Voices
fall 2020
t he u r s u l in e co l l ege m ag a zi ne
Making it work Educating during a pandemic
p3 Ursuline ranked #1 for student mobility p5 Costume collection makes national journal
president’s message
Dear Alumnae/i and Friends: Ursuline College is known as a place of close friendships among students and mentoring relationships between students and faculty. If you are an Ursuline grad, you may have chosen the College – at least in part – for the opportunity to cultivate such connections. You can imagine, then, how difficult it was last spring to disrupt the personal interactions at the core of an Ursuline education and shift to online-only instruction in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The move upended pretty much everything about campus life. It also likely saved lives. And, with the generous response of our campus community, it preserved the Ursuline College mission of educating and transforming our students. Starting on page 20, you may read about how our faculty and staff pivoted to meet the moment and finish the spring semester with online instruction. I couldn’t be prouder of them or more grateful for their efforts. Outside the classroom, my gratitude goes to the members of our Coronavirus Task Force, who began meeting in mid-March and have met, all or in part, every week since then. Their first task was to adapt to the needs of spring semester. Next, they began planning for fall, all while following the guidelines of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, Ohio Department of Health, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We knew we had done our best when our two consultants from Cleveland Clinic and our contacts at the Cuyahoga County Board of Health not only gave us their imprimatur but commended us on the thoroughness of a very secure plan. Learning spaces look much different this semester: less furniture, for social distancing; an abundance of PPE; new technology, including microphones and cameras, to enable students to participate either in-person or via Zoom. Through this kind of hybrid delivery, we can preserve the personal interaction at the heart of an Ursuline education at the same time that we reduce the number of people on campus. We can also quickly convert to all-online instruction, if conditions dictate. Despite all the uncertainty of the last six months, we have welcomed the largest class of first-time students since 2015. They seek the mentoring, friendships, and academic rigor that will give them the entire Ursuline experience. We are doing everything we can to provide it. You and your families have felt the impact of COVID-19 even more profoundly than we have felt it on campus. Our prayers, for each other and for the world, keep us united as we look forward with faith. With petitions for the health and safety of the Ursuline College community and the world,
Contributors president Sr. Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD ’73 vice president for institutional advancement Richard J. Konisiewicz editor Ann T. McGuire Director of Marketing and Communication editorial contributors Ashley Moysaenko Assistant Director of Marketing and Communication Lynne Redman Dewyre Director of Alumnae Relations and Annual Fund Sheila Elo Alumnae/Development Database Manager Gina Rosshirt Alumnae Relations and Development Coordinator Erin Gay Miyoshi Director of Development Brandon Stewart Sports Information Director graphic design Monica Mussulin Graphic, Digital and Print Designer photography Roger Mastroianni Robert Muller
Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD
Pete Wilson
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voices | fall 2020
Inside this issue 2 Campus News 12 Faculty & Staff News 14 Events
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Ursuline ranked #1 nationally
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Historic costume study collection
for student mobility
makes national journal
18 Athletics 28 Alumnae/i News 33 Class Notes 36 In Memoriam
on the cover
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The Pandemic Pivot faculty, staff, and students make it work 1
campus news
Campus News
150th anniversary gala postponed; Mass still set for Nov. 2021 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and all the uncertainty surrounding it, the College has postponed the major celebration of the 150th anniversary of its founding originally planned for April 17, 2021, at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Instead, the gala will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Please mark your calendar (if you have a 2022 calendar already). Unchanged are plans for a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 14, 2021, in the beautiful Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland. The College was founded in November of 1871. This Mass of will be our observance of Founder’s Day 2021. We look forward to celebrating with you! 2
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Ursuline ranked #1 nationally for student mobility A new national study on upward mobility of college graduates ranks Ursuline College #1 for its record of moving low-income students into higher income groups. Titled “Winners and Losers: Universities and the Pursuit of the American Dream,” this research paper funded by the American Enterprise Institute looks at reams of data, including earnings after graduation, demographic characteristics of students, college spending per student, and admission selectivity from 1,100 four-year institutions across the country. Authors Jorge Klor de Alva and Cody Christensen calculate the percentage of students from low-income households (in the bottom 40% of the income distribution) who after graduation enter the upper middle class or better (the top 40% of the income distribution).
Ursuline College #1 for its record of moving low-income students into higher income groups.
A July 15, 2020 Forbes article explains that, “After calculating the determinants of mobility, (the authors) rank the schools doing the best at moving low-income students into higher income groups, relative to their expected performance given demographics, resources, and geography. Taking the top spot is Ursuline College...” In other words, Ursuline beats the odds (of demographics, resources, and geography) better than any other of the colleges and universities studied, public or private. The authors cite Ursuline’s nursing program, “which likely helps students achieve high returns in the labor market.” In fact, Ursuline’s Breen School of Nursing boasts consistently high passage rates on the national nurse licensing exam, a 100% employment rate postlicensure, and is ranked the #2 nursing program in Ohio and in the top 10% of all programs in the U.S. Ursuline College President Sister Christine De Vinne said, “Ursuline College is committed to keeping quality education accessible. We have a long tradition of welcoming students who are the first in their family to attend college and providing them with the supports they need to succeed and thrive here, regardless of their major. Our Breen School of Nursing has a hard-earned reputation, and national ranking, thanks to the expertise and dedication of our nursing faculty and the partnerships they have cultivated with some of the finest health systems in the country.” campus news
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campus news
Institute for Women, Wellness & Work launched with generous grant support A grant from The Dr. Rustom and Mary Khouri Foundation has helped launch the College’s Institute for Women, Wellness & Work, a new initiative offering credit- and non-credit-bearing programs. “We are very grateful to Rustom and Mary Khouri for their generosity and their faith in Ursuline College,” said Ursuline College President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD. “They know that our new Institute for Women, Wellness & Work will open doors of opportunity for many women and we are delighted to partner with them in this effort.” The Institute has begun offering new academic programs in the three broad categories of women’s leadership, integrative health and wellness, and workforce development. Courses include certificate and micro-credential programs and eventually will include new master’s programs. Under the direction of Denise Reading, PhD, CEO of LDR Worldwide, these programs have been developed to provide immediate opportunities, especially to women, to develop new skills that can accelerate their careers or help them embrace new opportunities. Mary Khouri, a long-time member of the Ursuline College Board of Trustees, is founder and Chief Administrative Officer of Carnegie Management and Development Corporation. Her husband, Dr. Rustom R. Khouri, is President and CEO. Other supporters of the College’s Institute for Women, Wellness & Work include Board member Janet Miller, the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, and Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland. Further information is available at www.ursuline.edu/wellness.
New programs announced in Exercise Science, Engineering, and Education Leadership The College is now accepting applications for three new academic programs: a bachelor’s degree program in Exercise Science, a master’s degree program for school leaders in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; and a bachelor’s-to-master’s program in Engineering, in partnership with University of Dayton. Each builds on existing strengths at the College and leads to solid career opportunities. Read more at Ursuline.edu/newfallprograms.
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Historic Costume Study Collection makes national journal The College’s 4,000-piece Historic Costume Study Collection gained national attention with an article in the February 2020 issue of the “Journal of Textile Science & Fashion Technology.” Fashion Department Chair Constance Korosec, PhD, submitted the article, and was delighted to learn of its publication. “The Journal receives hundreds of articles to select from,” she said. Fashion Merchandising graduate Laci Gross ’19 wrote the article for her Creative Nonfiction Writing class with Sr. Cynthia Glavac, OSU in the fall of 2017. Titled “The Rainmaker,” the article tells how Korosec established and curates the collection of donated garments and accessories in order to make learning more interactive and engaging for her students. “I am happy I was able to represent the wonderful fashion program at Ursuline in a nationally recognized journal while also making my English professor proud,” said Gross. “I always enjoyed the moments when I was able to combine my favorite subjects. I never would have thought an interview assignment for my creative non-fiction class would end up being published (outside of Inscape).”
Above: Paloma DeFreeze ’18, Professor Constance Korosec, PhD, and Laci Gross ’19 inspect garments in the College’s Historic Costume Study Collection.
Shortly after graduating, Gross accepted a position as a seamstress at Steubenville Tailorings and Alterations. A high point so far was a trip to New York City to meet internationally respected tailors. “I’m fortunate I was able to get a job that I love and that is also in my field so quickly after college,” Gross said. “I use my fashion education every day, which I am so thankful for. All of my success would not be without the wonderful women at Ursuline who helped me along the way.” To read Laci’s journal article, go to www.ursuline.edu/rainmaker. campus news
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campus news
Naval officer reflects on Ursuline education while caring for COVID-19 patients When Emily Adkinson, BSN ’17, RN, CCRN, joined the Navy, she might have expected deployments overseas. Instead, her deployment this past spring was to New York City, at the height of its COVID-19 crisis, where her skill as a critical care nurse was vital. She spent two months providing ICU staff support in a busy hospital. Adkinson wrote to her former faculty, “While I was in NYC, I reflected back on how grateful I am for my education. Ursuline was the match that ignited my nursing career, and I truly would not be where I am today without being an Ursuline Alumna.” She continued, “The expectation for greatness and the clinical opportunities are two characteristics of Ursuline that I have always cherished, but the emphasis on holistic care of patients and families is also something that has set Ursuline nurses apart. A lot of people died while I was in NYC, and a lot of
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people were progressing to death. In the moments that I realized a patient’s body would not take any more, my care plan shifted from an emphasis on medical management to an emphasis on holistic management. You could argue that some of my value for holistic care comes naturally, but it was also embedded into my heart from day 1 of my BSN curriculum; it became an art that I practiced through each discussion, clinical rotation, and, eventually, each shift I work.” She concluded, “To the entire Breen School of Nursing faculty and staff: Thank you for everything you have poured into your students and into the Breen School of Nursing. I know you do not hear that enough.” Thank you for the kind words and your patriotic service, Ensign Emily Adkinson, U.S. Navy Reserves Nursing Corps.
Grad student led effort for Painesville’s Historic listing Thanks to the research of an Ursuline College graduate student, downtown Painesville, Ohio, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Tara Carlson, who earned her master’s degree in Historic Preservation at Ursuline earlier this year, made the Painesville project the focus of her master’s thesis. “Having this final approval is very satisfying after all of our hard work as well as very exciting for the City of Painesville,” she said. “I am very proud of Tara’s efforts and delighted with the result,” said Bari Oyler Stith, PhD, chair of Ursuline’s Historic Preservation Department. “This makes at least eight National Register designations attributable to Ursuline grad students in the last 10 years. Collectively, these designations represent an impressive legacy of preserving, appreciating and learning from the past.” Carlson wrote an initial application for state preservation funds after taking a grant-writing class at Ursuline. Those grant monies helped pay for the research and writing of the extensive and successful National Register nomination to the National Park Service. She led a committee of six local planners and historians who contributed to research and planning for the Park Service application, which she first drafted for an Ursuline survey and nomination course. The historic district includes 25.11 acres in the downtown, 49 resources, 40 contributing buildings, one contributing park, and one contributing monument.
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campus news
Faculty Diversity Fellows move on with valuable experience, Ursuline blessings The four Faculty Diversity Fellows who have served at Ursuline since 2017 have each opened the minds of students and moved forward with their careers, taking the Ursuline spirit with them. With the support of the KeyBank Foundation, the College established its Faculty Diversity Fellowship in an effort to increase under-represented presence on the faculty, enhance the climate of diversity on campus, provide additional role models for students, particularly students of color, and provide fellows with college faculty experience. KeyBank Foundation embraced these goals when it provided funding to bring the first three fellows on board as part-time faculty members. The program has continued with internal funding. The fellowships are open to under-represented doctoral candidates or recent recipients of an academic doctoral degree. At Ursuline, the fellows are expected to teach in programs related to their discipline, pursue their research, and host a campus diversity colloquium. The fellows are offered a stipend, a residence on campus, an office, and funding for conferences, travel, and research. In addition, Faculty Diversity Fellows are assigned an experienced faculty mentor for the duration of the fellowship. A sampling of student evaluations indicates they inspired lightbulb moments in their students: • “His thought-provoking statements… caused me to continually re-evaluate my perspectives.”
• “She loves what she does and comes ready to talk about the material and broaden our minds.”
• “She challenged me as a writer and thinker and made me think deeply about issues that I wasn’t passionate about until her class.” • “I never had a huge understanding of African history and how it affects the world today… I have learned so much and am able to hold intelligent conversations with others.” Kristie Williams, PhD, LPC, (above) Ursuline’s first Faculty Diversity Fellow, is now Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion at Birmingham Southern College in Alabama, where she has replicated some of the programming she started at Ursuline.
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LEFT: Faculty Diversity Fellow, Danette Pugh-Patton wrote and performed “My America Revisited and Revised: Black Feminist Rhetorical Memory.” Wearing wigs, jewelry, and other costuming, she delivered speeches of AfricanAmerican women leaders including Sojourner Truth, Angela Davis, and at left, former U.S. Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-NY).
“My work with students at Birmingham Southern College in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is very rewarding. I feel fortunate that I get the opportunity to create intentional experiences in an effort to educate global citizens who will be better prepared to thrive in diverse environments.” “I absolutely loved my experience at Ursuline College. I especially appreciated the opportunity to be a part of creating professional development opportunities with faculty and staff. Creating programs like “Candid Conversations on Race, Equity and Inclusion” is something I will never forget, as I was able to incorporate books and materials from the AnisfieldWolf Book Awards collection to address difficult dialogues while bringing people together across the table that may have not ordinarily had these opportunities. I will forever appreciate Ursuline College for the opportunity it afforded me.” In fall 2020, the College welcomes its fifth Faculty Diversity Fellow, Yehuda Silverman, PhD. He recently earned his doctorate in Conflict Analysis and Resolution with a concentration in International Peace from Nova Southeastern University.
College regroups academic programs in two schools To increase efficiency and promote interdisciplinary collaboration, the College has realigned academic programs under two schools, the School of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies under Dean Elizabeth Kavran, DDS, and the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions under Dean Patricia Sharpnack, DNP. Both schools will offer a combination of graduate and undergraduate programs. Undergraduate majors as diverse as English, Graphic Design, and Historic Preservation have already been collaborating through the Rustbelt Revival series of courses. Developed thanks to funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, these courses form an interdisciplinary “pathway” through the core curriculum focusing on Cleveland as a rustbelt city and educating students to be at the forefront of its revival.
The Breen School of Nursing & Health Professions now includes the Counseling and Art Therapy master’s program as well as the Social Work program. “Combining these programs under one Dean will promote synergy, interprofessional collaboration, and cohesiveness with the reputation for wellness that the college is known for,” said Dr. Sharpnack. The school was named in honor of Mary Jane and the late Jack Breen, generous benefactors and good friends of Ursuline College. The change coincides with Dr. James Connell’s retirement as dean of the former School of Graduate and Professional Studies. He remains Program Director, Educational Administration.
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campus news
Philanthropy
Avery Friedman Human Rights Scholarship recipient is dedicated to social justice The 2020 recipient of the Avery Friedman Human Rights Scholarship in Legal Studies, Erica Zalar, spent several years as a Director of Youth Ministry advocating for human rights and social justice. Her legal career will be the next step in that journey. At St. Noel Church in Willoughby Hills, Zalar taught Catholic Social Teaching, served meals, delivered Christmas baskets, led retreats, and spent countless Sunday nights discussing the gospel and how it applies to a modern world with adolescents and teens. During her time at St. Noel’s, Zalar also coordinated annual service trips through Young Neighbors in Action, an experience that provides a dynamic Catholic approach to both service and justice through prayer, liturgy, and Catholic teaching. Young Neighbors was particularly effective at asking participants to not just engage in acts of service but unpack the social structures in places that make it so difficult for those on the margins to meet their basic needs and change their circumstances. “When I learned I received this award I was truly humbled,: she said. “I do my best to hear and respond to God’s call in my life and God most often speaks to me in the life and example of those who have showed me, through their lives and example, how to serve and how to be an advocate for others.” Additionally, Zalar’s commitment to social justice extends in her life as a parent. The experience of raising her children has molded her into a more compassionate, patient, diligent, focused person. “I am more dedicated than ever to human rights because becoming a mother unlocked a deeper piece of me that seeks to alleviate the suffering of women and mothers on the margins.”
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The College created The Avery Friedman Human Rights Scholarship for students in its Legal Studies Program in 2011 to celebrate and encourage students like Zalar who have dedicated themselves beyond their coursework to advancing social justice. Friedman, a Cleveland attorney and long-time CNN legal analyst, teaches courses in women and the law, civil rights, employment law, constitutional law, and law and the media. The Ursuline Sisters’ mission, “to transform society through contemplation, justice and compassion,” has been the centerpiece of his instruction. His students find in Friedman both an intellectual and moral model of the good that can be done through the law. The Avery Friedman Human Rights Scholarship goes to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to working for the advancement of human rights and exemplifying the qualities consistent with the mission of the Ursuline Sisters that relates to advancement of human rights, or will pursue an internship opportunity advancing human rights and exemplifying the qualities consistent with the mission of the Ursuline Sisters. The first major donor to the Avery Friedman Human Rights Scholarship was the Cleveland Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Nearly 200 local and national donors have supported the scholarship, including gifts in the past year from Carole Hoover, Holy Ground Shelter for Homeless, Inc. and the family of Casey Kasem.
Synthomer Research Scholarship awarded to rising junior The Synthomer Foundation has made a grant to the College to enable a student to complete a chemistry research project. Kayla Huffman, a junior this fall semester, is studying wild bird eggshells from both the past and present, comparing shell thickness and using the College’s atomic absorption spectrometer to measure the amount of calcium and other metals contained in the shells. Synthomer earlier this year acquired Omnova Solutions, whose foundation originated the grant.
St. Angela Garden redesign makes a welcoming first impression on campus visitors Alumnae and friends of Ursuline College answered the call, making gifts that enabled a complete re-design of the garden surrounding the St. Angela statue in front of our Monsignor Mullen Building. The redesign was completed just before fall semester started and commemorates the upcoming 150th anniversary of the 1871 founding of Ursuline College. New landscaping, walkways, stone walls and quotations from St. Angela etched into decorative steel ribbons surround the bronze statue representing St. Angela holding her writings. Foundress of the Ursuline Sisters, St. Angela Merici, has been an inspirational figure in women’s education for almost five centuries.
Above, a group of new students at their fall 2020 orientation write their own inspirational quotes on stones (above left) surrounding the statue.
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faculty & staff news
Anna Brock was hired by the Office of Diversity has hired as Diversity Assistant and International Student Service Coordinator. She is a recent graduate of Westminster College with a degree in psychology. Molly Carroll-Syracuse ’10, Intranet Administrator & EIT Coordinator, welcomed a second daughter into her family. Willow Jadis CarrollSyracuse was born in February. Mary Kay Senary-Deley, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, retired at the end of the spring 2020 semester after 16 years at Ursuline. Robert Hunt, MA ’00, adjunct faculty member in Educational Administration and Superintendent of Chagrin Falls (OH) Exempted Village Schools, received the Outstanding Performance Award from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation. Deanne Hurley, Vice President for Student Affairs, as a member of the Friends of MLK, Jr. High School Advisory Board, served on a panel of industry professionals who engaged with Academies of Cleveland educators on emerging industry trends, career pathways, and helping teachers connect classroom curriculum to the “real world” aspects of industry. Paula Fruehling, Senior Administrative Assistant, Arts and Sciences, retired in August after 17 years at Ursuline. Laura Chrow Goliat BSN DNP, APRN, FNPBC, ’79, ’14, Associate Professor, Breen School of Nursing, received the Excellence in Teaching award from the Ohio League for Nursing. She taped an informational video for the American
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Hospital Association on communication and managing the COVID-19 crisis. Dr. Goliat and Regina Prosser, DNP, CNE, worked with a team of educators on the Sigma Theta Tau International online course “Return to Nursing: A Refresher Program.” Angela Groves, BSN ’99, PhD, Assistant Professor, Breen School of Nursing, was accepted into the Summer Institute of the Program to Increase Diversity in Cardiovascular Health Related Research at State University of New York. She spent two weeks in virtual classes focused on heart health. Her research titled, “Low-sodium dietary perceptions and experiences of African American women with hypertension,” was published in the “Journal of the National Black Nurses Association.” Jessica Headley, PhD, LPC, Assistant Professor, Counseling & Art Therapy and Co-Director of the Women’s Center, welcomed a second baby into her family. Preston Ray Swiger was born in May. Melissa Hladek, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, Instructor & Clinical-Internship Coordinator, Counseling and Art Therapy, welcomed her second child, Gordie Kate Hladek in June. Susan Kramer, Transcript Evaluator, retired in June after 23 years at Ursuline. Leighanne Kramer Hustak, DNP, FNP, CDE, Assistant Professor, Breen School of Nursing, presented at the American Telehealth Association’s first virtual meeting in June. Her poster on diabetes education was developed with Cleveland Clinic colleagues.
Rosa Johnson, BSN ’02, clinical adjunct, Breen School of Nursing, completed her 52nd year of employment with Cleveland Clinic in February. Now working one day a week, Rosa said, “Nursing is my dream job!” Joyce “Jo” Mann, Senior Administrative Assistant, Graduate and Professional Studies, retired in June after 23 years at Ursuline. George Matejka had a review of Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam ‘s book, “The Ten Green Commandments of Laudato Si,” published in the May/June issue of Emmanuel Magazine. He retired in June after more than 33 years of teaching at Ursuline, but will teach part-time on an adjunct basis. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson, BSN ’83, DNP ’17, adjunct faculty, Breen School of Nursing, was selected as vice president of DNPs of Color. The Virginia Nurses Association profiled her in the May issue of “Virginia Nurses Today.” She was appointed by Virginia Governor Northam to serve on the COVID-19 Task Force with a Focus on Long Term Care. Gina Messina, PhD, Associate Professor, presented the 40th annual Nash Lecture at Campion College. Locally, she presented on the Faith, Women, and Leadership Panel at the Rocky River United Methodist Church alongside Bishop Tracy Malone and Dr. Ellen Posman of Baldwin Wallace College. The blog she co-founded and co-directs, www. FeminismandReligion.com, was ranked #7 in the top 50 blogs and news sites on religion for 2020; that’s up two spots from last year.
Gretchen M. Miller, MA ’99, ATR-BC, ACTP, Visiting Instructor in Counseling and Art Therapy, co-authored an invited report published in “Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association” on art therapy in the pandemic. She co-authored the chapter, “Learning from Mistakes in Adolescent Art Therapy,” in “Art Therapy Practices with Resilient Youth” (Routledge). Miller was featured in the PBS Western Reserve podcast “The Arts & COVID-19: What Now?” Erin Gay Miyoshi, Director of Development, is advocating for more accessible public transportation as a Cleveland Rising Summit volunteer working group leader. Her group was a finalist for The Fund for our Economic Future’s Paradox Prize and is pushing for bold changes including making public transit free. She was accepted into Cleveland Leadership Center’s Bridge Builders Class of 2021. Sarah Preston, PhD, Chemistry Department Chair, was promoted to Professor. In announcing her promotion, Vice President for Academic Affairs Kathy LaFontana, PhD, said, “Sarah’s commitment to science education and the mentoring of women in the sciences is especially noteworthy, and our undergraduate science majors are fortunate to have such a good teacher and scholar to lead them as a role model.” Nancy Rahn, Student Success Coordinator, and Marilyn Valencia, former Institutional Research Analyst, presented “Cross-Campus Collaboration to Improve Retention,” at the Ohio Association of
Institutional Research & Planning’s virtual conference in April. Jennifer Schwartz Mrazek ’93, MAAT, ATR-BC, ATCS, Art Therapy Department Chair, was promoted to Assistant Professor. In announcing her promotion, Vice President for Academic Affairs Kathryn LaFontana, PhD, said, “Jennifer has demonstrated impressive accomplishments in the categories of teaching, advising, and colleagueship, including especially an advising method which serves as an excellent model for improving retention and persistence.” Patricia A. Sharpnack, BSN ’84 DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, Dean and Strawbridge Professor, Breen School of Nursing, has been selected to receive one of the highest awards from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Dr. Sharpnack will receive the Elaine Ellibee Award, designated for a current or recent president of a state board of nursing who has demonstrated leadership as a state board president and leadership in making significant contributions to the NCSBN. She was selected from a pool of nominees from all 50 states, Washington D.C. and international boards. Mara Shatat, College Archivist/Reference & Instruction Librarian, has acquired a literary agent for her young-adult novel titled, “The Ironwood Girls.” She gave birth to her son, Faris, in January. Yehuda Silverman, PhD, is the College’s new Faculty Diversity Fellow. Silverman earned his doctorate in Conflict Analysis and Resolution with a concentration in International Peace from Nova Southeastern
University. His MA is in Corporate Communications and PR. Yehuda’s faculty mentor will be Marc Gray, Director of the Master Apprentice Program.
faculty & staff news
Jenise Snyder, PhD, Associate Professor, Biology, is a guest contributor to a holistic wellness and mindfulness blog at Fresh Life Solutions. She writes about cultivating crop and ethnobotanical plants for wellness and sustainable living. Kate Teichman ’20, Admission Counselor, Ursuline College Accelerated Program, graduated from UCAP Summa Cum Laude with a BA in Public Relations and will be inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) Honor Society. Katharine G. Trostel, PhD, Assistant Professor, English, wrote a chapter in the recently published book, “Teaching Jewish American Literature (Options for Teaching),” published by The Modern Language Association of America. Mary Anne Ursick, Executive Assistant, completed the requirements for the Professional Standards Program of the National Association of Educational Office Professionals. She received the following certificate: Associate Degree, Option II and CEOE. Natalie Kertes Weaver, PhD, Professor, Religious Studies, had two articles published on the blog, www. FeminismandReligion. com. One is titled “A Theological Conversation by Natalie Weaver and Valentine;” the other, “Community Immunity.” She taught a Lenten online adult education series for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in
Cleveland Heights on “Examining Conscience in Christian Narrative.” Mary Beth Zeni, RN, ScD, EBP-C, Associate Professor, Breen School of Nursing, has fulfilled the requirements to become certified in evidencebased practice from the Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare at The Ohio State College of Nursing. In March, she attended the 2020 Trinity College Health & Education International Research Conference sponsored by the School of Nursing & Midwifery in Dublin, Ireland, where she presented a systematic review about integrating Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment into nursing education curricula.
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events
Events
Global Perspectives Speaker Julie Garreau on the power of art-based youth programming Ursuline’s 2020 Global Perspectives speaker shed light on challenges faced by Native Americans and the therapeutic power of art-based youth programming. Julie Garreau, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and executive director of the Cheyenne River Youth Project, appeared before a packed audience via video because a February snowstorm prevented her from traveling from Eagle Butte, South Dakota. Ursuline students have volunteered for the Cheyenne River Youth Project for many years, making summer service-learning trips there. Garreau spoke about the Red Can Graffiti Jam, a project that incorporates indigenous culture and stories, brings together the community, and allows youth to express and explore their identities. Garreau’s visit was co-sponsored by the Ursuline College Women’s Center, the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, Ursuline Core Curriculum office and the undergraduate Art Therapy Department and the graduate Counseling and Art Therapy Department.
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Dr. Lisa Damour spoke to appreciative audience about Building Strength and Resiliency Psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Lisa Damour presented “Building Strength and Resiliency: Strategies for Busy Women” at Ursuline in early March. Speaking to an appreciate audience, Damour addressed the needs of women who feel spread thin by the demands of home, school, work, or all of the above, providing strategies for managing stress effectively and for building and preserving energy. A New York Times columnist, and regular contributor to CBS News, Damour was the Ursuline College Women’s Center’s 2020 Stars Among Us speaker. Her books include “Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls,” and “Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood,” both New York Times bestsellers.
Learning through film at Ursuline Film lovers filled the Mullen Little Theatre to capacity in February for a chance to view a handful of short films being considered for the 44th annual Cleveland International Film Festival and vote on which should be included. Many audience members were first-time visitors to campus; others were familiar alumnae and friends of the College. The film festival was presented as a virtual event. The College has sponsored the film festival as an educational, cultural event in recent years. Earlier in the year, Louis D. Giannetti, Professor Emeritus of English and Film at Case Western Reserve University, made his annual visit to Celeste Wiggins’ European Cinema class. Dr. Giannetti wrote the textbook the class uses, “Understanding Movies.”
Stay up to date on our upcoming events by visiting ursuline.edu/events events 15
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Class of 2020 congratulated with parade, virtual graduation The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the College from hosting its traditional Baccalaureate Mass and commencement ceremony. Instead of caps, gowns, hoods, processions, blessings, music, beaming family members, and inspirational speakers, the College organized: • A “Drive-by Goodbye,” in which graduating students paraded through campus in their cars past cheering Ursuline Sisters, faculty, staff, and Alumnae/i Association members • A virtual graduation ceremony with inspirational remarks and a slideshow depicting graduates with their chosen quotes Annette Blackwell ’19, mayor of Maple Heights (above at left), reflected on her own Ursuline graduation and told graduates, “Pursue your passions, fulfill your purpose.” While these were not substitutes for Ursuline’s traditional Baccalaureate Mass and commencement ceremony, these were opportunities for friends, family, faculty, and alumnae to celebrate academic achievement and lifetime milestones of our graduates. Congratulations Class of 2020!
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athletics
Forever Arrows: Celebrate the success that you achieved Editor’s note: On March 13, the Great Midwest Athletic Conference canceled all spring athletic competition. The College made an abrupt transition to online instruction and students cleared out dorm rooms and locker rooms. The season was over. Sports Information Director Brandon Stewart was moved to compose this open letter to Ursuline’s senior athletes.
A Message to Our Seniors 3/17/2020
The events that have taken place in our country over the last few weeks have been unprecedented, to say the least. People across the United States and the world saw their worlds turned upside down because of a virus that you cannot see without a microscope. For student-athletes on a small campus in Pepper Pike, Ohio – as well as thousands of others – it will be remembered as the week that sports ended abruptly. For some, it came to an end for a few months and will pick back up again when the fall rolls around. But for many it meant the end of their athletic careers well before it was expected. To our spring seniors, many of you entered the season looking forward to getting the chance to walk across the field or take a trip around the bases on your Senior Day. It is a day that some looked forward to since the last time they did it when they left high school. It would have been a chance to celebrate accomplishments with friends, family, teammates, and coaches over the last four years. It would be the culmination of all the hours of practice, study tables, and road trips. But all of that was taken away. While you may not get the opportunity to take that long-awaited walk across the field or trip around the diamond, do not let this take away your chance to celebrate the success that you achieved. The memories that you created over the last four years with people who you may not have known even existed before you got here cannot be erased. Celebrate them. Celebrate them with your family,
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your teammates and your coaches because you have earned that opportunity due to your hard work, passion and dedication that was on display while you wore the Ursuline College uniform. Many student-athletes have a love-hate relationship with their sport. They love the thought of competing on game day, being with their teammates in the locker room before a game, playing in front of family and friends. The hate lies with the preseason conditioning, the long workouts, the early mornings and the late nights. When many of you are looking back on it now, it does not seem so bad. The demanding coaches, the study tables, the constant push to be the best that you can be all seems a little more worth it when it gets taken away unexpectedly. Just like a win or loss does not define you as an athlete, do not let this moment define you going forward. The legacy that you have all left on this community will not be forgotten. The friendships and memories that you created will last a lifetime. Use this opportunity to express to your teammates how important it is to not take the moment for granted. When those early morning practices come around, embrace them. As the preseason nears for many in the fall, come together and enjoy it. It will not be easy. There will be times when you will want to give up. But just remember that you never know when it will all come to an end. Finally, and most importantly, thank you seniors. While you may not get that final walk across the field, court, track, or diamond, your legacy will remain. Among you are soon-to-be nurses, teachers, business professionals, lawyers, and more. We are all excited to see you excel in your fields and know that you will represent Ursuline College with the class and dignity that you have the last four years. You will forever be an Arrow and we cannot be more grateful to be able to call you family.
Row 1: Abby Allard, Angie Zamora, Ashley Pucella, and Gesnide Pierre Row 2: Anya Miller, Sarah Mitchell, Amanda Cassella, Chiara Baker, and Brooke Mahabir
Row 3: Shannon Hutchinson, Allie Moening, Emma Hastings, and Madison Walker Row 4: Clare Hunt, Megan Fortney, Alexis Gamble, Jill Morrow, and Julie Cardwell
Row 5: Ky Crevison, Victoria Madray, and Vikki Henderson
Visit ursulinearrows.com for the latest in Ursuline Arrows news. athletics 19
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The pandemic pivot When COVID-19 forced a campus closure mid-semester, faculty, staff, students had to turn on a dime Story by Ann McGuire
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A quick scan of the spring 2020 news headlines on the College’s website outlines a dramatic chapter in Ursuline’s history March 6: Ursuline monitors the coronavirus March 10: Ursuline to begin online instruction only on March 18 March 17: Clinicals suspended for undergrad nursing students March 18: Library goes virtual, commencement postponed March 20: Mandatory-only campus starts 5:00 p.m. March 23
On March 6, just three days before spring break began, the College shared hygiene tips, links to helpful resources, and advice about international travel that seems naive in hindsight: “For those who have booked a cruise, proceed with caution.” With the rapid pace of developments, most students never returned to campus from that spring break. On March 10, the College announced all instruction would move online and on March 23, the campus closed to all but mandatory personnel. The doors were locked. “It was a health crisis that shook the world, and the College met it determined that we would keep our campus community not just safe but able to thrive,” said President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD. “Everyone, from our IT and facilities teams to our faculty and support staff, united for one purpose, to provide the education that our students deserved under circumstances that none of us had ever envisioned.”
Technology Boot Camp Instead of returning to class on Monday, March 16, faculty were given two days – March 16 and 17 – to convert to fully online instruction and then begin teaching classes remotely on March 18.
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“We had to pivot very quickly, but fortunately, faculty had built a strong rapport with students during the first half of the semester, so they were able to continue that rapport in the virtual environment,” said Kathryn LaFontana, PhD, vice president for academic affairs. Staff members scheduled a two-day educational technology boot camp in the Ralph M. Besse Library’s new Learning Commons. Audiovisual staff helped faculty video-record their lectures; faculty with more online teaching experience helped those with less (or none); IT introduced the unfamiliar to Zoom, the online videoconferencing platform; and librarians went above and beyond during the boot camp and throughout the semester, • Conducting one-on-one virtual research sessions with students and faculty • Helping faculty find online content to use in their courses • Pulling materials from the physical collection, scanning the information, and emailing it “Wherever faculty were with technology skills, we just helped them level up,” said Krystina Zeit, instructional designer. “Really great, innovative work was being done by faculty to meet the
needs of their students. I tell faculty, students don’t need a LASER light show; they just need to know their instructors are available online with clear expectations.”
Breaking Half-Century Habits In his 50th year of teaching, Professor Gary Polster, PhD, (left) was not expecting to have to switch modalities. But he rose to the occasion, spending countless hours in front of a green screen with AudioVisual Assistant Jason Petraska filming lectures for the four different courses he was teaching (Social Values through Film, Introductory Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, and Social Psychology). “To adjust to something like that, after years of face-to-face teaching, was a real challenge,” he said. “You do what you have to do. The students got all the important content.”
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Re-creating Clinical Nursing Experiences When hospitals and other practicum sites closed to nursing students, the faculty had to somehow recreate meaningful clinical scenarios that students could learn from on their home computer screens. “The faculty did a tremendous job of filling in gaps wherever possible, providing ways for students to meet course requirements in a virtual fashion,” said Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, dean of the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions. It took lots of creativity and many extra hours, she said.
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“They used existing virtual simulations, created their own, used Zoom breakout rooms, individual tutoring sessions in Zoom, escape rooms, anything they could do to connect with students every chance they could,” she said. “The faculty is to be commended for pivoting so quickly to an online learning experience that was robust and engaging, despite the challenges.” For senior nursing student Katie Marotta, “It was extremely different due to having my practicum canceled. However, most professors, Dr. (Kimberly) Dillion to name one, made it smooth. I’m fully graduated as of May with my BSN and now RN!” Marotta is now a labor and delivery nurse at University Hospitals MacDonald Women’s Hospital.
Art without the Studio Sister Rosaria Perna, OSU, MFA, was teaching two sections of digital photography and a 3-D packaging design class last spring. Several of the projects she had planned to round out the semester required studio equipment, like the t-shirt design project using the college’s printmaking press and all the projects that would have used the College’s Mac computers and Adobe software suite. “I thought, I’d better start researching what I can do and how I can give the most to the students,” Sr. Rosaria said. “I tried to think of creative ways for them to do studio assignments at home.” She succeeded. For one packaging design assignment, she ordered sets of blank boxes in several sizes, mailed them to students’ homes, and had them create various product label designs. She had the photography students write a report on a photographer and take a series of pictures in the style of that photographer. And Sister Rosaria found she could still teach basics of design, composition, creative imagery, and portraiture remotely. “It was a lot more work for me, because it all happened so suddenly; but the students all seemed pretty satisfied,” she said.
Veteran Online Educators Adjusted History Professor Tim Kinsella, PhD, reported he made “a pretty smooth transition.” A veteran of several years of online teaching, he was able to lead a workshop for other faculty on running online discussion groups.
Wasmer COVID exhibition hits a nerve, attracts 7,500+ visitors Anna Arnold, director of Ursuline’s Florence O’Donnell Wasmer Gallery, tapped into pent-up fears and frustrations globally this spring when she issued a call for artists to submit self portraits responding to the coronavirus pandemic. The gallery’s first virtual exhibit, “Self Portraits: Artists Respond to COVID-19,” attracted compelling artwork from as far away as Sweden and Taiwan. And, at press time, it had attracted over 7,500 visitors. The theme was open to interpretation and the digital images submitted indicate that artists around the world are responding to this pandemic in many different ways. Some show whimsy, others fear bordering on panic. Cleveland media, including The Plain Dealer/Cleveland. com, Cool Cleveland, and CAN Journal all featured this exhibition. Arnold and contributing artist Euneata Walker ‘19 were interviewed by SCRIPPS News for a nationally syndicated feature, and Arnold was interviewed by WCPN 90.3 for a story on artists working through the pandemic. To view the exhibition, go to the College’s Flickr (with no “e”) site at Flickr.com/photos/ ursulinecollege/albums RIGHT: Euneata Walker ‘19 “Caged Bird” Acrylic on canvas Chagrin Falls, OH BELOW: Birdie Thaler “Corona Oro (Corona Worry)” Gouache and acrylic on canvas Malmö, Sweden
“The biggest adjustment for me was getting used to teaching from home, where my computer isn’t as reliable,” he said. “Thankfully, the IT Department was as helpful as could be.” Professor Sharon Zimmerman Wilson, MSSA, LISW-S, (left page) director of the social work program, has been teaching a fully online social
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work program for the last few years, so she, too, was comfortable teaching in this format. But she still had to suddenly shift her traditional, faceto-face classes into an online format, converting planned classroom activities for remote delivery and working with her colleague, Assistant Professor Stacey G. O’Brien, LISW-S, to arrange virtual field experiences.
Encouragement, Support were Crucial “Students didn’t need a lot of technical assistance,” said Wilson, “but they did need encouragement and support. A two-and-a-half-hour class on Zoom can lead to student disengagement. So it was important to break up the Zoom classes into multiple components using group activities, video assignments, role plays, and web-based research activities.” Faculty and students across majors echoed Wilson’s sentiment about the challenges of keeping students engaged from a distance. Student Success Coordinator Nancy Rahn, EdD, played a key role, here, doggedly contacting any students in danger of falling through the cracks, academically. Said Sharpnack, another challenge for many students was balancing life and personal responsibilities with academic responsibilities. “Some students were required to work extra hours as nursing assistants or registered nurses during the crisis, creating conflict with their ability to be available for classes. It wasn’t easy for them.” Jill Morrow was in her final semester as a nursing student. “It was devastating to know that I wouldn’t get to see my friends again and share a graduation ceremony with them. While these were
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difficult adjustments to make, it was clear that everyone was doing their best to help us adapt to our new reality. Looking back, I greatly appreciate the tireless efforts made by all faculty to make last minute accommodations needed to finish out the rest of the semester and help us achieve success.” LaFontana points out there was at least one silver lining. “Despite all the challenges that students faced, our retention rate of students from first year to second jumped nearly five percentage points for the second year in a row, to be higher than it has been in the last eight years. I am certain that the personal attention from faculty and the wraparound support system offered by staff is what made the difference.”
Virtually connecting with students takes creativity Staff members in Student Affairs and Admission had to get creative this spring, quickly mastering video conferencing technology to host virtual campus events for current students and virtual tours and open house events for prospective students. Deans, department chairs, librarians, and tutors all debuted on camera. One of the most popular videos? An Ursuline Version of “Back to Back Chef,” with Tyler James, who runs the College’s dining services for Metz Culinary Management, teaching Assistant Director of Admission Mike Doran how to make a yummy breakfast sandwich, Ursuline style! Watch it at www.ursuline.edu/chef. A masked Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, ’84, dean of the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions, welcomes students to the St. John Garden during fall orientation and explains the origins of Ursuline’s nursing program.
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alumnae/i news alumnae/i news
Dear Alumnae/i and Friends,
Alumnae/i Board
The COVID-19 pandemic changed all of our Alumnae Relations activities seemingly overnight! In an effort to keep our students, faculty, and staff safe, in March, the College faculty and staff went to working solely from home. On the way out the door, we packed some yearbooks, note cards to send encouragement, and most importantly, home access to our database so we could reach out to our alums. We called some 1,000 of you while quarantining and, to our delightful surprise, found many of you at home and willing to share how the shut-down was affecting your lives and relationships.
officers president
Sheronda L. Peterson ’10 MMT president-elect/ chair-reunion committee Nikki Lee MacPherson ’08 immediate past president/ chair-membership committee Suzanne Marie Beucler Fortuna ’92, ’03, ’17 DNP secretary Patricia L. Isenstadt ’11 development chair D’Arbra Blankenship ’13 alumnae engagement chair Katherine Brett ’04 student engagement chair Jocelyn J. Jones ’17, ’18 MBA alumnae recognition chair Aimee E. Pearce ’16 spiritual life chair Mary Ellen Iffarth Downs ’72 150th anniversary committee chair Janice T. Roccosalva ’71, ’95 MA
members Kelly Lynn Berry ’05, ’13 MBA Rebecca N. Bittala ’13 D’Arbra Blankenship ’13 Kathleen Barr Bodnar ’00, ’14 MBA Jane R. Chabrand ’18 Emily Caswall Devey ’79
We heard stories of retired alums learning to use technology to see and hear their grandchildren read out loud to them. We learned about parents sharing one computer in their home – which at one time was plenty – with children needing to now be home schooled, while they themselves were figuring out how to work from home. While so many of us were safely at home, we also left many messages at the homes of nurses and other caregivers who were, and continue to be, on the frontlines of this crisis we face. This new virtual world is not the same as being with the people we love. Virtual time together does not replace a hug or breaking bread together. We are missing our family celebrations, our favorite pastimes, and just simple normalcy. Alumnae Relations is feeling this too. We are challenged to do things differently. We just began the second year of a virtual online book club with over 210 members and growing! The Wasmer Gallery hosted a nationally recognized virtual art show with artists sharing their self-portraits expressing how the COVID crisis is affecting all of us (See page 25). We are working on developing informative podcasts and webinars about topics of interest and enlightenment, tapping into talent from within the Ursuline College community. And do not be surprised if you get a phone call from an alumnae board member or from the Alumnae Relations office thanking you for your support of the College and asking how you are. As Ursuline College enters into her 150th year, I pray we can celebrate this milestone properly, face to face, at our Homecoming, the all St. John College celebration, at the newly rejuvenated St. Angela’s Garden at the front entrance to the Mullen Building, and the 150th Anniversary Gala, as well as many other celebratory events that we have planned for 2021. To make sure you are connected to us virtually, please go online to ursuline.edu/alumnaei/update-yourinformation so that we can stay in touch. Stay Safe and Be Well,
Miesha Wilson Headen ’12 MMT Kathy Pelz Hoag ’85 Jo Ann Doller Lane ’62 HBM Kay Brown Malec ’57SJ HBM Ann Moley Monastra ’56SJ HBM Dana Nunez ’09 Jodi Capuiso Olivo ’90 Barbara L. Vance ’18 28
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Lynne Redman Dewyre Director of Alumnae Relations and Annual Fund
Looking forward to healthier times
Homecoming 2020 moved to 2021 Dear Reunion Classes ending in ’5 & ’0 and all other alumnae/i and friends of Ursuline College: What a year to try to plan a Homecoming celebration! With concerns regarding gatherings and travel, Homecoming events for 2020 have been postponed. Here’s what we are planning: • Ursuline College alumnae from the classes of 1965, 1960, 1955, 1950, and 1945 will be celebrating their reunions with President Sr. Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD, ’73 at private luncheons planned for the spring of 2021. • Members of the Ursuline College Class of 1970 will be celebrating their 50th reunion together with the class 1971 at the Homecoming celebrating Ursuline College’s 150th anniversary in the fall of 2021. • All St. John College alumnae will be celebrating their reunions at the All St. John College Celebration in the Summer of 2021 (please see page 35) with special attention to the 50th reunion classes of 1970 and 1971. We are looking ahead to 2021 and Ursuline College’s sesquicentennial and what a year it will be! In addition to the 2021 fall Homecoming, there will be a Mass of thanksgiving at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on November 14, 2021 and a gala celebration in the Ames Family Atrium of the Cleveland Art Museum on April 30, 2022. We are very much looking forward to celebrating with you!
Sheronda Peterson ’10 President, Alumnae Board Ursuline ~ St. John College
Nikki Lee MacPherson ’08 Homecoming Chair
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alumnae awards
2020 Amadeus Rappe, Crystal, and Gonzaga award winners announced Dedication, compassion, leadership, dignity, and refinement are some of the words describing the women recognized with 2020 awards from the Alumnae Board. Crystal Award Lisa J. Into ’06 will receive the Crystal Award. Ms. Into was nominated for her immense dedication and leadership to the College and the Alumnae Board of Ursuline ~ St. John Alumnae Association for 10 years. As a non-traditional student while at Ursuline, Ms. Into was the President of the honors society for psychology majors, Psi Chi. Ms. Into promoted entrepreneurism through her involvement with UNITE, a women’s entrepreneurial group. She then served on the Board of the Alumnae Association. During her tenure, Ms. Into led a discussion group focused on personal growth and development and led a program for students held by the Wellness Center focused on identifying and living your unique set of values. Ms. Into is a certified Life Coach and the owner of Life Leadership Alliance and Director of Marketing for Bella Design Jewelers. Established by the Alumnae Association in 1991, the Crystal Award is presented annually to a graduate of Ursuline College or St. John College who has demonstrated dedication to and support of the College and the Alumnae Association; worked to promote Ursuline causes, programs and the mission of the College; and given generously of their volunteer time to the Association.
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Amadeus Rappe Award The co-recipients of the Amadeus Rappe Award are Laura (Chrow) Goliat ’79 BSN, ’10 MSN, ’17 DNP, APRN, FNP-BC; and Patricia (Brearey) Sharpnack ’84 BSN, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN. Dr. Goliat is recognized for her tireless work on behalf of her students as Associate Professor of Nursing, her leadership in the community and in various nursing professional organizations, and for her research into continuous improvement in nursing education. As TeamSTEPPS National Consultant for the American Hospital Association, she has given presentations and recorded instructional webinars for healthcare providers across the country. She is past president and current board member of the Ohio League for Nursing, Northeast Region, which recently honored her with its Outstanding Excellence in Teaching Award and last year honored her with its Outstanding Service Award.
Dr. Sharpnack, Dean of Ursuline College’s Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions, is recognized for her leadership in the community, in various regional and national professional nursing organizations, for her outstanding leadership of the Breen School of Nursing, and her commitment to the preparedness of her nursing graduates. She contributes to national policy as a member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s Institute of Regulatory Excellence and Resolutions Committee. She is one of 30 healthcare professionals throughout the nation chosen by the American Hospital Association to serve on its Advisory Committee for Teamwork Integration. Dr. Sharpnack was appointed to the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) in 2014 and is now serving a second appointed term. She was elected president by fellow OBN members for three terms, the last ending in December 2019. In 2021, she will receive the Elaine Ellibee Award from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. In 2019 she was inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the highest honors for nursing internationally. Established by the Alumnae Association in 1971, the Centennial Year of Ursuline College, the Amadeus Rappe Award is presented annually to an outstanding graduate of Ursuline College or St. John College. The award is named in memory of Bishop Amadeus Rappe, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, who was responsible for bringing the Ursuline Sisters to Cleveland in 1850 from their native Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Chaplain to the Ursulines for six years in Boulogne until he left for America in 1840, Bishop Rappe saw a real need for Christian education and entrusted that responsibility to the Ursuline Sisters, with whom he shared a mutual respect and genuine affection.
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ABOVE: Ashley Pucella with, from left, her brother, Adam; father, Pete; fiancé, Brandon Niro; and mother, Kay. RIGHT: Ashley at work.
Gonzaga Award The Ursuline ~ St. John College Alumnae Association Board awarded the 2020 Gonzaga Medal to nursing major, Ashley Pucella ’20 BSN, RN. Pucella, a pediatric OR nurse at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, returned “I chose Ursuline for it’s amazing nursing program and to Ursuline in late June along with her parents, brother, and fiancé to receive the Gonzaga the opportunity to advance my running career. What I medal from a masked, and socially distanced President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD.
didn’t realize was that Ursuline would offer me so much
Pucella was awarded this Medal for her more. My education and involvement on campus helped dedication to service, including her involvement with Ursuline for St. Jude, the Student Athletic shape the person I am today. Ursuline is deeply rooted in Advisory Committee, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and The Montefiore Foundation. social justice and open to everyone’s differences.” Ashley’s commitment and love for Ursuline College shined through as a member of the cross country and track team and as an orientation team advisor. The Gonzaga Medal is awarded to a graduating senior considered to best exemplify the personal qualities of refinement, dignity, integrity, and sincere concern for others. The award is named in honor of Sister M. Gonzaga Haessly, OSU. Sister Gonzaga, an Ursuline nun for 70 years, served the College beginning in 1922, and from 1932 to 1968 as Dean.
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Class notes 60s
Cynthia Marie Plautz Ringenbach ’66 SJC is retired and celebrating her 50th Wedding Anniversary August 2020. Sr. Diana Stano, OSU, PhD, ’68 was named 4th Councilor of the leadership team for the Ursuline Sisters.
80s
Sr. Laura J. Bregar, OSU ’81 was named 2nd Councilor of the leadership team for the Ursuline Sisters.
90s
Sr. Ritamary Welsh, OSU ’68 SJC was named President of the leadership team for the Ursuline Sisters. Sr. Maureen E. Grady, OSU ’69 was named 3rd Councilor of the leadership team for the Ursuline Sisters.
70s
Sr. Maureen Doyle, OSU ’73 SJC was named 1st Councilor of the leadership team for the Ursuline Sisters. Jean M. Burgess, Ph.D. ’78 published Collaborative Stage Directing: A Guide to Creating and Managing a Positive Theater Environment.
Kelly Hancock, BSN ’94, DNP, RN, NE-BC, FAAN p has been named Chief Caregiver Officer at Cleveland Clinic. This is the first position of its kind at the Clinic. Dr. Hancock now serves as executive leader for the Nursing Institute and Human Resources.
appointed president-elect of the Ohio Counseling Association. Jennifer Davis Sackett Nicks ’95 married Derrick Nicks on October 26, 2019.
Susan Barens-Hausknect ’03 is the Senior Vice President, Coaching Operations & Delivery with Career Matrix Group Ltd. in South Carolina.
00s
Robert Hunt, MA ’00, as superintendent of Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools, was chosen to receive the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation’s 2020 Ohio Superintendent Outstanding Performance Award. Dianna McCaskey ’00 is a teacher at CypressFairbanks independent School District in Texas.
Melissa D. Cole, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, CENP, ’03 p is now Vice President, Center for Emergency Medicine at University Hospitals Health System. Natalie Palmieri ’03 is an Appointment Chief Nurse, Ambulatory Care at VA Northeast Ohio Health System.
DoHee Kim-Appel ’94 MA, associate professor of graduate counseling at Heidelberg University, was
now
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class notes
Kathryn Purcell ’03 MA, p became The Saint Joseph Academy Board of Directors named Kathryn Purcell as the school’s next president, beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. Purcell will succeed Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis, SJA’s first president, who will retire in June. Jennifer Alcorn ’06 is Deputy Director, Philanthropic Partnerships for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and co-presented a webinar for Stanford Social Innovation Review titled, “Philanthropic Efforts to Battle COVID-19 Around the Corner and Around the World.” Mindy Shelly Boardwine ’07 accepted the position as Atrial Fibrillation Coordinator for St. Thomas Midtown and West in Nashville, TN. Mindy is married with two children and a third on the way.
10s
Allyson (Tagliarina) Weldon ‘10 has joined Akron Children’s Hospital as a pediatric psychologist in the sports medicine
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department. After Ursuline, she earned her doctorate in school psychology and master’s degree in educational psychology and special education from The University of Houston. Carl A. Allamby ‘11, the auto-mechanic-turnedphysician, was interviewed for an extensive article on the American Medical Association’s site, jamanetwork.com
Mary Kay Thomas ’13 q worked with children from Iowa Maple School for the Caravan Food Strong Program. The children, called “The Green Team,” have a community garden and are creating murals in the city.
Tiffany A. Cooper ’11, ’12 MBA became Vice President of South Franklin Circle, Judson Services Inc. in December. Uzma Ansari Kazmi ’12 was named Market Leader for PNC Business Banking for Greater Chicago and Wisconsin. Kathryn M. Knill ’12 DNP, RN, APRN-CNP passed her final doctoral defense with The Ohio State University. James Tusoch ’12 became a Financial Consultant with Fidelity Investments. Amanda Oros Jakupca ’13 q and her husband welcomed their second child, Vincent Liwanu Jakupca, to their family on August 10, 2019.
Zaneta Juskowiak ‘15 MSN, RN received the University Hospital’s Pinnacle Award which is the highest honor a UH clinical or non-clinical caregiver can receive. Tongyao Wang ’16 is pursuing a PhD from Case Western Reserve University, researching the impact of climate on physical activity in people living with HIV. Brenda Witsaman ’18 MSN, is now a family nurse practitioner with the Medina County Health Department, which recently featured her in a video on social media. Jocelyn J. Jones ’18, ’19 MBA is with Progressive Insurance as a Claims Adjuster.
20s
Colleen Gepperth ’20 is Nurse Practitioner Resident with the Cleveland VA Medical Center. John D. Porter ’20 is an Associate Banker with Quicken Loans in Cleveland, Ohio.
How to best celebrate St. John College? The Alumnae Office wants your ideas When St. John College (SJC) closed in the mid-70s, it was the great honor of the Alumnae Office of Ursuline College to bring into her fold the graduates of SJC, as well as those who had begun their education at St. John only to complete their degrees at Ursuline College. Since then, the Alumnae Office has been the home of the Alumnae Association of Ursuline College & St. John College, and it will continue to be. It has been our privilege and joy to host reunions for both colleges during the same time, at the same place, and on the same weekend. However, after talking with several SJC alumnae in recent years, the Board of the Alumnae Association wants to instead initiate an annual, exclusive St. John event; an opportunity for all SJC alums and friends to come together once a year to celebrate all things St. John College. We will use these celebratory gatherings as opportunities to also lift up SJC reunion classes and give special attention to each year’s 50th reunion. Celebrating all things St. John in 2021 will include celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1971 and the Class of 1970, due to the pandemic. We are finalizing the date and details for 2021. This is where you come in! The Alumnae Office would like to take advantage of technology that has become second nature to so many during the pandemic and host some SJC Zoom gatherings to hear what you would like this annual SJC celebration to entail. What should we know, share, do, and celebrate during this All St. John College gathering? Here’s how you can participate: • Go to www.ursuline.edu/alumnaei/update-your-information. Complete the form and in “Tell Us Your Information” please share any input you have on this celebration • We love mail! Feel free to send to the Alumnae Office your ideas for this celebration with your contact information so we know how to reach you. Mail to Alumnae Office, Ursuline College, 2550 Lander Rd., Pepper Pike, 44124 • Serve on a small, short-term virtual advisory committee to share ideas and ways to make the gathering something the St. John College family would enjoy. This group will ‘meet’ safely over Zoom a few times to share their ideas. Again, go to the above link to update your information and in the “Tell Us Your Information,” let us know that you would like to be a part of this SJC committee. • Email the Alumnae Office directly (at Lynne.Dewyre@Ursuline.edu) to share ideas for this gathering and/or to tell us you would like to serve on this short-term advisory committee.
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❧ In Memoriam ☙ our alumnae/i ’45 Catherine Noel Berridge ’45 Kathleen Reid Creadon ’46 Rosemary Carrabine Ferrell ’46 Elizabeth Krock Wall ’48 Kathleen McGuinness Knox ’50SJC Louise Baartak Sedgley ’52SJC Mary Alice Hagaman Boland ’53 Dolores Skrabec Roshetko ’53 Teresa Lane Samar ’53SJC Marian Labuda Jindra ’53SJC Bede Zipko McGuinness ’54SJC Sr. Mary Natalie Haas, RSM ’55 Irene Murphy Campbell ’55SJC Sr. Mary St. Leo DeChant, SND ’56 Kathleen Bell Aman ‘56SJC Dottie Durbin Caine ’56SJC Sr. Jean Elizabeth Mack, SSJ-TOSF ’57 Margery Claus Shanks ’57 Jean Farrell Sweeney ’57SJC Margaret M. Friel ’59SJC Sr. Mary Rosalind Vilics, SND ’62SJC Sr. Barbara Eppich, OSU ’62SJC Paula Steber Samerdyke ’62SJC Sr. Katherine Mary Skrabec, SND
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’63SJC Sr. Mary Josetta Kuczmarski, OSF ’64SJC Jayne Kobie Laditka ’64SJC Bernice Wawzyniak Ward ’66 Mary Bedell Berger ’66 Dorothy Erjavec Kramer ’67 Sr. Caroline J. Cerveny, SSJ-TOSF ’68 Sr. Mary H. Cunningham, HM ’68 Judith Hutnik Moss ’68 Nancy York Schlosser ’69SJC Barbara Barsa Goebl ’70 Dianne Koutnik Pruden ’70SJC Judith Dalton Gregg ’72SJC Kathleen Gross Stincic ’78 Ann Lovsin ’81 Elizabeth Condon Conway ’81 Emilie L. Easa ’81 Theresa McCarthy McGraw ’83 Alba M. Graziano ’86 Margaret P. Andrews ’90 Tanya Miller Verga ’93 Mary Stemnock Sabol ’95 Thelma Starks Frazier ’95 Linda Seltzer Kendall ’01 Thomas D. Currier ’06 Ellen Kay Giamei ’09 Janice Maley Brucato
husband of ’51 ’51 ’53SJC ’55 ’59 ’60 ’62SJC ’66SJC ’66SJC ’67SJC ’70SJC ’77 ’78 ’85 ’01 ’04 ’11
Rosemary Vecchio McAllister Pauline Habermann Moore Joan Wahl Corbett Kay Lockwood Allen Carol King Johnson Rosemary Rieke Saxer Ann Loell McClellan Kathleen Yager Kne Carol Fuduric Putre Gloria Gallese Gongos Michele Beres Nolan Mary Jane Safford Miriam Rosenthal Lidsky Dolores Bright Linda Kalvitz Council Diana Stasick Acton Patricia M. Fotinos
college community Ann M. Trivisonno, Ph.D.
You are
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Help shape
the voices of
our future.
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calendars.
Wasmer Gallery turns 40 in new digs Re-opens Nov. 6, showcasing NEO women artists
Closed in March due to the pandemic, Ursuline’s Florence O’Donnell Wasmer Gallery re-opens in a beautiful new home in November to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The gallery has moved to the Monsignor Mullen Building, the main academic and administrative building facing Lander Road. It re-opens with “New Masters: Women Artists of Northeast Ohio,” on view Nov. 6. through Jan. 29, 2021 and made possible in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. Due to the pandemic, Wasmer Gallery is open by appointment only, Tuesday-Friday, 12:00-5:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1:30- 4:30 p.m. (closed Monday). Sign up for a time to visit by calling Gallery Director Anna Arnold at 440.646.8121. Or view the exhibition online, starting Nov. 6, at flickr.com/ photos/ursulinecollege/albums. For an invitation to the Zoom awards ceremony set for Friday, Nov. 6, at 6:00 p.m., contact Anna.Arnold@ursuline.edu. Follow us on social media!