MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2009
Fr. Robert Koopmann ’68, OSB An interview with the 12th President of Saint John’s F E A T U R E S
10 Meet the Prez 14 Serving with Spirit 22 SJU Culinary Institute? He’s on a mission to “bring people Four graduates span the globe—and Th ese Johnnies have degrees like philos- together.” Meet SJU’s new president learn some surprising lessons—as ophy and botany. And one is a former in an exclusive Q&A with Fr. Robert members of the growing Saint John’s doctor. So what are they doing winning Koopmann ’68, OSB. Benedictine Volunteer Corps. awards for food and drink? DEPARTMENTS
2 From the President 3 Behind the Pines 18 Service to the Church 20 Arts & Culture 30 Advancing the Mission 34 Johnnie Sports 36 Alumni Connection 40 Milestones 48 Inspiring Lives
1 FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Magazine of Saint John’s University
AUTUMN 2009 Dear friends, EDITOR Jean Scoon It is an honor and a pleasure as the new EDITORIAL TEAM president of Saint John’s University to wel- Glenda Isaacs Burgeson Rob Culligan ’82 come you to the autumn issue of the Saint Troy Fritz ’88 Greg Hoye John’s Magazine. Jon McGee ’84 On behalf of the Saint John’s community, John Young ’83 I would like to thank Dan Whalen ’70 for his CONTRIBUTORS contributions in the transition. Dan stepped John Biasi Rob Culligan ’82 in as interim president during a difficult time Brendon Duffy and has served us well since last October. Jennifer Mathews Emery Troy Fritz ’88 I know you all join me in thanking him for Michael Halverson ’01 his guidance and leadership. Michael Hemmesch ’97 Ryan Klinkner ’04 Saint John’s has had some influential Catholic Church leaders in our midst in the past few Rose Beauclair Radkowski Jean Scoon months. Walter Cardinal Kasper joined us from Rome in March to deliver the Godfrey Diek- John Taylor ’58 mann, OSB Lecture at Saint John’s School of Theology∙Seminary and received the Pax Christi Jim Triggs Thom Woodward ’70 Award from Saint John’s Abbey and University. Cardinal Kasper, a renowned theologian and John Young ’83 ecumenist, shared some thought-provoking theological concepts with us and offered us his
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT insight into church relations. It was a privilige to have someone with us who works so closely Julie Scegura with the Holy Father. DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Right after Cardinal Kasper’s visit, one of our own—Dr. Miguel Díaz, professor of theol- Greg Becker, Karen Hoffbeck ogy—was nominated as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. We couldn’t be more pleased for EDITOR EMERITUS Miguel and wish him the best. Lee A. Hanley ’58 In our first feature in this issue, we focus on the Saint John’s Benedictine Volunteer Corps, a UNIVERSITY ARCHIVIST program that is close to my heart. Some outstanding SJU alumni have been sponsored by Saint Peggy Roske John’s Abbey, volunteering in the United States, Africa, the Middle East and South America while exploring their own futures in the context of Benedictine communities. Our second feature deals with a topic people from every corner of the world can relate to: food. It is inspiring to learn how some of our alumni have carved out niches sharing their
is published in the fall passion for food and made their dreams come alive. Our staff seemed to particularly enjoy and winter and researching this delicious article! CSB/SJU Magazine is published with the Finally, we pay tribute to Don McNeely, a close friend and benefactor of Saint John’s, College of Saint Benedict who passed away in March at 94. McNeely’s contributions to Saint John’s were numerous in the spring. and extensive, and we thank him and the McNeely family for their generosity. ADDRESS CHANGES I’m excited to be leading this university that has been such a significant part of my life. I hope Saint John’s University P.O. Box 7222 to soon be visiting alumni groups far and wide. And I look forward to seeing many of you at my Collegeville, MN 56321 inauguration on October 1 as well as at Homecoming weekend on October 2 and 3. [email protected]
CONTACT Sincerely, 320-363-2591 800-635-7303 www.csbsju.edu
LETTERS Saint John’s Magazine Fr. Robert Koopmann, OSB Office of Institutional Advancement President P.O. Box 7222 Collegeville, MN 56321
E-MAIL [email protected]
2 Michael Becker Michael Second-largest Combined Class in History Graduates First I-LEAD Scholars Graduate The 2009 SJU graduating class included 420 undergradu- Among this year’s combined graduating class was a unique BUFNFOBOE4DIPPMPGɨFPMPHZt4FNJOBSZHSBEVBUFT8IFO group of 13 men and women: the first cohort of CSB/SJU combined with CSB’s 511 graduates, this year’s undergraduate *-&"%TDIPMBST HSBEVBUJOHDMBTTPGJTUIFTFDPOEMBSHFTUDMBTTFWFS *-&"% *OUFSDVMUVSBM-FBEFSTIJQ &EVDBUJPOBOE%FWFMPQNFOU Sharon Daloz Parks, director of Leadership for the New Com- 'FMMPXTIJQ1SPHSBN JTBQSPHSBNHFBSFEUPDPMMFHFTUVEFOUTGSPN NPOTBUUIF8IJECFZ*OTUJUVUF EFMJWFSFEUIFDPNNFODFNFOUBE- EJWFSTFVSCBOIJHITDIPPMTɨFZDPNFGSPNEJêFSFOUCBDLHSPVOET ESFTTBOESFDFJWFEBOIPOPSBSZ%PDUPSPG-BXTEFHSFF4BJOU+PIOT and cultures and are recognized leaders in their schools and com- "CCFZBOE6OJWFSTJUZQSFTFOUFEJUT1BY$ISJTUJ"XBSEUPUIF3FW NVOJUJFT +PIO1'PMFZ 4+ FYFDVUJWFDIBJSNBOPGUIF$SJTUP3FZ/FUXPSL ɨF*-&"%4DIPMBSTIBWFCFOFëUFEGSPNTDIPMBSTIJQT NFO- +PF,BOF BQPMJUJDBMTDJFODFNBKPSGSPN(PMEFO7BMMFZ .JOO toring, student workshops and campus experiences that support XBTUIFTUVEFOUDPNNFODFNFOUTQFBLFS FNFSHJOHMFBEFST'PVSIBWFQMBOTGPSHSBEVBUFTDIPPM TJYBSFMPPL- (Video of the SJU commencement ceremony is available online at JOHBUUFBDIJOHQPTJUJPOT GPVSJO,PSFB +BQBOPS$IJOB BOEUISFF csbsju.edu/news/commencement.) BSFQVSTVJOHFNQMPZNFOUPSWPMVOUFFSPQQPSUVOJUJFT
3 BEHIND THE PINES
Reinhart Honored Posthumously values and the ethics of the monks that are all around you. It is and A tribute was held always has been an inspiring place to work.” for the late Saint John’s University President Caritas Awards Ceremony Honors Alumni Emeritus Br. Dietrich Five graduates were honored for their commitment to and in- Reinhart ’71, OSB, at volvement in service and social justice activities at the annual CSB/ the annual Saint John’s SJU Caritas Awards ceremony in April: John Smith ’09, Ashleigh Day in April. Leitch ’09, Nick Davis ’02, Joe Schmit ’55 and Marilyn Schmit ’56. Th e evening included the presentation of Jay Phillips Center for Jewish-Christian Learning several posthumous Expands Mission, Adopts New Name awards, including the Fr. Walter Reger Distin- guished Alumnus Award and honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Saint
John’s University and the Crouser Michael University of St. Th omas. A musical tribute in honor of Reinhart was provided by George Maurer ’88. Th e Saint John’s Men’s Chorus performed and Bela Petheo, professor emeritus of art, unveiled his portrait of Reinhart. On March 24, Reinhart was honored for his lifelong dedication to service in Collegeville and the Catholic collegiate community with a statement in the Congressional Record, the offi cial record of the proceedings of the House of Representatives.
Saint John’s Coaches Featured in USA Today (L to R) Fr. Colman Barry, OSB; Jay Phillips; and Rabbi Nahum Schulman worked closely to establish the Jay Phillips Chair of Jewish Studies at SJU in 1969.
Th e Jay Phillips Center for Jewish-Christian Learning sponsored jointly by Saint John’s and St. Th omas, has expanded its mis- sion and adopted a new name. Th e center now is named the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning. Its mission to promote understanding and combat prejudice has expanded to encompass USA Today Islam and other world religions. Th e Jay Phillips Center for Jewish-Christian Learning was
Andy King for Andy formed in 1996 by bringing together the Jay Phillips Chair in (L to R) Coaches Jerry Haugen ’76, Tim Miles ’76, Pat Haws ’72 and John Jewish Studies at Saint John’s and the Center for Jewish-Christian Gagliardi. Learning at St. Th omas. Coaches John Gagliardi, Jim Smith, Jerry Haugen ’76, Pat Th e chair at Saint John’s was established in 1969 and named Haws ’72 and Tim Miles ’76 were featured in a Feb. 26 USA Today for the Jewish philanthropist who endowed it. Th e chair was most article celebrating their lengthy careers at Saint John’s. When asked recently held by Rabbi Barry Cytron, who retired in January 2009. what has kept them here, basketball coach Jim Smith said “Th ere Edward Phillips, grandson of Jay Phillips, will be honored on was just something about this place that made it unlike anywhere October 12 by Saint John’s with the Colman Barry Award for I had ever been. I think it all goes back to the monastery and the Distinguished Contributions to Religon and Society at an event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jay Phillips Chair in Jewish Studies.
csbsju.edu/news
4 McCarthy Center Hosts Durenberger ’55 Maple Tappers Featured in Star Tribune Video More than 100 volunteers gathered at Saint John’s to continue the annual tradition of tapping maple trees. Th eir eff orts were captured on video by the Min- neapolis Star Tribune. More than 900 guests Erica Manternach CSB ’11 demonstrates tree visited the Arboretum tapping. during the Maple Syrup Students meet with former Sen. Dave Durenburger ’55 (back) and Festivals this spring. former Vice-President Walter Mondale (far right). David Wagoner Th e Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy & Civic En- Visits Campus gagement hosted Dave Durenberger ’55 for a week-long residency as Woodrow in February as part of the Scholar-in-Residence program. Duren- Wilson Visiting berger served in the U.S. Senate from 1978-95. Th e week was Fellow highlighted by two panel discussions. Other panelists who joined Poet, novelist, Durenburger included former Vice President Walter Mondale, playwright and former Sen. Rod Grams, former Sen. Mark Dayton and former screenwriter David Rep. Mark Kennedy ’79. Wagoner visited SJU as a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Cardinal Kasper Delivers Diekmann Lecture and Fellow in April. Poet and novelist David Wagoner. Receives Pax Christi Award Wagoner has Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifi cal Council for written 19 books of Promoting Christian Unity, delivered the Godfrey Diekmann, poetry and 10 novels, one of which, Th e Escape Artist, was adapted OSB, Lecture and received the Pax Christi Award from Saint into a movie by Francis Ford Coppola. He edited Poetry Northwest John’s Abbey and University in March. Th e Pax Christi Award is from 1966 to 2002, and serves as literary advisor to the Seattle the highest honor awarded by Saint John’s Abbey and University Repertory Th eater and editor of both the Princeton University and recognizes those who have devoted themselves to God by Press Poetry Series and the University of Missouri Press Break- working in the tradition of Benedictine monasticism to serve oth- through Poetry Series. ers and to build a heritage of faith in the world. His book of poetry, Good Morning and Good Night (2005), Cardinal Kasper was ordained a priest for the Diocese of was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in poetry. Wagoner has been Rottenburg-Stuttgart in 1957 and became bishop for that diocese nominated twice for the National Book Award, for Collected Po- in 1989. He became a cardinal in February 2001 and has been the ems, 1956-76 and In Broken Country (1979). president of the Pontifi cal Council for Promoting Christian Unity Th e Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellows program, administered since March 2001. (For more on Cardinal Kasper’s visit, see p.18.) by the Council of Independent Colleges, brings prominent artists, diplomats, journalists, business leaders and other non-academic professionals to campuses across the U.S. for a week-long residen- tial program of classes, seminars, workshops, lectures and informal discussions.
csbsju.edu/news
5 BEHIND THE PINES
Student Case Study Research Team Places Second at Li ’10 Wins E-Scholars Competition National Conference Ang Li ’10 won the E-Scholars Elevator Pitch competition in Five students from SJU and CSB participated in a case study Seattle last February. An elevator pitch is an overview of a busi- research team that placed second in its division at the Society for ness idea that can be delivered in the timespan of an elevator ride. Advancement of Management, Inc. (S.A.M.) Conference in Las Li won for a pitch on a business idea he developed with Tom Vegas. Th e team consisted of Peter Banick ’09, Mitch Hallan ’09, Henderson ’10 for “PawPrints,” which would provide oil paintings Marta Gago ’09, Rachelle Kirchner ’09 and Meghan Lynch ’09. of pets for customers based on photos of the pets. Li became an E-scholar through a program sponsored by the Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship.
Bandar ’09 Earns National Fellowships Jeff rey Bandar ’09 of St. Cloud, Minn., received two prestigious national fel- lowship awards: the 2009 National Science Federation Graduate Research Fel- lowship award and a 2009 National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fel- (L to R) Faculty advisor Steve Schwarz ’01 with Hallan, Kirchner, Gago, lowship. Each award is worth Lynch and Banick. approximately $30,000 annually and is funded for Batsukh ’11 Wins National Championship a maximum of three years.
Minga Batsukh ’11 became the fourth wrestling national cham- Bandar is currently studying Dawid Chabowski pion in SJU’s history at the 2009 NCAA Division III champion- at Columbia University, pur- ships in March. He is the fi rst national champion since SJU’s suing a doctorate in organic chemistry with the goal of teaching at current head coach Brandon Novak won the 197-pound title in the university level or leading a research team. 2001. Batsukh, a native of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, attended high school at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, N.J. Photo courtesy of Don Stoner Minga Batsukh ’11 earned the 141-pound national wrestling championship in March. csbsju.edu/news
6 BEHIND THE PINES
Retiring Professors Honored Five professors were honored last May at the annual Academic Aff airs Awards on the occasion of their retirement: S. Ann Marie Biermaier, OSB, professor emerita of education; Rabbi Barry Cytron, director of the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning; Ellen Ellickson, adjunct instructor of nursing; Joe Friedrich '64, professor emeritus of econom- ics; and Lynn Moore, professor emerita of education. Adam Konczewski (L to R) Joe Friedrich ’64, Lynn Moore, S. Ann Marie Biermaier, OSB
Sibley, Blauvelt, Malone Win Teaching Awards Faculty from the mathematics, English and history departments were honored for excellence at the Academic Aff airs Awards in May. Th e SJU Robert L. Spaeth Teacher of Distinction Award was presented to Tom Sibley, professor of mathematics. Th e CSB S. Mary Grell Teacher of Distinction Award was awarded to Cynthia Malone, professor of English. Th e Linda Mealey Teacher-Scholar Award and S. Linda Kulzer Gender Educator Rob Culligan ’82 Award both went to Martha Tomhave Blauvelt, professor of history. Culligan ’82 Earns Administrator Award Rob Culligan ’82, vice presi- dent of institutional advance- ment, received the Fr. Vincent Tegeder, OSB, Outstanding Ad- ministrator Award. Th e award recognizes service and excellence within the Saint John’s admin- istrative community–someone who embodies the spirit of Saint John’s, provides quality service and makes a powerful contribu- tion to Saint John’s. Culligan, a St. Paul native, began his career at Saint John’s as an admission counselor 27 years ago. Follow- ing several years working for Catholic organizations in Ohio and Colorado, he returned to Saint John’s. Since 1999, he has
served as vice president for insti- Adam Konczewski tutional advancement. (L to R) Tom Sibley, Martha Tomhave Blauvelt, Cynthia Malone csbsju.edu/news
7 BEHIND THE PINES
ADMINISTRATIVE AND FACULTY APPOINTMENTS
Mosley Accepts Vice President of Admission and Walker Appointed CSB/SJU Fine Arts Division Head Financial Aid Position Greg Walker has been a faculty member in the music depart- Cal Mosley’s admission ment since 1978. career spans 42 years. His His teaching includes previous experience includes theory, composition serving for 11 years as the spe- and electronic music cial assistant to the president applications, as well for undergraduate admissions as other courses in the at the College of St. Catherine First-Year Seminar and and as the vice president of Honors departments. university admissions and He has directed educa- student aff airs at Hamline tion abroad semester University for fi ve years. Prior programs in London and Australia, and recently developed and to that, he was the associ- directed summer term courses on the fi ne arts in London. Walker ate director of admissions at was recognized in May with the Academic Advising Award for the Harvard College (undergraduate program) for 10 years followed fi ne arts division. by service as the associate dean of academic programs at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Mosley earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Pacifi c Bennetts Named Humanities Division Head University in Forest Grove, Ore., his master’s of education in Dave Bennetts has taught in student personnel administration from Springfi eld College in Mas- the history department since sachusetts and his doctorate in administration, planning and social 1973. He has served as the policy from Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. chair of the department and His wife, Claudia Ryan-Mosley CSB ’77, served on the CSB been the faculty representative Board of Trustees from 1992-1997. to the Board of Regents. Ben- netts has taught in the Asian Rogers ’89 Appointed Director of studies program, and fi rst Education Abroad established English as a Second Joe Rogers has served as Language (ESL) programs in interim director of educa- Japan over 20 years ago that tion abroad since 2007. He have been extremely successful received his B.A. in history and brought many students from Saint John’s and his M.A. to CSB and SJU. He developed the Japan study abroad/exchange in East Asian studies from the program and is Distinguished Visiting Professor on the Bunkyo University of Minnesota in Gakuin University faculty, where he teaches every summer. 1993, after working, studying, and traveling in Asia. Rogers graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1998, where he served as Note and Comment editor for Th e Journal of Global Trade and as a mentor for international lawyers in the Law School’s International L.L.M. program. After spending six years as a lawyer in private practice, Rogers returned to his alma mater to work with the Asian studies program. In this capacity, he has been a key player in maintaining and developing study abroad relationships.
csbsju.edu/news
8 BEHIND THE PINES
NEW REGENTS NAMED
Noreen Herzfeld, CSB/SJU professor of theology and com- Kamau Joseph ’11 is a junior political science and computer puter science, is the new science double major from faculty Regent. She holds Trinidad and Tobago, and the M.S. degrees in computer new student Regent. During science and mathematics from a year off after high school, Pennsylvania State University Joseph took interest in the and a doctorate in theology United Nations Association from the Graduate Th eo- of Trinidad and Tobago and logical Union. Herzfeld is the later helped co-found the author of numerous books and fi rst youth United Nations articles on such diverse topics Association in his country. as cyberspace as a venue for At Saint John’s he is involved spiritual experience, and the with Student Senate, the prospects for reconciliation Joint Events Council and the among Christians and Muslims in Bosnia. Cultural Aff airs Board.
James Sexton ’81 is president and founder of Sexton Benefi t David Klingeman, OSB is director of the Saint John’s Abbey Resources, Inc., Oakbrook Guesthouse and the abbey Terrace, Ill. Sexton has a B.S. archivist. Klingeman has a degree in social science and Bachelor of Music from Wart- business management from burg College and an M.S. in SJU. Prior to opening his own Library Science from Simmons employee benefi t practice in College. He completed post- 2002, he was vice president of graduate studies in archival sales and marketing for Celtic administration at the Univer- Health Plans in Chicago, and sity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee regional district manager for in 1995. Klingeman was the Old Northwest Agent, Inc. in university archivist from 1996- Houston, Tex. Sexton rejoins 2006. He has been a member the Board of Regents after of the abbey since 1980. serving from 2000-2008. He lives in La Grange, Ill., with his two children. Mark Th amert, ’73, SOT ’79, OSB is associate professor of German at Saint John’s Anton (Tony) J. Christianson ’74 is chairman and manag- University. Th amert received ing partner of Cherry Tree both his B.A. in German and Companies in Minneapolis. his M.Div. from Saint John’s. Christianson has spent more He earned his Ph.D. from than 27 years in the venture Princeton University. Th amert capital and private equity com- was president and headmaster munities in a variety of capaci- of Saint John’s Preparatory ties. Christianson received a School from 1994-1998. He B.A. in accounting from SJU, has led more than 20 groups and an M.B.A. from Harvard of undergraduate students on Business School. He has served CSB/SJU study abroad pro- on the board of directors of grams. Th amert served on the over 40 companies. He and his Regents’ Capital Campaign Steering Committee and Leadership wife, Paige, have six children Gifts Committee from 1986 to 1993. He professed solemn vows and reside in Wayzata, Minn. in 1973 and was ordained in 1979. Th amert rejoins the board after serving from 1984-1991.
csbsju.edu/news
9 Meet the President: Fr. Bob Koopmann ’68, OSB By Doris Matter
10 A few days after he was appointed 12th as my father as executive secretary to the organ. One person who I have always kept president of Saint John’s University, I had president. Both have since died. I have a in contact with is Fr. Cletus Connors. He’s the privilege of sitting down with Fr. Bob younger brother with children and grand- now the pastor at St. Boniface Church to learn more about him. It was a great children. In my extended family, I have in Cold Spring. He’s still one of my best opportunity to find out about some of his an aunt who is a nun from the LaCrosse friends. formative influences, what brought him here Franciscans. I also had a great uncle who and what he does to relax—in other words: was a diocesan priest and also enjoyed DM: Where have you traveled abroad, who is Fr. Bob? What I learned is that our playing the piano. and what is your favorite place outside new president is thoughtful, down-to-earth the United States? and joyful, steeped in the Benedictine learn- DM: How did you come to study BK: My favorite place keeps changing. ing and teaching tradition, well equipped to music? But my first trip abroad was when I was in guide Saint John’s University. I hope you’ll BK: My mother and her sister played the Men’s Chorus, and we took quite an enjoy this conversation as much as I did! piano quite well. We had a piano at home, extensive trip to Europe during the sum- and my mother just showed me how to mer after my freshman year. I had to really DM: What first brought you to Saint do things when I was 6. So that’s when I work on my parents to let me go! That John’s? first started playing, and I was playing by travel really opened my eyes to the fact BK: It was in 1962, when I was a ear already then. I started formal lessons that there’s a big world out there where junior in high school. My folks and I were when I was 7, with a very good teacher. All people think much differently than I do. looking around at colleges, and we came the way through high school, I was taught Currently my favorite place might be up [to Minnesota] to visit St. Thomas. A by Franciscan sisters from Dubuque. My East Africa—Tanzania. I have been there music teacher of mine had told me that mother practiced with me the first few three times in the last few years. In 2000, her brother had gone here as a music years and that helps a lot when you’re a I spent about six weeks in Tanzania, divid- major and loved it. We decided to add little kid. ing my time between the men’s monastery Saint John’s to the trip to St. Thomas. We and the women’s monastery, and I just came up and Fr. Don LeMay met us in DM:. Who at Saint John’s was influen- loved the culture there. Shortly after I the Great Hall, and he won us over im- tial in bringing you into the monastery? came back, Br. Paul Richards was starting mediately. He told us there was a concert BK: Most of my teachers were monks to think about developing the Benedictine pianist on the faculty, Wim Ibes, who still because that’s the way it was back in those Volunteer Corps, which I thought was a teaches here, and there was a men’s chorus days, but one person would certainly be great idea. that toured all over the world. I just fell in Gerard Ferrell. He was a musician who I suggested we try for sites in Africa. the love with the place and that was it. taught me music theory and a little bit of Now Hanga Abbey, in Tanzania, is one of
DM: What was your family life like growing up? BK: A very Catholic family. Much of what we did revolved around the church. My folks were involved with all kinds of things in the parish. We lived just a couple blocks from St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Waterloo [Iowa], and I went to grade school there. My father worked for the same company for his entire career— which people did in those days—and was very loyal to the Rath Packing Company. He was in the administration, and they had branches all around the country. My mother stayed home when we were little but had worked for the same company
11 our Benedictine Volunteer Corps destina- BK: I’m reading the new biography of whole family played. From the time I was tions. I always come back from my visits Flannery O’Connor [Flannery: A Life of 10 or 12 we golfed a lot. My folks would there spiritually refreshed. They are a Flannery O’Connor by Brad Gooch]. She’s give my brother and me season passes at people of deep faith, and I’m very inspired one of my favorite fiction writers. Just a city golf course not too far from us, and by that. I’m also brought back to reality. before that I read Home by Marilynne we just played and played. My brother still Hanga Abbey is almost completely self- Robinson. She’s originally from Iowa plays, and we used to play maybe once a sufficient, much like Saint John’s was 150 and grew up about 40 miles from where year, but I don’t think I’ve golfed at all in years ago. I grew up and that makes it all the more the last two years, so of course I’m terrible interesting. Then I’ll also read something now. DM: What do you do on a rare free I just stumble across like a book about the day when you’re not travelling? What’s history of Meire Grove [Building Com- DM: At this point in your life, what your stress reliever in life? munity, Keeping the Faith: German Catholic brings you the most joy? BK: I take long walks, and I’m a great Vernacular Architecture in a Rural Min- BK: Making music, certainly, and fan of fiction. I read a lot. It very easily nesota Parish by Fred W. Peterson]. I love especially making music for the com- puts me in a whole different world. Or if the book because as I read it I learned so munity—playing the organ for morning I just want to get away, I might go down much about my father’s side of the family prayer, evening prayer, and for Mass. If I to the Twin Cities for lunch, maybe go to and why they are the way they are. My can somehow inject some life into their a movie, have supper or maybe go to the father’s grandfather’s family came from singing, then I’ve succeeded. I just like it Guthrie, something like that. Those kinds Holdenburg, Oldenburg, the same area in so much. of things really refresh me. Germany as the people of Meire Grove. DM: How do you think that you’ll DM: You mentioned reading as a DM: As a youngster were you ever in- be able to bring that joy into the stress reliever. What are you currently volved in any kind of sporting activities? presidency? reading? BK: I grew up as a golfer. In fact our BK: Well, I’ll certainly be able to use music here and there. What I do with music is bring people together, and I like that process. I’m hoping I can use those kinds of skills in bringing everybody that is connected with Saint John’s together— whether it’s faculty, staff or alumni. I’ve always been known as kind of a diplomat, and that’s not so different from playing chamber music. Another thing I love is drawing the best out of people and that doesn’t have to be in music. It’s a real joy to have a student suddenly realize that he or she can get into hard literature—like the short stories that I use a lot in my first-year seminar class— and to realize that they like it. I just love that because it expands the students’ horizons.
DM: This article will primarily be read by alumni. How can they help you most as you transition from being a member of the music faculty to the president? Well, they can come and visit. Tell them to come to the alumni events because I’ll look forward to seeing them again. Now I mostly see alumni at weddings because it’s often someone who lived on my dorm floor, and then, of course, all his buddies
12 come, too, plus their friends from Saint Ben’s. Th e sense of community that builds up here among the students is just amazing.
DM: Is there anything you don’t want people to be afraid to tell you? In other words, “Don’t be afraid to tell me that …” BK: Actually anything. I’m quite resil- ient. As a musician who works with others, we have to disagree with each other and criticize each other so I feel like I’m quite open to criticism. Nobody likes it imme- diately, but I bounce right back. I’d love to know what’s on their minds.
DM: Can you share something about yourself that might surprise most people? BK: Well, I enjoy cooking. I’m not a gourmet cook, and I only started it in 1993 during my second sabbatical, when I was living in a house where I was preparing my own food. Since then many students have experienced my cooking, of course.
DM: Do you have a specialty dish? BK: Th ey’re usually pretty simple–– something that I can serve to a big group while I interact with them. So I’ll do beef burgundy, or I’ll do a pasta sauce, a roast, or some kind of pork chops that I’ve baked in my own secret sauce—well, it’s not ABOUT FR. BOB KOOPMANN, OSB a secret anymore, because the St. Cloud Born August 13, 1946 in Waterloo, Iowa Visitor published it. It's called Blessed Pork Graduated from Columbus High School in Waterloo, 1964 Chops! Bachelor of Arts (music major), Saint John’s University, 1968 Master of Music, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1970 DM: What are you looking forward to Final Monastic Profession, September 21, 1971 most in the next few months? Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Iowa, 1976 BK: In the immediate future, getting to Master of Divinity, Saint John’s University, 1981 know all the staff and members of the ad- Ordination to the Priesthood, June 6, 1981 Postdoctoral work with faculty at the Royal Academy of Music, London, 1984, and the Juilliard ministration. Th ey’ve all been great to me School of Music, New York, 1984-85 but I don’t know them very well yet. I also look forward to working with students in Teaching, Administrative, Board service: a new way, giving the talk at the fi rst-year Music professor, 1975 to present banquet and other opportunities where Director of Music, Saint John’s Abbey, 1976-1983, 1985-1987, 1996-2009 the president gets to speak. I also look Chair, Music Department, 1977-1983, 1985-1986 forward to the travel. I can hardly wait to Fine Arts Division Head, 2006-2009 go out and meet alumni and friends of the Member of Board of Regents, 1994-2003, 2005-2009 university. Recordings: Wondrous Love––More Sacred Improvisations, 2008 Doris Matter is the president’s executive Sacred Improvisations––Piano Improvisations on Hymns, Spirituals, and Chants, 2004 writer. All in the Family, with Soprano Patricia Kent: Songs of the Mendelssohns, 1999 Robert Koopmann—The Second Piano Recital, 1996 Robert Koopmann—Piano Recital, 1994
13 Th e Spiritual Volunteer by John Rosengren ’86
Th e Saint John’s Benedictine Volunteer Corps grows larger each year. It’s clear that this program, begun by Saint John’s Abbey 10 years ago, fi lls an important—and possibly overlooked—niche for both volunteers and Benedictine communities worldwide. Nick Briese ’06, Lew Grobe ’06, Charlie Sawyer ’08 and Mike Bancks ’08 share illuminat- ing stories of daily life in Benedictine communities in Tanzania, Chile, Israel and Newark, N.J.
Nick Briese Mike Bancks
Lew Grobe
Charlie Sawyer
When Br. Paul Richards ’78, OSB, took a sabbatical from stipend. Th e host monastery provides room and board along with conducting the Saint John’s Boys Choir 10 years ago and toured work. Th e volunteers are expected to participate in the daily prayer monastic communities worldwide to study lay involvement, he and meals as well as the community’s work, which varies widely by refl ected on his own experience as a Saint John’s student when location. he took a year off to work at San Antonio Abad in Puerto Rico. Th e program’s purpose has been twofold: to benefi t monastic “Visiting these places I became aware that any Benedictine mon- communities worldwide with resources to support their work and astery I visited was doing good work and in need of more human to create spiritual volunteer opportunities for Saint John’s grads. resources,” says Richards, the abbey’s subprior. “Th ose things made Its success can be measured in the growing interest among com- me think, what if we got Saint John’s grads and sent them to these munities and alumni applying for the program. As word about the places?” SJBVC spreads along the Benedictine grapevine, more communi- Th us was born the Saint John’s Benedictine Volunteer Corps ties are requesting volunteers. Next year, the SJBVC will place a (SJBVC), which places SJU alumni in Benedictine monasteries high of 16 volunteers in eight diff erent sites spread throughout around the world for approximately a year to participate in the life Guatemala, Chile, Israel, Tanzania, Italy and the United States. and work of the host community. In 2003, the SJBVC sent its fi rst “Th e program has exceeded my expectations,” says Richards, two volunteers to monasteries in Puerto Rico and Newark, N.J. who manages the SJBVC along with Fr. Bob Koopmann ’68, Overseen by Saint John’s Abbey and funded by the Giles Nathe OSB, newly appointed president of Saint John’s University. Mission Grant of Saint John’s University and alumni donations, “Th e reception from monasteries served by our volunteers has the SJBVC provides transportation to the site and a monthly been spectacular.”
14 Multiplying Peace on the Sea of Galilee Mike Bancks ’08 wanted to do some sort of community service maintain the extensive gardens and repair whatever breaks down. before going to grad school to study epidemiology and public Th ey recently sanded and refi nished 20 wooden picnic tables. “My health. Having studied abroad his junior year in Port Elizabeth, life revolves around the upkeep of anything and everything that South Africa, where he volunteered at an AIDS hospice, the biol- has to deal with the Meeting Place,” he says. ogy major from Fairmont, Minn., jumped at the chance to serve Based in a place that attracts visitors from many diff erent abroad again with the Saint John’s Benedictine Volunteer Corps, countries and cultures, Bancks has encountered cultural norms and this time at the Benedictine Monastery of Tabgha in Israel. “I was foreign beliefs that have challenged his own thinking. Diff ering drawn to the program because I know that Saint John’s surrounds mentalities and experiences have exposed his own underlying ste- itself with great people,” he says. “Th e character of the program reotypes and stretched his faith—all for the better. He’s especially and the ability to travel outside the U.S. were cementing factors.” grateful to hear the stories of those from other places and experi- Th e four monks of Tabgha—a satellite community of Dormi- ences. “I feel extremely fortunate for being able to meet and listen tion Abbey in Jerusalem—live on the Sea of Galilee site where to people who have faced extreme pain and sadness but still come Jesus is believed to have multiplied the loaves and fi shes. Bancks, out with a positive mindset,” he says. along with fellow SJBVC volunteer Mike Leither ’08 and three Bancks says that his conversations with the resident monks Germans completing their mandatory civilian service, tends the about their faith have inspired him to probe his own—a search community’s Meeting Place, a peace project that welcomes groups that will last long after his year-long tenure at Tabgha. “I learn of tourists, religious pilgrims and mentally/physically handicapped more that I have questions about my personal faith that need visitors. Bancks and the other volunteers clean the living facilities, discovery and contemplation,” he says.
During an evening of relaxation from his daily work of maintaining the facilities and grounds of the Meeting Place at the Benedictine Monastery of Tabgha, Israel, SJBVC volunteer Mike Bancks ’08 (in blue T-shirt at bench) shares culture and music with Muslim visitors from Jerusalem.
15 Tanzania and New Possibilities niversary and preserve its history, most of Abbey. “I hadn’t thought it possible before After graduating from Saint John’s with which had never been published. Tanzania,” he says. “At Saint John’s, I had a German and humanities double major Perhaps his biggest and most memorable seen monks as role models, something I and spending a year near Berlin on a Ful- contribution was a 900-mile fundraising couldn’t achieve, but this experience al- bright Fellowship, Lew Grobe ’06 fi gured bike trip from the city of Dar es Salaam to lowed me to see people in daily life, with he would apply to graduate school. But their village of Hanga with fellow SJBVC their strengths and weaknesses. I had not Fr. Mark Th amert ’73, OSB, his former volunteer Paul Conroy ’05 and thought I was cut out to be a monastic, German professor, suggested he consider Br. Onesmo, one of the Saint Maurus’ but it fi nally dawned on me, this may just the Benedictine Volunteer Corps instead. monks. With the average annual fam- be a possibility for me.” Grobe, who had grown up in the western ily income around $350, many families In Chile, the Daily Is Profound Minneapolis suburbs and spent time living cannot aff ord school fees, which range Charlie Sawyer ’08 heard about the in Europe, found the possibility of living from $300-$700 a year, including room Saint John’s Benedictine Volunteer Corps in Africa “exotic.” and board. Grobe and his companions from two older friends on the Saint John’s Grobe spent a year—from June 2007 to rode 60-120 miles a day for three weeks cross country team who had gone to Tan- June 2008—at Saint Maurus’ Abbey, Han- on Phoenix bicycles, inexpensive single- zania. Th e opportunity to see the world ga, in southwest Tanzania, in a village with speeds popular in the area, to raise money and give something back appealed to the a population of about 7,000 that sprang and awareness about the importance of physics major and harrier from St. Paul, up around the monastery, which brought education. Minn. He signed up for a year in Santiago, running water and education to the area. Th e $20,000 they raised will support 16 Chile, which began in August 2008. Grobe taught English and math at three of students for four years at the four schools Sawyer lives with the Manquehue the four schools run by the monastery: the run by St. Maurus’ Abbey. In a country Movement, a lay Benedictine community trade school, secondary school and semi- where families are more likely to send a of 35 men and women that runs three nary. He also helped organize and run a son than a daughter to school, they also schools. Along with fellow SJBVC volun- library with fellow SJBVC volunteer Derek promoted gender equality—seven of those teer Cole Woodward ’08, Sawyer works at Johnson ’06, labeling by hand some 4,000 students are female. Colegio San Lorenzo, a pre-K-12 school books donated from Minnesota. Using Grobe, currently an SJU admissions of 800 students in one of Santiago’s poorer computers donated from Australia (when counselor, reports that daily life with the neighborhoods. Sawyer tutors students in there was electricity), Grobe and Johnson monks transformed an inkling of a calling English inside and outside the classroom. also constructed a Web site (hangaabbey. into a desire to pursue monastic life. He At the principal’s request, he and Wood- org) to celebrate the monastery’s 50th an- has applied for candidacy at Saint John’s ward are also teaching the junior high kids to play baseball on a dirt fi eld with gloves donated from Saint John’s. “Th e kids are great fun, full of energy,” Sawyer says. “But when it comes to explaining things and making them follow rules and orga- nizing them in any way, it’s really hard.” For example, in English class, he has to ask each student individually to take out his or her notebook and pay attention. He realized that the children simply don’t view education as important. “We’ve been trying to encourage them to take responsi- bility for their education,” he says. He and Woodward are also encouraging them to take more responsibility for their environment with an after-school project they call “Th e Environmental Brigade.” In their weekly meetings, they talk to the dozen or so kids who show up about ways they can reduce, reuse and recycle. “We’re instilling an ecological consciousness on how to take care of the environment.” Sawyer also works in the tutoria, where simple presence is touted. “Th e whole After speaking to a group of orphans near Songea, Tanzania, Lew Grobe ’06 is presented with a live concept is you waste time hanging out rooster and 12 eggs—a great honor in Tanzanian culture. To do justice to this honor, he carried the with kids, playing with them, being their rooster under his arm for the two-hour bike ride back to his village of Hanga! friend,” he says. “Th at’s diff erent from the
16 high school teacher,” he says. “Th ere are diff erent dynamics with students than with fellow college classmates.” When the teacher returned, Briese soon took over four chemistry classes for another ailing teacher. Th at proved more satisfying. “I had spent all this time learn- ing chemistry,” he says. “To be able to put that into practice with people just starting to learn about it and see them slowly start to understand it was really cool.” At the end of the school year, he covered a science class for three weeks in the junior high—where he often felt like he was “drowning.” He says it was one of the most challenging things he’s ever had to do and adds, with a laugh, “I’ve tried to suppress a lot of those memories.” Now in his second year of medical school at the University of Minnesota, Briese says he realizes that facing diffi cult and challenging situations gave him confi - Charlie Sawyer ’08 with (L to R) sophomore Daniella and fi rst-graders Caroline and Valentina at dence. “Going out there and jumping into Colegio San Lorenzo, a pre K-12 school run by the Manquehue Movement, where Charlie teaches a situation has been helpful in doing what English and baseball and just “hangs out with the kids.” I’m doing now in working with patients who might be from a completely diff er- attitude in America, where we’re so results pressed into duty covering a criminal ent background or having a condition I’m driven and you always have to be produc- justice class for a teacher out for health not familiar with,” he says. “Having done tive. I’ve learned that just hanging out with reasons. Never having studied the subject, something I wasn’t completely prepared kids is important.” Briese crammed in the textbook to keep for, then succeeding and learning from He has also learned how much he enjoys ahead of the students. He had worked as it—that’s been positive.” working with kids. Instead of going to en- a teaching assistant (T.A.) at Saint John’s gineering school as he’d originally planned, but had no formal education training. John Rosengren is an award-winning jour- he’s thinking about teaching high school “Being a T.A. doesn’t translate to being a nalist and author based in the Twin Cities. science. It’s in those seemingly mundane daily interactions that he has found pro- found meaning. “It’s not like we’re coming in and saving the day,” he says. “Th ey just like spending time with us, talking to us, being with us.” Newark Builds New Confi dence Nick Briese ’06 does not like having to talk in front of a group. When he signed up to volunteer at Newark Abbey in New- ark, N.J., from September 2006 to June 2007, the chemistry major from Rochester, Minn., was attracted to the idea of living in a diff erent part of the country. Once he got there, he found the experience of living in community with the abbey’s 16 monks an added benefi t. But it was his work with the 575 students at Saint Benedict’s Prep, the inner-city school serving grades 7-12 run by the community, that forced him to Nick Briese ’06 (L) with student leader Nate Edmonson, a Saint Benedict’s Prep senior, during the face his fears and proved most meaningful. annual freshman backpacking project, which takes over 100 freshman boys for a fi ve-day, 50-mile Briese started out the school year doing camping trip on the Appalachian Trail each spring as part of the Newark, N.J. school’s leadership spot substitute teaching but was soon training program.
17 SERVICE TO THE CHURCH
Saint John’s School of Th eology Welcomes Vatican Visitor Walter Cardinal Kasper By Rose Beauclair Radkowski
For weeks, the School of Th eology·Seminary buzzed with anticipation. Students pored over their notes, re-read chapter after chapter and carefully prepared questions. Some organized a study group and completed extra readings. Lunchtime conversations in the Emmaus Hall dining room were dominated by one topic, one man. Paul Middlestaedt Cardinal Kasper fi elds questions during a lively session with School of Theology∙Seminary students, faculty and staff.
18 A cardinal was coming. Kasper on a personal level and hearing him speak candidly gave Saint John’s School of Th eology·Seminary welcomed Walter students new insights. Cardinal Kasper to Saint John’s on March 23 for a day of conver- “It’s not often you get to meet a cardinal,” notes School of sation that closed with the Pax Christi Award and the Godfrey Th eology·Seminary student Chris Ángel, who studied Cardinal Diekmann, OSB, Lecture. An audience of hundreds gathered in Kasper’s Th e God of Jesus Christ in Professor Miguel Díaz’s “Trin- the Abbey Church to listen to this esteemed Church leader. Th e ity, Faith, and Revelation” course in the weeks leading up to the cardinal, who relished the opportunity to interact with students cardinal’s visit. “Learning about [Cardinal Kasper’s] experiences and give an academic lecture, was a gracious guest. He patiently in Germany and in Rome really brought home the universality of signed dozens of books for eager admirers, posed readily for photos the Church. We were all impressed by his humor and his humil- and gave thoughtful responses to every question he was asked. ity.” Cardinal Kasper, too, seemed impressed by the enthusiastic As president of the Pontifi cal Council for Promoting Christian welcome he received from the graduate students, faculty and staff . Unity and the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, On this rare, brief trip to the United States, Cardinal Kasper Cardinal Kasper works closely with the pope and travels the world. visited only Saint John’s, Harvard and Yale. He expressed his grati- As a theologian, he has published signifi cant books on the Eucha- tude for being chosen to receive the Pax Christi Award and give rist, Jesus and the Trinity, which are read around the globe. As a the Godfrey Diekmann Lecture at Saint John’s, saying, “I am hon- diplomat, Cardinal Kasper builds bridges between the Catholic ored by this award, and I understand it as a duty to go on in this Church and other faith communities. Yet, in spite of his interna- work for peace.” While at Saint John’s, the cardinal also visited the tional stature, this cheerful cardinal remains a teacher at heart. Hill Museum & Manuscript Library and the Collegeville Institute At Saint John’s, Cardinal Kasper spoke as a scholar and Church for Ecumenical and Cultural Research. In St. Cloud, he shared a representative willing to engage in dialogue with other theologians, meal with bishops from the region. (To request a copy of Kasper’s including graduate students. During a lunchtime question-and- lecture, "Timeliness of Speaking of God," write to [email protected] answer period, the cardinal’s respect for students of the School of or call 320-363-2839.) Th eology·Seminary was apparent. Th is attitude created a welcom- ing atmosphere for them to ask a number of challenging ques- Rose Beauclair Radkowski is director of marketing and communica- tions, including some that addressed ecumenical and interreligious tions for the School of Th eology∙Seminary. dialogue, the Eucharist and Church governance. Interacting with Paul Middlestaedt An impressive group gathers in the Abbey Church with Cardinal Kasper after the Pax Christi Award ceremony and Diekman Lecture. (L to R) Abbot John Klassen, OSB; Bishop John F. Kinney (St. Cloud, Minn.); Bishop John Quinn (Winona, Minn.); Cardinal Walter Kasper; Timothy Kelly, OSB (former abbot, Saint John’s Abbey and current president of the American Cassinese Congregation); Bishop Victor H. Balke (retired, Crookston, Minn.); Abbot Denis Quinkert, OSB (Blue Cloud Abbey, Marvin, S.D.).
19 ARTS & CULTURE
Th e Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program Spreads Worldwide By Jim Triggs The Rev. Canon Dr. James N. Rosenthal James N. Canon Dr. The Rev. St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London is the seventh institution worldwide and the fi rst in the United Kingdom to receive the Heritage Edition. The Rev. Nicholas Holtam, vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, received the gift and led a special service on June 14 in the landmark church in the heart of London. Pictured with the Wisdom Books and Prophets volumes are (L to R) the Rev. Professor Richard Burridge, dean of King’s College London; the Rev. Nicholas Holtam; Dan ’70 and Katharine Whalen; Rod Beadles, churchwarden of St. Martin-in-the-Fields; Archbishop Khotso Makhulu, assistant bishop of London; and Donald Jackson, artistic director of The Saint John’s Bible.
In 2008, Saint John’s University introduced the Heritage Edi- Th e Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Rowan tion, the limited edition, fi ne art reproduction of Th e Saint John’s Williams, said, “We tend to read greedily and hastily, as we do Bible. Th is year, special ceremonies celebrating the arrival of the so many other things: this beautiful text shows us a better way. Heritage Edition were held at Santa Clara University, the Cathe- Th is project not only revives the ancient tradition of the church dral of Christ the Light in Oakland, the Naples Museum of Art sponsoring creative arts, it also off ers an insight into that lost skill and Regis University in Denver. of patient and prayerful reading.” Th e latest ceremony took place on June 14 at St. Martin-in-the- Th anks to the generosity of Dan Whalen ’70 and Katharine Fields Anglican Church in London where Abbot John Klasssen, Whalen, St. Martin-in-the-Fields will have the Heritage Edition OSB, presented the Wisdom and Prophets volumes to the Rev. of Th e Saint John’s Bible on permanent display for parishioners and Nicholas Holtam, vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. visitors to enjoy for generations to come.
20 Lisa Greco Fr. Michael Sheeran, SJ, blesses the Wisdom volume at an event celebrating its arrival at Regis University on April 24. The Heritage Edition, a gift to Sheeran from Howard and Beulah Cherne, will be housed in the new St. John Francis Regis University Chapel. Jose Aquirre The Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, Calif., was presented with the Wisdom volume on March 7. The Heritage Edition was presented to the Cathedral by Abbot John Klassen, OSB, as a gift from Saint John’s University at the request of Dan ’70 and Katharine Whalen (above). The Whalens are residents of Oakland and parishioners of Saint Theresa Parish in the Diocese of Oakland. Naples Illustrated Fr. Paul Locatelli, SJ, former president of Santa Clara University (speaking), receives the Wisdom volume at a December 2008 presentation of the Heritage Edition at Santa Clara University (SCU). Also in attendance (L to R) Fr. Eric Hollas, OSB, senior associate, arts and cultural affairs, Saint John’s University; SCU Provost Lucia Gilbert; SCU Director of Development Jim Purcell; SCU Profes- sor Gregory Baker; Jean Drahmann; and Heritage Edition benefactor Tita Crilly Diepenbrock. Charles Barry (L to R) Eugene Frey, Fr. Eric Hollas, OSB; Dan Whalen ’70; and Mary Frey at the presentation of the fi rst volume of the Heritage Edition to Myra Janco Daniels, founder and director of the Naples Museum in Naples, Fla. The gift was made possible by the Eugene and Mary Frey Jim Triggs is the executive director of the Heritage Program. Family Foundation.
21 By Glenda Burgeson
Th e topic of food and beverage is at once universal and personal. It is the stuff of myth and of art. Th at is why I was tempted to subtitle this set of stories “Th e Case of the Purloined Truffl es.” I was assigned to write about Johnnies who work in the food and beverage industry— a chef, cheese-maker, vintner, brewer, chocolatier and a couple of marketers. Th e assignment generated much interest, leading to impromptu conversations in the hallway of fi rst fl oor Quad, and one mysterious offi ce caper. Aaron Barthel ’98 kindly shipped editor Jean Scoon and me a sample box of chocolate truffl es, the delivery of which caused such a stir we were forced to share. Offi ce coordinator Julie Scegura stored her portion in the offi ce fridge, only to discover later that someone had allowed greed to overcome the normal Benedictine moderation that prevails around here and had swiped the morsels. Food has that eff ect on people. It excites the senses and stirs the memories. John Taylor ’58 assures me, with tongue in cheek, that Johnnies of his era share fond memories of sewer trout, a “delicacy” once served at the Reef on mandatory meatless Fridays. (I’ll take his word for it.) What struck me about this assignment was this: I interviewed John- nies of all ages, from coast to coast, and they all described a similar experience. None had planned to work in the food and beverage industry. Instead, they each spoke of following a passion, of hard work and a commitment to excellence. I realized I wasn’t writing about the food and beverage industry after all. I was writing about a group of enterprising guys, a kindred spirit and a pursuit of a dream.
Glenda Burgeson is CSB/SJU director of editorial services—and a former barbecue chef and food critic.
22 How do you become an artisan and entrepreneur of fi ne food and drink? With passion, hard work and a commitment to excellence. Oh, and a degree in the liberal arts …
23 From Omelets to Michelin Star As a young child, Mark Sullivan ’89 learned to make omelets under his mother’s supervision. Th e achievement was an inspiration, the nationally renowned chef says. From that modest start, Sullivan devel- oped a lifelong interest in food that stayed with him when he left northern California for Saint John’s as a varsity wrestler and avid outdoorsman. It continued to nag at him after he graduated with a degree in philosophy, and it has fueled a passion that has since helped build a national reputa- tion and a culinary enterprise in the San Francisco area that encompasses pizzerias, a bakery, an organic farm, a coff ee supply house and three restaurants, including one with a Michelin star. Th at passion was, and is the key, Sul- livan says. After graduation, he expected
to attend graduate school, but decided to Frankeny Frankie take a six-month break from school and Mark Sullivan ’89, chef-partner at the acclaimed Village Pub in Woodside, Calif., and Michelin-starred indulge his love for cooking. Spruce in San Francisco, is now establishing a third restaurant in Park City, Utah. He ended up cooking under the tutelage of a talented chef, Amaryll Schwertner, next six months, Sullivan worked harder A few months later, he had another de- who had cooked at the famed Chez Panisse than he could have imagined. fi ning moment. Sullivan was working long in Berkeley. Competition was intense for “It was hard. I got my chops busted,” hours, coming in early to do preparation the opportunity to work 60-80 hour weeks he says. “For the fi rst time in my life, I work and staying late to scrub the kitchen. at a minimum wage with this chef. Sul- thought I was going to fail. Every day for “One night I was cleaning the oven and livan did two things that made him stand 90 days, I went to work thinking I’m go- noticed the clock said 12:30 a.m. I realized out among his competitors. He wore a suit ing to get fi red.” that I never looked at the clock. I had just to the interview, while his rivals dressed in Instead, he persevered. After three worked 12 hours and time had just fl own jeans and T-shirts. Also—and this is where months, he experienced a defi ning mo- by. Th at’s when I went to my dad and told he credits his degree—he wrote “a really ment. Schwertner not only told him he him I wanted to pursue this.” nice letter after the interview.” was doing a great job, she brought him 50 While his dad had some concerns about Th e letter made the diff erence. Schwert- cookbooks from her personal collection. the long hours and low pay, he agreed ner told him she would take a chance on “It was one of those defi ning moments that Sullivan should pursue his passion. him, but he would have to deliver. For the when I realized I can do this.” Sullivan secured an apprenticeship at a
“I realized that I never looked at the clock. I had just worked 12 hours and time had just fl own by.” –Mark Sullivan ’89, chef and restaurateur
24 two-star restaurant in the south of France. From there he worked with a chef in the Pyrenees in Spain, then back to France, where he cooked for a family in Marseille in exchange for room and board. After six months abroad, he returned to San Francisco and continued to train in the city’s fi ne restaurants. He was poor, but in a good way. He recalls “splurging” twice a week for a cappuccino, and he lived in a closet, literally. He converted a walk-in closet at the home of a friend into his sleeping quarters. Th at arrangement suited him, because he was at work all the time. In the mid 1990s, his reputation took off . Not yet 30, he was named chef at 42 Degrees, a Mediterranean restaurant. A rave review in the local press brought the foodies out in droves. “Th e next day there was a line out the door,” he recalls. His fans have never left. He has received a favorable review in Gourmet maga- zine. In 2002 he was selected as one of America’s best new chefs by Food & Wine Becca Dilley Photography magazine and Esquire listed his restaurant Jeff Jirik ’79, artisan cheesemaker and owner of the Faribault Dairy Co., uses a cutting harp to cut Spruce among its top new restaurants in milk into curds in the cheese-making process. Faribault Dairy’s Amablu® family of handmade blue 2008. Now chef-partner at the highly ac- cheeses has been winning prizes since 2002, including Grand Champion at the 2007 Minnesota State claimed Village Pub in Woodside, Calif., Fair. and Spruce in San Francisco, which has been awarded a Michelin star, Sullivan is Th rough it all he says his studies in phi- “Get a Job”… Making Premium establishing a third restaurant in a Waldorf losophy help him keep grounded. He also Blue Cheese? Astoria hotel in Park City, Utah. found time to court and marry his pastry Jeff Jirik ’79 didn’t plan to become a He is a partner in Bacchus Management chef. Despite his work ethic, he makes it cheese-maker. He stumbled into the busi- Group, which owns the restaurants, along a priority to be home on weekends with ness after graduation from SJU, when his with a fi ve-acre organic farm, a bakery, a Alison and two-year-old Ezra. father gave him the kind of directive only a coff ee supply house and four pizzerias. By the way, Sullivan’s dad is a regular father can give: “Get a job.” at the restaurant. “He gets whatever he Th e job market then was weak. Jirik wants,” Sullivan says. had moved back home when he heard As for Ezra, he hasn’t made any omelets; that a cheese-making facility in Faribault, he prefers to fry his eggs, sunny-side up. Minn., was hiring. He got a job scraping Planning ahead for that night out mold off the cheese. Within weeks, his in San Francisco? Check the supervisor found out he had a degree in menu at sprucesf.com. biology and promoted him to laboratory technician. Th us began his foray into the cheese-making profession.
25 Dairy + Botany = Truffl es Imagine a mad scientist loose in a chocolate factory. Th at would be chocolatier Aaron Barthel ’98. Ever since the creation of his signature French truffl e, fl avored with habanero chilies, nutmeg and dark rum, Barthel has been madly experimenting with fl avor profi les for his mail-order truffl e business, Intrigue Chocolates Co. To date, he has developed 68 fl avors. He also adds a secret ingredient to his confections that have swept the Seattle cu- linary scene: Minnesota spice. His award- winning sweets refl ect a unique blend of his dairy farm childhood experiences in central Minnesota and his Benedictine education in ecology/botany at Saint John’s. From a young age, he learned from his Aaron Barthel ’98, chocolatier and owner of Seattle-based Intrigue Chocolates Co., with some of his parents an appreciation of natural fl avors, handmade French truffl es. His chocolate won several awards at the Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon in seasonal produce and a connection with both 2008 and 2009. the source of food. As a natural science In the 1980s, the company promoted that is soaked with Summit Beer. Th at is major at Saint John’s, he continued to Jirik and, with his wife, Brenda (Sherwin) the brainchild of Jirik and CSB alumna pursue a lifelong interest in plants. Jirik CSB ’80, he relocated to Wisconsin. Jeannie (Bykowski) Kenevan ’98, market His truffl e fl avors attest to the conver- In 1991, the plant shut down. Jirik bought manager, Summit Brewing Co. gence of those interests: Lady Lavender, it in 2000 and established the Faribault Th e cheeses are aged in St. Peter sand- “like an evening walk through a French Dairy Company. Th e company produces stone caves carved during the last glacial garden”; Good Th ymes, with a “woodsy premium blue cheeses under age from the river bluff s overlooking character”; Mucha Mocha, fl avored with the Amablu® label, Faribault. JJirik says the atmosphere within organic fair-trade coff ee; and Mojito, a includingincluding the the caves is iideallyd suited for curing and cocktail in the form of a truffl e. award-winning aging blblueue ccheese.h His truffl e business began as a hobby, St.St. Pete’s SSe-e- Federal reregulationsg prohibit public tours until friends persuaded him to supply lect,lect, wwhichhich of the caves. HHowever, Jirik has opened a them truffl es for their catering business. is available cheese shoshop,p, Th e Cheese Cave, in down- Now a full-time chocolatier, he says he in a vversionersion town FaribaFaribault.u Th ere, visitors might spot loves the creativity his job requires. yet anotanotherher JJohnnieo connection. Jirik’s Barthel sees his business as a rela- former collecollegege roommate, Bob Foley ’80, is tionship-building enterprise. After all, the managinmanagingg partner for Th e Cheese Cave. chocolate is best enjoyed in the company “We JohnJohnniesn do tend to stick together!” of others. His business mantra is simply, Jirik sasays.ys. “If this business isn’t worthy of the passion, I’m done.” So far, the passion thing is YouYou can’t get into the caves, but working for him. yyou can get into the cheese at faribaultdairy.com. Intrigued? Learn more at intriguechocolates. com.
26 Order from Chaos Yields Award- delightful to Winning Wines watch the grapespes After 25 years as an emergency room and wonder aboutbout physician, Rich Evans ’74 traded suturing this year’s vintage.”age.” for pruning. In the vineyard,yard, “Both my wife and I said, ‘Enough,’” everything is dodonene by Evans explains. Ten years ago he and hand—the fruituit thinninthinning,g, his wife, Lynn Davis, downshifted from the harvesting.. PruninPruningg is done intense careers—she worked as a dean in February andnd March, while the for special scholars at the University of vines are dormant.mant. Evans describes Virginia—to the more seasonal, rhythmic the process as ““pastoral,pastoral, creatincreatingg vocation of viticulture as the owners of order from chaos.”aos.” Flying Fox Vineyard. A few years aago,go, the late Br. Th e Le Sueur, Minn., native says they Dietrich Reinhart,hart, OSB, always knew they wanted to grow some- spent a day at FFlyinglying Fox. thing. It was pruningg season, aandnd “My father grew corn. It seemed like it Evans warned hhimim beforbeforee would be a little more fun to grow grapes,” the visit, “If work is wor- he says. ship, you are going to do a lot of Th e project was a labor of love, tending worshipping.” You don’t have to go to Virginia to try three varieties—merlot, cabernet franc Br. Dietrich spent the day in worship, Evans’s fi ne wines. Learn more at and petit verdot—on six and a half acres, prune shears in hand. fl yingfoxvineyard.com. against a breathtaking backdrop of Blue Ridge Mountains in Afton, Va., near Charlottesville. “We have grown grapes for 10 years and have lost money every year on them,” he recalls. Four years ago, the couple took the next step—making wine. Th ey are beginning to see the rewards of that eff ort. Th eir 2006 Petit Verdot won a gold medal at the 2009 Virginia Governor’s Cup wine competi- tion. Th eir 2006 Trio and 2006 Cabernet Franc received bronze medals. With 5,000 vines, the vineyard pro- duces 38 tons of grapes and approximately 25,000 bottles of wine annually. Each year is an adventure, he says, and each venture— growing the grapes, making the wine and selling it—is a separate enterprise, with a separate learning curve. After 25 years as a doctor, Rich Evans ’74 became a vintner and is now co-owner with his wife of Fly- Tending the vineyard is his favorite. ing Fox Vineyards in Virginia, producing 25,000 bottles of wine annually. Their 2006 Petit Verdot won a “We just love growing grapes. It’s gold medal at the 2009 Virginia Governor’s Cup wine competition.
27 Let’s Brew Wouldn’t it be great to start a brew- ery? Dan Schwarz ’97 and some of his neighbors thought so. Four years after an idle conversation, Schwarz is a partner and CEO in Lift Bridge Brewery in Stillwater, Minn. Th e idea began as backyard chatter among fi ve neighbors, Schwarz says. “We were talking about how we would like to have a brewery, and we decided to get together and brew,” he says. Th ey began with recipe development; next came recipe refi nement. Th en there were the business and licensing details. Th ey produced the company’s fi rst keg in 2008. Now Schwarz has two careers. He kept his day job in computer science to pay the bills. It helps that he works at home, he says. When he takes a break, he can spend time with his children—Alex, 10; Jacob, 8; and Matthew, 5—and his wife, Katie (Macy) Schwarz, a ’97 CSB alumna and hall of fame diver at CSB.
Bread, Brats and Beer In Louisiana Cajun country, the aromatic vegetables bell pepper, onion and celery are affectionately called the holy trinity. In Col- legeville, the same may be said of bread, brats and beer. Enter John Uldrich '60, food marketer extraordinaire. He views Johnnie Bread as an important branding element, one that fuses the power of symbolism with the power of memory. Add beer and bratwurst sausages, and you have all the major food groups for a fi ne
2828 As CEO, Schwarz will have greater interaction with other businesses as the company builds its distribution. Th at’s the easy part. “Selling beer is the easiest job in the world,” Schwarz says. He walks into an establishment, off ers the manager a sample and lets the beer sell itself. For Schwarz and his partners, it is important to associate their beer with a place. Th us, they named their brewery for a distinctive landmark in Stillwater. Th e name helps establish their company within the community, and lends itself to visual marketing opportunities. Th e brewery had one other marketing advantage. Schwarz’s brother, Steve, is a CSB/SJU adjunct assistant professor in management and an adviser to the market- ing club. Th e club prepared a full market- ing plan for the company.
For more on brews by Schwarz and his neighbors, go to liftbridgebrewery.com Becca Dilley Photography Dan Schwarz ’97 is partner and CEO of Stillwater, Minn.-based Lift Bridge Brewery, which takes its name from a distinctive Stillwater landmark. The company produced its fi rst keg in 2008. Schwarz is now focusing on building the brewery’s distribution network.
Collegeville meal. Creamery, in northern Minnesota. He fl avors Mark Selner (Prep ’68), who conceived the Twenty years ago, Uldrich introduced wild the Johnnie Brats with foods associated with Olde Johnnie Ale idea while sharing a pint. rice sausage at a food show. Johnnie Brats are Saint John’s—apple, wild rice, maple syrup The guys poured their hearts into the project, his latest creation. He has trademarked the and beer. as Zimmerman reports that the ale required product on behalf of Saint John’s. The brats Olde Johnnie Ale has a similar marketing “many taste tests to arrive at a formula.” are sold locally at St. Joe’s Meat Market, with arrangement, with a portion of its proceeds Their hard work was rewarded. “It turned a portion of the profi ts designated for Saint benefi tting Saint John’s Preparatory School. out quite good,” he says. John’s. The ale is brewed at the Gluek Brewery in The ale was offi cially tapped at Brother “Brats date back to the 1500s,” says Cold Spring and is available at several loca- Willie’s Pub during a sesquicentennial celebra- Uldrich, who has worked in the food indus- tions throughout Central Minnesota, including tion, Family Fun Day, sponsored by Saint try for more than half a century, including Brother Willie’s Pub at SJU. John’s Abbey, Liturgical Press, Preparatory summers as a teenager at his grandfather’s Steve Zimmerman ’72 joined a group of School and University. award-winning creamery, Pine Mountain SJ Prep alumni, including Lee Jordan ’72 and
29 ADVANCING THE MISSION
Th immesh Becomes Director of Benedictine Institute
Th e Rev. Hilary Th immesh ’50, Programs associated with the OSB, president emeritus, has been Benedictine Institute will include named director of the Benedictine visiting scholars, symposia, faculty Institute at Saint John’s. development and research grants, Th e Benedictine Institute at study trips for faculty, staff , and Saint John’s was established by the alumni to Catholic and Benedic- University’s Board of Regents in tine sites and student programs 2008 to honor the late Br. Dietrich that convey Benedictine values, Reinhart, OSB, president emeritus. promote vocational refl ection and “Th e Benedictine heritage is prepare students for leadership and deeply rooted in ancient cultures, service in church and society. and we often think of it as one “Fr. Hilary’s long experience in of the great civilizing forces in academic aff airs, student develop- European history,” says Th immesh. ment and monastic leadership “Th ere is also a contemporary makes him the ideal director of our Benedictine world that stretches new Benedictine Institute,” said around the globe. We at Saint the Rev. Robert Koopmann, OSB, John’s and Saint Ben’s are part of president of Saint John’s Univer- that world. Th e Benedictine Insti- sity, commenting on Th immesh’s tute will help us see our mission as appointment. “Saint Benedict teachers and learners from the rich was concerned for every aspect of perspective of the world we come the well being of his communi- from and awareness of our world ties. Th is wonderful project will today.” encourage ever new and timely Th e purpose of the Benedictine Fr. Hilary Thimmesch '50, OSB methods to share our Benedictine Institute is to strengthen the Catholic, charism throughout the Saint John’s Benedictine character of Saint John’s University that has been and Saint Ben’s community.” its hallmark since it was founded in 1857 by the monks of Saint “I am thrilled that Fr. Hilary has accepted the position of direc- John’s Abbey. Toward that end, the institute will: tor of the Benedictine Institute,” said Abbot John Klassen, OSB, of • foster an understanding and appreciation of Benedictine Saint John’s Abbey. “He is a highly respected teacher, thinker and tradition, spirit and values among students, faculty and staff , leader on our two campuses, with a seasoned and integrated view of as well as alumni, parents and friends the dynamic interaction between being Catholic and Benedictine.” • foster interaction between the monks of Saint John’s Abbey Now professor emeritus of English and president emeritus, and students, faculty and staff of Saint John’s University Th immesh retired from full-time teaching in 2008. Almost • promote links between HMML, the Collegeville Institute, continuously from 1954 to the present, Th immesh has served as a Th e Saint John’s Bible and academic programs of the College faculty resident in the student residence halls at Saint John’s. of Arts and Sciences and the School of Th eology•Seminary
In Memory of Br. Dietrich and Julia Ladner, and Steve ’76 and Diane Halverson. Memorials to Br. Dietrich Reinhart ’71, OSB, “I was struck by the words: ‘. . . there is a critical need to defi ne may be made to the Benedictine Institute at Saint what it means to be a Benedictine university in America in the John’s University. Th us far, donors have contribut- 21st century,’” commented Halverson. “I hope and trust that the ed nearly $3 million to the Benedictine Institute, Benedictine Institute will be committed to exploring this crucial including leadership gifts from Jim ’78 and Mary question, to further advance the University and further deepen the Frey, Dan ’70 and Katharine Whalen, Frank ’48 great apostolate of Saint John’s Abbey.”
30 John Biasi Clemens Stadium Press Box Receives Upgrade
When thousands of Johnnie faithful return to campus for the visiting coaches, media, and so many of our own special guests, SJU football home opener against Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Sept. it is imperative that we address these important issues of safety, 12, the newly expanded press box will certainly catch their atten- hospitality and handicap accessibility,” Culligan adds. tion. Over the summer a third fl oor was added to accommodate Th e lead donor on the project is Bill Laliberte ’70 and his wife, the growing demand for hospitality. Ginny. Laliberte was a standout running back for the Johnnies. He Increased fan and media interest in Johnnie football and Hall of and Ginny live in southern California, where he owns a produce Fame coach John Gagliardi drove the decision to begin exploring brokerage fi rm. the possibility for this expansion project almost two years ago. “We “I’ve been a part of Saint John’s history for almost my entire life, have something special in Saint John’s football and we know that,” and it becomes a case of wanting to give back,” Laliberte said. “Th e says Tom Stock, SJU athletic director. “We’ve led the country in university has been a big part of my growth and my development, Division III attendance for the past eight years because our pro- and John Gagliardi played a big role in my early, formative years. gram is exceptional. John Gagliardi now has 461 career victories, So when this was put in front of me, I took the mantle and ran the most in college football history, and as this number edges with it. I told the school I’d like the chance to lead the charge.” closer to 500, we need to be prepared for what lies ahead.” Other donors include Dan ’52 and Mabel Coborn, Chris ’81 “Clemens Stadium has been named one of the ‘must-see’ desti- and Becky Coborn, Bill ’55 and Joyce Sexton, Jim Sexton ’81, nations in college football, and we want to continue to make im- Joel ’65 and Judy Montpetit, Mike ’90 and Kate Magnuson, provements to this renowned venue,” says Rob Culligan ’82, vice Denny ’83 and Brenda Schleper, Scott ’77 and Julie Becker, Greg president for institutional advancement. “Johnnie football games Soukup ’72 and Mary Jo Carr, Mike ’84 and Suzanne Becker, present a tremendous opportunity for us to spend time with fans, Paul '83 and Lisa Noack, John ’64 and Olivia McCormick. boosters and benefactors and to thank them for their support. We Like Laliberte, most of the donors played football for John just completed a successful capital campaign, and the new presi- during their years at SJU. Sexton, Montpetit and Becker are dent’s suite, along with four additional hospitality suites, provide the exceptions. “I am deeply grateful to these alumni and their the space needed to accommodate our alumni and friends.” spouses for their extraordinary support for this project,” said Dan Th e addition of an elevator and sprinkler systems for the three Whalen ’70, former interim president and chair of the capital fl oors also signifi cantly improves the safety of the facility. “For campaign. “Th ey are wonderful people.”
31 A Far-Ranging Legacy: Don McNeely and Saint John’s By John Taylor ’58
Don McNeely (L) and John Gagliardi
Lt. Commander Don McNeely (front) and the Australian coast watchers during WW II.
In March, Saint John’s interim president Dan Whalen ’70 paid a roy of the British Indian Empire and the fi rst governor-general of special visit to longtime Saint John’s enthusiast Don McNeely near independent India; Gen. Curtis Lemay, the father of the Strategic his winter home in Pebble Beach, Calif. Whalen recalls the visit Air Command; and the Australian coast watchers/code breakers, well. who played such an important role in the South Pacifi c. He retired “Don greeted me warmly,” said Whalen. “Over the next two from the navy as a lieutenant commander. hours, he told his story about his 45-year commitment to Saint McNeely’s relationship with Saint John’s began with a phone call John’s. Th roughout the conversation, Don demonstrated his still from his colleague, Harry Holtz ’39, CEO of First Trust Company, sharp mind, with vivid recall of events from the past half-century. St Paul. He off ered McNeely an opportunity of a lifetime. It was It was an honor for me to meet this iconic fi gure from Saint John’s 1963 and the Saint John’s football team had just been selected history.” One week later, McNeely passed away at 94. to play in its fi rst national championship––the Camellia Bowl in McNeely’s contributions were numerous and varied, and his Pasadena. Would McNeely help the team travel to California? marks may be found across the Saint John’s campus. “Yes.” After all, McNeely was a great athlete—a state squash cham- He was an entrepreneur extraordinaire. A native of St. Paul, pion, who threw the ball around with his friend Hank Greenberg graduate of St. Mark’s, St. Paul Academy and Yale, he spent his en- in wartime baseball games and played tennis until he was 90. He tire career, right up until the last day, making decisions that aff ect- was a co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings and helped bring the ed his vast warehousing enterprise. He was a director of a number Washington Senators to Minnesota. Th e Johnnies went on to beat of major companies (most notably the Space Center), nonprofi ts Prairie View A&M 33-27 to win the NAIA National Champion- and charitable foundations. ship, and a lifetime relationship between McNeely and coach John Like so many of his era, McNeely was a private person. He Gagliardi was born. downplayed his military achievements. A naval offi cer during Fast forward to 1967. Holtz once again approached his busi- World War II, he served throughout China, Burma and India and ness associate. Would McNeely join the Saint John’s Board of participated in several Guadalcanal landings. He served with many Regents? Th e response was again affi rmative, and McNeely spent historically signifi cant fi gures including Lord Louis Mountbatten, the next 42 years helping guide the fortunes of the university. supreme allied commander of the Southeast Asia Th eatre, last vice- Articles and news clippings from intellectual magazines and
32 papers were sent weekly to SJU presidents Fr. Colman Barry, Fr. Donald McNeely Spectrum Michael Blecker, Fr. Hilary Th immesh and Br. Dietrich Reinhart, When Saint John’s sought a major expansion of its athletic facili- along with notes observing educational trends and commentary ties in the 1990s, we once again turned to McNeely, and he re- on world issues. He corresponded regularly with SJU presidents, sponded with a leadership gift in support of the Donald McNeely deans and faculty members. He also sent tickets to the Vikings, Spectrum. Th is 60,000-square-foot fi eld house opened in 1998, Twins and North Stars as well as the Minnesota Orchestra and featuring an eight-lane indoor 200-meter track, fi ve indoor tennis Opera. His impact on the academic and athletic life of the Univer- courts, two collegiate-sized basketball courts, two high school-sized sity was profound. His gifts to Saint John’s were many and varied. basketball courts and baseball infi eld and facilities for golf and Over his lifetime he contributed more than $5 million to Saint baseball practices. At the time of its building, the Spectrum ranked John’s to a variety of priorities, making him the largest non-alumni among the best collegiate arenas in the Midwest. donor to the University.
Warner Palaestra In 1973, McNeely gave SJU a leadership challenge grant in sup- port of a new athletic facility which became known as the Warner Palaestra, named after his favorite aunt, Rose Warner. It replaced the Old Gym (Rat Hall), now known as Guild Hall, which was built in 1901.
The Forum Debate Society Th e Forum was patterned after the Cambridge Union and the Oxford Union societies of Great Britain. It began in 1977 and continued into the 1990s. Typically, nationally prominent guest debaters were joined by faculty and students representing each side of the topic, followed by a period of questions and discussion. Dedication of the McNeely Spectrum, Apr. 17, 1998 Th e program is scheduled to begin again in spring 2010 under the aegis of the Eugene McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic McNeely Entrepreneurship Program Engagement. McNeely was the visionary and investor behind the Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship at Saint John’s and Saint Benedict’s. Th e program provides classes, coaching and assistance to young entrepreneurs. It also builds relationships among and between students, faculty, alumni, and community members to create and strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit. Until his death, selected students presented their venture ideas and progress to McNeely each year at his corporate offi ce. In 2007, he provided funds to start the McNeely Student Venture Loan Fund to provide fi nancial resources for students to start or grow ventures while in school. Several student ventures have used those funds to launch or signifi cantly expand enterprises.
(L to R) Debaters Wm. F. Buckley Jr., Vincent King ’80 and Pat Welle ’78
University Chair in Critical Thinking In the 1980s, McNeely made a generous gift to Saint John’s to establish an endowed chair in critical thinking, originally known as the McNeely Chair in Critical Th inking. Now the University Chair in Critical Th inking, it is held by Prof. Nick Hayes ’69, a Russian scholar and MPR and PBS commentator. E-Scholars Abby Stahl ’08 (L) and Susan Lipp ’08 with Don McNeely
33 JOHNNIE SPORTS
Links for Life: Joe Daly ’09 By John Taylor ’58
Joe Daly ’09 has been faith-driven throughout his life. “As far back as I can remember, we were weekly churchgoers. My parents and my faith played major roles in my life. My closest friends are arguably the strongest Christians I know.” Raised in Owatonna, he was introduced to the world of math by his father, an insurance executive, who had him doing multiples of three in kindergarten. “I love numbers; math has just come easy to me, so I became an accountant.” He carried a 3.76 GPA in accounting, is a three-time Academic All-MIAC honoree, was named an All-American Scholar in 2008. He was additionally honored in 2009 as the College Sporting News Senior Student-Athlete, the Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar for Division III by the Golf Coaches Association of America, and ESPN Th e Magazine named him to the Academic All-America third team. “I always wanted to play competitive golf in college, but academics had to come fi rst,” Daly says. He had Division I “looks,” but decided to enroll at a D-III school. “Saint John’s was a no-brainer. It felt so right. I told coach Bob Alpers ’82 that he did not have to come after me; I was coming to Saint John’s. I had a great freshman fall season and won the conference championship.”
Daly’s sophomore year was average, but Paul Middlestaedt SJU won its fi rst national championship. Joe Daly ’09 has driven and putted his way to two conference championships and two national titles with the Johnnie linksmen while also earning a variety of academic honors. His junior year was a bit better, and Saint John’s got one of two at-large bids and proudest accomplishment was helping to Christian family camp in Branson, Mo. won a second national championship. In initiate a collegiate readership program After that, he hopes to pursue a career in his senior year, he played better, and the where the senate pays for the daily New accounting or insurance. Johnnies again won the conference cham- York Times, USA Today and Minneapolis pionship. Th ey slipped to an eighth place Star Tribune for our students. Oh, and the John Taylor is SJU associate vice president, fi nish at nationals. dodgeball team that I play on, the Dodg- institutional advancement—and a BIG “I love Saint John’s. I served in the sen- ers, is the seven-time intramural winner.” Johnnie fan. ate for three years, two as president. My Daly will spend the summer at a gojohnnies.com
34 BASKETBALL (14-12, 12-8 MIAC) fi nished third America (GCAA) All-District selection and the 2006 fourth wrestlingng national and made its 18th appearance in the MIAC tourna- MIAC Co-Freshman of the Year, Schoolmeesters led champion at thehe 2009 ment. Aaron Burtzel ’11 was named to the All-MIAC the MIAC in stroke average for the second consecu- NCAA Division III championchampion-- fi rst team, while wing Chris Schwartz ’11 was tive season in 2008-09 (73.4). Daly and Jeff Nechas ships. As a team,am, the John- named honorable mention. Point guard Andy Burns ’09 were named Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America nies fi nished 155th out of 62. ’12 was named to the fi ve-man All-First Year team Scholar for Division III by the (GCAA). Dustin Baxter ’11’11 fi nished and wing Cole Isetts ’09 was named to the All-MIAC seventh at 1844 pounds Sportsmanship team. SJU head coach Jim Smith’s HOCKEY (10-14-1, 7-8-1 MIAC) fi nished seventh to also earn All-Americanl-American quest for milestone win No. 700 will wait until next in the MIAC under the direction of fi rst-year head honors (top eight). The season when he begins his 46th season in Colleg- coach Doug Schueller. Pat Connelly ’09 was named grapplers fi nished the season 10-5 in dual meets, eville with a 699-487 career record. Smith received to the All-MIAC fi rst team. including an 18-13 win over Augsburg that snapped the 13th annual Outstanding Service Award from the a 22-match losing streak. The win, which was the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) NORDIC SKIING saw Mason Bacso ’11, Grant fi rst for the Johnnies over the Auggies since the at this year’s NABC Convention in Detroit. Cook ’12, Trevor Drake ’10, Kevin Neal ’10 and 1985-86 season, also broke two other Augsburg Matt Palmquist ’12 named to the 2009 NCAA All- winning streaks—a streak of 70 straight victories BASEBALL ended the 2009 season with a 12- Academic Ski Team. To qualify, they had to hold a over Minnesota Division II or III opponents since 20 overall record and a 7-13 record in the MIAC. minimum GPA of 3.5 during the fall 2008 semester 1996, and a streak of 92 straight victories over foes Mike Krempa ’09 was named to the 2009 All-MIAC and participate in the 2009 NCAA Regional. stretching to the 1986-87 season. Grant Eustice ’09 Sportsmanship team. Head coach Jerry Haugen ’76 was named a 2008-09 National Wrestling Coaches ended his 32nd season four wins shy of 600 for his SWIMMING AND DIVING fi nished fi fth at the Association (NWCA) Academic All-American. Eustice career with a 596-519-5 record. MIAC Championships, posting 26 top-10 fi nishes in posted a 24-11 record in 2008-09 and fi nished the three-day meet. fourth in the 174-pound bracket at the NCAA Great GOLF fi nished eighth out of 36 teams at the 2009 Lakes Regional. Eustice also earned NWCA Aca- NCAA Division III Men’s Golf Championship in Port TENNIS (9-9, 5-4 MIAC) ended its season with demic All-America honors in 2006-2007. St. Lucie, Fla. SJU has now fi nished in the top 10 at a 7-2 loss to St. Olaf in the fi rst round of the MIAC the NCAA Division III Championship eight of its 10 playoffs. Head coach Jack Bowe ended the year with consecutive appearances (2000-09). Joe Daly ’09 a 121-116 career record in 12 seasons. Mark Steel- led the Johnnies with a four-day total of 300 (+12) man ’09 and Dutch Hansen ’10 earned All-MIAC CLUB SPORTS to tie for 29th overall, while Joey Polingo ’09 and honors in singles competition. Joe Schoolmeesters ’09 followed with a 301 (+13; LACROSSE won a tough nonnon-conference-conference win t-33rd) and 302 (+14; t-37th), respectively. Daly TRACK AND FIELD claimed three individual MIAC against No. 3 nationallyationally ranked Grand Valley named recipient of the fourth annual College Sport- titles to fi nish fi fth at the 2009 MIAC Indoor Cham- State. Thirteen freshmenreshmen joined a stronstrongg ing News Senior Student-Athlete Award for the MIAC. pionships and tied for 24th at the NCAA Division III core of upperclassmen.assmen. Captains Brian Daly is a three-time Academic All-MIAC honoree and Indoor Championships. Eric Buss ’09 and Erik Diley Strauss ’09 , Mikeke Freeman ’09, Justin was named to the 2009 Academic All-America third ’09 earned All-America honors. The team fi nished Gervais ’09 and BriBrianan KKubovecubovec ’1’100 team. Schoolmeesters was named to the Division second at the 2009 MIAC Outdoor Championships as helped the teamm transtransition toition to a new III PING All-America third team. The three-time nine individuals earned a total of 14 All-MIAC honors coach, Derek Daehn—theaehn—the 2009 MIAC Pla Playeryer of the YearYear,, Schoolmeesters and claimed conference titles in fi ve events. SJU has UMLL coach of tthehe year. The John- earned 2008 All-America now fi nished second or better at the meet each of nies and Tommieses qualifiqualifi ed fforor the fi rst team honors with a the past seven seasons and tied for 44th at the NCAA MCLA National TTournamentournament losing sixth-placesixth-place fi nish at the Division III Outdoor Championships, thanks to a pair to Dayton in the semifisemifi nals and 2008 national champion- of All-America performances by Brayden Wagner ’09 fi nishing the seasonason at 11-3. ship. A four-time Golf in the decathlon (sixth) and pole vault (eighth). Buss CoachesCoaches Association of ended his career by earning All-America honors for ULTIMATE FRISBEERISBEE waswas the fi fth time, all in the triple jump (two indoor, three ranked 15th in thehe country fforor D-III outdoor), with a sixth-place fi nish (14.78 meters). He frisbee teams wwithith a record ofof was named the MIAC Outstanding Field Athlete for 31-17, qualifyingg them fforor the both the indoor and outdoor seasons in 2009, and nationals, wheree ttheyhey pplacedlaced was named to the Academic All-America fi rst team. 13th, fi nishing wwithith a record WRESTLING Minga Batsukh ’11 become SJU’s of 3-3.
gojohnnies.com
35 ALUMNI CONNECTION
Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award Robert Spinner ’64 The 2009 Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished graduate and professional school,” Spinner Alumnus Award will be presented to Bob says. Spinner ’64 at the annual Alumni As- Throughout his life, Spinner has sociation banquet on Oct. 2. Recognizing remained connected to the Saint John’s Bob’s outstanding service to the Saint John’s community. He has served as chair of the community, it is the highest honor given by Board of Regents and is currently a mem- the Alumni Association. The award is named ber of the National Campaign Committee. for Fr. Walter, the driving force behind the “In recent years, Saint John’s has asked Alumni Association for decades. So ardent for an ever increasing commitment was his dedication to SJU, its students and from our alumni serving on the Univer- alumni that he became known as “Mr. Saint sity’s Board of Regents,” comments Dan John’s.” Whalen ’70, former SJU interim president It was the athletic program that drew and himself a Reger recipient. “We’ve Robert (Bob) Spinner ’64 to Saint John’s expanded responsibilities, created new University, but when he arrived he found committees and posed tough ques-
much more. His student years translated Middlestaedt Andra tions. Bob has always been there exhibiting into a lifelong commitment to alma mater. Bob Spinner ’64 exemplary leadership, keen insight and a Spinner played football and ran track. dedicated willingness to roll up his sleeves He majored in economics and accounting ask how school was going, what we were and go to work. He has been a wonderful and participated in ROTC. studying (hopefully we were), and how role model and helped move Saint John’s “Arriving at football camp two weeks were our grades. He was genuinely inter- to new plateaus. before school started in August of 1960, I ested in our future and what our career “It’s wonderful that we can give Bob experienced some homesickness and fear goals were. How could you not want to the Fr. Walter Reger Award this year as his of my ability to make the SJU football give your all for a coach like him?” class celebrates its 45-year reunion.” team. Within two days some 15 fresh- Following graduation, Spinner earned In addition, Bob and his wife, Patti, man football players, who had competed an M.A. in hospital and healthcare admin- continue to generously support the univer- against each other in high school, were istration from the University of Minnesota sity. They established The Robert and Patti bonding as friends and teammates. I knew and launched a career in the healthcare Spinner Family Endowed Scholarship in I belonged at SJU,” Spinner recalls. industry. He spent 33 years with Allina December 2003. “The University is com- Spinner helped Saint John’s win its first Hospitals & Clinics and its predecessor mitted more than ever before to ensuring national football championship in 1963 as organizations in various capacities, serving that the Saint John’s experience is acces- an all-conference halfback. Teamed with as president and CEO of Abbott North- sible to young men from all walks of life,” star back Bernie Beckman ’64, “Spinner western Hospital for 10 years. He retired Spinner says. “Patti and I are impressed by and Beckman” became a familiar catch in 2001 as president of Allina Hospitals this commitment, so much so that we have phrase for SJU fans and later generations and Clinics. established a family scholarship that we of Johnnie football players. This past June, Spinner was named the imagine will grow significantly. “John Gagliardi has been my coach, Interim CEO of Catholic Charities for the “When it comes to classmates and alum- teacher, mentor and a dear friend through- Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis. ni of Saint John’s who have impacted my out my life. On a regular basis Coach He is the former chair of the board of life, the list goes on forever. Saint John’s would make rounds in our dorm in the Catholic Charities. friends are like an extended family that just evening. There would be a knock on the “I spent my entire professional career continues to grow,” Spinner comments. door and there would be John. He never in healthcare so I know how important a Spinner is father to Robert, Jr., Paul ’91 talked football at this time. He would liberal arts education is as a precursor to and Melissa CSB ’92.
sjualum.com
2836 ALUMNI CONNECTION
Bring Your Johnnie Community Once registered, you can fi nd the names Th e Alumni Association also has a page Home and contact information for friends and available on Facebook. Become a fan Johnnies around the world are fi nd- classmates or search for alumni who share of our page by logging on to Facebook ing ways to connect for career and social career interests. To register, visit sjualum. and searching for Saint John’s University networking. Nearly 30 alumni chapters are com and click on the link in the upper Alumni Association. You’ll receive updates scattered from Hong Kong to Des Moines right corner. about events in your area just by logging in and in between. Affi nity to Facebook. groups are also available You can also connect for Johnnies with shared through LinkedIn. Join interests, such as former the offi cial group by choir members, physicians, searching for Saint John’s athletes and more. An affi n- University Alumni As- ity group called Th e Young sociation (MN). LinkedIn Alum Network is made provides a great opportu- up of Johnnies and Ben- nity to post jobs, resumes nies who have been out of or career questions online. college for 10 years or less. If you have questions Because not everyone or would like to learn can attend events, the more about chapters, Alumni Association off ers affi nity groups or any of several electronic means of the electronic com- communicating with your munication tools classmates. available, contact JohnniesConnect is the the alumni offi ce offi cial online directory at 800-635-7303.. for Saint John’s University.
FINE ARTS CALENDAR Sweet Honey in the Rock Chicago City Limits Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas Saturday, September 12, 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 23, 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 13, 8:00 p.m. Petters Auditorium, CSB Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU Saturday, October 24, 7:30 p.m. 500 Clown Macbeth Petters Auditorium, CSB Room on the Broom Friday, September 18, 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 20, 7:30 p.m. Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU
BodyVox Danú: A Christmas in Ireland Friday, September 25, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 7:00 p.m. Petters Auditorium, CSB Petters Auditorium, CSB
Minnesota Orchestra A Judy Collins Christmas Thursday, October 1, 7:30 p.m. featuring the CSB/SJU Orchestra Petters Auditorium, CSB Friday, December 11, 7:30 p.m. Petters Auditorium, CSB
sjualum.com
37 ALUMNI CONNECTION
Johnnies in the Media
Richard Bresnahan ’76 described his and global economies have created a chal- approach to art and life in a feature story lenging landscape for virtually every type in The Chronicle of Higher Education in of business. Now in his 22nd year with February. Polaris, Morgan was named president and COO in April 2005.
Phil Stalboerger ’95, vice president of policy and leg- Bill Jeatran ’82 (L) and Tim Fleming islative affairs ’82 lead RJF Agencies, Inc., which took for Blue Cross home the 2009 Minnesota Business Ethics and Blue Shield Award for mid-sized businesses. Finalists of Minnesota, were noted in the Star Tribune and also in- was listed as a cluded Allodium Investment Consultants, “Forty Under David Prendergast ’76, president led by David Bromelkamp ’82. 40” honoree and CEO of by the Min- the Global Bennett Morgan ’85, Polaris president neapolis/St. Paul FoodBanking and chief operat- Business Journal. The award spotlights 40 Network, was ing officer, has of the region’s top young business and civic featured in a been named the leaders. David Olson, president of Min- Chicago Busi- 2009 Executive nesota Chamber of Commerce, says that ness magazine of the Year by Stalboerger is “a hardworking and honest profile entitled Powersports Busi- lobbyist who is respected by folks on both “Creating a New ness magazine. sides of the political aisle–and that is no Blueprint to End The magazine small feat these days.” Hunger.” The organization focuses on praised Morgan supporting existing food banks and creat- for providing Chris Boyd ’77, CEO of Sharp Chula ing new ones around the world, ultimately excellent leadership and foresight during Vista Medi- “connecting surplus with need,” noted the past year, when crumbling national cal Center, Prendergast. described his leadership style in a cover story of SmartBusi- ness San Diego. Boyd credits coach John Gagliardi with giving him his first lessons in business leadership–emphasizing communication and personal responsibility. “One of the things I learned [from Gagliardi] is that you hire good people, and if you’re very selective in the hiring or appointment pro- Callie Shell / Aurora Photos Aurora Callie Shell / cess, you get out of their way and let them Denis McDonough ’92, senior foreign who meet at the end of the day and decide work,” Boyd says. policy aide for President Barack Obama, things.” McDonough was also pictured in was featured in a Rolling Stone article on a Time photo essay “Obama’s 100 Days: the President’s four-man inner circle of Behind-the-Scenes Photos.” He appears in advisors. A defense and intelligence con- several photos, in one of which he is play- sultant speaks of the group’s responsibility: ing football with the President in the Oval “[President Obama’s advisors] are the guys Office (below).
sjualum.com
38 ALUMNI CONNECTION
HOMECOMING 2009 Celebration on the Tundra October 2-4, 2009 Celebrate Saint John’s with alumni, family and friends at Homecoming. Th e weekend of October 2-4, 2009 will be fi lled with good times for all. Festivities will begin with the Alumni Association’s Homecoming Banquet, where we will present Bob Spinner ’64 the Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award. Saturday, Saint John’s will play host to Bethel University in an MIAC matchup in front of a crowd that historically numbers more than12,000 fans. Following the football game, join over 3,500 alumni and friends at our Celebration on the Tundra, where you can reconnect with friends and the kids can enjoy infl atable games, food and entertainment. Don’t miss it! Photos by Dawid Chabowski Photos by
sjualum.com
39 MILESTONES
Marriages Dec. ’08 ’06 Suzanne (Gerjets ’06) to David Burke ’06, ’95 Sarah Cherry to Marshal Cooley ’95, ’04 Jill (Podgorski ’04) to Nate Kopetka ’04, Sept. ’08 Aug. ’08 Aug. ’08 ’06 Suzanne (Conlin ’06) to David Gorski ’06, ’01 Carrie to Josh Otto ’01, Aug. ’08 ’04 Sarah (Rund ’09) to Jeremy Lind ’04, June ’08 ’01 Maria to Matt Schnobrich ’01, Oct. ’08 June ’08 ’06 Carin (Willette ’06) to Brady Hanson ’06, ’01 Megan (Qvale ’02) to Dan Stepaniak ’01, ’04 Ellida (Veenis ’04) to Ali Moin ’04, Nov. ’08 Mar. ’09 Aug. ’08 ’04 Lisamarie (LiGreci) to Joe Newton ’04, ’07 Josi Cecchini to Luke Hellier ’07, Aug. ’08 ’01 Renee Mader to Dan Welna ’01, June ’09 Oct. ’08 ’07 Mirela to Adem Lisicic ’07, Oct. ’08 ’02 Jessica Schill to Jason Miller ’02 May ’09 ’04 Ashley (Agerter ’04) to Matthew Raitor ’07 Megan (Groneberg ’07) to Matthew ’02 Anne (Kocik ’03) to Brian Ragatz ’02, ’04, Dec. ’08 Logering ’07, Feb. ’09 Dec. ’08 ’04 Aimee (Cupelli ’04) to John Schumacher ’07 Clarey (McKeown ’07) to Brendan McIn- ’03 Krista Anderson to Tony Buesing ’03 ’04, June ’08 erny ’07, June ’09 May ’09 ’04 Lindsey (Hoffman ’04) to Adam Sheve- ’07 Nicole (Fritz ’07) to Christopher Truso ’03 Jana (Viramontes ’02) to Alan Gaffaney land ’04, Nov. ’08 ’07, Aug. ’08 ’03, Nov. ’08 ’05 Heather Sieben to Christopher Bell ’05, ’07 Jessica (Wetter ’07) to Andrew Widen ’03 Carrie (Gorecki ’03) to Todd Jahnke ’03, Oct. ’08 ’07, Nov. ’08 Jan. ’08 ’05 Elizabeth (Siebenaler ’05) to Joseph ’08 Natalie (Arel ’08) to Nathan Justin ’08, ’03 Anna (Kokesch ’03) to Eric Reeve ’03, Marinac ’05, Jan. ’09 Dec. ’08 Sept. ’07 ’05 Patricia (Hobday ’01) to Ryan Strack ’05, ’08 Cassy Wilson to Chad Vos ’08, Mar. ’09 ’04 Kristen (Dudziak ’04) to Jordan Bewley Sept. ’08 ’04 May ’08 ’05 Jessica (Timm ’05) to Brooks West ’05, ’04 Megan (Pavek ’05) to John Boyle ’04, June ’08
Alumni Achievement Award Honorees Named
Nine alumni will be recognized with the include the late Sen. Eugene McCarthy ’35; a ranked list to the Alumni Association Saint John’s University Alumni Achieve- the late National Football League Hall Board of Directors for fi nal selection. ment Award during class reunion pro- of Famer Johnny (Blood) McNally ’49; Generally, one award is given each year to grams at Homecoming this year. Presented missionary priest Fr. Jack Davis ’65; Wall one member of a reunion class celebrating by the SJU Alumni Association Board of Street executive Roger Birk ’52; and Mike 20th-50th-year reunions. Th is year special Directors and the University, the award Hennessey ’70, sheriff of San Francisco. recognition will be given to Dr. Ralph salutes professional and career accomplish- Nominations may be made through the Kilzer ’57 and the late Jim Goodman ’84. ments as well as personal contributions alumni offi ce at any time. Class com- to church and community. Past recipients mittees review the names and forward
Class of 1957: Ralph Kilzer, civil servant
Whether it’s the operating room or the state capitol, Ralph Kilzer has been serving the people of North Dakota for decades. An orthopedic surgeon in Bismarck, he served two years in the State House before be- ing elected to the North Dakota Senate every term since 1999. Kilzer has also been an active volunteer with the Knights of Colum- bus and the University of Mary, which gave him its McCarthy Award and the Schafer Excellence in Healthcare Award. He’s also been recog- nized professionally with the Friend of Nursing Award from the N.D. Nursing Association and by St. Mary’s High School, which gave him its distinguished service award.
40 Class of 1959: Don Hall, stockbroker and volunteer
A retired stockbroker and investment counselor, Don Hall has used his talents in many ways, crossing international and ecumenical boundaries. He has been a board member, fundraiser, donor and active member with Common Hope (supporting schools and clinics in Gua- temala) and Sister Parish (adopting parishes in Central America); he also helped launch the CSB/SJU Cyril Paul Scholarship for Caribbean students. Hall helped rebuild the steeple at Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis and Stella Maris Chapel on the shores of Lake Sagatagan. He’s also served on the North Side Peace Force in Minneapolis, the Archdiocese Christian Sharing Fund and the League of Women Voters. Hall is also an author: his book, A Man Learns, recounts his youth in Central Minnesota, often using humor to trace the challenges of growing up.
Births ’91 Maria & Chris Miller ’91, girl, Clare, ’95 Libby (Dooley ’98) & Bobby Hankey ’95, ’79 Andrea & Mike Bobick ’79, boy, Charles, Mar. ’09 boy, Daniel, Dec. ’08 Feb. ’09 ’91 Sarah & Glenn Necklen ’91, girl, Tess, ’95 Jessa (Sanden ’99) & Christopher ’79 Lori & Jon Habben ’79, boy, Cohen, Sept. ’08 Hastings ’95, girl, Audrey, Apr. ’08 Oct. ’08 ’91 Kay & Derek Peterson ’91, girl, Macy, ’95 Hether & Bill Johnson ’95, boy, William, ’82 Anna Maria & Peter Jude ’82, girl, Apr. ’08 Mar. ’09 Elizabeth, Oct. ’08 ’92 Caprice & Todd Bass ’92, boy, Palmer, ’95 Heidi (Skundberg ’95) & Joel Kram ’95, ’83 Donna & Phil Villavicencio ’83, girl, Ava, Jan. ’09 girl, Elizabeth, Feb. ’09 Oct. ’08 ’92 Ami (Trempe ’95) & Daniel Bieurance ’92, ’95 Jennifer (Fontaine ’94) & Nathan Modeen ’84 Kelly Ann (Panchot ’89) & Mark Giura ’84, boy, Joshua, Nov. ’08 ’95, girl, Sophia Ida, Sept. ’08 girl, Emma, Feb. ’07 ’92 Kristy & Brandon Erickson ’92, boy, ’95 Robyn & Sam Rasure ’95, girl, Katherine, ’85 Amy & Paul Elskamp ’85, boy, Samuel, Christopher, Sept. ’08 Oct. ’08 Nov. ’08 ’92 Heidi (Halstrom ’93) & Eric Hokanson ’92, ’95 Nicole (Polipnick ’95) & Tim Ward ’95, girl, ’86 Donna & Dave Caldwell ’86, boy, Colt, boy, Olin, Sept. ’08 Molly, May ’08 Sept. ’08 ’92 Melissa & Lee Olmscheid ’92, girl, ’96 Alicia & Josh Anderson ’96, boy, Wyatt, ’86 Jennifer & John Gag ’86, twin boys, Megan, June ’08 May ’08 George and Charles, July ’08 ’92 Melissa & Steven Vander Louw ’92, boy, ’96 Kerry (Ebnet ’95) & Christopher Herker ’87 Thuy & Dave Creen ’87, boy, Jonathan, Lucas, Nov. ’08 ’96, boy, Lucas, Apr. ’09 Nov. ’08 ’93 Suzanne (Zobitz ’95) & Jason Kelly ’93, ’96 Sarah Jo & Troy Jurek ’96, girl, Mazie, ’88 Char & Mike Vecellio ’88, girl, Isabella, boy, Blake, Oct. ’08 Jan. ’09 Jan. ’09 ’93 Audrey (Lamoureux ’93) & Matthew ’96 Karen & Andrew Kaus ’96, boy, Owen, ’89 Molly & David Heisler ’89, girl, Mary, Morrey ’93, girl, Emma, Sept. ’08 Aug. ’08 Feb. ’09 ’93 Atsuko (Kitanaka ’97) & Mark Schlough ’96 Billie (Stotz ’97) & Steven Kimman ’96, ’89 Kathy (Saeugling ’87) & Tad Hendrickson ’93, girl, Emma, Dec. ’08 girl, Payton, Nov. ’08 ’89, boy, Dashiell, Dec. ’07 ’93 Michelle (Holschuh ’93) & Bob Simmons ’96 Clayne & Steven Knapp ’96, girl, Emily, ’89 Suzanne & Jon Hughes ’89, boy, Ian, ’93, twin boys, Alexander and Marc, Nov. ’08 Oct. ’08 Dec. ’08 ’96 Chris (Birckhead ’98) & Tom Meyers ’96, ’90 Jody & Chip Ferlaak ’90, boy, Crew, ’94 Stacey (Gerlach ’94) & David Moe ’94, girl, River, Oct. ’08 Sept. ’08 boy, Benjamin, Nov. ’08 ’96 Mara (Geis ’96) & Scott Peterson ’96, boy, ’90 Selvi & Tom Habstritt ’90, girl, Amanda, ’95 Sara (Wartman ’98) & Matthew Dooley Maxwell, Dec. ’08 Oct. ’08 ’95, girl, Claire, Oct. ’08 ’96 Jodi (Rademacher ’96) & Jason Radel ’90 Sara (Cooney ’91) & Tom Preimesberger ’95 Jennifer & Jason Engel ’95, boy, Kai, ’96, boy, Jayden, Feb. ’08 ’90, boy, Ryan, Jan. ’09 Feb. ’09 ’96 Stephanie & Mark Regnier ’96, girl, Maya, ’91 Victoire & Derek Clements ’91, boy, ’95 Natalie & John Fowler ’95, girl, Isabelle, Feb. ’09 Matthew, June ’08 Dec. ’08 ’97 Holly (Larson ’97) & Noah Brandenburger ’97, boy, Anthony, Apr. ’09
41 MILESTONES
Class of 1964: Ken Roering, professor and chair
Former chair in marketing and a professor at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, Ken Roering is a highly sought-after consultant. He has shared his expertise in marketing strategy, planning and inter-organizational relations with 3M, Whirl- pool, Cargill, Motorola and other companies as well as at lectures at universities across the country and in France and Poland. He has also published more than 70 articles, edited three collections of scholarly writings and written two books. His pedagogy has been recognized with various teaching and research awards including the University of Minnesota Outstanding Graduate Teacher honor. Roering is a Regent of Saint John’s University and sits on several corporate boards of directors.
’97 Rachel (Stokman ’97) & Curtis Brown ’97, ’99 Kristin & Michael Dirksen ’99, boy, ’00 Amy (Larson ’00) & John Sand ’00, girl, boy, Benet, Apr. ’09 Samuel, Mar. ’09 Nora, Sept. ’08 ’97 Lisa & Alan Christenson ’97, boy, ’99 Krista & Brian Gerten ’99, boy, Logan, ’00 Kim & Bryan Skavnak ’00, boy, Ethan, Benedict, Feb. ’09 Mar. ’09 Nov. ’08 ’97 Leah & Aaron Holmgren ’97, boy, Eli, ’99 Allison & Justin Kelley ’99, girl, Adelynn, ’00 Anne (Carlin ’00) & Jeremy Skramsted Jan. ’09 Feb. ’09 ’00, boy, Kaleb, Mar. ’09 ’97 Christine & Stephen Klaus ’97, boy, ’99 Brenda & Pete Klaphake ’99, girl, Abby, ’00 Kelley (Connor ’01) & Jeff Stangler ’00, Henry, Dec. ’08 Aug. ’08 girl, Luella, Aug. ’08 ’97 Tracy (Schuelke ’98) & Craig Kopetzki ’99 Brenda (Garding ’99) & Steven Maus ’99, ’00 Stacy (Deery ’00) & Shane Stennes ’00, ’97, boy, Allen, Dec. ’07 girl, Claire, Oct. ’08 boy, Liam, Aug. ’08 ’97 Carrie (Swanson ’97) & Jeffrey Kram ’97, ’99 Amy (Haupert ’99) & Saul McBroom ’99, ’00 Christina & Matthew Tinguely ’00, boy, girl, Cecilia, July ’08 boy, Dyson, Sept. ’08 Benjamin, Sept. ’08 ’97 Luz & Marc Mortl ’97, boy, Brendan, ’99 Jocelyn & Jason Rowe ’99, boy, Cale, ’01 Amber (Dryden ’00) & Adam Briggle ’01, Oct. ’08 Aug. ’08 girl, Mary, Feb. ’08 ’97 Shannon (Feneis ’99) & J. Scott Pitonyak ’99 Cindy & Casey Scheidt ’99, boy, Easton, ’01 Theresa (Kidd ’01) & Andy Case ’01, girl, ’97, girl, Jordan, May ’08 Apr. ’09 Leah, Dec. ’07 ’97 Amy & Jeffrey Sieben ’97, boy, Benjamin, ’99 Jill & Tim Smith ’99, boy, Parker, Feb. ’09 ’01 Mindy (Fradin ’01) & Adam Gallagher ’01, June ’08 ’99 Maura & Marcus Tanabe ’99, boy, Myles, girl, Fiona, Jan. ’09 ’97 Carisa & Nathan Stangler ’97, boy, Oct. ’08 ’01 Janna (Winter ’01) & Dave Galloway ’01, William, Apr. ’09 ’99 Shannon (Muchlinski ’99) & Ben Tempel boy, Jack, Nov. ’08 ’97 Alison (Beens ’97) & Ryan VanDeWiele ’99, girl, Rebecca, May ’08 ’01 Reyna (Manley ’01) & David Hartley ’01, ’97, girl, Gabrielle, Nov. ’08 ’99 Sarah (Athmann ’99) & Chris Thompson boy, Liam, Jan. ’09 ’97 Sandra (Breth ’98) & Josh Woodrum ’97, ’99, boy, Samuel, Sept. ’08 ’01 Carrie & Adam Klepetar ’01, girl, boy, Lucas, Feb. ’09 ’99 Molly & Eric Zenk ’99, girl, Sophie, Elizabeth, Apr. ’09 ’98 Molly (Schiltgen ’98) & Justin Bonnett June ’08 ’01 Andrea & Patrick Mack ’01, girl, Lily, ’98, girl, Madeleine, Mar. ’08 ’00 Anna Marie & Tom Bushlack ’00, boy, Mar. ’09 ’98 Bethany (Vukson ’98) & Matthew Kostol- Sean, Apr. ’09 ’01 Melanie (LaComb ’02) & Scott McMahon nik ’98, girl, Emma, Nov. ’08 ’00 Megan & Dan Heffernan ’00, girl, ’01, boy, Brennan, Mar. ’09 ’98 Meg (Kulenkamp ’00) & Ryan Mitchell Susanna, Feb. ’09 ’01 Natalie (Powers ’03) & Adam Miller ’01, ’98, girl, Grace, Sept. ’08 ’00 Jennifer (Winkels ’00) & Jacob Johnson boy, Aric, Aug. ’08 ’98 Maria (Prom ’99) & Aaron Ramthun ’98, ’00, boy, Jude, Apr. ’09 ’01 Katie (Corbett ’02) & Adam Phenow ’01, boy, Deacon, Sept. ’08 ’00 Lisa (Neu ’00) & Tony Kapinos ’00, girl, girl, Abigail, Apr. ’09 ’98 Molly (Omann ’99) & Dan Stangler ’98, Eliza, Mar. ’09 ’01 Christine (Dickinson ’02) & Thomas twin boys, Henry and Edward, Apr. ’09 ’00 Katie (Dekarski ’00) & Nick Lamecker Piersma ’01, girl, Eleanor, Dec. ’08 ’98 Trisha & Kent Willette ’98, twin girl/boy, ’00, girl, Anna, Nov. ’08 ’01 Alissa (Verschaetse ’01) & Chris Salvato Ingrid and Charlie, Sept. ’08 ’00 Holly (Apland ’02) & Patrick McGowan ’01, twin boys, Alexander and Benjamin, ’99 Heidi (Trutwin ’98) & Chad Clasemann ’00, boy, Noah, Aug. ’08 Nov. ’08 ’99, girl, Eleanor, Nov. ’08 ’00 Heather (Niemi ’00) & Shawn Merritt ’00, ’01 Elaine (Keppers ’01) & Jason Thelen ’01, ’99 Theresa (Hanish ’99) & Charlie Covert boy, Jack, Dec. ’08 boy, Eli, Aug. ’08 ’99, boy, Douglas, Oct. ’08 ’00 Heather (Mace ’00) & Brandon Novak ’01 Emily (Bunce ’01) & Peter Wanning ’01, ’00, boy, Sebastian, 5 years old girl, Whitney, May ’08 42 MILESTONES
’01 Susan (Wall ’98) & Nels Ylitalo ’01, boy, ’04 Becky (Wolf ’04) & Adam Pitz ’04, boy, ’39 Sister Jeremy Hall, OSB, sister of Bill ’39, Isaac, Jan. ’09 Noah, Nov. ’08 Nov. ’08 ’02 Alice & Aaron Bidle ’02, boy, Camden, ’04 Jenny (Renier ’04) & Joseph Rolfes ’04, ’39 Beatrice “Bea” Terhaar, spouse of Jan. ’09 boy, Iain, Apr. ’09 deceased Herbert ’39, Feb. ’09 ’02 Sarah (Madge ’03) & Mike Carey ’02, girl, ’04 Amanda (Henning ’04) & Paul Stenberg ’40 Francis Bohnenstingel ’ 40, Jan. ’09 Grace, Feb. ’09 ’04, boy, Torsten, Nov. ’08 ’40 Roger Plattes ’40, father of Peter ’69, ’02 Molly (Christensen ’04) & Kevin Elfstrand ’04 Alli (Vacek ’06) & Andrew Weaver ’04, brother of Gordon ’41, Feb. ’09 ’02, girl, Madeline, Dec. ’08 boy, Noah, Jan. ’09 ’40 George Robinson ’40, Nov. ’08 ’02 Laura (Holton ’02) & Eric Hendrickson ’05 Ashley (Fruth ’06) & Chris Baldwin ’05, ’40 Walter Spilos ’40, Apr. ’08 ’02, girl, Laney, Feb. ’09 girl, Madeline, Sept. ’08 ’40 Art Thompson ’40, Aug. ’08 ’02 Jill (Carr ’06) & Mark Koch ’02, girl, Lucy, ’05 Kelly (Becker ’05) & Johnathan DeWein ’41 Elmer Eichers ’41, Dec. ’08 Nov. ’08 ’05, girl, Ainsley, Apr. ’08 ’41 Bill McShane ’41, father of Mike ’70 and ’02 Tammy & Nick Lamusga ’02, boy, Joseph, ’05 Tessa & Jacob Johnson ’05, girl, Lily, Oct. Tim ’81, Mar. ’09 May ’08 ’08 ’41 Abbot Jerome Weber, OSB ’41, Sept. ’08 ’02 Megan (Aspengren ’02) & Andrew Lapos ’06 Ashley (Blake ’07) & Webster Ford ’06, ’42 Owen Beckwith ’42, Mar. ’09 ’02, boy, Adam, Oct. ’08 boy, Seamus, Mar. ’09 ’42 George Frank ’42, Dec. ’08 ’02 Summer & Andy Minnich ’02, boy, Nolan, ’06 Laura (Zwach ’07) & Scott LaVoy ’06, boy, ’42 Albert Sauerer ’42, Jan. ’09 Apr. ’09 Thomas, Dec. ’08 ’42 Dr. Robert Strobel ’42, Aug. ’08 ’02 Jaime (Peterson ’02) & Ryan Tooley ’02, ’08 Kimberly (Delarosa ’10) & Preston Allex ’43 Wally Edelbrock ’43, brother of Ed ’48, girl, Josilyn, Sept. ’08 ’08, girl, Isabella, Sept. ’08 Dec. ’08 ’03 Jackie (Bye ’03) & Mike Boldt ’03, boy, ’43 Donovan Mayne, brother of John ’43, Jan. Andrew, Jan. ’09 Deaths ’09 ’03 Amanda (Boller ’03) & Chris Dykhoff ’03, ’19 George Fisher, Jr., son of deceased George ’43 Bob Mertz ’43, Nov. ’08. girl, Elena, Feb. ’09 ’19 and brother of Dick ’50, Mar. ’09 ’43 Edmund Schulzetenberg, brother of ’03 Jennifer & Scott Knudson ’03, girl, Jaya, ’26 George C. Kelsch ’26, Sept. ’08 deceased Rev. Raymond Schulzetenberg Apr. ’09 ’32 Don Kolb ’32, Nov. ’08 ’43, Apr. ’09 ’03 Sadie (Vagher ’02) & Joel LaFrance ’03, ’32 Jerome “Jerry” Schroder ’32, Feb. ’09 ’43 Donna Steman, spouse of deceased Louis boy, Noah, Dec. ’08 ’33 Mary Brenny, spouse of deceased ’43, Dec. ’08 ’03 Angela (Prindle ’04) & Luke Palen ’03, Clemens ’33, Dec. ’08 ’44 Don Beuning ’44, brother of deceased boy, Jacob, Oct. ’08 ’36 Kenneth Cater ’36, Apr. ’09 Harvey Beuning ’42, Apr. ’09 ’03 Amanda (Schweinfurtor ’03) & Eduardo ’37 Maureen Quigley, daughter of deceased ’44 Rev. Richard Heid ’44, Feb. ’09 Silva ’03, girl, Julianna, Feb. ’09 James Quigley ’37, Mar. ’09 ’44 John “Hugh” Murphy ’44, Mar. ’09 ’03 Heather & Dustin Upgren ’03, boy, ’37 Lucille A. Quigley, spouse of deceased ’44 Edwin H. Raeker, brother of Gene ’44, Charles, Dec. ’08 James ’37, Apr. ’09 Feb. ’09 ’04 April & Ryan Damlo ’04, boy, Cooper, ’37 Elizabeth “Betty” Teigen, spouse of ’44 Victor Weber, brother of Francis ’44, Nov. Mar. ’09 deceased George “Bud” Teigen ’37, ’08 ’04 Anna (Zauhar ’05) & Cole Deibele ’04, Mar. ’09 ’45 Gene Lenard ’45, father of Tom ’81, boy, Carson, Mar. ’09 ’38 Luella Donlin, spouse of deceased Adrian Jan. ’09 ’04 Kristen (Huber ’04) & Timothy Johnston ’38, Nov. ’08 ’45 Charlene Rooney, spouse of Don ’45, ’04, boy, Lane, Mar. ’09 ’38 Rev. Bernie Schreiner ’38, Mar. ’09 Jan. ’07 ’04 Angela (Wiering ’04) & Jeff Kaczrowski ’38 Donald Simmons ’38, Oct. ’06 ’46 Rev. Edward Nistler ’46, Mar. ’09 ’04, boy, Maxwell, Mar. ’09 ’38 Jean Windschill, spouse of Ermin ’38 and ’47 Ed Simonet ’47, brother of deceased ’04 Lisa (Wienhold ’04) & Brandon Overman mother of John ’73, Mar. ’09 Bronson Simonet ’48, Nov. ’08 ’04, girl, Isabelle, Apr. ’09 ’39 Adeline Ellenbecker, spouse of deceased Frank ’39, Jan. ’09
Class of 1969: Fr. Bob Flannery, priest and ecumenist
Fr. Bob Flannery credits his interest and leadership roles in interna- tional ecumenism to his days at Saint John’s—as an undergraduate and seminarian (ordination in 1973). Pastor at St. Francis Xavier Church in Carbondale, Ill., he has been the diocese’s ecumenical and interreli- gious offi cer since 1998. He is presently serving his second three-year term as president of the Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Offi cers. Flannery is also a member of the Catholic delegation to Christian Churches Together in the USA. He earlier was president of the National Association of Diaconate Directors, which recognized his leadership by giving him its highest award.
43 MILESTONES
Class of 1974: John Hooley, business executive
Over a 33-year career with Supervalu, John Hooley served the Twin Cities-based company in a number of leadership positions. He held marketing and merchandis- ing positions with Cub Foods before being promoted to Supervalu’s corporate vice president of merchandising. He became president and chief operating offi cer of Cub Foods and later its chief executive offi cer. He was also Supervalu executive vice president and president of its Retail East operation. Hooley, known in the industry for his retail expertise, was named 1997 Minnesota Outstanding Grocer by the state’s grocer association. Among his volunteer activities, Hooley has been a SJU Regent and a member of the McNeely Entrepreneurship Center Advisory Committee.
’48 Mary Jo Durenberger, spouse of Gordon ’53 Bill Padden ’53, Oct. ’08 ’61 Gilbert Mages ’61, brother of Arnold ’58, ’48, Mar. ’09 ’53 Peter Rother ’53, father of Michael ’83, Dec. ’08 ’49 Tom Bolger ’49, brother of deceased Nov. ’08 ’62 Robert Christensen, father of Bob ’62, Gerald ’56, Feb. ’09 ’53 Mike Thomas ’53, Nov. ’08 Nov. ’08 ’49 Dick Bresnahan ’49, father of Richard, Jr. ’54 Clyde Fish ’54, Apr. ’09 ’62 Ruby Flicker, mother of Dennis ’62 and ’76, Chad ’91 and brother of Ellery ’50, ’54 Alma Lehn, sister of Bernard Lenz ’54, Loren ’64. Nov. ’08 Jan. ’09 ’62 Margaret Gross, mother of Michael ’62, ’49 Robert Bruning ’49, brother of John ’51, ’54 Don Lieb ’54, father of Karl ’88, Feb. ’09 Ralph ’65, Tom ’68, sister of deceased Jan. ’09 ’55 Peter Bellinger, son of deceased Charles Larry “Zook” Iten ’35 and deceased ’49 Frances Muggli, spouse of Bob ’51 and the ’55, Apr. ’09 Herbert Iten ’40, Feb. ’09 sister of Br. Felix Neussendorfer, OSB ’49, ’55 Isabelle Durenberger, spouse of deceased ’62 Lila Kuffel, mother of Richard ’62, Feb. ’09 Apr. ’09 George ’28, mother of David ’55, George ’62 Patricia Rogers, sister of Jim ’62, John ’49 Catherine Twomey, sister of Arthur Hess- Mark ’62 and Thomas ’65, Dec. ’08 ’63, Tom ’69, Oct. ’08 burg ’49, Dec. ’08 ’55 Evelyn Meyer, spouse of Tom ’55, Nov. ’08 ’62 Priscilla Weber, mother of Ed ’62, Mar. ’09 ’49 Rev. David Wild ’49, Oct. ’08 ’56 Margaret Donohue, spouse of Howard ’56 ’63 Armella Eddleston, mother of John ’63, ’50 Margaret Coyle, spouse of Jim ’50, and sister of Raymond Huelskamp ’58, Oct. 08 Nov. ’08 Nov. ’08 ’63 Angeline Hart, mother of Bob ’63 and ’50 Tom Doyle ’50, Dec. ’08 ’56 Jerry Keohen ’56, father of Kevin ’86, Thomas ’65, Dec. ’08 ’50 Donald Hassler, brother of John ’50, Feb. ’09 ’63 Don Tauer ’64, brother of Charles ’68 and Nov. ’08 ’57 Elaine Nilles, spouse of Harold ’57, deceased brother Larry ’63, Feb. ’09 ’50 John Hassler ’50, Dec. ’08 May ’08 ’64 Denis Duffy ’64, Dec. ’08 ’50 Rachel Leimer, spouse of Thomas ’50, ’57 Jerry Reiter ’57, brother of Russ ’58, ’64 Marian Kremer, mother of Leroy ’64, Gary Feb. ’09 Dec. ’08 ’69, Michael ’72, Apr. ’09 ’50 Rev. William Matyas ’50, Sept. ’08 ’58 Jim Cesnik ’58, Feb. ’09 ’64 Marie Olsen, mother of Bob ’64, Jan. ’09 ’50 Mary Louise McLain, sister of Fred ’50 and ’58 Clare Whelihan, sister of Charles Geroux ’66 Michael J. Conlon ’66, Mar. ’09 Karl ’58, Jan. ’09 ’58, Sept. ’08 ’66 Isabelle Dayon, mother of Jack ’66, ’51 Will Dombrovske ’51, Apr. ’09 ’58 Gilbert Mages ’61, brother of Arnold ’58, Nov. ’08 ’51 Luanne Kline, spouse of deceased Jerry Dec. ’08 ’66 Rosina Hirschfeld, mother of Jack ’66, ’51, Mar. ’09 ’58 Robert R. Robinson ’58, Apr. ’09 Apr. ’09 ’51 Mike Willette ’52, brother of DePaul ’51, ’58 Dick Smith ’58, Jan. ’08 ’66 Lois Kelly, mother of Todd ’66 and spouse Pierre ’58, Tom ’59, Mar. ’09 ’59 Hannah Cripe, mother of Bruce ’59, of deceased Jack ’40, Mar. ’09 ’52 Steven Birk, son of Roger ’52, Dec. ’08 Jan. ’09 ’66 Louise Terwey, sister of Joe ’66, Roger ’73, ’52 Mary Dichtel, spouse of Francis ’52, ’59 Bill Falvey ’59, Dec. ’08 George ’81, Dec. ’08 Nov. ’08 ’59 Mary Ellen Vearrier, sister of Jim McCoy ’67 Jerome McDonough ’67, brother of Tom ’52 Joyce Fleming, spouse of Joe ’52 and ’59, Apr. ’09 ’70, Jan. ’09 mother of Tom ’78, July ’08 ’59 Richard Phillips ’59, Nov. ’08 ’67 Hilda Tomczik, mother of Ron ’65 and Gary ’52 Greg Gits ’52, Dec. ’08 ’59 Jerry Sweiger ’59, Dec. ’08 ’67, Dec. ’08 ’52 Frank Hentges ’52, Apr. ’09 ’60 Barbara Beniek, spouse of Geno ’60, ’68 Vivian Dietman, mother of Richard ’68, ’53 Lorraine Stock, mother of Rich ’87 and Mar. ’09 Feb. ’09 sister of Bernard DesRoches ’53, Dec. ’08 ’60 Eileen Chirhart, mother of James ’60, ’68 Agnes Doyle, mother of Patrick ’68, ’53 Rev. James Gray, OSB ’53, Apr. ’09 Mar. ’09 Dec. ’08 ’53 Marie McConnell, sister of deceased Albert ’60 Lorraine Herzing, mother of Ken ’60 and ’68 David Hegg ’68, Dec. ’08 ’53, Dec. ’08 Tom ’61, Jan. ’09 ’68 Zachary Hergott, son of Larry ’68, Jan. ’09
44 MILESTONES
’68 Marguerite Mayer, mother of Thomas ’68, ’70 Anna Legatt, mother of Dennis ’72, Ed ’75, ’74 Geraldine Idzerda, mother of Chris ’74 and Apr. ’09 Steve ’70, Mar. ’09 Jim ’85, Jan. ’09 ’68 Irenemae Mosford, mother of David ’64, ’70 Matthew Marincel, father of Tom ’70, ’74 Sylvester Kelzer, father of George ’74, Bob ’68 and deceased Thomas ’64, Apr. ’09 Jan. ’09 Jan. ’09 ’70 Elizabeth Pohland, mother of Dean ’70, ’74 Elizabeth “Betty” Schmidt, mother of ’68 Mary Ann O’Dougherty, sister of Dr. Patrick Dec. ’08 Robert ’74 and Richard ’77, Mar. ’09 O’Dougherty ’68, Feb. ’09 ’70 Delmer Surma, father of Gary ’70, Jan. ’09 ’74 Charles Schoff, father of Michael ’74, ’68 Margaret Polta, mother of Tom ’68, ’70 Clinton Zweber, father of Julian ’70 and Oct. ’08 Mar. ’09 Terry ’80, Nov. ’08 ’75 Gerald Egan, brother of Tim ’75, Oct. 08 ’68 Margaret G. Rolig, mother of John ’68, ’71 Helen Cretzmeyer, mother of John ’71, ’75 Wendy Kary, sister of Brian Lee ’75, Jan. ’09 Mar. ’09 Feb. ’09 ’68 Frances Schenk, spouse of deceased ’71 Leo Daley, brother of Ron Daley ’71, ’75 Willy Pauly, father of Jim ’75, Jan. ’09 Richard ’33 and mother of Robert ’68, Apr. ’07 ’76 Thomas Byrne, father of Joe ’76 and Dec. ’08 ’71 Susan Debruycker, sister of Rev. James deceased son Thomas, Jr. ’83, Apr. ’09 ’68 Jim Voight ’68, Feb. ’09 DeBruycker ’71, Feb. ’09 ’76 Mary Ann Giles, mother of Ron ’76, ’68 Clement Young, father of Roger ’68, ’71 Eldon Ehrlich, father of Joseph ’71, Mar. ’09 Nov. ’08 Nov. ’08 ’76 John Mooney, father of Mike ’76 and Mark ’69 Mike Collins ’69, father of Jeff ’97, ’71 Patricia Farrington, mother of Dave ’71 ’88, Oct. ’08 Jan. ’09 and Terry ’75, Nov. ’08 ’76 Dorothy Schaubroeck, spouse of Gaylen ’69 Frances Finnegan, mother of John (Jay) ’71 Br. Dietrich Reinhart, OSB ’71, Dec. ’08 ’76, Dec. ’08 ’69, Oct. ’08 ’71 Betty Jane Severance, mother of Perry ’76 Robert Stanton, father of Bob ’76, Apr. ’09 ’69 John J. Finnegan, father of John (Jay) ’69, ’71, Dec. ’08 ’77 Hildegarde Fischer, mother of Leon ’77, Jan. ’09 ’71 Stephen Shellenberg ’71, Oct. ’08 Apr. ’09 ’69 Pauline Hemmer, mother of John ’69, ’71 Larry Tise, brother of Karl ’71, Mar. ’09 ’77 Margaret McConnell, spouse of deceased Apr. ’09 ’71 Elisabeth Weller, mother of Jon ’71, Albert ’53 and the mother of Dan ’77, ’69 Maxine Lord, mother of Miles, Jr. ’69, Oct. ’08 Mar. ’09 Apr. ’09 ’72 Rev. Tom Agar ’72, brother of Rev. Tim ’77 Andy Wersal, brother of Greg ’77, Nov. ’08 ’69 Mary Baumgartner Novotny, spouse of Agar ’86, May ’09 ’78 Deborah Hansen, sister of Steven ’78, James ’69, Dec. ’08 ’72 Al Holbach, father of Mike ’72, Jan. ’09 Apr. ’09 ’69 Barbara J. Otto, spouse of Francis ’69, ’72 Margaret Howard, mother of Richard ’78 Roger Hess, Sr., father of Frank ’81 and Nov. ’08 “Dick” ’72, Apr. ’09 Roger, Jr. ’78, Mar. ’09 ’69 Ada Schlick, mother of Jim ’61 and Joe ’72 Andrew Plafcan, Jr., father of David ’72, ’78 Stanley McDonald, father of Bill ’78, ’70, Dec. ’08 Nov. ’08 Nov. ’08 ’69 Dr. Bradley Woodruff, father of Jim ’69 and ’72 Leona Voeller, mother of Don ’72, Feb. ’09 ’78 Dorothy Putz, mother of Gary ’78 and deceased Dave ’70, May ’09 ’73 Bill Collins ’73, Nov. ’08 Terry ’81, Apr. ’09 ’70 Dave Woodruff ’70, brother of Jim ’69, ’73 Esther Eustice, mother of Gary ’73 and ’78 Evelyn Sakry, mother of Dennis ’63, Dean Mar. ’09 Brad ’77, Jan. ’09 ’67 and Mark ’78, Apr. ’09 ’70 Joan Andert, spouse of Bernie, Prep ’44 ’73 John Hawkins, father of Steve ’73, David ’78 Lyle Schrapp, father of Ken ’78, Jan. ’09 and mother of Rev. Tom Andert, OSB ’70, ’78 and Robert ’81, Dec. ’08 ’78 Robert Sefton, father of Joe ’78, Apr. ’09 Feb. ’09 ’73 Mary McGraw, mother of Dr. Charles ’73, ’79 Pat Grant, mother of Dan ’89 and Mike ’70 Ernest Benusa, father of John ’70, Feb. ’09 Feb. ’09 ’79, Mar. ’09 ’70 Edith Foley, mother of William ’68, Pat ’70 ’74 Donald Gohl, brother of Jerry ’74, Feb. ’09 ’79 Mary Ann Malinsky, mother of Don ’79, and Dan ’81, Oct. ’08 ’74 Richard Gorham, father of Greg ’74 and Jan. ’09 ’70 Ivan Frantz, father of Don ’70, Jan. ’09 Tom ’77, Jan. ’09 ’79 Byron Murphy ’79, Mar. 09 ’70 Thearon Hauge, father of Jay ’70, Dec. ’08 ’70 John Laliberte ’70, Mar. ’09
Class of 1979: Tom Schnettler, business executive
Tom Schnettler is president and chief operating offi cer at Piper Jaf- fray, an international middle market investment fi rm based in Minne- apolis. Over his 20 years with Piper, Schnettler co-founded and led the healthcare investment banking group; headed the investment banking and the corporate and institutional services business; and served as vice chairman and chief fi nancial offi cer. He has a law degree from Harvard. Schnettler is active in leadership roles with the board of directors at Catholic Charities in the Twin Cities and on the SJU Board of Regents.
45 MILESTONES
Class of 1984: John Wiehoff, business executive
John Wiehoff has guided C.H. Robinson Worldwide to become one of North America’s largest third-party logistics companies, providing truck, rail, boat and air transportation around the world. He has been chief executive officer since May 2002 and was named chair in 2007. He’s also been company president and a director, rising from earlier posi- tions as chief financial officer and treasurer. C.H. Robinson has nearly 8,000 employees and 224 offices. The company received the Outstanding Growth Award from the Minnesota Association for Corporate Growth in February. Wiehoff serves on the board of directors of Polaris Industries and Donaldson Co. and is active with a number of non-profit organizations.
’79 Curtis Pollock, father of Michael ’79, ’81 Larry Minnerath, father of deceased Mark ’83 Jennifer Wilson, sister of Brian Deal ’83, May ’09 ’81, Oct. ’08 Mar. ’09 ’79 Ina Torrey, mother of Scott ’79, Dec. ’08 ’82 Laurel Allenburg, mother of John ’82, ’83 Renee Reagan, mother of Brian ’83 and ’80 Morris Nash, father of Tom ’80 and John Dec. ’08 sister of deceased Vic Reim ’61, Jan. ’09 ’84, Mar. ’09 ’82 Erin Delaney, spouse of Geoff Brunkhorst ’84 Leanne Watson, daughter of Ron Clubb, ’80 Julitta Schleper, mother of Jim ’80, ’82, Dec. ’08 SOTA ’84 and sister of Joe Clubb ’83, Dec. ’08 ’82 Bernard Eichler, father of Casey ’82, Dec. ’08 ’80 Clifford Weiss, father of Dan ’80, Nov. ’08 Feb. ’09 ’84 Kent Coborn, brother of Mark ’84 and son ’81 Robert J. Bauer, father of Mike ’81, ’82 Jim Hidding ’82, brother of George ’80, of deceased William ’56, Apr. ’09 Dec. ’08 Apr. ’09 ’84 Darlene Dodge, mother of Dan ’84, ’81 Dorothea Juroszek, mother of Fr. Robert ’82 Zillah Kuno, mother of Mark ’82, Mar. ’09 Nov. ’08 ’81, Nov. ’08 ’82 Carol Styrbicki, sister of John ’82, Jan. ’09 ’84 Charles Fitzer, father of John ’84, Nov. ’08 ’81 L.T. (Mike) Merrigan, father of Mike ’81, ’83 Archie Blake, father of Tom ’83 and Joe ’84 Gladys Goetze, mother of Roger ’84, Feb. ’09 ’84, Dec. ’08 Dec. ’08
Class of 1984: Jim Goodman, community leader (posthumous)
Jim Goodman left his mark on a lot of people. A wrestler at Saint John’s, he is fondly recalled by Jim Smith, Johnnie basketball coach. President and chief executive officer of a marketing research firm in Des Moines, Good- man shared his expertise on a local weekly radio show, “The Iowa Business Hour,” and as an adjunct professor at Drake University, teaching entrepre- neurship and marketing research. Recognized as one of Des Moines’ “Top 40 Under 40” business leaders, he was named 2008 Mr. Habitat for Hu- manity, was president of the East Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and volunteered at a hospice. He was active in leadership positions with Saint John’s Chicago and Des Moines alumni chapters and the Alumni Association Board of Directors. He annually competed in the varsity- alumni wrestling match, going home once with a dislocated shoulder. Goodman died in June 2008 while competing in a triathlon. His nomi- nation for the SJU Alumni Achievement Award was made by many class- mates, who cited his intellect, his friendliness, his great sense of humor and his loyalty. One classmate wrote: “Jim was the epitome of Saint John’s. He lived it, breathed it and praised it to all.” Goodman’s Alumni Achievement Award will be accepted by his wife, Lisa, and daughters, Natalie, Ellie and Rubie.
46 MILESTONES
Class of 1989: Kyle Loven, FBI agent
Kyle Loven is chief division counsel for the FBI in Minneapolis. Following law school, Loven joined the bureau in 1995 and was chosen by his peers to be class speaker at graduation from the FBI training pro- gram. He has worked as a special agent on a violent crimes squad and on white collar and cyber cases. Loven has been an instructor for the International Law Enforcement Academy, giving classes in Hungary and El Salvador and has taught ethics for the Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota divisions of the FBI.
’84 Delbert Hirte, father of Ken ’84, Apr. ’09 ’92 Richard Peterson, father of David Lukinac ’98 Bruce Walerius ’98, brother of Tom ’70 and ’84 Dennis Manning, father of Mike ’84, ’92, Nov. ’08 Jerry ’77, Dec. ’08 Nov. ’08 ’92 Gerald Mueller, father of Anthony ’92, ’98 Jane Gifford , mother of Matthew ’98, ’84 Lucille Offerman, mother Steve ’84, Jan. ’09 Dec. ’08 Apr. ’09 ’93 Eileen Johnson, mother of Rev. Tim ’99 John Bastien, father of Jake ’99, Mar. ’09 ’85 Gerald Fuchs, father of Dave ’85, Feb. ’09 Johnson, SOTA ’93, Dec. ’08 ’99 Gary Hyk, father of Tony ’99, Mar. ’09 ’85 Rev. Paul Kobi ’85, Feb. ’09 ’94 Roger Angstman, father of Mark ’94, ’00 Steven Ager, father of John ’00, Jan. ’09 ’86 Anthony Kester, father of Joe ’86, Jan. ’09 Mar. ’09 ’01 Mary Ellen Kellen, mother of Mark ’01, ’86 Thomas Severson, brother of Todd ’86, ’94 Charlotte Beaudry, spouse of Bernie ’54 Jan. ’09 Jan. ’09 and mother of Steven ’94, Dec. ’08 ’01 Anne Notch , spouse of John Notch ’95 ’87 George Benning, father of Ray ’87 and ’94 Lois House, mother of Terry ’94. Dec. ’08 and sister of Tom Lewandowski ’01, Mike ’91, Nov. ’08 ’94 John Puszczykowski, father of Ben ’94, Jan. ’09 ’87 Timothy Calhoun, brother of Steve ’87, Apr. ’09 ’02 Thomas Coval, father of Andrew, SOTA ’02, Nov. ’08 ’95 Anne Notch , spouse of Jon ’95 and sister Feb. ’09 ’87 Lorraine Stock, mother of Rich ’87 and of Tom Lewandowski ’01, Jan. ’09 ’04 Mary Blatz, mother of Lucas Sherman ’04, sister of Bernard DesRoches ’53, Dec. ’08 ’96 Marlin “Mick” McDowell, father of Brad Nov. ’08 ’87 Mary Welsh, mother of John ’87, May ’09 ’88, Jeff ’91, Todd ’93 and Steve ’96, ’06 Eric Rego ’06, Dec. ’08 ’87 John Woods, father of Brian ’87, Nov. ’08 Feb. ’09 ’06 Joseph A. Thomas, father of deceased ’88 Boots Dvorak, mother of Kevin ’88, ’96 Lora Ulrich, sister of Ted, SOTA ’96 and Chuck ’06, Dec. ’08 Feb. ’09 daughter of deceased Dr. Jerome Ulrich ’08 Shawn Garcia ’08, Dec. ’08 ’88 Richard Dvorak, father of Kevin ’88, ’48, Apr. ’09 Mar. ’09 ’97 William Sticha, father of Andrew ’97, ’88 William Fairbank, father of Rob ’88, Jan. ’09 Apr. ’09 ’89 James Doyle, father of Michael ’86 and John ’89, Nov. ’08 ’89 Rebecca Bacon, spouse of Kevin Mongrain ’89, Nov. ’08 ’89 Anthony Wentworth, father of Kevin ’89 and Todd ’93, Jan. ’08 ’90 David Knutson,father of Tim Gilbert ’90, Tom Knutson ’91, Jeff Gilbert ’94, Jan. ’09 ’90 Mary Heaney, mother of Dr. Michael ’90, Feb. ’09 ’90 Fred Robinette, father of Paul ’90, Mar. ’09 ’90 Louis Wakeman, father of John ’90, Nov. ’08 ’91 David Knutson, father of Tim Gilbert ’90, Tom Knutson ’91, Jeff Gilbert ’94, Jan. ’09 ’91 Frank Narloch, father of Rodger ’91, Apr. ’09 ’91 Dr. Donald Schulte, father of Stuart ’91, Nov. ’08 ’91 Richard Trotter, father of Tim ’91, Jan. ’09 ’92 Jacquelyn Diebel, mother of Jeff ’92, Jan. ’09
47 INSPIRING LIVES
Fatherhood: A Diff erent Kind of Success By Noah Brandenburger ’97
Th is morning, I observed: three young children eating their My favorite Bible reading is Romans 5:1-5. “Th erefore, since cereal, three backpacks lined up by the front door, three pairs of we have been justifi ed by faith, we have peace with God through shoes still needing to be located, a fourth child sitting on the rug, our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access (by glued to Curious George, while a fi fth child (infant) was quietly faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of having breakfast with his mommy. Th at is correct, we have fi ve the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our affl ic- children, from the age of 11 on down. tions, knowing that affl iction produces endurance, and endurance, As this daily routine unfolds, I cannot help but think how proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not grateful I am to be able to participate in it. To be a dad is simply a disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our dream come true. hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” As I’m sure all parents would agree, being a dad is not easy. It is Th is passage teaches us to be proud of our struggles. Th e other not always piggyback rides, baseball games and Saturday morning day, my 5-year-old was playing outside in the driveway. It had cartoons. Being a dad is full of the daily drudgeries that I never recently fi nished raining, and the grass was still very wet with some dreamt of. Spilled bowls of cereal (thankfully not this morning... standing water. While chasing a ball, he took one step on the wet victory!), changing diapers, wiping butts, bad dreams, bickering grass and “Charlie-Browned” right onto his back, in the middle of siblings and cleaning up puke are but a small list of the not-so- a large puddle. As he arose, crying, I celebrated! While water and glorious duties of a parent. Too often, I forget to embrace these mud were dripping down his back, I cheered for him. “Th at was challenges, to remember them, to salute them, to give them their AWESOME,” I yelled. I gave him a high-fi ve and a hug (getting due for contributing to the character-building of this father and of muddy myself). His tears quickly vanished, and a huge smile came these children. across his face as he started to excitedly give me the play-by-play on what just happened. Do I always react like this? Unfortunately not. Too many times, my reactions are negative, yelling at my kids for simply being kids. My friends, this is the good stuff in life that we often overlook. It is the good stuff in our kids’ lives as well as our own. Our affl ictions need to be celebrated, they need to be boasted of, they need to be remembered. I think about my Johnnie friends, and I am proud of the dads they have become. During our Collegeville years, our biggest struggles were “fi nding ourselves” and working toward our dreams. Th ese challenges were certainly an adventure, formed our charac- ters and created many, many memories. I hope you each have the opportunity to fi nd yourself as a “Johnnie Dad,” live your dream and create many memories of your daily dramas. I know I am. Editor’s Note: Noah Brandenburger ’97 wrote us that he enjoys the stories of career and sports success in the Saint John’s Magazine, but “success can be found in many more places than a career or sports.” We agree! Brandenburger, co-owner of Loudon Machine, a successful Holly (Larson) Brandenburger CSB ’97 and Noah Brandenburger ’97 with manufacturing company, went on to say that he considers his family their children (L to R) Samantha (11), Adam (5), Anthony (infant), Andrew his greatest success. We invited him to share that success story with you (3) and Alexander (8) here.
48 It’s Your Will Fr. Peter Lambert ’75, ’79
Fr. Peter served 23 years as a military chaplain in the Army National Guard and the Air Force. His service included two tours of duty in Iraq. Fr. Peter now serves as a chaplain at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. “In my work, I often encounter people who come face to face with large struggles, including death,” he says . “I am thankful that Saint John’s has been so life-affirming for me and helps me to share that message with others.”
Fr. Peter recently made a bequest to Saint John’s, which will be used for scholarship aid. “My travels and experiences have reinforced for me how important higher education is to finding success and meaning in life,” says Fr. Peter. “Saint John’s has been such a positive influence for me, and I wanted to give back.”
Our community thanks Fr. Peter for giving back so that young men will continue to receive a Catholic Benedictine education at Saint John’s.
For more information on making a planned gift to Saint John’s, contact Jim Dwyer ’75, director of planned giving, toll free at 800635-7303 or [email protected] Non-Profi t Organization U.S. Postage PAID INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Saint John’s University P.O. Box 7222 Collegeville, MN 56321
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
MR. AMBASSADOR
Professor Miguel Díaz, Ph.D., Saint John’s professor of theology, was confi rmed as United States ambassador to the Holy See by the Senate in July.
When the nomination was fi rst announced by President Obama, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the papal nuncio to the United States, said Díaz “is an excellent choice of a representative who knows both the United States and the Catholic Church very well.”
Congratulations, Mr. Ambassador!