ST. MARY’S COLLEGE of Maryland

SPRING 2016

GIVING BACK Connecting through the Arts

“I GOT YOUR SIX” Internships Shift into High Gear ST. MARY’S COLLEGE of Maryland

SPRING 2016, VOL. XXXVII, NO. 2

www.smcm.edu/mulberrytree

Editor Lee Capristo Alumni Editor Kathy Cummings Design Skelton Design Photographer Bill Wood Editorial Board Karen Anderson, Lee Capristo, Kathy Cummings, Carolyn Curry, Missy Beck Lemke ’92, Nairem Moran ’99, Karen Raley ’94, Grace Davis ’15 Publisher Office of Institutional Advancement St. Mary’s College of Maryland 47645 College Drive St. Mary’s City, Maryland 20686

The Mulberry Tree is published by St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Maryland’s public hon- ors college for the liberal arts and sciences. It is produced for alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, the local community, and friends of the College. The magazine is named for the famous mulberry tree under which the Calvert colonists signed a treaty of friendship with the Yaocomico people and on the trunk of which public notices were posted in the mid-1600s. The tree endured long into the 19th century and was once a popu- lar meeting spot for St. Mary’s students. The illustration of the mulberry tree on the cover was drawn in 1972 by Earl Hofmann, artist-in- residence when St. Mary’s College President Renwick Jackson launched the magazine. Copyright 2016 The opinions expressed in The Mulberry Tree are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the College. The editor reserves the right to select and edit all material. Manuscripts and letters to the editor are en- couraged and may be addressed to Editor, The Mulberry Tree, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, 18952 E. Fisher Rd., St. Mary’s City, MD 20686. Photographs and illustrations may not be reproduced without the express written consent of St. Mary’s College of Maryland. CONTENTS

SPRING 2016

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND July 2015 — June 2016 FEATURES

ALUMNI COUNCIL BOARD OF TRUSTEES PAGE 8 Executive Board Chair Connecting Danielle Troyan ’92, President Gail Harmon Allan Wagaman ’06, through the Arts Vice Chair Executive Vice President Cindy Broyles ’79 Alumni give back of their time and talent, Alice Arcieri Bonner ’03, Vice President of Operations Secretary sharing with students their paths to Angie Harvey ’83, Secretary Lawrence “Larry” E. success. Five in the arts tell their stories. Mark Fedders ’74, Leak ’76 Parliamentarian Treasurer Jim Wood ’61, Treasurer PAGE 14 Mr. John Chambers Elected Voting Members Wobensmith ’93 [ PAGE 8 ] “I Got Your Six” Thomas Brewer ’05 Trustees Camille Campanella ’12 Carlos Alcazar Undergraduate internships are in high David Cribbs ’74 Arthur “Lex” Birney, Jr. Geoffrey Cuneo ’10 Peter Bruns demand but what makes an internship Donna Denny ’81 Donny Bryan ’73 experience worthwhile? Jack Saum ’89 Barbara Dinsenbacher ’56jc Peg Duchesne ’77 has the answers. Kate Fritz ’04 Elizabeth Graves ’95 Chris Holt ’86 Rear Admiral Timothy Missy Beck Lemke ’92 “Tim” Heely, usn Retired PAGE 18 Ryan McQuighan ’05 Sven Holmes Laurie Menser ’01 The Honorable Steny Hoyer A Case for Endurance Jeremy Pevner ’09 Captain Glen Ives, Amanda Kellaher Walker ’01 usn Retired By conservative estimate, Jim Kenney Jayson Williams ’03 Gary Jobson has taught more than 2,000 students Molly Mahoney Matthews Student Member John McAllister since he first took the job as adjunct Helena Klassen ’16 Ann L. McDaniel [ PAGE 14 ] faculty in 1964. A tribute to a man who Chapter Presidents Michael P. O’Brien ’68 Annapolis: Katharine Russell doesn’t quit. Erin O’Connell ’91 Eric Schroeder ’16, Student Baltimore: Trustee Dallas Hayden ’06 Danielle Troyan ’92 DEPARTMENTS Boston: Laura Cripps, hsmc Kyle McGrath ’11 D.C. Metro: 2 President’s Letter Matt Schafle ’10 Denver: 3 College News Alisa Ambrose ’85 20 Alumni Connection New York: Christelle Niamke ’05 28 From the Archives Philadelphia: Vacant San Francisco: Micah Cupid-Benons [ PAGE 18 ] Morgan ’09 Southern Maryland: Cathy Hernandez Ray ’77 Western Maryland: Kristi Jacobs Woods ’97 COVER: Jolene Schafer ’01 wears one Staff of her hand-crafted leather masks. Dave Sushinsky ’02 Alumni Director Photo by Bill Wood Beth Byrd OPPOSITE: Associate Alumni Director Springtime in the Garden of Remembrance. Lauren Taylor ’14 Photo from the College collection Assistant Alumni Director

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 | 1 A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

ASPIRING TO LIVE BY THE ST. MARY’S WAY

s the spring semester races to its finish, we are provided Editor’s Note with occasions to recognize our students’ achievements through Awards A Convocation, Phi Beta Kappa inductions, St. Mary’s Project days, and here’s a country song by Commencement. These are joyful days – days that inspire confidence in the public Tim McGraw that’s getting a lot liberal arts mission of St. Mary’s College. T of air play these days, and a line from it makes me think of St. Mary’s alums, We’ve had some tough, Let us continue the work that who come back to their alma mater in big challenging days on our way to [Lucille Clifton] started: to numbers to give of their time and talent these pleasant ones – days where after they’ve gone on to make their careers. we did not, as a community, live aspire to live by the St. Mary’s The song says, “When you get where by the St. Mary’s Way. Some Way, to urge correction when you’re goin’, don’t forget, turn back around, campus unrest is reflective of we get off course, and to and help the next one in line, always stay humble and kind.” the national climate in this celebrate success along the way. It’s a great thing about this college, the election year, but incidents of generosity that alums have for their alma racial discrimination and acts mater and their willingness to share their of arson on our campus are not life experiences to mentor current students. something to be proud of. We came together in a Day to Pause, on April 6, to recommit It’s like how the St. Mary’s Way (page 7) de- scribes the College as a community “where to the St. Mary’s Way and to one another as a community worth the effort. people contribute to a spirit of caring and Growth is incremental, whether as a student scholar, a professor or a College an ethic of service” and where its members administrator. Let us acknowledge brave steps in our students’ “Speaking of Race” contribute to its future. performances last fall and their publication this winter. Let us also acknowledge those As you’ll discover in “I Got Your Six” on faculty, students, and staff working on the issues of inclusion, diversity and equity. And page 14, mentoring can be life-changing. The student interns chosen for the Beltway finally, let us recognize our entire community, including alumni, who are providing final Companies’ internship are assigned a men- input to our strategic plan, which will be presented to the Board of Trustees this spring. tor from the company who brings them We held a tribute to the legacy of Lucille Clifton on March 1, bridging Black History along until they are able to contribute with Month to Women’s History Month. During that very special evening, arranged by Lucille’s confidence to the overall company goals. longtime friend and professor emeritus poet Michael Glaser, we all were reminded, The mentors themselves take pride in their work: they are building, day by day, intern through her poems, of the type of community she wanted and worked for at St. Mary’s by intern, the company’s future workforce. College. Let us continue the work that she started: to aspire to live by the St. Mary’s Way, So it is with the faculty who mentor the to urge correction when we get off course, and to celebrate success along the way. students at St. Mary’s: class by class, semester I’ve had the privilege to meet alumni from near and far during this past academic by semester, project by project, year by year, year – from Prince George’s County, Md. to Boston, New York, and San Francisco – they lay the sticks in the nest, teach their and their pride in this institution is unflagging. It proves, without a doubt, that this is a “birds” to fly, then nudge them out of the nest into their post-graduate lives. Gone but not community worth our effort. And, it is as a community that I have no doubt that we – forgotten; students reconnect in a request for students, faculty, staff, and alumni – will be able to “sail through this to that” to take a grad school recommendation letter, and the College from here to there. share what they’re doing and learning. They remark on what they miss, what they’re trying to move toward. The faculty member’s role may change, from teacher to colleague, but always there is a connection. Not all small colleges have this; my own alma mater does not draw me back like St. Tuajuanda C. Jordan, President, St. Mary’s College of Maryland Mary’s draws back its own. It’s remarkable and wonderful. Lee Capristo, editor

2 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 COLLEGE NEWS

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY NEWS Biochemistry St. Mary’s Receives College Accreditation No. 2 in The Department of Chem- Maryland istry and Biochemistry at St. St. Mary’s College of Mary’s College of Mary- Maryland has ranked land announced that its among the top 100 public biochemistry program has colleges and universities received accreditation from in the country – and the American Society for second out of 12 Maryland Biochemistry and Molecular Biol- institutions – according to a new ogy through 2023. Current stu- statistical analysis by The Business dents enrolled in the program can Journals, where the relative participate in the 2016 ASBMB quality of 477 public colleges and certification exam this April. St. universities across the country Mary’s College is the first public were analyzed in six areas: institution in Maryland to receive selectivity, prestige, advancement, this prestigious accreditation, and cost, diversity and community one of about fifty schools in the using data from the National country holding the designation. Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau’s “We are really excited and proud American Community Survey. to have earned this accreditation,” said Pamela S. Mertz, associate professor of chemistry and Flyr Published biochemistry. “Our chemistry in the Sun program has been accredited by Matthew Flyr ’16 (economics) the American Chemical Society wrote an OpEd published in the since 2003. This new accreditation Baltimore Sun on February 25, makes it clear that both St. Mary’s 2016, in which he weighed the chemistry and biochemistry comparative advantage and op- PING NABS CATHEDRAL GIG programs fulfill or exceed national portunity cost of the presidential ambition of Dr. Ben Carson, the Under the direction of Larry Vote, professor of music, standards.” neurosurgeon who, 21 years ago, the PING vocal ensemble performed at the National Cathedral saved his life. Flyr’s piece was the in Washington, DC, on March 6, 2016. output of a two-credit independent study with Professor Asif Dowla.

SMCM Secures MIPS Grant

St. Mary’s College has been 7,000 calculators and users in awarded a $97,361 grant, jointly over 100 countries. Chief funded by the Maryland Industrial Executive Officer Kurt Heckman Partnerships (MIPS) program and and Chief Financial Officer Dave vCalc LLC. The grant will fund Reumont ’75 of vCalc joined student research and development President Tuajuanda C. Jordan of high-value, college-level math on February 23, 2016, to kick off formulas and data for vCalc.com, the project, which commences a Wiki-based crowd-sourced this summer with eight under- Left to right: Josh Grossman, Dave Reumont ’75, Richard Platt, Shizuka Nishikawa, Emek Köse, calculating encyclopedia with over graduate students. President Jordan, Kurt Heckman, and Randolph Larsen

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 | 3 “This past year, we have celebrated the past while we forged the future.... What a difference a year makes. I look forward to the ascent.” — President Jordan, from the 2016 State of the College Address

PRESIDENT’S NEWS

The 12th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast held on January 18, 2016, was emceed by President Jordan. She welcomed keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Linda Singh (29th Adjutant General of Maryland) and the Honorable Steny Hoyer as well as returning performers from Spring Ridge Middle School and First Mission- President Jordan with Governor and President Jordan poses with Lucille Clifton’s ary Baptist Church. Board Chair Gail Harmon at St. Mary’s. daughters Alexia (l) and Gillian (r). Students of Eco-House On January 27, 2016, President Top Row, L to R: Matthew Jeffers ’17, Jordan showcased the range of Governor Hogan also met with event, President Jordan announced Michael Connaughton ’17, Luke Barber ’17, talents at St. Mary’s College to the political science students and the establishment of the Lucille Barry Muchnick (faculty adviser); Maryland legislators in attendance Todd Eberly (associate professor Clifton Award, to honor a staff, Front Row, L to R: Elizabeth Kontos ’18, of political science) and discussed administrator or faculty member Caroline Spath ’17, Sarah Fellerman ’18, at the Legislative Reception in Maryland politics. whose interactions with students Allison Graf ’17, Lauren O’Connell ’17. Annapolis (below). have both modeled and encour- On February 29, aged the qualities that Lucille Two New LLCs 2016, President Clifton lived in her teaching and in Offered this Fall Jordan delivered her poetry. The first awardee will the keynote ad- be identified in 2017. The African/African Diaspora dress “The Road House and the Eco-House will be to Freedom” at the Purdue University has named two new Living Learning Centers St. Mary’s County President Jordan one of its this fall. LLCs are an opportunity Black History Co- Distinguished Women Schol- to immerse students in a particular alition Celebration. ars for 2015-2016. The award field of study advised by faculty That evening, she recognizes alumnae who earned a members to create a seamless also was the invited Purdue doctorate and have made learning environment between in- Left to right: Mia Bullock ’14, MAT’15, a first-year teacher; Carrie speaker at the State significant scholarly contributions class and out-of-class experiences. Patterson (prof. of art) with Sophie Caradine-Taber ’17 for the Tiny Senate 25th Dis- to their academic communities. “The College’s Women in Science House Project; and Dario Durastanti ’16 with Troy Townsend ’07 trict Rising Stars The award ceremony was held at House has been around for years, (visiting asst. prof. of chemistry) for spray-on solar cell technology. Celebration in An- Purdue on March 3, 2016. and we are excited to add these napolis. Transcripts two new options to enrich our President Jordan delivered her of both speeches are available at Nearly 40 alumni and prospec- campus life. Their topics are very State of the College address www.smcm.edu/president. tive students and families timely,” said Joanne Goldwater, on January 28, 2016. Its theme was turned out for a reception associate dean of students and “What a Difference a Year Makes” President Jordan joined with hosted by President Jordan and director of residence life. and a transcript is available at the VOICES Reading Series on members of the Alumni Relations www.smcm.edu/president. March 1, 2016, to present “Creat- team at the Palace Hotel in San ing the Compassionate Com- Francisco on March 19, 2016. Governor Hogan and his fam- munity: An Evening to Honor the ily toured St. Mary’s College Legacy of Lucille Clifton.” This on February 27, 2016, and were inaugural event featured read- hosted by President Jordan at a ings of Lucille Clifton poems by research presentation by anthro- College and community friends of pology and museum studies the former Distinguished Professor students of Julie King (professor of the Humanities, National Book of anthropology) on Piscataway Award winner for poetry, and Indian history and culture. Poet Laureate of Maryland. At the

4 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 Leonard Cruz FACULTY & STAFF NEWS , assistant professor The all-time winningest coach in of theater, movement, and dance, the 45-year history of the program, performed his original work Jenkins’ 300-plus career wins Sandy Ganzell, professor of Katharina von “Falling Man” at the Judson include four 20-win seasons. The mathematics and Casey Douglas, Kellenbach, pro- Church Theater in New York City Seahawks also set team records for associate professor of mathematics, fessor of religious on March 14, 2016. most wins (26) and best winning have been awarded a grant from studies, has been percentage (.788). St. Mary’s earned the National Science Foundation awarded a grant to a berth in the Capital Athletic valued at $283,864. The grant will fund a network of Conference playoffs in all but one support a research program for scholars over the season under Jenkins. undergraduate students, to be held next three years. This news follows three summers over a five-year a talk von Kellenbach was invited to Karen Leona Anderson, associate period at St. Mary’s College. The give at the German film premiere of professor of English, has published seven-week program is a designated “Regina: The Story of the World’s “Receipt: Poems” (Milkweed NSF Research Experiences for First Woman Rabbi, Regina Jonas” Editions, 2016) which was featured Undergraduates (REU) Site and in Berlin in November 2015. on Food52’s “Weekend Reads” will commence summer 2016. The and earned praise in a review in Jerry Gabriel, visiting assistant pro- grant builds upon an 11-year suc- Literary Mama magazine. cess record of Emerging Scholars fessor of English and director of the Programs at St. Mary’s College, Chesapeake Writers’ Conference Sue Johnson, professor of art, was helping underrepresented students each summer at St. Mary’s, was a participating artist in the exhibi- prepare for majoring in mathemat- selected from among 1,763 eligible tion “Consumption: Food as Para- ics, for graduate school and for applicants to receive the National dox” at Galerie Myrtis in Baltimore. careers in STEM fields. Endowment for the Arts (NEA) cre- Urban farmer Emma Reisinger ative writing fellowship. His most ’13 was a panelist in a related panel Jeffrey Hammond , recent work of fiction is “The Let discussion, “Are You Gunna Eat professor of Eng- Go” (Queen’s Ferry Press, 2015). That?” on March 20, 2016. From lish and George April 5 – July 4, Johnson’s “Banquet- B. and Willma Lew Jenkins, varsity baseball ing Table” – a part of her “American Reeves Distin- coach, will hang up his hat at the Dreamscape” project – is on display guished Professor end of this season. Jenkins is now in Glyndor House at Wave Hill in the Liberal Arts, in his 22nd year as the team’s head public garden and cultural center in published “Confronting Death: coach, with over 700 games under the Bronx, NY. The Early American Elegy” in “The his belt. He started as an assistant Cambridge History of American Mac & Cheese T.V. with the Seahawk baseball program Sue Johnson, Poetry” (Cambridge Univ. Press) Dinner with Venison, 2007, slip-cast in 1994 before taking over the reins and “Michael Wigglesworth” in vitreous china, 6.5 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches. at the start of the 1995 season. “American Poets and Poetry: From Created in the Arts/Industry program of the the Colonial Era to the Present” John Michael Kohler Art Center. (Greenwood Publishing Group) in 2015. He also published the creative nonfiction essay, “Eight-per-Five” in In her new collection of essays, “Under the Sun” (underthesunon- “From Curlers to Chainsaws: line.com, issue 3). Women and Their Machines” (Michigan State University Press, 2016), Professor of English Jennifer Cognard-Black and her 23 contributors explore the many roles machines play in women’s lives.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 | 5 This issue of The Mulberry Tree is dedicated to the St. Mary’s Way and how it serves as a touchpoint for current students, faculty and staff as well as a reminder for alumni of what makes St. Mary’s College a special place. Ask a current student what they love about the place and they’ll say things like “people really care about each other” and “the campus is so beautiful and we want to keep it that way.” For an alum, the relationships forged with faculty that have continued well after graduation are as memorable as those famous sunsets on the St. Mary’s River. Family and community keep the welcome light aglow.

6 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 THE ST. MARY’S WAY

St. Mary's College of Maryland lies in a setting of natural beauty and historic meaning which enhances our ability to reflect on our lives in an increasingly complex, technological, and interdependent world. As a member of St. Mary's College of Maryland, I accept the St. Mary's Way and agree to join in working with others to develop this College as a community...

...where people respect the natural environment and the tradition of tolerance which is the heritage of this place.

...where people cultivate a life-long quest for disciplined learning and creativity.

...where people take individual responsibility for their work and actions.

...where people foster relationships based upon mutual respect, honesty, integrity, and trust.

...where people are engaged in an ongoing dialogue that values differences and the unique contributions of others' talents, backgrounds, customs, and world views.

...where people are committed to examining and shaping the functional, ethical values of our changing world.

...where people contribute to a spirit of caring and an ethic of service.

By choosing to join this community, I accept the responsibility of helping to build on its past heritage, of living its ideals, and contributing to its future. GIVING BACK CONNECTING THROUGH THE ARTS

8 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 THE ST. MARY’S WAY

very college has alums, but not every college has alums as rabidly devoted to their alma mater as St. Mary’s. They graduate, go off to build careers, lives, families, and when they want a touchpoint, they find it (and repay it) at St. Mary’s. Such has been the case for Lorraine Robinson ’92, Jolene Schafer ’01, Matt Hollis ’03, Joe Hall ’04, and Cheryl Quimba ’05, all who’ve made careers in the arts with help from St. Mary’s. In return, they’ve given of their time and talents to help the next generation of SMCM alumni do the same. EBy Lee Capristo, editor JOLENE SCHAFER ’01 (art) Shortly after graduating, Jolene Schafer was selected for a year-long internship with the Das Puppenspiel Puppet Theater during which time she was trained in westernized bunraku puppetry and performed in dozens of shows in- cluding Puppenspiel’s award-winning original production, “Pictures at an Exhibition.” She did graduate work at the New York Studio School, and the University of Alaska, Fair- banks, where she studied costume design, mask construction and comic art. In 2012, Schafer started PlatyMorph, a handmade leather mask art company, which she continues to run today.

photos by bill wood THE ST. MARY’S WAY

Q: To what do you attribute the "family" con- and paint a large foam Ganesha sculpture nectivity at St. Mary’s? Why does it persist? for a production of “Naga Mandala” in 2000. A: SMCM is uniquely special. The campus is I would never have attempted making some- far enough away from the noise of town that thing like that without her invitation! Though I there is more of a focus to stay on campus wasn’t sure I could do it, I learned how to carve and connect with people who are there for a large form and create a distressed stone effect the same purpose. As such, interconnection with joint compound. The skills I learned from with fellow students and professors is inevi- making Ganesha translated directly to building table. Fellow students are contemporaries in a nine-foot-tall Styrofoam self-portrait puppet I the process of creative and academic develop- made as part of my senior art project. The cre- ment. Professors are mentors, demonstrating ation of this puppet and my experiences in the and sharing their processes as active scholars, theater department led to an internship with role models for what students can aspire to Das Puppenspiel Puppet Theater after gradu- become later on in their own careers. Life at ation. In addition, Barby also introduced me St. Mary’s allows for rampant free-ranging be- to mask building and theatrical makeup tech- tween academic specialties. Students become niques in her classes that I refer back to daily in more aware of whom they are by joining to- my current mask making business. gether. Within my graduating class and be- Sue Johnson’s “Scientific Illustration” class yond there was a unity within St. Mary’s that during my senior year enabled me to meet I have not felt elsewhere. Stephen Godfrey, the curator of paleontol- When it was time to graduate it felt like ogy at Calvert Marine Museum, who was a leaving home. I didn’t feel like I was done yet, guest speaker during the course. With Sue’s but it was time to begin a different stage of encouragement, I met with Dr. Godfrey and my journey. As St. Mary’s is a true home to applied for a summer internship illustrating my spirit in so many ways, I feel that it is a fossil specimens at the museum, which led to part of me that I continue to carry, and it was my first full-time job with its Exhibits Depart- a very large influence on who I have become ment after I graduated. as an adult. The chance to come back, as it As recently as 2015 when I wrote to Sue must be to other returning alums, seems like Johnson asking for advice on how to apply to a way to extend my timeline of experience at art residencies, she proposed that I participate St. Mary’s a bit further. I am eager to bring in the Artist House program. The prospect of what I have learned during my walkabout in the residency made me aware of the skills I the world back to the nest and share it with wanted to develop in order to be ready for its current students who will eventually emerge challenges. Returning to St. Mary’s as an art- from their own collegiate cocoons and embark ist among art students is a chance to create on their part of the cycle. new work in a familiar environment, an op- portunity to experiment, to risk failure and Q: At what points in your post-SMCM career success, and to simply see what happens. have you been sparked by a former professor Q. What kind of push or approval/validation did to take a chance or a risk that you might not you need to pursue mask making as a career? otherwise have done? What was the risk/ chance and how did it turn out? What did A: Due to various shifting life events and geo- you learn from the experience? graphical re-locations I found that my career A: Professors sparked me to take risks both path had spun in a widening arc away from while I was a student and after graduation art-related work. I had jobs in several market- that rippled outwards and positively affected ing departments doing basic graphic design, my post-SMCM career. Barbara (Barby) Kahl, at a roadside animal park caring for North professor of scenography and world theater at American wildlife species, at a blood dona- St. Mary’s from 1996-2001, asked me to carve tion center as a phlebotomy technician, and

10 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 “My professional life has been a tapestry with crooked seams, unsightly bulges and inside out sleeves. I am honestly waiting to feel like I have even achieved a professional life!” — Jolene Schafer finally as a financial technician processing ect, I made my very first leather mask. I put feel like I have even achieved a professional travel vouchers for the military. It was at this this mask along with several other papier life! Some of my many jobs have helped more point that I felt very drone-like, where none mache pieces for sale at a friend’s art co-op. than others, but all have contributed to bring- of my skills and experiences were special, ac- After several weeks I sold one mask and the ing PlatyMorph into existence. Of course my knowledged or valued. In a way, the decision customer wanted me to make her a custom internship at Das Puppenspiel showed me, at to make mask making a career was granted one. The motivation to experiment further the very beginning of my post-SMCM experi- by Fate. After one year as a contractor, the and learn the skills to make more sophisti- ence, how magical and transportive the vehi- Finance Center downsized and I was laid off cated masks launched from there. With seven cles of puppetry and mask performances can with over 80 other people in 2011. I thought leather masks and no online sales experience, be. It is so appropriate that at this stage I find about how to go back to school, tried to find I opened PlatyMorph, my Etsy shop with a myself back at St. Mary’s again, the place of another job, and in the meanwhile started flying platypus mascot, in March of 2012. many winding brick paths. It is time to touch drawing a bunch of mask patterns. My professional life has been a tapestry down and launch once more, creative course While experimenting with a scrap piece of with crooked seams, unsightly bulges and corrections accepted. leather that was bought for a costume proj- inside out sleeves. I am honestly waiting to

Jolene Schafer ’01 (below) preparing a mask for the application of whiskers while artist-in-residence at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. At left, students in Schafer’s workshop.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 | 11 THE ST. MARY’S WAY

JOE HALL ’04 (English)

aledictorian of the Class of 2004, Joe Hall is a teacher, poet, and critic. He is the author of “The Devotional Poems” and “Pigafetta Is VMy Wife” (Black Ocean, 2013 & 2010). With Cheryl Quimba, he co-authored “May I Softly Walk” (Poetry Crush, 2014). Hall recently published his first academic article on water- waste in Palestinian literature. He teaches at SUNY Fredonia while working to complete his PhD. He and spouse Cheryl Quimba live in Buffalo, New York.

Hall says: “Members of the faculty are a big part of what makes St. Mary’s a place of lifelong learning and exchange. They take the time to keep track of what students and alum are up to, envision and organize events, and just show up. Even before I had finished my master’s degree, Jenni- PHOTO COURTESY MATT HOLLIS MATT PHOTO COURTESY fer Cognard-Black invited me back to campus MATT HOLLIS ’03 (Art) Hollis says: to work with her Intermediate Fiction courses and she and Karen Leona Anderson plugged iving and working out of his “When Sue Johnson invited me for a five- me into the VOICES Reading Series after each “fantastic jungle of a studio” in week residency at the Artist House this past the historic 52 O Street Artist winter, it was a great honor and it marked a Studios in Washington, D.C., new phase in my artistic career. I had recently Matt Hollis creates nature- quit my day job and was pursuing new oppor- Linspired, abstract art that plays with notions tunities and this invitation was the validation of the power that the natural I needed to prove that I was world holds over the human moving in the right direction. psyche. He has exhibited works “The St. Mary’s Project in ranging from wall hangings to the final year of the studio art large-scale installations in nu- major was like an intense boot merous galleries throughout camp that toughened us up the D.C. area. In 2015, Hollis and gave us the skills to navi- was one of three artists chosen gate the daunting world of art.” to travel to France for an artis- tic research trip made possible by the D.C. Commission of Arts & Humanities. This year, Art by Matt Hollis: DCCAH awarded him an art- drop circles, 2015, 4' x 5', ist fellowship. faux flowers & fabric on canvas. Poets Joe Hall ’04 and Cheryl Quimba ’05 have found publishing success beyond SMCM.

12 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 “After working some odd jobs after graduating, I decided to carve out more time for writing, even at the expense of pursuing a better defined career.” — Joe Hall

of my book publications. I remember being they’ve imparted stories and wisdom that I KAREN LEONA ANDERSON delighted when Jeff Coleman showed up to a still think about to this day (Lucille Clifton). (associate professor of English): dinner at the Alumni Lodge last year. He’s got I think these types of relationships can be at- “Being someone’s professor is a kids and a long commute – but there he was! tributed, at least in part, to a college environ- lifelong responsibility – but it’s also a “After working some odd jobs after graduat- ment that fostered real mentorship, so these lifelong pleasure.” ing, I decided to carve out more time for writ- faculty members and I were able to relate to JENNIFER COGNARD-BLACK ing, even at the expense of pursuing a better each other and learn from each other even (professor of English): defined career. I remember Jennifer Cognard- outside of the classroom.” Black returning drafts of my stories dripping “It’s particularly rewarding when a former in ink. This was both terrifying but, also, vali- student becomes both a colleague and a friend. At first, I maintained connections dating in the scope of her warmth and rigor. with Joe and Cheryl in the form of writing Looking back, I realize that if they hadn’t LORRAINE ROBINSON ’92 (Psychology) them letters of recommendation for graduate taken me seriously outside of the classroom, I school and the like. But as they became wouldn’t have taken myself seriously enough orraine Robinson is senior direc- academics and published writers in their to take the plunge into the writing world. Ev- tor of programs at the Sitar Arts own right, our relationship evolved into that ery time I get an email from JCB about a writ- Center in Washington, D.C. of fellow writers and teachers. I respect ing contest or award, I learn how to be a life- She holds a master’s degree in them not only as teachers and writers but long teacher and mentor to my own students. theater, film and media from as human beings. They epitomize the best It’s something to be thankful for.” LBrown University and ran her own non-profit of St. Mary’s.” theater company, MuseFire Productions, for SUE JOHNSON (professor of art): seven years. She has been guest director and visiting faculty for St. Mary’s College’s theater “One of the core missions of the Artist department. Each year, she recruits St. Mary’s House Residency program is to bring emerg- CHERYL QUIMBA ’05 (English) ing and established artists and scholars theater students to help with Camp Sitar’s to the College, and within that mission we heryl Quimba followed St. summer musical program, which she directs. bring back successful alumni of the Col- Mary’s with an MFA in cre- lege to share their experience while at the Robinson says: ative writing with a concen- same time offering them time and space to tration in poetry at Purdue “Artistically, taking experimental directing create new work. They share their time and University. She now lives and with Joanne Klein was all about exploration experience with our current students, who Cworks in Buffalo, New York, as a publicist. and risk and that exploration is what woke me have the unique opportunity to see someone Her first book of poetry, “Nobody Dancing,” up to plethora of stylistic choices that theatri- who used to be where they are as a student. was published in December 2015 (Publishing cal directors have at their disposal to play with. It’s a powerful connection and an important support network.” Genius Press). She is married to Joe Hall ’04. That type of artistic investigation fuels me to this day and is definitely what made me want JOANNE KLEIN (professor of theater): Quimba says: to continue in the field beyond college. I hope “Lorraine provided me with one of my all- “During my time as a student and in the years I can continue to reach back to St. Mary’s and time best classroom memories when, after  since, I’ve felt that the faculty with whom I help other students do the same!” the performance of her final project, an was close have been genuinely enthusiastic adaptation of “The Lottery,” performed in about the work I was doing, and were ac- the style of Dada, she handed me her written tively interested in supporting that work when component, chopped up in small Dada-esque they could. Just a few examples -- they’ve pieces in a baggie. It was classic Lorraine invited me to contribute to anthologies they hilarity, followed instantly by classic Lorraine edited (Jennifer Cognard-Black, for “Books conscientiousness, when she also presented That Cook”), they’ve asked me to take part me an intact version of the paperwork.” in alumni literary readings (Cognard-Black, again), they’ve written blurbs for me, letters of recommendation, and offered thought- ful feedback on my writing (Kaia Sand), and Lorraine Robinson as Glinda in the 2014 production of “The Wiz” at the Sitar Arts Center.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2016 | 13 “I got your six.”

Tygee Shakir ’15 (left) and Dante Chestnut ’13 (right) strike a pose with Michelle DiMenna ’15 in front of a Beltway Companies’ “big rig.” All three were chosen for internships with the company; Shakir and Chestnut went on to become full-time employees at its Idealease facility in Baltimore. DiMenna now works at St. Mary’s College.

14 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 “I got yourTHE ST. MARY’S WAY

six.”BY LEE CAPRISTO, EDITOR INTERNSHIPS SHIFT INTO HIGH GEAR

In today’s competitive marketplace, undergraduates feel pressured to gain real-world working experience relevant to their degree long before they have their diploma in hand. Internships provide the opportunity to work in a research, corporate, or other professional environment for a short time, and to be mentored by an expert in that field. Eager students fill their LinkedIn profiles with these experiences, hoping that they lead to a connection for a full-time, paying job after graduation. Here are some of their success stories.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BELTWAY COMPANIES St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 | 15 THE ST. MARY’S WAY

left: All in the Family: Sam Eitel, The Alum Beltway Companies rental manager and mentor; Jack Saum ’89, Beltway with Companies president and CEO; marketing intern Michelle DiMenna ’15; former intern, now Beltway employee the Vision Tygee Shakir ’15; former intern, now Beltway employee Dante Chestnut ’13. Jack Saum ’89 took over from his dad in “If positive corporate 2009 as president and CEO of Beltway Companies. In 2012, he expanded with an culture is the key to The Idealease truck rental facility and two auto parts retail stores followed by a used truck success in any market Interns center in 2014. Today, Beltway Companies how can the message has business in 10 locations across Maryland. of the internship not Dante Chestnut ’13 By any measure, this is big growth in a com- (economics) petitive market. Saum’s employees know their be the foundation of ■ intern 2012 market and pride themselves in listening to ■ employed at Beltway their customers. He says that success was a that success?” Companies’ Idealease natural outcome of solidifying his leader- JACK SAUM ’89, PRESIDENT AND CEO, facility in Baltimore ship team. “When I took over,” he says, “I BELTWAY COMPANIES since 2013 thought a good catalyst would be to rede- fine our corporate culture.” What emerged As an intern… through the process was “confidence in our “I was shocked to learn the major role that brand, our promise, our technology.” He commercial transportation plays in all our says his leadership team works well together lives. Trucks haul all of the products we use toward common goals. They measure success and consume every day!” on the place where they grew up. “St. Mary’s by the enterprise, avoiding silo thinking. As an employee, I use my liberal arts education to… was very influential in my life and in my “I got your six” (meaning “I got your back”) “Apply critical thinking skills to be efficient wife’s life (Jeanne Brady Saum ’88). Beyond is part of the company culture. when managing a customer’s transportation that, two of my wife’s sisters are alums as well He speaks of an event in 2012 as a defin- needs.” ing moment. “I was sitting at my desk and as my sister. When we combined our love of St. Mary’s with our corporate core values, the noticed there were 10 different charitable golf Tygee Shakir ’15 tournament flyers in front of me. It made investment made sense.” (political science) me think about how I might contribute. How does the investment pay off? To ■ intern 2013 and 2014 What would be the best way to express our Saum, it’s multi-faceted. “We challenge our ■ employed at Beltway corporate core values while giving back to interns to do strength and weakness analysis Companies’ Idealease the community and being involved in that on various parts of our business as well as facility in Baltimore community?” critique our digital marketing. Their unique since 2015 What resulted was the Beltway Companies and unbiased opinions help me and the direc- internship and scholarship experience, estab- tors think about our challenges and opportu- As an intern… lished through an endowed gift to St. Mary’s nities differently. At Beltway Companies, this “No two days were ever the same. One day College Foundation and supported each program is a point of pride with the people might be invoicing, followed by visiting a year by a Beltway Companies annual golf who mentor our interns. If positive corporate customer with our own personal snow cone tournament. The internship and scholarship culture is the key to success in any market truck.” provide a St. Mary’s student from Baltimore how can the message of the internship not be As an employee… the opportunity to continue their college edu- the foundation of that success?” “I get the help and support I need to grow in cation and ultimately be a positive influence a family-like environment.”

16 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 “I thought the work environment would be stressful, but working Genia Gavin ’17 Muluberhan “Mulu” with people who are (economics) Bahre ’16 (psychology) ■ intern 2015 ■ intern 2015 passionate about their ■ performed website ■ performed front-desk SWOT analysis customer service and job was really fun.” ■ career goal: truck rental SWOT MULUBERHAN "MULU" BAHRE '16 business marketing analysis ■ career goal: work in What surprised me… Africa through Doctors Without Borders “For the first few weeks, I was very confused about the trucking business but with the I learned… help and support of the employees I met, this “Interacting with customers helped world of marketing. From there, we figure out confusion turned into confidence.” me gain more confidence in my what they seem to have the most interest in. communications skills.” An aspect of a successful workforce is… In Genia’s case, she gravitated towards data. What surprised me… “Communication and how well a business Having her on board last summer gave us the “I thought the work environment would be can do this among both departments and opportunity to collect research and data that stressful, but working with people who are locations.” we may have dreamed about but wouldn’t passionate about their job was really fun.” have been able to get to ourselves.” Michelle DiMenna “Fun fact: Genia visited all 10 Beltway ’15 (political science, locations during her internship!” psychology) The “Michelle and I learned together (I came to ■ intern 2014 ■ performed market SWOT Mentors Beltway two weeks before she started her analysis internship), and she definitely had a hand ■ employed since 2015 in framing what the marketing department at St. Mary’s College of Sam Eitel is today.” Maryland as research data analyst ■ rental manager at Beltway Companies’ Idea- lease facility in Baltimore Can the “St. Mary’s Way” be found in the ■ mentor to Dante, Tygee and Mulu The Career workplace? “Jack Saum lives out the St. Mary’s Way “When I knew I was going to be a mentor every day in the way he does business. From to the interns, I thought, ‘If I was in their Adviser the way the company treats customers to the shoes, what would I like to gain from the way it treats its employees, it is a company experience?’ I thought about all the daily Dana Burke rooted in respect and mutually beneficial activities and interactions: the most valuable ■ director of Career Development at SMCM relationships.” to the intern is real-world experience.” “When the Career Development Center What surprised me… “It’s truly a blessing to get to know their initially promotes the Beltway Companies “I was asked to debrief the company’s families and the impact each of them has internship and scholarship experience, stu- leadership team on my market SWOT made in their respective communities.” dents often question how an experience at a analysis!” Stephanie Denzer commercial trucking company is relevant to a “A workplace can also be a family.” ■ marketing director at Beltway Companies’ liberal arts education. After completing their Used Truck Center in Dundalk work with Beltway, they are easily able to see Stephanie Denzer ■ mentor to Michelle and Genia how they have used the liberal arts skills in- (left) mentored Michelle DiMenna cluding communication and critical thinking. ’15 (right) and “We teach them, challenge them, and value Additionally, they have gained a strong work Genia Gavin ’17 in their opinions like any other team member.” experience and transferable skills that will be marketing and web.  “We start any internship with an overview valuable in their future careers.” of everything we are involved in so they can see how many opportunities there are in the

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 | 17

THE ST. MARY’S WAY

“Jim Kenney is simultaneously intimidating and inspiring.... Students really like and respect him. We have two long-term adjuncts and because of their experience and qualifications, we welcome the classes they How did you get the job? I met President May Russell at a luncheon in have created and added to our curriculum. If you have Lexington Park during the summer of 1964. In casual conversation, I mentioned that had I a master chef on staff you don’t ask him to make grilled not gone to law school, I might have gone into cheese. You ask him to create and to share his skills.” education. A week or so later, she called me and asked if I’d been serious about teaching; – Todd Eberly, associate professor and she was in a pinch with a faculty member who chair of the Department of Political Science would be unable to teach for the fall semester. I imagined myself teaching English literature, in the fashion of “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” only to learn that she needed someone to teach a course on federal government. In 1964, the institution was still three years A Case for away from having a four-year curriculum. How were the courses you taught then different from the ones you teach now? Endurance There was no political science major at that point, so the course on federal government was broad. The classes were larger and taught in the im Kenney has taught as an adjunct professor early years in the original Anne Arundel Hall. at St. Mary’s every semester since the fall of 1964 without Most of the students were women and many interruption. That, in itself, is remarkable, but Kenney has were legacies, whose grandmothers and mothers had also gone to St. Mary’s. After teaching the given his time and talents to the College in other ways, too. course, I started moving it toward “Constitution- He’s supported the College during the administrations of al Law” and eventually that got to be too much for one semester and I advocated that it be split Jevery president from May Russell forward. He was a found- into two parts, one given each semester. The ing member of the College Foundation with Deak Reynolds under President context of the courses changes over the years to be relevant to the political issues of the time, Renwick Jackson in 1971, serving through the presidencies of Weigle, Lewis, be they civil rights, gay marriage, representation and O’Brien, and as the Foundation’s president from 1993-1999. For his service for the poor. The courses now, in the major, are smaller, deeper, and more narrowly focused, like to St. Mary’s through the College Foundation, Kenney was honored with the “Religion and the U.S. Constitution.” Order of the Ark and Dove in 2000. What is it about teaching that has kept you at A local attorney, Jim Kenney was in private practice with a concentration it as an adjunct for 52 straight years? on real estate, land use, regulatory practice, business transactions and litiga- Being around the students keeps me sharp, keeps me young at heart. I get energized by them. tion from 1963 until 1997. From 1997 to 2007 he was associate judge of the I’ve also been able to develop and teach new Court of Special Appeals of Maryland, the first and only judge from Southern courses over the years. The “Law and Society” course that I teach is a standard for many stu- Maryland to be appointed to that court. He continues to serve as a recall judge dents considering going on to law school, and I on the Court of Special Appeals today. see former students as lawyers at Bar Association meetings and even in court. Not too long ago, I had a student come up to me after class and say, photo and introduction by Lee Capristo, editor “My grandmother said to say hello.” 

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 | 19 ALUMNI CONNECTION

Sean Martin ’94 has been a Karie Lew ’98 is the legal re- transformed his home/studio at school principal in Howard search attorney for the Superior the historic 52 O Street Studios CLASS County, Md. for 11 years but Court of California, County in Washington, D.C. into a “full- recently made his YouTube of Tuolumne in Sonora, Calif. scale botanical forest installa- NOTES debut with a video showing how She’s responsible for conduct- tion.” Matt also spends countless he spent a “principal snow day” ing legal research, analysis, and hours finding new and exciting 1950s at his school, Waterloo Elemen- writing on matters pending be- gardens to visit, photograph and tary, in Columbia, Md. after fore the court, as well as assist- review for his garden review Bettie Pass DeBelius ’53JC a January blizzard shut down ing with court operations, such blog, gradinggardens.tumblr. would like her classmates to com. In 2016 he was recognized many Maryland schools for 1 as revision of the Court’s local know that her husband, Chuck, days. Filmed and edited by his rules. She previously worked for his contribution to D.C.’s a long-time supporter of the daughter, Gwen who’s in eighth for nine years as a senior attor- culture with an artist fellowship College and a retired U.S. grade, the video was intended ney with the Law Foundation grant from the D.C. Commis- Army colonel, passed away on to make his staff and students of Silicon Valley. Tuolumne sion of Arts & Humanities. To Jan. 16, 2016. He will be buried laugh after being snowbound County, located in the heart see more of Matt’s work go to at Arlington National Cemetery at home but it quickly went of California’s “Mother Lode” www.enoughforall.com. on July 1, 2016. Betty, for many viral with over 810,000 hits in gold region, contains historic years, was an Army Arlington two weeks. His video also was gold mining towns and Yosem- Sarah Jardeleza Winger ’03 Lady. An Army Arlington Lady posted at baltimoresun.com, to- ite National Park. is the new assessment coordina- attends, in an official capac- day.com/parents, abcnews.com, tor at Salisbury University. ity, each Army funeral held at Business Insider, Inside Edition, 2 Nick Novak ’98 is Maryland’s This position will allow her to Arlington National Cemetery and Entertainment Tonight. To 2016 Outstanding Leader Using impact and influence continu- and represents the entire Army check out Sean’s re-creation of Technology. Selected by the ous improvement of student family to the deceased’s family Tom Cruise’s famous “Risky Maryland Society for Education outcomes across the institution. members. Betty lives in An- Business” scene, search YouTube Technology, he was recognized Sarah, who received her doctor- napolis, Md. for “Principal Snow Day at Wa- for demonstrating outstanding ate in plant biology in 2010 terloo.” Sean, his wife Jennifer use of innovative and effective from the University of Georgia, 1990s Fleck Martin ’93 and their educational technology prac- previously spent five years as an children live on Kent Island on tices. Nick is the principal of assistant professor at Michi- Kenny Neal ’91 [1] is an Maryland’s eastern shore. Howard High School in Ellicott gan State University. Sarah, educational media producer at City, Md. He and his family husband C. J. Winger ’03 and the John F. Kennedy Center for John B. Bratt ’95 has been 3 live in Elkridge, Md. their three children are excited the Performing Arts in Wash- named to the 2016 Maryland to be back on the east coast ington, D.C. A music major, Super Lawyers Top 100 List Jennifer Mott Beach ’97 is Alisa Bralove-Scherr ’00 near family and friends. They he worked for MCI as a senior which is comprised of lawyers the new reference and instruc- [2] has been a member of live in Sussex County, Del. communications specialist for who were ranked top in the tional services librarian and an the Maryland Office of the almost 15 years, gaining skills in Supers Lawyers nomination, assistant professor at Longwood Attorney General’s Consumer Norah Harwood Hibbits ’05 video web production, writing research and blue ribbon University’s Greenwood Li- Protection Division for 11 years is a small business owner. She and editing. When Verizon pur- review process. In 2015 he was brary in Farmville, Va. Jennifer and recently was promoted to discovered Baby Boot Camp, a chased MCI, he took the oppor- recognized as one of the top and her family live in Rice, Va. deputy director of the mediation stroller fitness program, while tunity to change career fields one percent of attorneys in the unit and arbitration administra- living in Sunnyvale, Calif. and and, using his communications nation by the National Associa- Deanne Grayson ’97 complet- tor. Alisa and her husband, Rich, staying home with her daughter and media production skills in tion of Distinguished Counsel. ed her residency in psychiatry live in Owings Mills, Md. Clara. When the family moved the arts, started working for the John concentrates his practice in June 2015 at Tripler Army to Minnesota in October 2015 Kennedy Center. In September in personal injury cases and Medical Center in Honolulu, Matt Hollis ’03 [3] was the Norah tried to find a similar 2010 he began to freelance as a civil appeals of all types. He Hawaii. A captain in the U.S. College’s Artist House artist- program to no avail. So she theatrical sound designer and also serves as counsel to Rocky Army and board certified, she in-residence from Jan.19-Feb. has started her own Baby Boot recently received his first Helen Gorge R.F.C., Inc., the 2012 is practicing psychiatry at Weed 22, 2016. Inspired by flow- Camp in Minneapolis’ north- Hayes Award nomination for and 2014 USA Rugby Men’s Army Community Hospital, ers and nature, he creates west suburb of Hopkins, Minn. outstanding sound design for Division II National Champi- Fort Irwin, Calif. “abstract-organic soft sculpture, It’s a franchise of the parent his work on the 2015 produc- ons. John and his family live in photography, mixed media, company, Inspiring Wellness tion “Old Wicked Songs,” at Lutherville, Md. and large scale installations in LLC and offers stroller fitness 1st Stage in Tysons, Va. Kenny bright colors, faux flowers, and and stroller yoga programs. lives in Silver Spring, Md. appealing textures.” He has Check out Baby Boot Camp’s

20 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 Emily Burdeshaw ’13 has Kelly Heyde ’13 has finished joined eTERA Consulting, her first season as the assistant an internationally recognized men’s and women’s swimming and award-winning leader in and diving coach at Southwest- data and technology manage- ern University in Georgetown, ment, in the new position of Texas. Along with Southwestern’s campaign and content manager. other coaches, she was awarded She will play a major role in the Men’s Coaching Staff of the building eTERA’s market- Year for the Southern Collegiate 4 ing strategy, in particular, the Athletic Conference. While at development and management St. Mary’s, Kelly became the first facebook page at www. Sara Bodde Healy ’06, MAT of TRIBEZA magazine, an of the company’s educational swimmer in conference history facebook.com/minneapolisnw. ’07 [4] has been living in Austin-based arts and culture programs and strategic training to win the same three individual Norah used her life science Kuwait since 2013 when her magazine, she also is a freelance initiatives. Emily began her events in four consecutive years background to prepare for tak- husband David was assigned writer whose work has appeared public relations career with earning her 12 individual gold ing the American Council on there. She works at the U.S. in Texas Highways, Eater Aus- Naval Air Systems Command medals. She also was the Capital Exercise (ACE) personal trainer Embassy in Kuwait City in the tin, ArtDesk, and CultureMap at Naval Air Station Patuxent Athletic Conference (CAC) exam and hopes to focus on regional security office which is Austin. Sofia says she’s bringing River, Md. Starting as an intern Rookie of the Year; four-time exercise physiology and the part of the Diplomatic Security a little bit of the St. Mary’s Way in the Pathways Program, she team MVP; two-year St. Mary’s neuromuscular response to Bureau. Her office acts as the to the lonestar state. progressed to deputy public Female Athlete of the Year; and exercise when Clara is older. embassy’s law enforcement affairs officer for the program a two-year Scholar All-American. Norah and her family live in arm and handles all counter- Kevin Wehmueller ’11 is executive office for unmanned Kelly still holds school records Medina, Minn. terrorism and security related a strategic writer for Taoti aviation and strike weapons in three events along with two issues. Sara, shown here with Creative, a digital strategy and and then to public affairs CAC records. She was the assis- Annelise Montone ’05 is the entire regional security web design firm in Washington, officer for the maritime patrol tant swimming coach at Goucher the new executive director of office staff, also works part time D.C. After St. Mary’s College, and reconnaissance aircraft College for two years while work- Creative York, an organization as a childbirth educator and he spent two years in Korea program. Also at eTERA is ing on her masters of education whose mission is to nurture birth doula serving expectant teaching English as a foreign Cassey Elder ’13 who joined degree in athletic administration imagination, creativity, and families in Kuwait. Living in language, followed by a year the company in March 2015 as which she received in May 2015. innovation in York, Pa. Her the Kuwait has been challeng- handling marketing and public- its manager of public relations. Kelly lives in Georgetown, Texas. résumé includes working for ing and educational but Sara is ity for Queen’s Ferry Press, a two years as an outreach spe- looking forward to returning to small, independent publisher of cialist for the Maryland Science the U.S. this summer. literary fiction. Before joining Alumni Spotlight Center and another year as the Taoti Creative, he worked as an Marybeth Gallagher Cale ’96 patron services director for Ol- editor for Diplomatic Language 2010s shared that her public relations and ney Theater Center. She served Services where he produced executive coaching firm, Cale Com- for three years as the creative Brian Boyle ’10 will be the a 14,000 page, four-language munications, celebrated ten years director/writer-in-residence for opening speaker for the Arc of curriculum for adult students in business in 2015. A longtime Open Space Arts, a community Maryland’s state convention learning Arabic, Tagalog, French communications expert, publicist, arts center in Reisterstown, on May 13, 2016. Boyle is a and Indonesian. Kevin lives in and professional and personal Md., before joining the staff of healthcare advocate, motiva- Arlington, Va. development coach, she started her the Star-Spangled Banner Flag tional speaker and author of career as an admissions counselor House as its visitor services “Iron Heart” (Skyhorse, 2009) Colleen Brummitt Anglin ’13 for St. Mary’s College. She started coordinator in 2008. During her and “The Patient Experience” is living on the Italian island of Cale Communications and today with her co-owner, husband six years at this national historic (Skyhorse, 2015). Sicily. Her husband Justin is in Tom, runs multi-faceted communications campaigns for clients landmark and museum, she be- the U.S. Navy and the couple from all over the United States; develop websites, logos and came the organization’s deputy Sofia Sokolove ’11 and her is stationed at Naval Air Station branding, public statements, and messaging; and manage and then executive director. father, journalist Michael Soko- Sigonella. Colleen works for media relations, corporate community relations programs, From March 2014-October 2015 love, did a reading for the Col- the U.S. Army as a veterinarian and public appearances. Marybeth is also a certified life coach she was the executive director lege’s VOICES program on Jan. technician at the base’s Veteri- specializing in communications coaching. Learn more about of the Baltimore Chamber 28, 2016. Since graduating, Sofia nary Treatment Facility; Justin, her work at calecommunications.com or marybethcale.com. Orchestra. Annelise lives in has lived and worked in Austin, a Petty Officer Third Class, (St. Mary’s alumni discounts available!) She and her family live Baltimore, Md. Texas. Currently assistant editor works at the base hospital in the optometry department. in her hometown of Rhinebeck, N.Y.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 | 21 ALUMNI CONNECTION

Meet Your Alumni Council: he/she takes on a special project in conjunction Danielle Troyan ’92 with the College. What’s not new? The smiles that reach our eyes, The Winter 2016 issue of Mulberry Tree contained and the sentiment we feel when we go around the an article from Alumni Council Parliamentarian bend on Route 5 enroute to a Council meeting. Mark Fedders ’74 introducing the College’s The desire and commitment to give back to and Alumni Council. He also indicated that future reconnect alumni with the place that means so issues would contain profiles of current council much to us in so many different ways. members. We understand how life intervenes and impedes This article, the first in a series, was supposed your ability to come back to campus. But we know to profile Danielle Troyan ’92 whose term as St. Mary’s remains in your DNA, through shared president of the Alumni Association ends in June. memories with life-long friends, a spouse, and pos- Instead she asked that her profile be more about sibly a son or daughter who comes to love the river encouraging alumni engagement and less about her. as much as you do. So here are some thoughts about Danielle. Early My term as Alumni Association and Council in her career, she was given a military challenge President ends in June. Before that day arrives, I coin with the inscription, “Do the mission. Have ask you to give in to that gentle nudge and find the In Danielle’s words: fun.” This phrase, along with “Leave it better than time, no matter how small, to continue your legacy “The Council is a group of extraordinary people you found it,” sums up her approach to leader- with St. Mary’s. Do a little harmless self-promotion from across the decades. They remember when ship. Danielle joined the alumni council by chance … talk about your glory days … encourage a high St. Mary’s was a junior college and Kent Hall was when she responded to a call from then President school student to attend. If you have a chapter the largest building on campus; when the only Maggie O’Brien for young alumni to get involved nearby, go to an event. If you haven’t been back to residents in the fields behind Admissions were with the College. Since St. Mary’s is where she campus in a while, come and enjoy the waterfront butterflies and deer; and when the student surge found her voice, she wanted to help ensure future during Alumni Weekend or Hawktoberfest, or rent sent everyone to eat in a B.A.T. students would have the same experience. Joining the Alumni Lodge for a long, lazy summer week- The Council is your voice to the College and the council in 2002, she first served as parliamentar- end. Stretch your mind at one of the College’s dis- the Board of Trustees, the governing body of the ian for eight years, followed by two years as vice tinguished lectures with a national thought leader, College, which approves its annual budget, tuition, president, and since 2012, as president and a member or make your mark as a member of the Council or new curriculum, tenure appointments, and the like. of the College’s Board of Trustees. She says she is as an alumni ambassador. The Council is some of best people I have had privileged to represent and work with the most These resources wouldn’t be possible without you the privilege of knowing and working with for talented college students and graduates on the and the College. While a separate 503c organiza- nearly two decades. They are extended members planet. Passionate for purpose-driven organizations tion, the Association principally fundraises for schol- of my QA and Townhouse families, mentors, and teams, she uses her expertise to foster strong arship, and we appreciate your enduring commit- respectful critics, and confidants. So much has relationships between them and their audiences ment. However, our operating budget, which covers changed, but so much remains the same. by reaching out, forging connections, and making alumni activities, such as our reunion events, comes What’s new? The Council, like the Alumni sure the right message reaches the right people. from the College. I am deeply grateful for the sup- Office, is coming of age. Just as Alumni Weekend This is true for her “day job” as vice president, ex- port from the Board of Trustees, especially former continues to refine its focus to meet the needs ternal relations for the Business-Higher Education Chair and current Trustee Molly Mahoney Mat- and desires of alumni, so has the Council. We Forum, the nation’s oldest membership organiza- thews and current Chair Gail Harmon; President restructured ourselves to be more transparent and tion of Fortune 500 CEOs, college and university Tuajuanda Jordan; Vice President for Institutional serve alumni better. We encourage open debate presidents, and other leaders who collaborate and Advancement Carolyn Curry; and Vice President and work together to bring the spectrum of alumni form strategic partnerships to develop a highly- for Finance & Administration Chip Jackson. They perspectives to the College and Trustees. We nur- skilled future workforce as well as her role as respect and appreciate the role and responsibility ture alumni engagement through a growing base of president of the Alumni Association. alumni play in St. Mary’s future and success. chapters, which grew from a handful in Maryland As a shared stakeholder, I encourage you to to sites coast to coast. We set new standards for build your St. Mary’s legacy. Take advantage of the alumni philanthropy through Giving Tuesday. high-quality opportunities for alumni. Volunteer. We empower alumni to participate in the Council,  then move on. We know we’ve succeeded when an Donate. Participate.” alum’s commitment to SMCM is so entrepreneurial

22 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 Alumni Spotlight Matt Norkunas ’99 is “the happiest CFO in bio- tech” although his career path to becoming chief financial officer (CFO) for SomaLogic Inc. has had its share of “interesting twists Les Walker ’13 has been hired and turns!” A biology ma- by the American Anthropologi- jor at St. Mary’s, he went MARRIAGES cal Association as manager of to medical school at the its public education initiative in University of Maryland, &UNIONS Arlington, Va. did his anesthesiology residency at Mt. Sinai Lauren Taylor ’14 is the newest Hospital, became board Brian Conlin ’05 and Amy member of the College’s Alumni certified and was an at- Horton ’06 [1] were married Relations staff. In her role as the tending anesthesiologist at Sep. 25, 2015 in Baltimore, Md. 1 JEN RYNDA assistant director, she manages Maimonides Medical Center. However the more he practiced The wedding party included of- the alumni website and event medicine the more he realized he never loved medicine. So ficiant Lindsay Pack ’05, maid management system, and is also while practicing medicine full time, he expanded his horizons of honor Holly Stone ’06, and responsible for all of the digital by serving as vice president of new business development for a best man Paul Conlin ’00. Wed- marketing that goes out to private physician group; actively participating in clinical trials, ding guests included 2004 alums alumni through electronic news- authoring scientific publications and presentations; and devel- Brad Newkirk, Dan Gordon letters and social media. Lauren oping two medical devices (whose patents are pending). and Eric Jackson; 2005 alums Kristin Martin Conlin, Whitney lives in Park Hall, Md. He also began pursuing an MBA in finance from Colum- Fahrman, Dave Thomas, Joe bia University. After graduation he joined Marsico Capital 2 Maura Glascock ’15 is the Glynn, Amy Stancavitch Stan- REBECCA PEPLINSKI Management whose founder and visionary thinker, Tom concert production and facili- ton, Mitch Stanton, Jimbo Marsico, has made significant financial contributions to ties manager for the University Wise and Minhlann Nguyen medical research. Working on Wall Street as an equity analyst of Denver’s Lamont School of Jackson; 2006 alums Ed Stock- helped Matt build a broader vision of how investment is a key Music. She manages all internal meyer, Kristin Gray, Cassie component of patient care or as he says, “truly disruptive tech- concert operations from stage Clemente, Will Tipton, Katie nologies really do bring a much higher patient quality of life.” set-up to house managing and Lange Newkirk and Veronica For example, his second stock pick at Marsico was a company, also oversees the entire facility. Berruz; 2008 alums Halley Pack Gilead, which had presented some unbelievable data on a Previously she worked as an and Neil Feldman and honorary Hepatitis C cure that ultimately became known as Sovaldi/Har- alum Chris Curcio. Brian is the 3 administrative and production PHOTOGRAPHY PIPER WATSON voni. The stock was a win for his investors as it quadrupled in assistant for The Chesapeake content marketing manager for value in two years but it also was a win for Hepatitis C patients Southeast Asian honeymoon Orchestra and, while at St. Cision; Amy is a senior risk ana- who ended up getting a side-effect-free cure. visiting Bali, Singapore and Mary’s College, interned with lyst at PayPal. The couple lives in Thailand. Lindsay is the director the River Concert Series, The Matt credits St. Mary’s and its general liberal arts environment Baltimore, Md. of communications for Nexight Chesapeake Orchestra and The and his parents for teaching him to “think big” and to be intel- Group; Chris is the controller Maryland Youth Symphony lectually curious. As a result he has approached life differently Lindsay Pack ’05 and Chris for NFM Lending. They live Orchestra. Maura lives in than most traditionally trained physicians as reflected in his Curcio [2] were married with their dog Butters in the Denver, Colo. multi-faceted career path which led to his “cool new job” as Aug. 14, 2015 at the Baltimore SomaLogic’s CFO. He still is helping patients as part of a team Museum of Industry in Balti- Federal Hill neighborhood of Xuan Huajie ’15 celebrated his managing paradigm shifting proprietary technology called the more, Md. The wedding party Baltimore, Md. graduation from St. Mary’s Col- “SOMAmer.” This technology, used in proteomic discovery, included maid of honor Halley Sarah Sloane ’05 and Patrick lege by bicycling cross country. has the potential to identify biosignatures and biomarkers Pack ’08 and bridesmaids Amy Donovan ’06 [3] were married Leaving Washington, D.C. on which measure changes in an individual’s protein biochemis- Horton ’06, Kristin Gray ’06, Oct. 31, 2015 at historic Wood- July 2, 2015, he spent sixty days try. SOMAmer technology already has helped transform the and Emma Gerald Boyer ’05. lawn in St. Mary’s County, Md. riding through 16 states before detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. As the technol- Wedding guests included 2004 They held their rehearsal dinner arriving in Seattle, Wash. Xuan ogy matures even further, SomaLogic ultimately will create alums Dan “Gordo” Gordon at the College. Members of the calls the trip the most meaning- a “Wellness Chip” in the form of a single cost-effective and and Brad Newkirk; 2005 wedding party included 2006 ful thing he did in his four years reliable blood test that will identify multiple diseases and condi- alums Brian Conlin, Whitney alums Randy Deltuva, Seth in the U.S. Now living and tions in real time. An easy way to think of the Wellness Chip Fahrman, Jennifer Estevez Quinn, Jeff Luoma and Matt working in Chendgu, in Sichuan is it’s a “complete physical exam in a blood test.” This simple Meyer, Kevin Meyer, Amy O’Neill; and Ali Cannavino ’05. Province, China, he’s already blood test taken repeatedly over time will enable healthcare Stancavitch Stanton, Mitch Matthew Rowland ’06 and planning his next big solo ride providers to precisely monitor an individual’s state of health Stanton, and Jimbo Wise; Richard Barr ’07 were wedding from Chengdu to Yunnan then and wellness before symptoms ever appear and will drive true 2006 alums Veronica Ber- guests. The couple will honey- through Southeast Asia and personalized preventative care, instead of today’s mass-pro- ruz, Cassie Clemente, Katie moon in Costa Rica in the spring. ultimately to Australia. duced, reactive care. Matt lives in Denver, Colo. Lange Newkirk, Holly Stone, Sarah works at Johns Hopkins and Will Tipton; and Neil Feld- Hospital as a mental health thera- man ’08. The couple enjoyed a

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 | 23 ALUMNI CONNECTION

pist for adolescents; Patrick is a Stapleton ’07. The couple has fifth grade teacher with Baltimore planned a cross-country road County public schools. They trip in late April in lieu of a live in the Patterson Park neigh- traditional honeymoon. Emma borhood of Baltimore, Md. worked as a public health advi- sor at the Center for Disease Elizabeth Crockett ’07 and Control but in May will begin Ben Chidester [4] were married an accelerated nursing program 4 Sep. 19, 2015 at Wentworth Lodge at Emory University where she EMILIE INC. PHOTOGRAPHY in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. It was will earn both a bachelor of beautiful 75 degree summer-like science and a master of science weather for an amazing Maine in nursing in less than three coastal wedding with a nautical years. Emma will be specializing theme. Allyson Sarigianis as a family nurse practitioner. Homung ’06 was a bridesmaid; Richard recently emigrated Marianne Wood Forest ’08, 11 from Burkina Faso, where the BOUNCING LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Rohrs ’08, Rick Be- couple first met, and is learning sore ’07, and Alex Wenger ’10 5 High School and is an adjunct English while he waits for his CASSIE CONFORTI were wedding guests. In January, instructor of history at Hill Col- green card to be approved. The the couple spent three weeks hon- lege; Thomas is a mechanic for couple lives in Decatur, Ga. eymooning in Australia and New Classic Chevrolet. The couple Zealand, enjoying the summer Beth Bowers ’11 and Kevin lives in Tolar, Texas. weather down under. Lizzie and Richman [9] were married Oct. Ben both work in the emergency Laura Walker ’08 and Christo- 11, 2015 at Sunset Hills Vineyard departments of Norfolk and pher Greeley [6] were married in Purcellville, Va. Wedding Virginia Beach, Va.; Lizzie as a 10 guests included fellow 2011 Sep. 19, 2015 at Caboose Farm in ANCHORED IN LOVE EDWARDS, KELLY physician assistant and Ben as an alums, Katherine Swiggett, Em- 6 Sabillasville, Md. The wedding

KIRSTEN ZAREK ily Kershner, Claire Solinsky, attending physician. The couple party included maid of honor Pat Carr, Brian Van Parys lives in Virginia Beach, Va. Stefanie Matthews ’08 and and Cody Brack Kate Mona- bridesmaids Rebecca Schmidt ; and Dustin Reichard ’07 and han ’12 ’08 and Nicole Cronin ’08. . The couple will have a Elizabeth Schultz [5] were mar- The couple honeymooned on spring honeymoon in Italy and ried Oct. 24, 2015 in Blooming- the island of Aruba. Laura is a Morocco. Beth is a senior associ- ton, Ind. Fellow 2007 alums in development research analyst ate for proposals and reporting the wedding party included best 12 for the United Nations Founda-

at Johns Hopkins University; AMY WILKINS, AG1 PHOTOGRAPHY man Landon Southerly and Christopher is a salesman at tion; Kevin is a director for the 7 groomsmen Kevin Boyle, Kev- General Services Administration. NATALIE GIBBS PHOTOGRAPHY NATALIE Safway Services. They live in in Parks and Julian Brunner. Baltimore, Md. They live in Arlington, Va. Wedding guests included 2007 Spencer Bykowsky, Michele Johnson ’11 alums Rachel Baum ’09 and Kath- and Josh Herber, Chris Kauffman, Luke Huffman ’11 [10] ryn Perez [7] were married were Liz Lewis, Rachel Markey Oct. 11, 2015 at the Floyd Eco married June 20, 2015 in Can- Nathan Straus; Carlo Kevin Paul ’12 and Village in Floyd, Va. Wedding dler, N.C. was Olivi ’13 and Jacob Smith best man and Joe Clemens ’11 guests included Katey Nelson 13

’08 ERICKA MORGAN, ELMFOTOGRAPHIE . The couple honeymooned ’09. The couple honeymooned was a groomsman. Michele and in Negril, Jamaica. Dustin and Luke were joined by beloved St. 8 by doing a day at Walt Disney Institute of Autism. They live in CATE BURGESS ’09 CATE Elizabeth are professors in the Mary’s buds from all around World’s Magic Kingdom fol- Charlottesville, Va. Zoology Department at Ohio lowed by two days at Universal the world including 2011 Kylie Robillard Wesleyan University. They live Studio’s Harry Potter World Emma Prasher ’09 and alums (Japan); Lauren Hilbert Blair in Delaware, Ohio. and concluding with a five-day Richard Tyano [8] were mar- (Italy); Saffren Bossie and Cat cruise to Mexico. Rachel is a ried Jan. 16, 2016 in Atlanta, (Pa.); Nicole Chaplin ’08, MAT ’09 Holland Thomas ’10 veterinarian with Banfield Pet Ga. Wedding guests included (Md.). and Thomas Lewis were married Frank McGough ’11 Ben Hospital; Kathryn works as Cate Burgess ’09, Erin Stott and Sep. 24, 2015 in Dublin, Texas. Lang ’11 an instructor at the Virginia Stapleton ’09, and Gary also brought some of Nicole teaches history at Godley 9 DANIELLE BOGGS

24 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 the St. Mary’s spirit to North mooned in Puerto Plata in the Carolina. The couple honey- Dominican Republic. Katie is an mooned in St. Pete’s Beach, Fla. occupational therapist at Med- BIRTHS& Michele is an English instructor star Health at Union Memorial ADOPTIONS at High Point University; Luke Hospital; Kevin is a research is finishing his master of fine assistant at the University of Jennifer Sands McMonagle arts in poetry at the University Maryland Baltimore County. 1 2 3 ’95 of North Carolina Greensboro They live in White Marsh, Md. and Timothy McMonagle, and also teaches there part-time. welcomed a son, Eric William [1] They live in Greensboro, N.C. Elizabeth Keesler ’13 and , age three, adopted Dec. 17, Benjamin Landrum [13] were 2015. He joins big sisters Col- Brendan McCarthy ’11 and married March 21, 2015 on leen, age 16 and Abigail, age 11. Hallie Colegrove ’12 [11] Amelia Island, Fla. The wed- The family has been fostering since 2010. Jen is a stay-at-home were married May 30, 2015 in ding party included Glenna 4 5 6 Cleveland, Ohio. The wedding Wong ’14 who played the mom; Tim teaches at a local party included Kevin Turek violin. Elie is a research as- school. The family lives in ’10, Matthew Miller ’11, sistant for BlueWater Report- Troutdale, Ore. Frank McGough ’11, Alexan- ing; Ben is a lawn professional To Deborah Brown ’00 and dra Payton ’12, Jennifer Stew- with Nader’s Pest Raiders. The Neal Peckens ’02, a daughter, art ’12, Kay Zagrodny ’12, couple lives in Yulee, Fla. [2] and Brittany Creeden Miller Sydney Taylor , born March 30, 2015. She joins big 7 ’11. Chelsey McGlynn ’11 Colleen Walls ’14 and Taylor BONO COSTANZA sister, Madison Avery, age four. did a reading. The couple Neuharth [14] were married Deborah and Neal are both honeymooned in California, Aug. 14, 2015 at the chapel on veterinarians in the northern driving down the Pacific Coast Joint Base Andrews in Prince Virginia area. The family lives Highway. Brendan is pursuing George’s County, Md. Claire in Herndon, Va. his doctorate in history at Ohio Huckenpoehler ’14 and State University; Hallie works Keighly Bradbrook ’14 were To Carolina Calonje Oban- at Fifth Third Bank. They live Matt Bennett 8 9 bridesmaids; do ’01 and Richard Obando, in Columbus, Ohio. ’14 was a wedding guest. a son, Victor Anthony [3]], born To Meghan McGinnes Vick- 24, 2015. He joins big brother, The couple honeymooned in Nov. 17, 2015. The couple works Kathryn West ’12 and Kevin ers ’01 and Jason Vickers, a Giulio James, age 4. Jessica is a Asheville, N.C. Colleen is a for Montgomery County, Md. Baier ’12 [12] were married daughter, Lucy Rose [5], born teacher and translator; Fabrizio museum guide at the Annapolis public schools; Caroline as a Oct. 17, 2015 at Celebrations at July 12, 2015. Meghan is the is a palliative care doctor. The Maritime Museum; Taylor is media assistant at Flower Hill the Bay in Pasadena, Md. The museum program coordinator/ family lives in Savigliano, Italy. serving with the U.S. Air Force Elementary School and Richard wedding party included fellow curator for the Jefferson County, and is stationed at Joint Base as a social studies teacher at 2012 alums Brittany Thomp- Colo. Open Space Program; Ja- To Craig Stauffer ’04 and Andrews. The couple lives in Watkins Mill High School. The son, Katelyn Heydt, and Julia son is a manager for the Kroger Megan Hawn Stauffer ’07, a Galesville, Md. family lives in Rockville, Md. Furey. Mike Snow ’12 was the Company. The family lives in son, Cole Elam [8]], born Aug. officiant. The couple honey- 28, 2015. Craig is a urologic To Kelly McGarvey ’01 and Idaho Springs, Colo. surgery resident and biodesign John Smith ’01, a daughter, To Nathan Crowe ’03 and fellow at Stanford University; Sienna Jean [4], born Aug. 22, Stephanie Crowe, a daughter, Megan is a high school math 2015. Kelly analyzes mammalian Talia Rose [6], born Dec. 10, teacher for the Palo Alto, Calif. genomes as part of the RefSeq 2015. Nathan and Stephanie schools. The family lives in Palo group at the National Center for both work at the University of Alto, Calif. Biotechnology Information; John North Carolina Wilmington; has worked in events produc- Nathan as an assistant professor To Katie Snyder Walsh ’04 tion and as a waterman, and is of history and Stephanie as a and Mike Walsh, a daughter, currently renovating their home librarian. The family lives in Grace Campbell [9], born Nov. while caring for Sienna. The Wilmington, N.C. 5, 2015. Katie teaches English family lives in Fairhaven, Md. at the Bryn Mawr School; Mike To Jessica Goldstein ’04 and works in brokerage at Cushman Fabrizio Motta, a son, Maxwell & Wakefield. The family lives in Domenico [7], born March Lutherville, Md. 14 BRENT FORBES PHOTOGRAPHY

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 | 25 ALUMNI CONNECTION

To Tiffany Deutscher Soder- Florida. After briefly working as holm ’07 and Justin Soderholm, IN MEMORIAM a librarian at Manatee Commu- a son, Noah Benjamin [14], nity College, she taught English born July 28, 2015. Tiffany is a grammar and literature at Mana- teacher for the Perth Amboy, N.J Norma Gridley ’46JC, of Saint tee High School for over 30 years. Board of Education; Justin is a Petersburg, Fla., died Oct. 20, A 43-year breast cancer survivor, 10 11 12 bilingual history teacher at the 2015, at age 88. she loved to play bridge, garden Green School in Brooklyn, N.Y. and travel. Shirley is survived The family lives in Avenel, N.J. Cherie Kiefer Middleton by her three daughters, Sharon ’46JC, of Hanover, Pa., died Megahee Lowrey, Barbara To Kimbrey Pierce Whiteford Nov. 16, 2015, at age 88. She Megahee and Lisa Megahee; ’08 and Brooks Whiteford ’08, was born in Flint, Mich. Cherie eight grandchildren, and four a son, Camden Pierce Whit- is survived by her husband of great-grandchildren. 13 14 eford [15], born Oct. 4, 2015. 66 years, T. Edward; her four Kimbrey recently graduated with children, Ted, Jay, John and Mary Lou Pinder Merriken her master’s degree in pastoral Laurie Middleton Johnson; 10 ’49HS, ’51JC, of Royal Oak, counseling; Brooks is an engi- grandchildren; and one great- Md., died Nov. 25, 2015, at neer for Harman International granddaughter. age 84. Born in Wilmington, Industries. The family lives in St. Del., she graduated from the Leonard, Md. Isabel ‘Becky’ Manlove University of Delaware and Thomas ’46JC, of Galena, Md., 15 worked as a physical education DANI D’EPAGNIER To Sarah Weisse Feather- died Dec. 9, 2015, at age 88. Af- teacher in Denton, Md. In 1955 stone ’09 and Reid Feather- ter junior college, she worked for she married John Merriken and stone ’09, a son. Luke [16], Johns Hopkins University until moved to Severna Park, Md. born Dec. 16, 2015. Sarah is a 1955 when she moved to Pitts- Lou and John moved to Royal digital publishing coordinator for burgh, Pa. In 1976, she moved Oak in the 1970s. She was a the American Society for Micro- back to Md. Becky is survived long-time member of the Miles biology; Reid is a performance by her children, Laurie Thomas River Yacht Club and volun- 16 17 auditor for the U.S. Agency for Shockley, and Sally Thomas teered at the Hospital Commis- International Development’s Smith; her siblings, William sion Shop in Easton, Md. Lou Patricia Councill Stengel To Emma Gerald Boyer ’05 To Office of Inspector General. The Manlove, Katharine Manlove is survived by her husband of ’05 William Cordle Sten- and Gary Boyer ’05, a daugh- and family lives in Edgewater, Md. Jester, and Emily Manlove; three 60 years, John; her sons, Robert, gel III ’05 ter, Iris Monroe [10], born Aug. , a daughter, Julia Faye step grandchildren; and four Dave, Brian, and Bruce; four [12] 3, 2015. Emma is the Waccamaw , born Oct. 10, 2014. Patricia To Sarah Jordan-Crowe ’10 step great-grandchildren. grandchildren; two great-grand- Riverkeeper at the Winyah Riv- is a paralegal for The Law Of- and Colin Jordan-Crowe ’11, a children; and her sister Anne ers Foundation; Gary is project fices of Peter T. Nicholl; William son, Gabriel Patrick [17], born Mary Wessells Butler ’48JC, Pinder Horton. manager and director of builder is a senior branch manager for April 27, 2015. Sarah will gradu- of Lake Mary, Fla., died Nov. services for Edge Energy. The M&T Bank. The family lives in ate from medical school at Case 23, 2015, at age 86. Born in Dolores Willoughby Snyder family lives in Georgetown, S.C. Annapolis, Md. Western Reserve University Baltimore, Md., she was a long- ’51HS, of Dayton, Ohio, died in May 2016 and then start her time resident of Florida. Mary Dec. 11, 2015, at age 82. Born in Sally Bradley Szydlowski To Lorien Evans Covelly ’05 To pediatrics residency; Colin is survived by her children, Washington, D.C., she worked ’06 and Graham Covelly, a son, and Michael Szydlowski, a works in the casualty insurance Rick, Bill, David, and Casey; six as a paramedic and phleboto- [13] Marshall Robert [11], born daughter, Hannah Bradley , industry as an underwriter with grandchildren; and three great- mist and was a founding mem- Jan. 9, 2016. Lorien is a math born Sep. 20, 2015. She joins big National Interstate Insurance grandchildren. ber of and long-time volunteer Jill Bradley teacher for the Harford County, sister, Claire, age 2. Company and is studying to with the Union Township Life ’09 Md. public schools; Graham is the proud aunt. Sally is become an actuary. The family Shirley Frounfelter Megahee Squad in West Milton, Ohio. is a mason. The family lives in a technical analyst for Water lives in Cleveland, Ohio. ’48JC, of Bradenton, Fla., died Dolores is survived by her Pylesville, Md. Stewardship Inc.; Michael is an Dec. 7, 2015, at age 86. Born in children, Mary Anne, Rebecca, accountant for J.J. Haines. The Baltimore, Md., she grew up in Sharon, Kenneth, Fred and family lives in Dundalk, Md. Westminster, Md. In 1949 she Robert; thirteen grandchildren; moved with her husband, Phillip, many great-grandchildren; two to Bradenton, Fla. where she great-great grandsons; and her attended the University of South nine siblings.

26 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 “A top-tier stadium is a game An Investment for changer that will propel Seahawk Building a Stadium: St. Mary’s College field hockey, lacrosse, and soccer & Southern Maryland to the next level, attract top student-athletes, and provide an invaluable resource for both the By raising $2.5 million, our state WAYS TO GIVE College and local communities.” will grant us an extraordinary Credit Card President Tuajuanda C. Jordan $70 million for: Make a gift by credit card – visit www.smcm.edu/give or n an academic building call the Advancement Office n an auditorium at 240-895-4282.

n a state-of-the-art stadium Check Make checks payable to The athletic complex will greatly “SMCM Foundation.” Mail enhance the appeal for collegiate to the Advancement Office. and Southern Maryland events. It Don’t forget, many would be available for regional and companies will match – double, even triple – community organizations to use. charitable gifts made by their employees. WE REALLY NEED YOUR SUPPORT AT THIS CRITICAL TIME Electronic Transfer of Stock Notify your broker – and the We still have just over $1 million to Advancement Office – of the go to complete the $2.5M Capital securities to be donated Campaign Challenge by summer 2016 J. P. Morgan Private Bank so we can secure the state funding DTC # 902 and take advantage of the state’s House Account: P72500 investment. Naming opportunities FAO: St. Mary’s College of are available, for example: stadium, Maryland Foundation fields, and scoreboards. FFC: PBD # W72413003

Wilbur H. Kirby ’61JC, of Hol- Linda; his three children, Ellen sons, Paul, David and Adam; family footsteps by serving with University of Maryland and the lywood, Md., died Jan. 16, 2016, Kirby Young, Patricia Kirby stepdaughter, Rachel; a grand- the Ridge Volunteer Rescue University of Maryland Law at age 75. Born in Baltimore, Schmalgemeyer, and Bill, Jr.; and son; her sisters Mary Margaret Squad. A founding member of School. He served in the U.S. Md., he grew up in Arbutus, four grandchildren. Pfeiffer McGinnis and Eleanor the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Navy, where he was stationed Md. His family moved to St. Pfeiffer Lyman; and her sister-in- Squad Auxiliary, she was its in Norfolk, Va., and rose to the Mary’s County, Md. in 1953 Barbara Pfeiffer Kahan ’74, of law, Patricia Pfeiffer. first chairperson and last served rank of lieutenant. An attorney where he graduated from Char- Arlington, Va., died Jan. 26, 2016, as its treasurer. One of her with Piper and Marbury, Clarke lotte Hall Military Academy. at age 63. Born in Bayonne, Marsha Titus Evans ’04, of proudest accomplishments was served as managing partner and After briefly attending St. Mary’s N.J., she grew up in Laurel, Park Hall, Md., died Feb. 8, 2016, growing the auxiliary’s annual helped establish the firm’s public Seminary Junior College, he left Md. and Mt. Holly, N.J. near at age 33. A native of St. Mary’s brown bag auction into a well- finance practice. He also served to attend baseball training camp military installations where her County, Md., she worked for attended community fundraising for more than a decade as chair- in Florida and pursue a baseball father, a U.S. Army Colonel, was J.F. Taylor, a defense contractor. event that provided significant man of the Maryland Higher career. In 1963 he enlisted in the stationed. She worked for many She and husband Brian Evans financial support to the Ridge Education Commission. He U.S. Army and was trained in years as the officer manager for were the photography team of Volunteer Rescue Squad. Mar- served on the Board of Trustees crypto repair. He deployed to Giuliani Associates-Architects, “1 Love Photography,” special- sha is survived by her husband of St. Mary’s College of Mary- the Dominican Republic as part Inc. Barbara and her husband izing in couples and family por- Brian and her mother Frances land from 1983 – 1994 and as its of the U.S. response to an upris- Jonathan annually celebrated his traits. Marsha also was a Scentsy Bean Titus, both St. Mary’s Col- chair since 1989. For that service, ing. In 1966 he began working as birthday and Washington, D.C.’s consultant. A diehard Green Bay lege employees; and her sister he was named to the Order of an electronics technician at the cherry blossoms by spending Packers fan, she even owned a Jessica Titus Snyder ’02. the Ark and Dove by President Naval Air Test Center onboard a night in early April at the share of the team. Marsha was Edward T. Lewis. He is survived Naval Air Station Patuxent Willard Hotel. Her greatest joy active in the local volunteer fire FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE by his wife, Pearl “Peggy” Clarke; River. He managed test flights was her children and as they and rescue communities includ- a son, Edward O. Clarke III; were growing up, she spent ing St. Mary’s County Advanced daughters Catherine Ann Clarke, on the Atlantic Test Range. Edward O. Clarke, Jr. of Win- many weekends attending soccer Life Support, the Hollywood Deborah Clarke, and Carolyn After 30 years of civil service, he chester, Va., died February 27, games, tennis matches, and crew Volunteer Rescue Squad where Clarke Gartner; a brother, James retired and for nine years worked 2016, at age 86. A native of Bal- regattas. Barbara is survived she served as its lieutenant, and O. Clarke; six grandchildren; as a logistician at Wyle. Bill is timore, Md., he graduated from by her husband, Jonathan; since 2003, following in her a niece and two nephews. survived by his wife of 35 years, Loyola High School, Loyola

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 | 27 FROM THE ARCHIVES ST. MARY’S STEPS IN College records reveal the true story behind the fictional “Scott’s Tots”

If you were a fan of the popular Ameri- can comedy, “The Office,” starring Steve Carell as the well-intentioned but flawed Michael Scott, you probably remember a particularly cringe-worthy episode called “Scott’s Tots,” wherein he is invited to a reception hosted in his honor by a class of high school seniors that he had promised college tuitions to nine years previously. Unfortunately, “The Michael Scott Founda- tion” had become defunct and he tells the students during the ceremony that he cannot afford to pay for any of their college tuitions and then promptly leaves the classroom of angry students whose dreams he has crushed.

This episode is based on a real-life scandal that happened at the Bruce-Monroe Elemen- tary School in Washington, D.C. Like the fictional Michael Scott, in 1995, a “would- be philanthropist” named George Abel prom- ised sixth grade students full scholarships to college if they stayed in school. However, fundraising efforts through his Phoenix Foundation were ineffective and it folded several years prior to the graduation date without the students’ knowledge.

In the chaos that followed this scandal, St. Mary’s was the first to step in and offer a solution. President Maggie O’Brien made an offer of full scholarships to Recruitment efforts by St. Mary’s College of students that could meet the admissions Maryland to the Bruce-Monroe students at criteria. St. Mary’s further led the charge Cardozo High School in 2001 resulted in by establishing the Bruce-Monroe Task additional Cardozo high schoolers applying Force along with Governor Parris Glenden- to and being accepted at St. Mary’s. ing, which pulled in other colleges, univer- These photos were taken at a post-gradua- sities, and organizations to offer students tion celebration in 2005 to recognize the aid required to attend college. the accomplishments of the Bruce-Monroe to go to college. Ultimately, even though and Cardozo High School students. From the time the scandal broke in the fictional Michael Scott and the real December of 2000 to the students’ high life George Abel failed to provide the re- Layla Wynn ’05 (top) and Adrianna school graduation in May 2001, St. sources for their students, St. Mary’s was Cofield ’05 (above) were the first in their Mary’s and the task force managed to able to make the Bruce-Monroe students’ families to graduate from college. Wynn provide a happy ending for the 42 Bruce- dreams come true. currently works in DC providing support Monroe students. Two students who met services for veteran families at Housing St. Mary’s admissions standards attended Guest column written by Lina Mann ’16, student worker Counseling Services, Inc. Cofield did in the College Archives. The Bruce-Monroe file is part of a college here while the task force found graduate work at Howard University collection of records from President Maggie O’Brien’s years other placements for the rest. Unlike “The and currently works with DC’s Parks and Office” episode where Michael is only able which are now better arranged and described as a result of the work of students like Lina. Recreation as a teen program leader. to buy them laptop batteries and pay for one student’s books, all 42 Bruce-Monroe students ended up getting the funding

28 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2016 Calendar of Events

Art SMP Final Exhibition Bay to Bay Service Day Young at Art: Artwork from Chesapeake Writers’ April 18 – May 3, Boyden Gallery April 23 at 9 am St. Mary’s County Schools Conference Register at www.smcm.edu/events/ May 9 – 31, Boyden Gallery June 19-25 “Machinal” calendar/bay-bay-service-day To apply: chesapeakewritersconference. by Sophie Treadwell and Economic Inequality Film submittable.com/ directed by Amy Steiger PING Concert Series: “Inside Job” April 21 – 23 at 8 pm April 23 at 1 pm May 12 at 8 pm Golden & Beyond Reunion April 24 at 2 pm HSMC Great Brick Chapel Cole Cinema (for classes celebrating 50th, Bruce Davis Theater 55th, 60th anniversaries) Chorus Concert Commencement June 23 – 25 Awards Convocation April 30 at 4 pm May 14 at 10 am April 22 at 3 pm Auerbach Auditorium Townhouse Green 43rd Annual Governor’s Cup Michael P. O’Brien Athletics of St. Mary’s Hall Yacht Race & Recreation Center Arena Alumni Weekend August 5 – 6 Historic St. Mary’s Half June 9 – 12 Spring Jazz Concert Marathon and 5K Race Zero Year Reunion April 22 at 8 pm May 1 at 8 am River Concert Series (for the Class of 2016) Auerbach Auditorium St. Mary’s College of Maryland June 17 – July 22 August 6 of St. Mary’s Hall Friday evenings at 7 pm Townhouse Green Check for event updates and www.smcm.edu/events/riverconcert additions: www.smcm.edu/events/calendar Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #10001 Leonardtown, MD PHOTO: BILL WOOD

Lew Jenkins Leaves the Nest Before every game this season, the varsity baseball team called “Lew, Lew, Lew!” to have Coach Lew Jenkins join their huddle. Jenkins retired at the conclusion of the spring 2016 season after 22 years and more than 700 games as head coach. See story on page 5.