Donnelly Digest

Donnelly College Digest Winter 2019 | donnelly.edu

Donnelly Digest

TO TRUST MYSELF

Plus: BUILDING BRIDGES | SHINE 2019 | PRESIDENT'S REPORT Monsignor Swetland leads faculty, staff and students from campus to the Cathedral of St. Peter for Donnelly's annual Convocation Mass to kick-off the new academic year. IN THIS ISSUE cover story 10 TO TRUST MYSELF spotlights

BUILDING BRIDGES 8 Dedicated friends provide cornerstone gift SHINE 2019 14 Celebrating 13 years of SHINE PRESIDENT’S REPORT Highlighting the 2018-2019 16 academic year

INVESTORS & SUPPORTERS Gifts received 20 7/1/2018 - 6/30/2019

WINTER 2019 | 1 SPOTLIGHT

From Comfort to Potential Two guest speakers inspire students to step out of their comfort zones

osting guest speakers is a Econoline van to minimize expenses while earning a Hwonderful way to enliven graduate degree. campus culture and expand student In Ilgunas’ public talk, presented in partnership experiences. Donnelly College has with American Public Square, the author talked about a rich history of bringing guest the 1,700-mile journey he describes in “Trespassing speakers to campus dating back to Across America.” Interspersed with accounts of the early 1960s, when Donnelly battling foot injuries and a fear of cows, Ilgunas told co-founder Sr. Jerome Keeler of the people and places he encountered while hiking invited poet Robert Frost to speak the entire route of the Keystone XL pipeline from to students. This tradition of Alberta, Canada to the Gulf Coast of Texas. He also bringing engaging and relevant described what he learned about the pipeline’s impact guest speakers to Donnelly on both the people and the places along its path. continues to this day. Ilgunas encouraged Donnelly students to go To kick off the 2019-20 on a journey of their own, and, like McCormick, academic year, former U.S. Army he suggested that students need to get out of pilot Elizabeth McCormick visited their comfort zone and, in his words, “experience campus to share her inspirational discomfort.” According to Ilgunas, goals should be story of becoming the first woman considered sacred, and discomfort is the price that to pilot a Blackhawk helicopter. students need to be willing to pay if they want to As McCormick described achieve their goals. D her journey from standing outside a fence at her husband’s military base looking at helicopters on a landing site to flying those very helicopters, she encouraged students to move from their “comfort zone,” where they currently operate, to their “potential zone,” where the “magic happens.” By leading students in a series of fun, interactive activities, McCormick helped them experience firsthand the power of mind over matter. “Be curious,” McCormick advised the students. “Your future is your responsibility.” A few weeks after McCormick’s presentation, author and environmentalist Ken Ilgunas also visited campus. Ilgunas is the author of “Trespassing Across America,” the book that was selected as Donnelly’s Common Read for the 2019-20 academic year. In his presentation to students, Ilgunas recounted humorous anecdotes from his first book, “Walden on Wheels.” Students were able to relate to Ilgunas’ stories of how he worked as a dishwasher in a remote Alaskan village to pay off his undergraduate student loans before moving into a 1994 Ford

2 | DONNELLY DIGEST C S E R V I N N I G A P I N S S I T H I T V U

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Transforming Lives Through Education Donnelly College awarded $3 million Title V grant from the Department of Education

n September 2019, Donnelly was Americans and other underrepresented Ione of only 42 institutions of higher populations. education in the United States awarded a To be eligible for a Title V grant, a Department of Education Title V grant. college or university must have a federal Entitled “Transforming Lives designation as a Hispanic-Serving Through Education,” this five-year, Institution (HSI). To be named an $3 million grant will allow the College HSI, an institution's enrollment of to expand and strengthen the Nursing undergraduate students must be at least and Baccalaureate programs, by 25 percent Hispanic. Donnelly’s most investing in equipment, technology and recent President’s Report data (pages personnel. The initial expenditures will 18-19 of this issue) shows Donnelly be to expand test-preparation support College currently has a Hispanic student for our Nursing students, provide new population of 35 percent. In addition, College-wide professional development grant applicants must show that at least opportunities for faculty, staff, and 50 percent of their institution’s degree- administrators, and hire curriculum seeking students received financial specialists to help revise, expand, and assistance under the Federal Pell Grant, update courses in the Baccalaureate Federal SEOG, Federal Work Study or programs (Information Systems and the Federal Perkins Loan Programs. Business Leadership). Dr. Melissa Lenos, Associate Professor Title V is the federal program created of English, has been named Project in 1998 to provide grant funding to Director. Dr. Lenos has been at Donnelly institutions of higher education to for eight years, and most recently served strengthen institutional programs, as Director of the Liberal Arts and facilities, and services to expand Sciences program. D educational opportunities for Hispanic

WINTER 2019 | 3 SPOTLIGHT

rian McKiernan is a lifelong resident of Kansas BCity, Kansas and the Donnelly neighborhood. After concluding his studies at Donnelly by earning an AA degree, he moved to the University of Kansas where he earned a BS in Journalism, a BS in Physical Therapy and a PhD in Physiology. For the past 31 years, Dr. McKiernan has taught physical and occupational therapy students at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Rockhurst University and the University of St. Mary. Since April of 2011, Dr. McKiernan has served as a Commissioner for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas and representing District 2. 2019 DONNE LLY COLLEGE Dr. McKiernan has been active at Bishop Ward high school and in the Cathedral of St. Peter parish and in a variety of roles including music ministry at Sunday Mass. “I absolutely received an excellent education at Donnelly that laid the academic foundation for all I have earned and accomplished since. It was at Donnelly that I more fully grasped the importance of acting in service of others and using my education to benefit my community as much as possible.” D Alumni Hall of Fame

INDU CTEES

Brian McKiernan

4 | DONNELLY DIGEST Judith Van Rest

udith (Judy Hook) Van Rest was born and Jraised in Kansas City, Kansas. Following graduation from Donnelly with an AA degree, she received a BS degree in journalism from the University of Kansas in 1968. Judy began her career in a variety of communications positions, working in advertising and newspaper reporting. She moved to Washington, DC in 1976 where she began a lifelong career in politics and public service. 2019 DONNE LLY COLLEGE Among the positions she held were Regional Director at the Peace Corps, Senior Advisor for Governance for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad, Iraq, Chief-of-Staff at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, as well as positions at the White House and the Smithsonian Institution. She began her international career 25 years ago as a Regional Director at the International Republican Institute (IRI) and she is currently Alumni Hall of Fame IRI’s Executive Vice President. Judy is the founder of IRI’s Women’s Democracy Network and is a member of the Women’s Initiative Policy Advisory Council at the George W. Bush Institute. “During my time at Donnelly, I not only received an excellent education, but also learned the strong values and discipline that has guided INDU CTEES me throughout my work. Donnelly was essential to my transition to life in so many ways." D

To learn about all of our honorees, please visit donnelly.edu/hall-of-fame

WINTER 2019 | 5 SPOTLIGHT

Meet the Dean: Lisa Stoothoff

isa Stoothoff was recently named Vice President Entrepreneurship and Multicultural Leadership Lof Academic and Student Affairs (VPASA) and in our Business Leadership program. The College Dean of the College. Originally from New Jersey, has added a full-time faculty member in the fine she and her family have lived in Kansas City for arts and expanded our nursing faculty as well. Our 15 years and attend St. Michael the Archangel parish Admissions Office now offers Spanish Information in Overland Park. Stoothoff is a devout Catholic sessions and our Campus Ministry is thriving with with a heart for service and a passion for education. an active Pro-Life Club. And yes, I am chaperoning What inspires you to serve at Donnelly? the March for Life trip again and looking forward to The dedication of the faculty and staff inspires me the 26 hours I get to spend with students on the bus every day to be a better person and to serve others. ride to Washington, DC! Their unselfishness and time commitment to our How does academic rigor at Donnelly compare students is unparalleled. Msgr. Swetland is an to other colleges? outstanding leader at the college and his focus on The rigor is the same as at any other college; the serving the underserved and marginalized is the basis difference at Donnelly is that we offer culturally for all decisions. Having a priest as the President is just relevant curricula to enhance the learning experience. so special for the students. Ninety-nine percent of our faculty hold advanced degrees. Due to our 13:1 student to faculty ratio, “I want students to remember students are getting a personalized education. Our faculty present at regional and national conferences that Donnelly College cares and publish in their fields. We offer students a great education at the most diverse college in the Midwest! about them as a person first Your office is a welcoming place for students. You offer snacks, a note about what you are and foremost.” reading, questions for students to answer on the Lisa Stoothoff whiteboard and more. Why is this important? Vice President of Academic I want to encourage students to visit the and Student Affairs Administrative floor, stop in, say hello and discuss and Dean of the College their needs. Assessing their needs is my number one priority, so I use a low-stakes white board assessment How does your faith influence your day-to-day to find out what is going on around campus. I list actions at Donnelly? what I am reading outside my office so that students My faith is at the core of everything I do. Following know reading is a lifelong skill and everyone should the essential values of a Benedictine education, I am read an array of books to increase and improve able to display my love of Christ and neighbor every their vocabulary. I leave snacks outside my office day and provide an example of servant leadership to because I know students are hungry, and it is very my students. hard to concentrate in class when you are thinking about food. Students now know they can stroll What are some exciting things happening at Donnelly? past my office and grab a snack when they need it. The College was recently awarded a five-year, I instituted a Student Spotlight of the Month and $3 million Title V grant which will allow us to have faculty and staff hand out gift cards right before expand and improve our Nursing programs, finals to reward students for effort. I want students add a focus on information security in our to remember that Donnelly College cares about D Information Systems program, and add minors in them as a person first and foremost.

6 | DONNELLY DIGEST Stoothoff has served in the following roles at Donnelly in the last decade: • Adjunct Instructor, Preparatory Education (2009-2010) • Assistant Professor, Preparatory Education (2010-2012) • Interim Director of Success First (2012-2013) • Director of Success First (2013-2017) • Associate Professor (2017-Present) • Interim Assistant VPASA (2017-2018) • Acting VPASA (2018-2019) • VPASA/Dean of the College (July 2019-Present)

WINTER 2019 | 7 SPOTLIGHT

Building Bridges

From left: Michael and Guadalupe Dean, Monsignor Stuart Swetland, Dr. John Romito '66, chair of Donnelly's Transformations Campaign

8 | DONNELLY DIGEST n early October, Alfonso Navarro-Bernachi, IHead Consul of the Consulate of Mexico in downtown Kansas City, Mo., hosted an event honoring Michael and Guadalupe Dean for their service to the Latino community in general and Donnelly College in particular. The Monsignor Swetland told those gathered Deans own Mi Rancho Tequila, and Guadalupe that gifts like the Deans’ show the community Dean serves on the Donnelly College Board of that Donnelly is here to stay—and that Directors. The Deans have been very active in Donnelly is committed to serving all people the greater Kansas City Hispanic community, in the Kansas City, Kansas community and generously supporting development initiatives throughout the metropolitan area. and educational programs for Hispanic youth. Representing La Familia Dean-Lozoya At the October event, Consul Navarro- Foundation, Guadalupe Dean responded, “One Bernachi described the Deans as “bridge- of the things that I love about working with builders,” whose business and civic activities Donnelly College is the opportunity to find build bridges between the greater Kansas God and find an education. It is where I saw my City community and the Consulate of values reflected and where one can nourish the Mexico, Hispanic businesses, local and soul, mind and body to become a better human. national Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, We are very grateful to Donnelly College for the and between Mexico and the United States. opportunity to put our family name, the name The Deans are also building bridges between that Michael and I have fought very hard to Donnelly College and the greater Kansas City maintain united, on a library, which is the very community. foundation of an education.” Nearly 100 dignitaries and guests gathered Following the gift commitment presentation, for the celebration including Ramiro Cavazos, the Deans also announced that, in 2021, President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Donnelly College will be one of two locations Chamber of Commerce, Carlos Gomez, in the United States to host an exhibition of the President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber work of the late painter and sculptor Francisco of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, Joseph F. Benjamin López Toledo, widely regarded as the Naumann, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of most influential modern Mexican artist. The art Kansas City in Kansas, and Monsignor Stuart to be exhibited is part of the Deans’ personal Swetland, President of Donnelly College. The collection, one of the largest of Toledo’s work in Deans took the opportunity to make two exciting the United States. announcements about their involvement in According to Toledo's obituary in The New Donnelly College. York Times, “Mr. Toledo was regarded by many They first announced that their philanthropic as Mexico’s greatest living artist ... His paintings, foundation, La Familia Dean-Lozoya drawings, prints, collages, tapestries and Foundation, would make a cornerstone gift ceramics were largely inspired by [his] heritage. to support and name the Academic Resource Mr. Toledo is little known outside Mexico, in Center in Donnelly’s new academic building. large part because he never courted celebrity.” This commitment affirms and supports the Donnelly College is extraordinarily grateful to transformative work that occurs every day on the Deans for both of these generous gifts. We the Donnelly College campus. are honored to be the recipients of yet another act of bridge-building as the Deans continue to find new and innovative ways to connect the cultures and contributions of the United States and Mexico through education and the arts. D

WINTER 2019 | 9 FEATURE

Erica Thoman with mathematics professor Dave Cobb 10 | DONNELLY DIGEST TO TRUST MYSELF

s Brazilian author Paulo Coelho writes in his novel, City, Kansas where they would live together. Unfortunately, A“The Alchemist”, “When you want something, all the Thoman’s brother was unable to move with them. During this universe conspires to help you achieve it.” Before coming same period, he was convicted of a crime and sent to prison, to Donnelly College, student Erica Thoman wanted to where he remains today, 22 years later. Losing her brother to believe that this quotation could be true for her. She was prison was a devastating blow for Thoman, as he had long been contemplating making some big changes in her life, and for her protector, confidant and friend. her to be successful, she needed it to be true. While the new home provided stability for her, it wasn’t In 2018 Thoman was a wife, a mother of three, and a long- enough to keep her in school. After dropping out of high time employee at a Plaza-based financial services firm. What school at the age of 17, Thoman obtained her GED and tried had begun as a file clerk position in 2006 had blossomed attending classes at a couple of local community colleges. When into a 12-year career that provided she realized none of those schools numerous promotions and lots of were a good fit for her, she decided opportunities for personal growth. [AT DONNELLY] I she wasn’t ready for college. Instead, Thoman’s supervisors regularly LEARNED TO TRUST she focused on starting her life as a encouraged her to get her degree young adult, working, getting her so she could keep moving up the MYSELF. I ALWAYS HAD first apartment and spending time corporate ladder. Yet, even with so A FEELING OF WANTING with friends. much going well, there was a tug TO GO BACK TO COLLEGE Within three years, Thoman was at Thoman’s heart to make a move AND MAKE AN IMPACT in a relationship and had become a she had wanted to make for much IN THE COMMUNITY mother to her son, now 13. It was of her life – she wanted to become I GREW UP IN, SO TO during that time that a family friend a teacher. MAKE THAT LEAP AND BE told her about the file clerk job that Thoman spent part of her she eventually obtained when her childhood not far from Donnelly’s SUCCESSFUL HERE HAS son was only 10 weeks old. But by campus. Her parents divorced when TAUGHT ME TO TRUST the time her son was 8 months old, she was young, and she and her MY INSTINCTS. I FEEL LIKE she had become single. Having seen siblings eventually were all living I HAVE EXCELLED HERE. firsthand the difficulties a single in separate places. By the age of 13, mother faces, Thoman moved back Thoman was living with her dad home so she and her mother could when she became involved in reckless, dangerous and sometimes support each other on this new part of her journey. illegal behavior, a similar path to that of her brother who was a For the next decade, Thoman’s job provided her with few years older and living with a friend. She ran away, became the stability she needed to raise her family. And while her a ward of the state and finally landed with her older sister, professional life was going well, she was ready to use her God- who was also housing their mom. When Thoman was 15, her given gifts in a new way. It was 2018, and Thoman was finally mom found a duplex near Washington High School in Kansas ready to turn toward her future and pursue her college degree.

WINTER 2019 | 11 For as long as she could remember, Thoman had dreamed including a special bond with mathematics professor Dave of becoming an elementary school teacher. As early as first Cobb. Thoman describes Cobb as “maybe the best teacher grade, she recalled thinking teachers were the “coolest people of all time” and “such a character.” She is especially fond of in the world.” After having three kids of her own she knew this the daily “dad jokes” he tells to lighten the mood for students dream was more than just something she wanted to achieve, it struggling with an intimidating subject like math. was what she was called to do. These experiences were a relief to Thoman who said that When it came to choosing a college, Donnelly was one while she felt comfortable at Donnelly right away, there was a of the few schools Thoman considered. She knew from past part of her that still doubted she was supposed to be in college. experience that a large community college would not be a It was October 2018, just two months after she enrolled, when good fit for her, and she remembered that a few friends had Thoman was invited to attend SHINE, Donnelly’s annual attended Donnelly in the past. After being accepted, she gala. She was scheduled to serve as a student representative that found the enrollment process for non-traditional students easy evening, talking about her experiences with alumni and guests. to navigate. She also noticed that everyone, faculty and staff The week before SHINE, Thoman was nervous about what to alike, “seemed to genuinely care about students’ success.” She expect. She tried reminding herself that she had made the right experienced this “Donnelly difference” in her first encounter choice in returning to college and that her life was meant to be with her academic advisor, Matt Emory. In her previous college on this path. Before she went to sleep, she wrote her favorite experiences, she had found academic advising transactional, quote in her journal, hoping the universe was indeed working impersonal and non-productive. By contrast, her initial meeting to help her achieve her dream. with Emory was warm, caring and focused on her goals. She The next evening, during the program at SHINE, Thoman was also delighted to receive the prestigious Henry W. Bloch was listening to Mariana Valles, a recent Donnelly graduate, scholarship. This award is covering full tuition and fees for six when Valles recited the quote that Thoman had entered in her semesters while she completes an associate degree at Donnelly journal the night before – “When you want something, all the and will pay for an additional six semesters while she completes universe conspires to help you achieve it.” At that moment, a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at UMKC. Thoman knew that indeed, the universe was conspiring to As a Donnelly student, Thoman has found that small classes support her. “That gave me confirmation that I am in the right and one-on-one attention from faculty have been critical to place. This is my school, and this is where I belong.” D her success. She frequently visits the Tutoring Center and has developed relationships with many faculty members,

Today Thoman and her brother remain close and continue to inspire each other. Through Donnelly’s satellite program at Lansing Correctional Facility, Daniel Ramos Erica Thoman has begun taking college classes. He is with her brother, Daniel Ramos, scheduled to be released in March 2020. and mother, Nearly 10 years ago Thoman lost her Janie Ramos mother, Janie Ramos, to cancer. She credits her mother with instilling in her the strength and drive she has today, and she feels she owes it to her mom’s legacy to be successful. She remembers her mother as a woman who was close to God and full of grace, especially when battling the illness eventually ended her life.

12 | DONNELLY DIGEST CREATING OPPORTUNITY

Dear Friend,

Just six years after graduating with an Associate of Arts from Donnelly, Carmelita Bahamonde has a blossoming career as the Bilingual Programs “Donnelly was Coordinator for the Mid-Continent Public Library. the jumping-off “Donnelly opened doors for me,” Carmelita said. “My teachers, specifically point for me Dr. Melissa Lenos [Associate Professor of English], listened to the goals I had and helped me build bridges to reach them.” to achieve my Although Carmelita knew she wanted to be the first in her family to attend dreams.” college when she moved from Ecuador to the United States in 2002, she did not know where to start due to financial challenges. A Catholic education was Carmelita also important to her, so when she heard about Donnelly, she knew it was the Bahamonde opportunity she longed for. Associate of Arts Class of 2013 “When Dr. Lenos introduced me to the volunteer program at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, that was the jumping-off point for me to achieve my dreams,” Carmelita said. After graduating from Donnelly in 2013, Carmelita went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in French from Rockhurst University in 2016. During her time at Rockhurst, she secured an internship with the European Curatorial Department at the Nelson that led her to her current pursuit: a Master of Library Science from Emporia State University.

As a friend of Donnelly, please consider making a gift to the Donnelly College Annual Fund. Your gift will help us continue to offer current students affordable tuition, financial assistance, and faculty who care deeply about students’ goals. I pray you will bless our students with the same opportunity Carmelita received—an affordable, Catholic education that provided a solid foundation for her future!

Pax,

Monsignor Stuart W. Swetland

Visit www.donnelly.edu/give or use the return envelope found in this issue of the Digest to make a gift.

WINTER 2019 | 13 13th annual celebration

Thank

14 | DONNELLYyou! DIGEST $510,000 RAISED

LEADERSHIP GUESTS 420 8 GIFTS

SAVE THE DATE SEE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF SHINE 2019 AT SHINE 2020 DONNELLY.EDU/SHINE Thursday, OctoberWINTER 2019 15| 15 PRESIDENT'S2018-2019 ACADEMIC REPORT YEAR

s I often tell Donnelly’s talented Challenge in October and negotiated two New Ateam of faculty and staff, for Market Tax Credit allocations that will provide a net our college to continue to grow and investment of $4.5 million in capital improvements. thrive, we must “dream dreams and Due to the outstanding response and generosity of see visions” (cf. Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17). our community, we have raised almost $33 million For so long we have been dreaming toward our total project need of $34.5 million. We big dreams, and now we are starting pray that our many alumni and friends will help us to see those dreams become a reality. cross this important finish line in 2020! If you have not yet had a chance to These investments made it possible to complete

Monsignor Stuart Swetland drive past campus, I encourage you Phase II of our Campus Master Plan, renovating to do so. The new academic building the final two floors of Marian Hall to gain 11,000 is well underway and on track for a additional square feet of academic space. Even Fall 2020 opening. In fact, at this time we are in the more exciting, these investments have allowed us midst of recruiting the first class of freshman that to begin executing the third and final phase of the will start their academic journeys at Donnelly in master plan—demolishing a vacant residence hall, our new home. constructing a parking garage and breaking ground Part of making the dream of a new academic for our new 72,000 square foot academic building. building a reality has been the overwhelming Also, during the 2018-19 academic year, we generosity of our friends, supporters and celebrated the following accomplishments: community. For example, we have received • We graduated our largest class in the past 10 seven-figure commitments to our campaign, decade, with 106 graduates, including our completed a $1 million Mabee Foundation first 15 Registered Nursing graduates.

16 | DONNELLY DIGEST • The Higher Learning Commission reaffirmed our most accessible and transformative Catholic College in the accreditation through 2022-23. country. This progress is only possible with the support of • The College’s first-ever mascot was unveiled— our donors and volunteers, the hard work of our students, the Donnelly Dragon. and the dedication of our faculty and staff. We hold each I want to say more about our graduates. Our associate of them in our prayers and ask you to do the same. We and bachelor's degree programs and our Practical and remain especially thankful for the donors listed on the next Registered Nursing programs provide our students with few pages who supported our mission and students this a solid academic and spiritual foundation for continued past fiscal year. We could not continue to offer affordable study as well as the skills and credentials they need to Catholic private college tuition rates and top-notch secure good jobs and contribute to the community. Of our academic programs and support without their generosity. 2018-19 graduates, 63% said they planned to continue As we continue to dream dreams and see visions, we their education, with 46% of those students planning to hope you feel called to join us on the journey. Whether you complete a bachelor’s degree and 41% planning to complete choose to invest in our mission, partner with our academic a master’s or doctoral degree. In addition, 88% of our programs, host our students as interns or hire our graduates, 2018-19 graduates were employed at the time of graduation Donnelly would love to count you as a partner in our work. and 82% said they would recommend Donnelly College to May God bless you and yours in 2020! D others. Recent graduates agreed that Donnelly effectively prepared them for working with diverse colleagues, for understanding ethical behavior and social responsibility, and Monsignor Stuart Swetland for exercising problem-solving and decision-making skills. President With accomplishments like these, Donnelly continues to move closer to our institutional vision of being the

WINTER 2019 | 17 OUR STUDENTS 81% 42 C 92% M 35% 106 GRADUATES C 16 6% A 28 IN MAY 2019 8%

48 A DIVERSITY 3% 1% A I 30% males A 12%

35% 70% females 73% 27% PROGRAM ENROLLMENT D

39% A D 13 STUDENTS

LL 10% D FU -TIM 6% E 5 9% 7% 9% C 452 - 49% - first 18% 4 4 E 15% C % IM generation PART-T 17% 27% A -

SOURCES OF GIFTS 83% BY THE NUMBERS OF STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANT AID $1,738,808 43% E U.S. average IMPACT 5% E 40% 31% Catholic college $55,404 $5,451 OF GIVING A tuition and fees $2,800,222 A 13% for a full-time $916,342 $29,530 student 10% Donnelly 39% C 17% $4,146 $7,260 OF STUDENTS RECEIVE 2% 57% PELL GRANT ASSISTANCE C Sources: National Center for Education Statistics & Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities

18 | DONNELLY DIGEST OUR STUDENTS 81% 42 C 92% M 35% 106 GRADUATES C 16 6% A 28 IN MAY 2019 8%

48 A DIVERSITY 3% 1% A I 30% males A 12%

35% 70% females 73% 27% PROGRAM ENROLLMENT D

39% A D 13 STUDENTS

LL 10% D FU -TIM 6% E 5 9% 7% 9% C 452 - 49% - first 18% 4 4 E 15% C % IM generation PART-T 17% 27% A -

WINTER 2019 | 19 DONORROLL

for Your Support Gifts received between 7/1/2018 and 6/30/2019

William Jr. and Marianne Dunn Kiersznowski Family Teodoro Jr. ’93 and $250,000+ Dr. Valerie Miké Charitable Trust Leticia Garcia Mark One Electric David Henton and Anonymous Company, Inc. Timothy Kruse Anonymous $50,000+ Sherman Family Foundation Koch Foundation, Inc. Archdiocese of Kansas City Master Craftsmen Foundation in Kansas Frank and Margaret G. The McGee Foundation Central Bank of Kansas City - McGee Fund $10,000 + Newcomer Family Foundation New Markets Tax Credits H&R Block Foundation Oppenstein Brothers The Dehaemers Family The Richardson Educational George and Marianne Abiaad Foundation Charitable Trust Opportunities Trust Anonymous Kevin and Barb Petracek In Thanksgiving to Blessed Sisters of Charity of Daniel Braum ’71 Joe and Kelly Privitera Seelos Fund Leavenworth Breidenthal Snyder R and C Charitable Foundation John W. & Effie E. Speas Westerman Foundation Foundation Raskob Foundation for Memorial Trust, Bank of Barton P. and Mary D. Catholic Activities, Inc. America, N.A., Trustee Cohen Charitable Trust Ed ‘58 and Madelyn ’59 Regan $25,000+ Constance M. Cooper Dr. John A. ’66 and Charitable Foundation Diane Romito $100,000+ Marion and Henry Bloch The Ronald D. Deffenbaugh Vivian and Hymie J. Sosland Family Foundation Sr. Foundation Charitable Trust Anonymous Cor Christi Fund Dollar General Literacy The Sosland Foundation Thomas R. Bettencourt Forster - Powers Program John J. Sullivan, Jr. Living Trust Charitable Trust Msgr. Sam Faiola † Charitable Trust The Cocherl Family Health Forward Foundation Gary and Susan Friedrichsen Msgr. Stuart Swetland Foundation Joan Horan

20 | DONNELLY DIGEST LIFETIME SOCIETY Donald and Karen Forsythe Gerard ’05 and The Lifetime Society honors donors Francis Family Foundation Michelle Garcia who have generously contributed $5,000+ more than $250,000 over their Luis and Kristin Garcia Steve and Jacquelyn Gering history of giving to Donnelly College. Cerner Corporation Drs. Kenneth Gibson Jeanne Gorman Excel Constructors and Jackie Snyder Will Harris Fahey Family Foundation Greater Kansas City Jordan Hobson Anonymous Richard Jr. and Laura Chamber of Commerce Mark and Sherry Humphrey Anonymous Flanigan Paul Guetterman Martin and Elba Ismert Anonymous Dr. Dean and Aleta Hubbard Donald Hall, Sr. Michael Lago Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Hubbard Family Fund Rich and Sheila Henry Dominic Lopez Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Mark and Patricia Lester Christopher and Roberto Luna ’14, ’16 Scholastica Rabbi Mark Levin Carolyn Hillyer Christina Mains Thomas R. Bettencourt Living Trust Irven E. and Nevada P. Paul and Karen Jones Lawrence ’73 and Marion and Henry Bloch Family Linscomb Foundation Kansas City University of Linda McGurn Foundation Prairie Band Potawatomi Medicine and Biosciences Dr. James F. Mersmann ’62 H&R Block Foundation Nation Jeffrey Kaplan Dr. John and Mary Willard J. & Mary G. Breidenthal Santa Marta Retirement KCK African American Margaret Murry Foundation Community History Committee Randy and Julie Newcomer Central Bank - New Markets Tax Security Bank of Kansas City William and Elizabeth Kirk Steve ’59 and Marcia Nicely Credits Union Pacific Foundation Frank and Carol LaNasa Occidental Petroleum The Dehaemers Family Charitable Ira K. Witschner James and Dunrie Lewis Corporation Trust Charitable Trust MC Realty Group, LLC Our Lady of Unity DST Systems, Inc. Howard ’76 and Inzia Miller Drs. Thomas and William Jr. and Marianne Dunn Gordan and Mary Moffitt Janet Pierce J.E. Dunn Construction Co. $2,500+ Ramon and Sally Murguia David and Victoria Prather Richard Jr. and Laura Flanigan Most Rev. Joseph F. Craig ’70 and Dianne Ratkey Forster - Powers Charitable Trust Anonymous Naumann, D.D. Paul and Kathleen Sinclair Francis Family Foundation David and Judy Aull Nelson and Marcia Lisa and Anthony Stoothoff Gateway to College National Network BKD, LLP Newcomer Goppert Foundation Board of Public Utilities Ben and Tanya Olsen Health Forward Foundation Burns & McDonnell James and Janice Owens $250+ Kansas Independent College Dr. Paul and Karen Richard and Joy Pace Foundation Camarata Father Gary Pennings Anonymous La Familia Dean-Lozoya Foundation First Federal Bank Anne and Scott Powell Catherine A. Audley ’62 George and Marian LaHood Daniel and Patricia ’72 Haake Providence Medical Center John Barth The J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation Mary Elizabeth Martin Dr. Charles M. Renne ’53 Bob Bartunek Frank and Margaret G. McGee Fund Scholarship Trust, U.S. Riedel Charitable Fund Bob Hamilton Plumbing William G. McGowan Charitable Bank, N.A., Trustee Robin and Magda Snyder Kevin and Meghan Buum Fund, Inc. Matthew and Sandra Miller St. Michael the Archangel Daniel and Allison Carney Philomena Muntzel Estate Straub Construction St. Paul Catholic Church Julie Carter National Endowment for the Robert and Louise Tritt Chris and Dawnia Talarico Christ the King Church, KCK Humanities Lawrence ’56 and Joan Ward Monsignor Thomas Tank John and Sherri Ciliberti Oppenstein Brothers Foundation Bess Spiva Timmons Drs. Paula and Cyrus The Richardson Educational Foundation, Inc. Console-Soican Opportunities Trust $1,000+ Terry and Jacquie Van Meter Craig and Jenny Doty In Thanksgiving to Blessed Seelos Michael K. Wilson Mark and Jana Fitchett Fund Anonymous Henry E. Wurst Family Dr. Bernard Franklin Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Jason and Stacia Banks Foundation John Gioia John W. & Effie E. Speas Memorial Richard and Trudy Boynton Dr. Kelly and Lisa Grosdidier Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Carl and Elizabeth Cleveland Will L. Harris Trustee Family Foundation $500+ Andres Dominguez ’79 and The Sunderland Foundation Catholic Diocese of Kansas Amy Heithoff-Dominguez Rose Teicher Estate City-St. Joseph A Book Company, LLC. Ann and Gabriel Hernandez Helen K. Trant Estate Jerry and Helen ’60 Cooke Anonymous Therese Horvat ’68 U.S. Department of Education Country Club Trust Bishop Miege High School Randy and Mary Ann Kancel HSI Program (Title V) Company Bishop Ward High School Kansas City Kansas U.S. Department of Education TRIO Cunningham Family Fund Ronald Bonesteel Community College Student Support Services Program Robert † and Shirl Jim Callowich ’64 Reverend Robert L. Kerr ’65 U.S. Department of Housing Cunningham Kevin and Nancy Connell Doug and Lesle Knop and Urban Development Phillip ’62 and Mary Jerry Donnelly Michael and Gayle Lee HSIAC Program Jo Doherty Nancy Fansher Martha T. Marin ’67 Westerman Foundation

WINTER 2019 | 21 Hon. Carol Marinovich and Robert L. Briscoe ’67 David and Diane ’66 Hentges James and Joanne Redd Hon. Ernest Johnson Rosalyn Brown Dr. C.H. and Kathi Jacobs Father John Riley Michael J. McGrath ’64 Lynn Butzen Mary Lou Jaramillo John D. Rios Comm. Brian ’76 and Reyes J. Calderon ’03 Father Peter Jaramillo, SSA ’75 Sarah Rodriguez Patricia ’75 McKiernan Mary Carrington-Harris Kansas Independent Denise Rojas Pat and Mary O’Connell Ryan ’82 and Irene Caudillo College Foundation Lauren Russo Jack and Pat Polise Leonard Chmelka Daniel Kelly John M. Ryan ’58 James Ramel Thomas C. Clark, II Robert and Jeanne ’61 Kobler Richard and Helen Joe and Amy Reardon John and Agnes Coakley Joseph ’61 and Janet Kolich (Skradski) Sambol William ’61 and Kathleen Ryan Coiner Sarah and Robert Krumsick John Saper ’61 Reardon Kevin Conner Reverend Desmond Lamb ‘00 Mark and Jerre Sardou Rebecca Rodriguez Michael and Sharon Costello Joseph A. Lastelic Mark and Melanie Savner Susan F. Ryan Darcy Cruse Karen Lombardi John L. Schneider ’82 Dr. Franklin and Mary James M. Curtin Ana Maradiaga Kadhim and Ruth Ann Shuker Scamman Hilda D’Amico Tara McGovern Chris and Lisa Sirridge Father Brian Schieber Suzanna Darby Bernetta C. McKindra ’75 Julie Smith Morris and Meredith Stoops Dr. Dennis and Alice Diederich Joseph ’59 and Sharon Paul L. Spaeth ’65 Ernest III and Susan Straub Ronald and Geraldine McKinney John Stevenson, Jr. ’95 George ’67 and Linda Tady Donnelly Father John Melnick, SSA Constance A. Stewart ’61 John and Lois Tiszka Bob and Kathy Dorst Phil and Melody Messner Gregory and Suzan Svoboda Wyandot Inc. Thomas and Monica Dunn Thomas Moffitt Sandra Tapp Rick and Jeanne Enna Michael ’78 and Kathy Mosher Peter Theroux Douglas and Mary Fencl Greg and Laurie Mosier Margot Thornhill $100+ Janet Flannery James and Winnie ’62 Nass Theresa Torres Barbara Fleming Maritza Navarro Comm. Gayle Townsend Marites Altuna Dr. John Foret Tricia A. Nelson Truman Heartland Hon. David and Ann Phillip and Angela French Carl and Marie Null Community Foundation Marie Alvey Andrew and Angela Gage Frank and Andrea Ocampo University of Saint Mary Mireya Aranda Mejia Jason Goethe Dennis and Vilma O’Neil US Connect Bank of America Charitable Nate and Kathleen Gould William Pallett Amarilis Valdez-Dempsey Foundation, Inc. Franco Handlin Bryan and Lauren Park John ’64 and Mary Waliczek Pearlyn Banks Dr. Gladys G. Hankins ’73 Michael Park Joseph and Susan Wheeler DeAnn Trowbridge Cathy Harding Gary and Ann Patrick Diana Wilson Bartkoski ’69 Matthew and Kathleen Phil and Terry Punswick Barry and Heidy ’15 Wilson Loretta A. Bates Hartigan Mario Ramos-Reyes Donald ’56 and Mary Wolf

The Legacy Society recognizes all donors who have included Donnelly College in Donnelly College their estate plans. Have you thought about including Donnelly in your estate plans? Donnelly would be honored to assist you and share estate planning tools. society For more information, contact Erika Rothacher at [email protected] or 913.621.8788.

Anonymous Edith & Harry Darby † John † and Dorothy † ’65 Hirsch Drs. Thomas and Janet Pierce Anonymous Father Ray Davern † John Horan † Steven R. Riedel ’79 † Anonymous † Richard L. Day ’57 † Ernest L. Johnson, Jr. ’62 Zoe Ryan † Ann T. Armbruster † Nancy Fansher Timothy Kruse ’75 Vivian J. Sosland † Olive Ann Beech † Dr. Hubert M. Floersch † Edwin & Helen McAnany † Richard Spann † Roger Berg, Jr. Beatrice Glynn † Lucie J. D. McAnany † Charles M. Sugar † Father Thomas R. Bettencourt † Clarence H. Goppert † Margaret McCarthy † Rozella K. C. Swisher † Emily Buckley George H. Gray † Lawrence ’73 and Linda McGurn Rose Teicher † Clarence Bukaty † Marian E. Haveker † Philomena Muntzel † Helen K. Trant † John N. Caldwell ’75 † Hardy † & Frances † Hay Peggy L. Neal Gloria Vusich ’67 † Mayme & Anthony D’Agostino † Father Michael P. Hermes James and Janice Owens Adeline J. Walton † Tom Daly † † denotes deceased members

22 | DONNELLY DIGEST Donnelly alums Ed ’58 and Madelyn ’59 Regan donated a Yamaha baby grand piano to Donnelly College to be placed in the chapel of Donnelly’s new academic building. Pictured are Monsignor Stuart Swetland and Madelyn Regan.

Wyandotte Community Leon Gaschen ’51 Arlene O’Shea Matthew Winterhalter Coalition Foundation Paul George David Palcher ’74 Patrick Woods Michael Young Markian Gooley Christy Peterson Tony and Barbara Zimmerman Maria Zarate Sue A. Grosdidier ’74 William and Catherine Powers Father Michael Guastello Kevin and Jennie Punswick HONOR & MEMORIAL Barbara Gutierrez ’01 Daniel ’58 and Loretta Rebeck GIFTS $1+ Sister Sharon Hamsa, O.S.B. John M. Rebeck ’63 Patricia Dickinson Becky Haworth Linda Reed-McCown in memory of Brian McGraw Anonymous Jude Huntz Caleb and Erika Rothacher Barbara Gutierrez ’01 Anonymous Dean and Tricia Johnson Josephine Sargent in memory of Kyle King Carol Atwood ‘70 Loretta J. Johnson ’87 Joseph A. Schleicher ’66 Cynthia Klein Marilyn E. Baker David and Fran Kanter Father George A. Seuferling in memory of Bill Klein Robert and Peggy Bales Father Thomas Kearns Madeline Sikora Sharon McKinney William ’62 and Karen ’68 Mary Anne Kierl ’68 Dr. John and Bernadette in honor of Joseph E. Bergman Cynthia and Bill Klein Soptick McKinney ’59 Sister Mary Ellen James and Laura Knapp Calvin and Mary Jane ’67 Donald E. Mulik Beyham, S.C.L. Dr. David Kraft Spradley in memory of Judy (Wolski) Colette Black Dr. Melissa Lenos Gregory and Lee Stephenson Mulik ’66 Mary Ann Carr ’68 L. Olaf and Therese Linman Ralph and Melba Stockhausen Christy Peterson Christ the King Church, KCMO Theresa Lynn Joan A. Stoothoff in memory of Brian McGraw Norman Jr. ’54 and Rosa M. Madrigal ’77 Elizabeth Tamayo John M. Rebeck ’63 Mary Kay Coakley David Mann Rita L. Thompson ’79 in memory of Sr. Mary Faith James and Judy ’69 James R. Markovich ’66 Dolores Ufford Schuster, O.S.B. Dangerfield Dan and Laura McKnight Robert ’61 and Priscilla ’61 Josephine Sargent Patricia Dickinson Joanie Meyers Vesel in honor of Robert Barrientos Richard and Mary Jane Doran James and Mary Ann Moore Alan G. Vitt ’82 Dr. Franklin and Mary Scamman Howard Eichenwald Mora Courage to Inspire Fund Edward and Shelly Vogt in honor of Daniel Braum Jerry and Jill Esfeld Hank Morrissey ’12 Kevin and Susan Vogt Rita L. Thompson ’79 Frank ’68 and Linda Franko Donald Mulik Marilyn ’68 and in memory of Bud Blake Robert and Maria Friskel James and Dana Mullin Gregory Vranicar JoAnn Garcia Rita Myer Father Dennis Wait ’66

WINTER 2019 | 23 DONNELLYFAMILY

ALUMNI NOTES STAFF NOTES Charles Roe ’94 was awarded the Jennifer Bales attended the HLC Michelle Lundy attended the Charles W. David, Jr. Life-Saving Assessment Academy in Chicago. MidTESOL conference. Medallion by The Chapel of Four David Cobb Ana Maradiaga Chaplains on September 21, 2019 presented “Digital Divide attended the ChemEd in Philadelphia, Pa. and Developmental Mathematics” at the Conference. 29th Mathematics Teaching EXPO at Joseph Multhauf UMKC in October. attended the HLC IN MEMORIAM Assessment Academy in Chicago. Richard Esvang attended Drama Remembering those who have Mary Pflanz, PhD, Teachers Academy. attended the HLC recently passed away. Assessment Academy in Chicago. Tyler Johnson attended the Kansas Alumni Dhuha Shareef Library Association conference in attended the 29th Edward Macan ’64 October where he was inducted into Beta Mathematics Teaching EXPO at UMKC Jose "Joe" Alfonso Navarro ’55 in October. John Anthony Stimac ’70 Phi Mu (Library and Information Science Honor Society). He also participated Lisa Stoothoff attended the Higher Employees in an online course titled, “Developing Education in Prisons Conference in Sister Dorothy Heideman, served Signature Pedagogies in Information November and attended the HLC as Librarian from 1981-87. Literacy” through the Association of Assessment Academy in Chicago. College and Research Libraries. It was noted in the Summer 2019 Admissions and Student Support Issue of the Digest that Sister Mary Melissa Lenos, PhD, presented “The Services staff attended 2019 Summit Blaise Cillessen, OSB, who passed Narrative of Africa Rising: Real or away earlier this year and was a on Access, Persistence, and Completion Fiction” at The University of Kansas, former music instructor. Sister in September. 24th Annual Meeting of the Mid- Mary also served as Donnelly’s Donnelly staff representing nearly every Director of Development for much America Alliance for African Studies of the 1970s. in September and attended the HLC department on campus attended KCK Assessment Academy in Chicago. Forward Young Professionals workshop in December.

SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS WITH US! Email [email protected] or visit www.donnelly.edu/alumni

“The reason I chose Donnelly is that its education will equip me with essential knowledge and valuable experiences for my future mission, which will be in the urban areas of the capital city of Ha Noi, Viet Nam. Donnelly aligns with my Catholic faith and I feel that it serves those who have extraordinary circumstances in life.” Gam Pham Current student

24 | DONNELLY DIGEST CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Visit the Donnelly College blog for construction updates and photos. www.donnelly.edu/blog

Visit the Transformations website to see the full list of investors, project partners and campaign leadership, as well as to learn how you can be part of this exciting project. www.campaignfordonnelly.com

DONNELLY COLLEGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS D DIGEST EDITORIAL STAFF

CHAIRPERSON Mike Fenske, PE Dr. Kathy O’Hara Editor Editorial Assistants Rachel Cruz, CPA Luis Garcia Lisa Parker Craig S. Doty Emily Buckley Erika Rothacher Dan Haake, CPA, PFS Father Gary Pennings Director of Marketing & Vice President of Annual Fund Richard J. Flanigan, Jr. Judy Hemberger, PhD Joseph Privitera Communications Advancement Coordinator (Former Chair) Dr. Dean Hubbard Joe Reardon [email protected] M. Jason Banks Karen Jones Sister Genevieve Roger Berg, Jr. Zayra Soto Robert R. Bartunek Maureen Mahoney Robinson, OSB Magazine Design Donor Relations Marketing and Dan Braum ’71 Matt Miller Dr. John Romito ’66 Kathryn Gauer Coordinator Digital Media Rita Burnett, DDS Coordinator Sister Mary Teresa Paul Sinclair Graphic Designer Ashlyn Frederick Guadalupe Dean Morris, OSB ’74 Nestor Zuluaga [email protected] Annual Fund Officer R. McKay Stangler Andres Dominguez ’79 David Mulvany Advancement Officer William H. Dunn, Jr. Most Rev. Joseph Laura McKnight Sister Esther Fangman, Naumann, DD Grants Manager OSB WINTER 2019 | 25 UPCOMING EVENTS Donnelly College Huascar Medina Last Day of Classes Kansas Poet Laureate in Current Building 608 North 18th Street Thursday, Feb. 27 Tuesday, July 28 Kansas City, KS 66102 9:00 a.m. (913) 621-8700 Event Center First Day of Classes www.donnelly.edu in New Building 1Day4Donnelly Monday, Aug. 17 First Annual Giving Day March 4 Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Invocation and Celebrations Commendations September TBD Ceremony Thursday, May 7 Blessed Francis Xavier 6:30 p.m. Seelos Chapel Dedication Event Center Monday, Oct. 5 Commencement and SHINE 2020 Nurse Pinning Thursday, Oct. 15 Saturday, May 9 Sheraton Kansas City at 10:00 a.m. Crown Center Savior Pastoral Center

At Donnelly you will experience college in a friendly, diverse and supportive environment. You will be encouraged to discover your passion and follow your dreams by pursuing the academic program that best suits your goals. Bachelor’s & Associate Degrees Nursing Programs • Success First

COLLEGES For the third year in a row, Donnelly College has been named the most diverse REGIONAL COLLEGES college in the Midwest by CAMPUS ETHNIC DIVERSITY MIDWEST U.S. News & World Report. 2020

For more information, visit donnelly.edu