Pioneers Office of the Chancellor

FALL 2013

MAGAZINE

Here come the Pioneers Office of the Chancellor

Dear Readers: I came to the University of Denver in the fall of 1981 as a new faculty member in what was then our department of chemistry. In the 32 years since, I’ve been so pleased to be part of the sciences at DU. We’ve been blessed with many talented people among our faculty—nationally and internationally competitive scholars who came to DU to teach and work with students. The world in which I made my career as a faculty member was one percolating with ideas, one that engaged immensely talented colleagues and students and produced real and important results. We graduated fantastic students whose subsequent lives and careers are making a positive difference in America and the world. These outcomes relate directly to our vision of being a great private university dedicated to the public good. Wayne Armstrong Wayne While that is surely still the case today, the external context within which we operate is undergoing considerable change. Competition for research funding is far greater than was the case just a few years ago, and scale has become important. At many universities, large clusters of research groups work together on problems of great complexity, their work fueled by much larger research grants that make up an increasing proportion of the funds available. In the instructional enterprise, student interest in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is growing rapidly. Among those admitted to our new class of first-year students for the 2013 fall term, 32 percent indicated an interest in majoring in these disciplines. We have developed a new STEM strategy (see story, page 8) that responds to these external forces in ways that will expand the scale of our work in a bounded manner and will focus our resources on strategic paths directly related to our institutional identity. First, we will build new facilities for our School of Engineering and Computer Science, recently named for Daniel Felix Ritchie, father of Chancellor Emeritus Dan Ritchie. We plan to break ground on this $50 million project in early 2014. The new facility will allow us to expand the numbers of students and faculty members in the school by about 30 percent. The school will retain its strong interdisciplinary character, building on existing faculty talent in mechatronics, bioengineering, software engineering and computer science. We also will work to develop a deeper emphasis on the combination of engineering and computer science with business and entrepreneurship. We have a unique opportunity to do this because of the strength of our Daniels College of Business and the vitality of the entrepreneurial community along the Front Range of the Rockies. By linking a great engineering school with a great college of business, we will produce graduates who have depth in both of these areas and are thus uniquely qualified for key positions in an increasingly technology-driven economy. The new building will include an entire floor for laboratories of the Knoebel Center for the Study of Aging. Supported by a major gift from Betty Knoebel, the center is an interdisciplinary research construct that will blend research in the sciences and engineering with a host of programs in our graduate professional schools that work directly with the elderly. These include very strong programs in our Graduate School of Social Work and Graduate School of Professional Psychology. The new labs in the Knoebel Center will allow us to add a substantial number of research faculty members in the sciences and engineering, considerably expanding research opportunities for our undergraduate and graduate students. Please follow our progress on the Ritchie School and the Knoebel Center. These elements of our STEM strategy are tied closely to our institutional identity and are important parts of our continuing effort to build the quality and impact of the academic enterprise at DU.

Features 24 Reel Life Film students go behind the camera to shoot their own short documentaries. By Greg Glasgow

30 Write of Passage In his novels and in the classroom, John Williams made a vivid impact. By Alan Prendergast

36 Let’s Go, Pioneers! DU athletics teams gear up for a season of new challenges. By Pat Rooney

Departments 4 Editor’s Note 8 News New engineering building 14 Academics The Messy Startup 15 Research Teaching math to kids 16 People Mr. Olympia Phil Heath 19 Q&A Researcher Sarah Bexell on the giant panda 20 Arts Poet Eryn Green 22 Views Alumni-owned restaurants 41 Alumni Connections

On the cover and this page: Pioneer athletes are gearing up for the 2013–14 season; read the story on page 36. Photos and photo illustration by Wayne Armstrong. Campus Update Editor’s Note Editor’s Note

MAGAZINE www.du.edu/magazine Volume 14, Number 1

Publisher Kevin A. Carroll Even though I work on campus, weeks full of meetings, deadlines and seemingly endless minor tasks Managing Editor Greg Glasgow often take me away from what it really means to work

at a university. Senior Editor Tamara Chapman Luckily, I still get to write stories for the University of Denver Magazine, and in the case of this Editorial Assistant issue, I got to hang out with students in the classroom Kelsey Outman (BA ’13) and really feel the energy that happens when smart instructors teach smart kids. For my story on the Art Director

Jeffrey Haessler Craig Korn, VeggieGraphics Messy Startup class in the Daniels College of Business

[page 14], I listened to a roomful of undergrads making exciting discoveries as Designer they launched their own products—everything from a fashion advice website Ross Mansfield to a software training company. Photographer Equally exciting was getting to follow a team of young filmmakers Wayne Armstrong through the process of making their own student documentary [“Reel Life,” page 24]. We talk a lot about experiential learning at DU, and this was Contributors Janette Ballard • Justin Edmonds • Kathryn experiential learning to the core. Students had to pitch their own concepts, Mayer • Doug McPherson • Alan Prendergast • find their own subjects, and handle all of the camera and editing work Pat Rooney • Sarah Satterwhite • Ce Shi • Erica Wood themselves. The team I followed was so proud of its final product, and it was

a joy to watch the whole thing come together. Editorial Board You can read these stories and watch all of the student documentaries Kevin A. Carroll, vice chancellor/chief marketing officer • Julie Reeves, associate vice chancellor, online at du.edu/magazine—while you’re there, please check out our brand brand marketing • Thomas Douglis (BA ’86) • Kristine Cecil, associate vice chancellor for new magazine website, which offers all of the content from the current issue university advancement and executive director in an easy-to-read, easy-to-navigate format. We also will post “between issues” of alumni relations • Sarah Satterwhite, senior director of advancement communications • stories two to three times a week that let you keep up with campus news, Amber Scott (MA ’02) athletics, notable alumni and more. And if you prefer reading on a tablet, look

for the digital edition, which reproduces the print product on your screen. Printed on 10% PCW recycled paper

The University of Denver Magazine (USPS 022-177) is published three times a year by the University of Denver, Division of Marketing and Communications, 2199 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO 80208-4816. The University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Periodicals postage paid at Denver, CO. Postmaster: Send address changes to University of Denver Magazine, University of Denver, University Advancement, Greg Glasgow 2190 E. Asbury Ave., Denver, CO 80208-4816. Managing Editor

4 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 Feedback

SPRING 2013

MAGAZINE

More on Amache Favole, now deceased, was A violations that occur every CATALYST FOR While Tamara Chapman’s article about a member of the CWC CONNECTION day in these institutions. The Anderson Academic Commons Amache [“Digging for Insight,” spring faculty as professor of is so much more than a library Yes, there are many men 2013] was interesting, I was disappointed Spanish and French for and women who have that the camp’s connections with DU were many years in the 1960s committed crimes, and not included. Specifically, the fact that the and ’70s, finally attaining some might argue that they engineering buildings E-1, E-2 and E-3 the title of professor emer- deserve whatever they get were relocated to the campus after the itus at his death in 1981 in there. What people who camp’s demise. They served as classrooms while residing in Menton, don’t regularly deal with and laboratories for those of us who stud- France, with my mother and brother, Joe, the system fail to see is the number of men ied engineering in the 1950s and 1960s and both also dead now. and women who are nonviolent criminals those of us who were faculty in the ’60s and By the way, Dad helped form the (many who have drug possession or other early ’70s. Additionally, my classmate Sandra “Junior Year Abroad” program that CWC petty charges) who are handed severely Dallas’ book “Tallgrass” looked deeply into launched in Madrid, Spain, for 37 Spanish long sentences and then have to face the the people who were placed there. Both con- majors and other foreign language majors most abominable living conditions with no nections would have been good additions. studying in other European countries. opportunities for rehabilitation. Ronald Hensen (BS ’60) I am enjoying my retirement years The prison system generates lots Centennial, Colo. here in Miami, always proud of being a DU of revenue for state governments and is alum since 1964. On July 11 I reached my just as corrupt as any criminal within it. 82nd birthday, and I get together with my We see the dollar amount of what’s spent The University has another connection to classmates from elementary and high school per inmate each year, but what is often Amache, the World War II Japanese relo- years in Havana, Cuba (my birthplace), now overlooked is the amount of money that cation camp in southeastern Colorado. living “in exile” here in Miami. private companies are gaining by “providing Following the war, the government sold the JG Favole (MA ’64) for” inmates. A lot of times, these private Amache buildings to schools handling the Miami, Fla. companies are awarded contracts with the influx of veterans going to college on the state based on a percentage they will give G.I. Bill. Some of them were acquired by back to the state. It’s a sound economic DU and were placed south of Mary Reed I cannot tell you how happy I was to read model that feeds off human lives. Library. My journalism classes in the 1950s in the spring 2013 magazine that my old I hope to see a day when there are were held in one of them. The buildings college has a new official name as the better options for dealing with humans were known as the “temporaries” and were University of Denver Colorado Women’s who have made mistakes. Many nonviolent temporary for about 20 years. College. I graduated in 1968, and even then criminals could be bettering themselves Sandra Dallas (BA ’60) we had the name of Temple Buell College. and contributing to society if our legal Denver I’m glad that was changed. Those years, system placed less emphasis on supporting 1964–68, were some of the best of my life. I a punitive model and seeking profit. I speak even took an art class over at the University from experience and can say I have met Creating connections of Denver. some of the most humble men you will ever In the spring issue, I read with special Lynne Banister Dobson Jelderks (CWC ’68) know on the inside of those walls. If only interest two features. The first, on page Solvang, Calif. we, on the outside, knew how to humble 26, is “A Catalyst for Connection,” where ourselves too. the reader is exposed in great detail to the Thank you, DU, for being a humble, Anderson Academic Commons, letting us Criminal activity progressive community that understands the know that at DU the future of academic I was really proud to read the campus value of questioning our society’s norms. libraries has arrived! Congratulations to update about the Sturm College of Law Sara Thibodeau (BA ’09, IMBA ’09) Tamara Chapman and Greg Glasgow for Civil Rights Clinic’s victory against Boston bringing to the reader information on this Colorado’s Supermax prison [“Law clinic well-done project. Secondly, the article on scores victory in prisoner-rights case,” Send letters to the editor to: Greg Glasgow, University of Denver Magazine, 2199 S. University spring 2013]. page 12 informing us about the Women’s Blvd., Denver, CO 80208-4816. Or email College of DU getting a new name—an As a DU alumna who regularly visits [email protected]. Include your full old one, Colorado Women’s College. It so my brother in a state prison, I cannot begin name and mailing address with all submissions. happens that my father, Dr. Jose Domenico to tell you of the outrageous human-rights Letters may be edited for clarity and length. University of Denver Magazine feedback 5 6 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 Campus Update

On May 25, the University of Denver men’s lacrosse team made its second trip to the NCAA Final Four, where the team fell 9–8 to Syracuse. Under the leadership of coach Bill Tierney, who recently extended his contract through the 2017 season, the Pioneers made their maiden voyage to the tournament in 2011. The men’s squad, which moves to the Big East conference for the 2014 season, finished 2013 with a 14–5 overall record and a 6–1 mark in league play. The team ranked No. 4 in the final Nike/Inside Lacrosse Media Poll released in late May. University of Denver Magazine Feedback 7 Rich Clarkson and Associates Campus Update

Support for the sciences University announces gifts to fund new building and STEM initiative By Marketing and Communications Staff

The largest financial gift in University of Additional funding for the new engineering Denver history will support the construction of a building comes from Betty Knoebel, widow of new campus home for engineering and computer Denver food-service pioneer Ferdinand “Fritz” science. Knoebel, and the late Bill Petersen (BSEE ’69), an Chancellor Emeritus Daniel Ritchie has alumnus of the DU School of Engineering. The donated property valued at $27 million to the School gifts will allow the University to increase student of Engineering and Computer Science, which scholarships, faculty support, industry partnerships in May was renamed and experiential learning programs. the Daniel According to Chancellor Coombe, the Felix Ritchie interdisciplinary focus will allow the University School of to dramatically expand its current engineering Engineering and and computer science programs, with a vision of Computer Science further developing mechatronics, bioengineering in honor of Daniel and software engineering curricula. Added capacity Ritchie’s father. The will allow the school to increase its faculty by more 110,000-square-foot than 30 percent and enhance particular areas of building on the south side scholarship and instruction. Coombe added that of campus also will house the initiative also responds to the shifting interests the new Knoebel Center for of college-bound graduates who are increasingly the Study of Aging. It is slated to interested in sciences, math and engineering. be completed in 2015. “The University of Denver will be on the “We have wonderful faculty; cutting edge of developing a new breed of STEM we have wonderful students; what graduates ready for the complex technological needs we don’t have is wonderful facilities. of the future,” Coombe said. “Our students will STEM at DU That’s the piece that’s missing,” Daniel create real-life solutions to real-life problems with Ritchie said at a May 20 press conference an integrated approach to learning.” The new STEM focus at the University to announce the new building. “This will The University plans to address the of Denver brings together departments make a huge difference for the University, for the increasing needs of an aging population through from across campus, including faculty and for our students.” the new Knoebel Center for the Study of Aging. • Applied Physics The new building is part of a new The Knoebel Center, which builds on the interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering University’s dedication to the public good, supports • Applied Research and Technology and mathematics (STEM) initiative at the complementary research and scholarship on aging • Biochemistry University that will address societal needs of the and aging-related conditions. 21st century and prepare globally competitive The new building will be located between • Biological Sciences graduates for business and entrepreneurship. The the Newman Center for the Performing Arts and • Computer Science Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and F.W. Olin Hall and will be adjacent to buildings • Ecology and Biodiversity Computer Science will bring together multiple that currently house the University’s Division of complementary STEM activities and research Natural Sciences and Mathematics and multiple • Electrical and Computer Engineering already taking place on campus. research centers, including the Eleanor Roosevelt • Environmental Chemistry “These are the disciplines that are driving the Institute, where students join faculty in conducting • Environmental Science growth of the worldwide economy,” Chancellor foundational biomedical, molecular and genetic Robert Coombe said at the press conference. research. • Geography “Today, with the U.S. economy rebounding, many “This is an extraordinarily exciting time for • Mathematics of the jobs that are being created are in these our University, and these gifts will go a long way • Mechanical and Materials disciplines, and we find that this is driving interest in transforming and redefining the focus of our Engineering among students and among students yet to come science, engineering and related programs and to the University of Denver. There is an enormous research. It will help us lay a strong foundation for • Molecular Biology wave in interest in STEM disciplines, and that wave collaboration across disciplines, while we expand • Physics and Astronomy is washing ashore at the University of Denver with our ability to serve the future needs of our region considerable vigor.” and state,” Coombe said. 8 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 fundraising Pioneers Top 10 University marks dual $400 million milestones Novels set in academia In June, the University of Denver surpassed $400 million in its ASCEND fundraising campaign, now the most successful fundraising campaign in the University’s history. “Stoner,” by John Williams 1 Around the same time, the market value of the University’s endowment also exceeded $400 million, marking the first fiscal year in DU’s history in which the endowment has “Pnin,” by Vladimir 2 exceeded the size of the University’s operating budget. Nabokov Scott Lumpkin, vice chancellor in the Division of University Advancement, says this is the third strongest fundraising year in the ASCEND campaign and in DU’s history, as well 3 “White Noise,” by Don as the fourth consecutive year in which the University’s fundraising totals have exceeded DeLillo those of the previous year. “Most fundraising campaigns see a winding down in their final years,” Lumpkin says, “but as we prepare to start the last year of the ASCEND campaign, 4 “All Souls,” by Javier the University is in an amazingly strong position.” Marias The $400 million milestones in fundraising and the endowment are a result of purposeful investment by donors and by the University itself. Resources from new gifts “Hangsaman,” by Shirley and from the endowment strengthen the educational experience by supporting University 5 priorities such as scholarships and interdisciplinary learning. Since the beginning of the Jackson campaign, more than $120 million has been committed to scholarships, and 485 new scholarships have been established. 6 “On Beauty,” by Zadie In addition to increasing access to a DU education, gifts to the University also enrich Smith the quality of the educational experience. The Anderson Academic Commons, which opened in March with the support of more than 5,000 donors, contains technological 7 “Possession,” by A.S. innovations that complement the scholastic and socially integrated lives of DU students. Byatt The 154,223-square-foot facility has become a hub of daily activity for students and the University community. “The Secret History,” More than 41,000 donors have given to the University throughout the course of the 8 ASCEND campaign, which began in July 2006 and is scheduled to conclude in 2014. by Donna Tartt More than 50 percent of those donors are alumni. “As more of our alumni and friends have become involved over the past few years, 9 “As She Climbed the University has grown stronger,” Lumpkin says. “And that is the secret to the University Across the Table,” by achieving its potential in the next 150 years—the participation of our alumni and our com- Jonathan Lethem munity in the life of DU.”

10 “Special Topics in —Sarah Satterwhite Calamity Physics,” by Marisha Pessl MEDia

Compiled by Laird Hunt, associate English professor New magazine website provides DU news and editor of Denver Quarterly all year long The University of Denver community—including alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff—has a new way to keep up with DU news. The University of Denver Magazine website—du.edu/magazine—has been redesigned so users can easily find stories from the latest issue of the print magazine, as well as a regularly updated news section featuring “between issues” stories on campus life, academics, athletics, alumni and more. The new site also features a downloadable PDF version of the print magazine that can be read on iPads and other tablet devices. “This update has been a long time coming,” says managing editor Greg Glasgow. “Our new magazine site combines our DU Today daily news site and the magazine website into a one-stop source of information for alumni and parents.”

To unsubscribe from the print magazine and read it online only, visit du.edu/magazine and click on the “unsubscribe” link on the right side of the page. Include your email address in your response to get an alert each time a new issue is published online.

University of Denver Magazine UPDATE 9 Campus Update

News BRieFS Three authors with DU connections were recognized at the 2013 Colorado Book Awards in June. Carolyn The University of Denver Mears, an adjunct faculty member at the Morgridge College of Education, won the award for best anthology will commemorate the 2012 for “Reclaiming School in the Aftermath of Trauma: Advice Based on Experiences” (Palgrave Macmillan, presidential debate at DU with a 2012), a book that grew out of her experiences as the special event on Oct. 3, 2013—the mother of a Columbine High School student during the 1999 shootings. Alumna Kristin Iversen (PhD ’96) first anniversary of the historic took home general nonfiction honors for “Full Body Burden” (Crown, 2012), her account of growing up showdown on campus. The event near the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant in Colorado; will include discussion on the and Gregory Hill, a former Penrose Library staffer, won the literary fiction award for “East of Denver” (Dutton, impact of the debate on Colorado 2012), a Colorado-set novel about a man who convinces his elderly father to help him rob a bank. and on the University of Denver

and a screening of a documentary

film about DU’s preparation for The women’s golf team

the debate. A panel composed won its first Western Athletic of DU experts and local political Conference figures will discuss a few of the Championship—its 10th straight major issues raised in the 2012 XXXXXXXX conference title—in April at debate and how they have played Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, Ariz. out one year later, as well as Junior Tonje Daffinrud won the issues and political races to watch individual title and was named in 2014 and 2016. For more the WAC Player of the Year. information and to register, The team finished 17th at the

visit debate2012.du.edu. NCAA West Regional in May.

10 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 Journalist Bill McKibben, The University of Denver was ranked No. 1 on known for his impassioned the Peace Corps’ 2013 list of top Paul D. Coverdell reporting on environmental Fellows programs. The Coverdell Fellows program issues, in April received the provides returned Peace Corps volunteers with University of Denver’s Anvil scholarships, academic credit and stipends to earn of Freedom Award. Presented an advanced degree after they complete each year by the Department their Peace Corps service. Currently, of Media, Film and there are 56 returned Peace Corps Journalism Studies and the University’s Edward volunteers enrolled as students W. and Charlotte A. at DU. The University of Estlow International Denver also took the No. Center for Journalism 4 spot on the list of top and New Media, Master’s International Lawrence Golan, a Lamont the Anvil of Freedom programs. There are currently honors and recognizes 25 MI students making a difference School of Music professor and individuals whose overseas through Peace Corps conductor of the Lamont Symphony careers demonstrate service. The Master’s International commitment to Orchestra, in May was named program allows students to earn their democratic freedoms, ethics music director of the Colorado graduate degree while serving in the Peace Corps. and integrity. Philharmonic, one of the oldest classical music ensembles in Erica Chenoweth, an assistant professor at In April, Associate Colorado. Golan also is music the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School English Professor of International Studies, has received a $20,000 director for the Yakima Symphony Laird Hunt was ADVANCE grant, given by the National Science named one of five Orchestra in Washington state. The Foundation to promote scholarship by women. The winners of the grant will facilitate Chenoweth’s research on the DPO, which has been performing 2013 Anisfield-Wolf impact of positive rhetoric in reducing terrorist activity. Book Awards for since 1948, is a mostly volunteer Chenoweth began her research in 2008 alongside his novel “Kind community orchestra. Laura Dugan, associate professor of criminology at the One” (Coffee University of Maryland. House Press, 2012). Presented by the Cleveland Ten students from the University of Foundation since 1963, the awards Denver’s Lamont School of Music were recognize books that have made an invited to perform for Britain’s Prince Harry important contribution to society’s during his May visit to Colorado. The prince understanding of racism and the was in Colorado to attend the Warrior diversity of cultures. Hunt’s latest Games in Colorado Springs. The event for book—also a finalist for the 2013 disabled veterans includes teams from the PEN/Faulkner award—explores the U.S. and the U.K. As a link to the games, uncanny intimacy between slave and the prince requested performers with master. In understated prose, the disabilities. Junior John Jones (pictured) story tells of two slave sisters who has cerebral palsy, junior voice major turn the tables on their mistress and Jenna Bainbridge is partially paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury, and vocal jazz take her captive after her Kentucky performance major Samantha Barrasso is blind. The singers were accompanied farmer husband dies. by a jazz combo featuring Eli Acosta, Jake Alvarez, Sean Edwards, Charles Hoffer Fenning, Justin Peterson and Camilla Vaitaitis, along with pianist Jon Parker.

University of Denver Magazine UPDATE 11 Campus Update

ceremonies 2013 Commencement Graduate

Undergraduate Date: June 7 • Number of graduates: 850 • Speaker: Date: June 8 • Number of graduates: 1,010 • Speaker: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon • Message: “The Denver Mayor Michael Hancock • Message: “This nation yearns world is changing dramatically and rapidly. New economic powers are for new American heroes. We live in a world that is changing minute rising, new threats have emerged, climate change above all. Your chal- by minute. New innovations drive the endless pace of expectation. And lenge—ours together—is to shape this new world for the better, to build increased connectivity makes our world smaller and more competitive. a landscape of peace while conquering the persistent problems of old: It is your civic obligation to be able to compete in this new world. My poverty, hunger and hatred.” charge to you is simply this: Go out, and in your own way, live up to the promise of the great American heroes of the past and work, however you choose to do so, to make this a better world.”

Take on the Colorado College Tigers off the ice in a new alumni giving challenge. vs. PioneersBe Part of the Win ccversusdu.com | 800.448.3238

Sept. 1–Nov. 7, the first school to score 1,500 undergraduate alumni donors takes home bragging rights. Make your gift at ccversusdu.com to get on the scoreboard. Help us lock in the win before the puck drops on November 8 in Colorado Springs. Wayne Armstrong

6 From the desk of Roddy MacInnes, associate professor of photography in the School of Art and Art History

1 This antique Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera that MacInnes 4 Hanging above MacInnes’ desk are enlarged photographs of picked up at a junk store reminds him of his first camera, a 1965 his late parents. “When I was taking these photographs I was never Kodak Instamatic. “I lived in the country up in Scotland, and all my imagining looking at them after they were dead,” he says. “That’s relatives lived in the city,” he says. “They would come up to visit us kind of a stretch for most of us. But I’m so glad I took them. I had a in the summertime, and I noticed that’s when they took photographs. great relationship with them, and it’s like they’re still alive.” I remember thinking I wanted to do the same thing, make a record of my experience.” 5 MacInnes has worked at DU for 13 years. He says the advent of digital photography and computer editing has changed things 2 MacInnes, who grew up in Argyll, on the west coast of Scotland, for the better—and for the worse. “It’s a time saver, theoretically, still has his grandfather’s bowler hat. because before you’d shoot the film, get it processed, and then you look at it—it might take a week,” he says. “Now it’s instant: ‘I can’t 3 These storage drives hold photos by MacInnes, as well as wait to go home tonight and download my photographs.’ The big student work. He tries to take photos every day, and he requires problem is storage. Where do they go? How long are they going to students in his Personal Histories of Photography class to do the last? How many do you keep?” same. Many of his students prefer to shoot on film: “They’re looking at the laptop all day for other classes, then photography becomes 6 Using blurb.com, MacInnes helps students make on-demand the same process of opening up your laptop,” he says. “When they hardback books of their photos. “With every paradigm shift, you go to the darkroom, it’s a whole different process.” gain something and you lose something—this, to me, is the gain,” he says. “Ten years ago it would cost you $20,000 to make a book. Now it’s $100, and you get your own hardback book.”

University of Denver Magazine UPDATE 13 Campus Update Wayne Armstrong Wayne Armstrong Where to begin New Daniels class gives students hands-on experience in the world of startups By Greg Glasgow

Undergraduate students at the Daniels that connects customers with online fashion College of Business are getting a very real look consultants; MyUSA, a subscription service that into the hectic world of startups, thanks to Avi sends customers email updates on legislation Stopper, founder and CEO of online youth considered or passed by Congress; and ChatterU, and college sports network CaptainU. In the a website that lists all campus events of interest new Daniels class The Messy Startup, Stopper to students. ChatterU founders Grant Wilkinson gives students the benefit of his entrepreneurial and Bryce Quigley originally envisioned the site experience as they launch their own apps, as a Facebook-style social networking platform for products and businesses. college students, but Stopper convinced them to “There are any number of goals for the class, simplify. but empowering people to understand how to “He’s really taught us through this class that build products with the skills that they have is you can take your idea and you can strip away “I think in their own ways, each really the main one,” Stopper says. “One of the all the fancy stuff about it and just try and get big problems with the startup environment right something really primitive and basic out there,” product that the teams are now is that everyone thinks you have to build says Wilkinson, who was part of a winning working on right now could some piece of software, and there is a very limited Gateway to Business team that started selling its number of people who can actually build quality app in May. “You can do it for little or no money have very interesting results in software. One of the coolest things about what’s and put it out there and see how people like it, the marketplace,” Stopper said going on right now is that there’s an abundance and then say, ‘OK, now that people like it and of really powerful, inexpensive tools, and if you we’re generating sales, we’ll slowly add the other of his spring quarter students. have the right methodology and the right process, stuff.’ That was the biggest takeaway, that you you can use those tools to really test the concept.” don’t need much to get started.” “The challenge is in the execu- The Messy Startup has its origins in a new Haag says the Messy Startup and the gateway tion, both in terms of how you intro-level Daniels course called Gateway to course are just the beginning of the Daniels Business, which gives first-year students an College’s new focus on entrepreneurship. The build the product and how you overview of business fundamentals through the school has hired an entrepreneurship director and market it. This process frees process of creating an app. The best ideas are an entrepreneurship professor, and plans are in presented to a panel of investors, who award the works for students in classes like the Messy them from the limitations of six a cash prize for further development. Daniels Startup to collaborate with students from the months and $30,000 invested Professor in Residence Stephen Haag and School of Engineering and Computer Science Stopper, who was one of the investor-judges, saw to build apps and products that can hit the in some app that doesn’t work. a need for a class that took students even further marketplace before the students reach graduation. I think of that as the tyranny of into the process of starting a business. “It’s the recognition that you don’t have to The students move fast, dividing into teams have four years of traditional business education the big investment.” and working through concept, design, testing, in order to launch your own business,” he says. marketing and analysis, all in the course of 10 “You need a lot of that stuff eventually, but weeks. Among the ideas being tested in the you don’t have to have four years of business spring quarter were Fashion Ducks, a company education to write a business plan.”

14 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 Number theory Morgridge duo developing new innovations in childhood learning By Tamara Chapman Wayne Armstrong Preschoolers may not be able to calculate the circumference of a circle or ponder the delights of pi, but they’re more than ready to enjoy a standing play date with patterns, shapes and numbers. In fact, says Professor Douglas Clements of the Morgridge College of Education and the Marsico Institute for Early Learning & Literacy, young children have “surprising capabilities to learn incredible amounts of surprisingly deep mathematical ideas—they’re not sitting there writing formulas on paper, but they’re learning in a way that’s appropriate to their developmental level.” Clements should know. Along with his wife, Professor Julie Sarama, also of the Morgridge College, he’s one of the country’s foremost experts on teaching math to young children. The two hold the University’s James C. Kennedy Endowed Chair in Early Childhood Learning and the James C. Kennedy Chair of Innovative Learning Technologies, respectively. When Clements and Sarama share their research findings, policymakers and educators take notice. In May, for example, Clements was on Capitol Hill, testifying at a Congressional briefing about the importance of early childhood mathematics intervention. Together, the two have published more than exactly what children understand. Still another 125 research studies, as well as 20 books and 70 project follows the progress of more than 1,000 chapters in scholarly tomes. Their nationally students participating in an effort known as recognized Building Blocks mathematics TRIAD (Technology-enhanced, Research- The University received $10 million in 2008 program, designed for pre-kindergarteners, based, Instruction Assessment and professional from alumnus and former trustee James is celebrated for developing the cognitive Development). To date, TRIAD students have a “Jim” Cox Kennedy (BSBA ’70) to endow foundations for quantitative and spatial better grasp of mathematics concepts than their three faculty chairs and a program/research reasoning. counterparts in a control group. Continued endowment in the Morgridge College of The husband-and-wife team has guided study will show whether that advantage persists Education. These funds were established with the intent to help identify innovative more than 25 research projects and more than through later years. and cost-effective means for promoting and $25 million in grants from, among others, Clements and Sarama hope their work will sustaining the educational success of vulner- the National Science Foundation and the remind decision makers—everyone from school able children—from early childhood through Department of Education’s Institute of Education superintendents and politicians to parents and postsecondary education. Studies. Today, they are working on five of teachers—that the best educational solutions are This generous gift established the following those projects. They are joined on these high- rooted in cognitive science. program endowment and endowed chairs: impact projects by co-investigators at universities As much as they’ve accomplished, Clements • The James C. Kennedy Endowment for across the country and by DU graduate students and Sarama still have a robust agenda focused Educational Success interested in qualitative and quantitative research. on providing the science to support effective • The James C. Kennedy Endowed Chair in One of their projects explores innovative education. Clements sums it up this way: Early Childhood Learning ways to help children learn science, math and “It shouldn’t surprise me, but it continually • The James C. Kennedy Endowed Chair in Urban Education technology content. Another creates and tests surprises me how many things you have to get • The James C. Kennedy Endowed Chair in assessments that allow teachers to understand right to do education well.” Innovative Learning Technologies

University of Denver Magazine UPDATE 15 Campus Update

Body of work Alumnus Phil Heath talks about his journey to Mr. Olympia By Greg Glasgow

Phil Heath thought basketball was his destiny. As Mr. Olympia, Heath travels more than He was wrong. 200,000 miles a year for seminars, appearances, Though Heath came to the University of competitions and signings in countries all around Denver on a basketball scholarship, he ended the world. He also is the star of “Generation up finding much more success in the world of Iron,” a new bodybuilding documentary that bodybuilding. In 2012 he claimed his second screened in theaters over the summer. consecutive Mr. Olympia title, and in September “I think Phil is definitely one of the best Mr. 2013, he’ll return to Las Vegas to try for his third. Olympias that we have had,” says Robin Chang, Heath, who grew up in Seattle, came to the executive director of the annual contest. “I would University in 1998 to play on DU’s first Division say he is the current Arnold Schwarzenegger I basketball team. Though he had dreams of going of bodybuilding. He’s got the personality, the pro, his hoops career came to an end in 2002, charisma, he’s got the physique to back it up, and when the team was eliminated from the Sun Belt he’s a fan favorite.” Tournament in the first round. Despite all his success, Heath had an “Something was just not easy with that. I additional weight to carry: Competition had didn’t like it,” Heath says. “Hearing the buzzer taken him away from DU before he had the sound and your career is done. I was going to chance to finish his degree. More than a decade class, and I was still living in the basketball house, after he first set foot on campus as a freshman so I’m still seeing the guys compete, and it hurt. I basketball player, Heath returned in 2012 to despised basketball for a long time. I didn’t go to a complete his BSBA in information technology— game for three years.” training he uses to run his own website and But what Heath thought was an ending manage his own merchandising. turned out to be a beginning. As he was finishing “He knew he wouldn’t be complete, his academic career at DU, he was introduced no matter what he did on the stage or in to bodybuilding by a chance encounter with a the gym, until he had finished this,” says classmate in the Daniels College of Business. Greg Grauberger (MPS ’12), manager of Intrigued, he started working out at the Coors undergraduate student programs at the Daniels Fitness Center on campus with a group of aspiring College and Heath’s academic adviser. “There

Photos: Justin Edmonds musclemen. are a lot of guys and gals out there who “I start training with these guys, and I realize participated here, whether they were in sports I’m stronger than most of them who have already or just academics, who didn’t finish and some of been bodybuilding for years,” Heath says. “I end them never think about it. Here’s a guy who has up working a night job with them over at Jackson’s done extremely well; he would never ever need Hole, in the LoDo area, where they’re all bouncers. to have a degree with everything that he’s done, I thought, ‘This is pretty cool; these guys get paid but he just felt that he had to do it. I really to stand there looking huge? This is neat.’” thought a lot of him for that.” Six months later, Heath competed in his As he prepares to vie for his third title, first tournament. In 2006, he won his first Heath is confident he will be Mr. Olympia for two professional events, the Colorado Pro a third time. But even if he doesn’t take home Championships and the New York Pro the crown, he is happy knowing he reached a Championship. He placed fifth at the pinnacle that few ever even attempted. Arnold Classic in 2007 and competed at his “You win the Mr. Olympia, you are the first Mr. Olympia in 2008. He worked his best in the world,” he says. “There is no better way to second place in 2010, and in 2011 than that. Some people will think back prior to defeated reigning champ Jay Cutler. Heath the 1950s, where Mr. Universe was the top guy. took bodybuilding’s biggest prize for the second They say, ‘Are you Mr. Universe?’ ‘No, I’m Mr. time in 2012. Olympia, which is the best of all.’”

16 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 University of Denver Magazine UPDATE 17 Campus Update Ce Shi One to watch Ryan Holly, microbiology By Greg Glasgow What does University of Denver junior When he’s not in the Pacific Sports Federation Ryan Holly like about swimming? pool, you’re likely to find All-Academic honors for As you might expect from a molecular Holly in a biology lab, where maintaining a minimum 3.0 biology major, his answer is very scientific. he’s working with Assistant GPA. For two years in a row “I like that you can quantitate how well Professor Todd Blankenship he was named DU Scholar you’re doing,” he says. “You can mark your to research the effects of Athlete of the Year for progress as you go. In basketball or football, certain proteins in fruit having the highest GPA of all there’s no real way of determining if you’ve flies. The work could help student-athletes in his class. gotten better throughout the season. In to answer questions about the way cancer And his first year on campus, he earned a swimming, if you went a faster time, you grows and spreads. spot on the Sun Belt Commissioner’s List just got better.” “At a big school, you’d have so much by earning a 3.5 GPA or better. Holly, who grew up in Phoenix, Ariz., competition to get into a lab, and chances Between academics and athletics, it’s has been on the Pioneers swimming and are you’re just going to be doing a small clear Holly is making the most of his time diving team since his first year on campus. portion of a project,” Holly says. “Here, I on campus. He was elected captain in April. During the have my own project. It’s been fun.” “There are so many opportunities here season he practices with the team six days a After DU, Holly plans to apply that you wouldn’t get at a big university,” week. That’s in addition to weight training to medical school—and his impressive he says. “I’m just trying to take advantage three times a week and meets every other academic record should help him get of all these things. You can only be an week. there. In April, he was awarded Mountain undergraduate once.”

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18 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 Bear essentials Social work scholar strives to save the giant panda Interview by Tamara Chapman

onservationist Sarah Bexell serves as scholar- Q You make a link, in your book, to Cin-residence at the Graduate School of Social human consumption habits and the fate of Work’s Institute for Human-Animal Connection. endangered animals like the panda. What’s She also is director of conservation education at the connection? China’s Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda A Every single thing that humans consume Breeding, where she works with DU social takes resources away from other animals. This is work students to staff an education program a reality that all people need to understand and that highlights the connection between human take personal responsibility for. This, coupled with and animal welfare. Bexell’s new book, “Giant the exponential growth of our numbers, creates Pandas: Born Survivors” (Penguin Books, 2013), a destructive force. We dominate the planet with is co-authored with Zhang Zhihe, one of China’s our numbers and our taking of resources. From a leading giant panda experts. pencil to a hamburger to cars and homes, all take untold resources to create—resources that other animals and plants depend on as well. Q You’ve spent a lot of time around pandas. Are they as lovable as their press would suggest? Q What can conservationists learn from the A Absolutely. They are the most peaceful species panda’s survival story? I have ever had the opportunity to work for. They A That so far we have taken mostly wrong are amazing mothers and have wonderful, peaceful turns in conservation work. I am making myself and stoic personalities. Each individual has his slightly unpopular, but we need to get out of or her own personality, just like we do. Some are our labs and back into the forest, rivers, seas and goofy and love to play and get dirty. Some are lakes. Using technology—breeding programs, for fastidious and are always clean. One of my favorite example—puts us in a holding pattern at best. It qualities is their peacefulness. They really like is a sexy way to try to “save” or resurrect species, quiet and calm and to be left alone in safety and but the only way to save them is to save their serenity. native homes. Conservation professionals did not make mistakes; we trusted humans would save space. We didn’t realize how bad it could get. Q For decades, the panda has served as Decades of reality are now forcing us to come the poster child for endangered species through with stronger strategies. Humans as a conservation. And your book identifies the species are now threatened by our own behavior. panda as a “born survivor.” Is it too soon We need to focus all our efforts on curbing the to consider the panda a success story for human population, utilizing only what we need conservationists? from Mother Earth, and leaving every ounce of

A Much too soon. I fear we never will be able untouched habitat untouched. Armstrong Wayne to call our work for them a success story. None of the barriers to their continued existence has been lifted. The reason giant pandas are teetering on The Beguiling Panda the brink of extinction is because of the human • Zoos around the world vie for the honor of hosting pandas, though doing so requires population explosion and our consumption specially designed facilities and high fees. These patterns. The reference to giant pandas as born can amount to as much as $1 million a year. survivors refers to their extremely long history on • Even when pandas are born in zoos outside Earth, with a lineage of at least 8 million years. China, they are considered Chinese nationals and They are considered a “living fossil,” and their are destined to participate in the country’s captive adaptation strategies have allowed them to persist breeding programs. for far longer than most species. The only reason From: “Giant Pandas: Born Survivors,” by Sarah for their decline today is our species, giving us a Bexell and Zhang Zhihe great moral imperative to save room for them.

University of Denver Magazine UPDATE 19 Campus Update

A way with words New creative writing PhD Eryn Green has been named one of the country’s best young poets By Janette Ballard

Eryn Green got quite the send-off from the attention of the larger public. Yale University Press University of Denver’s creative-writing program. will publish Green’s book in April 2014. Shortly before receiving his PhD in June, Green Unknowingly, Green began writing his book found out he had won the 2013 Yale Series of while pursuing his doctoral studies at DU. Younger Poets prize for his book “Eruv.” Green “For a long time I didn’t realize I was writing is now counted among a distinguished group of the book that ended up becoming ‘Eruv,’” he Page of Swords American poets who have received the prestigious says. “Poems that appear in the manuscript were award since 1919. written as recently as six months ago, and as long So take care of yourself, learn how “Since I was a much younger writer, the Yale ago as three years. Almost all of the work in the to take better pictures, breathe Series has always been the paragon of exciting book was written while at DU.” into your hips, braver please new writing to me,” says Green, 29. “Poets that Wilderness is a predominant theme give love credit for I absolutely admire, including [DU English throughout the collection, as attested by Carl the way I live Professor] Bin Ramke, have won this prize Phillips, judge of the award competition. “Eruv,” that call me before me, and to be counted in their company is he says, “reminds us how essential wilderness is kind of feeling humbling and unbelievable.” to poetry—a wilderness in terms of how form frenzied, lupine The award celebrates the most prominent and language both reinvent and get reinvented. the card I draw new American poets by bringing their work to the Meanwhile, the sensibility behind these poems

Wayne Armstrong points to another wilderness, the one that equals blushing in your breast thinking about and feeling the world—its hurts, its pocket undressing joys—deeply and unabashedly, as we pass through freedom I know you it.” know you understand Green, who grew up in Park City, Utah, became interested in reading, writing and teaching poetry while attending the University of Utah. He says DU’s reputation as a bastion of adventurous, experimental and ethically minded poetry was well known to him during his MFA studies. “Eleni Sikelianos, a professor in the DU creative writing program, was a visiting writer at Utah during my time there, and I was fortunate to have several conversations with her that convinced me the reputation was well-deserved,” Green says. “The opportunity to work with poets like Eleni and Bin Ramke, whom I have always admired, as well as fiction writers and literature professors whose work had long impressed me, sealed the deal.” Green now hopes to become a full-time professor in a graduate program for creative writing. He also will tour in support of his book and continue to write. “Poetry is not the exclusive property or province of poets, and everyone has access to the same inspiring universe that drives the creation of most poems,” Green says. “Everyone should feel free to read poetry, write it themselves, or simply live their days in a way that feels poetic to them.”

20 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 ARTS CALENDAR

MUSIC (all events take place at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts; newmantix.com)

SEPTEMBER 20 — Flo’s Underground, student jazz ensembles, 5 p.m., free 21 — Newman Center Presents Mark Morris Dance, 7:30 p.m., $23-$55 22 — Newman Center Presents Mark Morris Dance, 2 p.m., $23-$55

OCTOBER 7 — Lamont Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., free, ticket required ($5 reserved seating) 5 — Newman Center Presents Chris Thile, solo mandolin, 7:30 p.m., $23-$60 Cameron Carpenter 9 — Jazz Night with Thin Air Band featuring Bobby Shew, 7:30 p.m., free 14 — Lamont Wind Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., free 16 — Newman Center Presents Colorado Symphony with pianist Natasha Paremski, 7:30 p.m., $23-$55 23 — Faculty Recital Benefit: Ricardo Iznaola, guitar, 7:30 p.m., $20-$25 27 — Lamont Alumni Jazz Jam, 1:30 p.m., free 30 — DU Jazz Faculty Combo, 7:30 p.m., $10 31 — Lamont Opera presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma,” 7:30 p.m., $11-$30

NOVEMBER 1–2 — Lamont Opera presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma,” 7:30 p.m., $11-$30 3 — Lamont Opera presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma,” 2:30 p.m., $11-$30 6 — Lamont Wind Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., free 7 — Lamont Chorale, Lamont Women’s Chorus, Lamont Men’s Choir, 7:30 p.m., free 8 — Collegiate Choral Festival, 7:30 p.m., free 9 — Newman Center Presents Cameron Carpenter, organ, 7:30 p.m., $23-$55 p 10 — Faculty Recital: Jeremy Reynolds, clarinet, 1:30 p.m., $10 14 — Lamont Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., free, ticket required ($5 reserved seating) 22–23 Newman Center Presents MOMIX “Botanica,” 7:30 p.m., $23-$55

VISUAL ART SEPTember 1–OCTober 31 t “Horizon,” showcasing the work of 53 book artists from the Guild of Book Workers, Anderson Academic Commons, du.edu/commons

OCTOBER 3–NOVEMBER 17 Juried Alumni Exhibit, featuring work by DU alumni, Myhren Gallery in the Shwayder Art Building, open noon–5 p.m. daily, free; myhrengallery.com

THEATER OCTOBER 16–20 “Circle Mirror Transformation,” DU Department of Theatre, Black Box Theatre, Johnson-McFarlane Hall, 7:30 p.m., $10

OCTOBER 31–NOVEMBER 10 “Arabian Nights,” DU Department of Theatre, Byron Theatre, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $10

University of Denver Magazine UPDATE 21 Campus Update

Food and drink Alumni offer new flavors in DU neighborhood By Greg Glasgow Photos by Wayne Armstrong

Three new alumni-owned establishments have opened in the DU neighborhood since January. Here’s a look at the new spaces and their Pioneering owners.

Slotted Spoon Meatball Eatery 2730 S. Colorado Blvd. Unit #19; slottedspoon.com

Owner: Alex Comisar (BSBA ’07)

Backstory: Taking a cue from homegrown chains such as Chipotle and Noodles & Company, hotel and restaurant management graduate Comisar and well-known Denver chef Jensen Cummings rolled out a new fast-casual food concept Feb. 4: six different varieties of meatballs—beef, chicken, pork, lamb and salmon, plus a black bean/quinoa concoction for the vegetarian crowd—that can be ordered plain, in a sandwich, on pasta or on a salad, with a choice of hot or cold sauces, including romesco, chili queso and garlic vinaigrette. Steam Espresso Bar 1801 S. Pearl St.; facebook.com/steamespressobar

Owners: Twin brothers Hani El-Yaafouri (MS ’08, MRLS ’10) and Zahi El-Yaafouri (MS ’01, MRCM ’01, MBA ’03)

Backstory: Hani El-Yaafouri (pictured) worked for Starbucks for six years in the brothers’ home country of Lebanon, starting as a barista and ending up in the corporate office. For their Old South Pearl café, the brothers went simpler, using reclaimed wood and other materials to turn a former photography studio into a destination coffee experience.

Maddie’s Restaurant 2423 S. Downing St.; maddiesrestaurant.com

Owner: Gayor Geller (BSBA ’99, MIM ’01, JD ’04, MS ’08)

Backstory: Geller lives in the Harvard Gulch neighborhood west of campus, and the breakfast and lunch spot he opened in January in the former Cozy Cottage space is filled with relics from the years he spent managing jam bands and music festivals—concert posters, backstage passes and more. On the menu at Maddie’s—named after his 2-year-old daughter—are yummy breakfast treats including housemade latkes and chicken schnitzel and eggs.

University of Denver Magazine UPDATE 23 R e eL Film students go behind the camera to shoot their own short documentaries. Life By Greg Glasgow

24 University of Denver Magazine spring 2013

Photos: Jake Schuss

Each year, students in the University of Denver’s film studies and production program get the chance to put their technical training to the test, dividing into teams to conceptualize, shoot and edit their own short films. Students alternate each year between narrative films—fictional movies with a script—and documentaries. In the winter and spring quarters of 2013, students in Documentary Film and Video Production I and II, team-taught by associate professors Sheila Schroeder and Diane eWaldman, made short documentaries on topics including amateur poker, wolf rescue, mortality, and programs that help refugees adjust to life in America. The University of Denver Magazine followed one team through the filmmaking process.

MONDAY, JANUARY 28 of refugees. The one component that made [this one] different Like most movie projects, it all starts with the pitch. was this coffee-shop setting. We have a really unique, hyperactive A roomful of DU film students, having spent the last three coffee culture in America.” weeks learning about the art and theory of documentaries, is now ready to start making their own films. Each has been assigned to come up with three ideas, and one FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 by one they stand in front of the class to deliver their pitches. The Three weeks later, the students have made their choices and concepts cover the gamut: ultimate Frisbee. Blind skiers. A profile of a teams have been assigned. Seniors Jessica Markowitz and Montana local dubstep DJ. Medical marijuana. Breed-specific dog legislation. Knapp were drawn to Merage’s energy and her idea, and all three Each pitch is met with thoughtful questions from the class: are now dedicated to telling the stories of the refugees in the questions about access, funding, timing and the ethics of making a Pathways Program. movie starring your friends. After class, each student will pick his “The reason I’m in film is to connect with a larger audience or her top three pitches. Teams will be formed, and the rest of the and to focus on more global issues, and it seemed like this one was ideas discarded. great for that,” Knapp says later. “I just knew that it could have a Senior Courtney Merage stands in front of the class and huge impact.” talks about a program she learned about while volunteering Today, the team is on its way to Kaladi Brothers Coffee near at the Emily Griffith Technical College in downtown Denver. campus to film an “observational sequence”—no narration, just The Pathways Program gives job training and English lessons to footage of employees working at Kaladi, which is a shadow site for refugees and immigrants by teaching them to work at an onsite the job-training program. The team is nervous, but excited. It’s coffee shop. Merage proposes a film about the program and the their first time, as a group, wrestling with equipment and shooting people it helps. footage in the field. Before they begin, they tape sheets to Kaladi’s “I’ve always been so inspired by those refugees because they door letting patrons know they consent to be filmed by coming are so resilient,” Merage says later. “But there have been so many inside. “You guys, we’re going to be expert photographers after documentaries that already tell an amazing story of the resiliency this,” Merage tells her teammates. “We have to be.”

University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 25 THURSDAY, APRIL 18 story, and so—as he mentioned—we didn’t really display that story Midway through their production cycle, the students are ready arc that he was looking for, and that was so key,” Merage says later. to pitch again. DU alumnus and movie producer Roger Birnbaum “We know from now on that when it comes to pitching and when (attd. 1968–71), co-chairman and chief executive officer of Metro- it comes to creating your story, the main thing that you want to Goldwyn-Mayer and co-founder of Spyglass Entertainment, is hold onto is that arc.” on campus as part of the Masters Program put together by DU’s alumni relations department. After telling the documentary film class about his road to Hollywood, Birnbaum hears a pitch from WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 each group, evaluating them as he would if he were in his Beverly Over the past few months, all five teams have logged dozens Hills office. of hours behind the camera and in the editing bay. Merage, Knapp Merage represents the coffee-shop team, pitching a short and Markowitz have been all over Denver, it seems: at the Emily documentary that is now called “Americano.” Griffith school, filming refugees learning in the classroom and “An Iraqi and a Congolese walk into an American coffee training at the coffee shop; at the home of Kim Hosp, the woman shop,” she begins. “This may sound like the beginning of a very who teaches the refugees about customer service and American tasteless joke, but in fact it’s the beginning of a flavorful journey customs; and back at Kaladi Brothers, filming one of the refugees in pursuit of the American dream. In ‘Americano,’ the American as he trains on the job. For the DU students, this is learning coffee shop becomes playground and classroom for a group without a net—outside the classroom, in the real world. of refugee men and women. In a one-month-long program, “They’ve had the classes that laid the foundation,” Schroeder they not only learn to become baristas, they learn to become says later, “but [Diane and I] are not making calls to participants, Americans.” we aren’t there setting up the dolly track, we’re not there saying, Birnbaum likes the idea, but he has questions about the story. ‘Check your sound’ or in the edit bay saying, ‘This is how you “The world in which you want to set your story is very rich and connect the sound with the video.’” In the field, the students are has lots of ways to convey an emotional journey,” he says. “But I’m totally on their own. not sure what the story is. I know the characters and the setting Today, the teams are ready to screen their rough cuts for the but not the story.” class. Generally longer than the finished film, the rough cut sets up It’s advice the team will take to heart in the weeks to come. the film’s structure and basic format. “Story” becomes their mantra as they begin to edit their film. The “Americano” team’s 10-minute rough cut—assembled “At that point, we really hadn’t solidified our character and our from more than 30 hours of footage—makes it clear that their film

26 University of Denver Magazine spring 2013

I feel like as filmmakers we have a is morphing into a story about Naseer Al Hammal, one of the Iraqi refugees the team has been following. There’s a dilemma, though: stake in Naseer’s life, and just as The film crew has become good friends with two other refugees, brothers Matti and Majd Matti, and they feel bad about the idea of human beings we have a stake in his leaving their stories on the cutting-room floor. “Part of our ethical dilemma here, outside of the film itself, is that we’re all close now,” Merage says of the brothers. “We’re not life, which is really cool. like besties or anything, but we text, we’re getting coffee—so we would feel awful not including them. And they’re really expecting to be part of it. The stories all work; it’s just a matter of truncating it.” WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 After the screening, the other students offer their critiques It’s a rainy night on the University of Denver campus, of “Americano.” Is the montage too fast? Should they put the and Merage, Markowitz and Knapp are in an editing bay in classroom scenes first? Is there too much focus on Hosp? the journalism building, putting the finishing touches on their Schroeder emphasizes it’s important to know your story first, then documentary. Schroeder has told the class about the small miracles figure out how to tell it. that can happen when you’re making a documentary, and the “I think that speaks to what you did really well with Naseer “Americano” team is about to experience one of them firsthand. in introducing him,” Schroeder tells the “Americano” team. While perusing YouTube for archival footage to use in their “Immediately, we have a very compelling story as to why he is documentary, they come across amateur video of a bus bombing here. He is here because obviously he has had this very traumatic in Mosul, Iraq, in May 2010. The video shows the immediate experience in Iraq, so his refugee status hinges on this moment. aftermath of the attack, and amid the bloodied victims, harried Where with Matti and Majd, we don’t get that story. doctors and worried family members, the filmmakers pick out one “You really need to think about this film for an audience lone figure walking to the front of the frame. who knows nothing about it,” she tells them. “I don’t really “Oh my god, that’s him!” Merage cries. Improbably, get the connection between class and what they’re doing in the from amateur video three years and half a world away, the coffee shops. There are some great things going on here; this DU filmmakers have found Naseer, their subject, in the chaos is appropriate for a rough cut, working out these issues. I think surrounding a terrorist attack. He’s wearing the same clothes he you’ve got it all, save for the end. It just needs a little more work.” wears in one of their interview segments. Photos: Jake Schuss

University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 27 TUESDAY, JUNE 4 with a film minor, is headed to Alaska to be a sea-kayaking guide for Two days from premiering “Americano” at the documentary film the summer. showcase on campus, Merage, Knapp and Markowitz sit down to talk “They’re excited I have all this experience in film,” she says. “I’m about the project and what it’s meant to them. planning on making a documentary there, and I also think they want “I’ve never been prouder of anything in my entire life,” says me to make a marketing video for their company.” Merage, an international business major with a film minor. “I feel Knapp, meanwhile, is planning to spend part of her summer like as filmmakers we have a stake in Naseer’s life, and just as human working on a movie in Iowa. After that, massage therapy school. beings we have a stake in his life, which is really cool. We talk to him “The reason I wanted to apply in the first place was because if all the time, and we are also working on making sure he gets a job. I did go and travel making documentaries, I could bring massage That’s why I’m in film. I want to be able to have that kind of impact.” therapy with me and make money while I was doing documentaries,” All three agree that “Americano” was the highlight of their DU she says. “You don’t make money off of them when you’re making experience, not least because it got them out of the classroom and into them.” the real world. Merage says she is taking the summer to write a novel and “I think what we did best was the story,” Markowitz says. “When submit “Americano” to film festivals. “Then I’ll become a grownup we were filming we were always focused on the story, and I think that and get a job,” she says—hopefully as a producer’s assistant. comes out in our final piece. Even though when we were editing it was very choppy and it wasn’t clear, now I think we got it.” Another positive aspect of the class, they say, was the community THURSDAY, JUNE 6 they formed with their teachers and fellow students. It all comes down to this: screening night in Davis Auditorium “We got so much guidance and resources and tools and on campus. Many of the students are dressed up; family members knowledge,” Merage says. “I’m really, really proud of our work, and I are there; there’s a preshow reception—the feel is a cross between know how much work we put into it, but I don’t think it would have a high school choir concert and a Hollywood opening. Naseer been as awesome as it is without the class. Without Sheila and Diane couldn’t come because he had to work, but Matti and Majd, and the knowledge that they gave us, and the feedback from the brothers whose stories ended up on the cutting-room floor, our peers.” are there, as is Kim Hosp, the teacher at the Pathways program. The seniors are now fast friends with plans to work together Subjects of some of the other student films are in the audience as again someday—perhaps on a longer version of “Americano” well, delighted to have their stories told. Knapp later describes it as a that has room for Matti and Majd—but today they’re focused on “magical night.” Commencement, which is less than a week away, and on their Before the screenings begin, Schroeder has an announcement: postgraduation plans. Markowitz, an environmental science major Wade Gardner, founder of the annual DocuWest festival in Golden, Photos: Wayne Armstrong

28 University of Denver Magazine spring 2013

MEDIA, FILM & JOURNALISM STUDIES FACULTY

Renee Botta Rod Buxton Lynn Schofield Clark Colo., isTyrone so impressedDavies with the students’ work strong sentiment that this was our strongest Christof Demont-Heinrich Tony Gault that he’sRobert decided Handley to program all five films into program of films that the students have ever Elizabeth Henry this year’sNadia festival, Kaneva running Sept. 11–15. done,” Schroeder says later. She attributes that Erika Polson “ForAdrienne him Russell to come to us to suggest, ‘I’d in part to the fact that film studies has only Sheila Schroeder like to makeDerigan Silvera whole program of the DU DOCUMENTARY SEQUENCE been a major for four years, making the class Margie Thompson films,’ that’sDiane Waldman a real honor for the program,” STUDENT PRODUCTIONS of 2013 the first to have it as an option since Schroeder says later. “If there was a [bad film] THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2013 they started at DU. FACEBOOK in there,Media, he Filmwouldn’t & Journalism athave DU said that.” “They had the chance to be a major TheTWITTER lights go down, and “Americano” from the get-go, so they’ve built this begins. TheMedia_FilmatDU finished film is not that different community,” Schroeder says. “This class from theWEB rough cut, but it is much more was really outstanding in the way that they refined www.du.edu/mfjsand focused. The found footage from were supportive of each other. The critique YouTube adds emotional heft to Naseer’s that they give each other, not only in the story. After the credits roll, the applause is classroom, but sitting in the editing bay and loud and long. saying, ‘Hey, come take a look at this scene’— “It was pretty amazing; it got really emotional,” Knapp says that sort of growth and trust in each other, and the filmmaking later. “It was like we were watching it for the first time, which community that I think we have here, I’m particularly proud of was weird since we watched it so many times. To have all that that.” reassurance was kind of overwhelming, but in a really good way.” And she is proud of the “Americano” team, the only all-female Merage agrees. “It was pretty miraculous,” she says. “It team in the class, which had to negotiate a world of refugees and was one of the most exciting and proudest nights of all our red tape to get its documentary made. lives, at least mine. We were all very excited and nervous, very “The road is very steep in filmmaking for women, so to sentimental—we were all clutching each other’s hands right before have this group develop the kind of trust and excitement and our screening started. We had some people who were involved camaraderie that they did is a wholly unique experience in the who ended up crying afterwards just because they were so proud filmmaking world,” Schroeder says. “This is a really intelligent and moved. I think everybody who was involved with it, they were group of filmmakers, but for them to have that experience as their all pretty proud.” last experience in college, I think, is going to really enhance their It’s not just “Americano” that’s a hit at the showcase; after confidence in what they can do because they were able to do it and each of the five films, the audience is enthusiastic in its response do it very, very well. I think it’s a really tight film.” and thoughtful in the questions asked of the filmmakers in the short Q&A session that follows each screening. >>See “Americano” and the four other student documentaries “I think across the faculty, not just Diane and myself, there’s a online at du.edu/docs

WATCH ONLINE

“Americano” was one of Hope is Free at Refuge: Wolves and Leveled: An Final Table: This five short documentaries This Shop: A look at humans find sanctuary exploration of death, the film follows DU film produced in the winter Safari Thrift, a second- at Colorado nonprofit great equalizer, through student Jonny Havey and spring quarters of hand store in Aurora, Mission: Wolf. a variety of perspectives, to an amateur poker 2013 by students in the Colo., that teaches Team: Merle Gleiforst, including those of a tournament in Las Vegas. Documentary Film and refugees job skills Brittany Heath cemetery worker and a Team: Samuel Video Production class. and helps them find priest. Granados, Jonny Havey, The other four films employment. Team: Patrick Gillespie, Dan Ketchum were: Team: Brian Bakos, Ty Jennifer O’Connor, Mike Dockter, Wanda Lakota, McKelvey, David Stewart Xusiming

University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 29 PIONEERS!LET’S GO,

Don’t feel bad, Pioneers fans, if you have to consult a scorecard to make sense of some of your favorite teams’ new rivalries. Given that it is a time of unprecedented change in DU’s athletics department, keeping a few notes handy will be perfectly understandable. Old rivalries have passed by the wayside. New rivalries are on the horizon. And, perhaps most strikingly, most of the Pioneers’ athletics programs will venture into new home conferences in 2013–14. No program illustrates this shift more clearly than the DU hockey team. The arrival of Dnew head coach Jim Montgomery is only one part of a programwide transformation that DU athletics teams includes the team’s first season in the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference, which will boast some of the most powerful programs in the nation. gear up for a But hockey is far from the only program setting foot in a new home this year. The bulk of the Pioneers’ varsity teams will take part in their first season in the Summit League in 2013–14, following a one-year excursion into the Western Athletic Conference. Eleven season of new DU teams are making the move: men’s and women’s basketball; men’s and women’s golf; men’s and women’s soccer; men’s and women’s swimming and diving; men’s and women’s challenges. tennis; and volleyball. Finally, the men’s lacrosse team, fresh off its second appearance in the NCAA By Pat Rooney Semifinals in three seasons, has joined the Big East Conference, where the Pioneers’ program will enjoy a bigger profile along the East Coast, the nation’s traditional lacrosse hot spot. Confused? Don’t worry. As soon as the games start, it will be business as usual for the Pioneers as they vie for their various conference crowns. Here is a look at some of the DU programs as they go into the 2013–14 season. 36 University of Denver Magazine spring 2013

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Pioneers enter the fray in the Summit League as head coach Kerry Cremeans begins her second year at the helm. Although Cremeans will have to fill a gaping hole in the lineup after the graduation of point guard Emi Smith—the program’s all-time leader in assists—the Pioneers will welcome back the rest of their rotation and should be instant competitors in their new league. Junior Morgan Van Riper-Rose emerged as a dependable scorer in 2012–13, leading the Pioneers with a scoring average of 13.3 points a game. Senior Maiya Michel should again be a force in the paint after pacing the club with 9.8 rebounds a game, and a healthy season from senior Quincey Noonan, who PIONEERS! was limited to just 11 games last year, will help DU at both ends of the floor. Perhaps most intriguing will be the continued development of sophomore Kailey Edwards. The Colorado native only grew Rich Clarkson and Associates more confident as her rookie campaign MEN’S BASKETBALL continued, finishing second on the team with 10.1 points per game. If her late surge last Head coach Joe Scott’s team earned a “We’ll have three new guys in the season is any indication, Edwards will be a share of the WAC regular season crown last locker room, and we still have a lot of threat to score 20 points every game. year after posting an overall record of 22–10 guys coming back,” Scott says. “For us, and going 16-2 in conference play. The once again finding an identity with the team went on to earn a spot in the National new faces will be key. Cam Griffin will be Invitation Tournament, the Pioneers’ first better. Jalen Love will be better. Marcus post-season selection since 2005. Byrd will be better.” The Pioneers return the nucleus of Griffin, Love and Byrd all played a squad that defeated Ohio University at significant roles last season, and they are Magness Arena for DU’s first-ever win in a expected to step into larger roles after national postseason tournament before falling the departure of Chase Hallam, who to Maryland in a hard-fought second round graduated, and Royce O’Neale, who contest in College Park, Md. transferred to Baylor to be closer to an Denver returns its top two scorers from ailing family member. 2012–13 in senior captain Chris Udofia, DU also welcomes Griffin who earned all-conference first team and McKenzie, a transfer from Xavier who all-defensive honors in each of the past two practiced with the Pioneers last season seasons, and junior point guard Brett Olson, but now regains his eligibility after sitting who was voted All-WAC third team last out last year due to NCAA transfer season. regulations. Rich Clarkson and Associates

University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 37 Rich Clarkson and Associates

MEN’S SOCCER

Coach Bobby Muuss led the Pioneers to 11 wins last season—the second best finish in the team’s NCAA Division I history—and Denver returns 18 players and six starters for the 2013 campaign. The Pioneers will, however, need to fill the void left by five graduating seniors, including Drew Beckie, who was drafted by the Columbus Crew. DU returns senior Zach Bolden, who was voted All-MPSF First Team after tying for the team lead with 20 points last season, including a team-leading 10 assists. A number of role players are more than capable of filling the potential holes in DU’s lineup, a group that includes senior Cole Chapleski

Rich Clarkson and Associates (three goals, one assist in 2012) and junior WOMEN’S SOCCER Brian Hoyt (four goals, one assist). The Pioneers should be strong defensively with the return of junior goalie Oliver Brown, The women’s soccer team provided one who went 9–5–3 last year while starting 18 of of the highlights of the entire 2012–13 school 20 games. year when senior Nicholette DiGiacomo GYMNASTICS completed a hat trick in dramatic fashion, recording her third goal of the game in After finishing fourth at the NCAA overtime against Maryland in the second regionals last year, DU should be poised round of the NCAA tournament, giving DU once again to make waves nationally. The its first berth in the NCAA Sweet 16. team finished the 2012–13 regular season As usual under coach Jeff Hooker, who with a Regional Qualifying Score ranking of is entering his 22nd year with the Pioneers, 196.470, the highest in the program’s history. DU should be one of the favorites in the Leading the way during the 2013–14 conference, this time in the Summit League. season should be senior Moriah Martin, who The Pioneers are set to return two of their is coming off her second consecutive berth top three scorers from a year ago, including as an individual qualifier at the NCAA finals, DiGiacomo and leading scorer Kristen having advanced in 2013 in the all-around. Hamilton. A two-time conference player of Martin became the fifth DU gymnast to the year, first in the Sun Belt in 2011 and collect All-American honors. again last year in the WAC, Hamilton ranks Although coach Melissa Kutcher- among DU’s all-time leaders in goals (37) Rinehart was forced to say farewell to and assists (24) and is on track to receive departed seniors Brianna Springer and three consecutive conference player of the Simona Castro, the Pioneers of 2012–13 Rich Clarkson and Associates year awards in three different leagues. were a largely young team, and the continued Hooker will have to fill a void at goalie development of those athletes should provide following the graduation of Lara Campbell, a huge boost to DU in 2013–14. Senior but a solid corps of defenders led by senior Kaitlin Moorhead led the Pioneers with Jessy Battelli and junior Sam Harder likely a vault average of 9.871, and junior Nina will take a world of pressure off the Pioneers’ McGee should be even stronger after turning new netminder. in a solid season on the heels of a fall 2012 operation to insert steel rods into both shins. 38 University of Denver Magazine spring 2013

VOLLEYBALL SWIMMING & DIVING Women’s volleyball coach Jesse Mahoney enters his second year at the helm On the men’s side, the Pioneers in 2013, looking to improve on a 2012 season return 20 letter-winners from last season’s that was one of the team’s most successful squad, which posted a fourth-place finish seasons in recent years. DU finished 2012 at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation with a 17-13 record powered by an offense Championships. Leading DU’s first season ranked first in the WAC and 44th in the in the Summit League for head coach Brian country. The bad news? Mahoney will have Schrader is senior Kyle Milberg, who was to replace his floor leader after the graduation recognized as the MPSF Swimmer of the of Faimie Kingsley, a middle hitter who Year in 2013. Joining Milberg are returnees finished the final season of her career ranked Andrew Torres, Jeremiah Zgliczynski, sixth in the NCAA in blocking and 22nd for Darian Brunetti and Tanner Krall, each her offense. of whom competed at the U.S. National But DU will welcome back another Championships this summer. First Team All-League selection in senior Leading the charge for the women

Colleen King. Also returning are three of Rich Clarkson and Associates will be junior Samantha Corea, who set the Pioneers’ top four attackers, a group WAC and DU records last season in the 200 that includes King and sophomore Michele SKIING backstroke. Corea also was recognized as the Swope, who was named to the WAC All- WAC Swimmer of the Year in 2012–13 and is Freshman team last year. DU should be The Pioneers will look for their 22nd expected to be a major force in the pool again strong defensively as it moves into the national title in 2014 after finishing fourth at during the 2013–14 campaign. Summit League. last year’s championships under alpine head coach Andy LeRoy and Nordic head coach Dave Stewart. Denver’s alpine team returns sophomore Kristine Haugen, who became just the sixth skier in NCAA history and the first Pioneer to sweep both the slalom and the giant slalom at the NCAA Championships. Haugen also completed the season undefeated in the giant slalom. Fellow sophomore Silje Benum earned All- American First Team honors in freestyle and All-American Second Team honors in the classical, while classmate Tianda Carrol earned First Team All-American honors in the slalom. The Pioneers also welcome back redshirt senior Makayla Cappel, juniors Max Marno, Devin Delaney and Trevor Philp and 2012 NCAA slalom champion Espen Lysdahl, all of whom raced to All-American Second Team honors in 2013. Rich Clarkson and Associates Rich Clarkson and Associates Rich Clarkson and Associates

behind the bench: Meet the Pioneers’ new hockey coach By Pat Rooney HOCKEY

If an atmosphere of change and turnover im Montgomery, former head Q What were your impressions is a daunting prospect for new coach Jim Jcoach of Tier 1 junior ice hockey of the players following those Montgomery, the former standout at the team the Dubuque Fighting Saints, meetings? University of Maine isn’t admitting it. was named DU’s head coach in A I think it was three things. One Former head coach George Gwozdecky April. Montgomery replaces George was how much more mature they is gone. So is the Western Collegiate Hockey Gwozdecky, who had been behind the are than the level I’m coming from. Pioneers bench since 1994. The 2013– Their maturity in setting personal Association, the program’s home for six 14 season will mark the beginning of goals and academic goals—it was very decades, and so are leading scorers Nick the Montgomery era, and the coach impressive. Their intelligence—it was Shore and Chris Knowlton and goalie Juho recently sat down to discuss his new like I was talking to peers, and I’ll have Olkinuora. post. less of a mentor role than I had at the “George is a legend, and some people junior level. So their maturity, their think that is a tough person to replace,” intelligence, and finally what really Montgomery says. “But I know what I Q When you were hired, you struck me was their expectations of believe in, and I believe in a process. If you’re still had to finish your old job with what Denver hockey should be. They the Fighting Saints. When did you expect excellence, and that’s what I’m consistent with your process, the results will first have an opportunity to start hoping for. follow. I’ve always believed that.” getting to know your new players? While DU is short some of its offensive A My first day on campus was the firepower as it enters the National Collegiate Tuesday after Memorial Day. I got Q What are the challenges coming Hockey Conference, senior goalie Sam settled in that day, and then I had one- into a program with such a high Brittain remains and should be the anchor on-one meetings with the entire team. profile? of the Pioneers’ defense. As usual, DU will I had already met with them the day A The culture of excellence was welcome a highly touted freshman class. of the press conference, but I kind of already there, and George set that laid down who I am, how I operate, culture. The tools are already there In addition, a solid group of forwards that and what they could expect as a team. for success. You don’t have to rebuild; includes Daniel Doremus, Ty Loney and Zac It gave me an opportunity to get to you have to reload. I don’t see it Larraza should keep DU competitive in what know them on a one-on-one level. It as pressure. I see it as a wonderful promises to be an exciting inaugural season was a great opportunity to meet the opportunity. The opportunity for us to in the NCHC. players. I’ve been getting to know a win right away is here in front of us. lot of people, and the support from everyone has blown me away. It’s been wonderful.

40 University of Denver Magazine spring 2013

Alumni Connections

A member of the Kappa Delta sorority and finalist for the Kynewisbok Queen crown parades before judges in the Kappa Delta living room in this photo from the 1964 Kynewisbok. If you can identify anyone in this photo or have Greek life photos of your own to share, please contact us.

University of Denver Magazine CONNECTIONS 41 The classes Doug Curliss (BA ’62), who has changed his Muckley, provides scholarships for worthy 1942 name to Black-Eagle Sun, in May 2013 was majors in the Department of Philosophy Virginia (Raum) Lacy (BA ’42) of San Diego inducted into the hall of fame at his alma at the University of New Orleans, where volunteers with her daughter for the San mater, Burrillville High School, in Harris- Donald is professor emeritus and where Diego Armed Services YWCA. In June, they ville, R.I. Curliss was all-state in football and Muckley was a distinguished student. Don- traveled to Peru and the Galapagos Islands, baseball. He resides in Albuquerque, N.M. ald currently is a member of the philosophy with a side trip through the Amazon jungle. faculty at Western Nevada College in Carson This month they plan to take a boat trip City, Nev. around the Ligurian Sea, visiting the Italian 1963 and French rivieras. Leslee (Carlson) Breene (attd. 1962–63) Leslie Kleen (BM ’65) of released her fifth novel, “Journey to Sand Columbus, Ohio, wrote Castle” (Amazon Digital Services, 2013). “The Starry Messenger,” 1957 Set in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, the book an opera about the life Frank Swancara (BA ’57) of Cedaredge, involves a divorced teacher, an orphaned of Galileo. It had its pre- Colo., recently took an 89-mile rafting trip child of Hurricane Katrina and a widowed miere at the McConnell down the Colorado River. Frank’s first job rancher caught up in an inspirational jour- Arts Center in Worthing- was with the National Park Service as a sea- ney of love and redemption. ton, Ohio, in April. sonal park ranger at Grand Canyon National Park in 1956. David Mount (BA ’63) of Hanover, Ind., serves as treasurer on the board of the 1966 Madison Performing Arts Foundation of David Erickson (JD ’66) and his wife, 1960 Madison, Ind. David served for six years as Jeanne, in March traveled to Iceland with Stephanie Allen (BA ’60) of Denver president of the Jefferson County chapter of Adjunct Professor Peter Geoffrey Bowen and received the 2012 Leader of Vision award the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. his wife, Shirley. David and Jeanne have trav- from the Women’s Vision Foundation, an eled in more than 50 countries and in 49 of organization she founded. Stephanie is a the 50 states. Later this year, they will take an principal of the Athena Group, a consulting Save the Date extensive trip to the Middle East, South Asia, firm that deals with organizational culture The Class of 1964 50-year reunion East Africa and South Africa. change and leadership. will be June 6–7, 2014. Call 303-871- Sharyn Udall (BA ’66) 2701 for details. of Santa Fe, N.M., has 1962 published her eighth Lester Bundy (BFA ’62) of Boulder, Colo., book, “Dance and won first prize in the mixed media category 1965 American Art: A Long at a juried art show in Lafayette, Colo., in Donald Hanks (MA ’65) was honored by a Embrace” (University March. Lester is a professor emeritus at $2 million bequest dedicated to the Donald of Wisconsin Press, Regis University in Denver. K. Hanks Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2012). The book Philosophy. The gift, offered by the late Carl tells the story of how

Kristine Cecil new head of Alumni Relations

The University of Denver “Chancellor Coombe and the Board of Trustees recognize the important Office of Alumni Relations has role alumni played in shaping the University over the past 150 years, and new leadership. Kristine Cecil, together, we look forward to increasing alumni engagement, participation

Wayne Armstrong Wayne associate vice chancellor for and opportunities to help shape its future.” University Advancement, is now Cecil came to the University in June 2011. In addition to leading the also executive director of Alumni Alumni Relations team, she also oversees the annual giving and parent Relations. Working closely with and family giving programs. Prior to joining the University of Denver, staff, faculty, students, parents, Cecil served as vice president for external relations at Carleton College in alumni and the extended DU Northfield, Minn. community, Cecil and her team “Alumni are our greatest asset,” Cecil says. “Their involvement will continue to enhance the as advocates, volunteers and supporters of the University is vital to our existing network of chapters continued success. I look forward to connecting with members of the DU and affinity groups, in addition to focusing on robust programming and family on campus and in their communities. As we move forward, I would engagement opportunities for the more than 120,000 alumni living across love to hear from people who are interested in being a part of shaping the country and around the globe. our University’s future.” “It’s an exciting time for DU, particularly as we prepare for the Contact Kristine Cecil at [email protected] or 303-871-2412. launch of our sesquicentennial celebration in March 2014,” Cecil says. — Erica Wood

42 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 American visual artists have been inspired by dance subjects for more than a century. Profile Retiree Joe Saunders 1968 Rilla Rae Franklin Angus (BA ’68) of Joe Saunders hasn’t had it easy for the past Courtesy of Visa Everett, Wash., is on YouTube as “Grandma six years. Ril Rae,” reading to children about the As CEO and executive chairman of Visa adventures of her character Yellow Dog. Inc., Saunders led the global electronic-

Milicent Wewerka (MA ’68) of Eagle Point, payments network through what he calls a Ore., retired after 40 years of service at the “historic evolution of payments” made even Library of Congress. Milicent recently was more difficult by the recent financial crisis and appointed to Eagle Point’s city planning ongoing federal regulations. commission. He led Visa through the most transforma- tive years in the company’s history, changing 1969 the way hundreds of millions of cardholders Fred Stitt (BSBA ’69) of Evans, Ga., received pay for everything from college tuition and the 2013 Elsine Katz Volunteer Leader of the vacations to a cup of coffee. Among his big- Year Award from Goodwill Industries Interna- tional. The award is given to a local volunteer gest successes: merging Visa’s six independent in recognition of outstanding leadership and regional associations into one big company service to a member Goodwill Industries and in 2008 pulling off the then-largest IPO in organization. U.S. history. Paul Verciglio (BSBA ’69) of Toronto is retir- It’s no wonder the 67-year-old is ready for a break. Saunders (BSBA ’67, MBA ’68) ing after 52 years in the hotel industry. Paul retired from his position in April and will focus on his other roles, including chair of Teach has spent the last 24 years working with Hyatt for All, an organization working to expand educational opportunities worldwide by enlisting Hotels, leading the award-winning Park Hyatt future leaders in the effort. Toronto & Stillwater Spa. The Chicago native—who has spent most of his career in the credit card industry— leaves behind a record that has earned high marks from analysts and colleagues. 1970 “We think of ourselves not as successful or leading an industry, which we do, but we Rosalind Dudden (MA ’70) in May received think of ourselves as a company that desperately is searching for a way to do it better and a the Marcia C. Noyes Award, the highest professional distinction of the Medical Library way to change,” Saunders says. Association. The award “recognizes a career But perhaps closest to Saunders’ heart has been promoting financial literacy to people all which has resulted in lasting, outstanding over the world. Teaching people from high school and college students to employees about contributions to health sciences librarianship.” the basics of money—what it is, how to use it responsibly, how to invest it—has been a huge Rosalind was library and knowledge services priority for the company that manages credit, debit and prepaid cards. director at National Jewish Health in Denver from 1986–2011 and has been a member “It’s a quite fulfilling thing, and frankly it’s a smart thing economically,” Saunders says. of the Medical Library Association and the “The more engaged they are, the more financially literate they are.” Colorado Council of Medical Librarians since Saunders is quick to give credit to DU, where he admits he didn’t start off as a “ball of 1971. Rosalind retired in July 2011 and now fire.” Instead, he found himself looking up to the motivated people who surrounded him. works on pottery, photography and writing. “I was fortunate to be around a lot of people with the notion of continuing education after Cheryl Miller (CWC you got a degree, which was a very important thing,” he says. “I was around people who ’70) of Benton Harbor, took themselves seriously. It was an incredibly enlightening experience. I enjoyed the people Mich., is president and who were there with me, the people who taught me, and they prepared me to be what I CEO of New Products Corp., a global supplier became.” of custom precision Saunders has been a member of the executive advisory board for the Daniels College of die-cast aluminum and Business for the past four years, and he and his wife, Sharon, in March 2013 donated $1.55 zinc products that serve million to endow the Joseph W. and Sharon P. Saunders Endowed Global Education Fund to a variety of industries. provide scholarships for global consultancy projects and coursework for students. Barbara Sattler (BA ’70) of Tucson, Ariz., “People ask me how they should act when they start out in business, and I think it’s retired after 17 years as a criminal defense important when you go to work somewhere to listen, to learn, to pay attention and to take attorney and 11 years as a superior court initiative whenever you can. Don’t just wait to be told what to do,” he says. “Take an idea judge. Barbara is the author of “Dog Days” (CreateSpace, 2013), a book that combines and work hard on it. And I brought that with me from Denver.” her two passions: justice and dogs. —Kathryn Mayer

University of Denver Magazine CONNECTIONS 43 1971 Anthony (Antek) Rudnicki (MA ’71) of in Search of an Author.” Shaila previously Mortgage. Barry, who has more than 14 years Lake View, N.Y., authored “Bipolar Buf- taught English at DU, Jacksonville Univer- of banking and financial service experience, falo: A Mosaic of Minds Journey” (Bipolar sity in Florida and Fort Lewis College in will be responsible for originating residential Publishing, 2012). The book, which is about Durango. She also has written composition mortgages in 40 states. Barry is a supporter a search for self and an authentic meaning to manuals, a linguistics text and several articles. of the Laurie Brin Feldman Breast Cancer life, includes 52 short stories and 29 original Fund at the Siteman Cancer Center as well artworks and photos. as a member of the Jewish Federation of 1976 St. Louis; American Bankers Association; Karl Gills (BSBA ’76) of Steamboat Springs, Mortgage Professionals, St. Louis Banking 1972 Colo., was awarded the 2012 Navigator and Finance; and the University of Denver Albert “Al” Batten (MS ’72) of Colorado Award by the Steamboat Springs Resort Alumni Association. Springs, Colo., has joined the faculty of the Chamber Association. The award recognizes College of Business at the University of Colo- the community’s businessperson of the year. Roy Wilson (MA ’78, MS ’83) of Norfolk, Va., rado at Colorado Springs. Al teaches business published a book titled “Mulling Over School statistics and quantitative decision making. and Life: Some Will Win, Some Will Lose (and 1978 Some Are Born to Sing the Blues),” which uses Douglas Brittin (BA ’72) of Alexandria, Va., Barry Feldman (BA ’78) of Frontenac, Mo., two yearbooks from the same high school to is director of global air cargo security policy is a home loan specialist with First Bank explore questions of success and education. Roy and industry engagement at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). He currently works at TSA headquarters in Arlington, Va. BOOK BIN Fortune in My Eyes Mary “Mimi” Nettrour (BA ’72) of Castle Rock, In 1958, three years after he graduated from the Colo., received the Pi University of Denver, David Rothenberg arrived in New Beta Phi Fraternity for York City, hoping to find a job in the world of theater. Women’s Carolyn Hel- By 1966, Rothenberg was working with the biggest man Lichtenberg Crest playwrights on Broadway, including Tennessee Williams, Award in honor of her professional achieve- Edward Albee and Harold Pinter. ments. Mimi helped In his new book, “Fortune in My Eyes: A Memoir of found the Women’s Broadway Glamour, Social Justice, and Political Passion” Foundation of Colorado and the Women’s (Applause Books, 2012), Rothenberg (BA ’55) shares sto- Bank in Denver. ries from his theatrical career and tells how his work in the theater led to a life of activism, advocating for gay rights 1975 and the rights of prisoners. Tony Carroll As a new arrival in the Big Apple, Rothenberg talked (BA ’75, JD ’84) his way into a job as an assistant to a theatrical press agent. of Arlington, Va., He soon found himself rubbing elbows with stars such as is an adjunct pro- Charles Nelson Reilly, Bette Davis and a young Alvin Ailey. fessor at Johns Rothenberg’s life changed in 1966, when he decided to produce “Fortune and Men’s Eyes,” Hopkins School a play about a young first offender dumped into the hellish prison system. To help prepare, of Advanced Rothenberg took the cast on a field trip to New York’s notorious Riker’s Island. International Studies. He “It was a shocker,” he writes in the book. “All we were witness to was young men being also has joined herded about or sitting morosely in dayrooms or dormitories. … It was clear to me, immedi- Acorus Capital, a Hong Kong-based private ately and instinctively, that no matter what in these men’s lives had brought them to jail, nothing equity fund, as a director. would improve as a result of this experience. Later I told a reporter that I found it to be ‘an exercise in institutional futility,’ a viewpoint that only cemented in my mind as the years passed.” Phil Goodstein (MA ’75) of Denver has Moved by what he saw and inspired by the post-show audience conversations that became published his latest book on Denver his- a tradition at “Fortune and Men’s Eyes,” Rothenberg founded the Fortune Society, a nonprofit tory. “Park Hill Promise: The Quest for an Idyllic Denver Neighborhood” (New Social social service and advocacy organization whose mission is to support successful re-entry from Publications, 2012) focuses on the Park Hill prison and promote alternatives to incarceration. In the book, he recalls being one of three- neighborhood, using archival material from dozen men called to Attica during the famous 1971 prison riot. the University of Denver special collections. In the following years, Rothenberg would come out as gay, run for public office and get involved in the fight against AIDS. He recounts it all in his chatty, confessional memoir, sprinkled Shaila (Eldridge) Van Sickle (PhD ’75) of throughout with anecdotes from his life in show business. It’s an illuminating read for anyone Durango, Colo., in fall 2012 published an interested in the worlds of show business or social justice. academic mystery called “Seven Characters — Greg Glasgow

44 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 serves on the editorial board of the Society for Modeling & Simulation International Newslet- Profile ter and is a peer reviewer for the Journal of Arti- Flobot Jami Duffy ficial Societies and Social System Simulation. Jami Duffy’s message is simple: Peter Zwack (BA ’78) of Dulles, Va., presented honorary wreaths in a 70-year Career options exist outside traditional anniversary ceremony recognizing the end of paths. the Battle of Stalingrad, where thousands of She should know. She’s taken tradi- Russians perished against the Nazis in World tional, wadded it up, kissed it goodbye War II. Peter took part in the ceremony with Michael McFaul, U.S. ambassador to Russia, and tossed it in the trash. and Russian President Vladimir Putin. But back in 2000, when she entered the University of Denver, Duffy (BA ’03) admits she was on that traditional path. 1980 “I saw myself becoming this big-time, Yvonne Bailey (JD ’80) of Raleigh, N.C., was appointed to a six-year term on the hot-shot political reporter on Capitol North Carolina Environmental Management Hill,” she says with a laugh. Commission. Yvonne also serves on the Made sense. She double majored in North Carolina Bar Association Environ- political science and journalism. mental Law Section governing council. In her free time, she enjoys bicycling for MS “But then something shifted in my Society fundraisers and kayaking in the Cape mind about a year before I graduated,” Fear River near Wilmington, N.C. she says. “DU opened my eyes to the injustices in the world, to poverty. I just Meyer Persow (BA ’80) of Lewes, Del., com- started thinking about serving others in pleted his first Ironman some way.”

triathlon in summer 2012 Armstrong Wayne After graduation, she spent three in Lake Placid, N.Y. One years in the Peace Corps, serving in a small Nicaraguan village where she taught preschool- month earlier, Meyer completed his first triath- ers and raised $4,000 to build the only brick structure the village had ever seen. When she lon when he finished the returned to Denver, she began working with DU’s social justice program, where she helped Eagleman Half Ironman DU graduates identify their passions. While in that job, she met the lead singer of the Flobots, a in Lewes, Del. Meyer is Denver-based hip-hop-rock band that was gaining national popularity. the treasury liaison officer for the U.S. Office of The singer, Jamie Laurie, told her about Flobots.org, a nonprofit the band had formed that Personnel Management. taught kids about music and art. Within a few weeks, she ended up on the board. In 2010, she left DU to become the organization’s executive director—the position she holds today. (The organization has since been renamed Youth on Record.) 1981 As director, Duffy has overseen the organization’s efforts to put musicians into area schools Kenneth Johnson (MA ’81) is on the faculty at Indiana-Purdue University, Fort Wayne. and residential treatment facilities to serve as role models, teach music and help young people He has published original scores with achieve academically, artistically and socially. Arizona University Publications and Centaur Her latest project with Youth on Record is a state-of-the-art youth media studio where Records and is technology chair on the Indi- thousands of at-risk and underserved students will get a hands-on education in the musical ana Music Educators board of directors. arts from world-class musicians, including members of well-known bands such as the Fray, OneRepublic and Dispatch. At the new center, located in Denver’s La Alma neighborhood, 1984 students can learn about audio engineering, spoken word poetry, individual and ensemble per- Perry Glantz (BA ’84) of formance, audio recording and music production. Castle Rock, Colo., joined the law firm Stinson Mor- “I think it’s a tragedy that we’re the most developed nation in the world, and yet we’re fail- rison Hecker as a partner. ing our kids,” she says. “Some areas in Denver have a 53 percent graduation rate, and where Perry has more than 20 we’re building the studio, the graduation rate is only 12 percent.” years of experience as a trial That’s an injustice she feels compelled to quell. And so far, she’s making great headway. The lawyer in employment, banking, environmental studio will open this fall, just a few light rail stops from DU. and general commercial litigation. “It’s been my baby for three years, and it’s finally happening,” Duffy says. “I’m also a spiri- tual person and believe I was pulled here to do this work right now. Sometimes it’s not the most traditional path that will help you to be most effective.” —Doug McPherson

University of Denver Magazine CONNECTIONS 45 Edward “Beau” Lane (BA ’84) of Phoenix who was emotionally disconnected. Kathryn is chief executive officer of advertising agency has a private practice specializing in provid- 1991 E.B. Lane. He was named ad person of the ing support, education and healing to women Deborah Bayles (JD ’91) year at the 2012 Phoenix ADDY Awards, who had emotionally disconnected mothers. of Centennial, Colo., is a which reward creative excellence in the art partner at Stinson Mor- of advertising. Beau, who supervises the rison Hecker. Deborah daily operations of E.B. Lane in Phoenix and 1985 represents small to Denver, has supervised successful advertising Barbara Schmidt (BA ’85) is principal of midsized privately held programs for numerous high-profile clients, the marketing and interior design firm bstyle companies and financial including Cable ONE, National Bank of Ari- inc., based in New York and Minneapolis. institutions in the areas of zona, the Arizona Cardinals and the Arizona Barbara’s kitchen design for Sub-Zero/ real estate, intellectual property, mergers and Lottery. Under Beau’s leadership, E.B. Lane Wolf was featured in the April/May issue of acquisitions, and general commercial law. oversaw the marketing efforts of Super Bowl Sotheby’s Artful Living magazine. Another XLII in 2008 and played an instrumental role bstyle kitchen design was featured in Mid- Nancy Gordon (JD ’91) of Mercer Island, in bringing the Super Bowl back to Arizona in west Home magazine. Bstyle is currently Wash., started her own business, Lice Know- 2015. working with Target and American Standard ing You, a chain of hair salons that specializes on branding campaigns. in removing head lice. Kathryn Rudlin (MSW ’84) of San Diego has published 1987 1992 her first book, “Ghost Jack Reutzel (JD ’87) of Littleton, Colo., has Toby Genrich (BA ’92) of Colorado Springs, Mothers: Healing joined Fairfield and Woods as a director to Colo., recently joined Academy Women’s From the Pain of its real estate practice group. Jack, who has Healthcare. Toby is on the board of directors a Mother Who a master’s degree in city planning from the for the Southern Colorado March of Dimes, Wasn’t Really There” University of Pennsylvania, specializes in real an organization dedicated to improving the (AuthorHouse, 2012). estate development and land use. He previ- health of babies and preventing premature The nonfiction book is a self-help guide to ously practiced with his own firm, Reutzel birth and birth defects. understanding and healing from a mother and Associates.

Because you’re always a Pioneer, no matter where you live.

connections & cocktails Join us this fall in: • Grand Junction/Palisade, CO – Sept. 12 We’re adding a new element to our popular DU on the Road series. You still • Kansas City, MO – Oct. 10 get to mingle with University leadership and other alumni, parents, and • Baltimore, MD – Nov. 14 friends who live in your area. Now, each complimentary cocktail reception also features a fascinating lecture by a member of the DU community.

Check out dates and speakers at www.alumni.du.edu/DUontheRoad. Check back often! New dates and cities added regularly.

46 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 James Jordan philanthropic family foundation in Nashville, communication studies at Northern Illinois (PhD ’92) of following 12 years in the legal profession. University. Santa Fe, N.M., has returned after Dustin Krajewski 10 months in 1998 (BSME ’01) of Fort Baghdad, Iraq. Matt Branaugh (BA ’98) Collins, Colo., is an James was a State of Westminster, Colo., environmental and Department hos- was promoted to director engineering specialist at pital contractor, of editorial and business RETTEW, a design firm serving as a behavioral health specialist. development for the providing engineering, Church Law & Tax Group transportation, envi- at Christianity Today, a ronmental consulting, 1993 global media ministry. planning, surveying and safety consulting Cheryl Laughlin (BA ’93) of Lodi, Calif., Matt was honored by the Evangelical Press services. He specializes in projects for the recently launched BITS OF LOVE, a jewelry Association with first-place awards for his oil and gas, mining, and chemical industries. line that incorporates inspiring words on work as editor of the Church Finance Today Dustin has a master’s degree in business each piece. The company is partnered with newsletter and ManagingYourChurch.com administration in technology management Street Poets Inc., a poetry-based organization website. from the University of Phoenix. He is a for youth. member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Engineers Without Borders and Lynda Schroer (MBA ’93) is owner of 1999 the Sustainable Remediation Forum. Denver-based Bechta Group Ltd. Facilities Marc Megel Consultants. Lynda previously was senior (BSME ’99) of San vice president of the company and assumed Antonio, Texas, 2002 ownership in April. Bechta Group offers a received a 2012 Molly (Stocco) variety of architectural and design services, R&D 100 Award Ho (BSBA ’02) of including planning, design, implementation for his casting Portland, Ore., was and on-site support. technology for pre- married to Kai Ho cision automotive on Sept. 8, 2012, in components. R&D Magazine selected Marc’s Colorado Springs, 1994 hybrid ceramic-sand-core casting technology Colo. Molly works in Eric Barber (BA ’94) of Madison, Wis., is as one of the 100 most significant techno- international trade. a partner at Perkins Coie. Eric is a member logical achievements of the past year. Marc of the insurance coverage litigation practice, is assistant director of powertrain design representing policyholders in disputes with and development in the engine, emissions 2003 their insurance carriers under a variety of and vehicle research division at Southwest Robyn Collins Berg (BA ’03) and Paul Berg different types of insurance policies. Eric Research Institute. (BSBA ’03) of Littleton, Colo., welcomed a recently co-authored “Mutual Fund Litiga- son, Cooper Nelson Berg, on Feb. 14, 2013. tion and Insurance Practice Guide” (Lexis, 2012), a resource on investment companies’ 2000 David Huber (MBA ’03) of Parker, Colo., is insurance needs. Tyler Muffly (BA ’00) of Englewood, Colo., is chief operating officer of Solidyn Solutions a urogynecologist working at the University Inc., an Aurora-based company focusing on of Colorado’s Lone Tree Health Center. the defense and intelligence industries. 1995 Tyler completed his medical training in Laura (Hall) Manning (MA ’95) of Tucson, Philadelphia, Kansas City and Cleveland after Patricia Nelson (LLM ’03) of Denver Ariz., is assistant principal at Catalina Foot- graduating from a three-year fellowship at published “Among the Shapes That Fold and hills High School. Laura was named the 2012 the Cleveland Clinic. Tyler is married and Fly” (Sugartown Publishing, 2012), a book Arizona Assistant Principal of the Year. has a 3-year-old son. of poetry. 1996 2001 2004 Jennifer Stone-Sexton Jen Bervin (MA ’01) of Brooklyn, N.Y., Kevin Siegrist (BSBA ’04) of Winter Park, (BM ’96) of Nashville, received a 2013 Creative Capital grant in Colo., is director of group services at Devil’s Tenn., married Stephen literature for her project “The Silk Poems,” Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash, Sexton on Dec. 22, an experimental book that explores the textile Colo. Kevin previously was director of cater- 2012. After graduating as a subject and form. ing for Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colo. from DU, Jennifer taught private voice Lindsay Calhoun (MA ’01) Melissa-Marie Zirini lessons and performed of DeKalb, Ill., published (MA ’04) of Kendall, as a professional vocal- a book titled “Public Fla., married Toribio ist in Denver before Memory of the Sand Creek Matamoros Jr. on relocating to Nashville in 2000 to pursue her Massacre” (Cambria Press, June 23, 2012, in music career. Jennifer is a yoga instructor and 2012). Lindsay is a visit- Miami Beach, Fla. recently became an executive assistant at a ing assistant professor of Melissa-Marie is a

University of Denver Magazine CONNECTIONS 47 world history teacher at Aventura City of will practice in the areas of litigation and Excellence School and conducts the school’s international disputes. Based in Washington, dance team. D.C., Lewis Baach is a premier firm for insurance and reinsurance, international financial disputes and global commerical 2005 litigation. Teresa Brown (JD ’05) of Houston has joined Davis Graham & Stubbs, where she Karly (Campbell) Koth- works in the natural resources department mann (BA ’06) of New with an emphasis on transactional matters Braunfels, Texas, and for the oil and gas industry. Teresa previ- her husband, Tanner, ously practiced as an associate at Mayer welcomed a new baby, Brown in Houston. Asher Chanslor Koth- mann, on Oct. 1, 2012. Max Goldberg (BSBA ’05) of Nashville, Karly is a counselor at Tenn., was named to Forbes’ “30 Under River Bend Counseling. 30: Food & Wine” list for 2012. Max owns Strategic Hospitality LLC, the parent Ladd Solomon (BSBA ’06) of Chicago is company of the award-winning Catbird Seat vice president of Rothschild Investment and other Nashville restaurants, including Corp. He passed the Certified Financial Paradise Park. Planner Examination in March 2013.

Keri Herman (BSBA ’05) of Breckenridge, Colo., won first place for the second year in 2007 a row in the FIS World Cup slopestyle event Bryan Comer (BA ’07) received an MFA at the Visa U.S. Freeskiing Grand Prix at in creative writing from the University Copper Mountain, Colo. of Massachusetts-Amherst in May. Bryan taught English and creative writing at the Melanie Spence (MA ’05) married Frederick university while pursuing his degree. Joiner on June 8, 2013, in Washington, D.C. Melanie is a program manager for an Matthias Edrich (IMBA ’07, JD ’07) of international public health nongovernmental Denver moved from Peck, Shaffer & Wil- organization, and Fred is pursuing an MFA liams to Kutak Rock, where he continues his in creative writing at Lesley University in practice as tax attorney in the firm’s public Cambridge, Mass. finance department. Matthias recently published TouchTax, a tax code and regulations Claire Thomas (BA ’05) and Kim (Cobb) application for Android and Apple tablets Newcomer (BSBA ’98) of Fort Collins, and phones. Colo., have founded Slate Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that Nicole Singleton (MAC ’07) of Parker, specializes in creating connections between Colo., in April was named president and organizations and their communities. Prior CEO of the Colorado Black Chamber of to starting Slate Communications, Claire Commerce. She had held the position in an and Kim were part of the Communications interim capacity since January. Prior to join- and Public Involvement Office in the city of ing the chamber, Singleton served as presi- Fort Collins. dent of the Third Eye Group, an association management company that provides services for national and international professional 2006 societies and trade organizations. Ahmed Amonette (BA ’06) has joined Lewis Baach PLLC as an associate. He

Which alum taught preschoolers in Nicaragua? The answer can be found somewhere on pages 42–49 of this issue.

Send your answer to [email protected] or University of Denver Magazine, 2199 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO 80208-4816. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. We’ll select a winner from the correct entries; the winning entry will win a prize.

Congratulations to Bob Baxter for winning the spring issue’s pop quiz.

48 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 of Colorado, and Daniel is an investment to find entry-level jobs and internships by 2009 adviser. their major. Christina Huszcza (BSBA ’09, MBA ’09, JD ’12) Antoinette Gomez (MSW Kristin Frevert (PsyD ’12) was designated of Littleton, Colo., has ’10) was part of a panel a certified consultant by the Association for joined the law firm of discussion on black youth, Applied Sport Psychology, the international Tucker Ellis LLP as an children, and mental professional organization of sport and exer- associate, working in the health at a Brother Jeff cise psychology. A staff psychologist and ath- medical and pharmaceuti- Community Health Initia- letics liaison for student counseling services cal liability group. tive conference held in at Illinois State University, Kristin provides May at Shorter Community African Ameri- individual and group counseling to male and Brad Kopitz (BSBA ’09) of Grosse Pointe, can Episcopal Church in Denver. Antoinette female students, with special emphasis on Mich., is director of marketing at Active- owns Harmony Counseling Services, a eating disorders and body image issues. She Junky.com, an Internet startup he founded provider of counseling for children, youth, also provides mental health and performance with fellow alumnus Kevin McInerney families and couples. counseling to student-athletes through the (BSBA ’06). university’s athletic department. Allison Grenney (BA ’10) of Sedalia, Colo., started her own tote bag business, EduKate, Theresa Munanga (MA ’12) of Mesa, Ariz., 2010 which donates profits to girls living in areas wrote an interactive book for iPads called Kalvin Brann (BS ’10, MBA ’10) and Leah of need, to help support their secondary “Welcome to America! Online Resources White (BA ’11, BSBA ’11, MBA ’11) were education. for New U.S. Residents.” The free book married in August. They reside in Denver. provides online resources to new immigrants, students and visitors to the U.S. to help them Geoffrey Burgess (MBA ’10) of Wheat 2011 learn about and succeed in their new country. Ridge, Colo., was promoted to group facil- Sara Meagher (BSAC ’11) is a CPA with ity administrator with DaVita, where he is PricewaterhouseCoopers in Denver. Austin Orphan (BSBA ’12) of Denver is a responsible for multiple outpatient dialysis software developer for Financial Healthcare centers in the Denver metro area. Carissa Stidge (BSBA ’11) of Denver will Systems in Greenwood Village, Colo. marry Clayton Cruse in October. Carissa is a Talia Davis (MPS ’10) of personal trainer and recreation instructor. Denver married Daniel Haykin on March 10, 2013. Talia is market- Let us know Post your class note online at www.du.edu/ ing senior manager for 2012 Andy Blair (MA ’12) launched MajoredIn. alumni, e-mail [email protected] or mail Allied Jewish Federation com, a job-search website for college students in the form below. Contact us Tell us about your Name (include maiden name) career and personal University of Denver degree(s) and graduation year(s) accomplishments, awards, births, life events or Address whatever else is keeping City you busy. Do you support State ZIP code Country a cause? Do you have any hobbies? Did you just Phone return from a vacation? Let Email us know! Don’t forget to Employer Occupation send a photo. (Include a self-addressed, postage-paid What have you been up to? (Use a separate sheet if necessary.) envelope if you would like your photo returned.)

Question of the hour: What concerts do you remember seeing during your time at DU? Post your class note online at www.alumni.du.edu, email [email protected] or mail your note to: Class Notes, University of Denver Magazine, 2199 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO 80208-4816.

University of Denver Magazine CONNECTIONS 49 Pioneer pics David Coats (BA ’04) wore his trusty DU hoodie for this photo of him and his son, Charles Fyodor, taken in front of Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. “My first job out of college was in Russia, and I got it through my involvement with a student organization at DU,” Coats writes. “Since then I’ve lived here on and off for a total of six years. The hoodie I am wearing is the same one I bought my first month at DU as a freshman in 2000. It went with me to PiRock, and I wore it when I played on the club lacrosse team. It’s been all over the world with me, and despite my wife’s protests and the safety pins holding it together, I plan on never parting with it.” As you pioneer lands far and wide, be sure to pack your DU gear and strike a pose in front of a national monument, the fourth wonder of the world or your hometown hot spot. If we print your submission, you’ll receive some new DU paraphernalia to take along on your travels. Send your print or high-resolution digital image and a description of the location to: Pioneer Pics, University of Denver Magazine, 2199 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO 80208-4816, or email [email protected]. Be sure to include your full name, address, degree(s) and year(s) of graduation.

1960s Phyllis Drennan (BS ’60), Greeley, Colo., 4-21-13 Perrie Row (BSBA ’60), Loveland, Colo., 11-2-12 Bert Brook (BSBA ’61), Pleasanton, Calif., 12-9-12 John “Jack” Nixon (MA ’61), Lindon, Utah, 5-1-13 Kathleen Mahar (MA ’64), Los Altos, Calif., 10-27-12 Marcia Nichols Wright (MA ’65), Wright, Wyo., 12-22-11 1970s Deaths Anne Beaman (MSW ’71), Atascadero, Calif., 1-18-13 John Graham (BA ’71), Stuart, Fla., 11-24-12 1920s Leo Goto (MBA ’74), McDonough, Ga., 3-3-13 Alma Petersen (CWC ’21), San Francisco, 10-11-11 Philip London (MA ’74), Golden, Colo., 2-8-13 Emily Dangel (BA ’75), Centennial, Colo., 11-10-12 1930s John Lof (BS ’38), Stors, Conn., 4-10-13 1980s Robert “Bob” McWilliams (BA ’38, JD ’41), Denver, 4-10-13 Stephen Melvin (MACC ’81), Port Saint Lucie, Fla., 1-5-12 Scott Amdur (BSBA ’83), Evergreen, Colo., 3-5-13 1940s Roger Henn (BA ’40), Ouray, Colo., 1-17-13 1990s Marian Smith (BA ’42), Portland, Ore, 12-28-12 Jody Trilling Shragg (BA ’92), Golden Valley. Minn., 4-4-12 Robert Francis (BSEE ’47), Saratoga, Calif., 6-4-12 William “Floyd” Allred (MBA ’48), Greenwich, Conn., 2-1-13 2000s Charlene (Brainard) Rich (BA ’48), Longmont, Colo., 3-1-13 Victor Fernandez (BSBA ’01) Parker, Colo., 11-21-12 Loraine Seastone (BA ’48), South Park, Colo., 4-17-13 Robert Griffin (BSBA ’49), Omaha, Neb., 2-1-13 Students Anna Smyth (BM ’49), Aurora. Colo., 4-12-13 Wilson King, second-year business major, 4-12-13 Jesse Ricks, graduate student in the Morgridge College of Education, 1950s 4-22-13 Walter Burdick (BS ’50), Twin Falls, Idaho, 6-7-13 George Lee Jr. (JD ’50), Colorado Springs, Colo., 10-18-12 Faculty and Staff William Collister (JD ’51), Denver, 2-11-13 Raymond Freeman, Office of Admissions, 1-10-13 Charles Fangman (BS ’51), Peoria, Ill., 4-28-13 Francis Jamison (JD ’56), professor emeritus in Sturm College of Law, Richard “Dick” Burkey (BA ’53), Santa Fe, N.M., 3-6-12 February 2013 Harl Petty (BS ’53), Sun City, Ariz., 1-30-13 Neil Littlefield, professor emeritus in Sturm College of Law, 11-7-12 Jeanette Brush (MA ’55), Des Moines, Iowa, 1-14-13 Florence Millsap, widow of Kenneth Millsap, professor emeritus in Robert Hanson (MA ’57), Wayzata, Minn., 5-7-13 political science department, 5-18-12 Carlton Jones (MA ’55), Ellabell, Ga., 4-26-11 Nancy Pleiman, psychology professor, 11-23-12 James Owen (BA ’56, MA ’60, PhD ’67), Reno, Nev., 10-1-12 Marilyn Mae Skelton, former professor in School of Hotel and John Agee (LLB ’57), Colorado Springs, Colo., 12-31-12 Restaurant Management, 5-22-13 Charles McAnally (BSBA ’58), Celina, Texas, 1-30-13 Rabbi Stanley Wagner, founder of the Center for Judaic Studies, 2-23-13

50 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013 Join us in celebrating Homecoming & Family Weekend and Alumni Symposium. With events like Taste of DU, PioneerFest, hockey and faculty-led classes, there is truly something for everyone. Register now at alumni.du.edu/homecoming2013 or contact the Office of Alumni Relations for more information – 303-871-2701 or [email protected]. Homecoming & Family Weekend and Alumni Symposium October 24-27, 2013

Go Pioneers! Miscellanea In plane sight Wayne Armstrong

Frederic “Fritz” Howard (BA ’39) started building model airplanes in 1926, encouraged by his maternal grandmother, who was fascinated by the Wright brothers. After getting his degree in mathematics from DU, Howard began creating museum-quality aircraft models, many of which are housed in a special room devoted to Howard at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Denver’s Lowry neighborhood.

52 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2013