Saint Francis Magazine - Spring 2019

message from our president Dear alumni and friends, The USF campus has changed so much over the past year it is challenging to put into words the feeling of gratitude from those of us blessed to be engaged in everyday life here.

Daily mass in the St. Francis Chapel reminds us of God’s goodness and the heart of the university’s commitment to Franciscan values. The Chapel and the expanded Achatz Hall of Science and Research Center offer physical reminders of faith and reason, as Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, so eloquently expressed at the blessing. The Chapel blessing last fall and the Achatz Expansion blessing in January were memorable times of reflection and celebration.

As students and faculty spend more time in Achatz Hall with the completion of Phase 1 of the project, it’s easy to feel the excitement for the enriched learning atmosphere. Students are able to engage in hands-on learning with real-life implications, and the capability for on-site internships offers an additional dimension to their educational experience. Our alumni have been very supportive and generous in helping improve the campus for future generations of students.

Tim and Flora Parsley, featured in this issue, are fantastic examples of caring for the less fortunate. Tim, the Chair for the Department of Art, and Flora, a nurse who earned her BSN at USF in 2018, are serving with their children as a host family for a baby from Burkina Faso, West Africa. The Parsleys’ willingness to provide a home and hope for baby Sada, as he awaits medical care, is inspiring.

As you will see in reading this issue, our alumni make a difference in the Fort Wayne community and beyond. A wide range of impact is illustrated by the lives and work of animator Joshua Bullock, flight nurse Jenny Esslinger, and attorneys and sisters Trisha Paul and Emily Szaferski. A commitment to Franciscan values is apparent in the work of Tyler Kimmel, DDS, as he serves the underserved with the Neighborhood Health Clinic.

Within this issue, we mourn the passing of Sister Rose Agnes, who served USF for many years, living a life full of God’s joy. She was a loving, positive presence to all who knew her. Her influence will continue to be felt.

We always look forward to our alumni visiting campus and we invite you to come by as often as you can. We appreciate how you represent USF with grace, kindness, service and generosity.

God’s blessings,

Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF, President University of Saint Francis

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Magazine | Spring 2019

Office of Institutional Advancement Dr. Matt Smith

Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Kathy Calvin

Administrative Assistant

Melissa Eastman

Director of Alumni Relations

Lynne McKenna Frazier

Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Matthew Hall

Assistant Director of Career Advancement

Tammy Oakes

Senior Gift Officer

Sister Marilyn Oliver, BSE ’62 Planned Giving

Sandie Phalen

Director of Marketing and Development for USF Crown Point

Matthew Rowan

Director of Development

Tess Steffen

Annual Fund Coordinator

Mary Timm-Zimmerman Donor Relations Specialist

Natalie (Mason) Wagoner, BBA ’07, MBA ’09 Director of the Career Outreach Center

Tatiana Walzer, MBA ’13

Assistant Director of Advancement Services

Magazine Staff MARKETING AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carla (Satchwell) Pyle, BA ’00

EDITOR AND FEATURE WRITER

Reggie Hayes

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Melissa Eastman Sister Marilyn Oliver, BSE ’62 Mary Timm-Zimmerman SPORTS WRITER

Bill Scott

FEATURE WRITER

Yvonne Schroeder

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Rachel (Weaver) Brooks, BA ’16 PUBLISHER

University of Saint Francis 2701 Spring St., Fort Wayne, IN 46808 260-399-7999, sf.edu/magazine

FOSTER PEACE and JUSTICE

SPRING 2019

The magazine of the University of Saint Francis is published twice annually by the USF Marketing Department and distributed without cost to alumni, faculty, staff and other friends of the university.

in this issue features 6

Building Cohesion

10 Taking Flight Jenny Esslinger embraces her career as a nurse

12 Service with a Smile Tyler Kimmel, DDS, combines skills as a dentist with a desire to help the underserved

14 An Animated Man Joshua Bullock is driven by the desire to create a lasting character in the animation world

16 Sisters ‘In Law’ Trisha Paul and Emily Szaferski took similar paths from student-athletes to respected attorneys

18 Right Place, Right Time Alumni David and Bekah Leemreis found friendship, then love at USF

20 Top of the Football Class Senior Piercen Harnish became USF’s first finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy

22 Discovering Meaning

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USF conversations explore complex issues

24 A Perfect Fit Anthony and Bethany Shefferly work hard to promote a healthy lifestyle

A life full of fitness. Anthony and Bethany (Rhineholz) Shefferly are always on the go, which is one reason why their family is so fit. Besides raising four children, the USF alumni own CrossFit Tactical Strength. The business began with Anthony’s desire to help his fellow police officers and continues to expand.

26 Labor of Love Alyssa Doak’s experience as a young mother helped her find her calling as a nurse

28 Hearing a Baby’s Call Tim and Flora Parsley are helping a West African baby receive life-altering care

30 A Winning Culture Cougar volleyball set new standards in 2018

32 Pushed to the Limit The Cougars didn’t win a third NAIA football title, but coach Kevin Donley was pleased with the journey

sections

Athletics

34-35

Campus News

36-37

Alumni News

38-43

Taking care of little ones. Alyssa (Jones) Doak’s experience as the mother of a premature baby helped spur her career as a neonatal intensive care unit nurse. While the USF alumna uses her skills on the smallest of babies, she has another passion as well: She serves in the Indiana Air National Guard.

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Franciscan values. Tyler Kimmel, DDS, points to his time at USF as a formative point in his commitment to Franciscan values and to serving others. He became the Chief Dental Officer at Neighborhood Health Clinic right out of dental school, and still feels the same passion to help the underserved.

Quite a character. Joshua Bullock brings a lifelong love of animation and cartoons to his career as a freelance animator. While he has his hands on a number of projects, he’s also crafting his own original comic book, “Monarchs.” Bullock hopes to create memorable characters which people grow to know and love.

18 A creative couple. David and Bekah (Kitzmiller) Leemreis met on campus, became friends serving on student government and fell in love as students in the School of Creative Arts. David, a graphic design major, and Bekah, a pre-art therapy major, took no classes together, but they’re delighted to build their lives together.

On the cover: The expanded Achatz Hall of Science and Research Center is already bustling with activity. Students and faculty are taking full advantage of the new classrooms, labs and study areas, and anticipating the completion of the renovated parts of the facility this year.

Photos by j.fox photography, Tim Brumbeloe, Mitch Colagrossi and The Kismet Collective and Steve Vorderman. Cover photo by Tim Brumbeloe.

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Photo by Tim Brumbeloe

BUILDING

COHESION THE STATE-OF-THE-ART UPGRADE TO THE ACHATZ HALL OF SCIENCE AND RESEARCH CENTER DELIVERS SOMETHING GREATER THAN JUST A NEW SCIENCE COMPLEX.

When describing the expanded and renovated Achatz Hall of Science and Research Center, it’s easy to fall into an inventory recitation.

The list of new classrooms, labs, scientific instruments and more goes a long way toward capturing the scope of the project and how it will be even more conducive to learning. There’s an overflowing abundance of good stuff, to use a non-technical term.

Yet an inventory falls incomplete without including the building’s heart and soul, which is a bit more challenging to capture.

“I think there’s a peace here,” said Dr. Andrea Geyer, Dean for the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “When you walk on the third floor, you’re going to see the canticle of the creatures featured in the stained glass windows. There are plans for a green roof, which adds to a sense of ‘I’m not isolated. There’s a world here, it’s not just about me and a school building.’ You’re not just in isolation with academics, but participating in your social and spiritual life. You’re a whole person, and that fills our niche much better than the previous building.”

Geyer, also an associate professor for chemistry, ranks as one of Achatz’s bigger promoters. She brings a passion for teaching and an undeterred devotion to foster the best educational—and life—experience for students.

She envisions the impact of the new Achatz.

A key phrase that peppers any Achatz-related conversation with Geyer is “hands-on.”

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Students will have more hands-on study because of the quantity and quality of scientific instruments and labs.

Professors will have more hands-on instruction because of the room and lab designs. Students and professors will find the entire layout of Achatz more conducive to collaborative experiences as they engage in experiments and research.

“All of the rooms have been designed for what best suits the needs of the area or discipline being studied in there,” Geyer said. “In some spaces, the tables are fixed to meet the needs of gas lines and electrical. Other spaces, such as the forensic lab, we don’t need gas lines, so we have spaces that can adapt and move. A car bumper undergoing forensic analysis can occupy an entire table without inhibiting access to equipment in the room because we can readily shift the lab layout.”

The expansion added 25,700 square feet onto the 46,000 square feet of renovated space. A partial list of upgrades would include five additional science labs, a new computer science lab, a bigger computer lab, three additional classrooms (one outdoor, one observatory terrace), two conference rooms, more study areas and a variety of amenities including showers, a lactation room and an astronomy closet. Achatz sports 10 new offices. In the old Achatz, some faculty used prep rooms or closets as offices.

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“We have a new imaging lab that has all of our microscopy instruments in one location. Before they were distributed throughout the building,” Geyer said. “We’ll also have a live feed running outside and you can see actively what is taking place in the room. What are they looking at, at the microscopic level? This is what a three-leaf clover looks like under 1,000 magnification or 10,000 magnification and others can view that without being in the actual room.”

Another example of the flexibility of the new Achatz can be seen in the Parkview Physicians Group Auditorium, which can function as a full space or double as a classroom in the lower part. Students will also be able to participate in internships with Fort Wayne Metals, which will be doing work on-site.

More businesses could partner in the future.

“We can literally offer internships with a company on-site,” Geyer said. “It’s a very unusual opportunity.”

The outdoor classroom can also serve as a gathering area for students looking for a spot to study, or simply to hang out. Those close to the building have taken to calling the west side area the Cougar Cave. It’s another place to connect as Achatz transforms into a hands-on home for students’ careers and lives to blossom.

Photos by Mollie Shutt (BA ’18)

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

-ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

THE ACHATZ EXPANSION OPENS TO

PRAISE, PROMISE

Most Reverend Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades soaked in the view near the north windows of Achatz Hall of Science and Research Center, and delighted in what he saw.

“What a beautiful addition, right next to our beautiful new St. Francis Chapel,” Rhoades said at the Jan. 16 Achatz Expansion Blessing. “Just to be able to look out the window, and see the mission of the University of Saint Francis, the dialogue between faith and reason.”

Rhoades, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, went from room to room blessing the expansion after his formal address to the gathered students, faculty, friends and supporters. Students began the spring semester with classes, laboratory work and research in the fresh, state-of-the-art expanded space in Achatz Hall. Rhoades encouraged students to take full advantage of the new and improved opportunities the expansion presents.

“Science teaches us so much and continues with new discoveries,” Rhoades said. “As Catholics, something we share with many other Christians and those of other religions, we affirm and uphold the compatibility of faith and science.

And good theology helps in this. We believe all things exist

by God’s wisdom and power.”

The expansion is part of an ongoing project at USF, which also included the construction of the St. Francis Chapel and the current renovation of the older parts of Achatz.

Completion of the project, including the renovation of older parts of Achatz Hall and the final touches on the St. Francis Chapel, is expected later this year.

“Achatz Hall will be a great asset for workforce development for the community as USF students will have the opportunity to utilize tools, instruments and technology they will encounter when they embark on their professional careers,” USF President Sister M. Elise Kriss said.

Other speakers at the blessing included Dr. Matt Smith, Vice President of Institutional Advancement; Dr. Lance Richey, Vice President of Academic Affairs; Dr. Andrea Geyer, Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Meagan Roy, Biology-Pre Veterinary student; Bill Niezer, Chairman of the Board; and Jon Gilmore, President of Tonn and Blank Construction.

“This building supports the entire student — the academic, the social and the spiritual,” Geyer said. “It’s truly not just a building — it’s a home. A home for our students to grow, to learn and to one day come back to as proud alumni.” saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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JENNY ESSLINGER EMBRACES HER CAREER AS A NURSE

TAKING

Jenny (Hill) Esslinger (ASN ’02) starts each 12-hour workday with no idea what might happen next. She couldn’t love it more.

Esslinger is a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) nurse and flight nurse with Parkview Health. She spends some of her workdays aboard the MICU Samaritan Ground Transport truck, some time aboard the Samaritan 1 helicopter and some time studying while waiting for the unpredictable next emergency call.

During a tour of the hangar where Samaritan 1 is stored during winter weather, Esslinger explained the protocol of the unit and the ins and outs of her work. She might not describe her job this way, but the label fits: She’s a lifesaver.

“We have all kinds of lifesaving tools, including a wide variety of medications and equipment we can use to stabilize a patient,” Esslinger said. “It’s amazing, in a short amount of time, the difference we can make.”

Esslinger learned the value of making a difference with medical care at an early age. A native of Hamilton, Indiana, nursing is 10

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in her DNA. “My mom Jody Hill was a nurse, I had several family members who were nurses, and one aunt, JoAnn Beecher, was a flight nurse,” she said. “My mom would always share her nursing stories with me, and she would take me with her when she taught CPR and first aid. It came naturally.”

After working about eight years in the Surgical Trauma ICU at Parkview, Esslinger had an opportunity to join the new MICU in 2010, which eventually led her aboard Samaritan 1. Her general pattern of work is two weeks with Samaritan Mobile ICU units and a week with Samaritan 1. The work is similar but not identical. Samaritan Mobile ICU includes a nurse, a paramedic and an EMT driver. Samaritan 1 carries a pilot, a nurse and a paramedic.

Sometimes the call is to transport a patient from one hospital to another. Sometimes the call is more urgent, coming from an accident site. There’s no way to anticipate the next assignment.

“You have to be ready to switch it on. It’s amazing how you can go from one extreme to the other,” Esslinger said.

“There have been days when I’ve had five flights in a 12-hour

FLIGHT shift, or a long road trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and that’s rough. The reality is, it’s hard work. It’s very hard work but I love it.”

Paramedic Mel Tucker and pilot Pat Schultz are often teamed with Esslinger on her crew. It helps to know your team well to react better in those high-pressure situations, they agreed.

“She’s a very passionate nurse,” Tucker said. “Very skilled, and fun to hang around with. She’s got it all.”

Esslinger says the job is as rewarding as it is stressful, and it takes a certain type of personality to handle the many different aspects of the position. “I am blessed to be surrounded by amazing co-workers and that helps one get through the good and bad days,” she said.

“I love being able to help people and I enjoy being able to reduce the anxiety the family and patient are having. I am able to take them from a 10 to a 2 in anxiety by explaining things.

It’s amazing the relationships you form with people you wouldn’t otherwise meet.”

Photos by Matt Ayers

WHETHER ON THE HIGHWAY OR HIGH IN THE SKY

After earning an ASN from USF, Esslinger earned a BSN from WGU Indiana. She credits USF as being a vital launching pad for her career, and she has not ruled out returning for further study.

“The way I learn is very hands-on, and Saint Francis got me through it well,” Esslinger said. “The one-on-one attention helped me and shaped me into the nurse I wanted to be.”

Esslinger and her husband Nathan have three children: Ethan, 14, Gabe, 10, and Kinsley, 6. The family had to adjust to the unpredictable nature of her career. A late-in-the-shift call can result in Esslinger staying as long as 18 hours on the job.

“My daughter probably asks the most questions—‘Mom, what did you do today?’—and I can say ‘I helped save somebody’s life today,’ and then you go home and it’s normal, just another day,” Esslinger said. “That’s one thing with nursing, you truly get to make a difference. That’s what I enjoy with it and it’s why I keep going with it. You’re the calm in somebody’s storm.” saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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service with a

Tyler Kimmel, DDS, combines skills as a dentist with a desire to help the underserved

Tyler Kimmel, DDS (BS ’09), knew he wanted to become a dentist when he was in the fifth grade.

Kimmel job-shadowed his family dentist, Joseph E. Kinder, DDS, and became even more curious after being fitted for braces, wondering if orthodontics might be a good career route. He ultimately chose a path with more variety and unpredictability. “General dentistry gives you the opportunity to do a little bit of everything,” he said.

Kimmel today oversees a team as Chief Dental Officer at Neighborhood Health Clinic, 1717 S. Calhoun St., serving the underserved as he uses his skills, his soothing temperament and his wealth of empathy.

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“Some of that is actually from the Franciscan values we had when we were at Saint Francis,” Kimmel said. “Respect the unique dignity of each person, and that includes the ability to receive healthcare. I want to help the patients in the community who wouldn’t normally be able to get help.”

Kimmel’s empathy informs much of his work. He became the Chief Dental Officer at Neighborhood Health Clinic after graduation from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2013. Assuming the role was a daunting task, as he stepped out of school and right into a manager’s shoes at a not-forprofit clinic with a wide range of patient needs.

“It was a challenge, being a new dentist just getting used to Above photo by Tim Brumbeloe and right photo by Emma Anger (BA ’16)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

-MATTHEW 5:16

dentistry in general,” Kimmel said. “The management piece was the most challenging. You don’t get a lot of that in dental school. They teach you how to be a dentist, not how to run a business or manage other staff members.”

Clinic or if I moved to another city, I would enjoy working in a federally qualified health center. I feel like there’s a lot of mission to it and the values I picked up at Saint Francis encourage those types of things.”

He learned on the job, he said, embracing the challenge and overseeing the dental center, which is open every weekday and two nights per week. Neighborhood Health Clinic also has a satellite on Paulding Road and a mobile clinic that travels around Fort Wayne Community Schools to examine second, third, sixth and seventh graders.

Kimmel treats patients of all ages at the Neighborhood Health Clinic, starting at six months old. Like most dentists, he’s striving to teach healthy habits and encourage patients to practice preventative care.

Kimmel relishes his work because it combines his love for dentistry with his desire to live Franciscan values. Kimmel’s background includes a lifetime of Catholic education. He graduated from Bishop Luers High School before enrolling at USF. He faced a number of choices coming out of dental school, including whether to start a private practice or become an associate of another dentist. Kimmel had spent time volunteering at Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic while he was a USF student and also went on some mission trips, including one with a pediatric dentist to Honduras.

“Some people feel public health is something you do when you graduate dental school until you have enough to buy your own practice,” Kimmel said. “I actually do enjoy working in public health. Whether it’s here at the Neighborhood Health

“When you see ‘pain’ on the schedule, you don’t necessarily know what you’re going to get into,” Kimmel said. “But those are some of the most grateful patients. They have pain and you take it away.”

Kimmel takes pride in the Neighborhood Health Clinic staff’s ability to help dental patients improve their smiles and appearance, which often benefits them in their work lives.

“I do feel I’m where I want to be and I’m glad I made the decision to go down this particular road,” Kimmel said.

“Dentistry has been very good to me. We have a very good dental profession here in Fort Wayne. We work well together and collaborate. Not every dentist is going to click with every patient and we can talk about those things without it being a competition.

“There’s still unmet need, unfortunately. You want everyone to be able to eat and chew normally and have that nice smile that brings self-confidence.”

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AN ANIMATED MAN Joshua Bullock (BA ’12) is driven by the desire to create a lasting character in the animation world. His long-range goal is to start his own animation company.

As animator Joshua Bullock reflects back on his time at USF, he credits three educators with setting the tone for an unrelenting drive to succeed. Those mentors from opposite sides of the lake were Cougars football coach Kevin Donley on one side, with School of Creative Arts professor Matt White and Communication Program Director Jane Martin on the other side. Donley’s time of influence was brief, since Bullock’s football career was derailed by a knee injury, but the coach’s direction took hold.

“Coach Donley and the coaches instilled determination in all of us,” Bullock said. “Unfortunately, I got hurt at the start and it kind of ended my football career. But that determination to continue to be better, to push through the hard times, stuck with me.”

Bullock, an animation major, considered switching majors during a frustrating, confusing time after his football injury.

White, the program director of animation, saw too much promise in Bullock’s skills to let that happen.

“Matt came in, kicked my butt, and said, ‘No, you need to do this. You have the talent for this,’ ” Bullock said. “He wants me to start my own big animation company and, hopefully, I can do that one day. He’s getting that ball rolling. Jane Martin has also played a huge role in my discipline to keep pushing through.”

Martin knew well of Bullock’s unrelenting focus on the projects he was handling.

“She would have students call me if I was late to class due to me staying up all night working on my animation projects,” Bullock said.

Bullock, 29, is forging a challenging path in animation, working as a freelancer and creating his own original comic book. While watching the tributes last November to Stan Lee, co-creator of several of Marvel Comics’ iconic characters, including Spider-man and Black Panther, Bullock was inspired again to set his sights high.

“Josh is incredibly talented and can pretty much get a job wherever he wants,” White said. “But he wants to be able to make his own way and do his own thing. He’s always had the work ethic, drive and vision to do that.”

Photos by Steve Vorderman

Bullock worked with SmashBits Animation House in Evansville for two years before moving back to Indianapolis to become his own boss. He has several clients and produces work for Black Sands Entertainment, which has offered to publish his in-development comic, “Monarchs,” when it is ready. “Monarchs” is based on the style of the Japanese manga series, with heavy influence of African and African American culture, Bullock said.

Bullock’s YouTube channel, Skylegend Animation, has more than 63,000 subscribers and eight million views.

“The biggest thing is, I love to tell stories,” Bullock said. “I’d love to create characters for people to lock onto. People don’t use the word nerd now, but (as a child), I was probably considered a huge nerd because I was into Pokémon and Saturday morning cartoons, up with my cereal, watching. I thought how much I’d like to create a character and do this one day.”

Bullock originally tried to go the corporate route, applying for an internship with Disney, but didn’t land it. Instead, he says, his time with SmashBits offered him an opportunity to stretch.

“I quickly got to be an art director and work on character design,” he said. “If I was working at Disney, it would have taken forever to get to that point.”

His experiences increased while working on projects for WildBrain, which produces children’s shows. Being a freelance animator takes self-discipline, perseverance and the commitment to work long hours.

“You don’t get a lot of sleep,” Bullock said.

White asked Bullock to be a mentor with current USF students and he helped extensively with “Black History Beats,” an animated tribute to African American culture and history, which aired nationally on PBS on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “I would love to give people characters they love to follow and see how a story unfolds,” Bullock said. “You look at the ‘Avengers’ and Marvel movies and see the reactions of people who have followed these characters. I want to create characters like that, that people grow up with and love.” saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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SISTERS ‘IN LAW’ TRISHA (PATTERSON) PAUL (LEFT) AND EMILY (PATTERSON) SZAFERSKI (RIGHT) TOOK SIMILAR PATHS FROM SAINT FRANCIS STUDENT-ATHLETES TO RESPECTED ATTORNEYS. NOW THE SISTERS SEE EACH OTHER DAILY AS PART OF THE SAME FIRM AT BARRETT MCNAGNY LLP.

Trisha Paul (BS ’93) and Emily Szaferski (BA ’00) practice law a couple of doors down from each other at Barrett McNagny LLP. But if you put the successful attorneys and sisters in a room together and start reminiscing about their USF basketball days, you can almost hear the sneakers squeaking.

Because of their age difference, they were not teammates in college. During Emily’s junior year, USF finished as NAIA runner-up, with Trisha in the stands. In Emily’s last two seasons, the Cougars were a combined 65-7.

“Whenever I walk on campus,” Trisha said, “it brings a smile to my face.”

Trisha spent about 10 years at USF, counting her time as a player, as a coach’s wife (husband Chris Paul was an assistant to Patterson) and in following Emily’s career.

The sisters talk fondly about the influence of their father, Bruce Patterson, who coached both women during their careers at USF. His impact on their competitiveness and drive to succeed shines through in any conversation about their playing days and beyond.

“I was the better player,” Trisha asserts, trying unsuccessfully to get a rise out of her younger sister. “You can ask Dad which one of us was better.”

“I’ll take the Fifth on that,” Patterson said.

Smart man. He and his wife Sandy raised two talented, successful daughters. Trisha and Emily balance multiple roles as attorneys, wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends. The only role they reject is coach.

“I do not have the demeanor for coaching,” Trisha said. “I have zero patience and a very short fuse.”

“Both of us tend to run the scoreboard when our kids are playing, so we have to be quiet,” Emily said. “She and I are different in many ways but similar in having a very short fuse.”

A short fuse sometimes accompanies passionate, ambitious personalities, which fits both sisters. Trisha, who was the first female Managing Partner of Barrett McNagny in 2018, focuses her practice on estate planning and estate administration.

She has been with the firm for 23 years. Emily joined Barrett McNagny six years ago when the firm decided to reestablish its family and domestic law practice.

“In my opinion, Emily had developed into one of the best family law attorneys in town,” Trisha said. “I didn’t know it was an option because we had an anti-nepotism policy. But the firm went through a lot of work to make an exception.

We didn’t originally plan to be at the same firm, but it’s worked out very well.”

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“I was more like a second mom than a sister for a long time,” Trisha said. “I was pretty hard on her.”

The whole family rallied together when Emily was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma heading into her senior year. The cancer significantly limited her playing time but did not keep her completely off the court. She says remaining part of the basketball team was a mental and physical boost.

“Other than my parenting days, having kids, those were the best four years of my life, which is saying a lot because of my sickness my senior year,” Emily said. “I adored my teammates; we were very close. I adored playing for my dad. That school had something special; it almost makes me emotional to talk about it. When I got sick, I realized how close we were as teammates.”

Trisha and Emily both pursued law at the encouragement of their father, who preached the value of a graduate degree in law or medicine. Trisha earned a J.D. at the University of Toledo College of Law and Emily earned a J.D. at the Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis.

Both actively lead sports-crazy families. Trisha and Chris (BA ’02) Paul have three children: Jalen, 20, Jackson, 16 and Jersey, 12. Emily and Maciek (BA ’00, MA ’02) Szaferski, who played football at USF in its inaugural 1998 season, have two sons: Zen, 9 and Tyson, 6. All of their children are active in sports.

“It’s much harder to be the mom [than a player],” Trisha said. “I am nauseous before games, during games. Whether it’s a good day at the office depends on how my son’s team performed the day before.”

Emily concurs.

Photos by Steve Vorderman

“Whenever I walk on campus, it brings a smile to my face.”

-Trisha Paul, BS ’93

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RIGHT RIGHT PLACE

TI M E

Alumni David and Bekah Leemreis FOUND FRIENDSHIP, THEN LOVE at USF

David (BA ’16) and Bekah (BA ’16) Leemreis can’t remember their first official date.

on the same page. Everyone loved her a lot. All my friends said, ‘Yeah, she’s perfect for you.’ ”

They know how they met, coming and going from their University of Saint Francis campus jobs where they shared an office. They know how they became friends, serving in USF student government. They know how they fostered that friendship, studying as students in the School of Creative Arts.

The couple are opposites in some ways. David, a 2016 graphic design major, leans toward spontaneity while Bekah, a 2017 pre-art therapy major whose maiden name was Kitzmiller, thrives on being detailed-oriented.

Pinpoint a first date? Not possible.

“It just happened,” Bekah said, smiling.

“The funny part is, we were both art majors and that’s very unique in student government,” David said. “Most of the people in student government were in business or nursing.

People were kind of pushing us together in a somewhat serious or joking manner. ‘You’re both art majors. You have to be together.’ ” By the time David reached the middle of his sophomore year and Bekah the middle of her freshman year, they were a couple. Soon after, they became inseparable.

“Pretty much after we started hanging out, I knew this is the person for me,” David said. “This is my best friend. This is who I want to spend my life with. It was very quick. We’re both 18

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“Our relationship has helped me become much more relaxed,” Bekah said.

“It has helped me, to a much smaller amount, to learn to do things a little earlier rather than later,” David said.

While they were both in the USF School of Creative Arts, they steered clear of coordinating schedules.

“We didn’t have a single class together,” Bekah said. “We kind of did that on purpose. If either of us had an art project, we liked to talk it out and bounce ideas off each other. If we had been doing the same thing, one of us would have had the secondary idea.”

They’re both driven to success. David is a graphic/production specialist at Parkview Health. Bekah is a Registered Behavior Technician at Indiana ABA Institute. She previously worked at Hopebridge as a consultant in applied behavior analysis

“Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

- 1 C O R I N TH I A N S 1 3 : 7

for children on the autism spectrum. The USF Class of 2017 valedictorian, Bekah is also pursuing her master’s degree in applied behavior analysis through Ball State University’s online program.

As they arrived at the park, ostensibly waiting for the Craigslist connection, David prepared to express his intentions when Bekah said, “I think I’m going to know when you’re going to propose.”

The couple was married on April 28, 2018 at Goeglein’s Garden Grove and, not surprisingly, designed the table decorations, bridal shower invitations, RSVP cards, wedding invitations, programs, address labels and stickers. They’ve already bought a house and adopted a dog.

She didn’t know.

They both recall fondly when David proposed during an afternoon visit to Lakeside Park. David picked the locale because of something that happened more than two years earlier. As their relationship moved from friendship to love, he had planned to take Bekah one day to Lakeside Park to express the words “I love you” for the first time. But she surprised him by saying the life-changing phrase first that very morning.

“I bet it was nice and very thoughtful,” Bekah said, “but I have no idea what he said.”

David tucked his Lakeside Park idea in his back pocket and returned for his proposal on March 7, 2017, tricking Bekah into thinking they were going to the park to complete a Craigslist purchase.

“It was so weird because he would never do that, so that should have been my first clue,” Bekah said.

Photos by Mitch Colagrossi and The Kismet Collective

David began to talk about how much she means to him, but once Bekah realized where he was headed, she became lost in the moment. Today, she only remembers saying yes.

They will forever be thankful they found each other at USF, since David is originally from South Bend and Bekah from New Haven. Bekah considered a number of colleges coming out of high school, including Bethel, which would have sent her in an opposite direction from David.

“If I would have gone to Bethel, we never would have met,” Bekah said.

David looked over at Bekah.

“You made the right choice.” saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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TOP OF THE FOOTBALL CLASS Senior business major Piercen Harnish became USF’s first finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy for the nation’s best football scholar-athlete 20

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In the eyes of University of Saint Francis football coach Kevin Donley, an impressive national honor for senior linebacker Piercen Harnish is only the beginning.

Harnish was honored as one of the 13 finalists for the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame 2018 William V. Campbell Trophy, an award that recognizes the best football scholar-athlete in the country.

Donley sees even bigger things for Harnish in the years ahead.

“If he wants to be a CEO, he can,” Donley said. “If he wants to go into politics, he’ll succeed. If he wants to be a football coach, he could do my job right now.”

Each of the 13 Campbell Trophy finalists receives an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship. Harnish and others attended the 61st NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 4 at the New York Hilton Midtown. The winner was Clemson defensive lineman Christian Wilkins.

Another part of consideration for the award is a player’s volunteer efforts. Harnish has worked on team housebuilding projects in El Salvador and Jamaica, worked with the Fort Wayne Chapter of Forgotten Children, and worked with Fort Wayne Treasure House. He also volunteers for a wheelchair basketball tournament.

“He always does the right thing and he always does things with maximum effort,” Donley said. “He’s a team player. He’s a ‘we’ guy, not a ‘me’ guy. His body language is always uplifting. He’s mentally tough. When your back’s against the wall, you can always count on Piercen Harnish.”

Harnish married his high school sweetheart, Arissa, in 2017 and they recently had their first son, Jaxson.

Harnish believes the demands on his time are all worth it.

Harnish is a finance major who recently began part-time work at Shelton Financial after spending time with Ash Brokerage.

Harnish, who sports a 3.96 GPA, aspires to a career as a financial advisor.

The Campbell Trophy finalist honor recognizes his on- and off-field commitment to excellence. Harnish is the first USF player to become a finalist.

“I was completely surprised,” Harnish said. “Just to get in the Top 180 was an honor. To be in the Top 13, I was blown away.

To be up against a guy like Drue Tranquill (University of Notre Dame; Carroll High School) is tremendous. I’ve always looked up to Drue. To be in the same group, there’s no words to describe it.”

Harnish’s brother Chandler was a finalist for the award as a quarterback at Northern Illinois University in 2011. Chandler Harnish later spent time in the NFL after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.

Other brothers who have been finalists for the Campbell Trophy were Peyton and Eli Manning, and Matt and Jon Stinchcomb.

“It’s a great honor and Chandler is happy for me, but he’s probably thinking, ‘I can’t one-up him in this one,’ ” Harnish said, jokingly.

Earlier this season, Harnish broke the USF record for tackles in a career, set by Brian Kurtz (2003-06). Harnish has three of the top eight regular-season tackle totals in program history.

He was a second-team NAIA All-American last year and VSN NAIA National Defensive Player of the Year, and named as a preseason NAIA All-American this fall.

Since arriving on campus out of Norwell High School, Harnish has been an outstanding leader, Donley said.

Left photo by the National Football Foundation and the above photo by Aaron Suozzi

“You have to do some stuff late at night sometimes,” Harnish said. “Obviously, things come before football when you’re a husband and father, so your priorities are changing. My time has just changed. I wouldn’t say I’m making sacrifices, but just changing my life for the better.”

A very organized person, Harnish would love the opportunity to continue his football career as a professional. But he also realizes the odds are stacked against a player from the NAIA. “I think it’s every child’s dream,” he said. “But I’m a statistics guy and 99.6 percent of athletes go on to careers outside of professional sports. For guys coming from small colleges, it’s a really big grind to get there. You see players who have earned every award in smaller college sports and it’s so hard for them to make it. There are cats coming from everywhere. But if it ever came my way, I’d jump at the opportunity.” saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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DISCOVERING USF CONVERSATIONS EXPLORE COMPLEX ISSUES At USF, deeper conversations are nurtured and embraced. Conversations about vocation. About compassion and human service. About meaning, self-knowledge and our places on this rapidlyspinning sphere we call Earth.

The communication weaves its way through the university experience like thread through a tapestry. You see it in the classroom, in projects, in extracurricular activities and in the nurturing relationship between students and professors.

By Yvonne Schroeder

GAINING PERSPECTIVE In Engage #TrendingNow current events class, students tackle news from around the world and lead discussions incorporating their feelings and how Franciscan values could be implemented in that world situation. Rather than a platform to change minds, it provides a conduit to self-knowledge and seeing things from another’s perspective.

IMPROVING INTERACTIONS

“I teach students we should be OK having conversations we may not agree upon, but that the key to a better world is learning to see other viewpoints and understand why someone feels differently.”

A February conference by USF faculty examined how contemplative, mindful and reflective practices are needed in the classroom. Senior Bachelor of Science in Nursing students learn how mindful leadership combines with emotional intelligence to help nurses develop non-reactivity, moral courage and civil dialogue in their interaction with patients and others.

Kyle Richardson Associate Director, Enrollment Services for Adult Learning

PROMOTING INCLUSION Providing a catalyst for deeper conversations about bias, prejudice, dignity and respect, the USF Jesters program intersects with studies for the art education, special education, animation and exercise science programs. A multi-media performing arts program for over 80 people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, Jesters utilizes a team of professional teaching artists and assistants who implement programs.

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DEVELOPING EMPATHY Last spring, students in the Inequality, Class and Social Justice course delivered meals for the Franciscan Center in Fort Wayne. Often children and the disabled stood in the cold and rain awaiting the delivery of possibly the only meal the family would have that weekend. Students saw first-hand the abject poverty in their community, and how privilege allows them to be unaware of those in need just a few miles from campus.

MEANING FOSTERING RESPECT

RAISING AWARENESS

In Medical Ethics classes, Physician Assistant students learn civil discourse before they begin clinical rotations. A day is devoted to issues which often generate a wide range of viewpoints and opinions. Every student’s viewpoint is welcomed, but prefaced by the rule of mutual respect and civility for those with opposing views. “It is critical that our physician assistant students communicate with those of different views and backgrounds so they can provide a caring response when they become healthcare providers,” said Jeff Easley, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Physician Assistant Studies.

For years, Student Activities Council has hosted events to raise awareness on national topics.

Movies like “Documented,” focused upon illegal immigration and DACA recipients; “Black Power,” ”Mixtape” and “Selma,” about systematic racism; “Poverty, Inc.,” concerning philanthropy and the global industry of foreign aid; and “Storied Streets,” centered upon homelessness, have elicited rich conversations on topics central to our shared humanity.

BUILDING TRUST Simulation Lab leaders develop special relationships with student workers that last beyond the lab. Working together to serve other students and faculty, leaders and students build trust. Conversations then deepen, ranging to students’ families and future plans.

UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENCES

EXPLORING FAITH Coaches also impact their athletes’ lives. Counseling in the women’s basketball program has led to reaffirmation of faith for some players. After a discussion of the team and university identity, pre-game prayer is offered for all who wish to participate. The team also decided to offer opponents an opportunity to join them for after-game prayer.

The Diversity and Inclusion Center stands as an icon of USF principles. Many outreaches have helped students form ideas about differences and equality. Some examples: The student-run Social Justice League invites students to discourse civilly on topics related to diversity. Pizza and Politics includes panel discussions about topics facing students on campus and beyond, discussing the spiritual, global, national and local impact. Critical Conversations, a new event series, provides perspectives about diversity, equity and social justice, encouraging critical thought and dialogue. The January session looked at the lives and politics of Dr. Martin Luther King and Jesus. The intersection of these influences may provide insight into how we address racism in the United States today. saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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A PERFECT FIT Co-owners of CrossFit Tactical Strength, USF alumni Anthony and Bethany Shefferly work hard to promote a healthy lifestyle

Anthony (BA ’04, MS ’07) and Bethany (BA ’04) (Rhineholz) Shefferly rely on fit bodies and minds to handle all sorts of daily challenges. They just have to be careful to maintain equilibrium.

They’re a productive couple, no doubt about it. They’re parents of four children, business partners, and health and fitness enthusiasts. Occasionally, they have to stop and narrow their focus, especially at their business CrossFit Tactical Strength.

Anthony, from Grand Rapids, Mich., and Bethany, from Fort Wayne, met in the fall of 2000 as USF undergraduates studying psychology. Anthony played football and Bethany was on the dance team. Both earned bachelor degrees in psychology and Anthony went on to earn his master’s in psychology.

“You almost have to say, ‘This is a business conversation, not a personal conversation or a couple conversation,’ ” Bethany said. “You have to delineate between those two things. It has its ups and downs, but I think the gym has enhanced our marriage and we’ve strengthened our marriage by doing things together. We can be a very good team.”

“Anthony wasn’t the typical guy I was used to dating,” Bethany said. “I didn’t date jocks, and he played football, but we connected through music. He was leaving class early for an away football game one day and he quoted an AC/DC song to the professor.

I thought, ‘Who is this guy?’ I need to get to know him.”

“At times, it’s challenging,” Anthony agreed. “It always pushes you to be better at all of the different roles.”

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They dated during the summer after their freshman year and became a couple as sophomores. They were married on Dec. 30, 2006.

Photos by j.fox photography

LIFE GOAL: Expand the good parts of who you already are.

The years since have been filled with professional and personal growth. Anthony became a police officer and works with the SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team. He is certified in CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting and nutrition coaching. Bethany has been involved in the fitness industry since college, becoming a certified fitness coach, certified nutrition coach and instructor in fitness and dance. She spent a few years as the USF dance team director. The Shefferlys’ oldest son was born two years after they married.

After Anthony became interested and invested in CrossFit, he began instructing other police officers. The Shefferlys opened CrossFit Tactical Strength in 2013.

“I started doing CrossFit for the police department, coaching it here,” Anthony said. “That’s when I thought this needs to be available to help everybody, not just police officers.”

Anthony said his USF football experience, although his playing time was limited by injuries, helped shape him into a driven leader. An unflinching determination propels his police work, his business, his marriage and his parenting.

“I had two season-ending injuries and my football career didn’t pan out the way I wanted it to,” Anthony said. “But it taught me you don’t quit on things. You see things through.”

Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to train with CrossFit, Anthony said, but the program is effective regardless of a person’s motivation. In addition to the physical training, the Shefferlys offer nutrition classes to promote a healthier life.

A phrase on their website captures their goal: Expand the good parts of who you already are.

“It’s an augmentation to your life,” Anthony said. “It’s a general program; we all have the same workout. But what you’re looking for might be different than me, and this is something that will help both of us.”

“The coolest part is, someone like me is able to, as a soccer mom, work out next to a SWAT team member,” Bethany said.

“It has enhanced our lives as a couple and our family, too.”

The Shefferlys’ children—Anthony Jr., 10; Teresa, 9; John Paul, 3; and Nickolas, born in October—are often at the facility with their parents. The children see fitness as an integral part of their lives, Bethany said.

“If they’re not at school or home, they’re here,” Bethany said.

“It’s pretty cool they can be around their parents at work, see what we do and they help out and get to do some work, too.

The gym has definitely strengthened our marriage. It was a game-changer for us.”

“The coolest part is, someone like me is able to, as a soccer mom, work out next to a SWAT team member. It has enhanced our lives as a couple and our family, too.”

-B ETHANY SHEF F E RLY, BA ’ 04

saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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LOVE LABOR OF

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Photos by Tim Brumbeloe

Alyssa Doak’s experience as a young mother helped her find her calling as a nurse Alyssa (Jones) Doak, BSN ’11, began her nursing career working with heart patients until something small with a huge impact changed her life and career journey.

Her son, Cayden, was born prematurely at 31 weeks, weighing only 3 pounds, 1.7 ounces.

“He was in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) and at the time I was a nurse in the heart unit,” Doak said. “I thought, ‘This really looks like something I would enjoy doing.’ ” Cayden turned 7 in November, and Doak has worked in the NICU at Parkview Regional Medical Center for more than six years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from USF a few months before Cayden’s birth in 2011. She and her husband, Ben, are also parents to Everett, 5 and Nash, 3.

“I love everything about it,” Doak said of her career. “I really enjoy, literally, every day I go to work. I have pursued a variety of educational offerings related to NICU, have gotten certified, and have participated on many initiative projects. It’s one of the best feelings to be excited about my career. I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Doak’s passion for embracing life spreads far beyond providing care and attention to premature babies. She also serves in the Indiana Air National Guard.

Doak, from Ossian, financed her own education, so money was tight. A friend in the guard encouraged her to join during her USF sophomore year.

“I talked to a recruiter and asked a lot of questions and I thought it might help bridge the gap financially,” she said. “I decided to join, with the idea of serving my six years and being done. But, I’ve been in for almost 11 years now. The military has offered me more than monetary benefits. It’s been so much more than that, and I look forward to continuing to serve.”

Doak’s service with the guard has taken her to various locales within the United States, but she has yet to be deployed abroad. She has served in Puerto Rico and Hawaii. “I know, that sounds rough,” she said, jokingly.

“I just transferred units to Terre Haute for an officer position,” she said. “In this position, we would do stateside missions and respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or mass casualty/natural disasters. Events such as hurricanes, we would have the opportunity to respond if they needed aid in that.”

Doak’s work with the guard allows her to maintain nursing skills beyond those needed in the NICU. “It’s a completely different skillset,” Doak said. “I get a lot of training I wouldn’t have access to in the NICU role. My role in the guard allows me to utilize my nursing degree and knowledge in a variety of ways.”

Doak has little room on her schedule with a full-time nursing career, a commitment to serving her country and a young family.

She likes it that way.

“The boys are all close in age, so it’s a lot, “she said. “But if I don’t have 50 things on my to-do list, I think something’s wrong.”

As an example of her drive, Doak is pursuing Parkview’s STEPPUP program, which requires nurses to create and submit a portfolio and be involved in quality projects in order to earn what could be considered advanced nursing status. Doak describes the program as a precursor to a more advanced degree and clinical skillset. It rewards nurses who love being at the bedside, and also serving as leaders.

Doak praises USF as a quality base for her career. She fondly recalls the encouragement of assistant professor Amanda Benz and former adjunct faculty member John Westhoff as helping and encouraging her. Doak says she continues to talk with Benz occasionally.

“Saint Francis gave me a really solid foundation of skills and resources I could use even after school,” Doak said. “I can’t speak for other programs, but Saint Francis really produces quality nurses. This is evident to me in my own personal nursing practice at the bedside and in my interactions with USF nursing students. I am proud to have received my degree here.” saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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HEARING A BABY’S CALL Tim and Flora (BSN ’18) Parsley are helping a West African baby receive life-altering care through Ray of Hope. Their family will care for the child while he undergoes a series of surgeries.

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“OUT OF HIS FULLNESS WE HAVE ALL RECEIVED GRACE IN PLACE OF GRACE ALREADY GIVEN.” -JOHN 1:16

Little baby Sada’s life began as a perceived curse. It turned into a blessing in record time. Sada was born in Burkina Faso, West Africa, where his cleft lip and palate was considered a curse, destined to bring hardship to the village. The condition is often a death sentence.

“The options are usually the family is kicked out and has to leave the community, and that puts them in a vulnerable position to sustain themselves,” said Tim Parsley, USF Chair for the Department of Art. “Or, they go to the village elders, who take the child out and end his life or abandon him, and in many instances bury the child alive.”

Ray of Hope, a Fort Wayne not-for-profit organization run by Rebecca and Kerry Ghent, works to prevent these tragedies.

Ray of Hope secures pro bono medical coverage for medically needy and endangered children, flies them to the United States and places them with host families until they return home. Parsley and his wife Flora learned of Ray of Hope through Flora’s work as a nurse in the Family Birthing Center at Parkview Regional Medical Center.

Flora Parsley met Rebecca Ghent at Parkview, two years before Flora went back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from USF. A spark of interest in the organization returned stronger when Flora saw a Ray of Hope Facebook post about Sada this past Thanksgiving. Flora and Tim felt a strong desire to help and the Parsleys applied to become a host family. It can take a year or two for a host family to be paired with a child.

“On Dec. 3, they called and said, ‘We don’t normally do this, but we think this baby needs to come to your home,’ ” Flora Parsley said. “I started crying. To think this baby was growing in our family story and our hearts, to know this is the one.

And here he was on the other side of the world, God picking him to come over to Indiana.”

The Parsleys, who moved to Fort Wayne from Cincinnati in 2013, have four children: Emma, 18; Aidan 16; Finn, 14; and Photos by Jeffrey Crane (’97)

Evelyn (Evy), 7. The family embraced baby Sada with love. Sada was 5 pounds when he arrived and has steadily gained weight. He must be 12 pounds for his first surgery, Tim Parsley said.

“It’s been wonderful,” Tim Parsley said. “We see it as caring for the least of these in the world. If it wasn’t for this organization, and how it bridged these two parts of the world, this child could be buried in a field somewhere. Instead, he’s in our living room being held by one of our children. We’re just privileged to be a part of it.”

Sada was born a twin, which is another issue in his culture, obligating a mother to beg for a year because of the additional child, Tim Parsley said. With Sada entering the Ray of Hope program, that burden was lifted. The Parsleys send scheduled updates and photos to his family. Sada’s father recently traveled 240 miles to see the photos.

Sada, the 55th child helped by Ray of Hope, will undergo three surgeries over a period of 12 to 18 months. The cost to bring a needy child to the United States is around $7,000, with the host family supplying everyday items. Sada’s fees have been covered but people can donate to the “SadaStrong” fund through Ray of Hope, with donations directed to a future child’s funds.

“Ray of Hope and the doctors and the hospitals need to have the shine in this,” Flora Parsley said. “In my opinion, we have the easy part. We get to enjoy taking care of Sada. They’re the ones doing the hard part.”

Sada’s arrival altered plans for the Parsleys’ 7-year-old Evy and her mother to try out for the USF musical “Seussical.” Evy ultimately drew inspiration from Dr. Seuss’ lead character in “Horton Hears a Who.” “We prayed about it,” Flora said. “Evy said, ‘We need to take this baby because that’s what Horton would do. A person’s a person, no matter how small.’ ” Evy Parsley turned and looked at baby Sada’s photo.

“Sada is like the Speck! We hear you, baby!” Evy said. saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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COUGAR VOLLEYBALL SET NEW STANDARDS IN 2018

University of Saint Francis women’s volleyball coach Scott Haddix believed his Cougars were capable of a special season, and then he saw some undeniable early season proof.

In an Aug. 25 match, the then-unranked Cougars beat No. 4 Viterbo University in four sets, handing Viterbo its first home loss in six years.

“At the start of the year, I thought we could be pretty good, but you never know,” Haddix said. “We go out to Wisconsin and beat the No. 4 team in the country. OK, this is real and that just happened.”

Saint Francis grew from there in ways Haddix and his players had dared to dream about, and then worked hard to fulfill.

The Cougars won the 11th Annual Mountain Madness Tournament in Milligan, Tenn., and returned for a road match at arch-nemesis Indiana Wesleyan.

Confidence had rarely been higher, and nothing measures progress like a rivalry match.

Saint Francis dropped the first set.

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“You’re like, ‘I know we can win, but are we going to?’ ” Haddix said. “Then we did win it (in four sets), and the Marion Tribune sportswriter wrote a nice article about how, even in spite of losing the first set, we seemed like a different team and in control of the match. We just kept growing.”

By the end of the season, the Cougars had checked off a number of goals, including beating a ranked NAIA team, earning a national ranking (as high as No. 16), beating Indiana Wesleyan (three times), sharing the regular-season title and reaching the national tournament. They didn’t accomplish every goal, losing the Crossroads League Tournament championship match to Marian and being eliminated by Aquinas in the opening round of the NAIA tournament.

In the end, the highs far outnumbered the lows. USF finished 30-9, its most wins ever.

“The bar’s even higher now,” sophomore Kendra Siefring said.

The credit goes to the players for their hard work, attitude and team chemistry, which is all a part of that precious winning culture.

“We don’t want to have this year and then just fall off the radar. We want to build on what we did.”

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL COACH SCOTT HADDIX

“Our culture is what allowed us to do things some people would say was a little bit above our pay grade, a little bit over our head, over the top of our skills,” Haddix said. “The talent was there. But what makes talent play together and win is culture.”

Seeds of the culture were planted four years earlier, when this year’s seniors were freshmen, Haddix said. The senior class at the time took the lead in improving the team’s work habits and camaraderie, and demonstrating the little things needed to be a winner.

The growth was steady, Haddix said, with this year’s team finally showing that growth in wins.

“Everyone was pretty excited and we all had the idea we could do something special this year if we put the hard work in and that kind of stuff,” senior Cassidy Rammel said. “Coming in as a freshman, Scott told my class we were building a brand and we want to be a Top 25 team. He said it may not happen now but we were working our way there.”

By the end of the season, USF opponents understood both the talent and capability of the Cougars. Sophomores Siefring Photos by Aaron Suozzi

and Maria Pelak were named honorable mention NAIA AllAmericans. Pelak was named the Crossroads League Setter of the Year. Redshirt junior Valorie Flick was named the league’s Libero of the Year. Pelak, Flick and Siefring were first-team All-Crossroads League, Rammel was second team and junior Anne Clark was honorable mention.

“We had 13 of us when we came in as freshmen and five of us stuck together for four years,” Flick said, referring to fourthyear teammates Rammel, Sarah Hosinski, Laura Sneary and Maddie Harper. “It’s hard to find a team that gets along so well and buys into what makes us successful. We listened to each other, gave feedback to make each other better and it pushed us to the next level.”

The new standards set by this year’s team guarantee high expectations and a dose of pressure on the horizon in 2019.

“We don’t want to have this year and then just fall off the radar,” Haddix said. “We want to build on what we did. We should be able to pick it up where we were and take another step forward.” saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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TO THE

THE COUGARS DIDN’T WIN A THIRD NAIA FOOTBALL TITLE, BUT COACH KEVIN DONLEY WAS PLEASED WITH THE JOURNEY

Start with heart.

Segue to perseverance.

Finish with all-out effort.

After falling short of a third-straight NAIA national championship, coach Kevin Donley suggests measuring the 2018 season by something beyond wins and losses.

The Cougars didn’t win the NAIA title this past season, but they delivered their all.

“I was disappointed we didn’t get to Daytona this year,” Donley said. “I watched that game and we’re the better team.

But, in terms of accomplishments after dealing with all the setbacks and adversity, this may have been the best of the last three years. I can’t remember a team that’s overcome more since I’ve been here.”

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The Cougars were 13-1 in 2016 and 14-0 in 2017, winning consecutive NAIA national championships. USF finished 10-3 in 2018, with the season concluding in a cold, snowy 34-28 overtime loss at Morningside (Iowa) in the NAIA semifinals.

Morningside went on to beat Benedictine for the NAIA title.

In the moment, USF’s final loss was crushing, like most seasonending defeats. In the bigger picture, the players’ never-say-die mentality that afternoon—a game where the Cougars trailed by 14 points before forcing overtime—captured the spirit of this year’s team.

“I wanted to win the national title again, but I’m just as proud of these guys,” Donley said.

It was a frustrating year in terms of injuries, as the Cougars’ top returning offensive player (running back Justin Green) and top returning defensive player (linebacker Piercen Harnish) fought

“The most rewarding thing for me is to see what these players do 10 years from now, and what they have to do to achieve what they achieve.”

-CO UG ARS FO O TBALL CO ACH KEVIN D ON L EY

nagging issues. Several other key players missed time with injuries, too.

This year’s Cougars earned a spot among Donley’s favorite teams on Oct. 13 during Homecoming.

USF entered the game having lost consecutive games for the first time since 2014. They trailed Siena Heights 19-11 with 1:17 left to play. They were on the verge of likely missing the playoffs.

“Most teams would have given up,” Donley said. “Their grit and passion for each other, and to succeed, was a big deal in how that game ended.”

Donley points to a conversation between senior outside linebacker Marcus Stepp and sophomore quarterback Matt Crable. Crable became the quarterback this season after the graduation of 2017 NAIA National Football Player of the Year Nick Ferrer.

“Marcus Stepp is a young man I saw grow and mature his senior year,” Donley said. “He went to Matt Crable and said, ‘Brother, we need you now. This is my senior year. I don’t want it to end.’

Crable found a way. It wasn’t pretty, but he found a way.”

Crable connected on a 4th-and-17 pass to Dylan Hunley for a first down, ran for two other first downs, then helped engineer consecutive “gadget plays,” as Donley called them, to send the game to overtime. The first gadget was a pass from running back P.J. Dean to Hunley and the two-point conversion gadget Photos by Aaron Suozzi

was a pass from wide receiver Dan Ricksy to Will Chrisman.

Gavin Gardner won the game in overtime with a 26-yard field goal.

The Cougars found new life and the team soared until its season-ending loss at Morningside in the NAIA semifinals.

Along the way, Donley passed Alabama legend Bear Bryant for seventh place on the all-time college football coaching wins’ list. Donley has 326 wins.

“The most rewarding thing for me is to see what these players do 10 years from now, and what they have to do to achieve what they achieve,” Donley said.

The Cougars will graduate NAIA All-Americans in linebacker Eric Dunten and defensive back Wilmer Cole. They’ll also lose their all-time leading tackler Harnish (an Academic All-American and finalist for the Campbell Trophy as the country’s best football student-athlete) and all-time leading rusher Green. Other key seniors included defensive back Stan Jackson, outside linebacker Stepp and defensive linemen Jordan May and Malachi Manion.

USF seniors had a four-year record of 48-5 with two NAIA titles and four trips to the NAIA semifinals.

“I go into a depression after the season because I don’t have the day-to-day contact with our players,” Donley said. “Seeing those seniors walk away, you might as well chop off an arm.” saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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FALL 2018 SPORTS

CROSS COUNTRY — MEN

SOCCER — MEN

Finishing eighth in the 2018 Crossroads League men's cross country championship may not sound very good to some, but it was a considerable improvement considering the program couldn't even field a complete team in recent years.

Junior Maxwell Pasche and freshman Justin Gephart led USF finishers, Pasche with a 19th-place finish and Gephart at No. 20 on Saturday at the Taylor University Cross Country Farm.

After winning three non-conference matches and winning the Crossroads League opener, a 3-2 decision at Marian University, USF struggled to score and finished 0-6-2 in conference action.

USF finished 10th in the CL and did not qualify for the CL Tournament. Junior goal-keeper Braden Conn led the CL in saves with 7.3 saves per game and 117 total saves, which was No. 8 in NAIA saves. His SPG average was 15th in NAIA Top 50 stats.

SOCCER — WOMEN USF won four non-conference matches, but just one in CL competition and finished 10th.

TENNIS — MEN USF just missed qualifying for the CL Tournament, finishing 1-8 in CL competition, 2-9 overall.

CROSS COUNTRY — WOMEN Caren Hernandez finished 19th to lead the USF cross country to its best Crossroads League Championship finish since 2008. The Lady Cougars finished sixth in the 10-team meet.

Hernandez finished in 19 minutes, 42.2 seconds on the rainsoaked course at Taylor University.

TENNIS — WOMEN The youthful Lady Cougars qualified for the Crossroads League Tournament to get one more valuable match in their experience belt before calling it a season. USF finished seventh in the Crossroads League with a 2-7 record (2-10 overall) with a roster of two seniors, one junior, three sophomores and four freshmen.

USF SIGNS FOOTBALL COACH KEVIN DONLEY TO CONTRACT EXTENSION USF signed football Coach Kevin Donley to an extension through 2023, in an announcement made in February. Donley started the USF program in 1997, with its first season of play in 1998. He holds the NAIA record for career wins with 326 and ranks #7 on the all-time coaching list for all divisions. Donley is the winningest active coach in the country. Donley has a 212-47 record in 21 seasons at USF, with 20 consecutive winning seasons. The Cougars won the NAIA national championship in 2016 and 2017.

“I am truly grateful to the entire USF community for the opportunity to continue to coach college football, the game that I love,” Donley said. “We started this program with a mission to develop quality young men into meaningful contributors to our community and to win some games along the way. Winning the national championship back to back and bringing it back to Fort Wayne and the surrounding region is a tremendous accomplishment, a testament of our commitment to USF and our community.”

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USF 2018 FALL NAIA DAKTRONICS SCHOLAR-ATHLETES USF student-athletes earned 32 selections to the 2018 NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete Teams announced by the NAIA. Football had 10 selections and women’s soccer had eight selections. Repeat selections were Devin Green, Eric Dunten, Piercen Harnish and Adam Hoffer in football, Cassidy Rammel and Sarah Hosinski in volleyball, Colin Barker, Nicholas Do Valle Cardoso, Nideo Foster and Graham Denney in men’s soccer, Paige Berg and Corinne Tester in women’s soccer and Caren Hernandez in women’s cross country. A student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved junior academic status at their current institution.

2018 USF NAIA SCHOLAR-ATHLETES CROSS COUNTRY— WOMEN Caren Hernandez, Sr. FOOTBALL John Daugherty, Jr. Matt Swartz, Sr. Blake Schumacher, Jr. Clay Senerius, Jr. Joseph Lamping, Sr. Adam Hoffer, Sr. Piercen Harnish, Sr. Eric Dunten, Sr. Devin Green, Sr. Jack Givens, Jr.

SOCCER—MEN Haris Kostic, Jr. Ross Gramling, Sr. Nideo Foster, Sr. Nicholas Do Valle Cardoso, Sr. Graham Denney, Sr. Colin Barker, Sr. Braden Conn, Jr. SOCCER ­­— WOMEN Margaret Mary McMurtry, Jr. Julia Kuhar, Jr. Corinne Tester, Sr.

Alexa Siegel, Jr. Kara Morwood, Jr. Hannah Ehrhardt, Jr. Paige Berg, Sr. Cathy Basinger, Jr. VOLLEYBALL Anne Clark, Jr. Kendra Siefring, So. Ava Kunkler, Jr. Sarah Hosinski, Sr. Cassidy Rammel, Sr. Megan Diagostino, Jr.

USF BASKETBALL GALA RAISES MORE THAN

$35,000 TOWARD SCHOLARSHIPS For the second consecutive year, the USF Men’s Basketball Tip-Off Gala was a huge success, raising money to assist scholarships for the USF men’s basketball program.

Nearly 300 USF supporters attended the event at the beautiful Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation on Oct. 13. Parkview Health has been an outstanding partner and was the title sponsor for the Gala.

More than $35,000 was raised, money that goes directly to assist scholarships for the USF men’s basketball program.

The silent and live auction was hosted by Tommy Schoegler, along with members of the 2018 NAIA National Finalist Cougars basketball team.

MIKE MCCAFFREY WINS NATIONAL ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD USF Athletic Director Mike McCaffrey has been named an Under Armour AD of the Year Award recipient by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).

He is the first USF athletic director to receive the honor.

“This is certainly the most humbling recognition that I have ever received,” McCaffrey said.

“To be in a group that includes so many people that I respect and admire is amazing. I am so thankful to be able to work with the student-athletes and coaches every day.”

Since becoming Athletic Director in 2012, McCaffrey has overseen $4.5 million in fundraising and been part of three national championships, including women’s basketball in 2014 and back-to-back football titles in 2016 and 2017. Student-athletes have earned over a 3.1 GPA in every semester since McCaffrey became athletic director. He currently serves as the NAIA Athletic Directors Association President. saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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campus news

USF and Manchester University Announce Affiliation for Master of Athletic Training The USF Kinesiology and Nutrition department signed an affiliation agreement with Manchester University for the Master of Athletic Training program. USF students who are interested in athletic training will have a direct route to pursue their master’s degree. USF students who meet Manchester’s Master of Athletic Training program entry requirements are guaranteed a seat.

Christmas in the Castle Draws Big Crowds During Holiday Season More than 3,500 people visited Brookside for the annual Christmas in the Castle event, which features beautifully decorated trees and other Christmas decor. Tours took place for five days in early December. Bishop Dwenger High School was selected as the People’s Choice Award winner for its entry.

Dwenger’s Christmas tree design was centered on the theme of an angel. Other annual festivities during Christmas at USF included Breakfast with St. Nicholas, Las Posadas, Lighting of the Lake, Living Nativity, Petting Zoo and the Fair Trade Alternative Shopping Bazaar.

MSN Program Awarded Grant for Opioid Abuse Education The USF Family Nurse Practitioner program received a federal grant to support education to treat opioid use disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded a Provider’s Clinical Support Service— Universities grant to the program. The three-year grant will integrate the didactic components to the DATA waiver into the curriculum of the Master’s in Nursing program. MSN students will participate in clinical rotations at the two Fort Wayne Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) facilities, which are both new clinical sites for the program. The SAMHSA grant was offered to programs for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, all of whom can prescribe medication.

SAMHSA is part of the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The agency awarded 28 grants and USF was the only recipient in Indiana.

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USF Community Makes a Difference on MLK Day of Service USF students, faculty and staff continued a tradition by teaming together with community members as part of “A Day On, Not a Day Off,” during MLK Day of Service in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. The Linus blanket project produced 63 blankets, including 47 blankets to Project Linus and 16 to the Assault Treatment Center. USF Crown Point students, faculty and staff made 50 blankets. Warm outerwear was made for distribution to schools in low-income areas. Students, faculty and staff wrote 30 advocacy letters to government leaders about funding for food programs. Off campus, students, faculty and staff helped with Mustard Seed Furniture Bank, Friends of the Third World, Vincent Village, Project 216, Neighborlink, Destiny Rescue, Gigi’s Playhouse and Little River Wetlands. Dr. Paul Porter delivered an on-campus message attended by many.

Nursing School Earns High Ranking in Nursing Schools Almanac The USF Nursing School was ranked #50 in the Great Lakes region by Nursing Schools Almanac in its 2018 rankings of the top U.S. nursing schools. Data was collected on more than 3,000 institutions, and only 15 percent made the list of the top nursing schools in each geographic region. Since 2011, USF’s ASN graduates have maintained an 84 percent pass rate on the NCLEX licensure exam, while BSN students have achieved an exceptional 95 percent pass rate. Family Nurse Practitioners (MSN) achieved 100 percent pass rate for the second-straight year.

campus news

USF Reaches Agreement to Help Indiana Tech Students with Education Degree and Licensure Indiana Tech education majors will be able to complete their degrees and teacher licensure requirements at the University of Saint Francis in a collaboration agreement between the two institutions. Indiana Tech students’ opportunity to gain teacher licensure was in jeopardy after Indiana Tech’s program recently lost accreditation. Under the agreement, current Indiana Tech Elementary and Special Education majors will be allowed to complete their remaining education coursework and teacher licensure requirements, such as student teaching, at USF. They will finish their remaining non-major specific coursework at Indiana Tech and will earn an Indiana Tech degree upon completion. Indiana Tech students who successfully complete their degree and licensure requirements through the partnership with USF will be recommended by USF for licensure with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). The IDOE has approved the arrangement between the two universities.

Network for Success Connects Purposeful connections made between USF students, alumni and community members continue to be some of the strongest assets of the university. The annual Network for Success magnifies that strength. On February 7, students, alumni and business leaders gathered at the USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center for an evening of networking and discussion about contacts and careers. Networking sessions allowed those with similar occupational interests to share lively discussions. The free event offered a great platform for interaction, as well as informative presentations from successful leaders, businesspeople and entrepreneurs.

Adams Central’s Kevin Brown Named Pay It Forward Scholarship Winner Kevin Brown of Adams Central High School was named the recipient of the USF Pay It Forward Scholarship. The full-ride scholarship to USF is awarded annually to a student who represents going above and beyond to serve others and “pay it forward.” Brown was selected after submitting an essay, reaching the finalist stage and being profiled in a feature video by WANE-TV. Brown was awarded the scholarship during an assembly at Adams Central. USF President Sister M. Elise Kriss presented the award along with WANE’s Terra Brantley. The other finalists, Margaret “Maggie” Kelly of Bishop Dwenger High School and Alex Yoder of Eastside High School, will receive half-tuition scholarships.

USF Students Finish First in “U Can Crush Hunger” Drive USF took first place in the drive to help fight hunger through the Community Harvest Food Bank’s “U Can Crush Hunger” contest. The USF community raised 17,694 pounds of food for hunger relief, the largest amount in the friendly competition, which also included Huntington University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Indiana Tech, Ivy Tech Community College and Manchester University. saint francis magazine | spring 2019

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Sister M. Rose Agnes was the second oldest of seven children born to George and Clara (Wilding) Pfautsch in Berger, Mo., on May 14, 1933. She attended Assumption School in Morrison, Mo., St. Paul School in Berger, and St. George High School in Herman, Mo. She completed high school after entering the convent aspirancy.

Entering our community in September 1949, she received the habit on Aug. 12, 1950. She professed perpetual vows on Aug. 12, 1957.

Sister M. Rose Agnes received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from St. Francis College in 1964 and a Master of Science in Education from DePaul University. She completed post-graduate work at St. John College in Cleveland, Ohio, the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., Viterbo College in LaCross, Wis., the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University. She served in the elementary schools of the province for 16 years, 10 years as a teacher and six as principal in Huntington, Ind., and Southfield, Mich. She served as director of education for the province for 12 years.

For 56 years, from 1963 until the time of her death, she served in some form of leadership. She was a local superior for 14 years, college treasurer, provincial treasurer, formation director for the Junior Sisters, a member of the Provincial Council for 18 years, provincial superior from 1986 through 1998 and a member of the General Council of the Congregation from 2004 through 2015, serving as general treasurer for six of these years. She was invaluable to the congregation in many ways, with her knowledge of German.

She also served on numerous boards and committees.

Sister M. Rose Agnes served on the board of trustees of the University of Saint Francis for 27 years. During her years as provincial she served as the chairman of the board. She was a member of the board of trustees of Franciscan Alliance (formerly Sisters of St. Francis Health Services) from 1974 until the present.

Since the beginning of the Franciscan Leadership Enhancement Program, she provided a session to each group on the foundress of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Blessed Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel. And as she did everything, she did it with much joy and enthusiasm.

IN LOVING MEMORY The Lord called Sister M. Rose Agnes to Her Eternal Reward

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The daily witness Sister M. Rose Agnes provided to her sisters was evidence of the fact no task was unimportant or beneath her. She worked in the convent library, the archives, cleaning in the serving room after meals and in so many ways. She was very faithful to her hours of Eucharistic adoration and took care of the daily adoration schedule. Sister M. Rose Agnes’ knowledge of canon law and her knowledge of the order’s history were invaluable resources.

Sister M. Rose Agnes loved life. She was grateful for her faith, her family and her congregation. She was a tireless promotor of the life and charism of Blessed Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel. She enjoyed playing euchre and regularly putting out candy for the sisters. She loved to read and to engage in conversations on subjects both serious and lighthearted. She endeared herself to sisters of all ages.

The Lord called Sister M. Rose Agnes to her eternal reward on Friday, Jan. 25, 2018. Sister M. Rose Agnes died at Our Lady of Angels Convent in Mishawaka, surrounded by her sisters.

With gratitude for her life in our midst, we say goodbye. May she now rejoice for all eternity in the presence of her Spouse whom she faithfully served.

in memoriam 1940s Gwendolyn (Hatch) Stone (’41)* Lillian (Jackemeyer) Hitzeman (’41)* Mary (Alterkruse) Reitdorf (’46)* Mary (Emenhiser) Geesaman (’47)*

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”

-John 5:24

1950s Ruth (Castle) Groves (’54, ’67) Donna (Linder) Weber (’55, ’81) Mary Jane McCarthy (’56) Pearl (Widman) McIntire (’59)** Martha (Falb) Snively (’59)* 1960s Sr. Arlene Gonsiorowski (’62) Donna Beatty (’63) Marianna (Morris) McEntee (’62) Sr. Monica Bertha (’63,’68) Jocelyn (Schwartz) Blum (’63)* Sr. Rose Agnes Pfautsch (’64) Jacqueline Mossburg (’65) Bill Wunderlin (’68,’73) Martha Yohe (’69) 1970s Sr. Raphael Kochert (’74,’80) 1990s Paul “Roy” Romanowski (’96) Joseph Haft (’98) 2000s Matthew Koch (’05) * From Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing—Lutheran College of Health Professions ** St. Joesph School of Nursing

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alumni news

class notes keeping connected with alumni and friends 1960s Kegham Tazian (BA ’65) had his extraordinary sculptures and paintings presented in an October retrospective by Galerie Camille in “A Journey Through Art: Kegham Tazian.”

1970s Carol (Weber) Sarasien (BSE ’78) was a recipient of the Diocesan “Light of Learning” award for 2019. Dr. Keith March (BS ’79) joined the University of Florida as director of the University of Florida Center for Regenerative Medicine.

This multidisciplinary center is working to bring regenerative therapies to patients with unmet medical needs. n

FDIC. Margaret “Peggy” Beuchel (BS ’83, MSE ’90) was a recipient of the Diocesan “Light of Learning” Award for 2019. n

1990s Brandy (Jacobs) Scrogham (BS ’93) received the Diocesan “Light of Learning” Award for 2019. Stacey DeLeon (BSN ’97) graduated in October 2017 from Touro University with a doctor of nursing practice in leadership degree. n

2000s Shelley (Borchelt) Halter (AS ’01) is a surgical technologist at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Rachel (Stauffer) Pritz (ASN ’02) is Chief Nursing Informatics Officer at Community Health Network in Indianapolis and was selected as a finalist for Junior Achievement of Central Indiana’s “Indy’s Best and Brightest” awards. Libby (Rearick) Richards (BSN ’03) n

1980s Fr. Richard Cook (’81) recently retired from nursing and ministry, and has opened a tailoring business in Rolla, Missouri. G. Kurt Veale (’81) retired after 32 years with the n

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HAVE A CLASS NOTE? To update information, simply go to alumni.sf.edu and click on “Stay Connected” or send information to alumni@sf.edu or mail it to the University of Saint Francis Alumni Office, 2701 Spring Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46808.

Thanks for keeping in touch with your alma mater!

Photo by Jeffrey Crane (’97)

alumni news

2000s, continued received a Master of Science in Nursing from IUPUI and her Doctor of Philosophy, Health Promotion in Health & Kinesiology from Purdue University. She currently is an assistant professor at Purdue University, faculty associate, Center for Aging and the Life Course and Faculty Partner, Center for Families. She does physical activity promotion research and is the chair of the Physical Activity section of the American Public Health Association. She is also the chair of the Policy & Advocacy committee of the Indiana Public Health Association. Brittany (Springer) Hartman (BSN ’06) is a nurse at Parkview Cancer Institute. Cameron Smith (BA ’06) is owner and co-founder of Holm Reporting & Smith Academy. He is a Class of 2019 Forty Under 40 honoree.

Maria (Constantine) Gavrilos (BS ’07) graduated in 2010 from Midwestern University with a doctorate in physical therapy. In 2013 she married Michael Gavrilos, and has been blessed with two daughters. Rev. Matthew Landry (BA ’07) has been appointed to serve as Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church of South Bend, Ind. He will be pastor of worshipping congregation and the entire ministry, which includes a soup kitchen, food pantry and a recovery ministry for men that is housed in the church. He will also oversee the current renovation project to house women in the recovery program. Dr. Lisa (Hails) Osborne (BSN ’07), pictured to the left, CRNA, was named USF Nurse Anesthesia Program Director in January 2019. A native of Santa Monica, Calif., and a graduate of Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, she began teaching at USF in 2016. She recently traveled to Port Saint Joe, Florida, to assist those affected by Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle area. Dr. Osborne’s husband grew up in the area and she completed her anesthesia training in Panama City. She and her family collected several vehicles full of donated items, along with $6,000 to donate for additional supplies and fuel. Wesley Renschler (BA ’07) is an account manager at Grainger. n

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2010s Reneta Thurairatnam (MBA ’11) is a vice president, wealth advisor at Lake City Bank and is a Class of 2019 Forty Under 40 honoree. Joseph Dynako (BS ’14) was inducted into the Indiana University School of Medicine Gold Humanism Honor Society. Rachel (Weaver) Brooks BA ’16, pictured above, was married to Chad Brooks on Oct. 21, 2018 at Zion National Park in Utah. They are also proud parents of a four month old puppy named Loki. Courtney Robbins (MBA ’16) is a sales executive for Siemens Healthcare in Indianapolis. Angella (Mason) Boyer (AS ’17) is a certified surgical technician at Wellstar Kennestone Outpatient Surgery Center in Marietta, Georgia. Sean Kampe (BS ’17) and Cierra Bentley got engaged. Megan (Colchin) Workinger (MSE ’17) is a high school counselor at Adams Central Community Schools. n

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Promoting Transformation

Steffen appreciates USF’s emphasis on learning, leading and serving As the new Annual Fund Coordinator, Tess Steffen’s connections to USF run deep. Her mother Donna (Linder) Weber and her sister Libby Osborne are alumnae and her sister Dr. Louise Weber is on the USF faculty. Steffen also served 21 years as a volunteer with the university’s televised Mass. “I love the Franciscan mission, so I feel right at home here,” Steffen said.

Steffen graduated from Bishop Luers High School and earned a BA from Saint Mary’s College. She and her husband, Mitch, have two sons, Nick and Alex. Steffen previously served as Alumni Director at Bishop Luers. “I’ve quickly learned two things since I joined the USF family: Our donors are tremendously generous, and the power of their gifts transforms our students,” she said.

Photo by Steve Vorderman

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Homecoming Celebrates Friendship and Fun A perennial favorite highlight of the fall is the USF Homecoming and Family Day, which took place on Oct. 12 and 13.

The weekend kicked off with the Alumni Awards Ceremony and Celebration at the Historic Woman’s Club in the USF Business Center. On Saturday, alumni gathered for the Alumni vs. Alumni men’s basketball game and soccer game, then had “Beer and Brunch on the Lawn.” The USF football team capped the afternoon with a last-minute comeback win over Siena Heights. The day concluded with the third-annual Men’s Basketball Tip-Off Gala at the Parkview Mirro Center.

Murder in the Mansion Scores a Big Hit For two tantalizing nights, February 22 and 23, Brookside transformed into the scene of a murder mystery. Alumni and friends gathered to try to figure out the culprit in a puzzling whodunit. Guests put on their detective caps and strolled through the mansion, picking up clues and gathering information from interactions with suspects. Detective work can be quite exhausting, so it was fortunate indeed to have some hors d’oeuvres on hand, along with a Club Soda cash bar. Who was the guilty party? Guess you had to be there.

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A Memory-Making Breakfast with St. Nicholas On Saturday, December 1, the annual Breakfast with St. Nicholas drew a big crowd. Alumni, family and friends gathered in the USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center for a festive kickoff to the Christmas season. Grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren were treated to a wonderful breakfast, followed by crafts, games and other activities. The children also learned about the European tradition of St. Nicholas and children were able to have their photos taken with St. Nicholas. Many families make this event a traditional start to the joy of the holiday season!

Alumni and Friends Enjoy Yuletide Gathering Alumni and friends met for an evening of festive, relaxing fun at Brookside in the annual Yuletide Gathering on December 6. With the mansion displaying its finest holiday decorating spirit, guests enjoyed a wide variety of hors d’oeuvres with beer and wine samplings (wine courtesy of Vino Indiana). Alumni and guests strolled through the mansion, soaking in a sparkling variety of trees and other holiday décor by local florists and designers. The gathering once again offered a perfect setting for embracing the holiday spirit.

Photos by Mollie Shutt (BA ’18)

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March 26 Easter Basket Build

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