SPRING 2016 – VOLUME 49, NUMBER 1
CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 6 8 10 14 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 36 43 36 48 50
FROM THE EDITOR LETTERS OPENING IN 2017 THE SKY’S THE LIMIT SAINT MARY’S RECEIVES $1.5 MILLION DONATION PUTTING STUDENTS ON THE MAP MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT MAYO GAME PLAN FOR SUCCESS CAPSTONE PROJECT WILL HELP HOSPITAL REGULATE CAPACITY A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE BROTHER WILLIAM HONORED FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE LIGHTS, CAMERA, RETIREMENT NICE GUYS FINISH FIRST FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS NEWS AND VIEWS ALUMNI NEWS SPORTS NEWS ALUMNI EVENTS MURTAUGH PLAYS MAJOR ROLE IN INFAMOUS MURDER CASE CLASS NOTES
VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Audrey Kintzi, MS, ACFRE ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT BRAND MANAGEMENT Stacia Vogel EDITOR Deb Nahrgang Phone: 507-457-6966 Fax: 507-457-6967 dnahrgan@smumn.edu CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Allison Christensen ’16 Bob Conover Robert Fisher ’97, M’06 Donny Nadeau ’85 Deb Nahrgang PHOTOGRAPHERS Rick Busch Bob Conover Jonathon Henry Janie Maki ’15 Deb Nahrgang GRAPHIC DESIGN Greg Haakonson PRODUCTION Pat Beech Bob Conover The John Roberts Company Saint Mary’s Magazine is published by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for its alumni, parents, and friends. ADDRESS CHANGES Saint Mary’s Magazine Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 ON THE WEB smumn.edu/magazine ABOUT SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of leadership and service. 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 5,800 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.
Extra Extra! Get your news here!
Deb Nahrgang Saint Mary’s Magazine editor
Long gone are the days of waiting for street corner news peddlers to hand out the latest editions of newspapers with ink not yet dry. Also gone are the days of having to wait anxiously by your mailbox for your news. Although Saint Mary’s Magazine comes out twice a year, there’s no way we can fit all of the changes, all of the successful alumni stories, and all of the exciting upcoming events within these 56 pages. Did you know you can stay up-to-date with your alma mater all the time? If you enjoy reading about what faculty, students, and alumni are up to, all you have to do is go online to smumn.edu/news. We’ve recently written about: • Faculty and students completing deer tick research • A student who created an app that explores Winona history • An alumnus promoting fitness in Saint Paul • An alumna displaying art in New York City • A faculty perspective on the business benefits of Pokémon Go • An alumnus writing a children’s book • A family with multiple degrees from Saint Mary’s • An alumnus doing a pro-golf internship • And so much more! Each week, new additions keep the content current. Also, be sure to follow us on social media. There are the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and Saint Mary’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs Facebook pages; our Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota LinkedIn page; our Twitter accounts (@ smumn and @SMUGradPrograms); our Snapchat (@ smumnwinona); our photo albums (smumn.edu/photos); our Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Instagram page; and our Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s YouTube account. The alumni association is also active on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Additionally, from the news page, you can check out recent newsletters and editions of the current studentrun Cardinal news. We hope you’ll help us share our good news! We depend on our alumni to help us share our stories with new audiences of potential students and families. When Andrew “Roo” Yori ’99 (page 28-29) was on American Ninja Warrior, his social media feed—and the feeds of everyone who knows him—blew up with excitement. We all swelled with pride watching Yori on national television as he promoted his platform of saving dogs. When a Dubsmash video done by Eric Bruce M’12 went viral (with more than 5.5 million people viewing a video of him lip syncing to his baby), we were there, happy to share some smiles. (Read more at smumn.edu/ dubsmash.) Seems like these are exactly the type of good news stories we all could use more of, particularly these days. They’re stories that will restore your faith in humanity—or, at least make you proud to be affiliated with Saint Mary’s University. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy this issue. Thanks for reading—on all our sites and platforms! ≠
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LETTERS
SPRING 2016 – VOLUME 49, NUMBER 1
Remembering tray racing on the trails
I recently received and read the Saint Mary’s Magazine, Spring 2016 edition, and enjoyed it. The larger picture on the back inside cover in the “Looking Back” section caught my eye. I knew I had seen it before. I looked at some of my old Cardinal newspapers that I saved since my college years and I found that picture in the Feb. 14, 1975 edition. The photo was taken by Bob Weisskopf with the following caption: “Official starter Marc Craine looks on with other contestants and observers, including Steve ‘Sam’ Samuelson, who models typical tray racing apparel, during tray racing competition on the ski hill over Winter Sports Weekend.” I believe Marc is the one with the white stripes on his jacket in the background. Steve is obviously the one on the tray with goggles and knit cap. The trays were compliments of the Food Service Department of Saint Mary’s, perhaps willingly or perhaps not. The tray races were held on the old downhill ski run that used to have a tow rope that operated inconsistently in those years. I believe that is now part of the cross country course, with the tow rope apparatus and housing now gone. Fun times and good memories. ≠
LOOKING BACK
WHAT A
SNOWY
RUSH Chances are, if you are a lover of all that cold white fluffy stuff, and you have a craving for fun, you’ve slid down one of the Yon’s valley hills on Saint Mary’s Winona Campus. The close-up photo is circa 1978. The other was taken in the 1960s. Students, through the years, have become quite crafty about the items they’ve used to slide on, including cafeteria trays. Anyone with additional information about these photos is welcome to contact Saint Mary’s Magazine editor, Deb Nahrgang. Mail comments to Saint Mary’s Magazine, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #36, Winona, MN 55987. Or, send email to: dnahrgan@smumn.edu.≠
— John Ebert ’75
A winning wrestling team
In response to the wonderful letter in the Spring ’16 Saint Mary’s Magazine, here are some pictures from the first wrestling team to post a winning record. We were coached by Larry Luttmers and the other photos show two of the captains, myself and Mike Lyons; missing is the third captain Denny Hoehn. Note the earlier uniforms with the SMC logo. In the later picture Mike Lyons is congratulating me on my 2016 induction into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Hall of Fame. It was a thrilling team that led to many lasting memories and friendships. ≠ — Jim Izzo ’75
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OPENING IN 2017
Dr. Jeanne Minnerath and Dr. Brett Bodsgard get their first tour.
This fall, trustees, faculty, staff, and students got their first tours of the progress being made on the Science and Learning Center. The new building, scheduled to be completed before the start of the 2017 school year, has several unique features. Take your own interactive 360-degree virtual tour by visiting the links below!
Fall progress on the new Winona Campus addition.
• The 50,000-square-foot building includes an interior atrium that visually connects all three floors and welcomes sunlight from the skylights above. Glass walls and large windows create open and inviting learning spaces. Check out a panoramic virtual tour of this space at smumn.edu/centeratrium. • A 120-seat tiered lecture hall—with stateof-the-art technology—accommodates a variety of public and campus events. Conveniently located, the room and the surrounding area is designed for gatherings, presentations, and speakers. Check out a panoramic virtual tour of this space at smumn.edu/auditorium. • Light and spacious classrooms and labs are specially designed to promote handson learning opportunities. “Hubs”—located on all three floors—are comfortable, customizable gathering spaces for faculty and student interactions. Check out a panoramic virtual tour of this space at smumn.edu/westatrium. Or, to see a video of the tour, go to smumn.edu/tour. ≠
An artist’s rendering of the Science and Learning Center
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THE SKY’S Ben Preusser, a double major in physics and math, is—no surprise—interested in numbers, and he has always been a fervent fan of facts. “(All students) should major in physics and math; there are no other majors,” he says with a laugh. It could be this positive attitude, coupled with his love for learning that helped Preusser acquire a spot in the NASA Student Airborne Research Program, an eight-week summer immersion program in California. The Saint Mary’s University senior from Belle Plaine, Minn., heard about the internship through Dr. Paul Nienaber, SJ, the Physics Department chair, who regularly sends out internship information and encourages students to apply. Associate Professor of Physics Dr. Robyn Wangberg, Preusser’s academic adviser, wrote to recommend him for this position. Preusser said only one in eight students who applied were chosen for the unique experience. The Student Airborne Research Program provides students with hands-on research experience in all aspects of a major scientific campaign, from detailed planning on how to achieve mission objectives to formal presentation of results and conclusions to peers and even NASA officials. “They expose students to the whole range of collecting, analyzing, and presenting data,” Preusser said, explaining that the 32 students were broken down into smaller multi-disciplinary teams that studied surface, atmospheric, and oceanographic processes. Preusser’s group looked at land imagery. The students traveled to Palmdale, Calif. During the first two weeks, they took measurements at field sites and flew onboard the NASA DC-8, a flying laboratory, from which they sampled, collected, and measured gases at different altitudes. Preusser said his group was fortunate to have more instrumentation on the plane than in previous years; he and other participants were introduced to as many as 20 different instruments. Preusser’s group went up in the DC-8 during a day when smoke from a California wildfire affected their results. As a result, studying atmosphere corrections for smoke became his research project. “They have algorithms for correcting on clear air, but on one of our days, a wildfire spewed a lot of smoke on the flight path. I’m looking at where in the light spectrum smoke is affecting our data and running different atmospheric corrections software to see if I find a setting that makes it look the best. It just so happened that because of our time constraint, we were presented with a unique data set to analyze how smoke is affecting our results and if it’s possible to correct that.”
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For the next six weeks, teams worked at the University of California, Irvine where they analyzed the data. Each student then completed an individual research project from the data collected. The experience concluded with individual presentations. Preusser also made a presentation on his project during the fall semester at Saint Mary’s.
“The program has broadened my horizons and exposed me to things I didn’t have access to ... it’s an eye-opener.” —Ben Preusser ’17
Although Preusser said it’s unlikely any major discoveries will result from this summer’s research, the experience is invaluable. “The program has broadened my horizons and exposed me to things I didn’t have access to,” he said. “It’s an eye-opener. We had an opportunity to listen to NASA officials and scientists. I feel I know more about how NASA works now.” Preusser said he felt his classes at Saint Mary’s prepared him well for the experience. “All the physics made sense,” he said. “And the math was pretty complex but when I put in the time, it made sense. It’s hard to be completely prepared for the work that we did, but I learned a lot.” After completing his studies at Saint Mary’s this spring, Preusser admits he isn’t sure which direction he is headed, but he is definitely interested in getting his Ph.D. He’s excited to have the internationally known and respected name of NASA on his résumé. And, if NASA unexpectedly offered him a job, Preusser said he definitely wouldn’t decline it. ≠ To hear more about his work, go to: smumn.edu/preusser
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THE LIMIT Group photos of students in the NASA Student Airborne Research Program in front of the NASA DC-8.
Senior Ben Preusser ’17, left, takes measurement at the Sedgwick Reserve during the NASA Student Airborne Research Program. Photo courtesy of Dr. Dar Roberts, University of California, Santa Barbara.
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Saint Mary’s receives $1.5 million to enhance science, business With a $1.5 million donation, Betty Kabara—current trustee and longtime supporter of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota—is enhancing and furthering the university’s science and business initiatives. Through her generosity and partnership, Kabara, a resident of Galena, Ill., will help Saint Mary’s prepare students to meet the challenges and demands of the future. This transformational gift—made in July—will be used to: • establish a Dr. Jon ’48 and Betty Kabara Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation; • build the Dr. Jon ’48 and Betty Kabara Chemistry Lab, a premier organic/inorganic laboratory promoting chemistry in the new Science and Learning Center on the Winona Campus; and • create the new Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies Office Suite in the Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman Hall, also on the Winona Campus.
and innovation each semester to students across the university, regardless of major. The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies Office Suite will be relocated in the revitalized Adducci Science’s Centers Hoffman Hall, and the suite will provide the Dr. Jon ’48 and Betty Kabara Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship and Innovation an open and inviting space. It will foster faculty and student interaction, coaching, and mentoring, all of which are hallmarks of a Saint Mary’s undergraduate
With the Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman Hall revitalization project, Saint Mary’s is bringing together two strong academic areas of the university, business and science. Innovation can occur at the crossroads of business and science, and the late Jon Kabara’s life is a prime example of this. As the founder of Med-Chem Labs, Inc., Jon was a successful and dedicated man of business and science. Betty, an entrepreneur in her own right and currently CEO of MedChem Labs, is equally committed to this dream. Expanding and upgrading these facilities will provide opportunities to foster interdisciplinary education and creativity—tools that are invaluable for today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders.
“The Kabaras have long been instrumental partners in enhancing the student experience at Saint Mary’s.” —Brother William The Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation will be the catalyst for the study of entrepreneurship and innovation at Saint Mary’s. The individual, holding a faculty appointment, will also serve as the university’s director of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. The goal of this institute, established by the Kabaras in 2005, is to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students across the university, as well as to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of entrepreneurship in our society. The Kabara Institute currently offers a wide array of activities and programs to engage students in entrepreneurship. The endowed chair will build on current programming and expand opportunities for involvement at the graduate level. Additionally, the endowed chair will teach a series of courses related to the topics of entrepreneurship
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experience. The strategic location of this unique space will serve as the center for entrepreneurial studies. Located adjacent to the new high-tech Marketing Intelligence Center and Sales Training Centers, students and guests will feel at home in an environment which promotes innovative and entrepreneurial thinking. The Jon ’48 and Betty Kabara Chemistry Lab will be designed to promote chemistry discovery, innovation, and projectbased learning. This premier lab in the Science and Learning Center is structured to foster scientific discovery with a flexible configuration, fume hoods, and state-of-the-art scientific research equipment. “The Kabaras have long been instrumental partners in enhancing the student experience at Saint Mary’s,” said Brother William. “Tomorrow’s successful business and science leaders and entrepreneurs need ethical and vigorous training, stateof-the art facilities, and valuable mentoring. We are extremely grateful for Betty’s generosity and her extraordinary vision in these endeavors.” ≠
Dr. Jon ’48 and Betty Kabara
Dan Arnold, president of DCM Tech and also a Kabara Institute board member, gives Saint Mary’s Entrepreneur-In-Training students Peter Liavas ’17 and Peter Hegland ’16 a tour of his Winona facility.
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Putting students on the
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Students interested in geographic information science at Saint Mary’s don’t need a global positioning system to direct them to valuable, hands-on experiences in their field. For years, the university’s GeoSpatial Services has been providing professionally mentored field experiences to students. The organization—which provides natural resource assessment, geographic analysis, and high-tech digital mapping services—works with both the public and private sector across a broad assortment of markets and disciplines in the U.S, according to GeoSpatial Services Director Andy Robertson. For example, pre-med major Christine Neumann is one of 15 undergraduate and graduate students currently classifying Minnesota wetlands in the state’s Northwest region on an $880,000 project for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The two-year wetland inventory project, which began in October, is the largest single project awarded to GeoSpatial Services (GSS) thus far. Although Neumann plans to become a family practitioner, the sophomore from Cloquet, Minn., has been interested in geographic information science since a high school science fair project first piqued her interest. “I did a project on Great Lakes invasive species using Esri’s GIS distribution mapping software—which Saint Mary’s is also using,” she said. Neumann added that the wetlands inventory project will give her good overall skills that will be valuable in her profession. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has long been a leader in providing students with the educational foundation and practical experience necessary for successful careers and leadership positions in geographic information science, offering a master’s degree, graduate certificate, and undergraduate minor in the growing and in-demand field. Under professional supervision, and working at the university’s Prairie Island Field Station in Winona, Saint Mary’s students in these programs—and others—will review digital aerial photos and LiDAR aerial laser measurements, interpret features on the ground, and delineate and classify current wetlands. The data will be used to update the Northwest Minnesota National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). Hundreds of students have worked at the center during his 13-year tenure, observed David Rokus, NWI project manager for GeoSpatial Services. “They require a meticulous eye for detail, an understanding of the natural environment, and a willingness to learn advanced technology software. Most are in biology, geographic information science (GIS) programs, and the natural resources fields,” Rokus said. “But we’ve had students in business, criminal justice, the arts, information technology, education, and so on, who have done quite well.” Graduate student Eric Lindquist of Winona, now in his second semester in Saint Mary’s Master of Science in GIS program, is also working on the wetlands project. Lindquist, who worked for 16 years as Saint Mary’s swim coach and facilities manager, is in a career transition. An avid hunter, he said: “I was looking for a big career change, and I have always loved maps and natural resources.” Lindquist said he enjoys “the blend of outdoor and indoor work.” Working at GeoSpatial Services on the wetland inventory greatly enhances Lindquist’s academic learning. “The opportunity to actually do work in the field related to the degree I’m pursuing is huge,” he said. The other appeal for Lindquist is “the natural resource aspect of the
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project, and the potential for use of the data generated for conservation efforts.” Reed Fry is in his first semester of the M.S. in Geographic Information Science program. The Des Moines, Iowa native earned a degree in economics in 2014 and worked in the banking field. “I’ve always had an interest in maps,” Fry said. “Now I’m exploring what I can I do to combine my background in economics with training in map-making and data interpretation.” A bonus, he said, is the opportunity to learn about wetlands and our local geography, as well as to meet professionals in the GIS field. “I’m hoping I can take these skills and either serve private enterprises or continue work in projects such as the NWI.” The paid student interns—selected through a competitive application process—will gain experiential and handson learning outside of the classroom and a deeper understanding of the NWI and its benefits. They will also benefit from the wetland ecology expertise of Saint Mary’s environmental scientists, and utilize state of the art geographic information system (GIS) technology. Students will be fully trained and supported by GeoSpatial Services staff to meet the accuracy requirements of the federal wetland mapping standards. Part of that training in wetland hydrology, hydric soil characterization, and vegetation identification will take place at Saint Mary’s Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center in Rochester.
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environmental Natural Resources Trust Fund. More on the National Wetlands Inventory: With the implementation of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) in 1991, state and federal agencies have been working toward a no-net-loss initiative in wetland quantity and quality, with the ultimate goal being a net gain in wetland resources throughout Minnesota. A large component of this no-net-loss initiative is establishing and updating wetland mapping, also known as the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). This information can be used by federal, state, and local governments, private industry, and non-profit organizations as baseline data for wetland regulation and management decisions, land use and conservation planning, environmental impact assessments, and natural resource inventories. The existing wetland mapping for Minnesota is roughly 25 to 30 years old, and the Minnesota DNR has taken the lead to coordinate an update throughout the state. Saint Mary’s GeoSpatial Services has previously collaborated with the Minnesota DNR in creating, classifying, and ultimately updating the Minnesota NWI. From 2012 to 2015, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota completed wetland updates in the Southern Minnesota region. More information on the National Wetlands Inventory for Minnesota is available online. ≠
David Rokus, GeoSpatial Services project manager for the Northwest Minnesota National Wetlands Inventory, works with graduate student Reed Fry.
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Making a difference at Mayo The Mayo Clinic is the ultimate dream destination for those practicing medicine. Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers at Mayo are quick to mention the benefits of having access to the world’s best doctors and healthcare providers; of working for a clinic with a world-renowned reputation; of being able to utilize state-of-the art equipment and stay informed about the most current research findings. Most of all, they are proud to work for an organization that believes in putting patients first. Hundreds of Saint Mary’s alumni have found a home at the Mayo Clinic, in positions across the board: from cytogenetics to emergency management, public affairs, healthcare administration, sports medicine, IT, public relations, and beyond. Dr. Debra Martin, biology professor, said that each year she takes her Molecular Biology Class to tour the PGL and the Cytogenetic, FISH, and Microarray laboratories at Mayo Clinic. “I am fortunate that Mayo Clinic provides this opportunity for our students to see molecular biology in action at a world renowned, innovative research facility that is so close to our campus. It is also a time that I can introduce our current science students to the alumni who work in these labs. I am amazed at the percentage of employees in these labs who are Saint Mary’s alumni!” Let us introduce you to just a few.
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Dr. Stewart’s pager is always near. Although scheduled to work elective surgeries Monday through Friday, Dr. Stewart must work at least two to three night call shifts each month and one weekend shift a month. As a level-one trauma center, the Mayo Clinic is always prepared to provide patients with the most advanced and comprehensive care available. “You need to be at the ready if something happens. And it often does,” he said. “When we work overnight, we definitely work, we’re not sitting around waiting.” To be working at a place considered the No. 1 hospital in the United States by U.S. News & World Report is a dream come true for Dr. Stewart.
“My undergraduate courses were graduate-level caliber. It felt like we were reviewing the same material that we had already gone over at Saint Mary’s.” —Dr. Tom Stewart ’06
Dr. Tom Stewart ’06
DR. TOM STEWART ’06 When seconds count, Dr. Tom Stewart steps in. Dr. Stewart first meets his patients in the moments before they go into surgery—when they are anxious and at their most vulnerable. An anesthesiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Dr. Stewart does his best to calm and comfort their nerves during one of the most stressful periods of their lives. “We have to gain our patients’ trust in a short time, a very scary time,” he said. “It’s very rewarding. We are the patients’ advocate before, during, and after surgery. We’re the protector of the patient and the last line. We’re focused on keeping them stable and safe throughout surgery, even when things don’t go perfectly as planned.” In addition to regulating life functions, anesthesiologists give patients medications or blood transfusions, playing a critical—but often unnoticed—role during surgery. When seconds count, anesthesiologists must make snap decisions and keep calm under pressure. “A lot of our colleagues don’t even know what we all do behind the curtain,” he said. But Dr. Stewart is happy not being in the spotlight. “We didn’t go into anesthesiology for recognition but to put the patients first,” he said. Dr. Stewart is one of 231 doctors at the Mayo Clinic who specialize in anesthesiology. He received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2016 and started on staff at the Mayo Clinic in July, although he began doing his residency at the world-renowned medical facility in 2012.
“To be honest, it is by far the best place in the world—the camaraderie and connection between specialties and being able to communicate with cardiologists or oncologists or anyone else involved with your patients’ care. It makes the care really seamless. On top of that it’s the level of safety and security knowing you have the world’s best colleagues working with you and with the same patients. With the culture here, people really do live and breathe the motto that the patient comes first. Everyone wants to do what’s best for the patient. It makes it an easy and fun place to come to work every day.” Dr. Stewart had always been attracted to the sciences, but didn’t look at medical school until late in his college career. Fortunately, he said, the academic programming at Saint Mary’s prepared him for medical school. “The classes I took prepared me academically for the challenges of medical school,” he said. “My undergraduate courses were graduate-level caliber. It felt like we were reviewing the same material that we had already gone over at Saint Mary’s. That was obviously a big advantage going through medical school.” Additionally, Dr. Stewart said getting to know faculty one-on-one, small class sizes, and the accessibility of faculty outside of class all helped to catapult his academic career. “I had fantastic advisers. Dr. Deb Martin and Dr. Dick Kowles were huge sources of motivation. Dr. Martin’s biochemistry class was the most academically challenging. That prepared me for the academic rigor of medical school.” As a 4-year hockey player, Dr. Stewart also learned about time management. “You learn very quickly how to best manage your time and be successful academically, as well as on the ice or playing field. Playing sports at Saint Mary’s was a benefit, never a hindrance. “I owe all my mentors and professors a big thank you,” he added. “It was very clear they were excited to see people be successful and wanted to nurture students and put them on the right path.” Dr. Stewart said he frequently runs into other Saint Mary’s alumni at the Mayo Clinic, sometimes at unlikely times, like when working a rotation in pediatric anesthesia during one of the last months of his residency. Somehow he mentioned in conversation that he had gone to Saint Mary’s, and the surgeon poked her head up to let him know she had gone to Saint Mary’s as well. “I constantly come across people who have connections to Saint Mary’s. It’s very cool.” SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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LUIS ESCOBAR ’12 Luis Escobar said he knew right away when he came to Saint Mary’s, he wanted to study the sciences. The biology major knew his end goal was to help others. To him, becoming a physician assistant seemed like the best way to do that. “It is a career that fits my interest in medicine and my interest of being of service to others in a very direct way,” he said. Escobar said no two days for him at the Mayo Clinic Health System in St. James are the same.
“I think the faculty at Saint Mary’s does an amazing job preparing students for the next level.” —Luis Escobar ’12
Physician assistants, he explained, are able to practice medicine in a variety of settings and have many roles. Physician assistants typically practice medicine in teams with physicians and other healthcare providers and are able to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients. Physician assistants may practice medicine in a primary care setting but may also practice in a specialty department, such as cardiology or orthopedics, for example. “There is no routine day,” he said. “We see patients of any age, from little children to nursing home patients. One of the things I like about this job is that there is a lot of variety.” Escobar said he must always strive to keep up with the latest medical knowledge. “There is no other field that forces you, in a good way, to stay up to date and to keep learning,” he said. “I enjoy that.” Escobar said he feels honored to be part of the Mayo Health System. “The resources that this organization provides are unbelievable,” he said. “It has helped me grow as a medical provider and has given me all the tools that I need to continue to grow professionally. Every medical provider working within Mayo Clinic Health System is equipped to give our patients the best care. I am very lucky to be a part of this organization so early in my career.” His first connection to the organization was when he served as a Mayo Innovation Scholar while attending Saint Mary’s. “That was an eye-opening experience,” he said. “That really gave me and my whole team a taste of what it would be like to be part of a special organization like Mayo.” Escobar reflects back to his advisers, Dr. Jeanne Minnerath and Dr. Deb Martin, who were helpful and encouraging while simultaneously pushing students to do their best.
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Luis Escobar ’12
“Dr. Martin encourages students to set their goals pretty high. I think the faculty at Saint Mary’s does an amazing job preparing students for the next level.” Escobar echoes Dr. Martin’s comments about the large number of Saint Mary’s alumni working within Mayo. “I work with a couple of providers in the Southwest Minnesota region who both graduated from Saint Mary’s within a couple of years of my graduation year. We have a nice Saint Mary’s alumni connection,” he said.
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“All the Lasallian classes that I took and the books I read ... that all exposed me to a broader education and gave me a more cultured experience.” —Dr. Amy (Korkowski) Oxentenko ’94
Dr. Amy (Korkowski) Oxentenko ’94
DR. AMY (KORKOWSKI) OXENTENKO ’94 Dr. Amy Oxentenko’s family teased her a bit when she announced she was switching her major from math to biology—and particularly pre-med. “I was the child who hated going to the doctor,” she said. “I was horribly phobic of needles and you needed six nurses to hold me down to get a shot. My family thought it was paradoxical that I was going into medicine.” Dr. Oxentenko has been on staff at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester since January of 2006; however, she and her husband, also a Mayo doctor, completed their training with Mayo beginning in 1998 and never left. “Many people who come to Mayo never leave because it’s such a great place to work,” she said. “I’ve had fantastic support throughout my training and my career. I work hard; I put in a lot of hours, but I am also able to find balance to raise my family as well. “You almost forget you’re working among the world’s experts because it’s such a collegial environment,” she added. “I can call up anyone without hesitation because of the warm nature of everyone’s interactions here.” She too sees Saint Mary’s in all aspects of her work with the Mayo Clinic. “Sometimes I clearly know who they are,” she said. “Other times you have that déjà vu moment and you
wonder how you know them. I see people who I’ve worked with or had classes with at Saint Mary’s for sure.” Dr. Oxentenko said that in the past 10 years her job has evolved. In the beginning, she spent most of her time in clinical medicine. “As time has gone on, the education part of my career has grown,” she said. “I initially took over running the gastroenterology fellowship program and oversaw all the trainees who came to Mayo in gastroenterology. Then I transferred as program director for the internal medicine residency program. I also still have a clinical practice and have a regular presence in the GI clinical aspect, but have a much larger role in educational administration over internal medicine, which is the biggest one in the country.” Dr. Oxentenko said she is thankful for the comprehensive overall liberal arts experience she gained at Saint Mary’s. “When I look at students coming into medical school, it’s not all about the fact that they were in biology and chemistry, the most typical majors,” she said. “Fortunately some have completely different degrees, and that adds a nice diversity to the individuals who are in medicine. Saint Mary’s provided that. All the Lasallian classes that I took and the books I read by authors that I probably never would have picked up on my own—that all exposed me to a broader education and gave me a more cultured experience. “I think about the professor who had the most influence on me long-term, Brother Robert Smith,” she said. “He was the hardest teacher that I ever had. But those classes taught you how to approach things in life and relate to people, and that’s going to get an individual farther than learning a particular biology formula … . Those things are more helpful long-term.” Dr. Oxentenko said med schools particularly look at whether students have consistently performed well through college, not just in prerequisite science classes but also whether or not they are well-rounded, and not just academically. “Those individuals who volunteered, for example, have a level of professionalism and have demonstrated a giving of themselves which is a mark of someone who will do well in medicine,” she said. Another individual who made a significant impact on Dr. Oxentenko while she was a student is Nikki Richmond, whom she affectionately calls her “dorm mom.” As a hall director back then, Richmond and her family lived next door. Dr. Oxentenko remembers vividly when their young son, Taylor, was diagnosed with Ataxia Telangiectasia. “Seeing her family go through the whole medical evaluation, their longitudinal contact with medicine, and their journey with Taylor deeply influenced me,” she said. Watching the interaction that the Richmonds had with their healthcare team helped guide her to be the doctor she endeavored to become. “That experience showed me how important medical providers are for each patient,” she said. “Each patient isn’t a name or a number; each patient has a story and a family beyond a story. Watching the relationship that developed between them and Taylor’s caregivers was a moving testament.” ≠
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GAME PLAN FOR SUCCESS Their paths may not have crossed during their collegiate days, but Tom Rice ’82, Josh Takagishi ’98, Amanda Weinmann ’07 and a host of others share a common bond—or two. Not only were they successful athletes during their time at Saint Mary’s, but they also excelled in the classroom and beyond. Rice, a four-year letterwinner and two-time team captain for the Cardinal men’s hockey team, used his Saint Mary’s education to springboard him into a career as a renowned ophthalmologist. Takagishi, like Rice, was a standout on the ice, playing four years for the Cardinal men’s hockey team, and is currently a private practice pediatrician in Lansing, Mich., who also works part-time at Michigan State Sports Medicine. Weinmann, a three-time AllAmerican and conference champion in the shot put, went on to become an assistant professor for the University of Minnesota Department
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of Family Medicine and Community Health and a family practice physician. A large percentage of Saint Mary’s alumni athletes have gone on to medical school, begging the question: What are the links between athletics and medicine? Alumni say the two aspirations are one and the same. In college, they pushed hard to become better athletes, and now they feel the same drive to be better doctors. There’s no doubt that whether practicing a slap shot or practicing medicine, it’s all about skill, concentration, drive, and determination. It’s about knowing you and your team are working toward a common goal. It’s about overcoming obstacles, one hurdle at a time. They’ll tell you that the skills they learned on the ice, in the water, on the field, in the trails, and on the courts have been vital in their careers as medical professionals.
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DR. AMANDA WEINMANN ’07 Dr. Amanda Weinmann was an all-star track and field athlete, garnering all-American and All-Conference honors; Outstanding Scholar-Athlete and Outstanding Athlete titles; and setting records in shot put and weight throw. She also was a Bio Physics and Physics Engineering major who found her path at Saint Mary’s. “I liked physics in high school and decided to get my basic science requirement out of the way and sign up for intro to physics. One night Brother Jerome Rademacher asked me if what we were learning was what I had already learned in high school. He proposed I test out of it and then put me into modern physics with professor Matt Vonk. He was a charismatic guy. You couldn’t take that class and not fall in love with physics.” Dr. Weinmann went on to the medical school at the University of Minnesota and is currently an assistant professor for the University of Minnesota Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, and a family practice physician in St. Paul. “Through the U of M, I have two different roles. One of them is to teach med students and residents and another part is working at the University of Minnesota’s physicians clinic in St. Paul,” she said. It’s the variety of her job she enjoys most. “Every day I’m doing something different, sometimes teaching, sometimes doing research, sometimes doing patient care.” Dr. Weinmann made the connection between physics and medicine through another Saint Mary’s physics professor, Paul Nienaber, SJ, Ph.D. Father Nienaber, she explained, introduced her to work being done at Fermilab, where neutron therapy was (and is) being used as an effective form of radiation therapy with cancer patients. “I had been looking to go into research, but I went the medical route to be able to work with people more,” she said. Dr. Weinmann remembers that at least two other student-athletes from her class also went to the University of Minnesota for medical school. There’s no doubt in her mind that athletics and medicine are related. “Maybe it’s just that drive to push yourself,” she said. “But something definitely overlaps.” She sees many connections between the two areas, particularly in regard to her sport of track and field. “In track, you never win,” she said. “You’re always up against 40-50
Dr. Amanda Weinmann ’07
“Maybe it’s just that drive to push yourself. But something definitely overlaps.” —Dr. Amanda Weinmann ’07 people. You get used to losing, but your goal is to do the best you can for yourself and not compete against the others. When you get in med school, you have to have that same mindset of being the best doctor you can be and not try to be THE best.” Additionally, she said, participating in track taught her the importance of accountability. “That’s why track is unique,” she said. “You don’t have any other teammates to bail you out if you’re having a bad day. You have to hold yourself accountable. You’re going against the clock or the tape measure, which ultimately holds you accountable if you don’t put in the work. Were you fast enough? Did you jump high enough? Did you throw far enough? It’s hard to cover up lapses in accountability in the track world.” In the end, Dr. Weinmann advises current athletes who may follow this path that even though everyone wants to do well at their sports, it’s the other components— teamwork, communication skills, and motivation—that ultimately will serve you better in medicine. “I do lots of interviews for the residency here, and I look at a lot of résumés, and the awards aren’t the pieces that stand out,” she said. “It’s important that they did it and built these skills, not necessarily how well they did it.” SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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DR. JOSH TAKAGISHI ’98 Dr. Josh Takagishi says without hesitation, “Athletics has helped me to be a better physician and it’s continuing to make me a better physician.” Dr. Takagishi—a private practice pediatrician in Lansing, Mich., who also works part-time at Michigan State University Sports Medicine—said he came to Saint Mary’s because he wanted to combine athletics and academics. A lifelong hockey player, he was offered a chance to play Division III hockey at Saint Mary’s while earning his undergraduate biology degree. He also played a couple years of Cardinal baseball. Dr. Takagishi said he knew, even back then, he’d be going to medical school, potentially following in his father’s footsteps as a pediatrician. “I got to see his passion for the field,” he said. “And I really loved the science fields, both in high school and in college. In medical school, I got the chance to check out different specialties, and pediatrics was a perfect fit,” he said.
“You’ve got to work with a big team of nurses, other physicians, and other medical professionals, so teamwork is a huge part of both medicine and sports.” —Dr. Josh Takagishi ’98
After obtaining his medical degree at Loyola University of Chicago, Dr. Takagishi received a fellowship in sports medicine. He admits it’s “a little bit of an unusual thing” to practice both fields but he finds both very rewarding. “In sports medicine, I’ll treat a kid’s injury and follow it until it is healed, but I may never see them again in my life. It’s nice to be able to fix them and heal them, but the nice thing about pediatrics is the continuity. You start working with babies and see them through adulthood. I haven’t experienced this yet, but as you go along, you start seeing their kids. It’s really rewarding to be able to see them grow and get bigger and become adults. Certainly that is the biggest aspect of my job that is the most rewarding—to build such good relationships with these families.” Dr. Takagishi continues to play hockey and sees many similarities between athletics and medicine, beginning with the need for teamwork. “You’ve got to work with a big team of nurses, other physicians, and other medical professionals, so teamwork is a huge part of both medicine and sports,” he said. Additionally, Dr. Takagishi said having to prioritize his time between academics and athletics helped prepare him for the rigors of medical school and his residency program. He remembers doing a lot of homework on the bus as he was traveling to and from athletic events. And he brings up one more important attribute athletes and doctors must have: perseverance. “You’re going to have failure and you’re going to lose,” he said. “In medicine in particular, learning how to deal with that is important. Athletics has certainly helped me to deal with failure and adversity in my life. Medicine is about ongoing learning. You never stop learning. If you stop learning, you probably should retire. In sports as well, you’re always striving to be better and to get to that next level. In medicine, you’re always striving to be a better physician for your patients.”
Dr. Josh Takagishi ’98
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“Being in sports was a significant portion of who I was.” —Dr. Tom Rice ’82
Dr. Tom Rice ’82
DR. TOM RICE ’82 Dr. Tom Rice is glad that athletics has come a long way at Saint Mary’s since he played back in the late ’70s and early ’80s. There really was no doubt that Rice would attend Saint Mary’s to play hockey. His dad William ’53 met his mom Armilla (Rysavy), a 1953 College of Saint Teresa graduate, while they were both attending school. His mother’s brother Rick Rysavy ’71 went to Saint Mary’s, and his older brother Steve ’79 also attended Saint Mary’s—adding to the legacy (which grew with two younger sisters, Cathy ’84 and Pat ’85; his wife, Eileen (Long) ’82; and daughter, Maddie ’14). Long before he needed to choose a college, Rice was enjoying Blue Angel performances and watching his uncle perform in the early ’70s. The biology major’s career would again follow the legacy set before him when his father and brother went on to medical school. Dr. Rice chose a career in ophthalmology and now works at St. Paul Eye Clinic, one of the larger independent practices in the Twin Cities. He is one of 14 doctors working within the organization’s seven offices. “I like the surgical aspect but I also enjoy the medical aspect,” he said. “With ophthalmology you get to do both. Through surgery, we are able to make a really positive impact on people’s lives, like cataract surgery or laser correction surgery. It’s meaningful to be able to instantaneously benefit people’s quality of life and prevent them from having a devastating sensory loss.”
Dr. Rice said he came into the Saint Mary’s hockey program while it was in a state of transition. He admits, being in hockey back then could be tough. “We practiced outside,” he remembers. “We played our home games in Rochester before we were able to get outside ice. We had to travel back and forth to Rochester every day for a whole month.” Being an athlete and a student in the sciences was particularly tough. “We had to have a lot of forethought to be able to be successful in the sciences while playing sports,” he said. “We had labs, at least two a week, which would go to 5-6 p.m., which is when we started practice. We’d study on the bus and get back from Rochester and have to study a couple more hours.” Dr. Rice said the situation forced him to be organized, a trait that has been invaluable throughout his career. “You had to be very efficient, organized, and highly motivated,” he said. “We still had a lot of fun, but that experience instilled efficiency in me. That translated well in medical school. I had a family, and to be able to split my time between studying and having valuable time with family was really important. Playing sports and studying the sciences instilled a process for me to be able to pull that off.” Dr. Rice said he has remained very good friends with his teammates from college. “We all had different personalities and goals in life,” he said. “But we all supported each other and still do.” That ability to work well as a team is also necessary in the professional realm. During Dr. Rice’s junior year, the team made it to the national championships. He credits his adviser, Dr. Dick Kowles, for being “a great supporter and a role model of what a liberal arts education is all about”—especially back when student athletes weren’t always supported and encouraged on the same level as today. “It’s about your experiences on campus and what you get out of your four years,” Dr. Rice said. “One of my professors’ perspectives was that I was a student, not an athlete. But I was both. Being in sports was a significant portion of who I was.” Dr. Rice said that he is glad that through the years attitudes have improved about the importance and value of collegiate athletics. There’s no doubt in his mind athletics shape you as an individual and as a professional. He’s also glad to see how well regarded Saint Mary’s hockey is now— even if he is a bit envious of the facilities. “I would die to play at the arena right now,” he said. “It’s great to see the crowds supporting hockey.” ≠
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Capstone project will help The growing demand for healthcare workers creates pressure for employers to attract, develop, and retain a highly skilled workforce. The career pathways that workers in the healthcare field can take vary as much as the preparation to become one—from short-term on-thejob training to medical school—and education plays a critical role. Although certificates or two-year-degree credentials often provide immediate employment, a sustainable career in today’s larger health systems requires advanced training and education. Employment in Minnesota’s healthcare sector is projected to grow faster than most other areas. The job growth in the category of workers referred to as “healthcare support” is forecast to grow nearly 30 percent over the next decade. The majority of the roles include positions that are non-physician or nursing, such as surgical technologist, home health aide, dental hygienist, paramedic, medical lab technician, etc. As these roles become more professionalized, career pathways are needed to not only attract workers into the jobs, but also to retain them. One employee who hopes to gain from advancing his education is Gideon Nyakundi, a current student finishing his B.S. in Healthcare and Human Services Management degree at Saint Mary’s Twin Cities Campus. Nyakundi is a certified biomedical technician at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in Minneapolis. Since completing a two-year biomedical technician degree at Dakota County Technical College, Nyakundi spends his workday repairing and maintaining simple to complex equipment and machines, such as ultrasound and anesthesia machines and neonatal incubators, and offering support to the modern patient monitoring telemetry system. His ability to work on complex equipment, because of his extensive continued training, has made Nyakundi a sought-after employee. But he lacks one thing—a bachelor’s degree. “My experience and education laid the groundwork for my career here, but I need a bachelor’s degree to move up in the organization,” Nyakundi said. “I am lucky to work for an organization that values education and supports me finishing my degree.” An added bonus is that, as an employee, Nyakundi receives a 10 percent discount because HCMC and Saint Mary’s have a corporate partnership, he explained. For his capstone workplace internship project, HCMC asked Nyakundi to develop a program for optimizing hospital staff and workloads. Using two software programs, Nyakundi is tracking the hours worked by individuals in different departments and evaluating how much was completed during that time. He uses the data to determine where the hospital is understaffed and overworked. The hospital will be able to use his results to make decisions about hiring extra staff, redistributing
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resources, or offering work-life balance opportunities. This pilot project, titled “Capacity and Demand,” will eventually be implemented throughout the hospital. “I will use the project management and communication skills I’ve learned in class to train the department managers to use the new program,” Nyakundi said. Nyakundi began working on his master’s degree during the last semester of his bachelor’s completion program. The M.A. in Health and Human Services Administration program is further developing his project management and communication skills.
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hospital regulate capacity “The evening courses have worked well with all my work and family obligations and I’m learning new things that will help me be a leader,” Nyakundi said. “Our degree programs are designed for busy working adults—and our professors are working professionals in the field of healthcare who bring real-world perspectives into the classroom,” said Susan Jarosak, program director and assistant dean of the Graduate School of Health and Human Services. “And so do the students—just ask Gideon Nyakundi.” ≠
“I will use the project management and communication skills I’ve learned in class to train the department managers to use the new program.” —Gideon Nyakundi ’16
Gideon Nyakundi ’16
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A celebration of excellence The 2016 Brother Charles Severin Celebration of Excellence, held May 21 in Chicago, truly brought together the greater Saint Mary’s University community. A community is defined as: a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. About 250 attendees converged on the Union League Club for the third annual event, which was designed with one common goal: to celebrate the sciences at Saint Mary’s. The shared attitude: gratitude for shared experiences at Saint Mary’s, mixed with excitement for the future. And the shared interest? In a word … science. The evening involved showcasing the achievements of students and faculty; honoring exceptional alumni and community leaders; and garnering financial support to advance the sciences in the university’s second century. A highlight of the gala was the presentation of Presidential Awards for Outstanding Merit to James M. Gentile ’68, Ph.D. and Anthony “Tony” Piscitiello, AFSC ’69, M’82. A renowned geneticist, Dr. Gentile conducted extensive research on the role of metabolism in the conversion of natural and xenobiotic agents into mutagens and carcinogens. He also served as president and CEO of Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA ), a Tucson, Ariz.-based foundation dedicated to science, from 2005 to 2013. For many years, he has served Hope College in Holland, Mich., as a dedicated educator, biology department chair, and as dean of the division of natural and applied sciences. Piscitiello has served as an esteemed and invaluable member of the university’s Lasallian community for more than 45 years, serving Saint Mary’s as an admission counselor, vice president for admission, executive vice president, and senior advancement director. Piscitiello continues to be a tireless promoter of the university, never missing an opportunity to recruit a student or garner financial support for his beloved alma mater. Both men—who originated from the same neighborhood along Taylor Street in Chicago—were honored for their contributions to science … and to Saint Mary’s. “The 43 years I have been privileged to serve our alma mater have been very special years,” Piscitiello said. “I am most grateful for all the relationships I developed with students, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff over these many years.” “(My career) evolved from Saint Mary’s giving me a broad enough banner to work as well as good wisdom that was always passed our way,” Dr. Gentile said, adding, “As Tony Piscitiello said, here was a university from Southeastern Minnesota honoring two guys from Taylor Street. Saint Mary’s can successfully pull folks together into a community even though they come from diverse backgrounds.” ≠
THE 2016 CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE LEADERSHIP HONORARY CHAIRS: Betty Kabara Robert H. Wheeler ’67
LEADERSHIP CHAIRS
Dr. Robert W. ’76 and Dr. Ann (O’Connor) ’77 Trauscht Joseph A. ’87 and Ann Marie (Brooks) ’85 Hettinger
LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
Skip ’75 and Nancy (Lorenz) ’76 Cassato Dr. James ’79 and Anne (Lock) ’79 Dolan Dr. John ’77 and Joan (Fallon) CST’78 Domanico William Figel ’76 Frank Howard ’76 Audrey P. Kintzi Deborah (Cantieri) Kolb ’77 Dr. Melissa Launhardt ’08 Lori (Nelson) Quinn ’80 Janet (Mongoven) Rapp ’77 Adam Stasica ’07, M’11 Joseph Sweeney ’81
SPONSORS
Generous sponsors for the evening were: RUBY Dr. Samuel J. Cascio ’48 Donald B. ’51 and Jean (Joyce) CST ’55 Regan Robert ’67 and Patricia Wheeler PLATINUM Dr. James ’79 and Anne (Lock) ’79 Dolan Dr. John ’77 and Joan (Fallon) CST’78 Domanico Dr. Robert W. ’76 and Dr. Ann (O’Connor) ’77 Trauscht GOLD Dr. Jeffrey T. Bonk ’77 Joseph A. ’87 and Ann Marie (Brooks) ’85 Hettinger Patrick K. Kobler ’77 Dr. John ’76 and Deborah (Cantieri) ’77 Kolb Med Chem Labs, in memory of Dr. Jon J. Kabara ’48 Janet (Mongoven) Rapp ’77 Bo ’77 and Debbie Rettig
To support the vision for science excellence, contact the Development Office at 507-457-6647 or giving@smumn.edu.
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Student presenters
Dr. James Gentile ’68, Ph.D.
Augustine Esterhammer-Fic ’14 and guest musician
Danny Ripley, Betty Kabara, Lisa Pollock, and Brian Kabara
Brother William congratulates Dr. James Gentile ’68, Ph.D., with his wife, Glenda Gentile.
Mike ’77 and Linda Laak with Bo ’77 and Debra Rettig
Brother William congratulates Tony Piscitiello, AFSC ’69, M’82, with his wife Kathy (Ordahl) CST’70 Piscitiello.
Tony AFSC ’69, M’82 and Kathy (Ordahl) CST’70 Piscitiello SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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50 Brother William honored for
years of service
On Aug. 21, the Saint Mary’s community united in celebration of Brother William’s 50th Jubilee. A special Mass was held on the Winona Campus in honor of this joyous occasion and in thanksgiving for his 50 years of dedicated service as a De La Salle Christian Brother. Brother William has served the De La Salle Christian Brothers as a teacher, leader, lecturer, and scholar. He has touched the hearts of Lasallians in his work at many levels, from the classroom to the headquarters of the worldwide Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Brother William served as Vicar General, the second highest officer in
the worldwide institute, prior to becoming Saint Mary’s 13th president in 2008. Not only does Brother William encourage academic excellence at every level at Saint Mary’s, he has focused on specific initiatives that strengthen the Lasallian Catholic nature of the university. During his tenure as president, Brother William has encouraged 365 Saint Mary’s faculty, staff, and students to attend mission education and formation activities—ensuring that the legacy of the De La Salle Christian Brothers continues. The face of Saint Mary’s has changed through the years. Where many De La Salle Christian Brothers once filled classrooms and offices, a much smaller number serve today. Saint Mary’s mission, and the mission of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, continues to grow and thrive as it is transmitted from vowed religious to lay partners. Faculty, staff, and students at Saint Mary’s participate in internal and external Lasallian formation opportunities around the globe, coming together in thought, prayer, and reflection, community and scholarship, exchanging ideas and unifying their work as part of this bigger picture. In honor of Brother William, some funding was raised for additional formation opportunities at Saint Mary’s—ensuring new generations of educators continue the important work of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Dr. Paul Kotz, who teaches in Saint Mary’s Ed.D. in Leadership program on the Twin Cities Campus, participated in Lasallian Mission Days, the Lasallian Summer Retreat, and the International Leadership Program for Faculties from Lasallian Universities.
A few Brothers in attendance included, from left, front: Brother Pat Conway ’75, M’80, Ed.D.; Brother Francis Carr ’66; Brother William; Brother Larry Schatz; Brother Steven Markham ’66, M’72, Ph.D.; back, Brother Peter Killeen, Ph.D.; Tony Piscitiello, AFSC ’69, M’82; Brother Cristhian Diaz Meza; Mary Fox, AFSC ’75, Ph.D; Brother John Grover ’65; Brother Pius Nsukula; Brother Mark Engelmeyer; Brother Francisco Boniche; Brother Arnold McMullen ’53, and T. William Coughlan, AFSC ’65.
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“These opportunities have helped me step out of my comfort zone and hear ideas of other professors, researchers, and practitioners,” he said. “I have grown as a person by hearing the journeys of others dedicated to education and the Lasallian mission. It has helped reshape what I do, and keeps me firmly rooted with what De La Salle and associates intended with the 12 virtues of teaching.” Dr. Kotz said he is grateful that Brother William has “strengthened the Lasallian mission and vision in me, and our community.” “Teaching and learning in the Ed.D. Leadership program has been a privilege and a gift,” he said. “My vocation is to assist in building and shaping our leaders of today and tomorrow, with our tradition guiding me along.” ≠
Brother William
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LIGHTS, CAMERA,
Diomandes had been teaching English and social studies at La Salle Academy in Providence, R.I., when the principal approached him and another faculty member named Jack Reed and said, “You two are taking over the drama program.” Diomandes recalls his response as: “Are you nuts?” After a brief discussion, the two decided that Diomandes would build sets, while Reed would direct. Their first show was a British farce titled, See How They Run. Diomandes recalls the show being a huge success with record crowds. “We were so thrilled with ourselves, we did an extra night, and everything that could have gone wrong did,” he said, detailing a blackout, a broken and bleeding nose, a jammed door, and actors skipping five pages of lines … but the show must go on, and it did—as did Diomandes’ love of theatre. By this point, Diomandes said he thought he’d better start “learning how to do it right” and began studying for his master’s in theatre at Rhode Island College. When Reed tragically died in a fire, Diomandes became the director at La Salle. After a successful 14 years there, the school merged, and Diomandes accepted a new position teaching theatre at Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I. He worked there four years while he earned his Ph.D. from The Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1987, Saint Mary’s had recently completed construction of its new Performance Center in Winona. Then-President Brother Louis DeThomasis was familiar with Diomandes’ prowess for building successful theatre departments and was eager to build up his program. “Brother Louie made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” Diomandes says with a chuckle. He moved to Minnesota in 1988. Among his proudest accomplishments at Saint Mary’s is helping to found (along with Drs. Don Peake and Michael Flanagan’63) the London study abroad program, which is celebrating its 22nd year this fall. Qualified theatre majors spend a semester abroad through the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin Theatre in London
! T N E M E R I T RE Dr. Gary Diomandes might tell his students to break a leg, but these days the retiring theatre professor is also likely to follow up with a Medicare joke—all with his signature monotone delivery and slow Rhode Island drawl. As the last curtain fell on the spring Department of Theatre and Dance production of The Drowsy Chaperone, it was the end of an era for the theatre veteran, who has taught and directed at Saint Mary’s since 1988. Diomandes has had an illustrious career and has rubbed elbows with some pretty recognizable faces on the stage and screen. But rest assured, with theatre coursing through the director’s veins, he won’t say goodbye to the stage. Instead, he will continue to lead Saint Mary’s theatre students in the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin London Study Abroad program. One could say Diomandes has always been a character, but he hasn’t always been an actor. Although he loved sitting in the audience, he didn’t enter the theatre world until he was literally cast into the role of high school set designer.
Dr. Gary Diomandes
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Program. Under the guidance of Saint Mary’s and British faculty, they take classes and attend performances. What sets the Saint Mary’s program apart is that students stage a full production at a London theatre each year—believed to be something no other U.S. college or university can boast. Diomandes has accompanied the group 18 times through the years and considers it a great opportunity for Saint Mary’s students. “They all change,” he said. “They become better students when they get back. I’ll miss the students at the college, but I’ll be interacting with them in London each year. I love the teaching aspect and working with students.” His other proudest accomplishments are reflected in the successful careers of his former students. “A lot of our alumni are doing really well. I still keep in touch with them, and they ask for advice, which I think is kind of cool,” he said. Diomandes is also known for the hundreds of humorous homemade Christmas cards he sends out each year that depict interesting photos from his life, his travels, and even a fictitious marriage and subsequent divorce. His yuletide greetings in recent years have placed Diomandes next to vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin as well as on the balcony with the British Royal Family. His culinary skills, particularly with Greek food, have also helped to raise money for worthy causes in the community and tied to Saint Mary’s. Diomandes’ accent, along with his mannerisms, have often been imitated. “A lot of kids impersonate me,” he said, adding he even has his own customized bobblehead, and an animated cartoon likeness, created by Saint Mary’s alumnus Peter Snell ’10. He hopes that students most remember him for his honestly and bluntness. “I don’t sugarcoat anything,” he said … bluntly. Alumni often remember one of his more memorable lines: “Get over yourself.” The seasoned faculty member’s greatest advice to his students has been to be nice to everyone and not be a diva. “You want to be someone people will want to work with,” he said. “If you’re not someone people like to work with, there are a million others out there like you.”
DR. GARY DIOMANDES Title:
Professor, Department of Theatre and Dance
Years at Saint Mary’s: 26
PLANS FOR RETIREMENT
He hopes to do more traveling and some de-cluttering. He also hopes to read for fun, do some writing, visit more friends, and find a little Greek island to enjoy (when he wins the lottery). To learn more about the London study abroad program, read Diomandes’ blog at smumn.edu/ londonblog.
Diomandes once had an opportunity to try to teach that lesson to Lauran Bacall. When Mr. North was being filmed in Rhode Island in the late 1980s, Diomandes served as an extra and assisted the costume designer. When Bacall was copping an attitude, Dr. Diomandes firmly put her in her place and told her she was rude (which received a thumbs up around the corner from Angelica Huston). “I tell graduating students to be prepared,” he said. “Have a number of monologues of all types and lengths, be confident and be a go-getter. Don’t sit at home waiting for the phone to ring. You can be the most talented person, but if you’re not self-disciplined and no one wants to work with you, you’re not going to get the work. The students who take that advice are doing really well.” ≠
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Nice guys finish first Ed Gelhaus’ LinkedIn profile describes him as “A nice guy.” The 2006 alumnus and successful Hollywood actor wants to remind people of his true persona, because his latest roles portray him as just the opposite. “I seem to be only playing mean villains,” Gelhaus said. “After you shave your head and get a few muscles, you become the mean guy. My mom hopes I get a role where she can say, ‘Yay, there’s NICE Eddie.’ I have promised Mom that I will find a nice role.” Gelhaus’ “mean streak” began with FX’s American Horror Story “Freakshow” in 2014 in which he portrayed the younger version of Dell Toledo, the sadistic strongman of the carnival (played by Michael Chiklis). Next came a stint on CBS’s Under the Dome in which Gelhaus played a white supremacist prison gang leader who stabs one of the main characters, played by Eddie Cahill. Sadly, because the show was cancelled, Gelhaus’ recurring role also ended.
“At the end of the day, you can take acting classes anywhere, but to have people who are genuine and build that kind of a support system is unbelievable.” —Ed Gelhaus ’06 On AMC’s TURN: Washington Spies, Gelhaus portrayed David Williams, one of the key people who captures a spy (JJ Field, who portrays Major John André) in the Queen’s guard and turned around the entire war. “It sounds like I would be a good guy but rumors are these three guys (the notorious “Skinner Gang”) were just bandits and were robbing a bunch of people, and when they found out who they were capturing, they turn him in.” For his next character on Rizzoli and Isles on TNT, Gelhaus played Leo, an unsavory character who funneled weapons to the Albanians and met with an untimely demise. Angie Harmon directed the episode, the show’s 100th, which required Gelhaus to spend 4½ hours in a makeup chair getting full-arm tattoos. Gelhaus also filmed a small part for AMC’s Better Call Saul but discovered his part was cut, even after he made the previews. Still, Gelhaus is grateful for the experience. This past year, he also did some short indie films, a Fitbit commercial, and portrayed the main warrior for a commercial for the popular videogame Far Cry Primal.
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On Sept. 20, his biggest role yet aired on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. “I got to work with some amazing actors on a very big network show that anybody and everybody was able to watch,” he said. But this character didn’t win any points with his mother either. So how does the smiley actor from Owen, Wis., transform into his bad guy persona? Gelhaus credits his theatre training at Saint Mary’s University. “The hardest thing for me is to embody these characters and make it feel believable,” he said. “Saint Mary’s helps you find out who you are. If I didn’t realize who I was, especially because I’ve been playing killers and murderers and drug dealers … I need to be able to turn the on and off switch.” Gelhaus also said that acting in London as part of the university’s Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin London Study Abroad program, and subsequently studying at Dublin’s renowned Gaiety School of Acting, helped build an impressive résumé. “Those are things that capture someone’s attention,” he said. And, in his business, standing out is key. That’s why Gelhaus has acquired skills ranging from ballet to ballroom dancing to bartending, and from miming to motorcycling. He can ride a horse, wield a sword, or use a pogo stick. He also advises student actors to learn how to use a camera, how to edit film, and how to use Photoshop. “If you know how to take your own headshots, it will set your apart,” he said. “I can film my own auditions in my house. You will want to act and be in shows as well, but you also need to get these skills. Out here it’s truly about marketing yourself.” It’s also about who you know. Again, Gelhaus is thankful for his experiences at Saint Mary’s. “I talk to Gary (Diomandes from the Theatre Department) once or twice every month. I think the thing about Saint Mary’s is that this is even a possibility. The connections that I have with Gary and Judy (Myers, also of the Theatre Department) are so valuable. Out here you get 5 million doors slammed in your face. You can’t take that personally, and you can’t get discouraged. Having that support system is something no one should ever take for granted. Gary hooked me up with my acting coach out here, Howard Fine, who also coaches Will Smith and Chris Pine.” Ironically, Gelhaus said his college roommate, Andy Greene ’06, is also doing well as an actor in Hollywood and lives just two blocks away. The two support each other and network whenever possible. “At the end of the day, you can take acting classes anywhere, but to have people who are genuine and build that kind of a support system is unbelievable,” he said. ≠ Follow his career through www.imdb.me/edwardgelhaus.
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For the love of
DOGS
Andrew “Roo” Yori ’99 hopes he lets some dogs out. Roo. Roo. Roo. Roo. Roo. “The K9 Ninja” climbed, rolled, swung, and leaped his way through two American Ninja Warrior competitions this summer on NBC, garnering a spot on the Vegas finals. Although the final obstacle course got pretty “ruff” and he fell partway through the course, he’s proud of all the national attention he acquired in support of rescuing shelter dogs. To describe the competition, imagine an obstacle course that tests every physical limit imaginable. After clinging tightly to a rolling log, leaping between suspended flywheels, and scaling a 15.5-foot wall (among several other grueling feats) during the Indianapolis qualifier, Yori reached the final buzzer, sending a crowd of onlookers—including wife Clara (Setzer) ’01—into a frenzy. How did pushing that buzzer feel? “Flat-out awesome,” Yori said, explaining that being chosen for the national show was undoubtedly the toughest obstacle of all. The Mayo Clinic lab technician was one of more than 70,000 people who applied to be ninja warriors. Only about 100 applicants per city are chosen (for a total of 500 competitors) plus about 25 walk-ons per show. To get noticed, Yori needed to demonstrate his athletic abilities. At Saint Mary’s, the Outstanding Senior Award-winner and biology major played
soccer and held the long-jump record his senior year in track (a fact proudly broadcasted during his first competition). At 39 (and after a recent rotator cuff injury), Yori found himself competing against 20-some-year-olds in top condition.
To describe the competition, imagine an obstacle course that tests every physical limit imaginable. Coincidentally, he trained and competed with Leif Sundberg, the “Swedish Ninja,” who also has ties to Saint Mary’s. His father, Craig Sundberg, is director of the M.A. in Educational Leadership program on Saint Mary’s Twin Cities Campus. Although Sundberg did not successfully complete the qualifier, he raised attention for Alzheimer’s disease, a cause close to his heart. Yori was thankful producers chose to feature his backstory, which included a feature on Wallace, a dog the Yoris adopted who became a world- and nationallevel Frisbee dog champion, and Hector, a dog they adopted who had formerly belonged to former NFL player Michael Vick. The show detailed how the former “fighter” became a beloved certified therapy dog. The ninja athlete again tested his strength during the Indianapolis finals. Although he fell at the dreaded hourglass drop during the second half, Yori went far enough and fast enough to earn him a prized spot in the top 15 for the Vegas Finals. Only four ninjas successfully completed the entire course. It came down to a nail-biter. With one last participant yet to go, Yori was in 15th place. If that ninja—Lorrin Ball, a seasoned veteran—got further on the course or got to the hourglass faster, Yori would be forced out of the competition. Ball fell on one of the first obstacles, keeping Yori in the running. Unfortunately Yori’s run ended during the Vegas finals, when he fell during Stage I. In the end, no competitors even came close to completing the entire course and claiming the $1 million prize. Along the way Yori garnered huge fan base—both human and canine.
Las Vegas finals. Photo by David Becker/NBC
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Indianapolis finals. Photo by Joe Robbins/NBC
After that first competition in Indianapolis, Yori said his phone “blew up” and his Facebook feed “went crazy.” Countless members of the Saint Mary’s community were among those sharing their congratulations. “People were telling me that their entire news feed was basically me,” he said with a laugh. “Friends were tagging friends. It was overwhelming in a good way. People posted pictures and video on Facebook of their dogs barking in front of the television (while watching the show). It was great.” If given the chance, Yori hopes his cheering section continues as he competes during future seasons. “I do hope I get the chance,” he said. “I’ll have to go through the whole application process again, but I’m hoping to get another shot at it. I know they’ll have new obstacles next year that I’ll definitely want to try out.” ≠ Check out Yori’s backstory and introduction at the Indianapolis finals at smumn.edu/k9ninja
Indianapolis finals. Photo by Joe Robbins/NBC SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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S W E Nand VIEWS Saint Yon’s Hall renovated Saint Yon’s Hall got a major facelift this past summer. In addition to a new stairway to the building through the hillside, the residence hall portion of the building was remodeled to include spacious single-room and apartmentstyle housing (including the construction of eight new kitchens and 14 new bathrooms). Other additions included a new hall director’s office, study lounge, chapel, and cardio room, as well as new fire alarm and security systems, and an upgraded IT infrastructure. Five new laundry areas were added and air conditioning was installed throughout the building, creating a comfortable and inviting space for students to live, study, and make music. ≠
Saint Yon’s Hall gets a new look.
Saint Mary’s launches 4+1 M.B.A. program for undergraduate students Saint Mary’s undergraduate students now have the opportunity to earn their Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with only one additional year of school. The new program—which saves both time and money—is designed for all students, regardless of major. Students will take up to nine credits of graduate courses in the senior year of their bachelor’s degree program with no additional cost, and complete their M.B.A. in one additional year. “The 4+1 B.A./M.B.A. program is a win-win for our students as it enhances their career opportunities and lowers the cost of their master’s degree in an accelerated time frame,” said Dr. Tom Marpe, dean of Business and Technology.
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Several undergraduate students are already planning to take advantage of the new offering; they know it will give them an advantage when applying for jobs and can also propel their careers forward. “I am interested in the program because employers are now looking for candidates who have more than just a college degree,” said Emily Ahart, a senior accounting and finance major. “An M.B.A. will make it easier for me to advance my career.” The first two eight-week M.B.A. courses, offered in a blended on-campus and online delivery mode, began Oct. 24. ≠ For more information, contact Molly Bigelow, enrollment counselor, at mbigelow@smumn.edu or 507-457-8602.
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Saint Mary’s expands program offerings at Cascade Meadow Starting May 1, the School of Education and School of Business and Technology graduate-level courses formerly offered at the Heintz Center in Rochester moved to Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center, 2900 19th Street N.W., in Rochester. Bachelor-completion courses will continue to be offered at RCTC, and the Graduate School of Health and Human Services programs will transition to Cascade Meadow at a future date yet to be determined. While Saint Mary’s will retain a presence at RCTC, its Rochester Center location and staff has transitioned to Cascade Meadow. Saint Mary’s plans to continue to serve students in this growing region with its person-centered education. University officials believe these changes will help the university to continue to provide an excellent and affordable education as well as to better utilize its resources. Cascade Meadow is located just north of Hwy 14 and west of Hwy 52. The facility includes free and ample parking, as well as a stellar environmental setting where students can enjoy nature and walking trails before and after class as well as during breaks. ≠
June graduates from the Ed.D. program.
Ed.D. program celebrates 300th graduate The Ed.D. in Leadership program graduated its 300th student during the June commencement ceremony on the Twin Cities Campus. The Ed.D. in Leadership program is grounded in education but applicable to many disciplines and professions, according to Jack McClure, Ph.D., program director. Professionals working in health care, business, higher education administration, K-12 administration, and more enroll in the program. “We have a large diversity in not just professional lives but also in personal backgrounds and cultures,” Dr. McClure said. Ed.D. student Joshua Swanson said the content covered in the program was applicable to thinking about leadership from many different angles. “I appreciated the professional connections with other educational leaders,” he said. Swanson serves as the assistant superintendent for the Eden Prairie School District. For 19 years, the Ed.D. in Leadership at Saint Mary’s has prepared ethical, transformative leaders who work in a variety of professional settings. Today, graduates of the program work in many fields, including banking, consulting, criminal justice, education, health care, politics, technology, and more. ≠
Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center in Rochester
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Five honored for leadership, service at Founders’ Day In celebration of its heritage, Saint Mary’s presented awards to a community leader, a staff member, a faculty member, and two outstanding seniors at its Founders’ Day celebration March 15. The Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit was presented to Fatima Said, executive director of Project FINE, for her remarkable service to others and exemplary commitment to the human dignity of all people. Through Said’s leadership in Project FINE, she has contributed greatly to the lives and dignity of refugees and immigrants in Southeastern Minnesota. Nikki Richmond, administrative assistant for the Office of Mission on the Winona Campus, received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator award. These awards are given by Lasallian institutions in the North AmericanToronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education. In a variety of roles since 1983 (including the past 17 years with Campus Ministry), Richmond has had a lasting and positive impact on countless students and parents through caring and respectful interactions. Dr. Joseph Tadie, associate professor of philosophy, received the Bishop Patrick Heffron Award for service to the university. Every other year the university recognizes an employee who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the values of the university, has been a positive member of the university community, and has modeled the Lasallian spirit in interactions with colleagues and students. Dr. Tadie received the award for his contributions to serving, teaching, and mentoring students and for his willingness to take on important responsibilities and roles outside of the classroom. Dr. Tadie has taught at Saint Mary’s since 1993 and is a 1991 alumnus. The Outstanding Female and Male Senior awards were presented to Paige Nelles, daughter of Kandy and Francis Nelles of Saint Michael, Minn., and Mark Schumacher, son of Alan and Mary Schumacher of Perham, Minn. Outstanding Seniors have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The following students were finalists for the 2016 Outstanding Senior awards: (females) Caroline Blackwood, Allison Christensen, Anne Colling, and Cassandra Ricker; and (males) Scott Carnahan, Eric Doyle, Matthew Smaron, and Samuel Vetch. ≠
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Dr. Joseph Tadie ’91 and Nikki Richmond
Brother William with Fatima Said
Paige Nelles ’16 and Mark Schumacher ‘16
Fall/Winter 2016
Saint Mary’s recognized nationally for quality, growth Saint Mary’s is continually recognized for excellence by students, graduates, and outside ranking agencies. As a top-tier university, Saint Mary’s meets the needs and exceeds the expectations of its students at every level, from undergraduate and bachelor’s completion to master’s and doctoral degree programs. Here are some accolades the university has recently garnered: • Saint Mary’s is once again ranked a top tier institution in the U.S. News & World Report ratings of best colleges and universities in the nation. Saint Mary’s is 49th in the Best Regional Universities of the Midwest category. • Princeton Review has listed Saint Mary’s in the Best Midwestern category of its 2017 “Best Colleges: Region by Region” report. Princeton Review evaluates 649 colleges in four regions of the country that they consider academically outstanding as well as worth students’ consideration. • Saint Mary’s M.B.A. program was selected by Online MBA Today as one of the top 15 online M.B.A. programs in 2017. A list of more than 350 online M.B.A. programs were vetted based on tuition, accreditation, early career salary, prestige, and graduation rates. Saint Mary’s program was chosen because of its student satisfaction rate and exceptional affordability. • Washington Monthly ranked Saint Mary’s twice in its new 2016 college guide: 183rd out of 634 on its “National Universities-Master’s” list; and 84th of 367 in its “Best Bang for the Buck Midwest” category. These rankings examine how much students earn within a decade after college; affordability and quality; and the enrollment of first-generation college students to show a commitment to opportunity. • Saint Mary’s is ranked among the fastest-growing Roman Catholic colleges by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Saint Mary’s ranked No. 6 in the list of 10 schools nationwide using enrollment data from a 10-year span from 2004 to 2014. The list was published in the Washington, D.C., based Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2016-17 Almanac, released Aug. 19, 2016. Much of this growth has been fueled by the university’s success in responding to the needs of working adults in a number of ways including online offerings. • Forbes’ annual “America’s Top Colleges” list ranks Saint Mary’s in the top 400 among colleges in the nation and in the top 100 in the Midwest. Only 19 Minnesota institutions are included in the national ranking, which is based on academic excellence and student satisfaction. • Money recently recognized Saint Mary’s as a valuable university in terms of educational quality, affordability, and alumni success. After screening out schools with financial struggles, graduation rates below the median, or fewer than 500 graduates, 705 colleges remained and were studied and ranked. Saint Mary’s is listed in the top 400 of this nationwide list.
• OnlineU and Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration included Saint Mary’s online business and healthcare programs in their lists based on academic strength and affordability. Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration also considered accreditation, variety of programs offered, and peer assessment when ranking the universities. Saint Mary’s was ranked in the top 15 for best value online project management and accounting programs by CollegeU and in the top 15 for best online M.A. in Health Administration program by Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration. • AND, Winona was named the Safest College Town in America by SafeWise. “These rankings verify that we are succeeding in many important areas including student satisfaction, affordability, and successful outcomes,” said Brother William. “This validates what we’re hearing from our students and alumni, and we’re proud to be nationally recognized for excellence.” ≠
Saint Mary’s was recognized in national rankings for student satisfaction.
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New trustees announced Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota announces its new and returning members of the Board of Trustees. The university welcomes: • Ann (O’Connor) Trauscht ’77, Mundelein, Ill., a physician at Advocate Occupational Health • Brother Nick Gonzalez, FSC, El Paso, Texas, president, Cathedral High School. Additionally, Mary Burrichter, Dr. Marilyn Frost, Kaye O’Leary, Sandra (Kaiser) Simon CST’72, and John Smarrelli were renewed for five-year terms. Burrichter is finance
director for the City of Winona; Dr. Frost is a retired Saint Mary’s University faculty member and administrator living in Winona; O’Leary is a partner at River Rock Partners from Orono, Minn.; and Simon is president of KJ Investment LLC of Glenview, Ill. Completing their service on the board were: Brother Bill Clarey, FSC, ’62, M’67, Ph.D. of Saint Paul, Minn.; James Coogan ’69 of Naples, Fla.; Michael Gostomski ’62 of Winona; Paul Meyer ’64, J.D. of Phoenix, Ariz..; Richard Reedy ’76 of Sleepy Hollow, Ill.; and Michael Slaggie ’93 of Winona. The Saint Mary’s community thanks these individuals for their dedicated service. ≠
Saint Mary’s completes site visit during reaccreditation process Saint Mary’s University is seeking reaccreditation from its regional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission. After two years of work by more than 60 Saint Mary’s community members working across seven committees, the university was well prepared for the on-site visit of five peer reviewers Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. Also in October, the university submitted a federal compliance document, as well as its assurance argument, a written response to five criterion: • mission • integrity: ethical and responsible conduct • teaching and learning: quality, resources, and support • teaching and learning: evaluation and improvement • resources, planning, and institutional effectiveness
reaccreditation process. The report evaluators stated the following: “The institution’s progress on all three goals of this twoyear initiative demonstrates not only the seriousness of the undertaking but also the genuine effort that Saint Mary’s University put into making it successful. The university’s Quality Initiative report clearly mapped progress for each of its 2014 program goals and provided evidence of the scope and impact of each of the three projects. The institution has committed significant monetary and personnel resources to the initiative.” The final report will be completed in February 2017. ≠ To read more updates on the reaccreditation process, go to smumn.edu/reaccreditation.
Last spring, the university was notified that its Quality Initiative (QI) final report was reviewed and accepted by the HLC, completing the QI portion of the university’s
Saint Mary’s honors head of Catholic Charities with honorary degree In celebration of the Year of Mercy as designated by Pope Francis, and in recognition for a lifetime of service, Sister Donna Markham, OP, Ph.D., was presented with an honorary doctorate by Saint Mary’s at its commencement ceremony on Oct. 15 in Minneapolis. A Doctor of Psychology degree, honoris causa, was presented to Sister Donna, who serves as president and CEO of Catholic Charities, the Catholic Church’s humanitarian arm that expends more than $4.2 billion in services, relief, and assistance through 177 member agencies in 2,600 sites to 9 million people across the United States and its territories. Sister Donna was honored for her commitment to her fellow religious, clergy, and especially the least, the last, and the lost in communities around the globe. She was acknowledged for her dedication to helping those who live
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on the margins, and for finding ways to reach, touch, and heal lives across neighborhoods, cities, and nations. The award states that Sister Donna has “throughout her religious and professional life embodied, reflected, and shared the mercy of God’s love in her life as a counselor, therapist, and administrator.” ≠
Sister Donna Markham, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the USA, received a Doctor of Psychology from Brother William, left, and Brother Robert Smith, chief academic officer for Saint Mary’s. Fall/Winter 2016
Meeting society’s needs through Lasallian research More than 130 professors, administrators, researchers, and students from throughout the world gathered at the Saint Mary’s Twin Cities Campus for the fifth annual International Symposium on Lasallian Research, Sept. 25-27. Hosted by Saint Mary’s University, its Institute for Lasallian Studies, and co-sponsored by Christian Brothers Conference, the event promotes research by Lasallians that has the human person at its core, and society’s poor as its focus. The symposium featured three keynote presenters, including Saint Mary’s Dean of Sciences and Health Professions Todd Reinhart, Sc.D., who discussed his 20 years of research on HIV/AIDS and the Lasallian concern for people who don’t have access to resources to combat the disease. Melchor Victor G. Frias, M.D., vice chancellor for research at the De La Salle Health Sciences Institute, presented on the challenges and concerns of conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial on a new drug for Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDRTB) among children. And Judy A. Van Wyk, Ph.D., (Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Rhode Island) and Camela Steinke, Ph.D., (program assessment and effectiveness research specialist at Lasalle School in New
York) discussed Lasallian- and trauma-informed care in Lasallian youth and family ministries. “Attendees of the symposium had the opportunity to learn from and network with world leaders in education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability,” said Roxanne Eubank, Ed.D., director of the Institute for Lasallian Studies. “New collaborative research partnerships established at this event will produce research focused on the emerging needs of society for years to come.” Participants also explored current issues in the areas of educational innovation, environment and sustainability, health and nutrition, and Lasallian studies through several expertmediated breakout sessions. Topics included opportunities for vulnerable students to achieve higher education, solar power and changing weather trends, lung cancer detection, and the Lasallian pedagogical journey. Several Saint Mary’s faculty members were among those selected to lead breakout sessions. Saint Mary’s is part of a global network that includes more than 90,000 individuals engaged in the Lasallian Catholic educational mission of serving society and more than one million students throughout 80 countries, including 60 higher education Lasallian institutions. The Lasallian network is also comprised of nearly 4,000 De La Salle Christian Brothers carrying out the tradition founded by Saint John Baptist De La Salle, a priest and educational innovator of 17th-century France. ≠ Photos from the symposium are available at smumn.edu/photos.
Dr. Todd Reinhart, dean of sciences and health professions
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Celebrating the past, enjoying the present, and planning for the future It has been an exciting summer and fall for the Saint Mary’s Alumni Association. These dedicated volunteers are continually planning events and programming for our more than 40,000 alumni of both the undergraduate College and the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs.
Robert Fisher ’97, M’06
The Past During Reunion Weekend 2016, the university dedicated the Merle F. Wilberding ’66 Alumni Room. Through the wonderful generosity of Wilberding, there is now a space on campus especially for the alumni of Saint Mary’s. This comfortable gathering space contains artifacts, yearbooks, and books written by alumni. We invite our alumni back to see this wonderful space and to reminisce about the past while learning about Saint Mary’s plans for the future. Please let us know if you plan a visit; we would enjoy welcoming you back to campus. To further enhance this room, we are continually looking for memorabilia that speaks to the history of Saint Mary’s. As you go through belongings from your Saint Mary’s days, if you no longer have use for them, please consider donating them to the university. We are especially interested in the following: • historic clothing and artifacts • photographs • books authored by alums • other miscellaneous items you think would be great to share with Saint Mary’s The Present This past summer we celebrated Reunion Weekend 2016. Several records were set that celebratory weekend. The class of 1966, the 50th anniversary class, had a record turnout of 72 classmates who returned to Winona. In addition, the class also raised more than $509,000 for the university in honor of their anniversary. This success is a great example of voluntary leadership. We are grateful and honored that our alumni have chosen to give back to Saint Mary’s so generously. If you are interested in volunteering for your class reunion, please contact the alumni office at alumni@smumn.edu. We are excited about the many events slated for 2016-17. Please check out the upcoming events in the adjacent calendar and make plans to join us. For more information on the alumni association, go to mysmumn.org. If you are interested in hosting an event in your area, would like to serve on an event committee, or have ideas for future events, please email alumni@smumn.edu. We also would like to know your latest and greatest achievements and news. Please continue to share your good news with us! The Future The alumni board is developing an enhanced Cardinals Helping Cardinals internship program. In the coming months you will hear more about how you can be a part of this program. Our students
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benefit immensely from internship opportunities that are hosted by alumni or businesses/ organizations associated with our alumni. If you have a need in your organization that one of our eager Saint Mary’s students could fill, please fill out the online form at mysmumn.org/chc. The alumni board will also be working with the admission office to create opportunities for alumni to assist in the recruitment efforts on the Winona Campus. We also have a program called Suggest a Student. If you know of family members, friends, students, or other potential students who you would think would be a great fit at Saint Mary’s, recommend them through the alumni website at mysmumn.org/suggestastudent. This is a great way to stay involved while strengthening Saint Mary’s future. As you can tell, there is a lot to be proud of and to be excited about at Saint Mary’s. Thank you for your engagement. I hope to see you at one of our many events soon! ≠
CALENDAR JANUARY 2017 21 Men’s Hockey vs. Hamline University, Twin Cities 30 Washington, D.C., Alumni and Friends Gathering, Washington, D.C. FEBRUARY 2017 6-10 Cardinals Give Back Week, Winona 12 Cardinal Plunge, Winona 18 Florida Alumni and Friends Gathering, Naples, Fla. 25 Young Alumni Event, Shout House, Minneapolis MARCH 2017 12 Chicago Blackhawks Alumni Gathering, Chicago, Ill. 17 Tucson-area Alumni Gathering, Tucson, Ariz. 18 Phoenix-area Alumni Gathering, Phoenix, Ariz. APRIL 2017 22 Rochester 5K/Earth Day Event, Rochester, Minn. 25 Hendrickson Forum, Twin Cities 28 Celebration of Scholarship, Winona 28-29 Alumni Board Meeting, Winona MAY 2017 17 First Generation Initiative S.O.A.R. Breakfast, Twin Cities JUNE 2017 23 Alumni Board Meeting, Winona 23-25 Reunion Weekend 2017, Winona
Fall/Winter 2016
Living the Lasallian mission Saint Mary’s alumni discovered that the Lasallian mission of making quality education accessible is unchanged by 8,000 miles—the distance between the university’s Winona Campus and the work the De La Salle Christian Brothers are doing in Nairobi, Kenya. After attending the July 2014 Christ the Teacher Institute for Education (CTIE) graduation in Nairobi, Patrice Henning ’84 felt other alumni needed to share in her moving experience. In August, she and three other alumni, joined by Bob Fisher (director of Alumni Relations) made a weeklong visit to Nairobi. Saint Mary’s alumni spoke with CTIE students in their classrooms, including one set inside a prison. The immersion trip included many meaningful intercultural
exchanges and cultural activities. It was a deeply moving opportunity to witness the work of the De La Salle Christian Brothers first-hand. They also spent a day in Kibera, Africa’s largest slum. Tao Peng M’11 called it a “life-altering experience.” “We have seen people out there day by day doing things, not for money, but dedicating themselves to changing lives of others. I have seen CTIE graduates providing food and shelter to kids who are homeless and abandoned, providing education to people who otherwise might not have the opportunity to get an education. This trip has opened my eyes, restored faith in humanity, and reenergized me for the future.” “I witnessed hope shining everywhere through the many faces of the people of Kenya and throughout the different programs and schools run by the CTIE’s alumni,” Heather (Furlong) Hasdemir ’97, M’98 added. “My heart was touched, my mind was taught, and my life is forever changed because of my experiences.” ≠
Gathered for a photo are, from left: Buster Masalya; Tao Peng M’11; Patrice Henning ’84; Bob Fisher ’97, M’06; Heather (Furlong) Hasdemir ’97, M’98; and Kassondra Burtis ’13.
Tao Peng M’11 with his new friends in Nairobi
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Merle F. Wilberding ’66
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DEDICATION Attending the dedication are, from left, back: Bob Fisher ’97, M’06, director of alumni relations; Wilberding ’66; Brother William; front: Bobbi Kochevar M’08, president of the alumni board; and Aaron Haley ’15 and his dad Tom Haley of Haley Comfort Systems.
The new alumni room in the Toner Student Center
Merle F. Wilberding ’66 and Susan Elliott
The Merle F. Wilberding ’66 Alumni Room opened with the snip of a ribbon and a round of applause during Reunion Weekend this past June. The room, made possible through the generosity of Wilberding ’66 (also the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient), celebrates the significant impact of Saint Mary’s University alumni and faculty, especially the lasting legacy of transformational educators like Brother K. Basil O’Leary ’42, who have enhanced Saint Mary’s academic reputation for more than 100 years. The alumni room, located on the first floor of the Toner Student Center on the Winona Campus, includes Saint Mary’s memorabilia, yearbooks, videos, and other interactive history—all housed in a beautifully furnished and comfortable space where alumni, family, and friends are welcome to gather and share in the legacy of Saint Mary’s. A focal point of the room is a fireplace, made possible through the generosity of Haley Comfort Systems. The family business contributed material and labor for the project as a way to give back to Saint Mary’s. Several members of the Haley family, including Nicole (Haley) ’13 and Bob Speedling ’13, and Aaron Haley ’15 are alumni. Haley Comfort Systems also installed the stonework, cabinetry, and fireplace woodwork in the new room. “It’s the perfect place for people to gather to connect with each other, but also to learn about Saint Mary’s past, present, and future,” Wilberding said. He chose to give special recognition to Brother K. Basil, who made a particular impact on Wilberding during his four years as an undergraduate economics major. “He really helped me understand how to learn, how to analyze, and how to write concisely,” Wilberding said. Throughout his career as an attorney in Washington, D.C., and Dayton, Ohio, Wilberding has accrued a lengthy list of prominent legal achievements and worked high-profile national cases. (See more on page 40.) Wilberding said he was inspired by the passion Brother K. Basil showed in the classroom. Looking back, it’s Brother K. Basil, and the many friends Wilberding met while attending college who he most thinks of when he reflects back to his time at Saint Mary’s. “We got to know everybody in the class and developed very close friendships that continue until this day,” he said. “I guess one of the things I always liked about Saint Mary’s was how comfortable I felt as a student and how welcome I felt.” Wilberding sees the addition of an alumni room as a place for current students and alumni to always feel welcome. “It will be a great opportunity to stop, look, and listen at where the university is now, and where the school is going in the future. I’ve always seen Saint Mary’s as a gateway to opportunities and a gateway to education. There’s an openness and welcoming feeling about it that attracts students who are looking for opportunities.” ≠ If you have plans to visit campus, please let us know by going to smumn.edu/alumniroom. We are always looking for new items to add to the alumni collection! If you have Saint Mary’s memorabilia that you would like to donate, please contact the Alumni Office at 800-635-5987 ext. 1499 or alumni@smumn.edu. The alumni room will be featuring books written by alumni. If you have authored a book, please let us know and we’ll try to include it in the space.
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SAINT MARY’S REUNION WEEKEND SETS It was a weekend of records as 500 attendees reconnected with each other, as well as their alma mater, during Saint Mary’s Reunion Weekend June 24-26. The 50th anniversary Class of 1966 alone attracted a record 72 members, and the class generated a record reunion
2016 alumni awards: Merle F. Wilberding ’66 Distinguished Alumnus Award Dayton, Ohio Throughout his career as an attorney in Washington, D.C., and Dayton, Ohio, Merle F. Wilberding ’66 has accrued a lengthy list of prominent legal achievements and worked high-profile national cases. He has repeatedly received the highest ratings from his peers and is continuously named an “Ohio Super Lawyer” and included in the “Best Lawyers in America,” among many other honors. In 2012 the Ohio State Bar Foundation gave him the Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service. He received national recognition as an Army JAG Captain, representing the government in briefing and arguing the appeal in U.S. vs. Lt. William L. Calley, otherwise known as the “My Lai Massacre,” a case that will go down as the most notorious court-martial arising out of the Vietnam War. In 2008, on a substantially pro bono basis, he represented the family of LCpl. Maria Lauterbach, who was savagely murdered and buried in the backyard of Cpl. Cesar Laurean in North Carolina. As part of the case, he was interviewed on CNN’s morning news, The Today Show, and other national news shows and testified in hearings before the U.S. Congress. Subsequently, he became a national spokesperson for the victims of sexual assault in the military. At Saint Mary’s, the Merle F. Wilberding Alumni Room has been named in his honor.
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gift of almost $509,000 in appreciation for the education they received at Saint Mary’s. Matching gifts raise the impact of the donation to more than $630,000.
The Reunion Weekend included tours of the bluffs and campus, a fun run for all ages, a canoeing excursion, a community picnic, a chance to build a mosaic masterpiece, trolley rides through Winona hot spots, and more. Undergraduate alumni also held class reunions all over campus, throughout the downtown, and beyond. A lively Golden
Clair (Zauhar) Pennycuff ’06, M’07 Young Alumna Award Augusta, Kan. As a high school teacher, Clair (Zauhar) Pennycuff ’06, M’07 empowers her students to grow not only in their academic knowledge but to live ethical lives as well. After completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Saint Mary’s, she moved to Kansas and became an English teacher at Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High School (KMC) for the Diocese of Wichita. Pennycuff shares her caring demeanor—with a touch of humor—with her students, holding very high expectations for them all. Her leadership abilities do not stop in the classroom. She has helped many other teachers by explaining the process of renewing their teaching license. She has also mentored new teachers. Pennycuff is also a part of the school technology committee and is involved with many other teacher and student groups, along with community activities. In 2012, she received the Gold Apple Award from KAKE news and was named a Faculty Member of the Month in 2013. In 2014-15, she was named Teacher of the Year at KMC. This came after a difficult year involving a situation in which students had been caught cheating. It means a lot to her that this same set of students later helped nominate her for this award.
Fall/Winter 2016
RECORDS FOR ATTENDANCE, GIVING
Reunion class gathered Friday evening, and Brother William presented them with special diplomas proclaiming mastery of “the art and science of life experiences.” Additionally, the Merle F. Wilberding ’66 Alumni Room was dedicated in the Toner Student Center. ≠
To see video introductions of the four award winners: • Pennycuff: smumn.edu/pennycuff • McQuillan: smumn.edu/mcquillan • Wilberding: smumn.edu/wilberding • Garpestad: smumn.edu/garpestad
See more photos from the weekend at smumn.edu/photos. Watch a video recap at smumn.edu/reunion16
Barbara (Mulvey) McQuillan ’76 Lasallian Service Award Minneapolis Barbara (Mulvey) McQuillan ’76 has dedicated her life to helping others. In 1993 McQuillan found her calling at Twin Cities Housing Development Corporation (TCHDC), where she worked her way quickly to executive director. TCHDC is a non-profit developer and owner of affordable rental housing for families in St. Paul, which has developed or preserved over 2,700 units of affordable rental housing in the Twin Cities metro area. McQuillan was awarded the LISC 2005 Community Development Leadership Award for TCHDC’s work related to the acquisition of tax credit properties. TCHDC properties not only provide high-quality affordable rental housing for low-income families, but often also help bring stability to the neighborhoods in which the properties are located. She has also been active on the boards—and held leadership positions—for three other nonprofit organizations: New Connection Programs, Inc., an adolescent chemical dependency treatment program in St. Paul; Neighborhood Involvement Program, a medical, dental, and mental health community clinic serving uninsured and underinsured individuals in Minneapolis; and Wayside House Inc., a chemical dependency and mental health treatment program for women.
Renée Garpestad ’81, D’03 Alumni Appreciation Award Minnetonka, Minn. Renée Garpestad ’81, D’03 has been a longtime partner of Saint Mary’s University. She graduated egregia cum laude from Saint Mary’s in 1981. After earning her M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas in 1985, she returned to Saint Mary’s to obtain her Ed.D. in 2003. Garpestad began her sales and marketing career with Control Data, and she currently is senior vice president of business development at Lee Hecht Harrison. As an adjunct instructor at Saint Mary’s and St. Thomas, she has shared her expertise by teaching marketing and leadership. Garpestad has further shared her talent by serving on the Alumni Board of Directors from 1989-93 and as alumni board vice president from 1992-93. She also served two five-year terms on the Saint Mary’s University Board of Trustees and was named a Fellow of the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership. In addition to participating in numerous university events, Garpestad was involved with many campaign steering committees and focus groups over the years such as The Next Step, Millennium, Context and Vision, and the Centennial Celebration. In honor of the Centennial, she was recognized as an alumna who is living the Saint Mary’s mission. WWW.SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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Young Alumni weekend
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It was a weekend full of hugs, games, food, music, and fun. About 150 Saint Mary’s graduates from the past decade returned to campus for Young Alumni Weekend, Sept. 9-11. A few of the events included a young alumni gathering at Mulligan’s, an afternoon gathering on campus, an alumni party at Betty Jo’s, and a live performance by The Oldie Moldie All Stars. Mark your calendars to come back to campus Sept. 8-10, 2017! ≠
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Fennern named NACWAA Administrator of the Year In celebration of the success, achievements, and advancement of women leaders, the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) awarded its 2016 Administrator of the Year Awards in October in Kansas City, Mo. Among those honored was Saint Mary’s Athletic Director Nikki Fennern, who has worked at St. Mary’s since 2001, first as Nikki Fennern a coach and then as athletic director since 2006. The Administrator of the Year Award is presented each year and honors NACWAA members for significant contributions made in athletic administration. Recipients were nominated by their peers and selected by the NACWAA Awards Committee for their service during 2015-16. “Each year, NACWAA is thrilled to celebrate and honor such extraordinary women who live out our mission each and every day,” said Patti Phillips, NACWAA CEO. “We are continually inspired and energized by their commitment and dedication to intercollegiate athletics and the advancement of women both in our industry and beyond.”
“I am very honored and humbled to receive this award from such a great organization as NACWAA,” said Fennern, who had four teams play in the conference post-season tournaments last season, including two—baseball and women’s basketball—that reached the MIAC Playoff title game. “I am blessed to be surrounded by a university administration that supports the athletic experience; great coaches and athletic staff members who work so hard day-in and day-out to advance the department; and, most importantly, student-athletes who strive for their best every day in the classroom, on the field of competition, and in the community. “I am thankful to all of my mentors and co-workers who make an award like this possible.” Fennern is an active NACWAA member who embodies the mission of advancing women in collegiate athletics. As the director of athletics at Saint Mary’s, Fennern is committed to the education of students both in the classroom and on their respective playing surfaces. Under her guidance, Saint Mary’s athletics enjoyed one of the best years in recent history last school year. On top of encouraging athletic success, Fennern also leads, mentors, and provides vision for her staff, while being a positive role model for studentathletes and up-and-coming young administrators. “Nikki has many gifts and talents, as well as an incredible drive and desire to champion for the experience of Cardinal student-athletes,” said Chris Kendall, Saint Mary’s associate vice president of Campus Services. “She is a tremendous asset to Saint Mary’s University coaches, faculty and staff, the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, but mostly, to every student-athlete who puts on a Cardinal uniform. Nikki is truly a great source of Cardinal Pride.” ≠
Cardinals’ Pollari named MIAC’s Coach of Year Heading into the 2015-16 season, not too many coaches around the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference were familiar with the name Brent Pollari. They are now. Pollari guided the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota women’s basketball team to a second-place regular-season finish in 2016—and the No. 2 seed in the conference playoffs— in his first year as the Cardinals’ head coach, and was named MIAC Coach of the Year. “Being named Coach of the Year is a great honor, but this is a team award,” said Pollari, who took over the Cardinal program in late August—a team that lost four starters and six of their top offensive performers from a year ago. “I felt so bad for our players after not being selected for the national tournament. Hopefully this shows everyone on this team the respect they have earned from the coaches in our league— and the realization of what a special season they had.” The Cardinals, picked to finish seventh in the MIAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, set out to prove the naysayers wrong—rattling off eight straight wins to open the season, and putting together a 13-1 mark through their first 14 games. Saint Mary’s survived the minefield that was the MIAC schedule, compiling a 14-4 record en route to qualifying for its fifth straight conference post-season berth. The Cardinals earned a first-round bye and bounced Gustavus 78-70 in the MIAC Playoff semifinal before dropping the title game to St. Thomas.
“I can’t say enough about what a special season this was,” said Pollari, whose squad finished 21-6 overall. “They were determined to outperform our preseason ranking and I am extremely proud of what they accomplished.” ≠
Brent Pollari
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Saint Mary’s honors current, former athletes It was a weekend of celebrating athletic accomplishments at Saint Mary’s University. During Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend Sept. 9-11, current and former athletes came together to discuss their shared experiences, to reminisce about those game-winning plays, and to hear the accomplishments of today’s Cardinal athletes. Three former student-athletes were honored for their many accomplishments, as Chuck Richards ’71 (baseball), Julie (Macko) Lentz ’91 (women’s soccer), and Katie (Meissner) Oberfoell ’92 (women’s soccer) became the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2016. Also during the ceremony, Saint Mary’s 2015-16 postseason award-winners were honored. Special recognition went to the 2015-16 Outstanding Male and Female Athletes Willie Doll ’16 (Stevens Point, Wis.) and Macki Fadness ’16 (Eau Claire, Wis.), and Outstanding Scholar-Athletes Emily Loof ’18 (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Brett Giesen ’18 (Cato, Wis.). Here’s a look at this year’s Sports Hall of Fame inductees:
JULIE (MACKO) LENTZ ’91, Saint Paul
Lentz enjoyed a stellar collegiate career, helping guide the Cardinal women’s soccer team to three consecutive Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships—not to mention three straight appearances in the NCAA Division III National Tournament. With Macko leading the way, the Cardinals compiled a four-year conference record of 35-2-0. A First-Team All-MIAC selection both her junior and senior years, Lentz was named FirstTeam All-Midwest Region in 1989 and 1990, while garnering Second-Team All-American honors in 1989 and First-Team AllAmerican honors in 1990. A shut-down defender, Lentz was instrumental in the Cardinals collecting 38 shutout victories in her four-year career.
KATIE (MEISSNER) OBERFOELL ’92, Pewaukee, Wis.
Oberfoell was a dominant force for the Cardinal women’s soccer team. With Oberfoell leading the charge, the Cardinals amassed a four-year 31-3-0 conference record, capturing four straight Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships—not to mention four NCAA Division III National Tournament appearances. Oberfoell’s efforts did not go unnoticed, either, as she earned First-Team All-MIAC and All-Region honors following her junior and senior years, while also being named Third-Team All-American and Saint Mary’s Outstanding Female Athlete after her senior campaign. Oberfoell, who played in every game during her time at Saint Mary’s—a stretch of 70 consecutive games—closed out her collegiate career scoring 28 goals (eighth all-time) and adding seven assists for 63 points. ≠
SPORTS CHUCK RICHARDS ’71, Phoenix, Ariz.
A four-year letterwinner for the Saint Mary’s baseball team, Richards was a four-time All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection while also earning NAIA AllDistrict 13 honors following his junior and senior seasons. As a freshman, Richards helped guide Saint Mary’s to the 1968 conference title, hitting .340 and averaging more than one RBI per game in conference play. Richards, who would also help Saint Mary’s to an MIAC crown during his junior season in 1970, hit .318 (83-for-261) with 49 runs, 12 doubles, 10 triples, eight home runs and 54 RBIs during his collegiate career. Richards’ 10 career triples rank No. 1 all-time, while his five triples during his sophomore year in 1969 is a singleseason program record.
Hall of Fame inductees Katie (Meissner) Oberfoell ’92 and Chuck Richards ’71. Not pictured is Julie (Macko) Lentz ’91.
Outstanding ScholarAthletes Emily Loof ’18 and Brett Giesen ’18
Outstanding Male and Female Athletes Willie Doll ’16 and Macki Fadness ’16
Take a look at the photo gallery from ‘M’ Club Weekend at smumn.edu/mcclub16pics Brandi Blattner ’17
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Or, watch the video from the event at smumn.edu/mclub16vid Fall/Winter 2016
Sports roundup CARDINAL VOLLEYBALL
The Cardinals (8-3 MIAC, 24-5 Overall) boasted a pair of players named to the All-MIAC First-Team—sophomore Brandi Blattner (Eyota, Minn.) and senior Morgan Thomas (Palos Park, Ill.). … Blattner also earned AVCA First-Team AllCentral Region, as well as AVCA Second-Team All-American honors. … The Cardinals made their fourth straight MIAC Playoff appearance—and the 11th under coach Mike Lester. … The Cardinals’ 24 wins marked the fourth straight season that Saint Mary’s has won 20 or more matches. … The Cardinals’ 24 wins are the most since going 24-9 in 2013. … Blattner, who closed out her sophomore year as the team- and conference-leader in kills (440) and kills-per-set (4.54), set a single-match school record in the rally scoring era with 31 kills against Bethel on Oct. 21. … Seventeen of the Cardinals’ 24 wins, meanwhile, came via two lengthy winning streaks— one of 10 matches and the other of seven. … Saint Mary’s season-opening 10-match winning streak was the secondlongest in program history. … The Cardinals were a perfect 16-0 in regular-season tournament play this season—going 4-0 at the Ground Round Sugar Loaf Classic, St. Catherine Invitational, Ripon Red Hawk Invitational, and the Neumann Invitational. … Blattner and Thomas were named to the all-tournament team in each of the Cardinals’ four regularseason tournaments.
GOLF
Senior David Iten (Fridley, Minn.) turned in the Cardinals’ best round of the 54-hole MIAC Championships, carding a six-over-par 78, while junior Hunter Rau (Rushford, Minn.) chipped in his second straight seven-over 79 in helping the Saint Mary’s men to a ninth-place team finish. … Sophomore Kyle Brodt (Roseville, Minn.) closed out the year as the team’s scoring leader, averaging 79.50 to finish just ahead of freshman Blair Sanders (Lee’s Summit, Mo. / 79.67) and Iten (79.75). … Brodt and Iten each carded team-best oneover-par 72s during the second round of the Tim Kopka Invitational on Sept. 10. … The Cardinals’ second-day 297 at Carthage’s Tim Kopka Memorial Tournament on Sept. 10 tied the single-day school record. … Junior Kaitlin Kling (LeRoy, Minn.) and senior Madison Gately (Glenview, Ill.) led the Cardinal women to a ninth-place finish at the season-ending MIAC Championship, shooting 54-hole totals of 261 and 266, respectively. … Kling achieved a school-record 36-hole total, shooting rounds of 80-79 at the D3 Classic on Sept. 17-18. … Kling’s effort was four shots better than the previous school record of 163 (82-81) set in 2004. … After not recording a round below 82 in her first three seasons, Kling recorded four rounds of 80 or better this season—including a pair of 79s and a career-best five-over-par 77.
S NEWS MEN’S SOCCER
The Cardinals (3-6-1 MIAC, 8-9-1 Overall) boasted three players—juniors Jared Wolt (Farmington, Minn.) and Garrett Grunke (Verona, Wis.), and sophomore Sean Butcher (Cave Creek, Ariz.)—named honorable-mention All-MIAC. … Saint Mary’s eight wins were the most in a season since Saint Mary’s finished 8-8-2 during the 2002 campaign. … Butcher and Grunke closed out the season as the team’s goal-scoring leaders with four each. … Butcher also finished the year with team-highs in both assists (5) and points (11). … Junior Nate Levy (Byron, Minn.) recorded a career-high 13 saves in the Cardinals season-ending 2-1, double-overtime loss to Carleton on Oct. 29. … Levy, who recorded three shutouts this season, closed out the year with a 1.35 goals-against-average and made 81 saves. … Saint Mary’s did not allow a shot on goal in a pair of 3-0 wins—first against Bethany Lutheran on Sept. 7 and then against UM-Morris on Oct. 26.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
The Cardinals (0-11-0 MIAC, 2-14-1 Overall) had two players earned post-season conference honors—senior Emma Schaefer (Roseville, Minn.) earned her second straight First-Team All-MIAC selection, while freshman Ashley Malone (Peyton, Colo.) was an honorable-mention selection. … Schaefer, sophomore Becca Dup (Albert Lea, Minn.), and junior Emily Loof (Colorado Springs, Colo.) closed out the year sharing the team lead in goals with three each. Senior Aubrie Cornell (Columbia, Mo.) owned a team-high three assists. … Schaefer was also the team’s points leader with eight. … Loof collected the Cardinals’ first and last goals of the season—scoring in the game’s 72nd minute in the opener against Luther on Sept. 1 and in the 84th minute of the finale against Carleton on Oct. 29. … Gabriella Pederson (Chaska, Minn.) closed out a stellar freshman season, stopping a career-high 11 shots in Saint Mary’s season-ending 3-2 loss to Carleton on Oct. 29—it was the eighth time this season she recorded eight or more saves in a game. … Pederson ended the year with a 2.06 goals-against-average and made 99 saves.
CROSS COUNTRY
After back-to-back honorable-mention allconference performances, senior Jovan Newsum (Glendale Heights, Ill.) earned his first All-MIAC First-Team honor, posting an 8K time of 26:08 in placing third at the MIAC Championships on Oct. 28. … Newsum’s thirdplace finish is the highest individual performance by a Cardinal runner—male or female—at the MIAC Championships, and helped the Cardinal men to a seventh-place team showing. … Freshman Danielle Franke (Mounds View, Minn.) toured the six-kilometer course in a team-best 24:45 in leading the Cardinal women to a 12th-place showing at the MIAC Championships. … Franke’s 24:45 at the MIAC Championships was the fastest time posted by a Cardinal this season. ≠
Jovan Newsum ’17
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ALUMNI EVENTS A. Washington, D.C. Alumni and Friends Gathering On Feb. 1, 2016, 36 alumni and friends gathered at Smith and Wollensky in downtown Washington, D.C., to celebrate Saint Mary’s. Alumni enjoyed hearing about the latest and greatest at Saint Mary’s. Dick Willet ’57 and Tony Vertuno ’58 talked with Brother William. B. Brother Jerome Ski Center Dedication The Saint Mary’s community came together on Feb. 3, 2016, to dedicate the Brother Jerome Rademacher ’58 Nordic Ski Center in the lower level of Brother Leopold Hall. Brother William joined Dr. Fred ’57 and Jean (Purcell) CST’60 Skemp. C. Florida Alumni and Friends Gathering Thirty-six alumni and friends gathered at the Club at Pelican Bay, Fla., on Feb. 6, 2016. Special thanks to Lee ’51 and Marjorie M’85 Canning for sharing their club with the Saint Mary’s community. Attendees included: Marianne and Jim ’69 Coogan; Tony Piscitiello, AFSC ’69, M’82; and Tom ’58 and Gail Baryl. D. Cardinal Plunge The 2016 Cardinal Plunge occurred on Feb. 13, 2016 at Lake Winona. Proceeds were given to Sean and Coral Logan of Stockton. Coral works in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. Sean and Coral’s infant daughter Makiah was diagnosed with a heart condition called coarctation of the aorta. Plunging for the good cause were Libby Abbe, Riley Burns ’16, and Kory McDonald ’16.
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E. Saint Paul Saints Alumni Gathering Alumni gathered for a summer evening of baseball in the Twin Cities at the Saint Paul Saints game on July 12, 2016. Nearly 50 alumni came out for this great summer event and stood next to a cut out of actor Bill Murray. F. Max Zdon, Sam Casillas ’14, Kenzie Corrow ’14, and Daniel Strebel reunited at the Saint Paul Saints game. G. Benefactor Dinner The wonderful benefactors of Saint Mary’s University were recognized April 23, 2016, on the Winona Campus. This year, the university honored George and Mary Ann Kendall with the Heritage Award for outstanding philanthropy toward Saint Mary’s. Amalia Santos ’12 joined her grandmother and university benefactor Marjorie Galvin at the annual Benefactor Recognition Dinner. H. Bogey Bash 2016 Approximately 165 Chicago alumni and friends gathered for the second annual Bogey Bash in Oak Brook, Ill., on Aug. 12, 2016. The event included a golf outing and evening party. Attendees included: John Calhoun ’74, Ed ’75 and Patty Mullins, Mike Kelly ’74, and Don Figliulo ’74. I. Steve ’88 and Karen ’93 Ford, Katie (Mullins) Burke ’89, and Dawn (Alberts) Lorr ’89 had a blast at the Bogey Bash.
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HELP US HONOR DISTINGUISHED SAINT MARY’S ALUMNI
Nominate deserving alumni for Reunion Weekend 2018 awards
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 2018 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. Award nominations must be received by the Office of Alumni Relations no later than Sept. 1, 2017. 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 studentathlete.
2018 Alumni Award Nomination Form n Preliminary Information
I wish to nominate an individual for: (Please check type of award; photocopy to nominate in more than one category.) q Distinguished Alumnus/a q Sports Hall of Fame q Alumni Appreciation q Lasallian Service q Outstanding Young Alumnus/a Name of nominee
Class Year
Telephone (daytime)
Telephone (home)
Why do you think this individual should receive a Saint Mary’s University Alumni Award?
Name of nominator
Telephone (daytime)
Does this person know he/she is being nominated?
Telephone (home)
To nominate a candidate for an award, complete this form and return by Sept. 1, 2017. 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
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Murtaugh played major role in infamous murder case The late George “Duke” Murtaugh ’61 was just 26 when he made a name for himself during one of the country’s most infamous murder cases. Murtaugh, as a young Chicago attorney, was called upon to give the initial summation in the proceedings against Richard Speck, who would be convicted of torturing, raping, and murdering eight student nurses from South Chicago Community Hospital on July 14, 1966. According to the lead prosecutor, William J. Martin, Murtaugh gave “the greatest opening argument” he had ever heard. According to a story, written in April 2005 by Barbara Sherlock in the Chicago Tribune, Martin said Murtaugh “didn’t use a single note. He was passionate, powerful, and persuasive. He covered everything that needed to be covered, and not in a melodramatic way, but in a highly dramatic, emotional manner that frankly created such tension and emotion in the courtroom, that the judge called for a recess after he was done instead of calling for the public defender to present his argument.” According to a book titled, The Crime of the Century, by Dennis L. Breo and William J. Martin, Murtaugh stood a thin 6 feet tall and “looked every inch the basketball star he had been at St. Rita High School in Chicago and Saint Mary’s College in Winona, Minn. A boyish-looking 26 with closecropped black hair and sparkling blue eyes, Murtaugh walked on the balls of his feet, always appearing to tip forward. Disarmingly candid, Murtaugh had an uncanny ability to understand and handle people. He knew when to be blunt and when to be diplomatic, and had enjoyed a meteoric rise in the State Attorney’s Office since being sworn in barely a year earlier.” The book furthers that “Murtaugh expressed his views with earthly brevity and the energy of a caged lion.”
George Murtaugh ‘61
Murtaugh in later years
Speck would be convicted of unspeakable crimes; countless books, documentaries and news stories would be written about him. A 2007 film titled “Chicago Massacre: Richard Speck” also detailed the “crime of the century.” Speck would eventually die of a heart attack in prison in 1991. According to the Chicago Tribune article, after working at the Cook County state attorney’s office, Murtaugh became the youngest member of the law firm of Coghlan, McGloon, Joyce & Murphy in 1968. A number of years later he struck out on his own, opening an office in downtown Chicago and becoming one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Chicago before passing away in 2015. “He was principled and liked to take a stand and be an advocate for his clients, for whatever side he was on,” said his daughter, Mary Jo, quoted in the Chicago Tribune article. “He was a man of integrity.” He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Saint Mary’s in 1996. ≠
GETTING AND GIVING THE MOST FROM YOUR ASSETS Consider donating appreciated assets to Saint Mary’s University. You will receive a charitable deduction for your gift and preserve your cash for immediate or future needs. You and your family can receive benefits such as lifetime income. You may be able to make greater gifts than you ever thought possible! How can you benefit from making a gift of your assets to Saint Mary’s University? Make a direct gift of your asset to us and receive tax savings. Or, consider a charitable trust or a charitable gift annuity.
Transfer your appreciated assets to a charitable trust and receive income while also making a transformational impact at Saint Mary’s. Or transfer an asset to Saint Mary’s that the university will sell and use the proceeds to fund a gift annuity. Dr. Sam Cascio ’48 has done both, creating a charitable trust years ago and more recently giving rental property to Saint Mary’s that the university sold, using the proceeds to fund a gift annuity. Dr. Cascio no longer has to deal with rental property but continues to receive income—a win-win for everyone.
To find out more, please go online to smumnplannedgift.org.
SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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Class Notes 1950s Reverend James McCauley ’52, Brownsville, Minn., celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination on June 26, 2016 at Pax Christi Catholic Church in Rochester. He also served as principal at Cotter High School and Lourdes High School. Thomas Meagher ’53, Burr Ridge, Ill., (trustee emeritus and former chair of the board of trustees) and his son, Mike Meagher ’87, Western Springs, Ill., (also former board chair), were excited to watch their grandson and nephew, Ian Cole and his team win the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs. Cole is a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. William Tschumper ’56, Centennial, Colo., is retired. He and his wife, Margaret, have 21 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Tom O’Farrell ’58, Boulder City, Nev., and colleagues published a paper titled, “Translocation of the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, Vulpes macrotis mutica: A retrospective assessment” in the latest edition of the Western North American Naturalist. They describe and evaluate the success of their efforts to remove foxes from urban developments and imprint them on relatively undisturbed habitats within the Central Valley, Calif.
1960s Arthur Clark ’61, Raleigh, N.C. grandson Peter Galica, a rising senior at Christian Brother Academy in Albany, N.Y., will be playing his third season of hockey in 20162017 for CBA. Peter plays defense for the “Brothers.” Art enjoys viewing highlights of the team’s games on-line from home. Dr. Patric Hendershott ’61, Sahuarita, Ariz., attended the annual meetings of the American Real Estate Society in Denver in March 2016. He presented a paper titled “How Taxes and Required Returns Drove Commercial
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Real Estate Valuations over the Past Four Decades.” He received the Richard Ratcliff Award “in recognition of his innovative and extensive research on housing markets and residential mortgage finance.” John ‘Jack’ Lawlor ’63, Ashburn, Va., was approved for “Realtor Emeritus” status by the National Association of Realtors for 40-plus years of service to the real estate industry, community, and the association. He was inducted into the Broad Run High School Wrestling Hall of Fame. In addition, seven of his nine children participated in the sport at the high school level, and he recruited for and directed the feeder club to the school for several years.
Tourism industry for more than a decade, serving as a board, bureau, and chamber member across southwest Wisconsin. Bob Nelis, Sr. ’69, Chicago, published his first novel Northdale, a medieval adventure. It is only available at Amazon Books, Kindle, and City Lit Books in Chicago.
1970s John ‘Jack’ Gjeldum ’70, Lindenhurst, Ill., traveled to Pamplona, Spain, to run with the bulls for the fifth time. A great close encounter!
Dan Monahan ’63, Hypoluxo, Fla., was remarried to Trish, and is planning for retirement in May 2017 after 44 years as an attorney.
Jim Horan ’72, Chicago, has been the chief operating officer for Blue Plate Catering for the past 30 years. Blue Plate Catering was named one of Chicago’s best and brightest companies to work for in 2016. This is the sixth time Blue Plate has achieved this honor.
John Polka ’64, River Forest, Ill., received the Lumen Tranquillum Award from Fenwick High School on April 22, 2016. He began his teaching career there in 1965.
John Soucheray ’74, Woodbury, Minn., is retired from Stillwater Motors but works part-time as a substitute teacher at HillMurray High School.
Bill Casey ’66, Lewisville, N.C., published a book titled God is in the Details.
Dr. Michael Flynn ’75, Winona, Minn., was the recipient of the Minnesota Dental Association’s 2016 Outstanding Service Award. He was honored by the nearly 9,000 dental professionals in attendance at the association’s annual convention in St. Paul.
Rick Stasiak ’66, Omaha, Neb., coauthored a book Fishes of Nebraska, which represented 43 years of his research into fishes in this state. The book won the best science book of the year by the Nebraska Literary Society. Bob Udziela ’66, Beaverton, Ore., was named Oregon’s Distinguished Trail Lawyer of the Year on Aug. 14 at the Oregon Trial Lawyer Association’s yearly convention. Allen Schroeder ’68, Mineral Point, Wis., was presented the Legacy Tourism Award by Gov. Scott Walker for his outstanding contributions to the state’s hospitality and travel industry during the closing dinner at the Governors Conference on Tourism in Wisconsin Dells. He has been actively involved in the Wisconsin
John McDonough ’75, Elk Grove Village, Ill., was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the business of hockey through the awarding of the first ever honorary Certified Hockey Professional designation by Business of Hockey Institute. Patrick Salvi ’75, Chicago, was named the 2017 “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in the Chicago area. His firm, Salvi, Schostok, & Pritchard P.C., achieved more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured clients they have represented. Also, on June
13, 2016 the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame awarded Salvi the first ever Tommy Lasorda Legends Award for contributions made to the game of baseball. Mark Schollmeier ’75, Winona, Minn., retired after 38 years of service with Veterans Administration Medical Centers. Dan Crozier ’78, Meadville, Pa., wrote and performed in Rejoice! The play was performed at the Vukovich Center for Communication Arts on the Allegheny College campus where he is is an associate professor of theatre. Robert Weisskopf ’78, Chicago, retired from the Chicago Police Department as a Lieutenant after 30 years of service. He is also an accomplished author of several books. You can read more on Bob at bobweisskopf.com. Richard Borsch M’79, Elmwood Park, Ill., was inducted into the Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame. He has been part of the Fenwick High School football program for 41 seasons and the head coach of the freshman football team for 35 of those years. Mark Dwyer ’79, Mioffat, Queensland, Australia, retired after 35 years in the environment and conservation sector. He spent his career living and working in California, Montana, and Australia, along with assignments in Western Canada, Turkey, and New Zealand. He lives with his wife, Sally, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Australia. He invites others to come on down and say g’day. Laure (Fischer) Rockman ’79, Maple Grove, Minn., was recognized through the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners’ Achieve! Awards. She received the Generation Award for her accomplishments with Midwest Northern Nut, Inc.
Fall/Winter 2016
News about your classmates and colleagues 1980s Brother Michael Kadow, FSC ’80, Chicago, is a new assistant provincial with the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Connie (Mueller) Johnson ’82, White Bear Lake, Minn., completed her first year of courses at the prestigious Certified Auctioneers Institute. She is the vice president and general manager of Kurt Johnson Auctioneering, Inc. and president of the Benefit Auction Institute. Reverend Dominic Garramone, OSB, ’83, launched an online baking class through Craftsy.com in Sept. 2016. The class is titled “Bake Your Best: Sweet Yeast Breads, Challah, and More”. Interested bakers can go to his website, breadmonk.com. Kathleen Marek-Gleich ’83, Hastings, Minn., was named the 2016 recipient of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Middle School “Heart of the School” award, presented annually to the individual who represents the spirit and mission of SEAS. She is a religion teacher at the school and also teaches “spectrum,” a life skills course. Allen Klein M’83, San Francisco, Calif., did a TEDx talk that can be seen on YouTube, http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=rqPu52vWpJA. The title of the talk was “Our Thoughts & Intentions Create Our Reality.” Read articles about his latest book, You Can’t Ruin My Day in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat http://www.pressdemocrat. com/lifestyle/4111988-181/ sebastopol-author-allen-kleinshares and Jewish Weekly: http://www.jweekly.com/ article/full/76443/whenjollytologist-says-have-a-niceday-he-means-it. John McDonnell ’83, Tinley Park, Ill., received The Coach of the Month Award from the Chicago Blackhawks. This award was presented to McDonnell during the Blackhawks/Nashville game on Feb. 25. He has coached for over 22 years and presently coaches the Providence High School hockey team.
Vince Krydynski ’85, Orland Park, Ill., was named president of Marian Catholic High School. Daniel Nowlan ’87, Jacksonville, Fla., retired after 31 years of service in the Federal Government, Coast Guard and Foreign Service, and the State Department. He spent the past two years in Kabul, Afghanistan. He and his wife, Jean, celebrated 30 years of life together. Cynthia Parsons M’87, Afton, Minn., was awarded Stillwater’s Humanitarian of the Year Award for 2015-2016 for service to persons of all ethnicities. She works for St. Croix Family and Resource Center as a director. Noelle LeChevalier-Dufault ’89, White Bear Lake, Minn., is a hospitality services specialist with Faegre Baker Daniels, LLP.
1990s Julie Costa ’92, Woodbury, Minn., is a volunteer manager for Global Volunteers. Mary McKeown M’92, St. Paul, Minn., was named the president of Keystone Community Services. Margo Wayne M’92, Ellendale, Minn., was named 2016 Albert Lea Teacher of the Year. Matt Bubala ’94, West Dundee, Ill., weekend host and former producer at WGN AM 720, was hired as broadcast editor of DNAinfo.com Chicago, the hyperlocal news operation covering Chicago’s neighborhoods. Todd VonBastiaans ’94, Las Vegas, Nev., co-produced the musical Heathers in Las Vegas. The show received “Best Musical” at the Las Vegas Entertainment Awards in July 2016. James Bach M’95, C’96, Chaska, Minn., took position of principal at Chaska High School in early July. Ann Dettmann M’95, C’12, S’13, Norwood, Minn., is the kindergarten through sixthgrade principal at BOLD Public Schools.
Janet Guthrie M’95, St. Paul, Minn., was named director of administrative services and chief clerk to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
Amy Aylsworth ’98, Winthrop, Minn., has her first teaching job as a physical science and chemistry teacher at Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop Schools.
Georgann (Charuhas) Diderrich ’96, La Grange, Ill., earned a Master’s in Education in Youth Development from the University of Illinois at Chicago in the fall of 2015.
Dr. Michael A. Linden ’98, St. Paul, Minn., director of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota. Minn., was promoted to associate professor and director of the Hematopathology Fellowship Program.
Christopher Troendle ’97, Coon Rapids, Iowa, is the executive director with Boy Scouts of America and the chief international development officer for My Little Patient.
Joseph Bieker M’99, Longmont, Colo., is the founder of @ Uncle Joe which offers coaching, counseling, advice, and conversation for pre-marriage couples.
Christian Brothers honored This photo was taken during Midwest District Days in July when these four Brothers celebrated milestones. Brother Ryan Anderson, FSC ’11, left, made his first vows. Brother Matthew Kotek, FSC ’13, middle left, renewed his promises as a Brother. Brother Roger Betzold, FSC ’71, middle right, currently principal at St. Mary’s School in Caledonia, Minn., celebrated his 50th anniversary as a Brother. Brother Mark Engelmeyer, FSC, right, currently working in Campus Ministry at Saint Mary’s Winona Campus, made his promises as a Brother. On May 19 the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities honored Brother Robert Smith ’76— chief academic officer at Saint Mary’s—with the Distinguished Alum Award for 2016 for the meaningful and lasting contributions he has made through Brother Robert Smith, FSC ’76 his work and ministry. Distinguished Alums are graduates of the school who make the world a better place through their work and ministry. Brother Robert has taught at Saint Mary’s in Winona and taught and administered schools run by the Christian Brothers in Kenya and Palestine. For five years he served as vice president for academic affairs at Bethlehem University in Palestine.
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Class Notes Sheila Grambart M’99, White Heath, Ill., was inducted into the 2016 Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 1, 2016. Deb Ward M’99, Winona, Minn., was named executive director for Rochester Community and Technical College Foundation.
2000-2010 Elizabeth Sheahan M’00, San Marcos, Calif., is the vice president of development at Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. Reverend Robert Lacey ’01, Plankinton, S.D., was commissioned as an Army National Guard Chaplain. He is the pastor at St. John’s Catholic Church in Plankinton. Jon Kleppenes M’02, C’05, Anoka, Minn., was appointed the principal of Annandale Elementary School. Matthew Curry ’03, Crookston, Minn., has a new position with Crookston Public Schools as a physical education teacher. He is also the Crookston High School assistant girls’ hockey coach and owner and operator of C2 Entertainment. Bridget Hall C’03, Robbinsdale, Minn., will take on the role of principal at Lakeview Elementary School. Paul Kettering M’03, Corpus Christi, Texas, was hired as the new vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Columbus State University Foundation Inc. Jodi Vanderheiden M’03, St. Michael, Minn., was hired as the K-12 principal for Sacred Heart School. Jeffery Kelly M’04, Bloomington, Minn., was inducted into the Austin High School Music Hall of Fame. Laurie McNallie M’04, Cambridge, Minn., now teaches family and consumer science classes with Onamia Public School District.
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Regina Barr M’05, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., was recognized as an award winner in the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners’ Achieve! Awards. She received the Vision Award for her accomplishments with The Red Ladder, Inc. Sheryl Hill ’05, Mound, Minn., is founder of Depart Smart. The company inspires, develops, and transforms world travelers into safety heroes with travel safety education so they make informed decisions abroad. Keith Donovan ’06, M’14, Westchester, Ill., was appointed by The Brother David Darst Center in Chicago as the new executive director, effective March 1, 2016. Donovan joined the Darst Center staff in 2014 and is in his 18th year at a Lasallian ministry. He has worked with both high school and college students on issues related to faith, community, justice, leadership, diversity, and inclusion. Jennifer Larva C’06 S’14, Cloquet, Minn., was the recipient of the 2016 Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association Division Leadership Achievement Award. Luke Ostreko ’06, Plano, Ill., a nine-year officer with the Plainfield Police Department, recently completed his Narcan training and shortly after had to use it on an unresponsive 24-year-old male. This marked the first time a Plainfield police officer has administered it in an overdose situation. Andrew Sawatzke M’06, C’10, Monticello. Minn., is the Maple Lake Elementary School’s new principal. John Vukmanich C’06, C’14, Virginia, Minn., is the new principal at North Woods School. Jeremy Wells M’06, Blaine, Minn., has a new position with Minnesota Philanthropy Partners as vice president of philanthropic services.
Mark Runkel M’07, St. Paul, Minn., is the executive vice president and chief credit officer with U.S. Bancorp. Ben Kvidt M’07, Zimmerman, Minn., was selected as the athletic director for Zimmerman’s Middle and High School. Sarah (Bellingham) Laitinen ’07, Warwick, R.I., joined the Christian Brothers Conference as the director of Lasallian programs on Aug. 15. Tony Freeman ’08, Spring Lake Park, Minn., is the new director of worship and Music at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Brooklyn Park. Angi McAndrews M’08, C’10, Kasson, Minn., has taken the reins as principal at I.J. Holton Intermediate School in Austin. Rebecca (Yerhot) Roddy ’08, works for Hormel Foods as a senior cost accountant. She and her husband have one daughter and they reside in Austin, Minn. Stephen Schmitt ’08, Riceville, Iowa, has accepted a position as lab technician for the City of Austin, Minn., Wastewater Treatment Facility. Dr. Kasey Schultz-Saindon ’08, Chicago, has accepted a new position as assistant director and coordinator of clinical training in counseling services at Lake Forest College, in Lake Forest, Ill. Adam Wiltgen ‘08, Winona, Minn., is the program director at Lanesboro Arts; he was one of five Minnesotans selected to attend the Salzburg Global Forum for Young Cultural Innovators in Salzburg, Austria in October 2016. Supported by the McKnight Foundation, this international fellowship opportunity was made available to young professionals in the cultural sector working at one of the 15 ARTPLACE grantees in Minnesota. Cullen Bahn M’09, Jordan, Minn., is the district activities director and the assistant principal at Jordan Middle School.
Janelle Krzmarzick ’09, Naperville, Ill., began her formation as a religious sister by joining the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus in New Ulm, Minn., as a postulant on Aug. 28, 2016. Brother Ryan Anderson, FSC ’10, Memphis, Tenn., professed his first vows on July 23, 2016, at St. Charles Borromeo Chapel at Lewis University. Paul Determan M’10, Saint Joseph, Minn., selected as the head girls’ golf coach for Sartell High School where he also teaches social studies. Caroline Little C’10, St. Paul, Minn., was named the Minnesota Chapter of the Air Force Association’s 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year.
2010–2015 Sara Eisenhauer ’10, St. Paul, Minn., was hired by the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference as its assistant commissioner. Reverend Joseph Baker ’11, Chippewa Falls, Wis., was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison on June 24, 2016, at St. Maria Goretti Church. Nicole Clammer ’11, West Concord, Minn., graduated from the Mayo School of Health Sciences at Rochester Community and Technical College Emergency Medicine Paramedic program as part of the inaugural class on May 18, 2016. She is now a full-time paramedic working for Gold Cross Ambulance in Rochester. Danielle Miller ’11, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., was featured in a New York City art competition at the Chelsea’s Agora Gallery. The Chelsea International Fine Art Competition Exhibition show ran from Aug. 11-23, 2016. Samantha (Traxler) Mino ’11, St. Louis Park, Minn., has a new position with Keyot as a project manager. Amy Pearson ’11, Buffalo City, Wis., is the new features and opinion page editor of the La Crosse Tribune. Fall/Winter 2016
News about your classmates and colleagues Jaysen Anderson M’12, C’13, St. Paul, Minn., is the new principal at Bloomington Jefferson High School.
Morgan Carlson ’13, Austin, Minn., joined the law firm of Adams, Rizzi, and Sween as a new associate in fall 2015.
Andrea Brinkman M’12, Mountain Lake, Minn., delivered the commencement address for the Mt. Lake Public School class of 2016. She is a strong advocate for music education and choral singing. She presented at the Minnesota School Boards Association conference in January 2015 and most recently at the Minnesota Music Educators Association.
Carissa Hahn ’13, St. Louis Park, Minn., is a marketing communications associate with Health Partners.
Dr. Meghan Hupp ’12, Minneapolis, Minn., is a resident physician in pathology at the University of Minnesota Medical College. She and her husband Lyric celebrated their first anniversary on July 11, 2016 Maria Hustedt C’12, Estherville, Iowa, is the reading integration teacher at Riverside Elementary School in Jackson, Minn. Rob McGuire ’12, Minneapolis, has a new teaching position with the St. Charles Public Schools, in St. Charles, Minn. Laura Nolte ’12, Owatonna, Minn., is the new kindergarten teacher at St. Felix Catholic School. Adam Peterson ’12, Farmington, Minn., was recognized as a DWI Enforcer All-Star during a Minnesota Twins pre-game activities at Target Field by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. Aaron Sanderson M’12, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was named a Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, the highest level of achievement in the field of health care philanthropy. He has worked in philanthropic programs for both the British Colombia Children’s Hospital Foundation in Vancouver and the SickKids Foundation in Toronto, and he is currently development director for the Toronto-based War Child Canada.
Lyric Hupp ’13, Minneapolis, celebrated his three-year anniversary at Code 42 as a software engineer. Jake Traxler ’13, Le Sueur, Minn., ran the Omaha Marathon over the weekend and he won. Check out his page, http://bit.ly/2cxDl9q Ryan Winegardner ’13, Eagan, Minn., has been with Transport America for three years and was recently promoted to team lead. Jeff Eppen C’14, became the assistant high school principal at Tri-City United High School in Montgomery, Minn. Angela Glodowski M’14, Cochrane, Wis., has a new position with Northwest Counseling and Guidance. Corey McKinnon C’14, Lindstrom, Minn., is the newly hired community education director in Forest Lake. Dr. Joey Page C’14, D’14, Eagan, Minn., principal of Richfield S.T.E.M. Elementary School and a member of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association, was one of three finalists for Minnesota 2016 National Distinguished Principal award. John Soucheray ’14, M’16, Woodbury, Minn., is a social studies teacher and head cross country coach at United South Central High School. Cari Thompson M’14, Woodbury, Minn., was named the new principal at Valley View Elementary School. Maya Booker ’15, St. Paul, Minn., is a sixth-grade teacher at Eden Lake Elementary School.
Sean DuBè M’15, Minneapolis, was named the head baseball coach at New Prague High School for the 2017 season. He is also a language arts teacher and a technology integration coach with the school. Seth Haun M’15, Winona, Minn., teaches math, and is the head football coach and the athletic director at Cotter High School. Michael Johnson M’15, Foley, Minn., is the new principal with Cherry School. Kelsey Morken M’15, Spring Grove, Minn., is looking forward to her new teaching positions with the Spring Grove Public Schools as the fifth-grade home-room teacher and the sixth-grade math teacher. Jason Myhre C’15, Montgomery, Minn., is the new seventh- through 12th-grade activities director for the TriCity United School District. Ashley (Walz) Lardy ’15, Alexandria, Minn., is the senior housing service coordinator
with Ecumen Bethany Community. She will join the housing team and will assist residents of Bethel Manor and Winona Shores apartments. Jessica Bjick ’16, Jordan, Minn., is the kindergarten Spanish immersion teacher with the Pine Island School District. Kevin Geer M’16, Spring Valley, Minn., is the new biology instructor at Kingsland High School. Anna Potvin C’16, Pine City, Minn., is the new principal at Frazee High School.
WEDDINGS Steve Gergen ’81 to Dawn Reding Lopez Karas, Mendota Heights, Minn., on July 16, 2016 in St. Paul. Julie Costa ’92 to Jeremie Ryckewaert, Woodbury, Minn., on June 11, 2016 at Unity Church in St. Paul. They honeymooned in service this fall, teaching conversational English in Beja, Portugal as Global Volunteers.
Alumnus publishes book on Peace Corps experience When 22-year-old Patrick O’Leary ’66 stepped off the plane in Sierra Leone, West Africa in January 1967, he was dressed for the snowstorm he had left in Freeborn County, Minn., a few days earlier. He had no idea at the time how much his life was about to be changed. O’Leary, now a St. Paul resident, has captured his experiences in the Peace Corps in a recently published book titled, From Freeborn to Freetown & Back. It didn’t take long for him to realize his rural Catholic upbringing; training for Tanzania, his original Peace Corps assignment; and an earlier road trip to Key West, Fla.—in a Cadillac hearse—had only partially prepared him for two years living alone in the village of Binkolo. Before being evicted from the village, O’Leary was befriended by the local chief. In spite of time distance, and war, they maintained a relationship for over 40 years. Working to interpret and understand his Peace Corps experience, O’Leary returned to Sierra Leone in 2004. He was pleased to see old friends, but dismayed by what had become of the country. From Freeborn to Freetown & Back reflects on treasured memories, and divergent but connected lives. “I didn’t realize how much I had left there,” O’Leary said, “It was a tough trip.” O’Leary’s book is available on Amazon.com via paperback or Kindle.
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Class Notes Jeremy Wells M’06 to Krysta Reuter, Blaine, Minn., on Aug. 22, 2015. Adam Wiltgen ’08 to Nicole Kirchner, Winona, Minn., on May 4, 2016, in Walpole, N.H. Shaun (Vangen) Steffen M’10 to Clay Hocking M’10, Hugo, Minn., on June 27, 2015. They met while completing their master’s degrees at Saint Mary’s. Alumni in attendance were Diane (Reed) Blanchard M’10, Jennifer LaVallie M’10, Erin Tonnar M’10, Troy LaVallie M’10, and Charlie Rohlik M’10. Laura Kay ’12 to Tom Conry ’12, St. Paul, Minn., on July 9, 2016. Steve Carlevato ’12 to Jessica Jacksa, Lombard, Ill., on May 21st, 2016 at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Naperville, Ill. Saint Mary’s alumni in attendance included: Robert ’12 and Becca (McCoy) ’13 Gas; Bryan Neu ’12; Patrick Lafond ’12; Brian Driscoll ’12; Jim Andrews ’12; Carissa Hahn ’13; Joey Nadeau ’12, M’15; Tyler Will ’12; Jared Haider ’12; Scott Graphenteen ’12; Vincent Erspamer ’12; Laura Polzin ’12; Erik Qvale ’12; Alex Meyer ’13; Andre (Carlevato) Sherlock ’77; Tom Gannon ’78; Bruce Carlevato ’74; Tony Sherlock ’02; Bill ’85 and Melissa (Kunert) ’85 Lafond; and Mark Krogulsk ’85. Sophie Harrison ’13, to James Fangel ’08, Rochester, Minn., on Aug. 30, 2014 at Church of the Assumption in Saint Paul, Minn. Saint Mary’s alumni in attendance were: John Delmundo ’11, Adam Billings ’13, Tim Sheedy ’11, Matthew Murphy ’11, Kelsey Vasko ’12, Stephen King ’11, Josh Redding ’12, Justine Tocko ’12, Kate Stapleton ’13, Abby Lough ’13, Andrew Fangel ’11, Stephanie (Sturges) Murphy ’12, Lauren Stiehl ’12, Trish Nguyen ’14, Jen Tobroxen ’14, DJ Borgen ’12, John Nye ’11, David Gross ’08, Andrew Mahowald ’08, Mark Montanari ’08, Scott Klappa ’13, Ryan Sondalle ’10, Shelby DeWall ’14, Armando ’14 and Danielle (Pues) ’15 Salgado, Adam McClung ’10, Susan Fangel M’08 and Nicole Higgins M’09.
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Dr. Charles F. Rossow ’50, Carlisle, Pa., on Aug. 17, 2015.
Clinton Coulter ’14 to Amy Andrejasich, Peoria, Ill., on May 28, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Peoria. Saint Mary’s alumni present at the wedding were Groomsman; David Bilot ’13, altar servers; Patrick Hoeft ’16, Nic Wilson ’17, and Zak Leskanich ’16, and con-celebrants for mass; Reverend Robert Lampitt ’04 and Reverend Antonio Dittmer ’93.
John and Bernadette (Bowling) ’00 Hoey, Park Ridge, Ill., a daughter, Sarah Colette, on Jan. 26, 2016. She joins Jack and Della.
Laura (LaVigne) Mixon ’01, Tampa, Fla., a son, Tanner Austin, on Dec. 21, 2015.
Edward Christopher Twar ’51, Vadnais Heights, Minn., on April 24, 2016.
Amy Spitzmueller ’14 to Peter Borash ’13, Royalton, Minn., on Sept. 2, 2016, at Holy Cross in North Prairie. Saint Mary’s alumni in attendance were Gus Wiggert ’14; Jason Sandquist ’13; Bethany Hastings ’12; Brian Dillon ’12; Cassie (Berning) Mockler ’12; Michael Mockler ’12; Katie Lieder ’14; John O’Neil ’14; Katie Stolz ’15; Ryan Winegardner ’13; Kristen Thelen ’14; John Soucheray ’14, M’16; Marilyn Yennie ’14; Abi Osborne ’14; Colin Norris ’13; Jill Spitzmueller ’12; Anna Smaron ’14; Jordan Junker ’13; Jessie Burns ’15; Colin Sheehan ’13; Aaron Haley ’15; Paige Schernecker ’17; Reverend Gregory Mastey ’91; Sara McNary ’14; Becca Iten ’14; Bobby Steingraeber ’13; Caitlin (McGuire) Steingraeber ’13; Jacinta (Jude) Traxler ’13; Courtney (Lee) Borash ’12; Gary Borash ’09, C’13; and Ben Borash ’20.
James and Amanda (Rosie) Dotson ’04, M’05, Nothfield, Minn., a daughter, Matilda Rose, on May 20, 2106.
Thomas J. Kelly ’54, Huntley, Ill., on March 25, 2016.
Lauren Salonek ’15 to Charlie Keyes ’14, Excelsior, Minn., on Aug. 6, 2016 in West Saint Paul, Minn. Ashley Walz ’15 to Seth Lardy ’13, Alexandria, Minn., on Aug. 12, 2016, in Glenwood. Christine Volk ’15 to Conner Ellinghuysen ’15, Winona, Minn., on Oct. 15, 2016 at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels in Winona, Minn.
BIRTHS Vissi and Edward Andersen ’92, St. Charles, Ill., a daughter, Olivia Antoinette, on Nov. 27, 2012. She joins Linda, Edward, and Emma.
Dan and Kim (Krisman) ’01 Clark, Champaign, Ill., a son, William David, on July 29, 2016.
Trevor and Jennifer CochranBiederman ’05, M’08, Winona, Minn., a daughter, Ana Wilder, on July 26, 2016. She joins Isla and Ellis. Proud grandparents are Michelle (Galles) Cochran ’79, M’05, C’07, M’13 and the late Dr. Phil Cochran ’77, former chair and professor of biology. Michael and Sara (Sloneker) ’06, M’07 Seal, Minneapolis, Minn., a son, Calvin Jacob Richard on Feb. 19, 2016. Jocelyn and Matt ’07 Bilski, New Brighton, Minn., twin daughters, Audrey Suzanne and Lydia Therese, on July 20, 2016. They join big bother Sam. Dustin ’06 and Ashley (Davis) ’07 Kresen, Lino Lakes, Minn., a son, Brooks George, on Aug. 29, 2015. Kallie and Cory Madison ’12, Kenosha, Wis., have a 1-yearold son, Knox Dean. Ryan ’13 and Hannah (Cooling) ’13 Triplett, Fountain City, Wis., a daughter, Georgiana Maria Faustina Triplett, on Nov. 7, 2015.
DEATHS
Dr. William G. Schmeltz ’50, Shawnee, Kan., on Sept. 3, 2016. John C. O’Donnell ’51, Fullerton, Calif., on Feb. 14, 2014.
Alan J. Rick ’54, on June 16, 2016. Jerome C. Binko ’55, M’65, Mount Pleasant, S.C., on March 23, 2016. Robert W. Hayner ’56, Vandalia, Ill., on Jan. 23, 2016. William C. Schacht Jr. ’56, St. Louis, Mo., on May 19, 2016. F. Patrick Egan, Jr., ’57, Derby, Kan., Jan. 7, 2016. Brother Damian T. Steger, FSC ’58, M’90, Winona, Minn., on Jan. 6, 2016. Dr. William E. Blass ’59, Knoxville, Tenn., on Feb. 16, 2016. Andrew J. Betz ’60, Lake Charles, La., on April 6, 2016. Michael J. Greden ’63, Alameda, Calif., on July 23, 2016. John J. Cannon ’64, Martinsville, Ind., on June 19, 2016. Robert H. Dixon ’64, Pensacola, Fla., on April 27, 2016. Thomas J. Hall ’64, Omaha, Neb., on May 7, 2016.
Halsey D. Cory, Jr. ’42, Winter Haven, Fla., on Sept. 10, 2014.
William H. Miller ’65, Olympia Fields, Ill., on July 11, 2016.
Ralph C. Thaemlitz ’47, Springfield, Mo., on Jan. 3, 2016.
Thomas A. Junker ’66, Stillwater, Minn., on April 13, 2016.
Bernard J. Riley ’48, Rochester Hills, Mich., on March 18, 2016.
Robert M. Schommer ’66, on Jan. 21, 2016.
Fall/Winter 2016
Lawrence E. Basile ’67, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on June 17, 2016. Brother Michael J. Schain, FSC ’67, St. Paul, Minn., on Sept. 29, 2016. David J. Dyer ’69, Elmhurst, Ill., on July 26, 2016. Kevin Gieselman ’69, Tacoma, Wash., Jan. 26, 2016. John E. Wittry ’69, Mantowish Waters, Wis., on April 16, 2015. David D. Campbell ’71, Plymouth, Minn., on March 20, 2016. Lawrence S. Luxem ’71, Northbrook, Ill., June 27, 2016. Mary C. (Lucas) Karnick ’73, Tomball, Texas, on May 5, 2016. Thomas A. Schoen ’74, Winona, Minn., on April 6, 2016. Linda B. Bylander M’79, Cedar Park, Texas, on Feb. 22, 2016. Jean M. (Miller) Belford ’80, Bartlett, Ill., on Sept. 4, 2016. Thomas A. Foody ’83, Western Springs, Ill., on Sept. 29, 2016. Kathleen A. Bushman C’96, D’04, Egan, Minn., May 30, 2016. Dean K. Taylor M’99, Sartell, Minn., on April 14, 2016. Bridget M. Hale C’12, Stewartville, Minn., on Aug 23, 2016.
CURRENT/ FORMER EMPLOYEE DEATHS Claire E. Williams, Winona, Minn., former assistant to the registrar, on May 23, 2016.
Susan Drazkowski, Fountain City, Wis., former campus safety employee, on June 11, 2016. Bernard Izzo, former artist-in-residence at Saint Mary’s in 1974, in August 2016. Brother Michael Schain, FSC ’67, St. Paul, Minn., on Sept. 29, 2016. He served as a program coordinator at Saint Mary’s University Twin Cities Campus.
SYMPATHIES Carrie Drazkowski Jones ’99, C’00, M’05, on the death of her mother, Susan Drazkowski, former campus safety employee, on June 11, 2016. Don Brooks ’51, Mary Beth (Brooks) ’79 Sullivan, Joe ’87 and Ann Marie (Brooks) ’85 Hettinger, and Mathew Brooks ’83 on the death of their wife, mother, and mother-in-law, Mary Ellen Brooks, on July 15, 2016. Gerry Lee O’Donnell CST’53, on the death of her husband, John O’Donnell ’51, on Feb. 14, 2014. Walter Ayotte ’53, Thomas Williams ’84, M’97 and Mary Bambenek M’93, on the death of their sister and mother, Claire Williams, former assistant to the registrar, on May 23, 2016. David Bissen ’56, on the death of his wife, Audrey Bissen, on Aug. 26, 2016. Dennis ’66 and Judith Funk Schoen CST’66, Richard ’70 and Jane (Cowen) Schoen ’72, James Schoen ’75 and Robert Schoen ’77, on the death of their brother and brother-in-law, Thomas Schoen ’74, on April 6, 2016. Thomas Dyer ’67, on the death of his brother, David Dyer ’69, on July 26, 2016.
What’s new with you? Alumni — send us your news! Saint Mary’s Magazine and our alumni class news website welcome contributions to the Alumni Class Notes sections. We want your personal and professional news items. Photos, news clippings, etc., are also welcome, as well as tips about fellow alums who might make good feature story subjects. Photos will be displayed online only. Mail or fax this form, or submit your news online or by email. SEND TO: SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 Fax: 507-457-6967 Contact us online: mysmumn.org Email: alumni@smumn.edu SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Alumni Class Notes are printed in the Saint Mary’s Magazine and/or online so that Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota alumni can share news of significant events in their lives. We welcome items about personal and professional achievements, as well as life milestones such as weddings, births, adoptions, and deaths. We do not print news of engagements or pregnancies. We also do not print notices of non-legal commitment ceremonies. Photos and news clippings are welcome, but cannot be returned. Announcements will run in the magazine and/or online. Photos will only appear online due to space constraints. MINIMUM SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Your legal name, class year, and email address; spouse’s legal name, class year, and email address (if applicable); home address; and home phone number. Other useful information includes your business title, company name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. Name
Class Year
Email Spouse’s name
Class Year
Email Address City, State, ZIP Home phone Business name Business address City, State, ZIP Business phone Your title Years in this position What’s new? n Check here if your son or daughter would like to receive Saint Mary’s admission materials. A representative will contact you for more details. SMUMN.EDU/MAGAZINE
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Class Notes
CALENDAR WINONA CAMPUS
Edward Miller ’68, on the death of his brother, William Miller ’65, on July 11, 2016. Tom Cannon ’69, Mike ’73 and Sally (Weldon) ’74 Cannon, on the death of their brother and brother-in-law, John “Jack” Cannon ’64, on June 19, 2016. Martin ’69 and Mary (Campbell) Gores CST’69, on the death of their brotherin-law and brother, David Campbell ’71, on March 20, 2016. Bob Soucek ’69, on the death of his father on Jan. 4, 2016. Greg Fye ’71, Melissa (Fye) Pfeiffer ’04, and Michael Fye ’09 on the death of their mother and grandmother, Rita Fye, on May 8, 2015. Also on the death of their brother and uncle, Bernard Fye, on Nov. 28, 2015. Dr. Walter Swentko ’71 and Nathan Swentko ’97, on the death of their wife and mother, Trudy (Lang) Swentko CST’72, in April 2016. Peter Lucas ’74, Ann Lucas ’75, M’02, Daniel Lucas ’79, Kathleen (Lucas) Reding ’83, John ’83 and Judy (Mullins) ’83 Lucas, Mary C. Karnick ’11, and Daniel Karnick ’08, on the death of their sister, sisterin law, and mother, Mary (Lucas) Karnick ’73, on May 5, 2016. Mary was preceded in death by Kevin Karnick ’72. Michael Mullins ’74, Edward Mullins ’75, James ’77 and Jeanne (Mullins) ’77 Gannon, John ’84 and Judy (Mullins) ’83 Lucas, Thomas ’86 and Joan (Cox) ’88 Mullins, John ’89 and Kathryn (Mullins) ’89 Burke, Brian ’92 and Shannon (Mullins) ’93 Smith, Erin Mullins ’06 and Kerry Mullins ’12, on the death of their mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, Joan P. Mullins, on April 24, 2016. James Izzo ’75 and Jesse Izzo ’02 on the death of their father and grandfather, Bernard Izzo, on Aug. 5, 2016.
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CLASS NOTES
Ken ’77 and Maureen (Galvin) ’77 Kasarski, and Patricia (Galvin) Lavin ’92, on the death of their mother-in-law, and mother, Elizabeth Galvin, on May 2, 2016. Kevin Horvath ’78, Stephen ’81 and Mary Lou (Horvath) ’80 Dwyer, Patricia (Horvath) Carroll ’81, Mike ’82 and Kathleen (Wolf) ’83 Horvath, and Ann Horvath ’84, on the death of their father and father-in-law, Louis Horvath, April 7, 2016. Thomas Miller ’81, on the death of his sister, Jean (Miller) Belford ’80, on Sept. 4, 2016. Sandra (Baggio) Foody ’83, Dr. Lawrence ’72 and Donna (Crilly) CST’73 Foody, Steven ’74 and Elizabeth (Foody) ’75 Bork, and Rick Foody ’77, on the death of their husband, brother, and brother-in-law, Thomas Foody ’83, on Sept. 29, 2016. Mark Guidinger ’83, Dr. Peter Guidinger ’84, and Heidi Guidinger ’89, on the death of their father, Donald Guidinger, on June 13, 2016. Rose Ellen (Basile) Hovey ’96, on the death of her father, Lawrence Basile ’67, on June 17, 2016. Bernadette (Bowling) Hoey ’00, on the death of her mother, Maureen Bowling, on Jan. 22, 2016. Steve Taylor M’00, St. Cloud, Minn., on the death of his father, Dean Taylor, M’99, on April 14, 2016. Cheryl Wilma M’00, on the death of her daughter, Bridget Hale C’12, on Aug. 23, 2016.
JANUARY 13 16
Faculty Advance Day Semester II Classes Begin
FEBRUARY Feb. 27-March 5 Spring Recess MARCH 13-17 14 APRIL 13-17 20 28 29 MAY 4 5-6 8-9 11-12 13 May 22-July 21
De La Salle Week Founders’ Day Easter Recess Employee Service Awards and Student Life Awards Celebration of Scholarship and Honors Convocation Benefactor Recognition Dinner Study Day Final Exams Final Exams Board of Trustees Meetings Winona Campus Commencement Online Summer Course Session
SCHOOLS OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS JANUARY 1-2 3 14 16
University Holiday—Campus Closed Spring Semester Begins; Term 1 begins Twin Cities Campus Commencement Martin Luther King Jr. Day—No Classes Scheduled
FEBRUARY 9-10 26 27
Board of Trustees Meetings Term 1 Ends Term 2 Begins
MARCH 2
Council of Regents
APRIL 14-17 23 25
University Holiday—Campus Closed Spring Semester Ends; Term 2 Ends Hendrickson Forum
MAY 1 18 26-29
Summer Semester Begins; Term 1 Begins SGPP Spring Luncheon and Employee Awards University Holiday— Campus Closed at 6 p.m. Friday
LOOKING BACK
OPERATION BOOKLIFT In the 1962 yearbook, a series of photographs depict an exciting “chapter” in Saint Mary’s history! A two-page spread shows the Saint Mary’s community carrying armloads of books to stack shelves in the new library on the Winona Campus. The section is titled “Operation Booklift” and depicts Saint Mary’s students and staff moving 50,000-plus volumes into what is now Fitzgerald Library. Anyone with additional information about these photos is welcome to contact Saint Mary’s Magazine editor, Deb Nahrgang. Mail comments to Saint Mary’s Magazine, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #36, Winona, MN 55987. Or, send email to: dnahrgan@smumn.edu.≠
WINONA CAMPUS 700 TERRACE HEIGHTS #21 WINONA, MN 55987-1399 USA
Help a Cardinal
TAKE FLIGHT The Cardinals Helping Cardinals internship program is an exciting opportunity for full-time, Saint Mary’s students to gain practical work experience. • Internships may be paid or unpaid with classroom credit hours granted. • They can be on campus or off, during the academic year or summer. • This is a win-win experience for employers as well as students. • Helping a Cardinal is a great. opportunity for Saint Mary’s alumni to give back. Internships are accepted from a variety of industries and offer unique opportunities for our students to gain direct experience.
HOW CAN YOU HELP
Are you aware of a job or internship opportunity at your business or organization? Do you know a potential student who would be a good fit for Saint Mary’s? Let us know! For more information, contact: Career Services and Internship Office 507-457-6695 careerservices@smumn.edu Alumni Relations Office 507-457-1499 alumni@smumn.edu
To submit an internship, visit smumn.edu/chc