MarymountTODAY College

PALOS VERDES v SAN PEDRO | CALIFORNIA | SPRING 2012 MEET MARYMOUNT’S FIRST BACHELOR’S DEGREE GRADUATES MARYMOUNT COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Burt Arnold Chairman Thomas S. Ricci Vice Chair President’s Message Sister Antoine-Marie Baurier, RSHM Secretary Dr. Michael S. Brophy Dear Friends of Marymount College, President, Marymount College Ty F. Bobit It’s springtime, which means it’s also Alexander Cappello graduation season. I am proud to Patricia Dilligan announce that Marymount College Richard Edler will be graduating not only its two-year students this May but also Richard Farman its first graduating class with bachelor’s degrees. After our transition Bonifacio Garcia from a two-year to a four-year college began in 2010, the stories of Richard Grotz our students and their paths of learning grew only more remarkable. Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, Ph.D. The development of character, intellect and social consciousness Brian Marcotte throughout their education, culminating in their Capstone Projects, William P. McGinn has been nothing short of inspiring. These graduates are ready to Sister Alice Molina, RSHM meet their future. John Murnane Sister Mary Leah Plante, RSHM This issue of Today magazine profiles nine students in our first class Lia Reyes of BA graduates. With an eye on Marymount students entering the Caroline A. Sayers workforce, there’s an article about the department of Career Advising Dr. Sue Soldoff Services. There’s also a profile of our new athletic director, Gary Sister Gregory Naddy, RSHM Trustee Emerita White, who, with seven national championships to his name, is the best person for the job when it comes to crafting a quality program of student athletics in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) tradition. Dr. Michael S. Brophy President Marymount’s core value of service is also reflected in these pages, Kelly Curtis including the senior class Capstone Projects, which demonstrate the Director, Public Relations benefits of experiential learning. & Communications Megan McCormick Join me in acknowledging the many individuals who have made Manager, Alumni Relations & Communications and continue to make Marymount a unique, inviting and captivating Julia Murphy center of learning. Thank you, and God bless Marymount College! Contributing Writer Ann Lee, S’Pacific Image SincerelSincerely,y, Designer Ogden Photography Photos

TODAY is published by Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D., M.F.A. Marymount College 30800 Palos Verdes Drive East President, Marymount College Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 310-377-5501 www.marymountpv.edu MarymountTODAY College

SPRING 2012 Table of Contents

President’s Message

2 Marymount’s First BA Graduates

8 The Waterfront Campus

10 Success By The Sea Gala

14 Campus News & Alumni Notes

17 Marymount Athletics

18 Lasorda at Graduation

MISSIONMISSISSSIOIOON MarymountMMaarymmoum unt CCoCollege is a Catholic institution that welcomes students of all faiths and backgroundsbbackc groundsn inton a quality, values-based education. We foster a student-centered approachapproaca tot learningea that promotes the development of the whole person. In the spiritp r t ofo ouro founders,fo the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, we challenge our studentsstustudt deddentntts too pursuep lives of leadership and service. GETTING TO KNOW MARYMOUNT’S SENIORS

On May 12, 2012, Marymount College graduates its first bachelor’s degree students. Graduates will earn their Bachelor of Arts in Business, Liberal Arts and Media Studies. We sat down with nine of these seniors to learn more about them, their journey to graduation and their plans for the future.

Andre Soschinski

Andre Soschinski isn’t your run-of-the-mill Southern California skater. Born and raised in Wiesbaden, Germany, “Dre” Soschinski won a trip to California in 2003 to compete in a skateboarding championship. It was his first visit to the U.S., and he was smitten with California. From then on, he set his sights on returning.

Soschinski’s father encouraged him to go to high school in Atlanta, where another son was running the family business. So the younger Soschinski packed up and moved to Georgia to live with his brother, attend high school and mellow his accent with a touch of Southern twang.

Soschinski came out to visit the College after a Marymount admissions representa- tive visited his high school. Once he saw Marymount, he loved it. He enrolled and was working toward an Associate Degree in Business and Psychology. Alas, fate rode in on a quarter pipe: Soschinski picked up a camera, started taking pictures of professional skaters and changed his major. His school path jumped to filming skaters serious about their craft, and this continues to feed Soschinski’s passion.

Soschinski’s degree will be in Media Studies with a concentration in Video and Film. He loves seeing the school grow and progress. “I love this school,” he said. “It’s definitely a fun environment, and the help from the professors has been great. Plus they’ve got great equipment.” Soschinski’s dream is to work in the skate industry, produce skate videos and work in postproduction. He’s commit- ted to skating and wants to combine the industries of media and skating. Right now Soschinski works with En Route Films in Long Beach doing everything involved in video editing, Web design and video postproduction.

After graduation, Soschinski and his wife, fellow upcoming graduate Jasmine Peterson Soschinski, will take a couple of months off to travel through Europe and visit his family. It’s a full circle of sorts. “Marymount gave me the awesome op- portunity to come to California,” said the young videographer. “They opened the doors for me.”

2 | Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 Since last November, the biodiesel committee has been organized, Brandon Behar and the three students have received architectural drawings for the biodiesel production plant at The culmination of the residential community at PV Drive North and have been given your education as a a used Marymount van to be gut- whole is displayed in ted for transport of supplies. The actual biodiesel production plant the execution of the could take up to six months to Capstone Project. It’s construct, well beyond the three students’ graduation date. There’s really like no other talk of having a temporary facility school assignment installed. “We spend so much time working on our computers you have ever worked and getting our documentation in on before. order,” said Behar, “that when we get to go out and test oil, look for Brandon Behar likes to work. His approach is steady, quietly me- temporary housing and meet people in the community, we find thodical and diligent. Behar is one of three powerhouse students the real fun in what we are doing.” behind the biodiesel Capstone Project generating considerable attention on and off campus. What began as fellow graduating “Marymount provides a strong foundation for what you choose senior Anthony Carrillo’s idea two years ago through his Green to make of your experience here,” said Behar. “The Capstone Student Initiative has taken off with the support of a planning com- Project is a great example of just that. The culmination of your mittee that now includes the president of the San Pedro Chamber education as a whole is displayed in the execution of the Cap- of Commerce; Marymount’s director of transportation; several stone Project. It’s really like no other school assignment you have professors; Marymount’s provost, Dr. Ariane Schauer; and its presi- ever worked on before.” dent, Dr. Michael Brophy. Congresswoman Janice Hahn is follow- Behar’s postgraduation plans are still in development. Whether he ing developments as well. heads to Denver or Houston or stays here, his next phase will likely Brandon Behar came to this Capstone project well equipped with include the steady application of curiosity and diligence. business curiosity, time in the trenches, and an overall appreciation of commitment and hard work. While attending Moorpark College, Melissa Doiron he worked for several years in various capacities in the electron- ics industry. He spent summers working at a Denver electronics Drawing provides the line between what began on the soccer field company getting his hands dirty and learning new business ideas and among the pistachio and almond farms in Bakersfield and from his grandfather, whom he considers his mentor. Those sum- what’s turned into plans to build a company as a freelance graphic mer days handling electronic parts began when Behar was just 13 artist. “I enjoy drawing — every kind,” said Melissa Doiron. “When years old. I was a sophomore in high school, I took my first graphic design class and knew what I wanted to do.” She’s been improving her Behar’s degree will be in Business with an emphasis in Opera- drawing and graphic design abilities ever since. tions Management, which includes the study of manufacturing and factory inefficiencies. He is drawn to this facet of business because it challenges him to find new ways to look at a business operation. Behar credits Dr. Rex Draman’s teaching of the Theory of Constraints as a pivotal influence. (The theory suggests that if one aspect of an operation, no matter its size, isn’t working, it can upset the entire operation.)

The Capstone Project powered by seniors Behar, Carrillo and John Vandever endeavors to create an alternative fuel program using biodiesel for Marymount College’s shuttles. It’s good for the environment and much cheaper to use. Biodiesel is produced from waste vegetable oil (WVO), methanol and lye. In addition to recycling vegetable oil from Café Bon Appétit, the school’s on-site café, the trio would like to reach out to local businesses in an effort to create a steady supply of WVO.

Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 | 3 Doiron began college at Bakersfield Community College. She Coming to transferred to Marymount College with the assistance of a soccer scholarship. Doiron also arrived at Marymount with a fine arts Marymount is scholarship and several academic scholarships. probably the best Doiron enjoyed Marymount’s small class size and the one-on-one decision I’ve made interactions with her teachers. Regarding Marymount she said, “It in my whole life... [the school size] really has got to be what you want; it’s more per- sonal. Marymount offers any type of help you need. But you have Marymount can be to be the one to go get it.” transformative, but Balancing soccer with school was stressful, but the award-winning you have to own player enjoyed it. “I was taking a full-time schedule along with the soccer season, so I had to learn time management,” said Doiron. your work, own “Even though soccer’s a fall sport, there was also spring training. your life. The teachers and professors were very understanding of my soccer schedule.” Last year, Doiron was honored by the NAIA as a 2011 Daktronics-NAIA Women’s Soccer Scholar-Athlete. Student athletes and was planning on majoring in English. But things weren’t quite need to be nominated by their school’s head coach and maintain a coming together, so his parents suggested Marymount College. minimum grade point average of 3.5. “I was apprehensive about Marymount’s small size after being Melissa Doiron will graduate with a Very few schools one in a class of 1,100 at Peninsula High,” said Davis. “I thought degree in Media Studies with empha- I wanted a school that had the population of a city.” Davis trans- offer this — the ses in Digital Art and Design. “It’s a dif- ferred to Marymount as an upper-division undergraduate during ferent mind-set in Media Studies,” she chance to exhibit the summer session of 2010, took classes and was a notetaker for said. “The teachers are still active in disabled students. That led to a job working at Marymount’s Learn- in an art gallery their fields, and I’ve learned a lot from ing Center. “Because I was a new student, it allowed me to meet them. Marymount has a great Media during your everyone,” Davis said. From 2010 to 2011, he tutored students, Studies program.” Her Capstone Proj- proctored tests and provided clerical support. senior year. ect was her art show “Art Is…,” which ran Feb. 12-16, 2012. “Coming to Marymount is probably the best decision I’ve made in my whole life,” said Davis. “The ultimate goal is a structured learn- “When working on my art, I do not aim to create based on any ing environment. Marymount can be transformative, but you have certain subject matter,” she said. “I enjoy drawing and painting to own your work, own your life,” he added. “The professors have things that interest me.” Her work is a combination of themes such seen growth. They recognize that growth and give me room.” as graffiti art and street art. “I choose the subjects based on how interesting they are to me, how much I would enjoy painting them Davis will graduate with a degree in Liberal Arts with emphases in and how satisfied I am with how I visualize the final product.” As Global Studies and American Studies. With mentoring from Dun- a first-time presenter, Doiron said she learned a lot for her next can Earle and assistance from Craig DeRoy of the Marymount- exhibit. “It was stressful, but I made a lot of connections. We got Medeem Institute, Davis is looking at how cellphone technology lucky,” she continued, referring to the 11 graduating students in is being used differently in Africa than in the U.S. and what we Media Arts. “Very few schools offer this — the chance to exhibit in in the U.S. can learn from that. In developing countries such as an art gallery during your senior year.” Ghana, cellphone airtime minutes are traded for services and to make purchases. They’ve become their own form of currency. Doiron plans to open her own graphic design company and has In rural areas, said Davis, there are cellphone towers so that applied for a business and resale license. “I hope to have my own “brother tribes” can text one another. Davis’ Capstone Project is company,” she said. After graduation, Doiron will move back to Ba- looking at these microtransactions and studying new ideas based kersfield, keeping her options open as to the types of businesses on similar existing technology. for which she hopes to design. With her focus and talent, Melissa Doiron will intuitively design her future. “The Capstone is not just an abstract that you can put on your résumé,” said Davis. “It’s work experience. People have a vested Glenn Davis interest in and are emotionally attached to their projects. I’m working in an area that’s really interesting and will engage me There are Marymount seniors who studied at another school, for the rest of my life.” Davis is now looking at job opportuni- chose to work or simply drifted for a while before they ties both nationally and internationally. “A school’s reputation is discovered (or rediscovered) the College. These students are now based on what its graduates are doing and the work of the stu- completing their education with more focus and confidence than dents themselves. All of us are hoping we’ll set a good example ever. Glenn Davis is one such student. He is a Peninsula High because of what we’ve gone through,” said Davis. graduate who attended UC Riverside part time from 2004 to 2008

4 | Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 Kent Taggart’s Capstone plan was to set up and market the abil- Kent Taggart ity of Marymount to accept e-waste donations, thereby providing “To go from dropping out of school to getting into an honor soci- a service to businesses and opening the door to new business ety is pretty exciting,” said Kent Taggart, who will be 26 when he relationships. Taggart, like several other graduating students, graduates. Originally from Los Altos, Calif., Taggart has been on recognizes the merit of the Capstone requirement. “The Cap- an interesting path. After graduating, he worked for three years for stone gives students hands-on project management and execu- United Data Technology, a wholesale electronics recycling com- tion experience that they can then show potential employers as pany. He found his way to Marymount in fall 2007; it was a positive tangible evidence of their experience and eligibility,” he said. experience, Taggart said, but Marymount was still a two-year Taggart will graduate with a degree in Liberal Arts with emphases school then. in Psychology and Business. He also is a proud member of the hon- Taggart left the College after one year and transferred to the Uni- or society Delta Epsilon Sigma. “Marymount gave me the oppor- versity of Puget Sound in Washington, hoping to major in Psychol- tunity to go away and then do the college experience as a slightly ogy. He sold cars and went to school but didn’t like the weather. older student,” said Taggart. He and his future wife, Tara, whom he had met at Marymount, decided to return to Marymount and sunny Southern California Viktor Rzeteljski III in 2010. With the help of a Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary scholarship, Taggert redirected his attention to school. The power of the sketchbook: “It is unusual to find me without it close at hand,” said Viktor Rzeteljski III. Every piece in his Febru- The Capstone gives In spring 2011, Taggart took ary show, “Manufactured Expression,” at the Arcade Gallery was an entrepreneurship class conceived in that sketchbook. After drawing the images, Rzeteljski students hands-on with Professor Mike Grim- re-created them in Adobe Illustrator and then had them laser cut. project management shaw. “This class familiar- ized me with business plans, and execution experience angel investment, venture that they can then show capital and more,” Taggart said. “Ultimately, this course potential employers as provided me with the un- tangible evidence of derstanding and confidence to start my own business. their experience and Mike has been an invaluable eligibility. resource as I’ve gotten this project off the ground.”

Taggart and his business partner, Mark Van Elderen, started an electronics waste recycling business in March 2011 called ReDirect E-waste Solutions.

Why electronics waste? According to ReDirect’s website, “E-waste is the fastest-growing segment of our nation’s waste stream, with “There is something very eerie to me about machine-manufactured an estimated 40 million tons produced worldwide each year.” But perfection,” wrote Rzeteljski in his artist statement. “The idea that only 20 percent of it gets humans created a device that can execute a task more efficiently processed correctly, said than they themselves can makes me uncomfortable. This efficiency Taggart. E-waste that is is also what fascinates me about the art of laser cutting: the perfec- shipped overseas gener- tion of the cuts and the intricacy of the patterns that machines are ally gets processed in in- able to create based on human designs.” Rzeteljski’s abstract yet humane and environmen- human-inspired creations are meant to be “nonrepresentative but tally unsound conditions, evoke emotion.” he said. With ReDirect, everything is processed Like other Media Studies graduates, Rzeteljski chose to do his first domestically. “This keeps art show as his Capstone Project. One of his “manufactured” sculp- the money, the commod- tures was purchased by Chuck Klaus, who with his wife, Marylyn, ity and the jobs in the donated the building across the street from the Arcade Gallery for U.S.,” said Taggart. “It the future Marylyn and Chuck Klaus Center for the Arts — not a also ensures that the ma- bad start for an emerging artist. But a fitting one, considering that terial is processed in safe he hopes to remain in San Pedro. “I love being in San Pedro as an conditions.” Presently artist,” said Rzeteljski. “I’d like to rent some space here to work ReDirect has 40 drop-off and to show. If it works out, I’d like to find more space to work in.” locations.

Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 | 5 I woudn’t have Rzeteljski was born in Pasadena but the support of academic and athletic scholarships. His days as a raised on Mercer Island, Wash. His competitive soccer player were beginning to dwindle. Major hand gotten to the place family then moved to San Pedro, surgery a few years back signaled the change. Then, in a game I am now had I where he graduated from Mary Star against El Camino College, he broke his collarbone. Topolos real- of the Sea High School. Rzeteljski at- ized then that it was time to shift his focus. not returned to tended Marymount College for one Marymount. semester in 2003 and then trans- Topolos became involved in student government. He joined the ferred to Fashion Institute of Design Business Club and the campus chapter of Toastmasters, finally and Merchandising (FIDM), where he earned an Associate Degree obliterating a fear of public speaking. He also developed a new in Digital Media with a specialty in Motion Graphics. He worked for leadership program, Student Network Teams (SNT), where teachers a few years and then returned to Marymount in fall 2010. handpick student leaders and mentor and train them once every two weeks. Rzeteljski will graduate with a degree in Media Studies with an emphasis in Motion Graphics. He’s parlayed his digital art and Topolos will graduate with a degree in Business with emphases in motion graphics background into his current focus on fine art. Global Economics and Marketing. He is at his best when balanc- Rzeteljski wants to concentrate on illustration, painting and three- ing multiple projects. While still in school, Topolos has worked part dimensional designs. He also would like to build more collections time with California’s premier winemaker, Gallo, and has managed, and to have as many gallery shows as he can. “When I came back at 23, to be Gallo’s top brand ambassador in sales in the region to Marymount, I wanted to go back to the fundamentals of art: from LA to San Diego. painting, drawing and implementing my digital work via laser His family’s business, Topolos Vineyard Management, installs and cutting,” he said. He credits Paul Eastup, Jennifer Vanderpool, maintains commercial and private vineyards for Sonoma and Napa Randy Teeple and Blue Wade for his success at Marymount. “The wineries. Because he grew up making wine and growing grapes professors have been really supportive,” said Rzeteljski. “The with the family business, he knows winemaking. After he graduates, way they talk to you, you feel more that they’re invested in what Topolos will stay with Gallo and possibly work in finance one day. you’re doing. I wouldn’t have gotten to the place I am now had I not returned to Marymount.” Courtney Gasparo

Marcos Topolos Courtney Gasparo is a local woman with a global perspective. Born and raised in San Pedro — the location of the College’s Marymount College’s fertile environment of personalized attention newest campus — Gasparo attended local schools (San Pedro and mutual respect is bearing results. Take student Marcos Topolos High School, Harbor College and El Camino College). In addition as an example. After being elected president of the student body, to Marymount’s new offering of four-year degrees, the College’s the Associated Students of Marymount College (ASMC), Topolos proximity and small size appealed to Gasparo. stayed on campus one summer to rewrite the student government constitution and its bylaws. The result was Marymount’s ranking Gasparo’s Capstone Project is a research project on the sex trade nearly 100 percent in student government by the American Stu- and human trafficking. “I never get tired of the topic,” she said di- dent Government Association (ASGA). rectly. More specifically, according to her project’s introduction, she will analyze the causal factors of trafficking for the sexual exploita- “Marymount has given me freedom and support,” said Topolos. tion of women from Eastern Europe, specifically Russia, Moldova “I’m rewarded for my accomplishments, and they give me more and Ukraine. What happened as a result of the fall of communism opportunities.” Leadership roles were largely limited to the soccer to usher in an explosion in sex trafficking? The enterprise gener- field in his younger days in Sonoma. Topolos’ skills as a soccer ates approximately $30 billion annually, and it is the third-most player garnered attention profitable illicit activity, after drugs and weapons smuggling, ac- throughout high school and cording to Gasparo’s research. his early days at California State University at Bakersfield What led so many well-educated Russian and Ukrainian women to (CSUB). “Being a goalkeeper, leave their homes? The demand for sex is high in countries such you have half a second to be as Israel, Dubai and Turkey, where prostitution is legal. The precise able to react and do the right definition of “trafficking” is unclear; trafficking is often linked with thing,” he said. “It’s part of smuggling, further muddying the numbers. There are also com- being a leader.” plicit governments that rely on sex tourism.

After Topolos left CSUB, he Women migrated from or were pushed out of their countries. enrolled at Marymount with “The voices of the country of origin are never heard,” said Gasparo. “These women are stigmatized and ruined when they Marymount has go home.” Interestingly, a large percentage of these sex work- ers become recruiters, effectively targeting vulnerable women. given me freedom “I’ve watched a lot of documentaries on sex trafficking,” said and support. Gasparo, “so it’s always in the back of my mind, especially when

6 | Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 I travel.” Professor Ghada familiar with it. Her degree is in Media Studies with emphases in Masri is Gasparo’s Cap- Film and Video Media. stone mentor. “Dr. Masri is supportive, enthusiastic “Marymount gives you this home feeling,” said Soschinski. “You and encouraging,” said have this established bond with faculty. They go out of their way to Gasparo. “She has been make sure you’re comfortable, which is what education’s all about. incredibly helpful and easy My learning experience is more appreciated between professors to work with throughout and students and vice versa.” this entire process.” Soschinski’s Capstone Project is her photography show “My Life Gasparo will graduate with as a Caregiver,” in which she explores documentary photography a degree in Liberal Arts along with three-dimensional photography. The show ran at the with emphases in Business Arcade Gallery from Feb. 27 through March 1, 2012. Soschinski and Global Studies. She analyzed both her experience and that of Minerva (her subject) and wants to continue to study used two- and three-dimensional selections to bring the story to this subject and would like life. “Each of my projects often consists of various works in a range to attend graduate school. of different media, such as traditional photography and photog- raphy transferred onto film, which are grouped around specific Jasmine Peterson Soschinski themes and meanings.” “I wanted to walk my audiences through various tasks I was “Where the heck is Marymount?” thought Jasmine Peterson required to do as a caregiver,” she said in her artist statement, Soschinski. This high school president from Long Beach had never regarding her Capstone Project. “Some of the photos are a bit dis- heard of the then-two-year college in Rancho Palos Verdes. But turbing… but I wanted my viewers to know the truth and feel my after hearing what the Marymount College representative said story emotionally. ‘My Life as a Caregiver’ has taught me to value about the school and its location, Soschinski applied. She earned life. I’ve been grateful for the chance to capture these moments.” an associate degree in Communications from Marymount and then transferred to California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) because After graduation, Jasmine it offered a bachelor’s degree in Communications. and her new husband, fellow graduate Andre While at CSUF, Soschinski realized the school’s large size didn’t Soschinski, will take a appeal to her. Her interests were also changing. “I wanted to do few months off and tour something hands-on,” she said. After one year, she transferred Europe. “I am so happy back to Marymount and changed her major to Media Studies. With to be finally finishing my the new major, she had to cram a lot of courses into two years. “I degree!” she said. In the became impassioned about film work last two years she’s “taken Marymount gives at Marymount and even paid extra lab in a whole lot of gained you this home fees,” said Soschinski. “We’re working knowledge” and is com- with equipment that’s better than that fortable with where she is. feeling. You have at leading film schools. It’s state-of-the- “The horse is saddled up. this established art.” The young video artist embraced I just need to go out there Marymount’s small size with renewed and ride it,” she said. bond with faculty. vigor and loved that she was already

Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 | 7 WATERFRONT

Marymount College Officially Arrives in San Pedro’s Historic Downtown District. Congresswoman Hahn and Mayor Villaraigosa Celebrate With Community Leaders.

From left, Congresswoman Janice Hahn, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Marymount President Michael S. Brophy and Chairman of the Board Burt Arnold. Marymount College’s heart and soul ceremoniously merged with those of San Pedro with the grand opening of the Marymount College Waterfront Campus on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012. In front of a crowd of nearly 300 people, the College’s first new campus in decades was formally opened and celebrated by national and local leaders, members of Marymount’s Board of Trustees and a variety of key community supporters.

THE MARYLYN AND CHUCK KLAUS CENTER FOR THE ARTS The Marylyn and Chuck Klaus Center for the Arts, located at 430 W. Sixth Street in downtown San Pedro, is on tar- get to open for Marymount students in the fall. A grand opening event is scheduled for Aug.15, 2012. The building, which was donated by local benefactors Marylyn and Chuck Klaus, will offer space for the arts, includ- ing areas for student instruction, exhibitions, faculty offices and research. Curricula from the Media Studies bachelor’s degree program will be taught at this location. Marylyn Klaus and her husband, Chuck, donated the building to the College last July. The building is located on the same block as the Arcade Gallery, the Grand Annex and the Warner Grand Theatre, all of which are actively used by Marymount students and faculty. Marymount’s united downtown San Pedro presence also includes the Waterfront Campus at 222 W. Sixth Street. “This significant gift from the Klauses furthers the College’s desire to expand our arts programming in downtown San Pedro,” said Marymount College’s President Dr. Michael Brophy. Chuck and Marylyn Klaus “A group of us with businesses in downtown San Pedro had explored a number of ideas for revitalizing the area and felt that bringing in a college-level arts program might very well benefit our community,” said Marylyn Klaus. “As a past member of the Board of Trustees of Marymount College, I have been a longtime champion of the College and its involvement in San Pedro. My husband, Chuck, and I are delighted by Marymount’s expanded presence in the San Pedro community. Putting Marymount College and San Pedro together is a win-win situation.”

8 | Marymount8 | Marymount College College TODAY TODAY | Spring | Spring 2012 2012 CAMPUS GRAND OPENING

Congresswoman Janice Hahn and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa both offered their congratulations and presented formal seals of recognition at the 222 W. Sixth Street location. Marymount President Dr. Michael S. Brophy thanked faculty, staff and students for their patience with this phase of expansion and singled out the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, the San Pedro Historic Waterfront Business Improvement District (PBID) and the San Pedro Arts & Academic Alliance for their key roles in developing the new downtown campus. “The beginning of the Waterfront Campus is one of the most significant things to happen to San Pedro in a long time,” said Chuck Klaus, benefactor of the College. “To have Marymount College in downtown San Pedro is a win-win situ- ation. The students get a diversity of experiences here.” The Marylyn and Chuck THE ARCADE GALLERY Klaus Center for the Arts at 430 W. Sixth Street is scheduled to open in August 2012. With these two locations on Sixth Street, as well as the Arcade Gallery and The San Pedro Arts & Academic Alliance (SPAAA) has offered the Arcade Gallery at 479 W. Sixth partnerships with the Warner Grand Theatre and the Grand Annex, Marymount’s Street as a fixed venue for Marymount College’s downtown campus will be the “anchor tenant” in San Pedro, said Stephen Rob- Media Studies students to showcase their work. bins, executive director of the PBID. The College recently signed a lease agreement Fr. Mark Villano, chaplain of Marymount College, offered an eloquent blessing, with Gary Larson, owner of the Arcade Building and a founding member of the SPAAA. The Arcade with Marymount students reciting biblical readings. Dr. Brophy reiterated the Gallery will host student work in a variety of artistic importance of continuing Marymount’s mission of service in tandem with the mediums and is open to the public. exciting turn of events, which began with the College’s four-year accreditation in Seniors in Marymount’s Media Studies program 2010. Mentioning Marymount’s service learning program and the 25,000 ser- have the unique opportunity to display their work vice hours students have dedicated over two years to organizations such as the in solo shows for a week during the spring se- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor, Dr. Brophy added that “students mester. Each exhibited artist also gives an artist’s get to learn what it means to be human by serving others.” talk to the public. Past exhibits, which double as students’ Capstone Projects, have ranged from a The latest classroom technology has been implemented by upper-division classes video and documentary photography exhibit about at the Waterfront Campus since August. Administrative offices have also been the student’s experience with caregiving to acrylic buzzing with activity in what was formerly the Northrup Grumman building in the and Plexiglas abstract sculptures of “manufactured heart of San Pedro’s Historic Waterfront District. “We have reached new heights in expression.” These graduating students experience our mission,” said Dr. Brophy. “This last year has been the most exhilarating!” organizing their first art exhibit with the support of Media Studies faculty members. “Opening Marymount’s Waterfront Campus has become a major benefit to The SPAAA is dedicated to connecting art venues, Marymount, San Pedro and the Greater Los Angeles area,” said Burt Arnold, artists, arts education, business development and Chairman of Marymount’s Board of Trustees. “We are proud to have Mayor the community of San Pedro through collaborative Villaraigosa’s and Congresswoman Hahn’s support.” efforts to enrich and strengthen the revitalization of San Pedro. In addition to Larson, the SPAAA’s founding members are art patrons Peter Rothe and Beate Kirmse, who established the organization in 2011 to address the effects of a local economic downturn and the desire to develop San Pedro as a cultural destination. “With this new partnership with Marymount Col- lege, the San Pedro Arts & Academic Alliance continues its commitment to downtown San Pedro’s historic core,” said Larson. “Marymount College and SPAAA are excellent partners, because we share a vision, creativity and flexibility in creating opportunities that will benefit both the College and the community with solutions that match the goal of a vibrant downtown San Pedro.” Downtown San Pedro has historically been linked with both established and outsider artists. The Col- lege and the SPAAA hope that the infusion of these young artists, primed with new ideas and techno- logical savvy, into the community will enhance the intergenerational dialogue among creative peers.

Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 | 9 Success By The Sea BIENNIAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA

Marymount College’s 2012 Success By The Sea Scholarship Gala will take place on Sept. 29, 2012, on the College’s Main Campus. It will be a glamorous evening outdoors as summer gives way to fall. The biennial event raises money for student scholarships and honors prominent individuals active in the community. This year’s honorees are DeDe Hicks, president/CEO of the Volunteer Center, South Bay- Harbor-Long Beach; Liz Schindler Johnson, executive director of the Grand Vision Foundation; and Marymount alumnus and chairman of the Board of Trustees Burt Arnold, principal, BMA Securities. The emcee for the evening is actress Kathy Baker, whose son graduated from Marymount. While her son was a student, Baker was an active member of the Par- ents Project, a fundraising group in support of current students. Baker has been a professional actress for more than 30 years and has won many awards for her work in theater (an Obie Award for “Fool for Love”), film (National Society of Film Critics Award for “Street Smart”) and television (three Emmys, a Golden Globe and a SAG award for “Picket Fences”). Her films include “The Right Stuff,” “Clean and Sober,” “13 Going on 30,” “All the King’s Men,” “The Jane Austen Book Club,” “Nine Lives” and “Cold Mountain.” Her most memorable roles in television include those in “Boston Public,” “Jesse Stone,” “Door to Door” and “Too Big to Fail.” Marymount College provides scholarships to recognize achievement in academics, to promote access and to ensure diversity among the student body. More than 70 percent of Marymount students required financial assistance this year. According to Tara Brophy, chairwoman of the gala, the need to raise money is more crucial than ever. “We’d like to be able to fund students for their full four years, if possible,” said Brophy. “People forget that Marymount is a nonprofit organization. There are plenty of people who can afford to attend, but many, such as the kids from the Fulfillment Fund, have never set foot on a college campus, let alone envi- sioned that they could actually attend.” The Success By The Sea’s vendor boutique, offering unique goods for fashion and decorating, will be open to the public during the afternoon of Sept. 29 and then again for attendees of the evening’s gala. Catering will be provided by Bon Appétit Management Company. The outstanding musicians of Wayne Foster Entertainment Group will be back to provide the music and entertainment for the evening, while Marymount’s own Jazz Ensemble will perform during the reception. The honorary committee for the event includes longtime community leader Arline Grotz, 2010 Success By The Sea honorees Yvonne Bogdanovich and Sandra Sand- ers, Marymount College Trustee Sue Soldoff and Success By The Sea Chairwoman Tara Brophy. Tickets to the gala are $225 per person. For more information or to request an invi- tation, contact committee member Kimberly Ramsay at [email protected]. A special Friday night party at the College president’s home will be offered to Mary- mount College alumni who RSVP to the Success By The Sea Scholarship Gala. For information, contact Alumni Program Manager Megan McCormick at mmccormick@ marymountpv.edu.

10 | Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 Success By The Sea Honorary Committee

ARLINE GROTZ YVONNE BOGDANOVICH

Arline Grotz is a retired criminal and Yvonne Bogdanovich is a longtime family law attorney who served as a active community member who prosecutor for the Inglewood Supe- donates her time and talents as rior Court and as judge pro tem for president of the board of directors the Torrance Superior Court. She was of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los president of the South Bay Women Angeles Harbor. In addition, Yvonne Lawyers Association and served on is a member of the San Pedro Cancer the Traffic Committee for the City Guild, Town and Gown of USC, Mary of Rancho Palos Verdes. When she lived in Chicago, she Star of the Sea High School Steering Committee, and the was secretary of the board of directors for her family’s Mary Star of the Sea Finance Committee. She is also a business. Her local community service contributions are member of the Marymount College San Pedro Advisory numerous and include chairing the Save the Costume Council, providing leadership to the College as it develops Closet campaign. She serves on the board of directors its newest campus in San Pedro. for the Costume Closet, a fundraising event for the Palos SUE SOLDOFF Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. She has pro- vided leadership to the Norris Center for the Performing Sue Soldoff, Ph.D., taught psychology Arts, including coproducing the Norris’ Act II show for at a number of higher education insti- 2012. She has been the chairperson of the Providence tutions for 10 years before embarking Trinity Care Hospice annual Sunday by the Sea fundraiser on a wholesale travel business, Sue’s and president of the Affinity Group, a support group of Safari Inc., from which she is now re- the Volunteer Center, South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach. She tired. She has served her community has also been involved with Las Candalistas, Toberman for more than three decades, includ- Settlement House Auxiliary and Help the Homeless Help ing involvement with Norris Center Themselves. for the Performing Arts, Las Candalistas, Palos Verdes Land TARA BROPHY Conservancy and as a member of the Marymount College Board of Trustees. Tara Brophy was the chairperson for SANDRA SANDERS the 2010 Success By The Sea Scholar- ship Gala, which raised thousands of Sandra Sanders is the founder of dollars to support students in need of RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty, which scholarships at Marymount College. was named by the Los Angeles Busi- Agreeing to lead the event again this ness Journal as one of the leading real year, Tara guides the organizing com- estate firms in Los Angeles County. mittee for the 2012 event in anticipa- Sandra’s real estate acumen has tion of generating even more scholarships for deserving earned her many awards. She provides students. A frequent host of visiting guests, faculty and leadership to 12 real estate office friends of Marymount College, Tara is a compassionate locations serving the South Bay and the Westside of Los and hardworking community leader. She is a member of Angeles, as well as to Peninsula Escrow, which comprises the philanthropic group Vistas for Children and is active eight offices. Sandra is active in community service. Among in her children’s education by volunteering with PTAs and her many philanthropic and leadership contributions are St. John Fisher Church’s programs for children. A regis- fundraising for the new St. John Fisher Parish School and tered nurse, she is married to the College’s president, Dr. involvement with the YWCA, Rainbow Services, Children’s Michael Brophy, and has two sons and a daughter. Hospital and the Norris Center for the Performing Arts.

Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 | 11 CAMPUS NEWS AND ALUMNI NOTES

CAREER ADVISING SERVICES “The marketplace is constantly changing, and students are constantly changing; it is a challenge to align the two,” said the director. “Stu- Led by the energetic focus of John M. McCrud- dents need to be aware of ‘What’s available?’ and ‘How do you feel den, Marymount College’s director of career ser- about it?’” He encourages students to take a look at the fastest-grow- vices, students can rest assured that their abilities ing industries as a starting point. “There are always jobs because of and passions will be uncovered and tailored to natural attrition of staff through retirement and job changes,” McCrud- today’s marketplace. “Twenty percent of students den said. Job opportunities will grow over the next decade, he said, know what their passion is and can follow their because of the retirement of the baby boom generation. heart, but many college students are still trying to uncover their passion and need support,” Mc- McCrudden has initiated a discussion with Mount St. Mary’s College Crudden said. Career services, he said, is about curriculum integration and Loyola Marymount University about having a virtual career fair and helping students get to know themselves. consortium. The beta test will be in May. “The goal is to promote the idea that faith-based colleges have value to employers,” said McCrud- McCrudden came to Marymount last April. The College, in its transition den. “This will be the first faith-based virtual career fair in the country.” from a two-year to a four-year institution, needed internships, practicums He and his associate Jean Lyu are intent on developing new business (co-ops) and career management services. Today the Career Services relationships; they would like to link the students’ Capstone Projects to department, though still in its developmental stage, bustles with activity. these relationships. McCrudden, originally from Long Island, has worked for nearly 35 years A graduating student’s assessment of the director’s work is important: in career services and higher education. Prior to coming to Marymount, “John McCrudden has developed a plan that will work for every per- he was the senior associate director of the Career Management Center son,” said senior Glenn Davis. at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. Before that, McCrudden spent 20 years at Long Island University directing mul- MARYMOUNT RECOGNIZED FOR tiple career services programs. He has also taught career management HISPANIC STUDENT EDUCATION and leadership as well as an MBA senior thesis Capstone class. Marymount College has been recognized by the Hispanic Association Upon his arrival at the College, McCrudden brought his own technol- of Colleges and Universities as a Hispanic-serving institution with more ogy to assist the students. His patented job search program is called than 25 percent of its enrollment composed of Hispanic students. “Your Job & Internship Search... the new normal” and introduces stu- dents to a three-step process through which they can find information The Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that Hispanics account for on any company in the U.S. half the increase in the American workforce. But Hispanics have faced a range of barriers, economic and social, to educational attainment. When freshmen begin at Marymount, they take Interdisciplinary ID117, Historically they suffer from the highest high school dropout rate of “The Art of Being Human.” The class gives them the tools and the con- any population group. Consequently, Hispanic college attendance and fidence to challenge themselves and to begin to navigate the world graduation rates lag those of other groups. of work. McCrudden teaches ID217, “Personal, Academic and Career Development.” PSY100, “Personal Development,” is another course “A significant commitment in our mission is to provide access to that emphasizes a career outlook. The department is in the process of college for those who may face barriers to obtaining a higher educa- developing a junior-year course, to be offered after ID117 and ID217, tion,” said Dr. Michael Brophy, president of Marymount College. “It in which students will start to think critically about their next steps. is especially fulfilling to our campus community to enroll Hispanic McCrudden visits every Capstone class and asks students, “Will your students who are the first members in their families to attend col- Capstone be with a company you want to be working for?” lege,” he said.

12 | Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM “What we know about college students is that sometimes their worlds are insular — they focus on school and friends,” said Susan Garman, director of service learning at Marymount. “They often stay glued to their routines, which may not include regular trips to downtown San Pedro. We want our students to take advantage of the rich possibilities our city provides.” Garman added, “We have been purposefully building relationships with organizations providing service in San Pedro. Urban development is a key component of many aspects of our curriculum.” Earle is passionate about the potential outcomes from service learning and the Capstone process. “This experience outside the classroom as much as doubles students’ retention of their educational experience. It’s about making students feel that this is not something adults are doing to them or for them, wagging their fingers at them, which is a common perspective among young adults. This is a way for student volunteers to feel authorship of their service effort, which helps guide and inform them how to do it best.” The professor of global studies is a Capstone mentor to several other Marymount College senior Alex Hooks has changed. Due to a powerful seniors. “The Capstone, in overview, is as much a reflective as an blending of the College’s spiritual mission of service, the Capstone experiential product,” Earle said. “It’s very important to do something Project process and the resonating philosophy behind service learn- that students can own emotionally and take pride in, something not ing, this student went from being skeptical in Professor Duncan Earle’s expressed in a GPA that they can take into the employment world.” Applied Anthropology class to being someone entirely different. San Pedro’s Harbor Interfaith Services (HIS) has been the fortunate recipi- PENINSULA SENIORS PROGRAM ent of Hooks’ weekly comprehensive efforts through Earle’s service learning class and now through Hooks’ Capstone Project. Earle is also This semester, several members of Peninsula Seniors took advantage Hooks’ Capstone mentor. of Marymount College’s recent offer to the organization to attend col- “Good service learning is where students are challenged to use their lege classes tuition-free. There are several senior students in Professor minds to solve the challenges they encounter. They become more Ken Zanca’s RS330 class, “Religion, War and Peace,” and they have active learners as a result. They own it themselves,” said Earle. “Alex made an impression. “Each of the six participates actively — they write Hooks’ transformation was profound; I am so proud of what he’s done. papers, ask questions, go on service learning projects, add comments He’s not someone I could pick out of a crowd as a service learning to discussions — and I think they are a great example to the younger advocate. But he got into it and came out with this idea for a model for students that there is not some age after which it’s ‘too hard’ to learn,” effective volunteering.” said Zanca. “Personally, I am inspired by them, and I hope the others in the class are too.” Earle is referring to a model that Alex Hooks designed for his Capstone Project around the effective use of volunteers. Hooks said he created The College’s culture of small classes, personal attention and unique training workshops and seminars for student volunteers so that “they courses benefits both the young and the not-so-young. “This is a will maximize efficiency and output. I also hope to match students to great opportunity for the College and of tremendous benefit to areas they like, whether it is hands-on social work or perhaps working seniors in the community,” said MaryAnn Rimoin, executive director at a food drive.” of Peninsula Seniors. “They love the classes they’re taking; they’re loving the opportunity to go back to school.” Rimoin herself is an “Duncan Earle’s Applied Anthropology class alumna of Marymount College. has taught me a lot about how to go about doing this and how beneficial it could be for Seniors will be able to au- Harbor Interfaith and [for] the community of San dit courses at Marymount Pedro, if done correctly,” said Hooks. “I have College’s campuses in spent time every week at HIS doing every job that volunteers do there Rancho Palos Verdes and so I will be able to train people the best way possible.” San Pedro. The College’s outreach program to local Duncan Earle wants to continue to work with Hooks and formalize his residents will continue ideas in manuscript form. A manual would be produced “for student in the fall, with registra- volunteers who plan to work at Harbor Interfaith Services or similar tion beginning in August; organizations so that it can generate a larger footprint. Students can registration is possible cultivate relationships with social service agencies and other sites for only through the Peninsula community education,” said Earle. “I’m hoping it’s applicable in a Seniors office. Classes are larger way than just within my class and with Harbor Interfaith.” offered on topics such as “We have cultural issues and discretion issues, and there’s a security foreign languages, cultural dimension [to HIS]. The job of service requires training,” he added. studies, philosophy, busi- “Eventually we need to develop an inventory of what all these services ness and religious studies. are and how they can be given.”

Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 | 13 LUMINA FOUNDATION’S MAGAZINE The DQP has drawn its share of critics who are concerned about whether it truly points the way to a more relevant college education. Marymount College has taken There’s also the ever-present fear of the harness of standardization. a prominent role in a regional But Marymount English professor Patrick McMahon thinks differently. and national dialogue about “It is more important for a school like Marymount to acknowledge the relevance of today’s col- applied learning and to examine reflectively what it is that we are lege education. In an article asking students to do,” said McMahon, who was quoted in the Focus written by Pulitzer Prize-win- article. “The DQP gives us an opportunity to redefine what students ning journalist Susan Head- bring to us, to reexamine not just our students but also ourselves, our den, members of Marymount’s curriculum.” faculty and administration THE BOOK OF MADNESS AND CURES were interviewed about a new learning model they have been Marymount English professor Regina O’Melveny’s debut novel, “The testing. The article was pub- Book of Madness and Cures” (Little, Brown and Company), is already lished in the winter 2012 issue generating excitement in the literary world. The story of a doctor in of Focus, Lumina Foundation’s search of her missing mentor father is both a mystery and a quest. The magazine, which addresses story, which takes place in 16th-century Europe and Asia Minor, builds higher education issues. on the senses, the atmosphere and the people in Renaissance Europe (http://focus.luminafoundation. and other exotic regions. org/winter2012) “Gabriella Mondini isn’t your typical Venetian society lady: Her father In response to growing concern over the demonstrable value of col- made her his protégé in medicine and his collaborator in composing lege degrees, Lumina Foundation, a private and independent orga- a grand compendium on healing. But after Dad departs … prizewin- nization, funded the formation of the Degree Qualifications Profile ning poet and artist Regina O’Melveny … traces our spirited heroine’s (DQP) by a team of several leading academics. Today’s students “have transit through the spooky German Schwarzwald, humanistic Holland, perfected ‘the art of college management, in which success is achieved academic Edinburgh, Reformation-torn France, and post-Inquisition primarily not through hard work but through controlling college by Spain to Morocco,” according to Elle magazine’s Senior Features shaping schedules, taming professors and limiting workload,’” accord- Editor Ben Dickinson. “Her journey, with two loyal servants in tow, is ing to the DQP’s authors. “Students’ habits, combined with whatever filled with incident — brigandage, religious and gender prejudice, the shortcomings in instruction and curricula come into play, have caused necessity of disguise, tantalizing traces of her father’s trail, even some many employers, parents and policymakers to question the value of hot, bodice-unlacing action — all conveyed with earthy and sensual college credentials,” wrote Headden. brio, clearly well-researched evocations of time and place, and, not sur- The article states that “the DQP’s purpose is clear: it explicitly defines prisingly, poetical description: On a ship to Morocco, Mondini beholds what college graduates should know and be able to do at specific de- a vast pod of dolphins not merely leaping out of the sea but ‘sewing gree levels.” According to the DQP, there are five interconnected core sky to water.’ If that image grabs you, you will love this adventure.” competencies that every college graduate should possess: specialized O’Melveny’s novel would seem a far cry from a childhood in suburban knowledge; broad, integrative knowledge; intellectual skills; applied San Diego. It was in her Italian artist mother’s studio that O’Melveny learning; and civic learning. According to the Lumina Foundation would pore over large books on the Renaissance, a passion of her article, “The DQP serves not only as a catalyst for improvement but as mother’s. While she was a teenager, O’Melveny’s father’s disappear- a validation for what Marymount and National [University] are already ance after her parents’ divorce was also a major influence, according doing.” The article also mentioned that at Marymount an emphasis on to a Publishers Weekly review. Later it was O’Melveny’s own fascination Capstone Projects aligns with an important recommendation of the DQP. with maladies, European plagues and old cures that led her to visit While the DQP has been tested at more than100 colleges and univer- historic medical centers in Venice, Leiden and Padua. sities in the U.S. since last year, it is very much considered a work in O’Melveny, who has taught com- progress. According to Marymount’s provost, Dr. Ariane Schauer, the position and English literature College has joined a regional learning community of Western Associa- at Marymount since 2003, first tion of Schools and Colleges (WASC) institutions piloting the DQP and established herself as an award- presented at the WASC Academic Resource Conference in April 2012. winning poet. She has published WASC is using a $1.5 million Lumina grant to implement the DQP as it two volumes of poetry, and her revamps its accreditation process. Schauer, who served on the WASC poetry and prose have been an- Degree Qualification Task Force, said that due to Marymount’s partici- thologized and widely published pation on the task force and to peer recognition of the importance of in several literary magazines. DQP questions in Marymount’s institutional journey, the College was in- It was a series of long prose vited to participate in this regional and national dialogue. “While these poems on maladies that pointed questions feature prominently in the national agenda and in WASC’s her in the direction of telling response to the changing landscape and ecology of higher education,” Gabriella’s story in “Madness added Dr. Schauer, “the questions are particularly pertinent to Mary- and Cures.” She is already at mount College at this time in our history, as we transform from an AA- work on a second novel, using to an AA- and BA-granting institution. For us, intentional progression of a minor character in “Madness learning is much more than just a reflective exercise; it is formative.” and Cures” as a touchstone.

14 | Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 FOUNDERS WEEK gifts of my life,” he said. “Sr. On the sunny, windswept after- Antoine-Marie, noon of Wednesday, March 14, Sr. Charles, Sr. Marymount College celebrated Eileen and Sr. its founding and its founder Teresita were order, the Religious of the Sacred very supportive.” Heart of Mary (RSHM). Beginning After the Found- with the Founders Mass and fol- ers Mass and lowed by the presentation of the award presenta- Founders Award and the blessing tion, Bishop Ben- of three works of religious art nett led a small on the Main Campus, the events were a poignant climax to Founders procession to Week, organized by Fr. Mark Villano and a team of College staff mem- each of the three bers and students. The week’s events drew attention to the College’s artworks, which mission “that all may have life and have it to the full” and also included were restored by the Canyon Verde Service Day; a concert with the Jazz Ensemble and designer Rhett Vox Choir; and lectures on religion, public service and Catholic educa- Judice and his tion. team. Judice, Bishop Gordon Bennett, a former member of the Marymount Col- whose business lege Board of Trustees, celebrated the Founders Mass in Marymount’s is the renovation Chapel and later led the prayers for and blessings of two prominent and restoration of church interiors, spoke about the necessary resto- statues and a mosaic. “To celebrate Fr. Gailhac is a real honor, and it’s ration steps for each artwork; this was followed by Bishop Bennett’s wonderful to renew old acquaintances, such as with Sr. Antoine-Marie,” blessing, a sprinkling of holy water on the figure and a prayer. said Bennett, who is currently in residence at Loyola Marymount University. “I’m so glad to see that the efforts I put in 15 years ago are paying off.” Sr. Antoine-Marie Baurier, a longtime member of both the AHMANSON FOUNDATION GRANT RSHM and Marymount’s faculty, spoke about the history of the RSHM. “Founders Week is giving a chance for everyone on campus to know The Ahmanson Foundation has provided Marymount College our sisters and what they’ve accomplished,” she said. “It gives the with a significant grant toward the modernization of the Col- students a little bit of history.” lege’s Main Campus in Rancho Palos Verdes. The donation, which will be applied toward a match previously announced by John Lane, a professor of theater arts, was presented with the fourth an anonymous donor, will allow the College to proceed with annual Founders Award by Dr. Brophy for his achievements as a 40- long-overdue infrastructure improvements. The grant was an- year member of Marymount’s faculty. Lane summarized the meaning of nounced on March 15, 2012. the award and his appreciation for the RSHM sisters. “I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have so many wonderful people help me “This important donation from the Ahmanson Foundation will at Marymount: Dr. Brophy and, before him, Dr. Wood and Dr. McFad- provide necessary funding toward much-needed physical plant den, plus the academic improvements,” said Marymount College President Michael deans, but mostly the Brophy. The improvements are set to begin on the Rancho love and help from the Palos Verdes campus in May 2012. nuns, who are excep- This construction, to occur when the majority of students are tional human beings,” on summer break, will include utility and other infrastructure said Lane. “They helped improvements, as well as a new parking lot that will add more me become a better than 120 parking spaces to the campus. The College will also person.” begin work on its new athletic field, which is being relocated to Sr. Gregory Naddy was make room for the new parking lot. Lane’s mentor. “She The Ahmanson Foundation has adhered to the principle of would always come in building community for the common good since 1952. It serves to see the first act, and Los Angeles County by funding cultural projects in the arts and then she’d say, ‘John, I’m humanities, education at all levels, health care, programs relat- going to go back to the ed to homelessness and underserved populations, and a wide convent and pray for the range of human services. The Foundation counts “construction students to get better,’ and renovations” as one of six common areas of support. By and they usually were supporting nonprofit organizations that demonstrate sound better.” Lane credited fiscal management, efficient operation and program integrity, the discipline, integrity the Foundation strives to enhance the quality of life and cultural and faith of the RSHM. legacy of the Los Angeles community. To learn more, visit www. “Marymount became theahmansonfoundation.org. one of the greatest

Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 | 15 Alumni Profiles CHRISTIAN ALVARADO ’08 MICHELLE PONCE ’90

On Sunday, March 18, Marymount Looking back, alumna Michelle Ponce feels alumnus Christian Alvarado, who that it was all meant to be. “I had a wonderful has been blind since he was a advisor when I was a student at Marymount. I child, crossed the LA Marathon specifically remember that I told her I wanted finish line, marking his 11th com- to be like her when I grew up. I told her I pleted marathon. wanted her job.” And it wasn’t long before Michelle returned to Marymount College as an Christian began running mara- advisor, helping other students decide where thons in 2005, when he was a they’d like their future to take them. senior in high school. “I actually LA Mayor Villaraigosa with Alvarado hated running but found that I just Michelle eventually went on to earn her Master of Arts in Counseling at needed a challenge.” And he hasn’t stopped running since. On the Chapman University and now works as a college and career counselor occasions when he didn’t have someone to train with him, Christian at a Southern California high school. This will be her 10th year in the would run in place in his garage. “Once you start thinking ‘I can’t make school district. “I love what I do. I love working with students in high it, or I’m not good enough or smart enough,’ then you stop achieving school and in higher education. They have a type of energy you cannot your goals,” he says. find anywhere else.” Christian has faced many challenges in his life, including blindness, Michelle really enjoyed her time at Marymount and attributes the path poverty, losing his brother to murder and overcoming academic she ended up following to her experience at the College. “The per- roadblocks, but nonetheless he has excelled, first earning his associ- sonal attention, the rapport with my professors and the passion they ate degree in 2008 from Marymount College and then his bachelor’s had for the students created an amazing learning environment. The degree from the University of Santa Cruz. classes prepared me to move from a small, intimate school to a school with close to 30,000 students. It did not feel or seem as cumbersome Today he works in development at the Fulfillment Fund, an organiza- as it could have. When I left Marymount, I knew that I would continue tion that helps economically disadvantaged students graduate from to be successful.” high school, earn a college degree and become productive members of society. Christian was the first Fulfillment Fund student enrolled at MARIA LAVELL ’80 Marymount. Today many students from the organization are pursuing their degree at the College. “The motivation that came from the Fulfill- One visit to the Marymount campus was all ment Fund is what has pushed me to succeed,” he says. it took for Maria Lavell — she immediately fell in love. After receiving her acceptance to Christian is planning to attend graduate school and is considering a Marymount, the alumna applied for what she career in higher education administration — and he has no plans to thought was a music scholarship, but when she stop running marathons. “The worst disability people can have is the showed up for the audition, it turned out to be one they have in their mind once they decide they can’t accomplish for a theater scholarship. She gave it a try, suc- something,” he says. ceeded and ended up spending her two years at Marymount performing with what Maria describes as “some of the most amazing and INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES UNDERWAY talented people.” Maria graduated from Marymount with a GPA so high that it earned In early summer, Marymount College will host bulldozers her the Mabel Wilson Richardson Academic Scholarship for academic and hard hats as it begins its construction on the Main achievement. Maria went on to the University of Southern California, Campus in Rancho Palos Verdes. The plan for campus where she received a degree in Sociology and became a Los Angeles modernization, which was approved by the city, includes police officer. Maria then moved to Las Vegas, where she worked as a utility and other infrastructure improvements and a new police officer in Clark County. parking lot that will add more than 120 parking spaces to the campus. The College is also planning to begin work While working as a police sergeant during the day, Maria attended the on its new athletic field, which is being relocated to make William S. Boyd School of Law in the evening and graduated with her doctorate in law in 2006. Immediately after passing the Nevada State room for the new parking lot. The construction is planned Bar exam, Maria was hired as a deputy district attorney with the Clark for the time when the majority of Marymount students will County district attorney’s office. She recently celebrated her fifth year be on summer break. in office and was promoted to chief deputy district attorney. “Faculty and staff are excited about the much-anticipated Throughout all her experiences and accomplishments, Maria still improvements,” said Marymount College President Dr. remembers the sense of community she felt while at Marymount. “I will Michael Brophy. “This is the first step in the process, and never forget the amazing experiences I had, the fabulous faculty and we are looking forward to serving our students and our the many friends I made. Oh, to be young again!” she said. community with superior facilities.”

16 | Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 MARYMOUNT ATHLETICS

MARYMOUNT, A CHAMPION OF CHARACTER Other colleges in the California Pacific Conference include the north- ern California institutions of California Maritime Academy, Menlo Last December, Marymount College, Pacific Union College, Simpson University, William Jessup College was awarded the University and the University of California, Merced. In the fall, the 2010-2011 NAIA Champions conference’s membership will expand to include southern California’s of Character Five Star Award. Soka University of America, located in Aliso Viejo, and Embry-Riddle It sounds great, but what does Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. it mean? The NAIA’s (National As- ATHLETIC DIRECTOR GARY WHITE sociation of Intercollegiate Marymount College’s new athletic director, Gary Athletics) Five Star Award is White, understands what it takes to develop suc- given to institutions whose cessful sports programs, especially the character- athletic programs demonstrate the five core values of integrity, respect, driven kind that is required of schools in the responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. But it’s not National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics enough for their student-athletes to simply possess these traits; they (NAIA). White developed athletic programs at need to score 60 or more points on the NAIA Champions of Character small colleges in Missouri and Illinois and earned Scorecard, which has measurable goals and monitors progress toward seven NAIA national titles along the way. After re- advancing character-driven intercollegiate athletes. locating to Marymount last summer, he has been What made Marymount’s distinction, well, distinctive, was that its score diligently laying the groundwork for a compre- was not based on a full-fledged athletic program. When Marymount hensive athletic program at the College. joined the NAIA in February 2010, the soccer program, which was ini- Born and raised in Ohio, the seasoned athletic director has a man- tially a club sport, turned its attention toward competing against other ner that is friendly, straightforward and expeditious. White has always NAIA schools; it could measure its own growth with the student-athlete coached at NAIA schools. Most recently he was at McKendree Univer- in mind. Ultimately, the men’s and women’s soccer teams opened the sity in Lebanon, Illinois, where he began the school’s cross-country and door to this Five Star Award distinction. “I think the quality of the track and field programs, as well as McKendree’s intercollegiate bowl- student-athlete at Marymount College gets better year after year, and ing program, a first for a Midwest school. Last year, his women’s team the recognition that they have received from the NAIA is testament to won the inaugural NAIA bowling national title. Previously, White led his the excellence they display both on the field and in the classroom,” track and field teams to six NAIA national titles, four of them consecu- said Gary White, Marymount’s athletic director. tive indoor titles for his women’s team. CALIFORNIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE With the cross-country program due to begin this fall, White will also coach the men’s and women’s teams. “We are finding that recruits are This past January, Marymount College joined the California Pacific excited to be part of the first team,” he said. In the spring of 2013, Conference, making the College a competing member of the Division the golf and track programs will begin, with White coaching the latter. II leagues affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate At that time, there will be four NAIA sports and a total of eight varsity Athletics (NAIA). Marymount’s athletic director, Gary White, is pleased programs at Marymount, with men’s and women’s teams counting as with the agreement that opens the door to competition with California two sports. (The NAIA requires Marymount to have six sports by 2015, and Arizona schools. “It is a great time to be a part of the California so the College is well ahead of schedule.) Pacific Conference,” said White. “This past season, our soccer teams would have been in the top of the Cal Pac conference,” he added. “I So, besides the great weather, why head west? White also looked to believe we can also be very competitive in cross-country in our first California because his son lives in Whittier with his family; White and year in Cal Pac.” his wife, Margaret, wanted to be nearby. Joining the conference creates opportunity for Marymount College As Marymount’s new athletic director, Gary White wears many hats to add two more sports in the spring of 2013 — men’s and women’s and he takes it in stride. He is well-prepared to do what he loves to track and golf. (Lacrosse, not a sport currently in NAIA competition, do — develop athletic programs. “It’s been a challenge and a lot of will continue as a club sport at Marymount College.) fun,” he said.

Marymount College TODAY | Spring 2012 | 17 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 30800 Palos Verdes Drive East Permit No. 352 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275-6299 310-377-5501 www.marymountpv.edu

Tommy Lasorda to Give Commencement Address

Baseball great Tommy Lasorda will give the commencement address to Marymount College’s graduating class on May 12, 2012. Lasorda will also receive an honorary doctorate from the College while students accept associate and, for the first time, bachelor’s degrees.

“Marymount is honored to have one of LA’s most prominent leaders speak to our graduates as they embark upon their life’s work,” said Marymount’s president, Dr. Michael Brophy. “Mr. Lasorda is a role model for students, given the impact he has had upon so many with his work with the Dodgers.”

Regarded by many as baseball’s most popular ambassador, Tommy Lasorda begins his 63rd season in the Dodger organization and his seventh as special advisor to the chairman. Lasorda’s current responsibilities include scouting; evaluating and teaching minor-league players; acting as an advisor and ambassador for the Dodgers’ international affiliates; and representing the franchise at more than 150 speaking engagements and appearances for various charities, private groups and military personnel each year.

Lasorda won two World Series championships, four National League pennants and eight division titles in an extraordinary 20- year career (1976-1996) as the Dodgers’ manager. He also won a World Series title as a left-handed pitcher with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955. In 1997, Lasorda was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2000, he managed an underdog U.S. team to the gold medal over the highly favored Cuban national team at the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Lasorda is highly regarded for his baseball acumen as well as his compassion for others with charitable work for the American Heart Association, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Foundation and many other non-profit organizations.