child & Family Services at Nexus: Youth & Family Solutions, Plymouth, Minn.
Did you experience any challenges as a woman as you attended Saint Mary’s?
I was in the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP) on the Twin Cities Campus. I saw many females in leadership roles (including my program director at the time) and was taught by several females who held high leadership roles in business. My cohort also consisted of a strong female base. It was very inspiring. Were there any strides or successes made by women during your time at Saint Mary’s?
Bobbi Kochevar M’08
After graduation I joined the Alumni Board of Directors and I became the first female SGPP President. What successes did you experience as a student?
I found my education to be practical and immediately applicable. Being in an international MBA program, I had the privilege of traveling to Bangkok, Thailand, for my Capstone. That really broadened by horizons. How did you, as women, support each other? Laura Ishum ’95 and college friends from theater (top) and soccer (bottom).
46 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
We were a very diverse class, and my friends came from all over the world — Russia, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, and Nigeria. I learned so much from my female colleagues and their home country culture. We supported each other through the rigorous curriculum, and I was extremely impressed with their ability to achieve an advanced degree in a second language.
C E L E B R AT I N G 5 0 Y E A R S O F W O M E N AT S A I N T M A R Y ’ S
LISA OBASI ’14 Major: Biology Current job title, name of business/organization:
Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident Physician, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif. Did you experience any challenges as a woman as you attended Saint Mary’s?
Bobbi Kochevar M’08 at her Saint Mary’s commencement ceremony.
As successful alumnae, how did your time at Saint Mary’s help you grow into the roles you have now and the people you are now?
There is no doubt that my Saint Mary’s education and subsequent Alumni Board of Directors opportunity allowed me to achieve the senior leadership role I am in today. I am more culturally sensitive and feel better connected to people of all backgrounds and to my faith. I am currently doing a book study with my team utilizing a book from my MBA coursework. Despite reading the book over 10 years ago, the concepts are still relevant and are having an impact on a new group of leaders. How do you feel women enrich the educational experience of the university?
It’s hard for me to imagine Saint Mary’s as an all-male school. My mixed MBA class was representative of today’s workforce. Women approach their work through a different lens and in doing so, complement and can actually bolster a leadership team with their inclusive, nurturing approach to people and problem solving.
Being a female science major at Saint Mary’s University wasn’t unheard of, but it was different to see a black female science major. It had been done before, but it was not the norm. I was the only black female majoring in the sciences and considering going into medicine in my class. The curriculum at the Lisa Obasi ’14 time was geared toward creating researchers, not physicians. That being said, it was encouraging to see so many strong, intelligent female professors and department heads contributing to groundbreaking research and furthering innovation in their fields. What successes did you experience as a student?
I think being nominated for outstanding senior was a very humbling and appreciative moment for me. It was nice to be recognized by my peers in that way. As successful alumnae, how did your time at Saint Mary’s help you grow into the roles you have now and the people you are now?
Being at Saint Mary’s taught me how to analyze people’s intentions and feelings Lisa Obasi ’14 (with Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, AFSC ’75, Ph.D.) at her in order to have a more undergraduate commencement ceremony. meaningful interaction. I I continue to see women learned better communication taking on increasingly higher skills. Most importantly, I learned how to be resilient and knew leadership roles in the private and public sector. I remember that I had to work hard for what I want — to never give up and reading about Carly Fiorina while in the MBA program. She had believe in myself. just left her CEO role at Hewlett Packard. Now I feel that female CEOs are present in greater numbers. How have you seen women’s roles change from when you were in school to today?
How do you feel women enrich the educational experience of the university?
I was always surrounded by hard working and motivated women. They kept me on track and pushed me to work toward my goal.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 47
AlUMnI
1. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ALUMNAE DAY
2. ARIZONA ALUMNI AND FRIENDS GATHERING
The Saint Mary’s Women’s Basketball program held a women’s basketball alumnae day on Jan. 12, 2019, which involved an alumnae game followed by a gathering at Wellington’s. Enjoying the event are, from left: Sara Schoenthaler ’15, Micaela Meredith ’16, Lexi Huisman ’18, Brigette Audette ’17, Samantha Jones ’17, Haley Trom ’16, Emma Schaefer ’17, and Natalie Williams ’15.
Nearly 50 alumni and friends gathered at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Ariz., to meet Father James P. Burns, president of Saint Mary’s, left, on Jan. 26. Getting a photo with Father Burns are Mary (Fiss) CST’71 and Jerry ’69 Colletti.
3. WASHINGTON, D.C. ALUMNI AND FRIENDS GATHERING
4. FLORIDA ALUMNI AND FRIENDS GATHERING
On Feb. 4, 2019, 45 alumni and friends gathered at the University Club in Washington, D.C., This was the first time many attendees had the opportunity to meet Father President James Burns. Dr. Mark Barber (interim dean of the College), left, met with, from left: Bill Daniel ’02, Meredith (Riewe) Daniel ’02 and Father Alan Guanella ’09.
48 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
Over 50 alumni and friends gathered at the Club at Barefoot Beach on Feb. 16, 2019, in Florida. The event was hosted by Terry ’76 and Kathy (Conway) Russell ’78. Pictured are, from left: Jim Benkovic ’63, Father President James P. Burns, and Don Christl ’63.
5. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS ALUMNI GATHERING
Over 75 Saint Mary’s alumni and friends gathered at the United Center in Chicago for a fun Blackhawks game on Feb. 24, 2019. Janet Duffy, Dr. Robert Duffy ’72, Frank Howard ’76, Frank Guerino, Pat Smith ’80, and Joe Phillips ’80 cheered on the Blackhawks.
7. CHICAGO SPRING FLING PARTY
Almost 50 alumni gathered in Evergreen Park, Ill., for the Chicago Spring Fling Party March 23, 2019. The gathering took place at the Red Palm Bar, owned by Saint Mary’s alumnus, Mike Nix ’80. Some ’80s alumni getting together included, from left: Rick Trainor ’80, Cathy (Moody) Elmi ’81, Bob Hearne ’80, Erin (O’Neill) Hearne ’80, Tracy Brooker ’83, and Tom Brooker ’80.
6. THEATER DEPARTMENT ALUMNI GATHERING
Alumni returned for the “She Loves Me” musical and theatre weekend on March 23, 2019. In addition to the performance, alumni came back for an alumni panel (pictured), pre-production reception, and a postproduction party at Ground Round in Winona.
8. TWIN CITIES FGI SOAR BREAKFAST
A total of 120 alumni, benefactors, and friends gathered on the Minneapolis Campus May 22, 2019, for the annual First Generation Initiative S.O.A.R Breakfast. Quinton Marton ’23 (Countdown to College graduate), Dr. Mike Linden ’98, Yitzhak Lopez (Countdown to College student) and Dr. Joe Tadie ’91 stopped for a picture.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 49
AlUMnI
9. MEN’S BASEBALL AND MEN’S HOCKEY GOLF OUTING
10. SAINT PAUL SAINTS ALUMNI GAME
11. CHICAGO BROOKFIELD ZOO ALUMNI AND FAMILY DAY
12. MILWAUKEE ALUMNI EVENT
Ninety men’s baseball and hockey alumni and friends gathered for a golf outing at Indian Hills Golf Club in Stillwater, Minn., on June 3, 2019, including, from left: Matt Rink ’05, Aric Kittleson ’04, M’05, Nick Heiberg ’05, and Ryan Majerus ’05, M’06.
Alumni and friends gathered for a family event July 20, 2019, at the Chicago Brookfield Zoo. Alumni were able to enjoy many activities as part of the experience, including a lunch, face-painting, the dolphin experience, and much more. Jon ’01, Brianna (Barker) Sopcak ’09, and their family enjoyed the day.
50 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
Forty five alumni and friends joined members of the class of 2023 and their families at the St. Paul Saints Game on July 18, 2019. Game goers included Tony Gruenke ’04 and Beth (Larson) Gruenke ’04, M’37 and their family including Nick Gruenke, Joe Gruenke, and Kisse Larson.
Alumni and friends convened at the Kenosha Country Club in the Milwaukee area Aug. 25, 2019. Smiling for a photo are, from left: Brigette (Menoni) Brankin ’97, Mike Brankin ’97, Dr. Russ Barcelona ’82, Jennifer (Lauer) Barcelona ’83, and Father President James Burns, IVD, Ph.D.
1950s Dick Roth ’53, Washington, D.C., along with a colleague, Jean Mooskin, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Burke School founded by Dick and Jean in 1968.
1960s Dr. Parnell Donahue ’60, Brentwood, Tenn., was asked by John Bosio, president of Nashville Catholic Radio to host a new show, Parenting Matters. The show aired Sept. 10, 2018, on WBOU 100.5 FM and streamed at WBOU.org. He and his wife, Mary, have four adult children, all with Ph.D.s. Two also are M.D.s and are professors at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. They also have 14 grandkids! Gregory Cahill ’68, Oak Lawn, Ill., has been with his touring/recording bluegrass band since 1975, Special Consensus. The band was honored to receive a second Grammy nomination for their new recording, Rivers and Roads, produced by Compass Records in Nashville, Tenn. The group attended the show in Los Angeles in February 2019.
1970s Tom Callen ’70, Wauwatosa, Wis., received the National NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) Lifetime Achievement Award for service to his local Milwaukee Chapter, its foundation, and the community. The award was presented at NARI’s Annual Spring Meeting in Charlotte, N.C., in April 2018.
Dr. Robert Rotering ’71, Tioga, N.D., returned home three years ago to the western edge of North Dakota where he grew up. He is serving as the chief of staff and medical director for Tioga Medical Center and was featured in the spring 2019 edition of North Dakota Medicine about his career, which took him from North Dakota to the Caribbean and the Middle East and then back home. Rev. Msgr. R. Paul Heiting ’78, Fulda, Minn., serves as the pastor of the Catholic parishes in Fulda, Currie, and Westbrook, Minn. He also serves as a judge on the diocesan marriage tribunal. Tom Conway ’79, Poway, Calif., in 2011 founded leading U.S. environmental finance company Renovate America, headquartered in San Diego. A total of 1,100 employees voted it the best place to work in San Diego. He also is the co-founder of Endeavor Bank. Endeavor is a publiclytraded local community business bank in San Diego.
1980s Angie (Buehler) Dreis ’82, Lake Elmo, Minn., retired from 3M after 30 years in sales and marketing. She is now working as a consultant for Hollstadt Consultants (co-owned by the only Tommie from a family of all Saint Mary’s graduates!!) and loving the freedom of consulting, yet the chance to learn something new every day. Both her boys are hardworking and own their own homes. She and her husband Chris enjoy traveling both domestically and internationally.
Rev. Robert Herbst, OFM, ’84, Las Vegas, Nev., was appointed judicial vicar for the Diocese of Las Vegas in September 2018. Rev. Gregory Havel ’86, Wells, Minn., is the new triparish pastor, which includes Wells, Easton, and Minnesota Lake, Minn. Laura (Pisano) Rooney ’87, Burr Ridge, Ill., has a new position as buyer specialist at Bryan Bomba Group.
1990s Bill Geheren ’90, Huntley, Ill., works for Air Management Services, Inc., in the marketing and customer service department. Rev. Daniel Vacca ’91, Camdenton, Mo., has been appointed pastor of St. Anthony’s parish in Camdenton. Rev. Dr. Mari Larson M’91, Wichita, Kan., was elected president of the Lutheran Ecumenical and InterReligious Representatives Network of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at the National Workshop on Christian Unity. Thomas Wistrcill ’92, Salt Lake City, Utah, was named the seventh commissioner of the Big Sky Conference, an NCAA Division 1 athletics conference. Matt Hugg M’94, Lansdale, Pa., invites everyone in the Saint Mary’s community to check out his latest venture, Nonprofit Courses (https:// nonprofit.courses). Alumni can find more than 500 nonprofit focused videos and
C ONNE C T
CLASS NOTES
C AR D I NA L S
podcasts for staff, volunteers, and boards from 40 plus content experts, and more than half are free. Saint Mary’s alumni, especially from the Philanthropy and Development program, can apply to be a content expert by contacting Matt at matthugg@nonprofitedu. com. Mary Anne Krogh M’95, Sioux Falls, S.D., was named dean of South Dakota State University’s College of Nursing. Her position began in July 2019. Joshua Birkholz M’98, Savage, Minn., is the chief executive officer for Bentz Whaley Flessner, a global fundraising consultancy.
2000-2010 Bryan Bass M’00, Edina, Minn., was hired as the assistant superintendent for the Edina School District. Kim Budde M’00, Farmington, Minn., is the new principal at Lakeville North High School. Todd Herber C’01, Hastings, Minn., is the new principal at Park High School in Cottage Grove, Minn. Darrell Vitullo ’01, Bloomington, Minn., was promoted to a senior copywriter in charge of the Parts Unlimited Street Motorcycle sales catalog. Dr. Erin Hjelmeland ’02, M’06, S’09, D’18, Jordan, Minn., will oversee the Jordan school district’s curriculum and teacher development as the director of teaching.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 51
CLASS NOTES Peggy Larson M’03, Springfield, Minn., retired from teaching and coaching after 40 years.
a 2019 Administrator of Excellence by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators.
Bob Grey L’04, Montevideo, Minn., was presented the State Award of Merit at the Minnesota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Conference in St. Cloud.
Dave Ammentorp ’06, Minneapolis, has a new position as a customer service representative for Ally.
Bruce Miller L’04, S’05, Apple Valley, Minn., was promoted from Eastview High School’s assistant principal to principal. Dr. Deborah Piscitiello M’04, Winona, started a new position as director of education programs at Engage Youth Company. Mollie Busta-Lange M’05, Onalaska, Wis., better known as “Mollie B,” co-wrote the song “A Day to Say Thank You” which was chosen for the movie, The Mule, starring Clint Eastwood. She also made a debut in the film singing the song. She keeps herself busy with a weekly television show, “Mollie B Polka Party,” which airs every week on Wednesday and Saturday evenings on RFD-TV. Brian Julson M’05, C’18, Princeton, Minn., was named the new activities director and dean of students at Milaca High School. Scott Rabehl M’05, Saint Michael, Minn., is the high school music teacher and band director at Buffalo High School in Buffalo, Minn., received the prestigious Schmitt Music High School Educator of the Year Award on May 2, 2019. Bill Adams M’06, C’07, Janesville, Minn., was named
Chris Stalcoh M’06, C’09, C’17, Blooming Prairie, Minn., is the superintendent for the Blooming Prairie School District. Steve Scherber M’07, C’07, Annandale, Minn., is the principal at Annandale High School. Davey Warner ’07, Alameda, Calif., was promoted to director of outdoor programs and chief financial officer for the Boy Scouts Pacific Skyline Council. Jamie Bente M’08, Prior Lake, Minn., was awarded High School Principal of the Year by the Southeast Minnesota Association of Secondary Principals. Derrick Brown ’08, Milaca, Minn., is head hockey coach at St. Cloud Cathedral High School. He led the team to the Minnesota 2019 Class A Boys State Championship. Bobbi Kochevar M’08, Nisswa, Minn., is the chief officer of Child and Family Services with Nexus. Julie FitzSimmons M’08, Good Thunder, Minn., retired from teaching from Maple River West Elementary School after 22 years. Tanya Schwartz M’08, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., was named Burnsville’s police
52 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
chief, the first woman in the role. Christine Swanson-Gorman L’08, New Prague, Minn., was hired as a special education coordinator working with Minnesota District 196’s 19 elementary schools. Ann Riebel M’09, Utica, Minn., is the new director of community education for Winona Area Public Schools.
2010-2019 Selena Freimark M’10, Hudson, Wis., joined the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension in St. Croix County as its new health and well being educator. Krystle Glad M’13, Pengilly, Minn., with a 15-year work history, was promoted to chief executive officer with Range Center, Inc. Ryan Soukup ’10, St. Paul, Minn., is the community development director for the City of Zumbrota, Minn. Brandon Wanless ’10, St. Paul, Minn., is the adult education coordinator for The Church of Saint Agnes, and helped launch The Sacra Doctrina Project. He continues to teach theology at Saint Agnes School.
position as a marketing and events coordinator at Northwestern Health Sciences University. Cree Kachelski ’12, Rochester, Minn., accepted a position at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Mo., as a doctor in pediatric emergency medicine and child abuse pediatrics. She is pursuing her Master of Education. Regina (Quandt) McGuire ’12, Winona, received the Humanitarian Award from Ashley for the Arts Humanitarian Awards program. Each year, participating school districts select a humanitarian recipient and acknowledge them during the Ashley for the Arts check presentation ceremony. She represented the Arcadia, Wis., school district. Julianne Bartosz ’13, Tinley Park, Ill., is a media relations manager at Macy’s. William Jones M’13, Georgetown, Ky., was named the 25th president of Georgetown College. He was previously president at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan. Collin Norris ’13, Olympia, Wash., is a trooper cadet with the Washington State Patrol.
Ben Eirikson ’11, Kasson, Minn, started a new position as a compliance attorney at Thomson Reuters.
Cate Coghlan ’15, Minneapolis, was promoted to asset protection team lead with Target.
Andrew Kilpatrick ’11, Fort Collins, Colo., is a graphic designer for Slate Communications.
Nathan Hermiston M’15, Kansas City, Mo., was named the senior vice president of sales and service at Visit KC.
Kassondra Burtis ’12, New Hope, Minn., has a new
Father Matthew Wagner ’15, Winona, was ordained to the
C AR D I NA L S
priesthood on June 28, 2019, by Bishop John M. Quinn at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Ian Weimer ’15, St. Paul, Minn., has a new position as a specialist in business development at Pace Analytical. Tim Wolande ’15, Elmhurst, Ill., is a senior channel sales manager with Digital Realty, in the greater Chicago area. Jessica Buckbee ’16, Lewiston, Minn., joined Winona Health staff and is caring for patients of all ages in the urgent care unit as a physician assistant. Maisha Giles C’16, Oakdale, Minn., was named a 2019 fellow with the Bush Foundation. Jase Pater ’16, Adrian, Minn., has a new position with RE/ MAX Premier Realty as a sales associate. Brian Thorstad C’16, Belle Plaine, Minn., is the new principal at Le SueurHenderson Middle School. Emily Engstrom M’17, Superior, Wis., was named as clinic supervisor of St. Luke’s Building which houses neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and sports medicine and rehabilitation. Zach Hinrichs ’17, Winona, coaches 17 and under basketball for SE Minnesota Lightning and is the head girls basketball coach for Wabasha-Kellogg High School. He also works as a campus safety officer at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Weddings
Deaths
Stephen Schmitt ’08 to Courtney Wyant, Austin, Minn., on June 22, 2019.
Dr. Robert A. Dolehide ’47, Darien, Ill., on March 25, 2019.
Kelsey Brekke ’13, to Josh Markham, Sun Prairie, Wis., on Dec. 8, 2018. Saint Mary’s alumni in attendance were; Minh Nguyen ’15, Angie Mazzuca ’13, Megan (Bond) Grant ’13, Katie Theis ’13, Naomi Rath ’13, and Alycia (Wojahn) Roggenbuck ’13.
Births Ellen Ulrich ’01, Minneapolis, a daughter, Audrey Egan, on Oct. 1, 2018. Proud grandfather is John “Wally” Ulrich ’65. Kelsey and Nell Gelhaus ’02, Minneapolis, a son, Soren Thomas, on June 28, 2019. He joins big brother Leif, 2. Brent and Maggie (Ortmann) Jambor ’03, Minburn, Iowa, a daughter, Dahlia Gianna, on March 16, 2019. Dahlia joins Lily-Rose Teresa at home. Kyle and Lindsay (Dickson) Henning ’08, Minneapolis, a son, Arnold James, on Dec. 15, 2018. Robert Steingraeber ’13 and Caitlin McGuire ’13, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., a daughter, Natalie Jane, on Nov. 14, 2018. Aaron ’14 and Jessica (Drake) Fimon ’15, Robbinsdale, Minn., a son, George Andrew, on March 23, 2019. George joins Henry and Theodore.
Thomas E. Kearney ’50, Wheaton, Ill., on Aug. 4, 2018. Cornelius J. O’Connor ’50, Elmhurst, Ill., on Feb. 14, 2019. Roger Schneider ’52, Winona, on Dec. 20, 2018. John L. Mazer ’52, Hacienda Heights, Calif., on May 22, 2019. Reverend Gerald W. Conway ’53, Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan. 29, 2019. Maurice R. Flynn ’54, Seabrook, Texas, on April 12, 2019. Bernard J. Rysavy ’55, Simpsonville, S.C., on Jan. 28, 2019. David E. Benkowski ’57, Green Bay, Wis., on May 19, 2018.
C ONNE C T
Joseph A. Hoehn ’60, Shakopee, Minn., on Jan. 3, 2019 Gerald R. Dooley ’61, Red Wing, Minn., on Feb. 18, 2019. Dr. Jerome F. E. Halverson ’62, M’69, Ft. Myers, Fla., on April 15, 2019. Raymond J. Kukulski ’63, Washington, D.C., on Jan. 10, 2019. Richard J. Hilgenbrink, Jr. ’68, Bridgeton, Mo., on June 19, 2018. Gordon C. Schuh ’69, Bountiful, Utah, on Nov. 9, 2018. John W. Stangl ’70, Bovey, Minn., on Feb. 4, 2019. Honorable Thomas Tucker ’69, Wilmette, Ill., on Dec. 9, 2018. Robert L. McGee ’71, Coppell, Texas, on June 16, 2019.
Anzo S. Manoni ’58, Florissant, Mo., on May 7, 2019.
Timothy McGinnis ’73, Lombard, Ill., on April 1, 2019.
Dr. Frank B. Martin ’58, St. Paul, Minn., on Dec. 28, 2018.
Dr. Frank J. Jaskowiak ’79, Hubertus, Wis., on Dec. 10, 2018.
Joseph A. Scroppo ’59, Oak Brook, Ill., on Jan. 20, 2019. Brother Benildo Feliciano, FSC ’60, Ozamiz City, Philippines, on July 8, 2019.
Wesley L. Streater ’79, Winona, on Nov. 14, 2018. Roger A. Nadolny ’82, Phoenix, Ariz., on Aug. 15, 2018.
Dr. John Chuchel ’60, Sacramento, Calif., on May 19, 2019.
Diane (Neira) Miller ’83, Minneapolis, on Feb. 10, 2019.
Gerald L. Fair ’60, Palatine, Ill., on Feb. 8, 2019.
David J. Seaman ’85, Winona, on March 25, 2019.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 53
CLASS NOTES Angela J. (Hoffmeister) Finley ’91, Estherville, Iowa, on Oct 12, 2018. Penelope M. Sweitzer M’97, Minneapolis, on Oct. 30, 2018. Albert T. Dashow ’02, Rochester, Minn., on March 27, 2019. Jill M. Hilleshiem M’08, Rochester, Minn., on May 20, 2019. Eric M. Tenvoorde ’11, St. Cloud, Minn., on Oct. 30, 2018.
FORMER FACULTY, STAFF, TRUSTEES Dr. Brian D. Zamboni, former faculty member, Minneapolis, on March 3, 2019. Raymond T. Denten, former trustee, on May 10, 2019.
Saint Mary’s says good bye to Dr. Robert Dolehide, Dr. Donald Morgan Robert A. Dolehide ’47, M.D., was a legend in the Chicago area. After practicing medicine for 50 years, his skill was renowned. In 2014, the native South Side Chicagoan received a Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit for his positive and long-lasting impact on generations of families and for his remarkable life as a physician and family man. He was also recognized for supporting a variety of causes, many of which are rooted in Catholic teachings. A member of Saint Mary’s Navy V-12 Program, Dr. Dolehide served in the Navy in World War II before returning to Saint Mary’s to study pre-med. He later earned a degree from Loyola University Medical School and practiced medicine for five decades in Chicago’s Beverly/Morgan Park community. He also served a medical director of pulmonary medicine at several area hospital. Dr. Dolehide died March 23, 2019. Donald Morgan, Ph.D., had taught physics at Saint Mary’s University for 38 years — between August 1961 to May 1998 — before his retirement. During his tenure, he served as department chair, division chair, and chair of the faculty. The wood turner and classical music lover also enjoyed gardening, playing Bridge, and being outdoors. He died May 8, 2018.
Sympathies John Sullivan ’50, on the death of his wife, Mary Joan Sullivan, on Oct. 3, 2018. Rudolph Kopischke ’69, William ’71 and Mardy (Tierney) Kopischke CST’71, Richard Kopischke ’73, Rev. Harry Jewison ’50, John Kopischke ’99, Kate Kopischke ’03, Michael Kopischke ’07, Carrie Russell ’09, Laura Polzin ’12, and Adam Polzin ’14 on the death of their mother, mother-inlaw, sister, and grandmother, Grace (Jewison) Kopischke, on June 18, 2018. She had many other nieces and nephews and extended family members who are Saint Mary’s and College of Saint Teresa alumni.
Vince ’72 and Kate (Bishop) Walker ’74, on the death of their mother-in-law and mother, Betty Bishop, on May 17, 2019. Richard ’74 and Teresa (Rhodes) McGee CST’79, on the death of their brother and brother-in-law, Robert McGee ’71, on June 16, 2019. Tom ’77, Mike ’80, and Mary (Michon) Marco ’87, on the death of their father, Emil Michon, on May 21, 2019. Tom ’79 and Barb (Berge) Singsank ’81, on the death of their mother and mother-in-law, Elaine Berge, on May 8, 2019.
54 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
Bethann Kemling ’80, M’18, on the death of her mother, LaVonne Kemling, on May 6, 2019. Mary (Denten) Wolski ’84 and Marty Denten ’84, on the death of their father, Raymond Denten, on May 10, 2019. David Finley ’91, C’93, Bridget Finley ’21, Judy Hoffmeister M’98, Jackie (Hoffmeister) Tiam ’93, and Nicolle (Hoffmeister) Eytcheson ’94, on the death of their wife, mother, and sister, Angela (Hoffmeister) Finley ’91, on Oct. 12, 2018.
Robert A. Dolehide ’47, M.D.
Donald Morgan, Ph.D.
FALL 2019 smumn.edu/magazine III 55
What’s
with you?
Alumni — send us your news! Saint Mary’s Magazine and our alumni class news website welcome contributions to the Alumni Class Notes sections. We want your personal and professional news items. Photos, news clippings, etc., are also welcome, as well as tips about fellow alumni who might make good feature story subjects. Photos will be displayed online only.
CAlEndAr UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE Oct. 12-15
Autumn recess
Nov. 27 – Dec. 2
Thanksgiving break
Mail or fax this form, or submit your news online or by email.
Dec. 17 – Jan. 12, 2020 Christmas break
SEND TO: SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 Fax: 507-457-6967 Contact us online: mysmumn.org Email: alumni@smumn.edu
Jan. 13
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Alumni Class Notes are printed in the Saint Mary’s Magazine or online so Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota alumni can share news of significant events in their lives. We welcome items about personal and professional achievements, as well as life milestones such as weddings, births, adoptions, and deaths. We do not print news of engagements or pregnancies. We also do not print notices of non-legal commitment ceremonies. Photos and news clippings are welcome, but cannot be returned. Announcements will run in the magazine or online. Photos will only appear online due to space constraints.
Oct. 12
Commencement ceremonies in Minneapolis
Oct. 27
Term 1 ends
Oct. 28
Term 2 begins
Dec. 22
Fall semester ends; Term 2 ends
Dec. 23-27
University holiday (all campuses closed)
Dec. 31 – Jan. 1, 2020
Spring semester and Term 2 begins
Jan. 6
Commencement ceremonies in Minneapolis
SCHOOLS OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
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.
Name
Class Year
Email Spouse’s name
Class Year
Email Address City, State, ZIP Home phone Business name Business address City, State, ZIP Business phone Your title Years in this position What’s new? n Check here if your son or daughter would like to receive Saint Mary’s admission materials. A representative will contact you for more details.
56 III smumn.edu/magazine FALL 2019
Semester II classes begin
LookiNg bAck
Thanking 50 years of women Whether you were a woman at Saint Mary’s in 1973 (top), 1999 (right), or 2011 (bottom), Saint Mary’s is forever grateful to you for enhancing this campus with your artistic talent, your sense of humor, your athletic skills, and your leadership skills. If you have more information about these photos, please contact Saint Mary’s Magazine editor, Deb Nahrgang. Mail comments to Saint Mary’s Magazine, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #36, Winona, MN 55987. Or, send email to: dnahrgan@smumn.edu.
WINONA CAMPUS 700 TERRACE HEIGHTS #21 WINONA, MN 55987-1399 USA
INSIDE THIS ISSUE n Saint
Mary’s students collaborate with WinCraft in first WinBowl
n Adducci
Science Center’s Hoffman and Brother Charles Halls
n Brother
William Hall Dedication
n Dr.
Phil A. Cochran ’77 Auditorium Dedication
n Celebrating
of Women
…and more!
50 Years