Saint Mary's Magazine - Summer 2018

SUMMER 2018

SAINT MARY’S

MA G A Z I N E

Leaving His Mark

As president of Saint Mary’s, Brother William helped the university leave its mark in the educational world.

SUMMER 2018

CONtENts VO L UM E 2 New residence hall honors

Brother William 4 New baseball clubhouse a

game-changing move 6 Dedication of the

John C. Parmer

School of the Sciences 7 Benefactor Recognition Dinner 8 Rochester expansion

makes way for PA program

with Mayo Clinic 10 Celebration of Excellence 14 Brother William 22 From Countdown to Commencement 24 Retirees 30 News and Views 38 Athletics

50

N UMB E R

2

VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Audrey Kintzi, MS, ACFRE EDITOR Deb Nahrgang Phone: 507-457-6966 Fax: 507-457-6967 dnahrgan@smumn.edu CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kassandra Burtis ’12 Carissa Hahn ’13 Donny Nadeau ’85 Deb Nahrgang PHOTOGRAPHERS Rick Busch Bob Conover Geoff DeMarsh Deb Nahrgang Tom Roster Kevin Schmidt DESIGN Scott Kneeskern Maria Beyerstedt PRODUCTION Pat Beech Courteney Jacob ’19 PRINTED BY 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

42 Alumni

ON THE WEB smumn.edu/magazine

48 Class Notes

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 5,700 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.

ON THE COVER Saint Mary’s University celebrates Brother William Mann, Saint Mary’s University’s 13th president, who ended his tenure on May 31. Under his leadership, Saint Mary’s experienced a decade of physical, financial, and spiritual growth.

A decade of growth

CAMPUS RESOURCES ADMISSION

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was interviewing Brother William for the first time, just prior to his arrival on campus. His Brooklyn accent came across the phone line proud and strong as he shared his lifelong passion for — and dedication to — Lasallian education. He laughed a bit at the question he was frequently being asked back then, “What do you hope Saint Mary’s future holds?”

He said in response, “I hope that good things continue to happen at Saint Mary’s in ways that we can’t predict, and that these good things are for the betterment of our nation, our world, and our Church.”

And, he stressed, that whatever direction our university headed, it would be done “together.” Because Lasallian education, he said, is all about relationships.

A decade later, looking back at his tenure, Brother William can reflect on some pretty remarkable accomplishments that have been made possible because of those relationships. Our treasured alumni and friends have helped Saint Mary’s grow and flourish at a time when many higher education institutions are struggling.

In this issue, we look back at Brother William’s past 10 years. The stories within these pages speak to his vision, as well as the generosity of those who have helped make that vision a reality.

Often, when I am photographing events at our campuses I am told, “You are everywhere.” During these past 10 years — and especially this past year — it certainly felt like it! I began to lose track of the numbers of groundbreakings and dedications occurring. With physical and academic growth occurring on the Twin Cities and Winona Campuses, as well as in Rochester, Saint Mary’s is becoming a recognized name for excellence in education.

It was hard to narrow down what to include in this issue. Check out our new building plans, our new co-op program, and our Rochester expansion that will house the proposed Physician Assistant collaboration with Mayo Clinic and all our Rochester Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs.

Saint Mary’s successes are our successes. I speak from experience in saying there is joy in working for a university that is making a difference. As alumni, you can take pride in knowing that these successes make your résumés and diplomas worth even more. As benefactors, you can see your gifts at work in tangible ways.

It should come as no surprise that this issue is all about Brother William. Amassing a list of the changes that have occurred during his tenure was no easy task. His legacy will live on in many ways, including the successes of our First Generation Scholars, a result of his inaugural vision in 2008. Read inside about our first group of Countdown to College students, who we’ve watched mature from promising eighth-graders to successful future leaders.

Also in this issue, we say goodbye to some beloved and long-time faculty and staff members.

New buildings may help us attract new students and enhance our reputation, but it’s the people at Saint Mary’s that make this university truly special. I can’t wait to see what the next decade will bring. As long as we get there together, we’re sure to enjoy the ride.

Winona Toll-free 800-635-5987, Ext. 1700 admission@smumn.edu Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs Toll-free 866-437-2788, Ext. 207 tcadmission@smumn.edu

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

mysmumn.org

Winona Undergraduate Alumni 507-457-1499 Fax 507-457-6697 Toll-free 800-635-5987, Ext. 1499 alumni@smumn.edu Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs Alumni 612-238-4507 Fax 612-728-5167 Toll-free 866-437-2788

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

507-457-1579 dnadeau@smumn.edu saintmaryssports.com

DEVELOPMENT

507-457-6647 Fax 507-457-6689 giving@smumn.edu smumn.edu/development

JOB OPPORTUNITIES smumn.edu/jobs

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION

507-457-1497 marketing@smumn.edu smumn.edu/news

PERFORMANCE CENTER BOX OFFICE 507-457-1715 tickets@smumn.edu pagetheatre.org

UNIVERSITY WEBSITE smumn.edu

Deb Nahrgang Saint Mary’s Magazine Editor

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 3

Growth >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> New residence hall honors Brother William lthough the wind blew mightily, it didn’t deter a crowd of about 150 from gathering to help Saint Mary’s University break ground March 13 on a new 112bed, three-story residence hall for first-year students on the Winona Campus. Brother William Mann, then president of the university, told the crowd it was truly a time for thanksgiving.

The $6.9 million residence hall is being entirely funded through philanthropic gifts. Two anonymous families chose to not only help Saint Mary’s create a vibrant living facility to attract new students, but also to honor Brother William’s 10year legacy at the university.

“Wonderful things are happening at Saint Mary’s, and I’ve been privileged to be a part of that,” Brother William said.

“Those (benefactor) families are doing what they’re doing for our students,” he said. “If you want to put your hand in and hold my heart, do something for our students in my name. I am deeply touched and profoundly grateful.

4 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

Breaking ground on Brother William Hall are, from left: Owen Warneke, lead architect, OWA Architects; Heidi Ledermann ’19, vice president for student life, Saint Mary’s Student Senate; Mary Ann (Wera) Remick CST’64, chair, Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees; Brother William, (then) president, Saint Mary’s University; Mary Burrichter, trustee, Saint Mary’s University; Oscar Castro Jr. ’18, president, Saint Mary’s Student Senate; and Willy Dickenson, vice president, Schwab LLC Construction Services.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

“Leadership is relational,” he added. “I am blessed because so many of you have been my partners. As trustees, and friends, and benefactors, and faculty and staff, and students, we have held hands, and minds, and hearts. And what we have done these past 10 years is not only for us, it’s for tomorrow.”

Brother William announced this past fall that he would conclude his service in May of 2018. Audrey Kintzi, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations, highlighted a few of the ways Brother William has positioned the university well for its future.

“Visually, one only needs to look around to see what we’ve accomplished,” she said. “During your tenure, we’ve constructed and acquired numerous buildings and made significant improvements on both main campuses, as well as in Rochester.

“And, spiritually, Saint Mary’s has never been more closely tied to its Lasallian heritage,” she added. “We most easily and clearly see the impact you have made through the successes of our students, who have come to know you as their mentor and as someone who cares about their futures.”

Brother William addresses the crowd.

Brother William Hall will be located on the northeast corner of campus, attached to the former Pines Hall, which was renamed Bishops Hall during a separate ceremony March 13.

As is the intent of the benefactors, the new facility — expected to be completed in 2019 — will stand as a lasting tribute to Brother William’s tenure and accomplishments as president.

View photos from the day at smumn.edu/bwhallphotos.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 5

Growth >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> New baseball clubhouse a game-changing move

S

aint Mary’s University broke ground May 1 on a new $704,000 baseball clubhouse, and excitement was in full swing.

Assistant athletic director and Cardinal head baseball coach Nick Winecke ’07, M’12 told the audience, “Having a facility that sets us apart from the competition will help us with recruitment, and it will also help us ultimately on the playing field. Our athletes will be able to use this facility year-round to study in, to learn from each other in, and to further bond as a team off the field.”

The project was made possible through the generosity of a lead gift from Marc Weisenburger ’75, and more than 50 other alumni have stepped up to bat to join Weisenburger in this dream by sponsoring lockers at $2,000 or more.

Winecke said that the clubhouse, which will be referred to as Pudge’s Place in recognition of Weisenburger’s nickname during his playing days, is proof of what a university can accomplish when generous benefactors give back to their alma mater in thanks for the experiences they received as athletes.

“It’s very affirming and heartwarming to see our alumni athletes paying it forward to future Cardinals,” Winecke said.

“I believe the bonds that are formed here last throughout a lifetime. There’s also a sense that our alumni athletes shared an experience they’d like to see future athletes also experience.”

The architect’s rendering of the new baseball clubhouse.

6 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

Lead benefactor Marc Weisenburger ’75 points to a photograph of him and his coach, Max Molock ’35.

The 2,500-square-foot facility will include: • a locker room with 46 locker stalls • a players’ lounge with spaces for athletes to study, have team meetings, and enjoy quiet time • big screen TVs, a ping pong table, and gaming area • a coaches’ space • bathrooms and a shower facility • a laundry facility and storage

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Breaking ground were: Willy Dickenson, vice president, Schwab LLC Construction Services; Joe Seegers ’18, Cardinal baseball team player; Nikki Fennern D’17, then athletic director; Nick Winecke ’07, M’12, assistant athletic director, head baseball coach; Marc Weisenburger ’75, lead benefactor on this project; Brother William Mann, then president, Saint Mary’s University; Jake Mencacci ’18, Cardinal baseball team player; and Owen Warneke, lead architect, OWA Architects.

Weisenburger said he was inspired by the generosity shown

by Saint Mary’s alumni and friends while building the Science and Learning Center.

“I wondered what people could accomplish when they could join together for a cause they believe in … something near and dear to my heart, the baseball program at Saint Mary’s and (legendary coach) Max Molock,” he said.

“Max Molock trained athletes to compete in baseball and we had a modicum of success, but most importantly he trained us how to be better as people and leaders,” he added.

Winecke said that when Weisenburger, who has supported the Saint Mary’s baseball program for 10 years, started talking about his dreams for the clubhouse, he knew he wanted to create something that would help the Cardinal baseball team develop as players, and more importantly develop as strong leaders.

to live my life, and that’s what I’ve learned from the game of baseball and from Max. He coached for 42 seasons before retiring in 1983. And I believe this same life mentoring approach and coaching style has been adapted by Nick Winecke more than 30 years later.

“It is time for our baseball facilities to match the amazing things happening in Saint Mary’s athletics,” Weisenburger said. “I felt that my fellow alumni and others would join in helping Saint Mary’s differentiate its program from the competition.”

Brother William told attendees, “Today is about a space, but it’s much more about what’s going to be possible in that space.

It’s not just about young men wanting to play ball, but knowing what it means to belong to a team. Team, remember all the people who believe in you. And in a few years, be as willing to dream as Marc is. Reach out across the generations to help future teams at Saint Mary’s achieve their dreams.”

“You can’t expect to be great at something without putting in the work,” Weisenburger said. “That’s how I have attempted SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 7

Growth >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> School named in honor of entrepreneurial alumnus

S

aint Mary’s University celebrated the dedication of The John C. Parmer School of the Sciences on May 11 in the lobby of the Science and Learning Center.

In grateful recognition, Saint Mary’s named its school of sciences in honor of the late John C. Parmer ’50. The university is proud of his keen mind, entrepreneurial spirit, and strength of character as well as his devotion to serving laboratories world-wide through his business, Cole-Parmer Instrument Company. The naming was made possible by a generous gift from The John C. and Carolyn Noonan Parmer Private Foundation.

The Parmer Foundation’s partnership in the Saint Mary’s Science Initiative lifts up the university’s commitment to laboratory disciplines and is aimed at providing students with the skills and tools they require for success.

Additionally, as part of the dedication ceremony, Saint Mary’s bestowed the Heritage Award for Transformational Philanthropy to The John C. and Carolyn Noonan Parmer Private Foundation. The Saint Mary’s University Heritage Saint Mary’s University President Brother William Mann, right, presents the Heritage Award for Transformational Philanthropy to The John C. and Carolyn Noonan Parmer Private Foundation during the dedication of The John C. Parmer School of the Sciences. Pictured are Carolyn Noonan Parmer and her son Raymond Parmer.

See more photos from the dedication at smumn.edu/parmerphotos.

8 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

Father Robert P. Stamschror ’57 blesses the space.

Award recognizes special individuals whose exceptional philanthropy has significantly transformed the university and positioned Saint Mary’s for a second century of excellence in education.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

T

Honoring Benefactors

he Benefactor Recognition Dinner, held May 11 on the Winona Campus, was emotional. Longtime supporters and friends of the university said goodbye to Brother William and celebrated the family of the late John C. Parmer ’50 (honored earlier that day) and Mike Gostomski ’62 (who would be honored the next day during commencement; see page 31). Saint Mary’s is able to expand its reach and mission through the generosity of its benefactors.

And, as expressed during the evening, the university couldn’t have better partners for its journey.

Brother William makes one of his last public addresses as president.

Inset photos, clockwise from top: Bob Kierlin, Mary Burrichter, and Roger Haydock ’67; Rosemary and Red Sieve ’60, Betty Kabara, Char Saxon, and Dr. Sam Cascio ’48; Brother William with the Mockler family including Emma ’20, Caroline, John, and Brian ’18; and Mike Gostomski ’62.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 9

Growth >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Rochester expansion makes way for PA program with Mayo Clinic ith the snip of a red ribbon, Saint Mary’s University became an even more notable community partner in Rochester, Minn.

Starting in July, a new 10,000-square-foot addition to the university’s Cascade Meadow facility — dedicated with a ribbon cutting on May 24 — will house the university’s extensive Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs in Rochester.

And, through a special collaboration with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Health Sciences, the facility will house the graduate portion of a proposed 3+2 Physician Assistant (PA) program, which Saint Mary’s anticipates beginning in fall 2019.

Dr. Michael Huckabee, founding director of the Physician Assistant Studies Program at Mayo Clinic, told the crowd, “It’s truly a pinnacle of my professional career to have this opportunity to help lead what promises to be a world-class PA program.”

He called the day a special moment for both Mayo Clinic and Saint Mary’s. “Our forthcoming PA students will train at the No. 1 ranked hospital in the nation, ranked No. 1 in more specialties than any other hospital,” he said. “And the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine was just ranked No. 6 in the U.S. News and World Report for Medical Schools. That’s the caliber of experience our PA program will be nurtured in.”

Cutting ribbon were, from left: Laura Smith, associate, DLR Group; Scott Walker ’91, M’98, associate vice president of partnerships in Rochester and executive director of Cascade Meadow; Mary Ann (Wera) Remick CST’64, chair, Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees; Jack Remick, founder of Cascade Meadow; Brother William Mann, then president, Saint Mary’s University; Dr. Mike Huckabee, director, Physician Assistant Studies Program, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences; and Dan Melbostad, general manager, McGough Construction.

10 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The completed Cascade Meadow expansion in Rochester.

over a lifetime career. With 24 graduates, that number expands to nearly 4 million patient visits.

“So the impact of each student walking through these doors, by the number of patient visits, by their impact on their teachers, by their impact on the patients that they see in their training — we can’t imagine what’s to come,” Dr. Huckabee said.

Remick Hall

In honor of benefactors and Cascade Meadow founders Jack and Mary Ann (Wera) Remick CST’64, the addition will be called Remick Hall.

He explained that once accredited, select students will complete their first three years at the Winona Campus, and then come to Cascade Meadow for their Mayo PA studies.

Upon completion of the program, students will earn both a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s and a Master of Health Sciences degree in PA Studies from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.

For students who have a calling to have a meaningful career with direct patient care, Dr. Huckabee invited the audience to grasp what the numbers will mean long term.

Audrey Kintzi, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations, said the Remicks have long been champions of education. “Your gifts and talents and dreams have touched so many areas of Saint Mary’s University and benefitted so many of our students,” she said. “Now, a new era of dedicated learners will be thankful for the opportunities you have helped to provide.”

Brother William added, “I do not take for granted what a gift Cascade Meadow is. But it’s not about a building, it’s about a vision, a vision that needs a house.

“One PA may see 20 patients a day in a typical family medicine setting. In four days of a week, that PA will see 80 patients,” he said. “In a modest estimation then of 48 weeks per year, nearly 4,000 patient visits are hosted by that PA.” With a 40-plus year practice, he estimated that each PA graduate of this program could have 160,000 patients visits SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 11

Growth >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> $72 million reasons to celebrate he audience was continuously on their feet with standing ovations.

The 2018 Celebration of Excellence, held May 19 on Saint Mary’s Twin Cities Campus, began with a heartfelt tribute to Brother William Mann for his decade of inspiring leadership as president. A lengthy list of his accomplishments followed.

Ovation No. 1.

In his honor, the Brother William Mann, FSC First Generation Endowed Scholarship was announced by Mary Ann (Wera) Remick CST’64, chair of the Board of Trustees.

With more than $500,000 already raised, this endowment helps ensure that Brother William’s inaugural vision of making Saint Mary’s accessible and affordable to all — regardless of their background or financial status — will continue to reach deserving young students.

12 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

Brother William expresses his thanks to university partners.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Terry Russell ‘76, campaign chair, announces the $72 million campaign total in May.

Ovation No. 2.

Audrey Kintzi, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations, was asked to stand and be recognized for her tireless work and dedicated leadership on the university’s “Discover Inspire Lead” capital campaign.

Ovation No. 3.

Terry Russell ’76, chair of the “Discover Inspire Lead” capital campaign, announced that the campaign surpassed its $57 million goal and reached an astounding $72 million, a historic moment for Saint Mary’s.

Instead of an ovation, an explosion of red and white streamers filled the air in joyous celebration.

“We’re here tonight because we don’t plan to slow down. There’s no stopping the momentum at Saint Mary’s University as we will not relent in our pursuit of excellence,” said Brother Robert Smith, FSC ’76, Ph.D., chief academic officer and vice president for the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs. (continued)

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 13

Growth >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> He detailed some of the successes of the past decade, including the construction of the Science and Learning Center, Brother Leopold Hall, and the track and soccer field in Winona.

He added Saint Mary’s acquisitions of Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center in Rochester and the University Center and Harrington Mansion in Minneapolis.

And he mentioned the two newest facilities the university has broken ground on: Brother William Hall and a new baseball clubhouse in Winona.

“All of this equals $33.1 million in new construction, $13.8 million in property acquisitions, and $9.1 million for future projects,” he said. “Together with the addition of renovations and technology, Saint Mary’s has invested $66,367,000 in physical growth ($50,104,000 of which was funded through private philanthropy) in the past decade.”

Pictured above, from left: Mary Ann Pearson, Peter Pearson ’70, and Brother Larry Schatz, FSC; Dale and Mark Freund, Brother Jack Curran, FSC, and Brother James R. Krause, FSC ’65; Tony Piscitiello, AFSC ’69, M’82 with G. Michael Stinson ’69 and Rebecca Stinson; Michael Dooley ’66, Patty Cunniff, and John Ehlert ’67; Brother Robert Smith ’76, Ph.D., Jeb and Charlene Myers, and Craig Junker M’96, D’05.

Pictured right: Brandon Retzlaff ’18 showed his research findings to Celebration of Excellence guests.

14 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

Academically, the list was just as lengthy. Brother Robert described how Saint Mary’s is preparing to launch its Physician’s Assistant program in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic. And the university is significantly growing its online presence, which has expanded from 47 students in 2013 to an expected 1,500 students for the 2018-19 academic year.

“Through our partnership with Wiley Education Services, we’re constantly evolving our online programming to meet demands of the market,” he said. “Some of our most recent additions include our Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics and our Master of Science in Cyber Security. We’re also close to launching master’s programs in public health and social work, both of which tap into new populations of learners and further enhance our reputation for being a destination science school.

“Just last week, Saint Mary’s dedicated the John C. Parmer School of the Sciences, our first named school. And we’ve expanded our graduate programs to include a Doctor of

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Business Administration and Doctor of Psychology, which has been accredited by the American Psychological Association.”

competition while keeping talented, eager students in Winona beyond graduation.

The evening also looked ahead to the next decade of growth as the university focuses additional efforts and attention on its current and future leaders in business.

“Just imagine what we can achieve in a space dedicated to business that rivals the progressive programming occurring inside,” Brother Robert said. “The Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman Hall on our Winona Campus is being reimagined to include a digital teaming space, sales training suite, trading floor and data analytics lab, computational lab, innovative classrooms and a makerspace — an inspiring environment in which students receive pragmatic, hands-on experiential learning. In these facilities, our students will take entrepreneurial ideas from conceptualization through design, invention, and research to execution.

With increasing activities, speakers, and partnerships through the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, Saint Mary’s students learn from the best, working in partnership with mentors who are industry experts.

Graduates of the new Business Intelligence and Data Analytics program on the undergraduate campus are landing jobs at world-renowned businesses including IBM, Fastenal, Piper Jaffray, the Boston Bruins, and the Minnesota Wild.

Innovation in business education continues with a recently developed co-op program. Partnering with renowned Winona businesses like Fastenal, WinCraft, and RTP, this co-op program will further help students stand out from the

“Saint Mary’s name and reputation have always stood for something special,” Brother Robert said. “We know it; now it’s time for it to be known.”

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 15

“My life will never be the same because of my time at Saint Mary’s.”

Leaving His Mark

As the Vicar General of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Brother William traveled the world, leaving his mark on the Lasallian education network.

As president of Saint Mary’s, Brother William helped the university leave its mark in the educational world.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 17

Stepping down May 31 after a decade at the helm, Brother William has, in many ways, transformed the university physically and spiritually, elevated its reputation, and put added meaning behind every Saint Mary’s degree.

And, he’s defined — and personified — what it means to be Lasallian at every level … even when walking about the cafeteria, pizza slice in hand, interacting with the constituents he believes are most important, the students.

“It’s been an extraordinary journey,” Brother William said of his career.

It was back as a high schooler that he first began considering a life with the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

“All of a sudden there was this idea that maybe I could make a difference, the way they were making a difference — the idea that I could be part of this energetic life-giving community that was doing something for God in the world.”

Once a teacher, always a teacher. He began as an English teacher and quickly rose within the Christian Brother organization, holding numerous offices including Vicar General, the second highest in the international Lasallian network. He never envisioned himself serving as the president of a university. But, in the end, he reveled in the opportunity to more directly connect and encourage students.

Courted by several universities back in 2008, Brother William said, “(Saint Mary’s) was the place that rose to the top of the list of the places I could imagine myself to be.”

After serving as a trustee from 1996-2001, Brother William knew Saint Mary’s well, and he felt a true connection to its mission and its people.

Ten years ago, before he began his presidency, Brother William said in his first interview for Saint Mary’s Magazine, “I hope that good things continue to happen at Saint Mary’s in ways that we can’t predict, and that these good things are for the betterment of our nation, our world, and our Church.

18 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

“I hope that whatever happens, we’re all proud to have done it together. As a leader, I’m going to have a significant role to play, but we all have significant roles to play, and good work is relational. We call out of one another the best.

In the end, I hope we can all be proud of where we are and how we got there.”

Looking back, he hesitated to define his proudest accomplishment and was especially hesitant to use the word “pride.”

“These last few months, I think it’s gratitude, which is a better word than pride for me, because I’m so grateful that people embrace the vision, that they embrace this desire to do some really great things together in some really challenging times, to do the hard work and make the sacrifice, and we’ve done that. That’s where the pride is, but it’s a humble pride and it’s a grateful pride. I hope that there is a sense that we did this together.

“How people are going to view my time here will be for others to decide. I know that for me it’s fulfilling and joyful and engaging and rewarding,” he said, adding with a smile, “not to say that it hasn’t been challenging and stressful at some points.”

His legacy With significant physical growth and expansion, endowment growth, and philanthropic growth, Saint Mary’s is structurally sound.

“In a time of immense challenges for higher education, Brother William has provided Saint Mary’s University with a clear, innovative, and strategic path for a strong future, said Mary Ann (Wera) Remick CST’64, chair of the board of trustees.

“One of the things that has happened during his tenure is the growth of the endowment, which grew from $37 million to $65 million, which will have a significant impact for students,” she said. “And he has also been very instrumental in the current capital campaign, which has been very successful — exceeding its $57 million goal and raising $72 million.”

Physically, Remick said, the campuses have changed since Brother William arrived 10 years

ago. “We have of course the new (Winona) facility, the Science and Learning Center, and we have the acquisition of Cascade Meadow in Rochester, which will enhance Saint Mary’s presence in Rochester and make courses and curriculum available there that were not possible before. You have the renovation of buildings on campus, new dorms, added technology. You have renovations and expansion in Minneapolis as well. And all of that is meant to really enhance the student experience.”

The growth takes on deeper meaning when considering that the university’s four most recent construction projects — the Science and Learning Center, an expansion to the Cascade Meadow facility in Rochester called Remick Hall, a new residence hall (which is named in honor of Brother William), and a baseball clubhouse — have all been paid for entirely through contributions of generous alumni and friends.

The total investment in facilities and infrastructure during Brother William’s tenure has been $66.4 million ($50 million through private philanthropy), which breaks down into: • new property acquisitions, $13.8 million; • new construction, $33.1 million (plus $9.1 million secured through philanthropy for a residence hall and future projects); • building renovations, $7.1 million; and • technology infrastructure, $3.3 million.

“Related to renovation, I have been a busy guy,” Brother William said. “But sometimes people think some of the things that are happening were my initiatives and really they were the initiatives of the people who were doing these programs that I affirmed and embraced, I endorsed, and I helped them accomplish.”

During his tenure, online programming has grown significantly, from 47 in 2013 to this year’s 1,500 students,

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 19

with plans to expand significantly with the needs of the market.

“I think higher education will look very different in five or 10 years but I don’t pretend to know what that is,” Brother William said. “Saint Mary’s is poised to do well as we go forward. The inner core of the university has been strengthened over these last few years as we worked together on some pretty significant things.”

Rochester expansion and physician assistant collaboration with Mayo Clinic During Brother William’s tenure, Saint Mary’s not only acquired its Cascade Meadow facility in Rochester, it also expanded the facility, thanks to the generosity of dedicated benefactors Jack and Mary Ann (Wera) CST’64 Remick.

This expansion in a vibrant community makes it possible for Saint Mary’s to relocate all of its Rochester Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs offerings and to host

20 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

the second portion of a 3+2 physician assistant program in collaboration with Mayo Clinic. Saint Mary’s hopes to begin the program in fall of 2019, pending accreditation.

First Generation Initiative During Brother William’s inauguration, the concept of what would become the First Generation Initiative was first shared. “When I announced that I wanted to make some seats here at the undergraduate College available for young, urban, financially challenged families who could come to a faith-based institution, a Lasallian institution — that was the moment where the gym stopped me with applause,” Brother William said. “It’s what Lasallian schools and universities, Catholic education in America is about, the fulfillment of hopes and dreams for new populations. The First Generation Initiative is a stake in the ground that we are who we have always been, and we will help our country and our nation be better.”

The First Generation Initiative ensures that every student, regardless of their background or financial means, has access — as well as support — in achieving their academic dreams. To date, more than 40 students have graduated from Saint Mary’s through the First Generation Scholars program. Another 175 students have been served through the Countdown to College academic boot camp program for high schoolers.

“Brother William cares very much about these students and their families, and he is very aware of the impact this has on them and, of course, the impact it will have on society in general,” Remick said. “These are students who will now become full contributing members of society. They will enhance not only the lives of their families but the life of our country as well.

“I think it’s really fitting that the first cohort of the Countdown to College students graduated (from Saint Mary’s) as Brother William was exiting. These are students that we have known for eight years now and they’ve become true leaders on campus.”

The Brother William Mann, FSC First Generation Endowed Scholarship was created to continue his legacy.

To date, this fund is over $500,000. To donate, go to mysmumn.org/giving or call 507-457-6647.

“I know that this place is a blessed place for those who have opportunity,” Brother William said. “And I guess I delight most that people embrace that dream and have helped me make it real for real concrete families and people.”

Lasallian formation Remick believes that Saint Mary’s has also been transformed spiritually these past 10 years.

“I would say his legacy here is the fact that he made the Lasallian charism something really noticeable and important on campus,” she said. “He’s provided opportunities for the staff, the faculty, and the administration, and the students to really become immersed in what it means to be Lasallian.”

During these past 10 years, a total of 440 faculty, staff, and students have taken formational training during which they have exchanged ideas and unified their work as part of the bigger Lasallian education picture. The mission of the

De La Salle Christian Brothers is growing and thriving at Saint Mary’s through a large number of dedicated laypeople.

“The Lasallian educational vision is the commitment and passion of my life,” Brother William said. It was important to him that he share that passion, and the heritage that enriches the university, as well as make connections within the vast Lasallian network.

With this goal in mind, Brother William established the Institute for Lasallian Studies which oversees the four internal Lasallian mission education and formation opportunities: the master’s program in Lasallian Leadership; the International Symposium on Lasallian Research; AXIS: Journal of Lasallian Higher Education; and the Cardinal Conversation series. Each program highlights the extraordinary Lasallian research taking place on an international level.

Paul Christensen D’11, assistant dean of the Graduate School of Business and Technology, said, “The knowledge Brother William has in his mind about Lasallian history and our heritage is phenomenal. I think his vision of the university as a Lasallian university in the 21st century has been an important vision, and he’s done a good job of articulating that and keeping present for us as members of the university community.

“It’s not just about being a better educator and administrator, but also a better person. He made opportunities available to further my understanding of what we do as a university and my understanding of myself.

I’m not sure that happens at other universities, where you can be transformed.”

Dr. Rebecca Hopkins, dean of education at both the graduate and undergraduate level, said Brother William’s attention to inclusivity and diversity extends the Lasallian mission.

“I don’t think that you can say there are many other presidents who have actually aligned actions as much as Brother William has over the past 10 years when it comes to that thread of university inclusive education and diversity,” she said. “I think he’s really set us on a fantastic path to do really good things in that area, which ultimately means that we’re going to serve our students better.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 21

“There has been a strong attention to using the language of our mission as embedded in the student experience,” she added. “I think the ‘language of Lasallian’ is there on the tips of our students’ tongues now where they can articulate in a way that’s a lot more sophisticated as it pertains to our mission and what their education then means for them.”

The students To the students, Brother William was a familiar face, whether it was in the audience of a music concert or theatre program, in the cafeteria or the library, or on the sidelines of a game.

“I think people will remember him for his presence on campus, whether it was on the plaza or in Minneapolis, where he greeted and knew students,” Remick said. “He’s been accessible. He not only just says hello but knows the students’ names, knows what they’re doing, what they’re taking in college, and what they’re interested in outside of the classroom.”

“I can’t imagine many people have had the joy and the fulfillment that I’ve had for more than 50 years now, engaging with students,” Brother William said. “I’ve said often that the hardest thing for me being a Brother was not having my own children. I come from a big family and I love being with young people. I think why it’s been so fulfilling is because the young people with whom I’ve worked have been my family. And anybody who’s walked these campuses with me knows that I walked the campus as their older brother, not as the president of the university.”

Three members of the Budin family have attended Saint Mary’s during Brother William’s tenure. They can each attest that Brother William is an integral part of their Saint Mary’s memories.

“He asked questions and then he cared about the response.

And even more so, he remembered the response and then would bring it up in conversation later,” Joe Budin ’15 said.

“At Saint Mary’s you’re not just a number, you’re a name,” he added. “You’re a person and not just a statistic. And that’s really true. Everything Brother William did in some way, shape, or form has preserved that. When I look back on my college career, I can say that I truly knew the president of my university and he knew me.”

22 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

Connie Budin ’13 echoed her brother’s sentiments. “Brother William is just that type of person who wants to engage in conversation,” she said. “When they talk about our service in our community and our mission of Saint Mary’s, I think that he’s the living and breathing person who exhibits that every day.”

Youngest sister Erin Budin ’20 had a similar experience. “I remember being in the library one day. I was just sitting there doing my homework and I didn’t know it was him at the time, but he walked by and flipped off my hat, and just like kept walking. You don’t hear of presidents who just do that.

“He really and truly cares about everyone who is here, whether they’re students or faculty or even just family of the students. He really wants to get to know them. He prints out the rosters of every athletic team,” she said, “so he could start to get to know the entire student body.”

It’s no surprise, then, that Brother William described relationships as the joy of these past 10 years, and added, “Our Lasallian Catholic heritage is grounded in relationships. I’m going to miss most the people. I’m not sure I’m going to miss the cold, but I think with the cold comes brilliant sun.

“I know my successor will come with gifts and talents and dreams and that’s going to be wonderful,” Brother William said. “But when those gifts and talents and dreams interact with the gifts and talents and dreams of this institution and of its people, my experience is something special happened.

“That would be the hope for my successor, that when that moment comes when that person’s journey starts to wind down, they’ll have the satisfaction that I am now feeling of looking back and saying, ‘Wow, look at what we did together.’

“My life will never be the same because of my time at Saint Mary’s, and hopefully their life will never be the same because of what we lived and accomplished together.”

View a video tribute to Brother William at smumn.edu/bwvideo.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 23

FROM COUNTDOWN TO COMMENCEMENT From the moment they first stepped onto the Saint Mary’s University Winona Campus as eighth-grade Countdown to College students, they have been encouraged to build the future of their dreams.

As they walked across the commencement stage May 12, they were prepared to make those dreams come true.

Established in 2010, the Saint Mary’s First Generation Initiative — which was first articulated by Saint Mary’s President Brother William Mann at his inauguration in 2008 — serves economically challenged students while addressing the growing academic achievement gap. The First Generation Initiative helps ensure academic success for high-need, high-potential, first-generation students from middle school through college graduation.

Through the First Generation Initiative, promising inner city students — who are often the first in their families to go to college — are chosen to attend four summers of college preparation programming at Saint Mary’s. Through Countdown to College, participants meet for two weeks each summer, for four years.

Students who successfully complete the Countdown to College program are eligible for the First Generation Initiative Scholars program, where they will receive a full scholarship to attend Saint Mary’s.

“Where these students are from, the high school and college graduation rates are quite low,” said Alisa Macksey, First Generation Initiative executive director. “This program is helping students achieve their dreams.”

Alexis Cummins ’18

On May 12, eight students from the very first Countdown to College class graduated — a fitting culmination for what was Brother William’s final commencement ceremony before he stepped down as president.

“These students have been part of the Saint Mary’s community since the summer after eighth grade,” said Macksey. “We have seen them grow in their confidence and self-esteem. They are more articulate and believe in themselves and their abilities. I’ve seen them support 24 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

and encourage each other through both good times and challenging times.”

Javier Madrid ’18, is a marketing major and Spanish minor, who grew up in Naco, Ariz. He had just moved to Tucson, Ariz., at the age of 13 when he got the opportunity to enter the Countdown Javier Madrid ’18 as a senior and to College program as an eighth-grader beginning through San Miguel High Countdown to College.

School (Cristo Rey Network).

Madrid said the Countdown to College program provided “an outstanding advantage” because he was familiar with the Saint Mary’s campus — as well as several faculty, staff, and students — before he started college.

“Coming to college at Saint Mary’s was definitely a little bit of a culture shock, but I think it really helped me grow in terms of perspective,” said Madrid, who never imagined leaving Arizona. “I grew up in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood and went to a high school that was mostly Hispanic. Having done Countdown to College every summer really prepared me. It definitely helped to have already met kids from Chicago, Milwaukee, and other cities.”

One of those students was Alexis Cummins ’18, a human services major from Chicago who attended John Marshall Metropolitan High School while in Countdown to College.

Cummins said being part of the First Generation Initiative has helped her grow.

“The biggest thing it’s helped me with is my communication skills and community building,” explained Cummins.

“Before, I was someone who was very distant and didn’t want to be around people I didn’t know. But in Countdown to College and in the First Generation Initiative we do a lot of team-building exercises to make everyone feel welcome.

It’s really helped me break out of my comfort zone and not be as shy.”

Cummins explained that having mentors available was helpful, especially during her freshman year of college. “I was nervous, stressed, and in a whole new environment. But the same mentors I had in Countdown to College were there when I started college, which was great,” she said.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Countdown to College Class of 2013, First Generation Initiative Scholars Class of 2018 include, from left: back, Alexis Cummins, Javier Madrid, Cuauhtemoc Zarate; front, Marisol Martinez, Caren Cazares, Maria Antonieta MoralesLozano, Nathalie Urbina, and Diana Servin.

Madrid and Cummins are both thankful to the benefactors who have partnered with Saint Mary’s to make the First Generation Initiative possible “We all have a responsibility to do our best in our academics. There are people investing their money in us and taking a chance on us. I definitely don’t want to let them down,” said Madrid, who was chosen to travel to Washington, D.C., his sophomore year when Pope Francis visited and was also selected as one of 35 students globally to go to Rome last summer as a Lasallian Leader.

“I feel so blessed for all the opportunities I’ve had because of the First Generation Initiative, because of the [De La Salle Christian] Brothers especially. Everything they’ve done for me since high school, I’m so grateful to them,” Madrid said.

First Generation Initiative Scholars receive enhanced academic, financial, and social support services designed to achieve the goal of college graduation within four years, which includes supervised study halls and shared experiences that draw the students closely together.

“We’re family. We look out for each other,” said Madrid, who plans to work in the insurance field and continue his education at the University of Arizona next spring in a master’s program. “We work better as teams, two is better than one. I feel so fortunate to have had that support, and now I’m inspired to pay it forward.”

After graduation, Cummins plans to move to Racine, Wis., and live with her sister. She hopes to continue work in the social services field and wishes her fellow graduates good luck. “We all got through this together. Now it’s time to start our own journeys.”

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 25

When listening to John Poling, Ph.D. reminisce about teaching philosophy, it’s easy to see that he learns just as much from what he’s teaching as his students do. He’s a professor who challenged his students’ ways of thinking and enjoyed the challenges he in turn received.

“I see the classroom as forcing me to renew and reacquire my thinking in particular ways,” Poling said. “Because of that, I have to start from the ground up with each new class.

I’m indebted to each of my students for the opportunity to re-win my thinking on matters affecting all of us.”

Poling has been with Saint Mary’s for the past 18 years after beginning his teaching career at a different Christian Brothers school, the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico, in 1993. He was initially drawn to Saint Mary’s because of the Christian Brother affiliation and IHM Seminary. “I’ve always been interested in philosophy and theology, but the Christian Brothers had a special focus on teaching,” Poling said. “There are two aspects: we have to give the students skills and content necessary for living in today’s world, and we remind them to be intentional about their character and quality of life.”

Poling first realized he wanted to go into teaching as he progressed in his own schooling, gaining interest in questions in the area of philosophy and theology.

“The questions I was presented with — what is the nature of evil, what is happiness — I always felt that

these were very practical, lively questions,” Poling said.

A few of Poling’s favorite classes that he’s taught regularly are Philosophy of Art, History of 19th and 20th Century Philosophy, and Philosophy of the Human Person. Every year, he has also enjoyed overseeing the senior thesis projects.

Poling notes that the “extraordinary mix of students and colleagues” is what has made his time at Saint Mary’s so special. “I’ve had excellent colleagues who have taught me more than they’ll ever realize,” Poling said. “I want them to know how grateful I am for what they gave to me — their intelligence and passion, their emotional and spiritual support and upbuilding.”

Among the things that Poling will miss most about teaching at Saint Mary’s is the

26 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

interaction and thoughtful discussions with his students.

“The stimulation and liveliness of the classroom and being able to think and engage other persons on what it is to be a human being or what emotions are necessary to flourish as a person,” he said.

As a professor, Poling hopes his classes have given each of his students a confidence, whatever that may mean for each student individually, and hopes he is seen as “someone creating with students an environment where we all felt comfortable to discuss things and issues, to challenge each other, and that they saw me as someone struggling like they were and taking seriously this business of living well and faithfully.”

JOHN POLING, PH.D. YEARS AT SAINT MARY’S: 18 TITLES: Associate professor of philosophy and department chair of philosophy PLANS FOR RETIREMENT: Appointed Senior Research Fellow at Howard and Edna Hong Kierkegaard Library of St. Olaf College, he will be editing for publication and writing an introduction to a manuscript by his Yale Divinity School adviser, Dr. Paul Holmer. He also plans to edit for publication his father’s syndicated weekly newspaper columns and sermons; play guitar in small group settings; and tidy up hours of music recordings.

It would be difficult for Mary Fox, AFSC ’75, Ph.D. to numerically rank her life’s accolades and accomplishments.

as much as you do.’ That’s the way I want to be remembered,” Fox said. “That really touched me.”

Certainly her affiliated Christian Brother status rises among the top. This title, the highest and rarest honor bestowed by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, recognizes her dedication and extraordinary work on behalf of the educational order.

Fox has experienced Saint Mary’s from many vantage points, initially as one of its first female students in the ’70s, then as a successful alumna who was lured back to work and teach at Saint Mary’s by then president Brother Louis DeThomasis.

Being named one of the state’s top 100 corporate women was a proud moment, especially in an era where women weren’t often able to shatter that illusive glass ceiling.

In her roles at Saint Mary’s these past 28 years, there were numerous other memorable moments: being named a Distinguished Lasallian Educator, serving as the first dean of the School of Business, Computer Science, and Media Communications; earning her Ph.D. while working full time as vice president of University Relations; and helping to secure what was then the largest gift from a single benefactor ($7 million).

But Fox knows you can’t quantify the meaningful relationships she’s built with her students in the classroom — ones that have been strong enough to continue long beyond graduation. These are the memories she will cherish in her retirement.

Looking back at how she’d like to be remembered, Fox tells the story of receiving an intricate clay model of Saint Mary’s Hall, constructed by Makenzie Klimek ’15. “She came in and told me, ‘I want you to have this, Dr. Fox, because I don’t know anyone who loves Saint Mary’s

“I was smitten,” Fox said.

“I remember thinking so vividly that there is so much I could learn from this man. I loved my alma mater but the opportunity to work with him is what brought me back to Saint Mary’s, and I don’t have any regrets.”

There’s something about Saint Mary’s. For Fox, it comes down to one word: love. “I always say this is the place where I became Mary Fox. That has always been such a touchstone for me my whole life. If I could facilitate that for other young people, there could be no better gift. I tell my freshmen that life doesn’t give you many chances to reinvent yourself. In college, you have that chance.”

For Fox, working with students has been a gift, and she doesn’t regret her decision to move into teaching full time, even after leading the University Relations team for seven years.

“I have said, and for 28 years it remains true: no matter how bad a day you’re having, when you walk into that classroom, it’s transformed. A bad day in the classroom is better than my best day in the corporate world.”

MARY FOX, AFSC ’75, PH.D. TIME AT SAINT MARY’S: An alumna of Saint Mary’s, Fox returned to her alma mater in 1990.

TITLES: She’s served as dean of the School of Business, Computer Science, and Media Communications; vice president for University Relations; and professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, but she taught in the classroom from the very first semester.

PLANS FOR RETIREMENT: Her real passion is in her Lasallian work. She plans to continue doing research related to the themes identified by the International Association of Lasallian Research, continue working with the Midwest District Council, and continue working with the International Association of Lasallian Universities. She says she would like to read every book she’s ever purchased, make every recipe she’s cut out, and clean out her closets. She also hopes to return to her favorite international destinations of Italy and Cornwall, England.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 27

Chris Kendall ’79, M’95 came back to work for his alma mater 33 years ago. About every five years or so his title at Saint Mary’s changed: from assistant baseball coach to assistant basketball coach, to student activities director, to dean of students, to athletic director, to vice president for student life.

“I used to joke that I couldn’t hold down a job,” Kendall jokes. “I never had a résumé or a job interview my whole life. I had Christian Brothers and others tapping me on the shoulder to see if I would take on new roles and responsibilities.”

Thirty-three years equates to approximately 165 snow removals; 13,000 incident reports; 396 weeks of being “on call;” 4,600 meals in the dining room; 9,900 student athletes; and more phone calls from hall directors, coaches, and campus safety officers than could ever be counted.

“If you look back, it adds up,” Kendall said. “I was pretty much on call for 13 straight years.”

It wasn’t always an easy position. Overseeing the physical, mental, and academic well-being and safety of an entire student body for 33 years comes with some stress. “I both loved it and hated it,” he said. “There were wonderful situations where you helped people through something, and they called back later to tell you thanks. There were also some pretty big tragedies, and those are difficult times. But in between it’s been a full life of meaningful work, and a

person can’t ask for more than that. It really was my niche.”

Kendall said he most hopes he’s remembered as someone who cared — even when he was letting students know the consequences of bad behavior. “Part of that is having empathy. When I was a student, I spent some time on the other side of the dean of students’ desk.

“I’m thankful to Saint Mary’s that they trusted me to have important conversations with students. It’s a place of important conversations, where people change from teenagers to adults but they learn how to change continuously, with a strong principled foundation, and I think that’s pretty cool.”

Kendall said he couldn’t help but bring his work home;

28 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

and he is thankful for his wife’s ultimate patience and partnership. “I think Saint Mary’s owes some thanks to my wife,” he said.

He said he’s made a lot of wonderful friends and memories through the years.

“I was real lucky to talk and walk with people who got their names on our campus buildings. Brother Charles Severin, Coach Max Molock, and Leo Ochrymovycz were the people who helped me get through school, and — in turn — I was able to help others get through school.

“I always tried to be versatile and give back more than I received, which is tough at Saint Mary’s because there are a lot of generous people giving a lot of time and energy. But I gave what I had because I loved it.”

CHRIS KENDALL ’79, M’95 TIME AT SAINT MARY’S: He began working for his alma mater in 1985.

TITLES: Kendall began as an assistant baseball coach and worked his way up to vice president for student life.

PLANS FOR RETIREMENT: He is looking forward to spending more time with his children and grandchildren, as well as his wife, Jenny. He’s also excited about spending more time on his hobbies including tending to his bees, gardening, and remodeling his farm house.

“I’m still wondering what I want to do when I grow up,” he said.

Richard Tristano, Ph.D. recalls his hiring at Saint Mary’s came as a bit of a surprise but at the perfect time.

He admits he forgot about even applying for the position of history professor after not hearing back about his application for a few months. “Usually universities are done with their hiring earlier in the year,” Tristano said. “I’d completely forgotten about the application because the response came in May, which was late.”

At a point in his life where he was determining his next steps, Tristano got a welcomed phone call.

“Before Saint Mary’s, I was working for an order of priests and brothers in Atlanta. I went to a monastery and was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” Tristano said. “I was on a retreat that wasn’t going so well. I called home and my wife said, ‘Some guy named Crozier called. Can you go to Winona?’ ” So Tristano visited Winona on Memorial Day weekend to interview with Dr. Bill Crozier, former chair of the History Department, and was hired on the spot.

“I really think it was an act of God,” Tristano said.

Tristano fondly remembers Crozier and the impact he made. “Bill was great, super kind, and very supportive of me. He got me through that first year more or less intact.”

Part of Tristano’s desire to apply to Saint Mary’s in the first place was because of its De La Salle Christian Brothers affiliation. “I got my undergraduate degree from Manhattan College, which is a Christian Brothers school,” Tristano said. “I wanted to reconnect with the Brothers who had taught me in my undergraduate studies.”

trying to put a course together is making sure it does what it’s supposed to do and that the students can relate to it.”

RICHARD TRISTANO, PH.D.

It’s not surprising that Tristano is ending his career teaching some of the same classes as when he first arrived. “I have this thing about ending where I began.”

TITLES: History professor; associate dean for general education; chair of the History Department.

Though he enjoys teaching many different eras of history, Tristano is most trained in the area of the Renaissance.

It was the topic of his own dissertation, the first upper division class he taught, one that he recently finished teaching in his final semester.

Along with hallway conversations with colleagues, Tristano will miss getting to know the history major students. He’s enjoyed teaching the upper division courses because they were topics he’s interested in and something that the history majors really enjoy.

Throughout his 27 years at Saint Mary’s, Tristano has taught at least 18 different courses and has helped develop a few more. “The challenge of

As for words of wisdom for his students and colleagues to live by, Tristano simply reminds us that, “Everything has a history.”

YEARS AT SAINT MARY’S: 27

PLANS FOR RETIREMENT: Dr. Tristano plans to plant and tend to his garden; work on two research projects; and write an article based on his experience developing a course (H111 Global History to 1500) for the History Department.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 29

Bob Conover has always been more of a headline writer than a headline grabber.

Working in public relations (later marketing and communication) at Saint Mary’s, Conover not only saw the university grow and evolve during his 33-year tenure, he likely wrote about it, photographed it, and edited it.

Most of his work was behind the scenes. Though the university community daily saw his emails and bylines, he purposely dodged public speaking and the spotlight. He even shied away from using exclamation points. They seemed to be in direct conflict with his very personality.

“I think a sentence is stronger without unnecessary embellishment. Let the facts stand for themselves,” he said.

Despite the lack of exclamations, Conover was the university’s staunchest cheerleader, rallying excitement about new buildings, programs, and events — but also unifying the campus in times of tragedy with an even temper, a level head, and infinite patience.

As for the facts standing for themselves, Conover promoted the university’s growth for 33 years, including the beginning and expansion of the graduate programs, the additions of locations and campuses, three presidents, dozens of building projects and acquisitions, and numerous website revisions.

He wrote thousands of news releases, took tens of thousands of photographs, oversaw hundreds of Cardinal student paper publications,

assisted with several university (and athletics) name changes, and edited Saint Mary’s Magazine for about 15 years.

As the world of public relations changed, the seasoned journalist took on more responsibility, learning about marketing, the World Wide Web, social media, and digital photography.

Woe is the writer to get into a grammar debate with Conover.

“Tim Burchill ’68, M’00 hired me,” Conover said. “Some of my favorite moments were probably debating with him over grammar and Associated Press style and things like writing the mission statement, which took endless revisions, and we argued over every word. I perversely enjoyed it because I’m kind of a word guy, and I think he enjoyed it too.”

Conover will also be known for his sense of humor.

Remnants of his practical jokes remain at Saint Mary’s and will be the subjects of stories for new generations of marketing and communication team members.

“When I was looking to move on from journalism, I was feeling idealistic and I only wanted to move into public relations if it was for a good cause,” Conover said.

“That’s why I came here.

The Christian Brothers and the university were very

30 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

BOB CONOVER TIME AT SAINT MARY’S: Conover started working at Saint Mary’s in 1985.

TITLES: He began as director of public information, worked his way up to vice president for marketing and communication, and retired as senior communication director.

PLANS FOR RETIREMENT: He is working part time with Visit Winona at the visitor’s center and in a local landscaping business. He’s also a freelance photographer and editor, which allows him to stay involved with Saint Mary’s projects. He also bought a video drone, which he’s still learning to fly. He also enjoys fishing, canoeing, boating, exploring, and anything that gets him outdoors.

PROUDEST MOMENT: “There are 33 years of Saint Mary’s students who are in the real world, doing good things and making me proud.”

welcoming, and I really enjoyed the diversity of what the job entailed. There has literally never been a dull moment. I loved working in higher ed. It’s a noble profession, and I worked with smart and dedicated and hard-working people over the years. In particular, I liked working with students.

They kept me energized and reminded me why we do what we do.

“It’s been a great place to come to every morning.”

Roger Peckover, Ph.D. has been — as his students have long termed it — “Saint Maryized.”

It’s a positive descriptor.

“It has meant experiencing community, mutual support, and development in a generative way that brings life and joy,” Peckover said.

Peckover, who has taught in the Education Department at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, has seen many students become “Saint Maryized” through the university’s mission.

“It’s a mission that I think is life changing and transformative,” he said.

With adult learners, he’s watched the transformation re-spark a love for teaching.

“In some cases it gets lost amid the bureaucracy, standards, and challenges of being an educator in these times,” he said.

It was, in fact, the potential of being part of developing new and innovative programs in education that lured him to Saint Mary’s in 1989.

Peckover’s responsibilities changed throughout his tenure in the Education Department, where he served as chair and dean and then took additional roles through the Master of Arts in Instruction program and through helping to develop the M.Ed. program. His last five years at Saint Mary’s he directed the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). “My title changed but I always had

a home in the Education Department,” he said.

After obtaining his Ph.D., Peckover knew he wanted to be at a small private college that was faith based. “I think they make a transformative impact on lives,” he said. “I have consistently experienced at Saint Mary’s over the past 29 years, the joy of being a part of learners lives as they develop lifelong meaning and purpose.

The way Saint Mary’s educates, to me, has and continues to be what I term generative.

That is, learning is grounded in a caring community committed to the mutual development of each member, each member supporting the other’s development, and all finding a path for the contribution of their collective gifts to the larger world.”

Peckover said that he’ll most miss his colleagues in retirement and that he is most proud of the faculty learning leadership program (CELT), that has developed in these past five years.

“The idea of faculty being able to come together and support one another and develop and innovate and grow while mutually becoming a community has been the equivalent of what we try to teach about community with our undergraduates. We really do support one another and mutually discover our way together. That has been a really awesome experience to be with faculty and hear and

listen and be a part of them dreaming and developing things they believe in. That will be something I will miss a great deal.”

In the end, Peckover said he hopes he’s remembered as someone who cared about his colleagues and the students he was blessed to serve.

“Saint Mary’s has been the dream you look for in terms of what you hope education can be for people. It’s been a huge blessing for me and for my family to be part of the community.”

ROGER PECKOVER, PH.D. TIME AT SAINT MARY’S: Peckover arrived at Saint Mary’s in 1989.

PLANS FOR RETIREMENT: “Family is clearly the number one priority at this point, and we’re at the beginning of grandparenting,” he said.

“What a tremendous joy.” He also plans to do some lay ministry work at his church and work within organizational development throughout the Winona community through programs like Thrive.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 31

Boston College dean named 14th president of Saint Mary’s The Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., dean of the Woods College of Advancing Studies and Summer Session at Boston College, has been named the 14th president of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Mary Ann (Wera) Remick CST’64, chair of the university’s board of trustees, announced the board’s selection on May 1, adding that Father Burns would officially begin his presidency Monday, July 9.

Remick said she was excited that Father Burns accepted the offer to lead Saint Mary’s. “Father Burns’ demonstrated success in the areas of enrollment growth, philanthropy, online education, and international partnerships — along with his dedication to research and academic excellence — made him an ideal candidate,” she said. “His leadership related to mission and identity in Catholic education, and his reverence for Saint Mary’s Lasallian mission made him an even stronger candidate.”

While dean of Woods College, Father Burns’ vision led to a 40 percent increase in revenue over the past 12 months, with a near tripling of the net contribution the Woods College has made to Boston College over the past six years.

Under his leadership, Boston College’s once smallest school grew to become the fourth largest. Other accolades at the school include a 25 percent increase in the first-year retention rate and an endowment growth from $21 million to $25 million.

With a clear and developed strategic plan, Father Burns strengthened organizational effectiveness at Woods College, with a specific goal of elevating the college’s reputation and fortifying its financial foundation.

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead this wonderful Lasallian and Catholic university, to help it fulfill its considerable potential, and to bring it to higher prominence by focusing on academic excellence, innovation, and community,” Father Burns said. “It is especially fitting that the announcement of my presidency occurred in May, which we celebrate as the Month of Mary.”

Prior to arriving at Boston College in 2010, Father Burns was co-chairman and associate professor of the Graduate 32 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

School of Psychology at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. He also has served as an assistant professor in counseling psychology and religion at Boston University, and he completed pre-doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships at Yale School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School.

Father Burns holds a doctor of philosophy degree in counseling psychology from Northeastern University in Boston, a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of St. Thomas, and a master’s degree from St. Paul Seminary’s School of Divinity. He received his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of St. Thomas School of Business.

A former associate professor in the Counseling Psychology Department in the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, Father Burns is an active researcher, a highly accomplished author, and a licensed psychologist in Minnesota and Massachusetts. He sits on a number of professional boards and committees and is a doctoral program accreditor for the American Psychological Association.

Saint Mary’s welcomed Father James P. Burns on July 9.

ALUMNUS MIKE GOSTOMSKI RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE AT SAINT MARY’S COMMENCEMENT An honorary Doctorate of Humanities was presented to Michael “Mike” Gostomski ’62 during the May 12 commencement ceremony at Saint Mary’s Winona Campus. Gostomski was honored for his work as a longtime benefactor and generous supporter of the university.

A lifelong Winona resident and successful Winona businessman, volunteer, leader, and entrepreneur, Gostomski has served as a strong advocate and ambassador on behalf of the city for many years.

He also served as a Saint Mary’s University trustee from 1995-2005 and 20062016, serving as vice chair from 2001-2004 and 2007-2008, and as chair from 2009-2015. In these roles, he acted as a valued counselor of the university’s president.

By displaying characteristics of civic responsibility and ethical leadership, he has transformed the lives of many and has brought honor and credit to the university. He also continues to generously support Catholic and Lasallian education, the church of Winona, and the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

Father Burns succeeds Brother William Mann, FSC, who announced in fall that he would step down on May 31, 2018, after completing 10 years as president. Ann Merchlewitz, J.D., executive vice president and general counsel, served as interim president.

Remick also thanked Terry Russell ’76, trustee and chair of the search committee, for his leadership during the search process and commended members of the search committee for their time and dedication throughout the seven-month search process.

Brother William and Mary Ann (Wera) Remick CST’64, chair of the Board of Trustees, hooded Mike Gostomski ’62.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 33

Winona Campus Upgrades A life-sized statue of Saint Teresa of Calcutta was dedicated this spring on the Winona Campus. Located near the back steps of Yon’s Hall in a serene part of the valley, her presence is a reminder of what we can do for others.

Brother William addressed faculty, staff, and students about his desire to have another woman’s presence on campus beyond Saint Mary herself. He reminded attendees that Mother Teresa was a saint who lived in our lifetime.

Brother William added that she was a major leader in a small body.

find their own paths to leading lives of service and compassion just as Mother Teresa did during her lifetime.

The plaque near the statue contains remarks made by Mother Teresa in 1979 at the Motherhouse of the De La Salle Christian Brothers in Rome: “People are hungry, especially the young. They are hungry for God, and you are here to satisfy that hunger. Be faithful to the great gift that God has made you to be teachers, educators, light. His light, in the world among young people. The future of the world depends on what you do.”

Father Robert Horihan ’98, in his blessing of the statue, described Mother Teresa as a model faithful follower of Christ. He stated that he hoped that the statue in her honor would prompt everyone to strive to live and act by her example.

As people walk by the statue, its presence will be a reminder to look for Christ in every aspect of life, whether it be in classrooms, communities, family, or anywhere else, and to

Students Gloria Kranenburg ’19 and Vianney Nguyen ’18 unveiled the statue.

Students gathered with Brother William at the dedication of the new statue.

34 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

SAINT MARY’S ANNOUNCES CENTER FOR CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE ENGAGEMENT In its continuing efforts to bridge the equity gaps that exist nationally throughout our schools, organizations, and communities, Saint Mary’s has created the Center for Culturally Responsive Engagement (CCRE).

practices. The center utilizes data-driven, research-based learning strategies to provide a holistic approach to professional development. Future-focused action planning will lead individuals and teams to make powerful, positive change together.

The center — facilitated by Saint Mary’s education professionals and partners — provides databased, customized professional development, youth-focused equity leadership, and a variety of other consulting services.

Some of CCRE’s unique services include: Consulting • Curriculum development, climate analysis, and equity audits • Policy review • Diversity and inclusion plans • Facilitated dialogue

Saint Mary’s formalization of the CCRE honors work already in progress with multiple beneficial partnerships and collaborations, including the Archdiocese of Minneapolis/St. Paul, DeLaSalle High School, Prodeo Academy, The Sanneh Foundation, Teach for America, and more. As there are many ways that culturally responsive engagement can benefit organizations and communities outside of the education realm, the CCRE is expanding its service to organizations in other sectors as well. Applications to health care, business, religious, and other sectors are possible.

Professional development • Workshops and retreats • Professional book studies • Equity team development Intercultural tools • Intercultural Development Inventory and Intercultural Development Plan • Intercultural Conflict Styles Inventory

Fittingly, the CCRE was announced Feb. 15, at Saint Mary’s annual Missing Voices: Equity in Education Summit, held on its Twin Cities Campus. This year’s Missing Voices theme, “We Are All Related (Mitakuye Oyasin),” emphasized native, immigrant, and refugee voices.

Saint Mary’s facilitators understand the needs of schools, particularly the achievement and opportunity gaps, and offer approaches and strategies for culturally responsive

Conferences and events • Missing Voices: Equity in Education Summit • Disability Studies in Education Conference • Group action retreats • Film screenings • Speaker series Youth-focused initiatives • Youth Equity Solutions (YES!) youth leadership teams • Youth Action Retreats and leadership development For more information, visit smumn.edu/CCRE or contact the Center for Culturally Responsive Engagement at CCRE@SMUMN. EDU or 612-238-4553.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 35

Faculty, students honored on Founders’ Day At our signature Founders’ Day convocation March 13 on the Winona Campus, Saint Mary’s honored four outstanding individuals who represent the ideals and philosophies of our founders and our Lasallian Catholic heritage. Saint Mary’s recognized the dedication and outstanding service of two faculty and staff members who have advanced our mission consistently over time with the Bishop Heffron Service Award (recipient: Dr. Susan Hines M’01, D’07, director of faculty development for the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, and associate professor in the Ed.D. in Leadership program) and the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award (recipient: Dr. Jack McClure, program director of the Ed.D. in Leadership program).

Above: Dr. Susan Hines M’01, D’07 received the Bishop Heffron Service Award and Dr. Jack McClure received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award. Below: Daniel Olajonlu ‘18 and Regina Bettag ‘18 were named Outstanding Seniors.

Each year, we also recognize outstanding undergraduate male and female seniors who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. The Outstanding Male and Female Senior awards were presented to Daniel Olajonlu — son of John Oluwafemi, Roseline Olajonlu, and Sandra Ajugba — who was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and currently resides in Rogers, Minn.; and Regina Bettag — daughter of Drs. Mark and Teresa Bettag of Sheboygan, Wis. Congratulations to these students and the other finalists: Brittney Birkhauser, Meagan Campbell, Ruba Kenyi, Tara Longseth, Chris Lackey, Jacob Mencacci, Vianney Nguyen, and Abram Whitebird.

Co-op program a win-win for students, area businesses Innovation in business education continues at Saint Mary’s with a recently developed Cooperative Education Program.

Partnering with renowned Winona businesses like Fastenal, WinCraft, and RTP, this co-op program will further help our students stand out from the competition while bringing talented, eager students to Winona.

36 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

Brother William with the first residents of the newly named Bishops Hall.

PINES HALL RENAMED BISHOPS HALL On Founders’ Day, March 13, along with the other celebrations on campus, Pines Hall was renamed Bishops Hall in a small ceremony with our student residents. Bishops Hall was dedicated in commemoration and appreciation of the Diocese of Winona, and most particularly its

Bishops, who are — and have always been — great friends and supporters of Saint Mary’s University.

The Bishops who have served the Diocese will be recognized with this name change. Many of their names will sound familiar.

Saint Mary’s Winona Campus is located near a nationally and internationally recognized manufacturing, healthcare, and arts hub. These employers are looking for talented students with the right skills in a wide variety of academic areas.

Through this program, our students will take part in a meaningful immersion experience for one semester while earning credits and fully taking part in all that campus life offers. While our students receive real experience in a work setting, in turn, we help provide partnering organizations with a pipeline of talented students.

• Bishop Joseph B. Cotter • Bishop Patrick R. Heffron • Bishop Francis M. Kelly • Bishop Edward A. Fitzgerald • Bishop Loras J. Watters • Bishop John G. Vlazny • Bishop Bernard J. Harrington • Bishop John M. Quinn

We’ll provide students with career preparation all four years, as well as a well-rounded liberal arts curriculum that will arm them with highly desired critical thinking skills and a broad perspective.

Think of this like an internship, only amped up. Students will get practice solving real-world problems, learn practical and soft skills, discover their strengths and interests, build an impressive résumé, and make an impression on a potential full-time employer.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 37

Hendrickson Forum focuses on innovation and risk taking More than 35 Saint Mary’s University undergraduate student leaders learned how to engage and innovate from international best-selling author, renowned leadership speaker, and global consultant Dr. Jackie Freiberg at the 2018 Hendrickson Forum on April 24.

The students met Dr. Freiberg, recognized as one of the Top 30 Minds on Leadership by Leadership Excellence Magazine, on the Saint Mary’s Twin Cities Campus in Minneapolis.

Dr. Freiberg delivered a lunchtime keynote address to approximately 280 people, including area business leaders and community members. Focusing on three critical roles for organizational success (notice, lead, and engage), Dr. Freiberg’s keynote empowered attendees to take on these roles and begin taking advantage of opportunities to transform new ideas into real solutions.

Isabel Bettag ’21, accounting and sports management double major who is also on the basketball team, came to the Hendrickson Forum because she was interested in learning about what being a leader truly means.

Bettag has an older sister and a cousin who are also attending Saint Mary’s. “One message that stood out to me was that leadership is what people say about you when you leave the room,” said Bettag. “I have a big

family, and I don’t want anything I do to reflect badly on my family name. When I walk out of a room, I want people to think well of me and hold me to high esteem.”

After the keynote, the Winona Campus students spent an hour with Dr. Freiberg. Majoring in various subjects including business, the students shared a common interest in innovation and leadership. During their time together, Dr. Freiberg imparted the college students with 10 leadership“isms” for life: 1. Keep great company (and be good company) … People want to be and work with someone who dreams big, gets stuff done, and knows how to have fun.

2. Build bridges … What you know and who you know is important.

3. Learn like crazy … Life is a journey. Don’t fake it. Be a lifelong learner.

4. Show up … Get to know people and their backstories.

5. Dream big … Dreams choose people; people don’t choose dreams. Capture your dreams, write them down, visualize them every day.

6. Dare to try … Don’t make excuses. Rise above your fear.

7. Choose carefully … Be a gentleman (or a lady), not a jerk. Be classy, not catty. Temporary pleasures lead to permanent reminders.

8. Find a cause … Work to have an impact on society in a positive way.

9. Play hard … You’ll work harder if you’re happier.

10. Work hard … Don’t count on someone else to do it for you.

Abram Whitebird ’18, history/social studies major who is also involved in Campus Ministry, said the ninth leadership“ism” stood out to him. “I tend to push myself to my limits, and it’s important to take a break, take a walk, do something you love, and then get back at it,” he explained.

Dr. Jackie Freiberg talks with student leaders.

38 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

Kate Dulak ’19, public relations major, secretary of the Public Relations/Business Club, and vice president of Big and Little Pals, said one of her favorite messages from Dr. Freiberg was that leadership is a choice. “You can sit in the back and not do anything, or you can choose to participate, be there, and be present,” explained Dulak. “It can be hard

OLSEN RECOGNIZED FOR ETHICAL LEADERSHIP Saint Mary’s University honored Rhoda Olsen, former CEO and current vice chair of the board of Great Clips, with the 2018 Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership at this year’s Hendrickson Forum.

Under her leadership, the organization implemented innovative technologies to completely transform the customer experience and position Great Clips well ahead of its competition.

Gathered, from left, are: Brother Robert Smith, FSC ’76, Ph.D., chief academic officer and vice president for the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs; Julie Hendrickson, daughter of the institute’s founders; Rhoda Olsen, 2018 Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership recipient; Brother William; and Jackie Freiberg, keynote speaker.

to be a strong leader when you’re busy, but I plan to take that idea back to the activities I’m involved in on campus. I want to be more of an active presence and be more vocal.”

Attending her fourth Hendrickson Forum was international business and marketing major Maria Antonieta Morales-Lozano ’18, who served as president of the Saint Teresa Leadership Club this past year. Morales-Lozano asked Dr. Freiberg for advice about how young professionals can make their mark when starting a new job after college.

Dr. Freiberg’s advice was to learn the lay of land first. Build a network, be interested, find the leaders and influencers, learn the culture, find the pockets of toxic energy — she emphasized the importance of learning these before trying to leave your mark or make a difference.

And when you lift up a problem, Dr. Freiberg added, always offer a solution, even though it may not be the right solution.

“This event means a lot to me. It brings to light ideas that are bigger than ourselves,” said Jacob Petraitis ’19, a business intelligence and data analytics major who was attending his second Hendrickson Forum. “It’s a great networking event and really gives you something valuable to walk away with.”

Learn more about the Hendrickson Forum at smumn.edu/HendricksonForum or the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership at smumn.edu/ HendricksonInstitute.

View more photos from the 2018 Hendrickson Forum at smumn.edu/ hendrickson2018photos.

At the helm of Great Clips, Olsen championed online and mobile check-in for customers, allowing them to see wait times for haircuts and be added to salon waitlists before arriving. Olsen also developed a robust customer database that alerts stylists of customers’ preferences, ensuring a consistent experience for the customer each and every time – no matter the location or stylist.

Olsen began at Great Clips in 1984, was named president in 1998, and was promoted to CEO in 2011. She led Great Clips from 1,000 salons in 1998 to 4,200 salons at the end of 2017. She has more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in numerous positions at Great Clips as well as prior experience in human resources, business leadership, and consulting at various companies.

Recipients of the Hendrickson Medical for Ethical Leadership have made significant contributions to the Twin Cities community and exhibit ethical leadership that is globally oriented and innovative or creative; and demonstrate a commitment to inspiring emerging leaders.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 39

ATHLETICS It was a weekend of celebrating ongoing athletic accomplishments at Saint Mary’s University. During Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend Sept.

8-10, 2017, current and former athletes came together to discuss their shared experiences, reminisce about those game-winning plays, and hear the accomplishments of today’s Cardinal athletes.

On Sept. 8, three former student-athletes were honored for their many accomplishments. Inducted into the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame were Mark Zaremba ’78 (baseball), Dr. Amanda Weinmann ’07 (track and field), and Ashley Luehmann ’07 (women’s basketball/track and field).

Also during the ceremony, Saint Mary’s 2016-17 postseason awardwinners were honored. Special recognition went to the 2016-17 Outstanding Male and Female Athletes, Bob Kinne ’17 (St. Paul, Minn.) and Brandi Blattner ’19 (Eyota, Minn.), and Outstanding Scholar-Athletes, Emily Loof ’18 (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Brett Giesen ’18 (Cato, Wis.). Read more about their accomplishments at smumn.edu/outstandingmclub2017.

Take a look at the photo gallery from ‘M’ Club Weekend at smumn.edu/mclub2017photos or watch the video from the event at smumn.edu/mclub2017video. Also check out photos from the Sept. 9 Cardinal ‘M’ Club Golf Outing at smumn.edu/ mclub2017golfphotos.

Mark your calendars for the next Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend, Sept. 7-9.

40 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

Alumni athletes inducted into the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 were, from left: Ashley Luehmann ’07 (women’s basketball/ track and field), Mark Zaremba ’78 (baseball), and Dr. Amanda Weinmann ’07 (track and field).

Outstanding Scholar-Athletes honored in 2017 were Emily Loof ’18 (left) and Brett Giesen ’18 (center). Bob Kinne ’17 (right) was named Outstanding Male Athlete.

Not pictured is Outstanding Female Athlete Brandi Blattner ’19, who was playing an away game and was unable to attend the ceremony.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 41

ATHLETICS Becca Dup — an All-American athlete Saint Mary’s University track athlete Becca Dup ’19 may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound like Superman, but she certainly can leap past her fellow competitors in a single — or sometimes triple — jump.

By day, Dup may seem like your average psychology student. But, on the track, her alter ego strikes fear into the hearts of competitors throughout the nation.

In mid-May, the mildmannered Dup called upon that alter ego to propel her to greatness, as “Super Duper” — sans cape — made her third straight national championship appearance, taking part in the NCAA Division III Outdoor National Championships at UW-La Crosse’s Veterans Memorial Stadium.

This year the junior Cardinal athlete needed to call upon all of her super powers, as she competed in not one, but two events on the nation’s biggest stage.

And compete she did.

Dup became Saint Mary’s first female track and field athlete since 2007 to earn AllAmerican status, placing sixth in the triple jump with a leap of 11.74 meters, while adding a near-All-American effort in the long jump as well, finishing 11th with 5.62 meters.

“I’m so happy for Becca and proud of all the work that she has put in. It’s great to see her While her parents may struggle rewarded this way,” Anderson said. “And as a coach, this is to understand what an athlete super gratifying. She’s my is, Dup’s uncanny leaping first All-American, and she abilities, not to mention her will always be my first Allprowess on the soccer field, have left little doubt that she is American for as long as I coach.

“But more importantly, it’s a skilled athlete. the special relationship that we have built, and for her Dup originally came to Saint to close out the season as an Mary’s to play soccer and had never even competed in either All-American, that’s the most “I was so close in indoors gratifying of all.” the long or triple jump before (finishing ninth), so it was in her life. That all changed, really an awesome feeling however, when Dup met Saint After finishing sixth in the long to clear that ‘hurdle’ and jump at her first conference Mary’s track and field coach crack that top eight this time indoor meet, and scratching on Niels Anderson during the fall around.” all three of her attempts at the of her freshman year.

MIAC outdoor championships, Dup has overcome many Dup hit her stride — so to speak “Coach (Neil) Cassidy obstacles in her life.

— and her jumping career recruited me to come to Saint really began to take flight.

Mary’s to play soccer,” said Although she grew up in Dup, who owns 11 goals, 8 Albert Lea, Minn., her family — Over the past two seasons, Dup assists and 30 points in 48 mother, father, and two older has claimed five conference games during her three years sisters — escaped on foot from long and triple jump titles, is a as a member of the Cardinal South Sudan in East Africa four-time USTFCCCA Allwomen’s soccer team.

“Track when war broke out. After Region selection — and has came into the picture as soon spending time in a refugee now earned the All-American as I met Niels.

Right away he camp, the Dup family came to title. told me what he thought my the United States, where Becca potential could be as a track (born Nyakume Dup) was born.

All this from an athlete who athlete, and specifically, as a had NEVER competed in either jumper.

“It was difficult growing up event prior to arriving at Saint bi-culturally, because when I Mary’s.

“He told me I could be a went to school it was English national qualifier in the long and American culture, but “I had never even watched jump. I thought he was crazy, when I went home, it was my the events before,” Dup said. because I had never even native language and South “I was always just the fastest jumped before.”

Sudanese culture,” admitted runner at school, so they made Dup. “Growing up, it was like me a sprinter. But Niels saw Anderson was far from crazy. living two different lifestyles. something in me and believed The most difficult part of being that with my natural talent, a Sudanese-American athlete is In fact, he proved to be a realI could do great things as a trying to explain to my parents life psychic. jumper, so we worked hard at what exactly being an ‘athlete’ “It’s an amazing feeling. My goal coming in was to get into the top eight and be an AllAmerican, and I was able to do that,” said Dup, the reigning MIAC outdoor triple jump champion — not to mention the 2018 conference title-holder in both the indoor long and triple jumps. “I knew I was in (the top eight) before my last jump in the finals, and that just took all the weight off.

42 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

is because sports were never a part of their culture.”

it, and that hard work has really paid off.”

Now that’s an understatement.

With a pair of national championships under her belt — a 17th-place showing in the triple jump at the 2017 outdoor championships, and a ninth-place effort in the triple jump at the 2018 indoor championships — Dup was determined to continue to climb up the podium steps.

“Placing ninth and missing All-American by one place finish in my second NCAA appearance was the kind of heartbreak I needed to drive me this time around,” said Dup. “Although placing ninth in the nation is incredible, it motivated me.

“I just wanted to go out there and give it everything I had.”

And with that effort came the title of All-American.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 43

AlUMnI

2018 SAINT MARY’S ALUMNI AWARDS Each year Saint Mary’s honors alumni who have made outstanding achievements during their careers, have furthered the goals of Saint Mary’s, and have exemplified the highest of Lasallian values. The following alums were honored during Reunion Weekend 2018.

DR. BOBBIE (SMITH) GOSTOUT CST’78, ’83

JUDY (MULLINS) LUCAS ’83

In her role as vice president for Mayo Clinic, Dr. Bobbie (Smith) Gostout ’83 is accountable for setting vision and providing oversight for the Mayo Clinic Community Medicine practices, including 18 regional hospitals and 68 regional clinics. After graduating from The College of Saint Teresa, she enrolled at Saint Mary’s University to complete a biology degree in pursuit of applying to medical school. She credits the professors and learning experiences at Saint Mary’s with providing her the knowledge, vision, and confidence to get into Mayo Medical School. Following 13 years of medical training, she joined the staff of Mayo Clinic. She enjoys her surgical practice, which is focused on caring for women with gynecologic cancers. In 2007 she was appointed chair of the Mayo Clinic department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and in 2014 she was appointed as a member of the Mayo Clinic Board of Governors.

Gostout enjoys biking, cross-country skiing on the Winona Campus trails, getting out on the Minnesota lakes and rivers, and spending time with family and friends.

Judy (Mullins) Lucas ’83 and her husband, John Lucas ’84, and their families are longtime supporters of Saint Mary’s University. As an alumna, Judy Lucas has been an avid supporter of Saint Mary’s athletics, especially the women’s softball program as she was a softball player all four years at Saint Mary’s. Many of her best college memories were made on the field and with her teammates. Until recently, Lucas owned and operated their family business, Mullins Food Products, with her 10 siblings. They’ve since sold the business, but she and her brothers and sisters continue to manage it. Over the years, the Mullins and Lucas families have graciously taken leadership roles with several university events. They’ve sponsored Chicago golf outings, Saint Mary’s conventions, and the Chicago Centennial Celebration event. Lucas serves on the Saint Mary’s Athletic Advisory Board and is involved with the summer golf outing as a member of the Chicago planning committee. In 2012, the Lucas family created an endowed scholarship, the Daniel E. ’47 and Veronica M. Lucas Legacy Scholarship, which supports children of undergraduate alumni.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA AWARD

44 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

ALUMNI APPRECIATION AWARD

SARAH (BELLINGHAM) LAITINEN ’07

ANIA MCNAMARA ’11

Sarah (Bellingham) Laitinen ’07 has dedicated her life to Lasallian service. From August 2007 to June 2009, she served as a Lasallian Volunteer at the San Miguel School in Providence, R.I. In June 2009 she was hired full-time as the sixth-grade homeroom teacher and remained on faculty for seven years. Laitinen was appointed to the International Council of Young Lasallians in 2015. She has taken part in a number of formation programs and Lasallian gatherings, including graduating from the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies in 2012, serving as a delegate to the third International Symposium of Young Lasallians in 2014, and participating in the USA – Toronto Region VEGA program in 2010. She has also served in various capacities for the District of Eastern North America (DENA), including the Young Lasallians Council, Association for Lasallian Mission Committee, and planning committees for formation programs. She was a delegate to the DENA Mission Assemblies in 2011 and 2015. Today, Laitinen serves as the director of Lasallian Programs in the Office for Lasallian Education at Christian Brothers Conference. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband, Eric, and son, Logan.

Ania McNamara ’11 is finding success in her career and in her personal passion of providing gifts to orphans throughout Poland. A senior marketing professional who specializes in digital marketing, McNamara has broad perspective on the marketing needs of small companies as well as the complex world of modern marketing and technology. She prides herself in approaching every project with a multifaceted perspective and a goal to uncover the most creative and strategic way forward. In 2016, she founded McNamara Marketing, a flexible marketing resource firm providing full-service marketing to businesses worldwide. In her spare time, McNamara organizes the CCF4Orphans Project, a 10-year initiative sending Christmas gifts overseas to children who reside in Polish orphanages. This cause is particularly close to her heart as she and her sisters were adopted as young children from an orphanage in Poland. She strives to continuously improve living circumstances and quality of life for these children.

LASALLIAN SERVICE AWARD

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNA AWARD

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 45

AlUMnI

ALUMNI SUPPORT GENERATES MOMENTUM It is hard to believe that it already has been five years since concluding the Centennial Year with the Gala in the Gostomski Fieldhouse in Winona. The Centennial was a very successful year of events and engagement activities that celebrated the past, but most importantly positioned the university for its second century.

If you have visited the campuses of Saint Mary’s recently, you certainly can witness the positive changes that are occurring. Since the Centennial, Saint Mary’s has embarked on the most aggressive strategic plan and capital campaign in its history. As you have read in this issue of Saint Mary’s Magazine, you certainly know both endeavors were successful. As an alumni community, we should be very proud of this achievement.

Together and by association we are changing the lives of current and future students of Saint Mary’s. I encourage each of you to come back and see the difference this campaign is making on the university.

As I travel to many alumni events on and off our campuses, I have the great pleasure of meeting many alumni from different majors and programs and from different class years — from undergraduate alumni to our doctoral alumni. This past February, we had our first online master’s graduate attend an alumni gathering. It is great to listen to the wonderful stories of friendships, of great memories, and of the great education that is offered at Saint Mary’s. The best part of serving in this position

is witnessing the moments when alumni reconnect with each other and come back to Saint Mary’s.

As the momentum at Saint Mary’s continues to build, through that excitement, I encourage alumni of the undergraduate college and the schools of graduate and professional programs to engage with the university. There are so many ways to reconnect, get involved, and support the university. You can: • Attend an event in your region • Host an event in your local area; contact the alumni office with your ideas at alumni@ smumn.edu • Volunteer for the alumni board; apply online at mysmumn.org/volunteer • Suggest a future student who may be interested in attending our Winona undergraduate campus or one of our many graduate and professional programs • Promote an internship or job opening for fellow alumni or for our current students of the university; go online to smumn. joinhandshake.com • Join one of our many volunteer committees and help us plan events, reunions, etc.

We are grateful to our 43,000 alumni around the world. Whether you live in Minneapolis, Chicago, Jamaica or Nairobi, Kenya, you are making a difference in the world and for our beloved Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS

August 2018 Aug. 3 Aug. 7

Aug. 23

Chicago Golf Outing (Darien, Ill.) Twin Cities Community Welcome for Father Burns (Minneapolis, Minn.)

Move-In Day (Winona)

September 2018

Sept. 7-8 Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend (Winona) Sept. 7 Sports Hall of Fame ceremony (Winona) Sept. 8 Cardinal ‘M’ Club Golf Outing (Winona) Sept. 7-8 Young Alumni Weekend (Winona) Sept. 23-25 Lasallian Research Symposium (Minneapolis) Sept. 28-29 Family Weekend (Winona) Sept. 29 Parents’ Council Reception (Winona) Sept. 29 Alumni Legacy Dinner (Winona)

46 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

ROBERT FISHER ’97, M’06 DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS

October 2018 Oct. Oct. Oct.

Oct.

5 13 20 27

Inauguration of Fr. Burns (Winona) SGPP Commencement (Minneapolis) Celebration of Excellence - Chicago (Chicago, Ill.) Lasallian Day of Service (Various locations)

November 2018

Nov. 30 Twin Cities Alumni Christmas Gathering (Minneapolis)

1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

1. SUMMER BASH

Chicago-area alumni including, from left: Rob Figliulo ’76, Rich Reedy ’76, and Mike Schuld ’76, gathered at Oak Brook Hills Resort and Willowcrest Golf Club for a fun day on Aug. 11, 2017.

2. YOUNG ALUMNI WEEKEND 2017

More than 150 young alumni returned to Saint Mary’s and Winona to reconnect during Young Alumni Weekend on Sept. 8-10, 2017, including, from left: Aidan Goodman ’17, Emily (Blaser) Fonseca ’16, Elliut Fonseca ’17, and Megan Ringsred ’17.

3. CHICAGO ALUMNI GATHERING

Alumni and friends gathered at the North Shore Country Club to engage with the university and to learn about the recent news from Saint Mary’s. Enjoying the day are, from left: James Venn ’75 and Frank Howard ’76.

4. ALUMNI LEGACY DINNER

On Sept. 30, 2017, alumni from Saint Mary’s and the College of Saint Teresa gathered during Family Weekend to celebrate our legacy families (alumni with children currently enrolled at Saint Mary’s). One of our legacy families included, from left: Colleen Garry ’19, Dan Garry ’87, and Jeanne Garry.

3.

7.

5. LASALLIAN DAY OF SERVICE

Over 68 alumni and friends served their communities in the Twin Cities, Winona, Milwaukee, and Chicago for the annual Lasallian Day of Service, which occurred on Oct. 14, 2017. Pictured are Twin Cities alumni serving at Feed My Starving Children.

6. FIRST GENERATION INITIATIVE EVENT – CHICAGO Alumni, parents and friends, including from left: Marlecia Brown, Ann Kendall, George Kendall, Mary Ann Kendall, Ana Cholico ’15, John Domanico ’77 and Joanie Domanico CST’78, gathered at the Oak Brook Country Club to celebrate and raise money for the First Generation Initiative on Oct. 25, 2017.

7. CAREER NETWORK ALUMNI NIGHT

Alumni and students gathered for a networking night Oct. 24, 2017, in the Merle Wilberding ’66 Alumni Room. This event is designed to teach students networking skills and is held the night before the annual Career Fair on the Winona Campus. Here, students speak with Ryan Rosenberg ’00. (continued)

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 47

AlUMnI 8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

8. ROCHESTER HALLOWEEN FUN DAY

Over 100 alumni and family members gathered together for a spooktacular event of games, treats, and fun at the Cascade Meadow Environmental Wetlands Center. Big Red interacted with excited children in festive Halloween costumes at the Rochester Halloween Fun Day on Oct. 28, 2017.

9. COLORADO ALUMNI AND FRIENDS GATHERING

Alumni, parents, prospective families, faculty and staff, including from left: Audrey Kintzi (vice president for Development and Alumni Relations), Patrice Henning ’84 and Susan Stensing ’99, attended the Colorado Alumni Event in Denver, Colo., on Nov. 18, 2018. The event was held in association with the Huether Lasallian Education Conference.

10. TWIN CITIES CHRISTMAS ALUMNI GATHERING

Many Twin Cities-area alumni of the undergraduate college and the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, including from left: Lexi Hamilton ’15, Conner Ellinghuysen ’15, M’17, Trish Nguyen ’14, Kenzie Corrow ’14, and Julie Bartosz ’13, gathered at the Minneapolis Club to ring in the Christmas season.

11. CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS Alumni and friends gathered for a pre-game event and Chicago Blackhawks game on Dec. 10, 2017. Nearly 100 alumni and friends,

48 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

14.

including Bill Lafond ’85, M’17, and Melissa (Kunert) Lafond ’85, participated in this fun event at the United Center in Chicago.

Blackhawks President and CEO John McDonough ’75 addressed the Saint Mary’s crowd during the pre-game event.

12. CHRISTMAS AT THE MINNESOTA ZOO

On Dec. 2, 2017, 40 alumni and their families gathered at the Minnesota Zoo for a family fun event. One of these families included Laurie (Baldwin) Noonan ’81, Jenny (DuMond) Noonan ’03, James Noonan ’81, Kevin Noonan ’03, Claire Noonan, Ellie Noonan, and Nolan Noonan.

Families received passes to the Minnesota Zoo and enjoyed lunch with other Saint Mary’s guests.

13. WINONA HOLIDAY GATHERING

Over 60 alumni and friends, including from left: Dr. David Christenson ’68, Dr. Mike Flynn ’75, and Dr. Scott Turner ’72, braved snowy conditions to attend the Winona Holiday Gathering in the Toner Student Center on Jan. 11, 2018.

14. ARIZONA ALUMNI AND FRIENDS GATHERING

Forty alumni, including Ginger Chabot and H. Edward Chabot ’72, came together for the Arizona Alumni and Friends Alumni Gathering at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Ariz., on Jan. 26, 2018.

16.

15.

18.

17.

20.

19.

15. WASHINGTON D.C. ALUMNI GATHERING

On Feb. 5, 2018, 38 Saint Mary’s alumni, including from left: Steve Mayer ’66, Cynthia (Engesser) Jones ’88, and Patrick Green ’68, gathered at the University Club for the Washington, D.C., Alumni and Friends Gathering — thanks to the great generosity of hosts Jim Casimir ’61 and Richard Willett ’57.

16. MISSING VOICES: EQUITY IN EDUCATION SUMMIT

Each year, the Graduate School of Education hosts an educational summit for educators and students at the University Center on the Twin Cities Campus of Saint Mary’s. Event speakers and participants, along with alumni, dug into many of the topics discussed during the Equity in Education Summit in a private post-event reception on Feb. 15, 2018.

17. FLORIDA ALUMNI AND FRIENDS GATHERING

Florida alumni and friends, including from left: Mary Ann Pearson, Peter Pearson ’70, David Ness ’64, Katherine (Tierney) Ness CST’64, Kathy Kurz, and Michael Kurz ’63, gathered for a luncheon at the Club at Mediterra, thanks to hosts, Jim ’69 and Marianne Coogan.

18. NORTH SHORE CHICAGO GATHERING

Chicago alumni and friends, including from left: Nancy Wiltgen ’75, Tom Baryl ’58, and Jennifer Baryl ’86, gathered at the North Shore Country Club in Chicago on April 12, 2018. This event was to celebrate Saint Mary’s and Brother William Mann’s decade of service as president.

19. LOS ANGELES ALUMNI AND FRIENDS GATHERING

On Feb. 25, 2018, 27 alumni, friends, prospective students, and families joined together for the Los Angeles Alumni and Friends Gathering at the Santa Ana Country Club, which was hosted by Joseph Wagner ’82. Attendees included. from left: former and current theatre students Jack Walterman ’17, Lexi Hillman ’20, Zach Hillman ’17, Alex Gorgone ’09, Veronica Raulin ’06, Dr. Gary Diomandes (professor emeritus of theatre), John Haegele ’03, Edward Gelhaus ’06, and Andy Greene ’06.

20. M.A. IN PHILANTHROPY AND DEVELOPMENT RECEPTION

Alumni, faculty, students, and prospective students gathered during the Association of Fundraising Professionals Conference in New Orleans on April 15, 2018. Pictured are, from left: back, Leonette Henderson M’16, Madelaine Kuns M’17, Audrey Kintzi, Luke Ates (current student), Dzenan Berberovic M’17; front, Stuart Steffy M’15, and Traci Douglas M’17.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 49

CLASS NOTES 1960s Art Clark ’61, Raleigh, N.C., continues to teach occasionally for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at NC State University in Raleigh, most recently a course on literary memoirs by acclaimed authors, including “Messages from My Father”

by Calvin Trillin, which he recommends to classmates and other alumni.

John Polka ’64, River Forest, Ill., a Fenwick High School biology teacher and hall of fame track coach, retired after 52 years at the school, which is located in Oak Park, Ill. John Jelinek ’67, Hopkins, Minn., retired from Quantitative Advantage on Sept. 30, 2017.

1970s Deacon Patrick Logsdon ’70 was killed Nov. 3, 2017, by one of the men he served at Anthony House, where Logsdon had served for 30 years. Anthony House — located in Long Island, N.Y. — is a transitional house for men, many of whom have been imprisoned, or are homeless or addicted. Since his tragic death, a number of initiatives are under way to continue his legacy; a book titled Forty Weeks – Letters from Prison was published this spring and was dedicated to his heroic works in the ministry he embraced.

James McCanney ’70, Mound, Minn., company JMCC WING, LLC, was selected as one of five finalists on March 22, 2018, from a field of 98 international competitors to compete for the $1.5 million prize this July 2018 offered by the Water Abundance XPRIZE, powered by Tata Group and Australian Aid. The challenge is to design a system that will extract more than 2,000 liters of water per day from the air using only renewable energy sources

for a cost of less than 2 cents per liter.

Steve Romanchuk ’71, Oakdale, Minn., was inducted in to the Hill Murray High School Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 1, 2017.

Patrick Salvi ’75, Chicago, is a partner at an awardwinning firm, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. The firm was recognized for excellence in the 2018 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list regionally in two practice areas. Firms included in the 2018 “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. The 2018 Edition of “Best Law Firms” includes rankings in 74 national practice areas and 122 metropolitan-based practice areas.

Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. received the following rankings in the 2018 U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”: In Metropolitan Tier 1, Chicago, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs; and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs.

Additionally, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago’s third annual Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit. Each year, the award is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the church and bar.

Salvi also won a recordbreaking $148 million verdict on behalf of a young woman who was paralyzed when the pedestrian shelter she was standing next to outside of O’Hare International Airport collapsed onto her in 2015.

The verdict represents the highest personal injury compensatory verdict awarded to an individual in Illinois State History and is more than twice the previous compensatory record verdict in Illinois of $64 million.

50 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

Misiewicz nets gold medal in sled hockey Josh Misiewicz, a former Saint Mary’s student, clinched a sled hockey gold medal after a closely-contested championship game during the Paralympics in South Korea earlier this year.

Marine Lance Corporal Misiewicz attended Saint Mary’s University for two years (2006-08) and played on the men’s hockey team before pursuing his passion to become a U.S. Marine.

His life changed in July 2011 when he was severely injured in Afghanistan. After a landmine exploded, both of his eardrums shattered and he lost both of his legs.

Misiewicz recovered from the explosion and received the Purple Heart medal in fall 2011. At the time, Misiewicz never anticipated playing the sport he’d grown up with again, making reaching the Paralympics an impressive feat.

During Misiewicz’s time at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, a friend introduced Misiewicz to sled hockey, and returning to the ice helped him recover both physically and mentally. Now, Misiewicz has played for several years on the U.S. men’s national sled hockey team and has concluded his first Paralympics.

After dominating the ice in early competition during the Paralympics, the second-ranked U.S. team, on which Misiewicz played center, won the gold medal in a thrilling overtime game against Canada. “It was a roller coaster,” he said. *Information from this article was summarized from a Pioneer Press article.

Bill Figel ’76, Chicago, marked his 30th year in public relations and media consulting as owner of Figel Public Relations, Chicago. Bill and wife Kathy’s daughter, Lily Jinyi Figel, is currently an undergraduate student at Saint Mary’s, majoring in small business and entrepreneurship. Bill continues to serve on the Celebration of Excellence Committee, currently preparing for the Fall 2018 Gala in Chicago.

Jeff Black ’77, Mahtomedi, Minn., was inducted into the Hill-Murray High School Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 1, 2017.

Bob Biebel ’79, M’07, Oshkosh, Wis., is the vice president of advancement with Xavier Catholic Schools.

Msgr. Paul Heiting ’78, Fulda, Minn., is pastor of the parishes of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Fulda; Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church,

C AR D I NA L S

Currie, Minn.; and St. Anthony Catholic Church, Westbrook, Minn., He also serves as judge on the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal.

Patrick Marek ’79, Winona, received the Rotary Club Paul Harris Award.

1980s Jerry Karel ’80, White Bear Lake, Minn., retired from 3M Company after 32 years in applied research and product development. He is now engaged in a number of new professional and volunteer activities around the Twin Cities. Judy (Mohnen) Karel ’80 also retired from the Mahtomedi School District after 20+ years in Special Education. They just returned from a long road trip that included bucket list locations such as the Baseball Hall of Fame (Cooperstown, N.Y.) and Niagara Falls.

Stephen Marble ’81, Waseca, Minn., ran the 121st Boston Marathon. He also retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Waseca in January 2016.

Connie (Mueller) Johnson ’82, White Bear Lake, Minn., completed a three-year executive development program focused on business management, ethics, strategic planning, and marketing. She was awarded the prestigious Pat Massart Scholarship during the Certified Auctioneers Institute at Indiana University.

Dr. Keith Elliston ’83, Bedford, Mass., is a scientist/ entrepreneur in the for-profit and non-profit biomedical space, and has co-founded more than a dozen companies. He was a founder and executive director of the i2b2 tranSMART Foundation, and founded the Systems Biology program at CHDI Foundation, and was chief commercial officer at Curoverse. He has also been the Founder and Chief Executive officer or chief

staff officer of biotechnology companies in the areas of biomedical computing, artificial intelligence, systems biology and genomics. He has spent his career in the Pharmaceutical (Merck and Bayer), Biotechnology (Gene Logic, Viaken, Genstruct/ Selventa) industries and the nonprofit (CHDI, tranSMART, i2b2-tranSMART Foundations) spaces.

Matt Marron ’83, Hinsdale, Ill., became a Farmers Insurance agent in September 2017. He is licensed in life and health, as well as property and casualty, and is selling auto, home, life, and commercial policies in Illinois. He joined the Augustyniak Insurance Agency, Inc. in Westmont, Ill., on April 1, 2018.

Allen Klein M’83, San Francisco, Calif., received the Best New Book of the Year Award from The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor for his book, Secrets Kids Know … That Adults Oughta Learn. The award was presented at their annual conference in San Diego on April 13, 2018.

Greg Zimprich ’86, Eden Prairie, Minn., accepted a new role leading finance communications for Medtronic, beginning Feb. 19, 2018, after three years leading global business communications at Honeywell.

Steve Hyzny ’87, Brookfield, Ill., was promoted to senior lecturer for Governors State University’s Information Technology/Computer Science division. He achieved Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification and is a subject matter expert for CompTIA’s Network+, Security+ and CTT+ certifications. He also earned CompTIA’s Advanced Security Practitioners certification.

Michael Murphy M’89, Greenbrae, Calif., a former Christian Brother, is now

teaching at the Nueva School in Hillsborough, Calif. After finishing his master’s degree at Saint Mary’s, he continued teaching mathematics and religious studies in the Midwest. Since 1988 he has lived in California, and earned a master’s degree in Spirituality and Psychology at Holy Names University in Oakland (1989). He then taught at numerous schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and was enrolled in the Counseling Psychology MFT program at Santa Clara University. He has been an MBTI® certified practitioner since 1993. He loves teaching and has no plans to retire.

1990s Ellen (McGonagle) Cole ’90, Clearwater, Fla. joined the team at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla., as the marketing manager.

Jason Waterman ’90, Victoria, Minn., joined Korn Ferry as senior client partner in the global financial officer practice.

Alexandra (Canedo) Thiel ’91, Brookfield, Ill., started a new position as patient care information associate in the Neuro ICU at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Stacy (Malewicki) Matthees ’93, Winona, was inducted into Winona Senior High School Athletic Hall of Fame on Sept. 23, 2017.

Erin (Riemer) Caldwell ’94, Willowbrook, Ill., celebrated 22 years at Siemens in Chicago, currently as a project manager. She celebrated 14 years of marriage to her husband Kevin and has two sons, ages 11 and 8.

Rev. Kurt Farrell ’94, Albert Lea, Minn., is pastor at St. Theodore Catholic Church.

Patrick Connolly ’95, St. Paul, Minn., is co-founder and

C ONNE C T

principal of Velocity Public Affairs.

Dr. Deb Henton M’95, C’96, D’99, Stillwater, Minn., was named Minnesota Superintendent of the Year (2018) by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators.

Lance Wicks M’97, L’00, Blaine, Minn., is the activities director for Anoka High School.

Molly Kaliher M’98, Hudson, Wis., will be working for Grove Elementary School as a special education teacher.

Rev. Tait Schroeder ’98, Madison, Wis., was asked to serve in the Discipline Section of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican for a period of five years beginning March 1, 2018.

Annissa Ulbrich ’99, Winona, joined the Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics (BSI) as a business analyst/project manager at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

Karen (Lachowicz) Hartke ’99, C’05, M’17, Woodlake, Minn., completed her master’s degree in English Language Services (ESL) at Saint Mary’s University and is teaching K-12 ELS at Lakeview Schools in Cottonwood, Minn.

2000-2009 Matt Budny ’00, Plainfield, Ill., works for Pulaski Savings Bank.

Sheridan (Voracek) Anderson ’00, St. Paul, Minn., is a certified peer specialist/ adult rehabilitative mental health service practitioner at Minnesota CarePartner.

Brenda Fischer M’00, Esko, Minn., was named dean of the School of Education at the College of St. Scholastica as of Aug. 1, 2017.

Jon Gossett, ACFRE, M’00, Washington, D.C., is the chief

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 51

CLASS NOTES advancement officer with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Marie Techam M’03, Delano, Minn., was named Delano Teacher of the Year for 2018.

Sister Kathy Lange, SCSC, M’00, De Pere, Wis., retired from pastoral ministry on June 30, 2017. She is now in a new ministry with Sister Celine Goessl — going to churches, schools, and civic organizations in Wisconsin giving awareness talks on the crime of human trafficking

Jay Woller M’03, Minneapolis, is principal at East Union Elementary School in Carver, Minn.

Melisa Maxwell M’00, C’07, C’14, Wahkon, Minn., is the kindergarten through sixthgrade dean of students at Isle Schools.

Elizabeth (Moe) Garcia ’01, Geneva, Ill., is a licensed real estate broker at Century 21, Downers Grove, Ill. Dr. Diane (Wood) Gordon ’01, Denver, Colo., is happy to announce her family moved back to the Mountain West from whence they came (after eight years in Cincinnati)!

She is working as a pediatric anesthesiologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Ronald Gellner M’01, West Fargo, N.D., was named associate director for patient care for the Fargo Veterans Affairs.

Aimee Viniard-Weideman M’01, Decorah, Iowa, is vice president for communications and marketing at Luther College.

Maureen (Hayes) Morrison ’02, Oswego, Ill., is the front of the house manager with Paramount Theatre in Aurora.

Dr. Josh Swanson M’02, L’04, C’12, D’16, Mound, Minn., officially became the Eden Prairie School District’s superintendent on Aug. 21, 2017.

Dawn McCabe M’03, Buffalo, Minn., took over as principal at St. Timothy Catholic School in Maple Lake on July 1, 2017.

Over, which was filmed at Steppenwolf by Spike Lee and debuted at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. It is now streaming on Amazon Prime.

Walter Mannino ’08, Boca Raton, Fla., is now the vendor sales manager for the Americans Association for Physician Leadership.

Anne Harala ’06, Duluth, Minn., is serving as campaign manager for Congressman Rick Nolan’s 2018 campaign.

Mike Mulholland ’08, Rushford, Minn., began teaching high school science at RushfordPeterson in the fall of 2017.

Kyle Te Poel ’04, Stillwater, Minn., began work as an interpreter at Mill City Museum in Minneapolis last October.

He also started his own business, Next Bend Birding & Photography, providing guided birding and nature tours and selling photography.

Dr. Jim Walters ’06, Ed.D. of Power of Learning, Inc., was part of a research team whose research “The Effect of Online Cognitive Training on Sustained Attention Measures for Electric Power Line Installers” was listed on the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) Top Ten download list in various topics.

Emily (Boynton) Solheid ’08, Winona, in the new director of human resources with Winona Area Public Schools.

Regina Barr M’05, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., is a Minnesota State Representative for district 52B. She is also the president with Red Ladder, Inc.

Jeremy Wells, CFRE, M’06, Blaine, Minn., was recognized one of the “40 Under 40 for 2018” by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

Kristi Brandt C’05, Valley City, N.D., was named North Dakota High School Principal of the Year by the North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals in Aug. 2018.

Dr. Julia Espe D’07, Clear Lake, Minn., is the superintendent of Princeton Public Schools, and she is the recipient of the 2018 Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award. The award recognizes excellent leadership and involvement in the Minnesota Association of School Administrators and other educational organizations by an administrator who is a woman.

Jason Paske M’04, C’08, Blaine, Minn., is principal at Blaine High School.

Sheryl Hill M’05, Mound, Minn., is founder and executive director of Depart Smart, a world speaker, author of Walking on Sunshine, NRG a Divine Transformation-a spiritual memoir and USA Book News Award finalist.

Find out more at http:// departsmart.ory and http:// travelheroes.org Jennifer Telecky M’05, C’12, Hutchison, Minn., is the assistant principal with Hutchinson High School.

Ian Wildenborg ’05, New York, N.Y., was admitted into the partnership of KPMG LLP, one of the largest accounting and professional services firms in the world, as of Oct. 1, 2017.

John Clementz ’06, Chicago, is the casting director at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He cast the world premieres of Tracy Letts’ The Minutes (2018 Pulitzer Finalist) and Antoinette Nwandu’s Pass

52 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

Melissa (Holt) Haugh ’07, Easton, Minn., is the United South Central social worker for grades K-12.

Eric Sonnek ’07, C’17, Kellogg, Minn., is the principal at St. Felix Catholic School.

Forkpayea Johnson M’08, Coon Rapids, Minn., obtained a dual degree in Health and Human Services Administration and Management from Saint Mary’s. As it is often said, “A thousand miles begin with a single step.” In December 2017, Johnson obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health with emphasis in Community Health Education and Promotion.

Jean Duffy C’09, Clear Lake, Minn., is assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction of Becker Public Schools. She was the recipient of the 2018 Outstanding Central Office Lease Award by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators.

Rev. Alan Guanella ’09, La Crosse, Wis., began full-time, in-residence studies on Canon Law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. At the end of his studies, he will return to the Diocese of La Crosse with a pontifical licentiate on Canon Law. Nerita Hughes M’09, Minnetonka, Minn., was featured in the May issue of Rolling out magazine — a black celebrity news, entertainment, business, and politics magazine — for her work as a college dean at North Hennepin Community College: https://rollingout. com/2018/05/04/collegedean-nerita-hughes-isgiving-students-access-to-aworkforce-pipeline.

Judd Wheatley M’09, C’12, Cokato, Minn., joined MACCRY Elementary as their principal.

2010-2015 Jeff Apse C’10, St. Charles, Minn., was named superintendent for the St. Charles School District.

Rev. Mitchell Bechtold ’10, St. Cloud, Minn., serves St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Clarissa and Bertha and Christ

C AR D I NA L S

the King Church and school in Browerville, Minn.

Lacy Ray Cannon M’10, Brooklyn Park, Minn., was named as an assistant principal with Southwest High School.

Amber Fogarty M’10, Del Valle, Texas, is the chief goodness officer at Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) in Austin, Texas. Mobile Loaves & Fishes empowers communities into a lifestyle of service with the homeless. MLF is also the visionary behind Austin’s innovative Community First!

Village, a 27-acre master planned development that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for the disabled, chronically homeless in Central Texas.

Anne (Shutte) Hansen ’10, M’17, received her Master of Arts in Education from Saint Mary’s on Oct. 14, 2017. She is teaching at Martin County West School District.

LaRue Pierce C’10, Springfield, Mass., was named as assistant vice president of student affairs and dean of students with Springfield Technical Community College.

Clint Rogers M’10, Rudolph, Wis., is the new principal at Antigo High School.

Brandon Wanless ’10, Long Lake, Minn., teaches theology at Saint Agnes School in St. Paul, Minn.

John Weizeorick ’10, Naperville, Ill., is an independent business owner at EJW Global.

Mary Yackley M’10, Mendota Heights, Minn., supervisor of student health and wellness for Saint Paul Public Schools, was named the 2017 School Nurse Administrator of the Year by the School Nurse Organization of Minnesota.

Brother Ryan Anderson, FSC ’11, Minneapolis, works for DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis. He teaches a class

for sophomores called Creed and the Sacraments and also serves in the school’s Lasallian Ministry Office.

Matt Dory ’11, Baltimore, M.D., graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health in May 2017 with a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology. He is working for Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as an epidemiologist in the immigrant/refugee health division.

Joe Mazzuca ’11, St. Michael, Minn., is a contractor at Robert Half Technology.

Sarah Bignell ’12, Minneapolis, and her sister, Megan, are part owners of The Thirsty Whale, an award-winning custom bakery in Minneapolis. Megan is a nationally recognized pastry chef and Sarah is the bakery’s marketing manager.

Ashley (Blum) Levis ’12, Minneiska, Minn., was promoted to creative director at the Winona Post newspaper.

Michael Chatman M’12, Cape Coral, Fla., is an influential leader in philanthropy and is now the president and chief executive officer of the Cape Coral Community Foundation.

Shaun Flandrick M’11, C’12, Maple Grove, Minn., was named as an assistant principal with Southwest High School.

Kevin Halpin, ’12, Bartlett, Ill., inspires, leads, and teaches students at Bartlett High School as a vocational job coach. The special education department helps students with disabilities prepare for life after high school. He is excited to be a part of a dedicated and supportive team.

Jeff Henrich M’12, Lake Orion, Mich., was named president and chief executive officer for Guest House Inc. Alyssa (Habberstad) Humpal ’12, Rochester, Minn., is the Early Childhood Family

Education coordinator for Kingsland Public Schools.

Nicole Olson ’12, Red Wing, Minn., was named as the Wingers new girls’ high school hockey head coach.

Jenna Freudenberg M’13, Vermillion, S.D., is an assistant women’s basketball coach at the University of South Dakota.

Rachel Kwiecinski ’13, Vernon Hills, Ill., presented the results of her master’s dissertation on the censorship of West Side Story under the Lord Chamberlain’s Office in 1958 at BroadwayCon in New York City in January of 2018.

Rebekah (Kisrow) Lehn ’13, Winona, is an adjunct instructor in physics at Winona State University.

Justin Nelson ’13, M’15, Coon Rapids, Minn., accepted a position in October 2017 as the Hemophilia Treatment Center Program Manager.

He is applying 10 years of professional experience and education to impacting patient outcomes in the bleeding and clotting disorders community at Children’s Minnesota.

Cody Sprague ’13, M’17 McGregor, Minn., has a new position as a shift supervisor with CVS Health.

Kenzie Corrow ’14, Eagle Lake, Minn., joined the law firm of Farrish Johnson Law Offices as one of their new attorneys. She will be focusing on family law.

Amanda Ferstead ’14, Moscow, Idaho, graduated from Indiana University with a Master of Public Health and Master of Art Degree in Latin American Studies in May. She is now working at the University of Idaho as the Mental Health Program coordinator.

Tasha Lehner M’14, Vadnais Heights, Minn., co-authored the book Caleb’s Healing Story: An Interactive Story with Activities to Help Children to Overcome Challenges Arising from Trauma, Attachment

C ONNE C T

Issues, Adoption, or Fostering published by Jessica Kingsley Publishing.

Nick Nagel ’14, Andover, Minn., is working for Medtronic as a test engineer. He graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of St. Thomas.

Patricia Nguyen ’14, Blaine, Minn., is a lab manager at Lenscrafters.

Sean Pavelich ’14, Oakdale, Minn., works for SS&C Technologies as a fund reporting consultant 3.

Todd Brist D’15, Watertown, S.D., is principal of Watertown Middle School, and has been elected to serve on the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) Board of Trustees. He is president of the South Dakota Association for Middle Level Education Board and serves on the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors in Watertown. Brist has presented on middle-level education topics at numerous state, regional, and national conferences and was honored as the 2016 South Dakota Principal of the Year.

Janae Fry ’15, Burr Ridge, Ill., is a third-year student doctor at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine and was selected as the academic member of the Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OPAC). She represents the voice of osteopathic students, interns, and residents and her role includes increasing their involvement in OPAC. Jeff Isaacson M’15, Minneapolis, released his latest novel A Championship Mystery through his (very) small press, Fair Science Books.

Fair Science Books is a press dedicated to increasing girls’ and women’s participation in STEM and increasing general science literacy through fun fiction. Learn more at: http// fairsciencebooks.com

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 53

CLASS NOTES Stephanie MacPhail M’15, Eden Prairie, Minn., was awarded the TIES Exceptional Teacher Award in 2016.

Mary Scott ’17, Rochester, Minn., works for Kingsland School as the Title 1 math and reading teacher.

Alexandra Raske ’15, Chicago, has a new position as assistant softball coach at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School.

Weddings

Christina O’Connor ’15, Wheeling, Ill., earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from DePaul University College of Law in May of 2018. She walked at the May 13th graduation ceremony.

Natalie Williams ’15, Chicago, started a new position as account executive at Chicago Sky-Official.

Katie O’Leary ’16, Chicago, is finishing up her twoyear tenure as a Lasallian Volunteer at De La Salle Academy in Concord, California, where she was a teacher and program coordinator. In the fall of 2018, she will be starting a master’s program in Counseling at Saint Mary’s in Moraga, Calif.

She will be the Lasallian Volunteer Scholar which means she received a full scholarship, room and board, as well as a job in the Mission and Ministry Center, where she coordinates immersion trips for students.

Clare Siska ’16, Byron, Minn., started a new position as business insights consultant for Halliburton as Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

Katherine Thompson M’16, Vergas, Minn., teaches math to fifth-graders at Frazee Elementary School.

Connor Bonfe ’17, St. Paul, Minn., is a human resource administrator for the Department of Homeland Security.

Abigail Fangman ’17, Dubuque, Iowa, works for WDF Enterprises and Green Crest Landscaping as a marketing director.

Gene Jackson ’82, married Veronica Robledo, Chicago, on March 10, 2018 at the McNay Museum of Art in San Antonio, Texas.

Kevin Collins ’08 married Matty Price, Chicago, on Aug. 26, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church in Lake Forest, Ill. Walter Mannino ’08 married Laura on Oct. 8, 2017 in Austin, Texas, at the Hummingbird House.

Leah Hoglin ’09 married David Campbell ’09, M’10, Brainerd, Minn., on Oct. 21, 2017 at St. John the Baptist Church in Savage, Minn. Saint Mary’s alumni in attendance were, Andrea Bias ’09, Andrea Hoglin ’12, Megan (Harrington) Godfrey ’09, Erin O’Keefe ’09, Ulysses Izaola M’10, Jenn Benson ’09, Meghan Campbell ’13, Sarah (Mueller) Thornton ’09, C’13, M’14, Alison (Kay) Duffy ’09, John Uhal ’13, and Patti (Schommer) Uhal ’14.

Karina Rajtar ’10 married Jordan Wiatros on June 3, 2017 in Minneapolis.

Kelly Wagner ’11 married Santiago Escobar ’11, Woodbury, Minn., on Aug. 12, 2017, in Saint Paul, Minn.

Maria Harris ’12 married Mitchell May ’12, Roseville, Minn., on Aug. 26, 2017 in Saint Paul, Minn. Saint Mary’s alumni in attendance included: Trisha Stachowski ’12, Laura Polzin ’12, Emily Vierling ’12, Tina Swanberg ’12, Marianne Sullivan ’12, Samantha (Dahlstrom) Callisto ’12, Abby Voight ’12, Maggie Villaume ’12, Amalia Santos ’12, Abbey Steinle ’12, Catie McNamara ’12, Jill (Borntrager) Wagner ’12, Jen Tobroxen ’14, Danielle Harris ’12, Andrea (Allis) George ’11, Dave Samson ’88, Amy

54 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

(Wandmacher) Maturen ’88, Cassie (Berning) Mockler ’12, Brigid McDonough ’12, Scott Graphenteen ’12, Mike Ostman ’12, Mary Kelly ’88, Sam Callisto ’12, Annie Garrigan ’12, Michael Mockler ’12, Robert Rousseau ’12, Jake Rivet ’12, Josh Lentner ’12, Tim Sheedy ’11, and Chris Schleper ’08.

Emily Blaser ’16 married Elliut Fonseca ’17, Roseville, Minn., on Dec. 30, 2017 in Winona, Minn., at Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels.

Many Saint Mary’s alumni, faculty, and staff attended the wedding.

Births Laura (Miller) Hensley ’01, Minneapolis, a son, Harrison, on April 11, 2018.

Bill ’02 and Meredith (Riewe) Daniel ’02, Silver Spring, Md., a daughter, Elizabeth Ann, on Dec. 19, 2017. She joins brothers, Isaac, Simon, Joseph, and John Paul, and sister, Marian.

Brent and Maggie (Ortmann) Jambor ’03, Minburn, Iowa, a daughter, Lily Rose Teresa, on June 5, 2017.

Jesse and Bethany (Duchow) Christensen ’04, Mount Prospect, Ill., a son, Eric Daniel, on March 12, 2017.

James and Rosie (Gwost) Dotson ’04, M’05, New Prague, Minn., a daughter, Zelda Avaline, on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018. Big sister Matilda is warming up to the idea of having a little sister.

Brandon ’05 and Kristina (Dougherty) Horsch ’05, Haven, Kan., had their fourth daughter in March 2017.

Maggie and Ryan Norrell ’06, Bismarck, N.D., a daughter, Julia Rose, on Aug. 31. 2017.

She joins sister, Mara, 9, and brothers, Liam, 7, and Kierna, 2.

João Otávio and Jonna (Schimek) Benevides Demasi ’07, Rochester, Minn., a daughter, Pia Carmela, on March 23, 2018. She joins her big sister, Maria Chiara, 2.

Alex ’10, M’13 and Kelli (Sholl) Genz ’10, St. Paul, Minn., a daughter, Nora Rae, on Jan. 29, 2018. She joins big sister Avery, 6, and big brother Mason, 3.

Peter ’13 and Amy (Spitzmueller) Borash ’14, Royalton, Minn., a daughter, Irene Elizabeth, on March 3, 2018.

Seth ’13 and Ashley (Walz) Lardy ’15, Alexandria, Minn., adopted a son, Declan Ryan.

Declan was born on Nov. 13, 2017.

Matt ’13 and Lorelle (Brune) Pysh ’13, Valparaiso, Ind., a daughter, Regina Paige, on Nov. 8, 2017. She joins big brother Joel at home.

Aaron ’14 and Jessica (Drake) Fimon ’15, Robbinsdale, Minn., a son, Henry Thomas, on Jan. 6, 2018. He joins Theodore, 2.

David and Stephanie MacPhail M’15, a son, Bryce Anders, on Oct. 2, 2016.

Sympathies Joanne (Thulis) Montgomery CST’55, on the death of her husband, Gerard Montgomery ’54, on Sept. 22, 2017.

Dr. Thomas Meehan ’61, on the death of his brother, Deacon Peter Meehan ’59, on Jan. 15, 2018.

Anthony Pacelli ’66, on the death of his wife, Gayle Pacelli, on Feb. 9, 2018.

James Penfold ’66, on the death of his wife, Kathy Penfold, on Aug. 7, 2017.

Robert Udziela ’66, on the death of his wife, Charlotte Udziela, on Aug 25, 2017.

C AR D I NA L S

James ’69 and Kathleen (Perrella) Logsdon CST’69, on the death of their brother and brother-in-law, Deacon Patrick Logsdon ’70, on Nov. 3, 2017.

Dr. Larry Lisack ’70, on the death of his brother, Thomas Lisack ’80, on April 5, 2018.

Mike ’70, Dan ’71, and Brian Trauscht ’07, on the death of their father and grandfather, Victor Trauscht ’44, on May 16, 2017.

Neil Sharpe ’72, Finola (Sharpe) Keegan ’78, and Paul ’84 and Celine (Sharpe) Cronin ’84, on the death of their brother and brother-inlaw, Connor Sharpe ’84, on Sept. 24, 2017.

death of their mother and grandmother, Virginia Carlevato, in February 2018.

on the death of their husband and brother, Richard Graske ’81, on Jan. 31, 2018.

Kevin ’75 and Michelle (Badzinski) Buhl ’78, on the death of their father and father-in-law, Dr. John Buhl ’42, on March 5, 2017.

Amy (Furimsky) Scheel ’80, on the death of her son, Brandon Scheel, on June 21, 2017.

Carol (Smith) O’Grady ’75, on the death of her brother, James Smith ’66, on Oct. 16, 2017.

Liz (Hanley) McGillivary ’81 and Conor McGillivary ’19, on the death of their husband and father, John McGillivary, on March 1, 2017.

Nancy Wiltgen ‘75, on the death of her mother, Rita Wiltgen, on Jan. 18, 2018.

Ken Kasarski ’77 and Patricia (Galvin) Lavin ’92, on the death of their wife and sister, Maureen (Galvin) Kasarski ’77, on March 7, 2018.

John ’73, and Mary (Cassidy) Brawley ’75, Richard Tobin ’76, Michael Tobin ’78, Kevin ’79 and Kathy (Brawley) Cavanagh ’79, Mark Brawley ’84, and Mike Brawley ’01, on the death of their sister, sisterin-law and aunt, Marybeth (Tobin) Brawley ’79, on Feb. 24, 2018.

Tom ’79 and Sally (Johnston) Heer ’79, on the death of their father and father-in-law, Robert Heer ’46, on Aug. 21, 2017.

Edward Kilkus ’76, on the death of his brother, James Kilkus ’72, on April 17, 2018.

Patrick ’79 and Maureen (Randell) Marek ’81, Mary Beth (Marek) Dotson ’83, Peter ’83 and Kathleen (Marek) Gleich ’83, M’04, Teresa (Marek) McCabe ’89, Sarah (Marek) Landman ’04, M’07, Michael Marek ’07, Matthew Marek ’10, and Mary (Gleich) Matthews ’10, on the death of their mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, Beverly Marek, on Oct. 21, 2017.

Ellen Motz Zavala ’78 on the death of her husband, Jose Vicente Zavala, on Dec. 11, 2017.

Frank Zacher ’72, on the death of his wife, Cynthia (Jefferson) Zacher ’77, on Jan. 26, 2018.

Frank ’72 and the late Cynthia (Jefferson) Zacher ’77, on the death of their mother and mother-in-law, Waneta Zacher.

Dr. James Mulvey ’73, Ann (Mulvey) Wilson ’74 and Michael Mulvey ’76, on the death of their sister, Maureen (Mulvey) MacMullen ’82, on May 11, 2017.

Bruce Carlevato ’74, Andre Sherlock ’77, Anthony Sherlock ’02, and Steven Carlevato ’12, on the

Dr. Mary Mueller ’79, on the death of her sister, Lynn (Mueller) Pak ’82, on June 26, 2017.

Tim Atwood ’80 and Mary (Atwood) Graehling ’84, on the death of their mother, Agnes Atwood, on Sept. 27, 2017.

Michael and Mary Ann Sullivan Tetkoski ’80, on the death of their daughter, Katie, on Aug. 19, 2016. She is survived by siblings, Nora (Jon) Suttner, and Colin Tetkoski.

Mary Jo (Goedderz) Graske ’81, and Jerome Graske ’80,

Chuck Eddy ’82, on the death of his father, Albert Eddy, on Sept. 9, 2017.

Gerald ’83 and Mary Anne (Kain) Cavanagh ’87, on the death of their father and father-in-law, Thomas Kain, on March 2017.

Ann (Serb) Gonzalez ’82, Bill ’94, C’96 and Dr. Cheryl (Ernste) Serb ’94, on the death of their sister and sister-in-law, Mary Serb ’82, on Dec. 10, 2017.

Doug ’84, Joe ’87 and Ann Marie (Brooks) Hettinger ’85, and Erin Hettinger ’20, on the death of their mother, motherin-law, and grandmother, Dorothy Hettinger, on April 4, 2018.

Mike Langton ’84, on the death of his father, Ronald Langton ’61, on Oct. 12, 2017.

Marjorie Canning M’85 and Hunna Canning ’80, on the death of their husband and father, Leonard Canning ’51, on Aug. 7, 2017.

Kathleen O’Sullivan ’95 and Patricia O’Sullivan ’97, on the death of their father, Gerald O’Sullivan, on Oct. 4, 2017.

C ONNE C T

Deaths Dr. John L. Buhl ’42, Waukesha, Wis., on March 5, 2017.

Lt. Col. Roger C. Ball ’43, Tucson, Ariz., on May 22, 2017.

Victor H. Trauscht ’44, Davie, Fla., on May 16, 2017.

Dr. Fred M. Gardner ’45, Islesboro, Maine, on June 18, 2017.

Robert J. Heer ’46, Richfield, Minn., on Aug. 21, 2017.

Edwin J. Masewicz ’46, La Crescent, Minn., on Sept. 8, 2017.

Donald N. Turkinton ’47, St. Louis Park, Minn., on June 18, 2017.

Dr. Francis J. Boyle ’49, Springfield, Minn., on Dec. 6, 2017.

Rev. Paul F. Halloran ’49, Walker, Minn., on March 19, 2016.

Monsignor Roy E. Literski ’49, Winona, on Jan. 3, 2018.

Robert J. Stiever ’49, St. Paul, Minn., on Jan. 12, 2018.

Leonard J. Canning ’51, Naples, Fla., on Aug. 7, 2017.

Ronald W. Abicht ’54, Burnsville, Minn., on July 14, 2017.

Eugene H. Dockweiler ’54, La Crescent, Minn., on July 28, 2017.

Robert M. Hower ’54, Arlington Heights, Ill., on March 17, 2017.

Alex Gorgone ’09 and Matthew Gorgone ’12, on the death of their mother, Christine Gorgone, on April 27, 2018.

David L. Hyde ’54, on June 29, 2017.

Gia Puch ’12 on the death of her father, Mark Puch, on Aug. 11, 2017.

Floyd F. Mathews ’54, Jacksonville, Fla., on Nov. 4, 2017.

Martin A. Marrin ’54, Minneapolis, on Feb. 16, 2016.

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 55

CLASS NOTES Gerard J. Montgomery ’54, Loudon, Tenn., on Sept. 22, 2017.

Raymond J. Ryan ’61, LaGrange, Ill., on April 15, 2018.

Deacon Patrick B. Logsdon ’70, New York, N.Y., on Nov. 3, 2017.

Brother Denis F. Murphy, FSC ’55, M’61, Elk Grove, Ill., on Dec. 15, 2017.

Monsignor Donald P. Schmitz ’61, Rochester, Minn., on May 2, 2018.

Thomas M. Rice ’71, Appleton, Minn., on Nov. 15, 2017.

John B. Siewers, Jr., ’55, Barrington, Ill., on Oct. 30, 2017.

Richard R. Behnke ’62, M’65, Longwood, Fla., on Sept. 23, 2017.

Philip R. Dickey ’56, the Villages, Fla., on Nov. 24, 2017.

Robert J. Fridlund ’56, Elk Grove Village, Ill., on July 17, 2017.

John J. Kavanagh ’56, Lincoln, Calif., on Jan. 2, 2018.

Brother Michael Callahan, FSC ’57, Minneapolis, on April 25, 2018.

Lawrence J. Pych ’57, Huntley, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2017.

Peter J. Weingart ’57, Silver Spring, M.D., and San Diego, Calif., on Sept. 4, 2017.

Thomas J. Tausche ’58, Chicago, on Dec. 8, 2017.

Donald F. Stella ’59, Faribault, Minn., on May 5, 2017.

Deacon Peter J. Meehan ’59, Morton Grove, Ill., on Jan. 15, 2018.

Dennis C. Daly ’60, New Brighton, Minn., on Feb. 5, 2018.

Charles W. Holten ’60, Maryville, Ill., on June 11, 2017.

Brother Kevin M. Ryan, FSC ’60, Memphis, Tenn., on Aug. 20, 2017.

Cornelius A. Fitzmaurice ’61, Lowell, Ind., on July 15, 2017.

Dr. Philip A. Schaffer ’62, Richfield, Minn., on Oct. 4, 2017.

Peter C. Warner ’62, Las Vegas, Nev., on Feb. 2, 2017.

Leo P. Dangel ’63, Yankton, S.D., on Dec. 13, 2016.

John R. Albert ’65, Hammond, Ind., on Sept. 17, 2017.

Dr. Jan F. Chlebowski ’65, Richmond, Va., on March 10, 2018.

Gerald J. O’Sullivan ’65, Chicago, on Oct. 4, 2017.

William J. Federbusch ’66, Red Wing, Minn., on Sept. 28, 2017.

James R. Smith ’66, Crown Point, Ind., on Oct. 16, 2017.

James E. Pokorny ’67, Milwaukee, Wis., on March 5, 2018.

James A. Searls ’67, Madison, Wis., on Nov. 20, 2017.

John R. Thompson ’68, St. Louis, Mo. James F. Brobin M’70, New Brighton, Minn., on Sept. 16, 2017.

John Tregner ’71, Villa Park, Ill., on May 4, 2018.

James P. Kilkus ’72, Alsip, Ill., on April 17, 2018.

Leonard R. Anderson M’73, Duluth, Minn., on July 22, 2017.

Sister Margaret Manahan, OSF M’74, Rochester, Minn., on June 5, 2017.

Nicholas W. Sempowicz ’74, Oak Forest, Ill., on Feb. 6, 2018.

Karen M. George ’76, Minonk, Ill., on Feb. 4, 2018.

Cynthia M. (Tumpa) Gnech ’77, the Villages, Fla., on Sept.

30, 2016.

Maureen E. (Galvin) Kasarski ’77, Island Lake, Ill., on March 7, 2018.

Cynthia L. (Jefferson) Zacher ’77, Fountain City, Wis., on Jan. 26, 2018.

Stephen L. Mulholland ’78, Duluth, Minn., on March 9, 2017.

Marybeth (Tobin) Brawley ’79, Arlington Heights, Ill., on Feb. 24, 2018.

Dr. Thomas G. Lisack ’80, Wausau, Wis., on April 2, 2018.

Richard C. Graske ’81, Maple Grove, Minn., on Jan. 31, 2018.

James Patrick “Pat” Kinn ’61, Downers Grove, Ill., on March 2, 2017.

William E. Carlson ’70, Lake St. Croix Bea, Minn., on Dec. 12, 2017.

Maureen (Mulvey) MacMullen ’82, Batavia, Ill., on May 11, 2017.

Ronald B. Langton ’61, Palatine, Ill., on Oct. 12, 2017.

Richard A. Kurzeka ’70, Minnetonka, Minn., on Nov. 12, 2017.

Lynn (Mueller) Pak ’82, Camas, Wash., on June 26, 2017.

John H. Tregner ’71, Villa Park, Ill., on May 4, 2018.

Mary F. Serb ’82, Chicago, on Dec. 10, 2017.

Patrick J. Mullady, Sr. ’61, Lake Forest, Ill., on Jan. 20, 2018.

56 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

Conor Sharpe ’84, Carol Stream, Ill., on Sept. 24, 2017.

Joseph G. Dufresne ’87, Minnetonka, Minn., on May 19, 2018.

Shannon (Sonjaly) Devine ’94, Winona, on Sept. 24, 2017.

Chad L. RoseBerger ’96, Newton, Kan., on Sept. 22, 2017.

Loretta J. Kallevig M’96, Balsam Lake, Wis., on Nov. 30. 2017.

Walter S. Hedblum M’01, Eagan, Minn., on July 4, 2016.

Wendell L. Martin M’01, Blaine, Minn., on Nov. 13, 2017.

Joseph R. Slavin C’06, C’12, St. Paul, Minn., on July 7, 2017.

Cynthia J. Breen M’08, Mound, Minn., on Dec. 16, 2017.

Brady L. Olsen C’08, Ettrick, Wis., on Aug. 21, 2017.

Nyaradzai Dube M’09, C’15, Hopkins, Minn., on July 13, 2017.

Eric Crist ’12, Pensacola, Fla., on Oct. 24, 2014.

Former Employees Dr. Rose Beal, Winona, professor of theology, on May 19, 2018.

Reverend Joseph E. Bidwell, OP, Dubuque, Iowa, former philosophy professor.

Dr. Richard “Rick” Callaway, program director and professor in the DBA program, on Jan. 10, 2018.

Erik H. Floan, Winona, who taught organ as an adjunct instructor for Saint Mary’s Music Department, on May 30, 2018.

Dr. Lorraine M. Roberts, Columbia, Mo., former professor of English, on Jan. 22. 2018.

C AR D I NA L S

C ONNE C T

Saying goodbye Dr. Rose Beal, associate professor of theology, lost her valiant battle with cancer on May 19, 2018. She taught at Saint Mary’s for nine years.

Described by colleague Dr. Susan Windley-Daoust as brilliant and joyful, Dr. Beal’s passion for theology, higher education, and teaching was stellar. Dr. Windley-Daoust continued, “As a second career theologian, she loved not only what the many traditions within good theology could contribute to churches, but also what theology as an academic discipline could offer in dialogue to every other discipline in the university. She’d talk about the inner workings of the Second Vatican Council and the nouvelle theologie at the drop of a hat. She was a strong advocate for a constructive and rich dialogue between theology and the sciences. But in the past year, what has struck me the most was her absolute, unwavering faith in the goodness of God, even in a difficult year. She was, to all of us, a great witness.”

Karen George ’76, JD, of Peoria, Ill., died Feb. 4, 2018. To some, she is known as a classmate and friend. She made many lasting friendships at Saint Mary’s where she earned her bachelor’s in English and double minored in theatre and philosophy. Others will remember her dedicated service as a trustee from 2005-2015 and how she philanthropically served her alma mater, particularly supporting student initiatives.

George earned her JD degree from Southern Illinois University Law School in Carbondale, Ill. In 1980, she began her career working for legal aide in Winona providing services to individuals and families in crisis. She moved into environmental law at National Car Rental and advanced to corporate counsel. Ultimately, she joined Leigh Fisher where she consulted with airports across the nation, a position she held until her death.

George had a deep love for animals and was an active member in many organizations that protected vulnerable creatures all over the world. Her infectious smile and love for life will be missed by many.

A highly respected priest and friend, Msgr. Roy Literski ’49 was a smiling face at many Saint Mary’s functions. Msgr. Literski attended Saint Mary’s College before transferring to the Catholic University of America in the Basselin Scholars Program and then the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He began his ministry as a parochial vicar at St. Stanislaus in Winona.

After earning his Ph.D., he returned to Saint Mary’s where he taught philosophy for nine years and served as a chaplain on campus. In 1968, he was named the Rector of Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Seminary and was made a Domestic Prelate (Monsignor). He returned to St. Stanislaus in 1975 and served as Vicar General from 1980-1984 before relocating to Rochester, Minn. In 1991, he became Rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona until he retired in 1996, after 42 years as a Catholic priest.

In 2009, he received the religious service award during homecoming, and an endowed scholarship at Saint Mary’s is named in his honor.

His inspirational faith, friendly nature, and extensive ministry served many parishioners, community members, students, and alumni throughout his career. He passed away Jan. 3, 2018, in Winona.

Dr. Richard (Rick) Callaway who served as program director for and professor in the Doctor of Business Administration program, died Jan. 10, 2018.

Callaway began his career at Saint Mary’s in 2008. In addition to directing the DBA program, he taught courses and published in the areas of finance and the global economy, statistics, and finance and workplace issues. He was mentor to many DBA students and a friend to many at Saint Mary’s.

Brother Robert Smith, chief academic officer and vice president for the SGPP, noted that “Rick took great pride and satisfaction in his work as founding director of the DBA program.

Even more important to him was his critical role as mentor to the many students who looked to him for academic and professional guidance.”

Dr. Rose Beal

Karen George ’76, JD

Msgr. Roy Literski ’49

Dr. Rick Callaway

SUMMER 2018 smumn.edu/magazine III 57

What’s

with you?

Alumni — send us your news! Saint Mary’s Magazine and our alumni class news website welcome contributions to the Alumni Class Notes sections. We want your personal and professional news items. Photos, news clippings, etc., are also welcome, as well as tips about fellow 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

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.

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.

58 III smumn.edu/magazine SUMMER 2018

UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE August 27

Semester I classes begin

September 28-29 Family Weekend

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.

Name

CAlEndAr

SCHOOLS OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS August 26

Summer semester ends; Term 2 ends

September 3

Fall semester begins; Term 1 begins

LookiNg bAck

50 years of service Fifty-two alumni attended Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity’s 50th reunion, held July 21-23, 2017, on the Winona Campus. APO was a national service fraternity at Saint Mary’s from 1967 to 2003.

APO is working to establish an endowed scholarship. APO alumni are invited to learn more at www. mysmumn.org/aposcholarship.

If you have more information about these photos, 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

CARDINAL ‘M’ CLUB WEEKEND: SEPT. 7-9 Join us in celebrating athletics at Saint Mary’s during Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend Sept. 7-9, and help us induct Roger Pytlewski ’66 (basketball) and Angie Wright ’00 (softball) into the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Roger Pytlewski ’66

Angie Wright ’00