Saint Mary's Magazine - Spring/Summer 2020

Spring/Summer 2020

NEWS & VIEWS

Recognizing alumni working to combat COVID-19 inside • The Beatification of an Alumnus • A Future Full of Hope: Strategic Plan 2025 • The History of Women's Hockey

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Heroes On The Front Lines

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NEWS & VIEWS Spring/Summer 2020

Campus Resources ADMISSION VICE PRESIDENT, ADVANCEMENT AND COMMUNICATION

Winona Toll-free 800-635-5987, Ext. 1700 admission@smumn.edu

EDITOR

Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs Toll-free 866-437-2788, Ext. 207 tcadmission@smumn.edu

Audrey Kintzi, MS, ACFRE

Deb Nahrgang Phone: 507-457-6966 dnahrgan@smumn.edu

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Deb Nahrgang

PHOTOGRAPHERS Rick Bush Bob Conover Geoffrey DeMarsh Tim Gossen D'14

Alisa Macksey Deb Nahrgang Tom Roster

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, Ext. 4507

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Cheryl Boone Perez Robert Fisher ’97, M’06

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Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

ABOUT SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

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Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. At Saint Mary’s, students find in every classroom — whether in person or online — a relationshipdriven, person-centered education. Through intense inquiry, students discover the truths in the world and the character within. Founded in 1912 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota enrolls 5,600 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.

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NEWS & VIEWS

IN THIS ISSUE 4

Alumnus Beatification

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Signum Fidei

8

Heroes on the Front Lines

16

Strategic Plan Overview

26

Brother William Hall Dedication

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New Softball Locker Room

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Retirees

37

News & Views

43

Alumni

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ON THE COVER

Colleen Joyce ’10 (on cover) and her husband Joe Haynes ’09 are battling COVID-19 in Chicago.

Photo courtesy Hilda Burke, Angel Eyes Photography

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Class Notes

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

HONORING HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC →

It’s an image I hope I never forget. The photo is of 2018 alumna Mandy Sailor, dressed in full protective gear, leaping in the air at the end of her shift. As an RN who regularly looks COVID-19 in the face, Sailor’s work isn’t easy. There are days when the frustration, the exhaustion, and the sadness can be overwhelming.

But at the moment this photo was captured for eternity, at the end of what Sailor describes as a particularly stressful day, she chose joy.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Accompanying this photo on social media, she wrote:

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... this pandemic has humbled me in ways I never thought I would experience in my first year of nursing. Definitely choosing to lean into God and pray for the safety of our world. We are blessed to be breathing every single day and have the opportunity to show up for others."

Mandy Sailor '18

As a way to thank Sailor and our other Saint Mary’s frontline heroes, we began sharing their stories on our own social media channels. The names of alumni just kept coming. Each day we learned of additional alumni who are working in the medical field; are firefighters and police officers; are working in senior facilities and labs; are making masks; and are serving as essential workers. We proudly share just a few more of their stories in this issue.

The heroes I talked with have one common trait. They each felt a calling to help others that was far greater than their own fear for personal safety. As a nation, we will forever be indebted for their service and their strength. Their joy comes from knowing they played a direct role in helping others.

I also picture Vera Mueller, grandmother to Amy Mueller ’99 and mother to long-time Winona Campus maintenance worker Bob Mueller. Vera gained national notoriety in April for being the world’s oldest COVID-19 survivor. Local, state, and national news detailed how, once near death, this 104-year-old was making a miraculous recovery. At every milestone birthday, Mueller used to say, “I guess God doesn’t want me yet.”

But God, in the end, uncovered his plan for his faithful servant. For more than a week, her story, and her unwavering faith, inspired thousands of those who were afraid. Sadly, weak from the fight, she passed on April 18 — but not until after she

But stories of joy prevail. We hear of the incoming first-year class that has already grown close by sharing their experiences on social media; we have been impressed by the toilet paper challenges our athletic teams (and even some cabinet members) have shared; we are humbly grateful to those who — even in financially uncertain times — have made generous gifts to help Saint Mary’s overcome the financial shortfall it faces because of loss of room and board revenue; and we hear of students accomplishing amazing things academically, despite their challenging circumstances.

In the end, we are all heroes. Some of us are parents struggling to work online from home

Mandy Sailor '18

while simultaneously helping children with their online education. Some of us are treasured workers who have lost their jobs or worry about losing their businesses. Most of us have struggled emotionally while we’ve stayed home in an effort to "flatten the curve" and not overwhelm our frontline heroes. We’ve made phone calls, texted, and Zoomed with friends, all meaningful exchanges, but they pale in comparison to the shared meals, toasts, and celebrations we’re missing.

We all look forward to the day when we can hug and high-five one another safely once again.

Particularly, we look forward to the day when we welcome our students back to our campuses and classrooms. Imagine the joy. •

Deb Nahrgang SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE EDITOR

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

had brought joy to so many.

At Saint Mary’s, we would be remiss without talking about all the online educators, at all levels, who have been working tirelessly to keep students engaged and to assure their students don’t fall behind, all without the valuable personal contact. To overcome this seemingly impossible task, these educators have put in many long nights of preparations, taken crash courses in online technology, and tried to find alternative pathways. Likewise students everywhere, particularly those who would have graduated this spring, have missed out on events and opportunities they have looked forward to throughout their academic careers.

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BROTHER JAMES MILLER BEATIFICATION

AN ORDINARY MAN WHO DID EXTRAORDINARY THINGS →

It was beautiful, awe-inspiring, and a bit surreal — the grand celebration, beginning in Guatemala but extending worldwide.

Watching large crowds of attendees proudly holding pictures of the blessed Brother. The elaborate flowers and music, the dancing and rejoicing, the moving prayers.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

All of this for an ordinary man who did extraordinary things.

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On Dec. 7, 2019, the official beatification ceremony for Saint Mary’s alumnus Blessed Brother James Miller, FSC ’66, M’74 was held in Guatemala. Simultaneously, a celebration was held on Saint Mary’s Winona Campus.

A group of Saint Mary’s administration attended the ceremony in Huehuetenango, including Tim Gossen D’14, vice president for Student Affairs and Student Life; Brother Robert Smith, FSC ’76, Ph.D., senior vice president for University Initiatives and special advisor to the president; Ann Merchlewitz M’95, J.D., general counsel and

university secretary; Marcy Van Fossen, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s trustee; and Alisa Macksey, dean of Student Success and First Generation Initiative.

They were joined by Winona Brothers Francis Carr, FSC ’66; Pat Conway, FSC ’75, M’80, Ed.D.; and Stephan Markham, FSC ’66. Each said the event left them feeling immense pride for being Lasallian and for Saint Mary’s connection to Blessed James.

“He was just a big man, a big presence,” Dr. Gossen said. “But for me, he was just normal.

I think similarly about Saint John Baptist de La Salle or some of the other people who we recognize within the Brothers’ religious order.

They are just normal men who have done extraordinary things. And in this case, and in many other cases, they stood up for the rights of their students.”

Blessed James grew up near Stevens Point, Wis., on a farm, where he learned the value of hard work, a love of the outdoors, and a knack for repairing things. The nickname “Brother Fix It”

would later be given to this man who was most comfortable wearing coveralls and a toolbelt.

He was known as a man with a larger-than-life persona, a boisterous laugh, and a calling to serve.

After teaching in Saint Paul, Minn., for several years, he worked with youth in Nicaragua and eventually Guatemala, where he taught job and leadership skills to the young indigenous people.

Blessed James was only 37 when he was shot and killed as he was mending a wall outside of the school in 1982. He was approached by three men, who shot him several times before fleeing; and they were never brought to justice. It is suspected that Blessed James was killed because he and the other Brothers fought to keep their young students from being forced into the military.

In one of his last letters before he died, he wrote:

Blessed James Miller ’66, M’74

Worshippers received a copy of posters featuring the icon of Blessed James.

Pope Francis recognized the martyrdom of Blessed James on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. As a martyr, Blessed James must have one miracle posthumously attributed to him to reach the next (and final) level toward official sainthood, which is canonization. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Lasallian high school students posed in front of the newly unveiled icon of Blessed James at his beatification ceremony in Guatemala.

Aware of numerous dangers and difficulties, we continue working with faith and hope and trusting in God’s Providence … I pray to God for the grace and strength to serve Him faithfully among the poor and oppressed in Guatemala. I place my life in His Providence. I place my trust in Him"

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A group of Saint Mary's administrators and Christian Brothers gathered near a bust of Blessed James including, from left: Tim Gossen D'14, vice president for Student Affairs and Student Life; Marcy Van Fossen, Ph.D., Saint Mary's trustee; Ann Merchlewitz M’95, J.D., general counsel and university secretary; Brother Robert Schieler, FSC, Ed.D, Superior General; Brother Robert Smith, FSC '76, Ph.D., senior vice president for University Initiatives and special advisor to the president; Brother Gustavo Ramíriz Barba, FSC, previous trustee and general councilor for Lasallian Higher Education; Alisa Macksey, dean of Student Success and First Generation Initiative; and Brother Tim Coldwell, FSC, general councilor for the Region of RELAN (District of Eastern North America).

→

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Members of Blessed James' family attended the Winona ceremony honoring his beatification.

Local bishops, archbishops, and cardinals attended the beatification ceremony in Guatemala.

SIGNUM FIDEI →

On Dec. 7, 2019, Saint Mary’s University presented Signum Fidei Awards to two districts of De La Salle Christian Brothers, in coordination with and in honor of Blessed James’ beatification ceremony in Guatemala.

September 2014 to the Bishop (now Cardinal) of Huehuetenango (the place of Blessed James’ death), Álvaro Leonel Ramazzini Imeri. The second was to Pope Francis, given at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City in April 2015.

Signum Fidei Awards were given to De La Salle Christian Brothers Michael Ferhenbach, FSC, Visitor, Midwest District, and Alberto Mairena Floripe, FSC, Visitor, Central America-Panama District, in recognition of Blessed James’ ministry in both the Midwest and Central American provinces.

The award itself is a miniature bronze bust of Blessed James atop a piece of limestone that was quarried in Winona. The bust is a replica, prepared by Minnesota artist Alec M. Smith, of the life-sized memorial to Blessed James that was installed at the entrance of Residencia Santiago Miller, a student residence hall on the Winona Campus, and was dedicated during the university’s centennial celebration in 2013.

The Signum Fidei Award was established by the university as a way to honor the life and work of Blessed James. It is bestowed on an individual, group, or organization in recognition of extraordinary service to the vulnerable and marginalized members of society. It also recognizes and honors work that promotes human solidarity. Its name, signum fidei (or “sign of faith”), is taken from the great seal of the Lasallian family, the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

The Signum Fidei Award is the university’s most prestigious award and has been presented only two previous times. It was first awarded in

The fact that the same casting of the life-size bust now has a second permanent home at the center where Blessed James gave his life connects and unites Saint Mary’s and Casa Indígena Santiago Miller in a special way.

Additionally on Dec. 7, proceeds from Saint Mary’s No Cell Phone Day fundraiser were given to Casa Hermano Santiago Miller, the Guatemalan school where Blessed James worked that now bears his name. The gift will be used for scholarships — carrying forward his life’s work to care for these students. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Brother Robert Smith, FSC '75, Ph.D., presents Signum Fidei Awards to De La Salle Christian Brothers Alberto Mairena Floripe, FSC, Visitor, Central America-Panama District, and Michael Ferhenbach, FSC, Visitor, Midwest District. Looking on is Superior General Brother Robert Schieler, FSC, Ed.D., right.

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HEROES ON THE FRONT LINES

CHARLES THIBAULT →

As an Army Reserve medic, Sgt. Chuck Thibault ’21 is trained for trauma situations in battle, things such as gunshots and explosions.

He never dreamed he’d be working 12-hour shifts battling the coronavirus in the epicenter of this pandemic. But when he describes his work, which can be tiring and challenging, the words he chooses instead are rewarding and meaningful.

The junior criminal justice major from Shoreview, Minn., joined the Army Reserve nearly three years ago out of a desire to help others and a love for his country.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Chuck Thibault '21 at work in a make-shift hospital in New Jersey.

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This spring he joined the more than 900 service members who were mobilized to combat the pandemic. In April, he and others in the 807th MC (DS) COVID-19 Army Reserve medical response team arrived in Edison, N.J., to work at a convention center converted into a make-shift hospital.

Thibault worked the night shift, where he helped to treat COVID-19 positive patients who were transferred in from other area hospitals.

In April, Sgt. Chuck Thibault '21 joined more than 900 service members mobilized to combat the pandemic.

The facility, he explained, was established to provide overflow care, take some strain off local hospitals, and provide needed relief for area medical personnel. Sgt. Thibault said he and other medical staff watched their patient numbers increase quickly. He estimated he personally saw about 20-30 patients each day, many of whom only spoke Spanish.

“First they got sick with this virus, and when they came to our facility, everyone was all dressed up in personal protective equipment (PPE) so they couldn’t really see our faces. We tried to be friendly with them and put them at ease and conversed with them to get them as comfortable as we could.”

Located just 45 minutes from downtown New York City, Sgt. Thibault said he knew he was working in the epicenter of the pandemic. As he’s young and healthy, he worried less for his own personal safety than for those he worked with.

At the start of his shift, he carefully suited up in his PPE. Should he need to use the restroom or get a drink, he had to carefully remove his PPE, sanitize, and wash, and then dress in new PPE before re-entering.

Patients transferred to his facility were typically on oxygen but were relatively stable. “We gave them medications and tried to wean them off of oxygen,” he said. “They didn’t need to be in the ICU, but they weren’t ready to go home yet either.

Our goal was to get them stable and healthy and then discharge them.

Sgt. Chuck Thibault '21

“It was a good feeling to get people out of there.

You knew you were making a difference. The best part was knowing you were there helping people in an area where they really needed it, so it was very rewarding.”

Sgt. Thibault said he’s grateful to Saint Mary’s for allowing him to take a leave of absence and still complete his studies. And he was grateful for being able to virtually talk to friends and family back home. “I’m not really one to get down easily,” he said. “I knew it would be worse if we weren’t there, so it was easier to put it all into perspective. Someone had to be here, and I’m glad it was me and the others I worked with.”

It was difficult, he admitted, to not know how long he would be stationed so far from home.

“The unknown can be daunting, and the whole situation was and is unknown,” he said. “I knew there were people back home doing well, and I know that this will all be over eventually. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

“I’ve taken many years of Spanish, and luckily I paid attention in class,” he said.

“I was able to ask them if they had pain or if they would like anything. I could tell them I was going to take their temperature.

That was all really helpful because I would have been scared if I were them.

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HEROES ON THE FRONT LINES

COLLEEN JOE JOYCE HAYNES →

Colleen Joyce ’10 and her husband Joe Haynes ’09 say they wonder regularly which one of them will contract COVID-19 first.

They know, deep down, the question is ultimately more of a “when” than an “if.”

Joyce, an RN2 who works at Rush University Medical Center in downtown Chicago, and Haynes, a firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department, are on the front lines of the pandemic, and frequently come face-to-face with the highly infectious disease.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Colleen Joyce '10, at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago

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“Every time we get out of the fire truck, we never know what we’re about to walk into,” Haynes said.

“It’s very worrisome. I come home to her and she comes home to me, and we work in the fields most affected by it. It’s always in the forefront of our thoughts. But it’s the job we signed up for. We know that we’ve got a job to do, and we try to do it the best we can and stay optimistic and hope it ends as quickly as possible.”

“We’re both taking extra precautions," Joyce added. “We wash our hands a thousand times a day. I always wear a mask. I don’t think there’s such a thing as too many precautions. Neither of us can go to work if either of us gets it. And we don’t want to stay home; we want to be out there.”

Joe Haynes '09, a member of the Chicago Fire Department

The couple, who married about a year ago, met more than 11 years ago as undergraduate students on Saint Mary’s Winona Campus. They share an obvious affinity for Chicago, for their two dogs,

Joyce majored in biology, knowing from her days of being a nanny that she wanted to work in the medical field; Haynes majored in English, went into the military, and became a prosecutor for the city of Chicago before joining the fire department nearly a year ago.

“I knew in college that I wanted to go into public service,” he said. “I knew as a firefighter I would also be able to still practice law and would be able to help two-fold. I joined the fire department just in time for this national crisis, so I’m able to put my money where my mouth is.”

In mid March the couple completed a whirlwind tour of Europe, returning just two days before President Donald Trump suspended international travel because of safety concerns.

Their jobs changed instantly.

Haynes sees patients on the front end, responding to 911 calls and serving as a trained emergency medical technician. He and others on the truck respond to everything from gunshot wounds to emergency transports. In spring, he began seeing a lot of people who had COVID-19 symptoms who called 911 because they were having difficulty breathing.

If the patients are taken to Rush, there’s a possibility they will end up in Joyce’s COVID-19 unit. Joyce also serves as a clinical instructor for the hospital nursing program, and she recently transitioned into an interim director position — shortly before COVID-19 arrived in Chicago. “I got thrown into this madness,” she said.

When patients arrive via ambulance, after being admitted, they wait in her 32-bed unit (one of two the hospital established, in addition to multiple ICU COVID units). If they are negative, they are sent to another unit. If they are positive, they stay, unless they require intensive care.

“We monitor them very closely because it is a respiratory condition,” Joyce said. “We have a really good team on my unit who really took this on and has been very resilient. I feel like we’re learning from each patient. I’m so proud of how my staff has responded. It makes me proud to be a nurse and to work with them.”

Though days are long and draining — and having to quarantine themselves from the family they love has been an added emotional strain — the two find ways to remain positive. For Joyce, it’s about watching patients recover (like one patient who went back and forth from her unit to the ICU twice but is now home quarantining and doing well). “Seeing so many people recover gives me hope that we’re taking the right steps and going in the right direction,” she said.

She also described the overwhelming support Chicagoland businesses have shown her and other healthcare workers — by providing food, gift cards, and other gestures — as amazing.

For Haynes, it’s about how everyone has put aside their differences to get through this crisis together. “It’s lending perspective,” he said. “In this political climate, people are putting their differences aside. We’re all in this together, and we’re trying to get through this together, and that’s a bright spot for me.”

And, they enjoy coming home to each other and their two dogs, Lucy and Layla. “They are so excited when I walk in the door they make me forget about what I see every day,” Joyce said.

“They’re the best therapy.” They also give thanks for the technological advancements that allow them to connect virtually with friends and family, including the supportive friends they made at Saint Mary’s.

“My years at Saint Mary’s with Colleen were the best years of my life so far,” Haynes said. “We’ve made lifelong friendships, we had inspirational teachers, and when that day comes, we’ll encourage our children to attend Saint Mary’s.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

for (the late and great) Father Andrew Fabian of the Philosophy Department, for their alma mater, and for helping others.

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HEROES ON THE FRONT LINES

ELLEN SCHREDER →

Ellen Schreder’s voice cracks emotionally when she speaks of her Haitian friends and what she describes as their “infectious hope and joy.”

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, she constantly fears for their safety.

“They’re being told to wash their hands, but 80 percent of them don’t have access to running water,” she said.

“They’re being told to socially distance but they can’t. Their food is purchased in open markets … where they are shoulder to shoulder with each other, and they live in close proximity to one another.”

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

And if they do get sick, she adds, there’s no access to medical care.

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Schreder said she read there are an estimated 60 ventilators in all of Haiti (which has an estimated population of 11.5 million). In truth, she discovered there are maybe 20 functioning ventilators, and medical personnel don’t know how to properly use them.

“They’re dying in their homes and not being counted because nobody knows,” she said.

“We’ll never know.”

Schreder, who is a partner at a Minneapolis law firm, first fell in love with the people of Haiti

when she visited the country with her daughter on a mission trip about 15 years ago. In 2014, she and colleague Dr. Leslee Jaeger established a way to support Haitians in supporting themselves through Days for Girls and Helping Haiti Work.

It began with teaching Haitians to construct reusable menstrual products but, in the wake of the pandemic, has switched to manufacturing cloth masks.

Schreder had discovered that without access or funding to purchase proper sanitary products, girls in Haiti and other Third World countries were often forced to miss school for a week every month. Ultimately, she said, many dropped out of school.

Schreder and Jaeger began helping Haitian women develop valuable sewing skills, as well as a business plan for constructing and marketing sustainable feminine hygiene solutions. From their newfound income, the Haitian workers could now support their families, and countless girls were given the supplies and confidence they needed to stay in school. Schreder and Jaeger lead the Days for Girls Enterprise Team in Haiti (the only one in existence in Haiti).

When Haitian nonprofits began seeing a large demand for cloth masks this spring, they switched priorities. Haitian workers had constructed upwards of 6,000 masks by April 21.

At $2 each, the seamstresses are taking home about 50 cents per mask, which is greatly helping their families.

Another outcome of the pandemic has been an extreme rise in the price of food. Schreder recently raised $3,600 from family and friends, which was used to purchase large quantities of food for Haitian families. Even with cash, because of the current food scarcity in Haiti, it was difficult to find what they needed.

Too often, Schreder said, Haitians are forgotten.

Ellen Schreder with some of her Haitian seamstresses.

by the surprised exclamation, “Miss Ellen; you came back!”

“No one is ever as happy to see me as my Haitian friends,” she said.

But when they leave, they never return.

Schreder looks forward to her return visits, which are now three or four times a year. In September, she led a group that included other Saint Mary’s alumnae Mary (Hennessy) Pawlowski ’82 and Cindy (Chamberlain) Budd ’82. Schreder attended Saint Mary’s for two years, between 1980 and 1982, and she made lifelong friends during that time. She was excited to introduce her U.S. friends to her Haiti friends.

Schreder said back in 2014 she had visited Haiti for about a week to teach women how to sew.

She had discovered that her team of local sewers were very skilled but that they had rushed to get through the first round of production and earn as much as they could. They assumed she — like so many before her — would never return. On the first of many return trips, Schreder was greeted

“I can tell people about this all day long every day and unless you go there and see it, and touch it, and smell it, and feel it ... It gets me choked up just talking about it. I look at them and I see they have nothing and they are so happy,” she said.

“And then I come back here and look at all that we have, and people just don’t get it. It’s life altering.

I have a lot to learn from them.” •

Sometimes, she explained, visitors from more affluent countries visit Haiti on a volunteer mission. They come bearing gifts and they stay a few days, maybe a week, and help with building projects or other chores.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

The orders keep coming in, and like here in the U.S., many businesses are closed, and material is hard to come by.

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HEROES ON THE FRONT LINES

JEREMY ZACHER

→

Jeremy Zacher M’19 doesn’t ever see or interact with patients at Mayo Clinic, yet his work is vital to the frontline heroes testing and treating COVID-19 patients.

As an education coordinator and instructor in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Zacher and his team support departmental education and all of the educators for more than 60 laboratories at Mayo Clinic. His personal areas of focus are online training and leadership development.

The advance of COVID-19 has dramatically shifted his work plan priorities. “Though education is obviously still important, we have shifted into a support mode to help with technology issues, work with assignments for online training, and assisting staff with working more efficiently and effectively,” he said. “Each day is a little different with the challenges we tackle.”

One of those challenges has been training lab workers doing COVID-19 lab testing.

Saint Mary’s Magazine ••Spring/Summer Spring/Summer2020 2020

“Much of what I do deals with online training and education, so this has been all about supporting our staff and helping them adapt quickly,” he said.

“We have many laboratory staff members who are redeployed to help with the COVID-19 testing, so they need to be trained quickly so that they can contribute as soon as possible. My work as of late has included creating online training, videos, and quick reference guides for staff to use in their training.”

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Though much of the Mayo Clinic laboratory staff still needs to be on site, many are now working from home for the first time, so Zacher and his team are there to train and answer questions.

“Many of those working from home have never had to deal with that sort of challenge before, so we are supporting them through the change,” Zacher said. “Part of that includes teaching them about the technologies, but also we try to support

the well-being of the employees. We work with a variety of people, some of whom haven’t previously had to do meetings online. It’s about getting people more comfortable with using the technology, providing them with resources to work from home, and helping them feel good about what they’re doing on a daily basis.”

He admits getting his master’s degree was something he’d always wanted to do but had put off for quite some time, telling himself his workload and his family life would make it too difficult. But after working at Mayo Clinic for about 15 years, he decided the time was right and that a master’s degree would open up the door to more opportunities.

“I looked at a variety of programs, and the LDT program stood out because of how it fit with both my work and my own interests. Because education and technology have really been passions of mine, it seemed like a great fit. I was able to modify and adapt what I was learning directly to the work I was doing, which made it seem less like another task to manage and more like a way of enhancing the things I was already doing. One top of that, the support I got throughout the process from my classmates and professors was outstanding.”

Zacher said the experience continues to benefit him in his career; for starters, after successfully balancing school, work, and family life, he feels confident in his ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines all at once.

“Much of what I do for the department is to help our educators and trainers become better at what

Jeremy Zacher M'19 assists with online training and leadership development at Mayo Clinic.

they do, so it was great to be able to share what I learned with my colleagues at the same time that I was improving myself and developing into a more effective leader for our laboratories and for Mayo Clinic.”

Although Zacher said it’s both humbling and exciting to be a part of the COVID-19 fight, he doesn’t consider himself a hero. “We have so many great researchers, technologists, specialists, and lab assistants who are on the front lines, collecting samples, testing specimens, and searching for answers, and I see them as the real heroes of all of this because of how vitally important their work is to keeping everyone safe and healthy.

“Mayo Clinic’s primary value is that ‘the needs of the patient come first’,” he said. “For those of us in roles that don’t see patients, sometimes it’s hard to truly visualize what that means, but in today’s world, it’s very apparent to see the impact we are having on the lives of so many people.

I am just happy to be able to do my part and contribute where I can.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Zacher is finding multiple ways to directly apply what he learned in Saint Mary’s M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology program. He graduated in 2019.

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STRATEGIC PLAN

BUILDING A FUTURE FULL OF HOPE →

On Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, the Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees approved the strategic plan to steer the university’s activities, investments, and priorities over the next five years.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

“Building a Future Full of Hope 2025” is the result of more than 10 months of intense collaboration among and commitment from many different stakeholders, including faculty, staff, board members, alumni, and students.

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Embarking upon the strategic planning process was made possible by this commitment and collaboration. Together, we have created a pathway to success for our university, a pathway that embraces our Lasallian Catholic heritage while remaining open to all people of good will; a pathway that manages our resources responsibly while creating capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship; a pathway that positions Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota to become, over the next five years, a leader for regionally dominant and nationally prominent programs and services that emphasize excellence and competence.

In the past 15 months, we have already taken great strides toward meeting our goals:

• Brian Schmisek, Ph.D., was named as provost to better help lead the university to even higher levels of academic prominence and national recognition.

• Michelle Wieser, Ph.D., was named dean

of the School of Business and Technology, and she has since restructured the school to better respond to market demands and changing enrollment patterns.

• Leadership for enrollment across the

university was consolidated into the role of a vice provost for enrollment management and Tim Albers was named to this role.

• An assistant vice president for Finance -

budgeting and planning – was hired to assist with deploying new models and planning tools to allocate resources for the strategic plan.

• The administration of programs was

restructured within the School of Education to better respond to market demands, changing enrollments, and open positions.

This restructure included reallocation of positions to Admissions, Marketing, and Student Central, consolidating certain functions which were previously run separately in the school.

• We restructured Marketing and

Communication to align several open positions with meeting strategic enrollment goals and hired a new associate vice president to oversee this area.

• The search for the vice president for

Inclusion and Human Dignity was launched.

More than 1,500 stakeholders were involved in creating our strategic plan. As we now implement it, we will continue to need involvement, engagement, and support from thousands more. This knowledge, this abiding belief in the dedication of the Saint Mary’s community, is the basis for the plan, and the basis for its name: Building A Future Full of Hope. •

LIVE OUR LASALLIAN CATHOLIC HERITAGE

AREAS OF FOCUS:

Create opportunities to distinguish Saint Mary’s University by building on the Lasallian Catholic tradition.

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Lasallian Catholic approach

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Universitywide wellness

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Universitywide diversity and inclusion

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Character education and virtue formation

Lasallian Catholic formation (networking, recruitment, professional development)

GROW ENROLLMENT

AREAS OF FOCUS:

Pursue new markets and emphasize student success to grow total enrollment.

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New markets: high school pipeline, • international, students with prior education and work experience

Student success, retention, and completion (residential, on-ground, and online)

FOSTER INNOVATION

AREAS OF FOCUS:

Create innovative educational models, pedagogies, locations, and pathways that integrate across undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree levels.

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New non-degree programming (stackable credentials, trade guild)

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Leverage physical locations (Minneapolis, Rochester, Winona)

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Program flexibility (residential, on-ground, online, hybrid)

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Spaces and support for faculty and staff development

EXCEL THROUGH EXCELLENCE AND RELEVANCE

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Regionally dominant, nationally prominent programs

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Alignment with workforce needs

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Faculty and staff development

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Career support for students

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Stronger industry partnerships and alumni connections

STEWARD RESOURCES

AREAS OF FOCUS:

Create long-term financial sustainability through improved enrollment, efficiency, strategic partnerships, and philanthropy.

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Institutional effectiveness/operational integration

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Asset utilization

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Strategic partnerships

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Philanthropy

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

AREAS OF FOCUS:

Support enrollment growth goals by evolving our academic program portfolio to achieve greater excellence and alignment with student and workforce needs.

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STRATEGIC PLAN

Adducci Science Center ACHIEVING GOALS:

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The Adducci Science Center’s Brother Charles and Hoffman halls are transforming into a space for innovation and collaboration.

Through a $17 million initiative, Saint Mary’s is creating a space for state-of-the-art classrooms, learning spaces, and labs for business and the sciences (including math, psychology, nursing, and computer science).

Saint Mary’s knows that interdisciplinary efforts are critical now more than ever.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

In fields ranging from business to healthcare, it takes a team of experts to examine issues, challenges, and opportunities from a variety of perspectives.

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“No one person, or one discipline, has all of the knowledge necessary to solve our most challenging problems,” said Todd Reinhart, Sc.D., dean of Sciences and Health Professions.

The proposed trading lab.

Where STEM researchers can provide scientific solutions, psychology researchers can generate insight into behavior, and business experts can weigh in with economic and legal factors, each

A rendering of the new Adducci Science Center's Brother Charles and Hoffman halls.

“There’s a whole new discipline that’s emerged in science which is the discipline of ‘team science.’

It’s now its own scholarly discipline to study how disciplines work together to solve complex problems,” he added. “National leaders are calling it ‘convergence.’ We know that in solving these longstanding societal issues, we need experts from various perspectives and disciplines to weigh in and ultimately come up with solutions that should have a much higher chance of being successful.”

Plans In addition to an updated exterior, which will be visible to traffic and visitors from U.S. Highway 14, the building will house the following highlights:

• A nursing suite, as well as a state-of-the art

nursing skills lab and high-tech classrooms

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Simulation and control rooms, where students can practice clinical skills until they have developed a sense of proficiency

• A debrief room, one of the most important components of simulations

• A makerspace, which combines the functions of a lab, machine shop, wood shop, digital studio, and social learning environment, empowering students to literally build their own solutions through hands-on learning

• A trading lab, which will place the global

market at the epicenter of student learning

• A data analytics lab, which will be furnished

with technology widely used in the industry of data analysis, business forecasting, modeling operations management, market analysis, and project management

• Computational lab and innovative classroom, which provides a space for students to share digital content with small groups and the entire class through its video conferencing capabilities

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

of which combine to influence whether products, services, or solutions will ultimately be successful.

As Dr. Reinhart pointed out, “You can have the best product in the world, like an effective vaccine, and people might not use it. It’s not about just developing a product that meets a societal need, it’s about also getting people to use it or buy it, and that’s where our behavioral psychologists come in. Also, our business professionals can provide critical data analytics and market research.

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STRATEGIC PLAN Double your gift through $5 million anonymous match

Students in a variety of disciplines will learn in this reimagined space.

• Environmental biology lab, which will

increase our capacity to teach hands-on laboratory techniques and foster research projects

• Human behavioral laboratory, which will

allow students to record audio and video from a control room while an intercom enables communication with test participants in an observation room. Equipment inside will measure brain activity and visual perception

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Sales training suite, which provides students with real-world business environments, a call center, and a video recording component

• Teaching and research greenhouse, which

is designed for research in botany, genetics, plant physiology, molecular biology, and ecology

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

• Flex classroom, which is enclosed in glass

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and can be used for multiple purposes and events

• Multi-disciplinary labs, which will have 24/7 access by biology and chemistry students

• Collaborative terrace, which is a covered

outdoor classroom extension and event space

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Student learning commons, which foster collaborative gatherings

Construction to this point has been made possible through the generosity of benefactors. In 2019, an anonymous donor pledged a $5 million matching grant to Saint Mary’s University to be used to renovate and expand the Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman and Brother Charles halls.

The gift is matching, dollar for dollar, all new contributions received since May 10, 2019.

“Our anonymous benefactor is a successful businessperson who supports business at Saint Mary’s and all the great work that’s being done,” said Audrey Kintzi, vice president for Advancement and Communication. “This benefactor understands the importance of providing today’s business students with a quality education that also addresses business ethics, focuses on working collaboratively, and provides real-world experiences. And, this person believes we are doing great work in the dynamic area of big data analysis. Through this generous gift, our anonymous benefactor is both acknowledging our accomplishments, but also challenging us to expand and grow.”

Kintzi added she wanted to recognize the many other individuals and business partners who have also stepped up to support this initiative, including Jerry Colletti ’69, Jim Coogan ’69, Betty Kabara, Merchants Bank, WNB Financial, and the estate of the late Jan Chlebowski ’65. •

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To support the renovation of the Adducci Science Center and take advantage of the $5 million match, contact Kintzi at akintzi@smumn.edu or 507-457-1486.

STRATEGIC PLAN

The proposed makerspace.

Character and Virtue Grant ACHIEVING GOAL:

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Saint Mary’s University receives $1.7 million grant to develop character and virtue programs for educational administrators

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has been awarded a $1,732,643 grant from the Kern Family Foundation for the university’s School of Education Character and Virtue Initiative.

Using grant funding, Saint Mary’s will develop an enhanced curriculum for current and future educational leaders that places a strong emphasis on moral character, virtue, and ethics.

“Saint Mary’s is a Lasallian Catholic university with a strong reputation for preparing the majority of our state’s educators and educational administrators, and — thanks to this generous grant from the Kern Family — we will strengthen the licensing programs for principals and superintendents, as well as directors of special education, by placing character and virtue education philosophies and practices into current programming,” said Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary’s.

“This initiative aims to change the face of education today by equipping educational administrators with the framework for virtue that needs to be at the forefront in our schools, and in the hearts and minds of those leading our schools.”

Other components of the initiative include establishing an annual retreat on character and virtue in leadership, developing a Character and Virtue School Leadership Academy, designing a character and virtue professional development series for partner schools, and creating online modules. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

The course content will be enhanced using the University of Birmingham’s (UK) Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtue framework. It will be customized to align with the Lasallian Virtues of a Good Teacher and the Cardinal Virtues matrix already informing the university’s mission and practices.

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STRATEGIC PLAN

B.S. Nursing Program ACHIEVING GOALS:

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In responding to the needs of the healthcare industry, Saint Mary’s is developing a B.S. in Nursing program.

Saint Mary’s ongoing expansion in healthcarerelated academic offerings — and its plan to establish a B.S. in Nursing program in fall 2021 — stems from market research and an identified need in the workforce.

“We know with the changing demographics and aging of the workforce, there’s continued need for nurses and nurse anesthetists," said Todd Reinhart, Sc.D., dean of Sciences and Health Professions. “And we also know that we’re going to continue to need educated policy and prevention personnel. One of the biggest examples of this we are seeing today is with COVID-19.”

With its forward-thinking and constantly adapting programming, Saint Mary’s is garnering a reputation for being a leading force in meeting growing needs in the healthcare sector.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

• Each year, dozens of applicants to Saint

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Mary’s University don’t matriculate because they are specifically interested in studying nursing, so Dr. Reinhart said the undergraduate student demand for a B.S. in Nursing is evident. Additionally, he said seven clinical agency partners from southern Minnesota and the metro area have agreed to partner with Saint Mary’s on student clinical education., and more relationships are forthcoming.

• The Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman and

First-year students are on the fast track to begin a meaningful and versatile career in the medical field.

Brother Charles halls, now under renovation on the Winona Campus, include a dedicated nursing suite with a large clinical skills lab, a high fidelity nursing simulation center, as well as faculty offices and learning hubs.

Saint Mary’s just admitted its second cohort for the 3+2 Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program in collaboration with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. This highly competitive program for incoming first-year students puts them on the fast track to begin a meaningful and versatile career in the medical field — and to ultimately work within the Midwest for Mayo Clinic Health System.

They spend three years studying on the Winona Campus. The following two years, they learn from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences faculty at Saint Mary’s Rochester Campus and have clinical learning experiences at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and throughout Mayo Clinic Health System.

At the conclusion of their fourth year, they earn a Bachelor of Arts in Biology Health Science degree from Saint Mary’s University, and at the end of their fifth year, they earn a Master of Health Sciences in PA Studies degree from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.

This fall, Saint Mary’s will have 35 students enrolled in this program, and as a result, the university’s four-year Biology/Pre PA Studies program is also growing fast, with 11 students enrolled.

• The Minneapolis Saint Paul Business Journal

reported that a bachelor’s in nursing from Saint Mary’s boasts a median first-year salary of $88,400 — a top earning per federal data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Additionally, the nursing program at Saint Mary's is featured on the 2020 Best Campus & Online Colleges lists (as #2 in 2020 Best Master’s Nursing Degrees and #7 as Best Online Bachelor’s Nursing Degrees).

• The Minneapolis Saint Paul Business Journal also reported that Minnesota’s highest

first-year earners are certified registered nurse anesthetists who earned their master’s degrees from Saint Mary’s University.

Leah Gordon M’10, D.N.P., director of the university’s M.S. in Nurse Anesthesia program, said Saint Mary’s graduates are in demand right now. This program recently received a maximum level of re-accreditation.

Additionally, Saint Mary’s School of Health and Human Services is developing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which will be a blended online and residential experience.

• Dr. Reinhart said that students coming

into the Master of Public Health program program are often in lab positions and are looking to expand their careers to be more community focused. “This program is a perfect combination if you understand science and benchwork and want to learn how to apply that to community and public health issues,” he said.

Dr. Reinhart added that today’s healthcare systems want to increase their patient care bandwidth, particularly in rural areas, and Saint Mary’s 3+2 PA program directly addresses that need, as does the M.S. in Nurse Anesthesia program, and soon the developing pre-licensure B.S. in Nursing program.

“In rural areas, that’s where CRNAs really can practice at the top of the care spectrum,” he said.

“We’re helping to meet those rural needs. We have clinical placements in rural areas to help with relationship building and the job placement, and our graduates are sought after. Graduates of our PA program will also fill an existing need that Mayo Clinic has in their rural medical centers.

“It’s ultimately about helping today’s healthcare system provide affordable quality care,” he said.

“We’re working to help strengthen the workforce and address the economic challenges within that workforce.”•

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

•

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STRATEGIC PLAN

Stackable Credentials ACHIEVING GOALS:

Establishing groundbreaking business pathways

Dean Michelle Wieser, Ph.D.

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Soon Saint Mary’s business and technology students will be able to design new pathways to graduate degrees, take advantage of new opportunities for career advancement, and be able to build their own customized educational experiences.

Saint Mary’s School of Business and Technology is thinking outside of the box with a new customizable and stackable series of graduate certificates — called Saint Mary’s Accelerators.

In 2019, Saint Mary’s MBA program was recognized as the third largest in the state, and Saint Mary’s will leverage this reputation and its longstanding history of innovation with an increased focus on business education opportunities for graduate students. In alignment with Strategic Initiative #3: Pilot a Pathways Concept in Business, the School of Business and Technology plans to develop a “stackable” series of graduate certificates, allowing students to customize pathways to their degree. Future phases of this work will involve exploring accelerated completion pathways (certificates stacking together to form a full program), nondegree professional education and boot camps, and undergraduate certificates.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

In her efforts to strengthen, innovate, and differentiate the School of Business and Technology, Dean Michelle Wieser, Ph.D., is moving to make Saint Mary’s a destination school in this area.

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In phase one of this initiative, 10 graduate certificates will launch in fall 2020.

Stackable credentials will allow students to customize pathways to a degree.

The first 10 certificates are created out of courses currently offered in existing programs and are only online. New certificate programs and certificates to be offered in the university’s blended (online and on ground) programs will be explored in subsequent phases.

• BUSINESS ANALYTICS • HEALTHCARE ANALYTICS • ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE • NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT

“When a person is committing to go back to school, it can sometimes be daunting to consider a significant time and financial commitment,” she added. “By pursuing a graduate certificate, students can gain immediate marketable skills with a much lower commitment of resources.

And, they can receive credit for the full certificate when pursuing an accelerated MBA or another one of our specialized master’s programs.”

• INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The value of this stackable strategy is that students can customize an educational plan that meets their specific needs. For example, a student could take a certificate in project management, advance his or her career in the field, and then decide to apply the certificate toward the full master’s degree in project management. Another student may complete a certificate in a particular discipline and then stack it onto a full program in a different discipline. For example, if a person is a project manager for a nonprofit organization, he or she may choose to take the certificate in nonprofit management and then later stack it into the M.S. in Project Management degree, allowing him or her to create a path that fits his or her unique career. •

• HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

• HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION • FINANCE • PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• DATA ENGINEERING (BLENDED) • ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION (BLENDED IN ROCHESTER AND LAUNCHING SPRING OF 2021)

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

According to Wieser, this approach to graduate education puts the student in the driver’s seat.

“Students have the chance to change or accelerate their careers by acquiring knowledge in a more specialized and condensed format,” she said.

“As they complete a certificate, they can then decide if they would like to pursue an additional certificate or a full master’s degree program — immediately or down the road.

NEW GRADUATE CERTIFICATES IN THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY APPROVED TO BEGIN IN FALL 2020

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These certificates can stand alone or build into a full degree, stack onto a different type of degree, or serve as a specialization to the accelerated MBA (AMBA). Eventually they will also be designed to stack to other certificates to form a self-designed master’s degree, following a similar approach to the university’s current M.A. in Integrated Studies program.

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NEWS & VIEWS

BROTHER WILLIAM HALL DEDICATION →

Admittedly, the group of first-year students had never met Brother William Mann, FSC, in person. He had retired from his role as Saint Mary’s University president just prior to their arrival on the Winona Campus.

They were, however, familiar with his name — not only because of his accomplishments as the university’s leader between 2008-2018, but also because they were the first residents of Brother William Hall. And they wasted no time in telling him how grateful they were that he inspired their beautiful new home.

Saint Mary’s Magazine ••Spring/Summer Spring/Summer2020 2020

On Oct. 4, 2019, these students joined 175 guests on the Winona Campus in dedicating and blessing Saint Mary’s newest residence hall, a beautiful facility made possible because of the philanthropic support of two extraordinarily generous anonymous benefactor families.

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“Long-time supporters of Saint Mary’s, these families knew that a new residence hall would help us attract new students, and I’m delighted to say that it has,” said Audrey Kintzi, vice president for Advancement and Communication. “Eightyfive percent of our first-year students selected Brother William Hall as their first choice of residence halls. It’s easy to see why. This $6.9 million, three-story facility is currently housing 112 students who can attest that this building is inviting, spacious, and luxurious. More than that,

they’ve told us it instantly felt like home.”

It was also the intent of these benefactors that the hall be named in honor of Saint Mary’s 13th president, Brother William Mann, in recognition of his dedicated service and leadership of the university.

Mary Ann (Wera) Remick CST’64, then chair of the Board of Trustees, told Brother William it would be difficult to list his many accomplishments.

“Let’s be honest, you kept us pretty busy with all the groundbreakings and dedications we held during your tenure,” she said with a laugh, adding, “We constructed and acquired a number of buildings and made significant improvements on our Winona, Twin Cities, and Rochester campuses.”

In recapping his presidency, Remick particularly credited Brother William for leading by example.

“You unquestionably strengthened the Lasallian charism at Saint Mary’s, unifying and inspiring our community in our shared mission. This hall will stand as a lasting tribute to not only your tenure and accomplishments but to the Lasallian legacy you’ve instilled in all of us,” she said.

Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president, said the phrase “together and by association,”

which is used frequently within the Lasallian community, was particularly significant on this day. “For truly Brother William Hall has come to fruition through many individuals who worked collectively ‘together and by association,’ ” he said.

“Our alumni, friends, and family have so often and so generously stepped forward to support this university with their time, talents, and treasure.

Today is no exception to that spirit of giving,” he added. “I am humbled by the generosity of the anonymous benefactors who have made this gift, and thus this day, possible. Much like Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, never expecting public praise or recognition, their primary focus was and is our students. It is this combination of benefactors and dedicated others who, working together, allow us to dedicate this residence in Brother William Mann’s honor.”

Brother William said there could be no deeper honor than to have something done for students in his name. He called the day one of the most humbling of his life and frequently repeated the phrase, “God keeps on blessing me over and over again.”

It was important to him that the name of the building be simply “Brother William Hall.” “I walked this campus as your Brother. I am your Brother William. I am not Doctor Mann; I was never Professor Mann; and if you called me President Mann, that certainly didn’t get my attention,” he said with a laugh.

Brother William Mann, FSC, meets with students during the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony.

Some of the residents of Brother William hall gather for a photo with Brother William Mann, FSC.

Cutting the ribbon are, from left: Jacob Nicklay, principal, OWA Architects, LLC; Faustyna Nguyen '22, student resident; Father President James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.; Brother William Mann, FSC, president emeritus; Mary Ann (Wera) Remick CST'64, Board of Trustees chair; and Doug Czaplewski, vice president, Schwab LLC.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Addressing Father Burns directly, Brother William said, “I know that I speak for Brother Louis (DeThomasis, FSC, Saint Mary’s 11th president, who was also present) when I say that our fondest wish is that you will be extraordinarily successful. So that in the years ahead you're going to know how blessed it is to have Saint Mary's be home. Because when you open your heart to these people, they just continue to amaze, inspire, and lead us into the future.” •

27 The crowd applauds Brother William Mann, FSC, president emeritus.

ATHLETICS

SOFTBALL LOCKER ROOM UNVEILING →

It was another home run as Saint Mary’s University athletics unveiled and blessed a new locker room facility for Cardinal women’s fastpitch softball on Jan. 20, 2020 — one year after unveiling its new clubhouse for men’s baseball.

“We know that key components of a winning team are spirit, strength, skills, teamwork, character, and the right facilities and tools,” said Tim Gossen D’14, vice president for Student Affairs and Student Life. “This new space is just one example of how Saint Mary’s is dedicated to helping our student-athletes succeed.”

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

The new 1,200 square-foot space, located beneath the Saint Mary’s gymnasium, includes 29 lockers, a separate study and lounge space and team meeting space, and several large screen TVs. Additionally, private showers and bathroom facilities were constructed.

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Saint Mary’s women’s fastpitch softball has played a large and continuous role in Cardinal history; 20 years ago this spring the women’s softball team brought home the national championship.

Audrey Kintzi, vice president for Advancement and Communication, thanked the benefactors who have so far stepped up to the plate to support the addition of the new facility. Six of the 29 lockers have already been sponsored.

“Our alumni tell us their time as athletes here was transformational,” she said. “Here is where they made lifelong friends, where memories on the field were made, and where they learned how to manage time. Here is where they learned to both lead and be led, both of which are very valuable skills that you’ll need throughout your lifetime.

It’s because of these deep and heartfelt memories that our alumni give back; they want you all to have those same experiences … and some even better ones.” •

Brian Sisson, Saint Mary’s athletics director, said that all Cardinal athletics teams now have their own year-round space to call home.

“This facility is one of the spaces where we develop today’s student leaders and tomorrow’s community, business, and organizational leaders,” Sisson told the athletes at the unveiling. “We hope you use this as a space to grow — as a team, and as an individual.”

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To sponsor a locker or support women's softball, contact Kintzi at akintzi@smumn.edu or 507-457-1486.

See more photos from the event at smumn.edu/photos.

Members of the Cardinal women's fastpich softball team enjoy their new facility.

Brian Sisson, athletic director, cuts the ribbon with, from left: Roni Stevens ’20, Haley Williams ’20, and Coach Jen Miller ’02

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

The new softball locker room.

The 2019-2020 Cardinal women’s fastpitch softball team

Tara Nikolich '21

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RETIREES

How do you hope you're remembered/what do you think you'll be most remembered for?

I hope students remember that I made them write a lot. I expect some of them will resent the marks and remarks I made on what they wrote.

I hope they take me at my word when I say my intent was not to torment, but to help them get better at it. I hope I conveyed to them some of life’s complexity.

Steve Schild, Ed.D. Current title (as well as other titles or roles you've held at Saint Mary's) I’m an associate professor in the Communication Department, which I chaired from 1995-2004.

How many years have you worked at Saint Mary's? I’ve worked at Saint Mary’s University since fall of 1992.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

What are your retirement plans? Fluid. I don’t have anything particular in mind, other than enjoying my wife Margaret’s wonderful company and spending time with our two adult sons, Jake (a 2012 SMU journalism grad) and Sam.

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What will you miss the most? I will miss the company of students, faculty, and staff. I shall long remember the great good fortune to have spent the bulk of my work life among such fine young people. Likewise, it’s been a daily pleasure to have as co-workers, faculty and staff alike, people who are smart, interesting, committed to their work and this institution.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I’ve always liked reading and writing, which are, obviously, at the heart of journalism. And I like the way journalism and mass communication are simultaneously tied to age-old ideas and the issues of the day — teaching let me be involved with both at the same time.

Any particularly meaningful stories stand out through the years? Right after long-time building-and-grounds chief Roger Connaughty died in a motor-vehicle crash, I was eating lunch in the Faculty Dining Room, sitting at a table with Darlene Paulson, Al Joswick, and Chris Kendall ’79, M’95. The four of us hadn’t planned to eat together — it just worked out that way. Darlene, who managed the student center; Al, who was in charge of the grounds; and Chris, who’d held almost every administrative position at SMU since earning his undergraduate degree there, all knew Roger well. He was more a friend to them than a co-worker. As they ate, they traded memories of Roger, and by the time they’d finished with lunch, they’d done much of the planning for Roger’s funeral. They knew it had to be done right, not only because it was for their departed friend, but because that was the way it should be done, regardless of who it was being done for. That impromptu, ordinary lunch meeting crystalizes for me the very best of Saint Mary’s, a commitment to purpose and to people held dear.

What are you most proud of from your career?

A good number of Communication Department grads are doing fine work as professionals, and it feels good to have played some small part in their success. •

RETIREES

Current title (as well as other titles or roles you've held at Saint Mary's) I have held the roles of assistant professor, associate professor, professor, business department chair, dean of the undergraduate School of Business, and dean of Business and Technology (undergraduate and graduate).

How many years have you worked at Saint Mary's? This is my 25th year at SMU. What are your retirement plans? I plan to continue teaching part-time, most likely online, so my spouse and I can begin doing the traveling that we have been putting off until my retirement.

We have four grandchildren so that will also keep us busy.

What will you miss the most? I will miss the Saint Mary’s community and my interaction with students that seemed to keep me young in my thinking.

What do you enjoy most about teaching? I so enjoyed when you could see in the student’s eyes they were truly understanding the content you were teaching. I will miss when alumni contact me after they graduate and, at that point, express they fully appreciate what they learned from me.

Besides developing the BIDA program, I hope to be remembered as someone who always had what was best for the university in his mind and did everything in his power to help it succeed and flourish.

Any particularly meaningful stories stand out through the years? In the year where we lost the group of students and alumni in the accident where their car went in the river, I remember how the university pulled together as a close knit community to honor and remember the students we lost.

What are you most proud of from your career?

I am just proud to have been associated with Saint Mary’s University and the things that have been accomplished in serving our students and the community. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Tom Marpe, Ed.D.

How do you hope you're remembered/what do you think you'll be most remembered for? I think I will most likely be remembered for starting the Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (BIDA) major. That is an interesting story: It started with a telephone conversation with my niece who was commenting how she was having a hard time finding employees with business analytics skills. When she noted the significant shortage of people and the salary levels they were offering, it seemed like a good educational opportunity. This conversation occurred just before Christmas. I spent the holiday break working on developing a curriculum to satisfy this need in the marketplace.

By the time we returned in January, I had a draft curriculum developed. At the time I was both the Business Department chair and dean of Business so I had the authority to take this major to the Curriculum Committee for approval. The major was approved in February and we began promoting the program in March. This is now one of the largest majors in the Business School.

Normally developing a new major and getting it approved takes well over one academic year.

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RETIREES

Wes Miller, Ph.D. Current title (as well as other titles or roles you've held at Saint Mary's) Associate professor, Sociology. I also served as the Internship and Career Services director in the mid ’80s and as the first webmaster.

How many years have you worked at Saint Mary's?

36 years. Because of a job announcement on a bulletin board that had Winona misspelled.

What are your retirement plans?

Nothing specific yet.

What will you miss the most?

My students and colleagues What do you enjoy most about teaching?

When students have that "A-ha" moment in classroom discussions How do you hope you're remembered/what do you think you'll be most remembered for?

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

I try not to have too many hopes of being remembered.

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Any particularly meaningful stories stand out through the years?

An improvised classroom discussion in Global Issues about a historical event that never happened. It took the non-readers in class 30 minutes to recognize that two students and I made up the whole event in class.

What are you most proud of from your career?

That I was able to be a college professor at all. My sixth-grade teacher at P.S. 260 in Brooklyn told my whole class I was destined to become a gang leader. •

RETIREES

Janel Schultz, Ed.D. Current title (as well as other titles or roles you've held at Saint Mary's) Professor of Mathematics How many years have you worked at Saint Mary's?

30 years. The sense of community when I interviewed with Saint Mary’s is what brought me here.

What are your retirement plans?

My husband and I are building our retirement home on a lake in northern Wisconsin.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss my colleagues in the Math Department. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with the kindest, most professional and fun colleagues anyone could ever ask for. I will miss them very much.

How do you hope you're remembered/what do you think you'll be most remembered for?

I hope I will be remembered as being a kind, hardworking, and fun colleague.

Any particularly meaningful stories stand out through the years?

I will most likely be remembered by my colleagues in the department for leaving colored paper in the copy machine. I know I will be blamed for any colored paper in the machine even after I am no longer there. But, I’m o.k. with that, because I know they will be thinking of me.

What are you most proud of from your career?

I am most proud of working hard for the benefit of my students. I always spent a lot of time preparing for my classes and thinking about what my students need from me to better understand the material. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Getting to know my students and spending time with them in the classroom.

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RETIREES

Melissa Luedtke, Ed.D. Current title (as well as other titles or roles you've held at Saint Mary's) Current: associate dean and professor, Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, Endowed Chair for Education (2017-2020).

Past roles: faculty assessment coordinator, chair of the faculty, School of Education department chair

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

How many years have you worked at Saint Mary's? I came to Saint Mary’s after teaching for 28 years in K-12 education. This year completes my 17th year in the School of Education. After so many years of trying to make a difference directly, by teaching the students in my classroom, I wanted to make a difference indirectly, by teaching future teachers who, in turn, could make a difference in the lives of their students.

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What are your retirement plans? My first plan is to continue to support the Saint Mary’s School of Education in any way that I can in its excellent and important work. I have been teaching since high school, when I taught piano lessons, band lessons, baton twirling, dance, Sunday School, and Bible school. I started in the public schools when I was 21. While I will probably stay connected to the profession in some way, I am looking forward to looking at life through another lens. Retirement is an unwritten chapter in my life, and it may be improvisation at its best.

What will you miss the most? I will miss the people I work with — the faculty, staff, and students. The people in the School of Ed and at the College are second to none. My students are dedicated to learning, and ultimately to service and leadership. They want to teach the whole child, to build relationships with students, and to see the human dignity in every person in their care. I will miss seeing all these special faces of Saint Mary’s every day.

What do you enjoy most about teaching? I love knowing that my students will take whatever I have to offer them far beyond my expectations.

How do you hope you're remembered/what do you think you'll be most remembered for? I hope I am remembered as a teacher who learned every day, who loved her work and her students, and who tried her best to share her love of teaching.

Any particularly meaningful stories stand out through the years? I was honored to receive the Severin Award in 2010. Several students said to me at that time, “You deserve the award because you know us.” Throughout my career, I have always gotten to know my students so that I could use that information to help them succeed, but until that year, I had never realized that to students, being known is enough, and they can take it from there.

What are you most proud of from your career? I am most proud of the fact that when my students face their most joyful and most challenging moments as teachers, they will know that I am with them in spirit, supporting them.

And every time they have a success, even a small one, I will be smiling. •

RETIREES

most the classroom, which steadily offers conversations and discoveries that are available nowhere else in our culture. Serious reading, organizing ideas, and debating challenges as persons of faith are remarkable joys. Students at Saint Mary’s have been so interactive!

Current title (as well as other titles or roles you've held at Saint Mary's) Professor of Theology (current), and previously associate vice president of Academic Affairs and director of the Institute in Pastoral Ministries How many years have you worked at Saint Mary's? I have worked here 29 years, since August 1991. I came to SMU first because of the highly developed and innovative curricula in Roman Catholic theology, which included graduate and undergraduate programs as well as the seminary, and second because the academic administration had a clear entrepreneurial vision that challenged me to become a relevant academic. Then President Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, and Dr. Jeffrey Highland, AFSC, provost, made a formidable and energetic team!

What are your retirement plans? My wife Susan is retiring about the same time, so we’ll plan together. We’re both in very good health, so I expect some kind of community service will be part of the mix. And we have six grandchildren in Milwaukee, Wis., Stillwater, Minn., and West St. Paul. I will likely continue teaching (blended delivery) in the Doctor of Ministry program at The Catholic University of America.

What will you miss the most? I will miss

How do you hope you're remembered/what do you think you'll be most remembered for?

I hope that I’ll be remembered as a challenging thinker, fair grader, and a family man.

Any particularly meaningful stories stand out through the years? My most meaningful experiences with colleagues were the summer discussions where we wrote curricula, dissected books, and agreed (or disagreed) about ideas that were helpful to being a better human being. I could list a dozen terrific professors and administrators in a minute.

What are you most proud of from your career?

Career-wise, I batted .667. Overall, Saint Mary’s provided me a wonderful organization where my interest in Catholic theology was linked to professional opportunities that were exciting for many persons involved — all in a town that is a smaller version of Eden. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Greg Sobolewski, Ph.D.

What do you enjoy most about teaching? I have very distinct memories of both graduate and undergraduate students changing their attitude toward learning and their assessments of Roman Catholic faith. For example, one 50-year-oldish grad student (a lay ecclesial minister) had a terrible undergrad experience and confessed to me the sheer joy of being with our faculty and learners from around the United States. Her scars from college were healed by the efforts that we all took for delivering adult-styled learning.

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RETIREES

ideas, identify struggling students and plan how to help them, and identify students who are excelling and let them know we see them. It is a collegial environment where different opinions are welcome and debate is expected. My favorite debates were when Dr. Rustin Wolfe and I would be deep in a debate and he’d say “Now, I’ll be you and you be me”. How fun! Our Ed.D. faculty really

Roxanne Eubank, Ed.D.

embrace and model the Lasallian charism.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

There is a magical moment when a student is

Current title (as well as other titles or roles you've held at Saint Mary's) My most recent titles were professor in the Ed.D. program and director of the Institute for Lasallian Studies.

My other titles have been: dean of Continuing Education, dean of Undergraduate Education, dean of the Graduate School and assistant vice president

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

How many years have you worked at Saint Mary's? I have been at Saint Mary’s for 30 years.

When I first started, I just felt like I’d found my home. Until I worked closely with Brother Kevin Convey, FSC, I couldn’t say why. But as we talked about education and Saint John Baptist de La Salle, I realized it was the Lasallian charism. That realization launched me into years of study on Lasallian education and the founder.

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What are your retirement plans? I want to finish a couple of articles and a book on the women who influenced John Baptist de La Salle.

After that is accomplished, I plan to continue with Lasallian research on a number of topics.

What will you miss the most? Faculty meetings.

I bet I’m the first to say that. The Ed.D. faculty meetings focus on our students and how we can better serve them. It’s a place where we debate

struggling with a difficult concept and suddenly the clouds clear and they get it. They are filled with joy. A light shines within them, and I know God is present.

How do you hope you're remembered/what do you think you'll be most remembered for?

I would like to be remembered as a person who championed Lasallian education and mentored students and colleagues on their professional journeys.

Any particularly meaningful stories stand out through the years? Yes. But, most are best left unpublished. Memories that still make me laugh out loud include people like Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, Dan Maloney, John Pyle, Mary Fox, Brother Kevin Convey, Linka Holey, Rebecca Hopkins, Tim Gossen, Sue Hines, Brother Stephen Rusyn, FSC, Anne Thorpe, and many more.

What are you most proud of from your career?

I am most proud of the students who came to us with a million insecurities and challenges who wouldn’t give up and walked across the stage at graduation. •

NEWS & VIEWS

SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY RECOGNIZES FOUR IN HONOR OF FOUNDERS’ DAY

Matthew Nowakowski D’10

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In celebration of its heritage, Saint Mary’s University virtually presented awards this past April to one faculty member, one staff member, and two outstanding seniors in honor of Founders’ Day. Karen Hemker M’04, director of access services, received the Bishop Heffron Award. Given by the university every other year, this award is bestowed on an employee who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the values of the university, is a positive member of the university community as demonstrated by their ability to work successfully across constituencies for the good of the university, and is a model of the Lasallian Catholic spirit. Hemker, who has been part of Saint Mary’s for 15 years, has worked with countless students, parents and guardians, and educators over those years to ensure all students have the needed accommodations to be successful at the university.

Matthew Nowakowski D’10, program director of the Doctor of Business Administration program, core associate professor, and interim vice provost of Academic Affairs, received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award.

Presented each year, the award recognizes a

Michele Remer '20

Ben Borash '20

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. Dr. Nowakowski has taught and been an administrator at Saint Mary’s for 12 years and is a mentor, teacher, administrator, and scholar who is deeply committed to the success of faculty, staff, and students at Saint Mary’s.

Saint Mary’s also announced its Outstanding Seniors, Michele Remer (environmental biology) and Ben Borash (environmental biology). 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. Other nominees included: women, Alice Bettag (sports management), Aimee Boggs (psychology), Erin Budin (music education), and Danielle Franke (biology); men, Zachary Bracken (biochemistry), Patrick Laughlin (business intelligence and data analytics), Solomon Liebl (philosophy), and Kyle Meeh (management). •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Karen Hemker M’04

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NEWS & VIEWS

Representatives from Mayo Clinic and Saint Mary's celebrate the collaboration that benefits Cardinal athletes.

MAYO CLINIC COLLABORATES WITH SAINT MARY'S ATHLETICS

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

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A recent collaboration with Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare a nd Saint Mary’s University will result in Cardinal student-athletes receiving the ultimate in care — including additional sports medicine and athletic training as well as access to comprehensive healthcare services.

And as Cardinal women’s fastpitch junior softball player Tara Nikolich can attest, studentathletes will reap the benefits of having this world-renowned talent accessible on the Winona Campus.

About a year ago she underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff and labrum. “I am very familiar

with how much athletes need to work closely with trainers and medical staff,” she said. “They thankfully helped me recover successfully from surgery so I can continue to play.”

And when Nikolich averages the amount of time she spends lifting weights, conditioning, practicing, and competing, it comes to approximately 25 hours per week — a sizable portion of her college career. “It’s nice to have these amazing resources on campus,” she said.

“With our trainers and strength and conditioning coaches, there’s a whole team of people helping us, all in the same place.”

As part of this collaboration, Saint Mary’s

NEWS & VIEWS

Nick Tschida, also from Mayo Clinic Health System, became Saint Mary’s newest athletic trainer, working on techniques that will keep our student-athletes in top condition. With the addition of Tschida, Saint Mary’s now has four athletic trainers, as well as a strength and conditioning coach, on staff.

Tim Gossen D’14, vice president for Student Affairs and Student Life, expressed his gratitude for Mayo Clinic Health System’s generosity.

care they provide, and the experiences for learning and growth they share with our students,” Dr. Gossen added.

“These experiences, working with the best in the nation, help make Saint Mary’s a destination both for academics and for intercollegiate athletics.”

Paul Mueller, M.D., regional vice president, Southwest Wisconsin Region, Mayo Clinic Health System, said that Mayo Clinic Health System is proud to support health and wellness in communities such as Winona.

"The health and safety of athletes, including student-athletes, is very important to Mayo Clinic Health System and the Winona area community," he said. "Given our success with other similar regional partnerships, such as at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, we are confident we will replicate this level of service and expertise here in Winona at Saint Mary's University. By working together, we can be better stewards to the communities, partners, and patients that we serve.”

The name Mayo Clinic is certainly synonymous with excellent care worldwide.”

Dr. Mueller added that he believes the relationship may generate ideas for additional collaborative efforts with Saint Mary’s, including teaching, learning, and research opportunities.

Tim Gossen D’14

“Saint Mary's University has a robust athletics department, and we look forward to providing exemplary medical oversight and care, top-notch service, and serving as a partner for their studentathletes,” he said.

Gossen added “Saint Mary’s is committed to wellness and it’s a key component in our new strategic plan, so this collaboration is incredibly timely and important.”

This athletics collaboration is a continuation of another successful Mayo Clinic collaboration, the 3+2 Physician Assistant program. Saint Mary’s welcomed its first students to this accelerated PA program in fall 2019.

“We are grateful to Mayo Clinic for both the

Additionally, as part of the collaboration, Mayo Clinic Health System will be featured on scoreboard signage at numerous Cardinal athletic facilities, an event sponsor for the Cardinal Excellence Fund Dinner and golf outing annual fundraising events, and presenting sponsor of saintmaryssports.com, the official athletics website for the Saint Mary's Cardinals. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

welcomed a new medical director of athletics, Dr. Alecia Gende, a member of Mayo Clinic Health System sports medicine team, who will work with teams weekly, ensuring student-athletes who are injured receive excellent care and — by guiding the university’s training room facilities and staff — ensuring our student-athletes receive equally excellent preventative care. Dr. Gende also was named team physician for the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ski Jumping Team.

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NEWS & VIEWS

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

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The Minneapolis Saint Paul Business Journal reported that, per federal data from the U.S. Department of Education, Minnesota’s highest first-year earners are certified registered nurse anesthetists who earned their master’s degrees from Saint Mary’s University.

Leah Gordon M’10, D.N.P., director of the Saint Mary’s M.S. in Nurse Anesthesia Program, said it’s a specialization that can bill independently for services, which contributes to its high earnings. She also said Saint Mary’s graduates are in demand right now. Saint Mary’s B.S. in Nursing bachelor completion program is also at the top of the list, and many other Saint Mary’s programs rank high in comparable first-year earning lists. • Read more about these rankings at smumn.edu/earningpotential.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

HENDRICKSON FORUM

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Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is rescheduling its 2020 Hendrickson Forum featuring keynote speaker, Nicholas A. Christakis, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., director of Yale University’s Human Nature Lab and co-director of the Yale Institute for Network Science, who will address how certain kinds of social artificial intelligence (AI) might best be used to enhance our society.

The event, “Blueprint: How Artificial Intelligence Can Build on the Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society,” presented by Saint Mary’s Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 16, on Saint Mary’s Twin Cities Campus. You can learn more about the institute and Dr. Christakis, as well as plans for the rescheduled forum, at smumn.edu/hendricksonforum. •

NEWS & VIEWS

LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION ROI

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According to a report from Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, though, the median return on investment (ROI) 40 years after enrollment from liberal arts colleges is comparable to that at four-year engineering and technology-related schools, as well as business and management schools.

The median ROI from liberal arts colleges is $918,000, more than 25% above the median ROI of all colleges and universities, which is $723,000. The median at engineering or technology schools is $917,000; business and management schools is $913,000.

For the purposes of the report, the ROI was directly determined by a dollar figure known as net present value (NPV), which was calculated through a methodology that the center developed in a previous study of ROI at more than 4,500 colleges.

The ROI at liberal arts colleges is the third highest among the 14 different types of four-year institutions, as defined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning.

Furthermore, the study found that ROI is higher for liberal arts colleges that have a high share of STEM majors (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Liberal arts institutions in the top third, in terms of the share of students who have STEM majors, have a 40-year ROI of $992,000.

To compare, this is $179,000 more than colleges in the bottom third. •

GRANT FOR DIVERSE TEACHERS

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According to Shannon Tanghe, Ph.D., program director in the M.A. in English as a Second Language, these grants help Saint Mary’s prepare educators for a growing population of diverse students.

“Promoting diversity in educators is also important, because research has shown that students benefit when teachers share their race or gender,” she said. “As we work to close the achievement gap in education, it’s crucial we support racially diverse teachers. Students of all racial backgrounds can benefit from a diverse teacher workforce that represents the nation’s overall demographics.”

These scholarships will benefit adult learners in the M.A. in English as a Second Language and Special Education programs. •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Last fall, Saint Mary’s University was awarded a Collaborative Urban and Greater Minnesota Educators of Color Grant. Through the grant, Saint Mary’s will receive $187,926, which will be used primarily to fund tuition scholarships for a new cohort of diverse teacher licensure students at the university. The cohort, scheduled to begin in summer 2020, represents the second cohort of the community-engaged teacher pathway program developed in collaboration with The Sanneh Foundation’s Dreamline coaching program.

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Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

CONGRATS GRADS!

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The high-fives, the handshakes, and the hugs were put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the well-wishes are plentiful. All of us at Saint Mary’s University congratulate the Class of 2020 — both undergraduates and graduates — for their accomplishments, hard work, perseverance, and determination. Until we are able to come together once again, we salute you and all that you have added to our community. And we look forward to seeing what you can accomplish in the future. •

View the undergraduate virtual commencement online at smumn.edu/commencements2020.

ALUMNI

WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

Matt Bilski '07 Outgoing President, Saint Mary's Alumni Board

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I think it’s safe to say that not since World War II has there been an event that has impacted the lives of everyone around the globe. Of course, I am speaking of the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19. It has impacted everyone in at least one area — personally, professionally, socially, mentally, physically. Some have lost their lives, while others have lost someone they love.

It has been an immeasurable event that is going to shape our lives and the world in ways we can not even imagine right now. I hope and believe the world will come out of this better and stronger.

I pray for the world, especially all those suffering as a result of COVID-19. I am reminded daily of those whose lives have been demonstrably changed. To name a few: healthcare workers, restaurant employees, small-business owners, and students.

I think of all students and the impact “distance learning” is having on them. Thankfully, they are still learning, albeit in a very different way.

When I think about those differences, my mind immediately goes to the high school seniors and college seniors who are missing out on so many meaningful end-of-the-year events and experiences.

The world is not fair. We all have heard that countless times through our childhoods, and I find myself saying it more and more to my

As we move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the plans graduating seniors had could be altered, in limbo, or canceled.

In times like this, the value of the Alumni Association network cannot be overstated for all alumni, but especially for newly graduated seniors. Expand your network on LinkedIn and connect with Saint Mary’s alumni. Reach out about job opportunities or even just to chat (virtually, of course, for now). Now, more than ever, this is the time for us to come together as a Saint Mary’s community and help each other.

As I have seen on social media, in neighbors’ windows, and from family and friends, we are all in this, together. Stay healthy! •

For the most recent alumni event information, go to connect.smumn.edu/events.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

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kids – and we all understand that. But I’ve never thought of it in such large-scale terms.

I can’t imagine the feeling of losing almost an entire final semester of college. Spring sports were cancelled. Final classes, projects, and presentations all shifted to online.

Celebrations of achievements are limited to virtual congratulations. Even commencement, the ultimate public celebration of your accomplishment, was virtual. This is reality and it is not fair. To all graduating seniors, but especially those from Saint Mary’s University, I — and all members of the Saint Mary’s Alumni Association — want to express our heartfelt empathy to you. Hard choices — the right choices — were made, and their impact on you does not go unnoticed. Know that we are all extremely proud of you, your achievements, and the sacrifices that you have made. While this may not be the senior year you were expecting, it will be one you never forget. You will be remembered for your strength and perseverance.

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ALUMNI

Help Us Honor Distinguished Alumni NOMINATE DESERVING ALUMNI FOR AWARDS

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Do you know a Saint Mary’s alumnus/a who has made outstanding achievements in his/her career? Or, someone who has given significant time and commitment to the community or Saint Mary’s University?

Does someone stand out in your memory as deserving of an alumni award? Can you remember an athlete or coach whose accomplishments brought honor to him/herself and Saint Mary’s University?

Each year, the Alumni Association of Saint Mary’s University bestows awards upon deserving alumni. We are now accepting nominees for Reunion Weekend for Distinguished Alumnus/a, Alumni Appreciation, Sports Hall of Fame, and Religious Service Awards. All nominations must come from alumni, or employees of Saint Mary’s University.

Distinguished Alumnus/a Award Criteria This award honors an alumnus/a for outstanding achievements in his/her chosen profession.

This person’s daily life reflects the Christian ideals promulgated by the university.

This person has distinguished him/herself in his/her chosen field or in another area of endeavor.

Alumni Appreciation Award Criteria This award honors an alumnus/a of the university who, by his/her consistent and continuous volunteer efforts, has given his/her personal time and energies to further the goals and objectives of Saint Mary’s University.

He/she must show exceptional personal commitment involving time and effort in any or all areas involving university functions supported by the Alumni Association. These areas include, but are not limited to, Career Services, Admissions Support, Chapter Development, Alumni Board, Chapter Involvement, and Regional Events and Programs.

Current employees of the university are ineligible for the award.

Continuous personal contributions of time and effort are the primary criteria.

Lasallian Service Award Criteria This award honors an alumnus/a for outstanding contributions to the Lasallian spirit of faith and zeal and exemplifies the highest of Lasallian values.

This award will be given for personal achievements in the Lasallian charism.

Outstanding Young Alumnus/a Award Criteria This award will honor a young alumnus/a for outstanding accomplishments within the first 10 years from graduation, whose professional accomplishments, service to alma mater, and/or selfless and caring work to benefit society are distinctive.

Sports Hall of Fame Criteria This award honors individuals or teams who have made outstanding contributions to the Saint Mary’s intercollegiate athletic department as athletes, coaches, or administrators.

An athlete must have attended Saint Mary’s for a minimum of four semesters.

An athlete’s class must have graduated at least five years prior to selection.

A coach or administrator must have served the university a minimum of five years and five years must have elapsed since the nominee last served in that capacity. If currently serving at the time of the nomination, the nominee must have had 20 years of continuous service.

Five years must have elapsed since any team nominated competed at Saint Mary’s.

A Hall of Fame nominee will have shown athletic and academic skills, teamwork, leadership, character or other attributes of an ideal Saint Mary’s student athlete.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Alumni Award Nomination Form (Preliminary Information)

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To nominate a candidate for an award, complete this form and return. Saint Mary's Alumni Relations staff will follow up with you as necessary. Send to: Alumni Relations, Saint Mary's University, 700 Terrace Heights #21, Winona, MN 55987-1399. FAX 507-457-6697

ALUMNI

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF WOMEN

Michele (Emond) Wolfe ’86

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Mary Pat (Navins) Wlazik ’73

Fifty years ago, full-time undergraduate women were welcomed into Saint Mary’s Winona Campus classrooms for the first time, and not even rain could dampen the spirit of more than

130 women who returned to campus last fall to celebrate that event and the ongoing impact the spirit of women has had on Saint Mary’s.

Women have added to the culture, the character, and the success of Saint Mary’s for half a century.

In honor of this momentous milestone, Saint Mary’s hosted a variety of events Oct. 4-6, 2019, to acknowledge some of these successes, to provide networking opportunities, and to have some fun.

All Saint Mary’s women, including current students, were invited. Women from all decades enjoyed making useful, meaningful, and emotional connections during the panel discussion and lunch. And music performance. Some alumnae-athletes took tours of the athletic facilities and reconnected with teammates; other alumnae spoke in classes, sharing their valuable career insights.

“I believe that the strong bond women of Saint Mary’s share was evident throughout our anniversary celebration,” said Bob Fisher Fisher ’97, M’06, director of Alumni Relations. “Our current students remarked how much they enjoyed spending time with alumnae, both to learn from their advice and numerous accomplishments, as well as to hear more about the history of women at this university. We thank everyone who made this a successful event, and we will continue to celebrate the successes of the women of Saint Mary’s." •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

they channeled their creativity during painting- and journal-making classes and a special Angel Light

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ALUMNI

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF WOMEN'S HOCKEY Alumnae of the first Cardinal women's hockey team returned to campus last fall.

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It was like a “Mighty Ducks” remake.

Saint Mary’s first Cardinal women’s hockey team in 1998-99 wasn’t exactly composed of firststring recruits. “We were a mishmash of girls — ranging from a few who had played hockey their entire lives to girls like myself who had been around hockey all my life and knew how to skate, but hadn’t played,” said Carey (Stover) Benson ’99. “We had two figure skaters who we recruited to play hockey instead. And there were even two girls who had never really skated before, but were determined to figure it out.”

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

About the only thing they shared? The desire to play hockey.

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Benson was there for the birth of women’s hockey at Saint Mary’s, even before it became a varsity sport. It started when she was a first-year student, recruited to play some pick-up hockey games by Jess Bauer ’99.

By the end of that year, these women formed a club, one of the men’s hockey players served as their coach, and they traveled to other schools

via carpool. Bauer drove the Zamboni and cleared the ice for them, and junior varsity men’s players would referee their games.

“It was very ‘Mighty Duck’ish,” Benson said.

Fittingly, someone on the team had heard about Mighty Duck Grants, matching grants awarded annually by the Minnesota Legislature in support of ice sports in the state. With the help of Tony Piscitiello, AFSC ’69, M’82, and Ken Pelligrini ’72 from the Saint Mary’s Admission Office, and then athletic director Don Olson, dreams of a varsity women’s hockey team began to take shape.

“By our junior year, we knew we were going to go varsity,” Benson said. “Tony Piscitiello began recruiting girls who played hockey. And by that summer we knew a coach was coming, we just didn’t know who it was.”

That coach turned out to be Jeff Vizenor, who came to Saint Mary’s in his late 20s not fully knowing what to expect, but excited for the opportunity. “The thing that was amazing about our team was that our motto was, ‘Work hard and have fun,’ and that’s just what we did, Vizenor

ALUMNI recruiter for finance professionals. She went on to earn both an MBA and a Master’s of Education in Counseling.

said. “You couldn’t have asked for a group of young women who worked harder than they did. They worked like crazy and just loved it. We really pulled together as a team.”

Vizenor coached for two years at Saint Mary’s, and both years Cardinal women’s hockey captured conference titles.

Benson said more than 20 years later she still has a sense of pride in being on that team. “Being on that team gave me a connection to Saint Mary’s that otherwise I wouldn’t have had,” she said.

“I’m from Wyoming, and have zero connection to Minnesota. The people I’m closest to are my teammates. For me, hockey was the glue that brought Saint Mary’s into my life and kept it here.

Some of the best memories I have are from being on that team.

“I’ve been competitive my whole life. We started a team of mishmash players and grew it from the ground up. We were MIAC champions. We were a really good team of misfits. That’s carried me far in life. I’ve been able to say, ‘I can always figure it out. I did that at Saint Mary’s playing hockey.’ ” Benson went to grad school for sports psychology and worked for a reputable sports agency in Florida for seven years. To get closer to home, she moved to Colorado and worked in the athletics department at the University of Denver before changing careers and becoming a corporate

He and about 10 alumni-athletes from that first women’s team returned to campus this past fall for the 50 years of women reunion. Benson organized the reunion on Facebook and said returning to campus was like stepping back in time.

“It was like we were back 20 years ago, sharing stories and laughing,” Vizenor said. “This is a highly successful group of women who have learned lessons from being a hockey player and a Saint Mary’s graduate. Two players from those first years are in the Sports Hall of Fame.”

Benson said she’ll always support women’s hockey. “When you look at sports like football or baseball where physical strength and physical size come so much into play, it’s hard for girls to feel they can compete at the same level as guys.

In hockey, girls really can compete successfully.

It’s a sport where boys don’t look at you as a girl but a teammate. You’re not a girl, you’re a hockey player. It’s an equalizer.”

Vizenor said the skills you learn in hockey are life-long skills. “There’s something special about being a hockey player,” he said. “Hockey players and hockey people are special people in a very unique family.

“And Saint Mary’s is a special place,” he added.

“It’s crazy to think that those two years could have such a big impact on my life.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

The first Cardinal women's hockey team in 1998-99

Vizenor went on to coach for the University of Wisconsin and Minnesota State UniversityMankato and is currently a high school principal, but he continues to referee hockey in the Twin Cities metro area. Like Benson, his time at Saint Mary’s holds a special place in his heart.

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ALUMNI

EACH DAY BRINGS NEW CHALLENGES →

Working in genetic research at Mayo Clinic, Beth (Schubert) Pitel ’06 solves complex puzzles, which could ultimately improve patient care or even save lives.

Pitel became part of a research team using genetic testing to understand why young children were suddenly dying about 15 years ago in an Amish community. The deaths had baffled medical examiners and brought heartbreak to the Amish community. Some of her most recent research was covered by CNN. It was eventually uncovered that a gene called RYR2 was to blame. The children who died were found to have inherited a duplication of part of this gene from both parents. The results provided some closure to family members, recourse for children currently carrying the gene, and options for preventative measures through genetic counseling.

Pitel describes her job as threefold:

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Genomic assay development. “When you go to the doctor and they do genetic testing, they are ordering a clinical test,” she explained. “I’m one of those people who help to develop molecular genetic testing methods. I make sure they are of the highest quality and have an acceptable turnaround time for the patient.”

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Beth (Schubert) Pitel ’06

Genomic annotations in cancer. “I am lead development technologist on a team called the ‘Genomics of Oncology Annotation Team’ (GOAT).

We create tools that support the assays we develop. Those tools can help us determine what alterations might be important for the doctor or patient to know about,” she said. “Can we

Clinical Research. “In the case of Dr. (Michael) Ackerman’s study (with the Amish children), we helped to interpret the data from chromosomal microarray and mate pair sequencing (MPseq) studies and deliver results back to the team. We get pulled into research studies a lot because we are able to provide access to the technology needed to answer complex problems and the interpretation on the back end.”

Pitel said that her job is very diverse and fulfilling.

“It’s a great use of my education,” she said. “I think critically about what I’m doing and troubleshoot different problems that arise. Working through a difficult case is the ideal way to use my education, which was ignited at Saint Mary’s.”

Pitel said she was always drawn to science, and genetics in particular.

“I felt like being in a lab and working with technology would be a really good fit for me,” she said. She eagerly became the university’s first cytogenetic technology major, which was a 4 + 1 program with Mayo Clinic. “I jumped on that opportunity and didn’t look back,” she said.

“I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to come to Mayo Clinic, and it all seems to have worked out.”

Pitel went on to earn a master’s in biochemistry and molecular biology and has worked at Mayo

Clinic for more than 12 years in a variety of roles, all within the same lab. Her current title is development technologist.

Although the cytogenetic technology major was phased out, several university alumni, in this program and others, have gone on to work at Mayo Clinic. Debra Martin, Ph.D., department chair of Biology, estimates that at least 10% of those working in the lab with Pitel are Saint Mary’s alumni.

“That wouldn't surprise me; there are a lot of Saint Mary’s alumni here,” Pitel said, adding that she enjoys seeing Dr. Martin bring current students through the lab for annual tours. Dr. Martin is one of the people she credits most for preparing her for her career.

“Dr. Martin prides herself on being a tough teacher,” Pitel said. “But she ingrained a lot of biochemistry and molecular biology in my mind.

I felt prepared. And I worked with Dr. Dick Kowles (now faculty emeritus) on my research project. Working with him was just a joy, and he always had a new joke or quip. I could be in a lab for hours counting cells under a microscope, but he would make me feel grateful that I was there.

And Dr. Jeanne Minnerath made a huge impact on my career trajectory; she brought me to Mayo Clinic on multiple occasions to tour labs and lab programs.”

Pitel also believes that being part of Habitat for Humanity, playing on the volleyball team, singing in the church choir, serving as a resident assistant, and other campus activities while at Saint Mary’s taught her how to balance her time and juggle priorities, which has come in handy in her career and with her family.

“I don’t think I would have been able to take advantage of being so involved had I been at a larger university,” she said. “Saint Marys taught me to make time for the things that are important.” •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

align abnormalities in the genome with pieces of knowledge? What do we know about the deletion of a certain gene in a particular type of cancer?

We can make assertions based on peer review journals, genomic knowledge bases, or our own clinical experience in the lab. We have a lot of resources at our fingertips, so I’m really grateful to be involved in gathering that data and putting it in a format that is useful for those trying to interpret these complex genomic assays.” Pitel also co-leads a virtual molecular tumor board for the Variant Interpretation for Cancer Consortium (VICC), an international collaborative effort to better utilize what is known about mutations in cancer.

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ALUMNI EVENTS

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Alumni with current undergraduate students at Saint Mary’s gathered for the Legacy Dinner Sept. 28, 2019, during Family Weekend. This year, nearly 40 alumni and guests participated including, from left: Patrick Wolfgram ’09, M’11, Kaitlyn Wolfgram ’22, and Julia Wolfgram.

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More than 80 alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends attended the Saint Mary’s Night at the Minnesota United at Allianz Stadium in St. Paul, Minn., on Sept. 29, 2019, including, from left: Ana Sontag ’08, Andrea Hills ’08, and Shiela Tierney ’08.

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The Alumni Association, along with the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, hosted the first ever online student reception the night before their commencement on Oct. 11, 2019. Attendees included, from left: Jasmin BraithwaiteHanson M’19, Ajibola Agboola M’19, Jean Nelson-Overn M’19, Tonya Andrews M’19, and Kim Hatley M’19, all of the Project Management program.

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Nearly 30 alumni and friends gathered at Joe Senser’s in Roseville, Minn., on Oct. 12, 2019, for a men’s hockey program gathering to welcome new head coach, Ryan Egan.

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Graduate students and alumni gathered on the Twin Cities Campus for a career development workshop on Oct. 16, 2019.

Cliff Nystrom M’17, a graduate of the M.A. in Human Resource

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Management program, presented on building a solid résumé.

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Thirteen alumni returned to the Winona Campus to exhibit for the Saint Mary’s Career Fair on Oct. 23, 2019. They joined representatives from various businesses and organizations around the state of Minnesota.

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More than 120 alumni and friends supported their communities and local nonprofits on Oct. 26, 2019, for the annual Lasallian Day of Service. The alumni board thanks all those who participated, including the more than 20 alumni and friends in the Milwaukee area who packaged food for the Hunger Task Force.

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Nearly 90 alumni and families attended the Rochester Halloween Fun Day on Oct. 27, 2019, at Saint Mary’s Rochester Campus, including Anne (Schulte) Sill ’07 and her family.

Inn in Concord, Mass., to receive a university update from

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On Nov. 9, 2019, 16 alumni and friends gathered at the Colonial Father James Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president. This was the first alumni association event in New England in more than 20 years. Pictured are, from left: John Stegeman ’66, Ph.D., Todd Reinhart, Sc.D., (dean, Sciences and Health Professions), and Cynthia Conroy ’79.

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The Saint Mary’s Community gathered on Nov. 11, 2019, to celebrate and honor Veterans Day. Mike Stinson ’69 USN (ret.) served as the guest speaker.

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A career development workshop for graduate students and alumni was held Nov. 13, 2019. A panel of alumni was facilitated

by Dr. Paul Christensen D’11 (assistant dean for bachelor’s completion programs). The panel included Renee Thompson ’03, M’07 (senior accounting analyst, Best Buy), Sasha Denisova (chief officer of Child and Family Services, Nexus) and Ron Kimlinger ’88 (partner, LogiSolve, LLC).

Club in downtown Minneapolis for the annual alumni Christmas gathering on Dec. 6, 2019. Father James Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president, provided a university update. Enjoying the event are, from left: Alex Bilski ’12, Laura Bilski, Jocelyn Bilski, Matt Bilski ’07, and John LeClair ’97.

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Nearly 60 alumni and friends gathered at the Minneapolis

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

M’07 (technology consultant, US Bank), Bobbi Kochevar M’08

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ALUMNI EVENTS

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On Dec. 7, 2019, 65 alumni and friends attended the annual Winona Area Christmas Gathering and Lessons and Carols Choir Concert at the Alverna Center and Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels on the former Saint Teresa Campus. Dr. Michael Flanagan ’63 (professor emeritus of theatre), Kathy Christenson, Dr. Kathleen Flanagan M’75, and Dr. David Christenson ’68 got in the Christmas spirit.

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More than 20 women’s basketball alumnae athletes returned to Winona for a game and post-game gathering on Dec. 7, 2019, including, from left: Brigette Audette ’17, Mary Wintroath ’19, Sam Jones ’17, Micaela Meredith ’17, Emma Schaefer ’17, Haley Trom ’16, Alexa Huisman ’18, Kirsten Keefe ’19, Natalie Williams ’15, Courtney Euerle ’14, Octavia Brown ’15, Sara Schoenthaler ’15, Brandi Blattner ’19, Brittany Begrowicz ’12, Ashley Luehmann ’07, and Bridget Pethke ’16.

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The second annual Santa at Saint Mary’s event, held at the University Center on the Twin Cities Campus, on Dec. 14, 2019, drew 87 alumni and families including Lynn Albee ’06, M’07, Ed.D. (acting dean for the School of Education), Brodie Hacken ’06, alumni board member, and their family.

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More than 50 alumni and friends attended the pre-game gathering and the men’s basketball game versus Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., on Dec. 30, 2019. Brian Sisson (director of Athletics) congratulated Jeff Norris ’76 on his induction into the Illinois Coaches Hall of Fame.

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Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president, addressed more than 40 alumni and friends at the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix,

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Ariz., on Jan. 11.

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A total of 22 Saint Mary’s swimming and diving alumni returned to campus Jan. 25 to celebrate the swimming and diving program. They watched the final home meet, enjoyed some time in the Jul Gernes Pool, and enjoyed networking at a post-meet gathering at Wellington’s Pub and Grill in Winona.

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Saint Mary’s alumni and friends, including Mark Matyas ‘06, Brian Schmisek, Ph.D. (provost), and Radhika Chandra gathered at the University Club in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 3 for the annual gathering. The event was hosted by Richard Willett ’57.

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Alumnae gathered in St. Paul for the first ever women’s hockey alumnae gathering on Feb. 8. Attendees cheered on the Cardinals as they took on Hamline at the TRIA Rink and then met the team at Cossetta’s for a post-game gathering. Enjoying the event were, from left: Sara (Eisenhauer) Quinnell ’10, Melissa Mondo ’07, Nikki Jung ’07, Angie (Kryzer) Haverland ’10 and Dana Krueser ’12.

Feb. 15 for a full day of events including a tour of new athletic

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More than 30 men’s hockey alumni returned to Saint Mary’s on facilities, an alumni game, andi pre-game and post-game events. They also watched the Cardinals take on St. Olaf.

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A total of 45 Saint Mary’s alumni and friends gathered at the Club at Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs, Fla., on Feb. 22 to network and hear the latest news about Saint Mary’s University. Angie (Scully) Steger ’76, Joe Ross ’67, Doug Eichten ’67, and Donna Eichten reunited at the event. The event was hosted by Terrance ’76 and Kathleen (Conway) ’78 Russell. .

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Chicago-area alumni and friends had the opportunity to meet, network with, and listen to a presentation from the dean of the School of Business and Technology, Michelle Wieser, Ph.D., on March 3. Attendees included, from left: John Weber ’87, Paul Adank ’86, Joe Hettinger ’87, Norene Chip ’87, Sue Schmidt ’85, and Joe Sweeney ’81. The event was hosted by Trustee Jim Horan ’72 at Blue Plate Catering, Ltd.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Lauri Datta-Concaildi ’87, Moira Tuffy ’85, Jennifer Baryl ’86,

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CLASS NOTES CONGRATS

Minn., elementary school.

1960s

Kristin (Dufresne) Abbott M’98, C’15 is the principal at Island Lake Elementary in Shoreview, Minn.

Dr. James “J.T.” Dillion ’62 is professor emeritus at University of California, Riverside, Calif.

Dr. William Casey ’66, Lewisville, N.C., released his fifth book, 40 Psalm Prophecies Unlocked.

Merle Wilberding ’66, Dayton, Ohio, was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.

1970s Eugene Klein ’70 resides in Mesa, Ariz., in his “tin can mansion,” as he refers to his 1977 5th wheel Traveleze, which is retro and quite comfortable. He hopes to attend his 50th class reunion at Saint Mary’s.

Marilyn (Lueck) Noel ’75, Dubuque, Iowa, was selected to the Beckman Catholic High School Hall of Fame as the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for exemplary service to the Beckman community.

Richard Terrien ’75, Berona, Pa., a book, Ageless Startup: Start a Business at Any Age, in spring 2020.

Brother Joe Russell III FCT, ObISB ’77 is the founding director of Flowering Tree On The Back Of The Great Turtle Living History and Original Nations Educational Resource Center, a part of the Evangelization Center of Most Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Parish in Waukegan, Ill. Brother Joe teaches social science through international fabric art.

1980s The Hon. George T. Stephenson ’80, Saint Paul, Minn., has a business called Black Heart Enterprises, which specializes in making monster models.

Allen Klein M’83, San Francisco, Calif., published The Lighten Up Book: Affirmations and Insights to Inspire Health and Happiness and The Joy of Simplicity: Insights to Unclutter and Uncomplicate Your Life.

Michelle (Emond) Wolfe ’86 is the new city manager of Blaine, Minn.

Michael Egelston M’89 is the branch president of NN Jaeschke, Inc. in San Diego, Calif.

1990s Sara Monaghan ’91, M.D., and Michael Linden ’98, M.D., Ph.D., Saint Paul, Minn., presented together at the International Clinical Cytometry Society (ICCS) in Atlanta, Ga., in October 2019. Drs. Monaghan and Linden are associate professors in hematopathology at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Minnesota, respectively, and both serve on the ICCS’ Advocacy Committee. Their session focused on how the committee and other members of the ICCS contribute to shaping the evolving regulatory environment for clinical flow cytometry.

Opportunities to bring quality flow cytometry to resource challenged labs were also highlighted.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Dr. Michael Panicola ’92 is the president and CEO of Epworth Children and Family Services of Saint Louis, Mo.

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Thomas “Tom” Wistrcill ’92 is a Big Sky Conference commissioner appointed to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Competition Committee.

Carol Lowinske M’94 is the director and LP of Mind Body Spirit Center in Mankato, Minn. She has been rescuing dogs for 42 years.

Dr. Anne Egan ’95, Lake City, Minn., graduated from Augsburg University with a doctorate in Nurse Practitioner – Family Nurse Practitioner degree.

Tracy (Trowbridge) Hale ’95, Trempealeau, Wis., was named acting director of alumni engagement at Winona State University in Winona, Minn.

Andrene “Andi” Matre M’97, C’13 is working in alternative delivery of specialized instructional services at the Cannon Falls,

Linda (Fluck) McAlister ’99 is the executive director for Schmidt Vocal Arts in Covington, Ky. 2000s Jenny Carrillo M’00 and Laura Alexander M’03 celebrated the 10th anniversary of their business partnership, Alexander Carrillo Consulting, in Tucson, Ariz.

Kevin Ahern M’01, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., was inducted into the Simley, Minn., High School Hall of Fame.

Beth Wilms M’01 is executive director at Southwest Health and Human Services in Marshall, Minn.

Tracy Kopetzki M’03 was named teacher of the year at Waseca, Minn., High School where she teaches language arts.

Bruce Miller C’04, C’05, was named principal at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, Minn., in August 2019.

Richard Aldrich C’04, C’13 was named the superintendent of Hibbing, Minn., Schools in July 2019.

Michael “Mike” Brokenshire ’09 was selected as assistant athletic director at Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, Ill. Dr. Paula Henry C’05, D’07 is the superintendent of Lake ParkAudubon Public Schools in Lake Park, Minn.

Scott Rabehl M’05 was named 2019 Schmitt Music High School Educator of the Year. He is the music and band director at Buffalo, Minn., High School.

Dylan Walker ’05, M’16 will be teaching English grades 7-12 at Milaca Schools in Milaca, Minn.

Dr. Jamal Adam M’06, Duluth, Minn., was named interim dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences by Lake Superior College.

Vonna Dinse M’06, C’07 is the coordinator of the new Area Learning Center for Faribault, Minn., schools.

Sara (Vargason) Lawrence ’06 is the new vice president of Saint Mary’s Press in Winona, Minn.

Nathan “Nate” Moudry M’07, C’18 is working as dean of students at Meadowview Elementary in Farmington, Minn.

Jackie Baumgard M’08 is a special education teacher for Maple River High School in Mapleton, Minn.

Melissa Ness M’08 is principal of Eisenhower Elementary/ XinXing Academy in Hopkins, Minn.

Adam Hauke ’09, M’10 began teaching English at Notre Dame School of DePere, Wis. 2010s Benjamin “Ben” Miska M’10, C’15 was hired as principal of the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Elementary School in Warren, Minn.

William Wietman M’10, C’15, S’16 was named principal and athletic director for Ortonville, Minn., schools in 2019.

Sarah (McDonough) Howard ’11 is the director of marketing and communications for the Pleasant Prairie Convention and Visitors Bureau.

LaBelle Nambangi ’11, who grew up in Cameroon, Africa, has written a book, Women Who Soar.

Isaac Matzek M’12, C’14 is the new the assistant principal of Winona Senior High School in Winona, Minn.

Kaitlyn Ellringer ’14, M’17 began working as a fifth-grade teacher in Chatfield, Minn.

Dr. Robert Marx ’14 joined the Tri-State Dental Clinic in Dakota Dunes, S.D. Rebecca Munns ’14 is working as a kindergarten teacher for Chisago Lakes Schools, in Chisago Lakes, Minn.

Conner Ellinghuysen ’15 was named director of admissions at

Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Thomas E. Fremgen ’62, Antioch, Ill., on Sept. 24, 2019.

Tony Mosser ’15 started working as the Woodbury Elementary School principal in Woodbury, Minn., in August 2019.

Laurence C. Yandel ’62, Sun City, Ariz., on Sept. 28, 2019.

Tammy Yackley M’15 is the principal at Cedar Mountain middle and high schools in Morgan, Minn.

Charles H. Mertensotto ’63, Shoreview, Minn., on Aug. 24, 2019.

Dr. Erich Heise D’16 was named superintendent of schools in Bagley, Minn., in July 2019.

Dr. Anthony Leigh M’16 completed a doctoral degree in higher education management at the University of Georgia in December 2019. He is currently senior vice president for student and institutional development at Huntingdon College in Alabama.

Dr. Deidra Peaslee D’16 is serving as interim president of Saint Paul College, Saint Paul, Minn.

Nathaniel Beulah M’17 was awarded the 2018 Cultural Jambalaya Diversity Award; he teaches at Northeast Middle School in Minneapolis, Minn.

Kelly Floden M’17 teaches third grade at Grainwood Elementary School in Prior Lake, Minn.

Christine Koch M’17 was named executive director for Bemidji State University’s American Indian Resource Center, Bemidji, Minn.

Brandon Roth M’17 is working as a vocational construction teacher at Zumbrota Mazeppa High School, Zumbrota, Minn.

Margaret Steeves ’19 will join outstanding students from across the nation to take part in a unique academic and careerorientated development experience, the International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP).

Daniel Soller ’19 is a vendor manager for Climate by Design International in Owatonna, Minn.

BIRTHS Kevin Black ’08 and wife, Katherine, Saint Paul, Minn., a son, Liam Thomas, on Dec. 20, 2019. Liam joins older brother, Luke, who is 2.

Elliut ’17 and Emily (Blaser) ’16 Fonseca, Bloomington, Minn., a daughter, Susan “Susie” Guadalupe Fonseca.

DEATHS John A. Lelwica ’49, Lindstrom, Minn., on Feb. 19, 2020.

William J. Fagan ’50, Dayton, Ohio, on Aug. 10, 2017.

William J. Markham ’51, Atlanta, Ga., on Sept. 14, 2019.

Irvin K. Silchuck ’51, Somonauk, Ill., on Oct. 30, 2019.

Dr. Edward E. Cahill ’52, Chattanooga, Tenn., on March 23, 2019.

Maurice “Mickey” R. Flynn ’54, Houston, Texas, on April 12, 2019.

John “Jack” S. Gensler ’54, Naperville, Ill., on May 19, 2019.

Donald E. Krause ’54, Cannon Falls, Minn., on June 8, 2019.

Dr. Charles “Chuck” A. Skemp ’54, La Crescent, Minn., on Dec. 25, 2019.

Dr. Bernard R. Dansart ’55, Dubuque, Iowa, on Sept. 14, 2019.

Thomas Flaherty ’56, Walnut Creek, Calif., on Jan. 4, 2020.

Robert T. McDonnell ’56, Darien, Ill., on June 24, 2019.

Dr. Eugene R. Bakalars ’57, La Crosse, Wis., on Oct. 18, 2019.

Victor John Moeller ’59, Elgin, Ill., on May 9, 2019.

Gerald Fair ’60, Schaumburg, Ill., on Feb. 2, 2019.

Reynold E. Cierniak ’61, Newark, Del., on June 24, 2019.

Charles “Pete” F. Donovan ’61, Seneca, Ill., on Sept. 27, 2019.

Ronald F. Symusiak ’61, Englewood, Fla., on Oct. 14, 2019.

Robert “Bob” J. Schottler ’64, Schofield, Wis., on Jan. 21, 2020.

Brother Robert Thomas, FSC ’64, St. Paul, Minn., on Feb. 5, 2020.

John W. Brennan ’66, Wauwatosa, Wis., on Oct. 26, 2019.

John G. Jelinek ’67, Hopkins, Minn., on Nov. 16, 2019.

Brother Leonard Stoffel, FSC ’67, Chicago, on June 27, 2019.

John Galella, Jr. ’69, Moline, Ill., on July 26, 2019.

Dr. Garry L. Frank ’70, West Des Moines, Iowa, on July 7, 2019.

Brother Milton Barker, FSC ’71, Minneapolis, on Jan. 3, 2020.

Joseph “Skip” P. Dillingham ’71, Buffalo Grove, Ill., on July 26, 2019.

Thomas J. Green ’71, Temecula, Calif., on June 13, 2019.

James M. Hayes ’71, Oak Park, Ill., on Jan. 4, 2020.

Robert L. McGee ’71, Irving, Texas, on June 16, 2019.

Gordon J. Hofschulte ’73, Milwaukee, Wis., on Aug. 29, 2019.

Richard E. Williams III ’73, Westchester, Ill., on Feb. 19, 2020.

Joseph F. Higgins ’74, Jupiter, Fla., on Nov. 9, 2019.

Kevin E. Kolis ’74, Mount Pleasant, Wis., on Aug. 3, 2019.

Mark Rocco Olita ’76, Elk Grove, Ill., on Jan. 31, 2020.

Michael “Mike” P. Leaf ’83, Winona, Minn., on Aug. 19, 2019.

Katherine A. (Stender) Thompson ’95, Mendota Heights, Minn., on Feb. 24, 2020.

Conal J. Fleming ’01, Madison, Wis., on July 5, 2017.

Marc A. Dethloff ’02, St. Charles, Ill., on July 12, 2019.

Kurt C. Sorem ’02, Honolulu, Hawaii, on Dec. 18, 2019.

Tyler “Leno” J. Pientok ’17, Salt Lake City, Utah, on Dec. 26, 2018.

Douglas S. Szyman M’17, St. Paul, Minn., on Dec. 11, 2019.

SYMPATHIES Joseph Lafond ’51 and Kristine (Lafond) Cozort ’88 on the death of their wife and mother, Dorothy Ann, on Nov. 10, 2019.

Dr. Samuel Skemp ’52, Dr. Archie Skemp ’81, and Noah Skemp ’11 on the death of their brother, father, and grandfather, Charles “Chuck” Skemp ’54, on Dec. 25, 2019. Many other Skemp family members are alumni of Saint Mary’s.

James Lorr ’58, Margaret (Lorr) Lange ’84, and Donald Lorr ’93 on the death of their wife and mother, Margaret Rose (Ahren), on Aug. 14, 2019.

James Srnec ’60 and Joseph Srnec ’63 on the death of their wife and sister-in-law, Judith Ann, on July 6, 2018.

Paul ’61 and Helen (Newville) Thomas CST’61 on the death of their brother and brother-in-law, Brother Robert Thomas, FSC ’64, on Feb. 5, 2020.

Richard Cook ’65 on the death of his wife, Cecilia (Ruekert) CST’68 on Sept. 1, 2019.

Terry Skrypek ’70 on the death of his daughter, Heidi, on Oct. 24, 2019.

William “Bill” Kronschnabel ’71, Rita (Kronschnabel) Spiess ’77, Jane (Kronschnabel) Hanson ’78, Mike Kelly ’83, Ellen (Kronschnabel) Kelly ’84, Julie (Biesanz) Gardner ’85, Paul Kronschnabel ’86, Theodore “Ted” Kronschnabel ’89, Mary Beth (Kronschnabel) Schmidt M’92, Sara (Spiess) Carkoski ’06, Katherine (Kronschnabel) Ratley M’10, Daniel Spiess ’12, Michael Kelly Jr. ’17, and Chris Kelly ’22 on the death of their

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Emily Flemming M’16 was appointed executive director of the Helena, Mont., Area Community Foundation.

Brother Michael Flaherty, FSC ’63, Chicago, on Dec. 3, 2019.

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CLASS NOTES father, father-in-law, and grandfather, George Kronschnabel, on Jan. 2, 2020.

Richard ’74 and Dr. Teresa (Rhodes) McGee CST’79 on the death of their father and father-in-law, Lyola William McGee, on July 20, 2019, and brother and brother-in-law, Robert McGee ’71, on June 16, 2019.

Mary (Lentz) Hofschulte ’75 on the death of her husband, Gordon Hofschulte ’73, on Aug. 29, 2019.

Terry ’76 and Kathleen (Conway) Russell ’78, and Ann Russell ’09 on the death of their father, father-in-law, and grandparent, Kenneth Russell, on Dec. 13, 2019.

Dr. John ’77 and Joan (Fallon) Domanico CST’78 on the death of their father and father-in-law, Joseph Domanico, on Jan. 22, 2020.

Dr. Michael McDonnell ’80 and Maeve McDonnell ’17 on the death of their father and grandfather, Robert McDonnell ’56, on June 24, 2019.

Clarissa (Bunta) Polachek ’81 on the death of her father, James Bunta, on March 8, 2019.

Michael Tschida ’84, Michael ‘84 and Caroline (Tschida) Kinne ’87, Jim Tschida ’88, John Tschida ’90, Nick Winecke ’07, M’12, Andrew Winecke ’08, Brian Tschida ‘15, and Bob Kinne ’18 on the death of their father, father-in-law, and grandfather, Ronald Tschida, on Sept. 17, 2019.

Mary (Rivard) Pfeiler ’87 and Patricia (Rivard) Grabrian ’88 on the death of their father, Duane Rivard, on Sept. 11, 2019.

William Leaf ’88 on the death of his brother, Michael Leaf ’83, on Aug. 19, 2019.

Laura (Lentino) Downs ’97, Joseph Lentino ’03, and Gerry Lentino ’08 on the death of their father, Joseph Lentino, M.D., Ph.D., on Nov. 15, 2018.

Katherine Jelinek ’99, M’01 and Mary (Yule) Jelinek CST ’69 on the death of their husband and father, John Jelinek ’67, on Nov. 16, 2019.

Sarah Mrotz ’99 on the death of her mother, Anne Mrotz, on Aug. 12, 2019.

Dr. Jim Vogel (retired faculty) on the death of his brother-in-law, James P. Fugere, on Jan. 1, 2020.

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Matthew Palkert ’00, M’05 on the death of his father, Lawrence Palkert, on Oct. 1, 2019.

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Terri Lieder (Marketing and Communication staff ), Alan Lieder M’02, and Katharine Lieder ’14 on the death of their mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, Laura Niehaus, on June 6, 2019.

Nicole (Lynch) Peterson ’03, C’04, M’09 on the passing of her father, Timothy Lynch, on Aug. 16, 2019.

Kimberly Gleason M’07 on the death of her father, Arlen Ebert, on Jan. 8, 2019, and her brother, Kevin Ebert, on June 11, 2019.

Julio Martinez ’13, Jesus Martinez ’14, and Leticia Martinez ’17 on the death of their father, Jesus Martinez Saavedra, on Sept. 19, 2019.

Brandon Gustafson M’19 on the death of his grandmother, Joan Mayer, on June 8, 2019. •

DR. JOHN ‘JAY’ JOHNSON PASSED AWAY DEC. 9, 2019, LEAVING BEHIND A LONG LEGACY AT SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY. Dr. Johnson came to Saint Mary’s in 1966 and remained on the faculty for 44 years until his retirement in 2010. While at Saint Mary’s, he established the Psychology Department, serving as its chair, and he developed bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the subject. He also served as graduate dean and vice president, and worked in academic affairs.

One of his proudest achievements at Saint Mary’s was developing a study abroad program in conjunction with West London University.

He lived abroad while supervising the program, which later moved to Florence, Italy. In honor of his commitment to the university, he earned the Brother Charles Severin Award for excellence in teaching in 1995.

He continued living in Winona until 2018, when he returned to Omaha, Neb., to be closer to family.

•

EXTENDING SYMPATHY TO THE ROSE KOWLES FAMILY Longtime Saint Mary’s staff member Rose Kowles passed away May 1, 2020. The Kowles legacy is lengthy at Saint Mary’s; Rose worked for the university for 26 years, beginning in the library and then in the accounts receivable area of the business office. Additionally, she was married to biology professor emeritus Dick Kowles, Ph.D., who worked for Saint Mary’s for 40 years before retiring in 2008. Additionally, their five children, Douglas ’79, Gregory ’80, Deborah (Kowles) Erickson ’84, Jeanne (Kowles) Rye ’85, and Brian ’89, are all Saint Mary's graduates. •

LOOKING BACK

We’ve taken class photos for decades. Hey members of the class of 1987, can you find yourself in this picture? Hairstyles and clothing choices may have changed, but Saint Mary’s spirit hasn’t!

If you have more information about this photo, please contact Saint Mary’s Magazine editor, Deb Nahrgang. Mail comments to Saint Mary’s Magazine, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #46, Winona, MN 55987. Or, send an email to dnahrgan@smumn.edu.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Magazine brings back memories I found the last issue of the magazine interesting for two reasons. First was the article about the PA program. I was the first PA in the state of Minnesota. I started at the Coon Rapids Clinic in 1971 and retired 14 years ago. The second article was about Max (Molock). I remember my dad saying he played against Max. My dad, whose picture is in the Hall of Fame at Winona State, lettered two years in golf (using women’s clubs), four years in track, four years in football, and four years in basketball. He was 6-feet tall and played center. Winona State Teachers College was the school my mother also attended. My dad was the homecoming king, and my mom was the homecoming queen. The fact that they both went to school there was a large reason I ended up at Saint Mary’s. P.S. in football my dad played the left end, the same position I played when the Benilde Bulldogs won the school championship in 1965.

— Richard Ostmoe ’67 •

Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

Clarification on ‘Looking Back’ image The top photo on the back cover 'Hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil' features Mary Jean (Freese) Rumer ’78, Beth (Ivantic) Kneesel ’78, and Joan (Podell) White ’78. It was taken in the winter of 1976-77 sitting just outside the Student Center. These women were deep philosophical thinkers who challenged their fellow students to discover and explore the many facets of the human intellect. Saint Mary's was fortunate to have them as students in the late ’70s. — Joe Jungbauer ’77

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Saint Mary’s Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020

All people must be afforded equal dignity while all forms of racism and injustice against humanity must be condemned, especially when they are perpetrated against those who have been historically marginalized and silenced, as has been the experience in African American communities.

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Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D. Saint Mary's University

This edition was nearing completion at the time of George Floyd's tragic death. His voice will forever remind us that by remaining quiet, we allow prejudice, inequality, discrimination, and hatred to grow.

We must all do better.