The Catholic University of America MAGAZINE

Spring 2016 The Catholic University of America MAGAZINE

Mysteries of the The Catholic University of America MAGAZINE

16 Taking Up Space 22 In Good 30 The Only Way Thanks to a long-standing Company Was Forward relationship between CUA and NASA, students are working Washington, D.C.’s theatre After losing his sight during to make new discoveries about scene is thriving. At the helm WW II, a young veteran finds our universe. of many of its professional his way to CUA where he theatre companies are CUA learned a life-changing skill. alumni. Spring 2016, Vol. 29, No. 1

Editor in Chief Jacquelyn Malcolm

Managing Editor Ellen N. Woods

Associate Editors Katie Bahr Lisa Carroll Carol Casey Mary McCarthy Hines Catherine Lee

Contributors Regina McFadden DiLuigi Michaela Shea 22 30 Emily L. Wagner Art Director Donna Hobson

Graphic Designers Departments Lara Fredrickson Kristin Reavey From Nugent Hall ...... 2 Photographer Forum...... 3 Dana Rene Bowler News@CUA ...... 4 John Garvey President Cardinal Athletics ...... 14 Kyra Lyons Alumni News ...... 34 Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations and Class Notes ...... 38 University Advancement

Advancement News...... 46 The Catholic University of America Magazine is distributed three times annually by the Office of Marketing and Communications. Correspondence for the magazine should To view videos and photo galleries on University events covered in this issue, be sent to the Office of Marketing and visit cuamagazine.cua.edu. Communications, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064. (ISSN 1086-7473)

The Catholic University of America Magazine Online © 2016 by The Catholic University of America. We invite you to go online to view our website at cuamagazine.cua.edu. That’s where you’ll find the digital edition of the magazine, photo galleries, web-only articles, and links to more information. Tell us what you think of the magazine, offer an idea, or comment on an article by sending an email to [email protected] or follow us through the Office of Alumni Relations on Twitter @CUAalumni or Facebook at facebook.com/CUAAlumni. You can call us at 202-319-5600. FROM NUGENT HALL by President John Garvey

Literature as Literature

In January the Association of Literary Scholars, Critics, and Writers terms as a work of art. They seek to understand how the form and content (ALSCW) took up residence in the Department of English at The of a text work together to convey meaning, to create something beautiful. Catholic University of America (see story, page 9). This fall Professor of And they teach our students to do the same. Undergraduate and graduate English Ernest Suarez will be named president of the association. It’s a students in English graduate with a strong grasp of literary forms and great honor for our English department and the University. history and an ability to read analytically and write clearly. As other English The ALSCW is a distinguished literary association, renowned for its and literature departments begin to recognize the limitations of theory, our serious commitment to studying literature as literature and fostering graduate students are well prepared to enter the field. Our department’s the art of writing. The association’s residency at Catholic University excellent record of employment for its doctoral students testifies to this. will give our students remarkable exposure to some of the finest poets, Our English department’s approach to literature is not just unique. It critics, and imaginative writers of our day. And it will give our English poignantly reflects Catholicism’s emphasis on the aesthetic and the department prominent recognition in the academic field of literature search for truth. Many of our faculty study the role of belief, philosophy, and the wider literary culture. This recognition is well deserved. popular piety, and theological concepts in shaping works of literature Over the last four or five decades many literature and English depart- and their reception. More importantly, our faculty teach students how ments have approached their subject through the application of literary to encounter and appreciate beauty, whether it is found in Chaucer, theory — decoding or deconstructing a text according to a given Shakespeare, or Faulkner; in George Herbert or James Dickey. philosophy or perspective. Whether the theory is ecological, feminist, When the reader encounters beauty, the philosopher Jacques Maritain Marxist, or some other ideology, this approach reads literature as an explained, she experiences the “flashing of intelligence in matter expression of theory. intelligibly arranged.” Beauty illuminates reality for the reader and draws At Catholic University literature is read as literature. As other English him out of himself into the experience of another. Ultimately, it can departments turned to theory, ours built a faculty and a program focused draw the reader toward God, who is beauty itself. As Pope Benedict on literary history and aesthetics. While literature has much to say about XVI observed, the most convincing demonstration of the faith is beauty. class and politics, gender and race, our department has emphasized that it “Being struck and overcome by the beauty of Christ,” he said, “is a more cannot be reduced to these things. Our faculty take literature on its own real, more profound knowledge than mere rational deduction.”

2 The Catholic University of America Magazine FORUM Comments from the CUA community

Winter Storm Jonas January 2016

School not in session Great to celebrate the 15th anniversary of our Katie Demers Gander and Tom — @trbaba 2001 National Championship today (resched- Baroco in Pensacola, Fla., doing uled from Blizzard). #CUA what we do (music) at Sacred Heart — @MikeLonergan Cathedral. Communicating over the phone planning an event for over about two weeks and didn’t realize we were CUA alums, St. Vincent’s music ministry alums, and Campus Ministry “House” alums, until day of event. Small world and great catching up. #BenjaminTRomeschoolofmusic — Katie Gander

SISTER SNOW #CUA — @WilliamTHS

#tbt to the trip that changed my life forever. I can’t believe it's been 10 years..! “Sounds of laughter everywhere, and the dancing girls swaying to and fro. I must declare my heart is there, though I’ve been from Maine down to Mexico...” Kingston, Jamaica 2006 — Noreen Hughes Eddy (Photo Courtesy of Chris Murphy)

This group of CUA students was on a mission trip to Kingston visiting Monsignor Richard Albert, the beloved missionary and CUA alum, John and Jeanne Garvey’s dog Gus is now on who passed away last November (see story, Twitter. Follow him @CUAGusGarvey. page 39).

Join the conversation! Facebook.com/CUAAlumni • Twitter @CUAalumni • [email protected]

Spring 2016 3 NEWS@CUA Creating a Culture of Life

espite an impending blizzard, Catholic University students were front and center Jan. 22 as they led the D43rd annual March for Life, a peaceful demonstration against abortion. As the first flakes of a winter storm that would produce nearly two feet of snow in the D.C. area fell, more than 40 students carried the march’s official flags down Constitution Avenue behind the national organization’s banner. Several hundred more students — and thousands of pro-life supporters — were spread out behind them in the march. Rev. Eric de la Pena, O.F.M. Conv., associate chaplain for faith development in the Office of Campus Ministry, said the organizers for the march reached out to Catholic University about taking the leading role. “It [was] a deliberate effort to put young people out front,” he said. “Catholic University participates every year. A campus represents young people and our young people are invested. Their voice counts.”

4 The Catholic University of America Magazine F AITH

Students for Life president and senior theology major Molly Boland of “The March for Life is an awesome event,” Boland said. “There are so Catonsville, Md., said she was excited about the University’s leading role. many people there, which is really cool. They’re happy to be there Pamela Tremblay, B.A. 2011, associate campus minister for women’s celebrating life. The energy is upbeat. We’re there for the same thing. ministry and pro-life ministry in Campus Ministry, said CUA’s location in We all believe everyone should have the chance to live.” Washington, D.C., gives students a chance to experience the march For Students for Life, creating a pro-life culture also means more every year. than just participating in the march. Every week, members of the group “The march is a unique opportunity to see how activism is part of our pray outside an abortion facility. The group also hosts formation nights. Catholic tradition. We’re fighting for and defending the least among us. “We invite students to come and learn more about life issues and To be able to have our students defend the least among us in a political way different takes on [those issues], so we talk about immigration, abortion, every year is a unique opportunity that our location in the District provides.” what it means to interact with another person,” Boland explained. “Living a culture of life isn’t just about not killing someone. It’s about inter- Hospitality acting with everyone you meet with charity and love and showing them The day before the March for Life, nearly 1,000 high school and college that you respect their dignity and that you love them.” students packed into the Raymond A. The group hosted a series of events DuFour Athletic Center, where they leading up to the March for Life. spent the night. This hospitality is Students for Life “packed the side- something Catholic University offers walks” when they prayed at an every year to march participants. With abortion facility the Saturday before so many guests staying on campus, there the march. Other events through- is a large need for student volunteers. out the week included the viewing “Every year I get nervous that I’m of a movie with a pro-life message not going to fill those volunteer spots,” and volunteer opportunities related said Tremblay. “There are long shifts to the march. and they are not the most glamorous. Yet every year I have plenty of vol- A Pro-Life Culture unteers. It amazes me.” The University takes on a pro-life Around 150 Catholic University attitude and commitment in many students assisted with the hospitality. of its activities, explained Tremblay. They helped set up the DuFour Weekly service opportunities offered Center, welcomed people as they through the office put students in arrived, and gave out meal tickets. direct contact with people from Some were on hand throughout the different backgrounds. There are night in case anyone needed assistance. food deliveries to people who are “These students stay up all night, take a little nap, and then they go homeless, chances to spend time with the elderly, and opportunities to on the march. Our students are really dedicated to life and I think tutor local children. hospitality is a huge part of our Catholic tradition,” said Tremblay. “We really promote life from conception to natural death in Campus In addition to the volunteers in the DuFour Center, nearly 100 Ministry,” said Tremblay. “We have mission trips so that we can students helped Jan. 21 at the National Prayer Vigil for Life in the encounter life and different ways of living. We are able to promote an Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The entire culture of life so that it seeps into someone’s heart. It’s more than vigil draws more than 20,000 people every year. just one day of going to a march. “For us, the march is important because we are advocates of life, but Students for Life I think the focus of an encounter with life is what really transforms our Boland has been participating in the March for Life since she was in heart to be pro-life. The encounter with a woman who is pregnant and fourth grade. As president of the Students for Life group at Catholic struggling, the encounter with the elderly man or woman who has University, she spoke at the rally in Caldwell Auditorium before students been neglected by society, these encounters are what really transform departed for the march. people. The encounters create a pro-life culture.” — L.C.

Spring 2016 5 the feast day of St.of Greatday the feast in Upperthe held Aquinas, Thomas Church Someone close is on the verge of despair and maybe even of death. So death. of even maybe and despair of verge the on is close Someone Aquin homilist. as served Universityalumnus, Catholic a and come to Jesus, receive your Friend in Holy Communion, and Jesus,FriendHolyCommunion, yourreceiveto in come depthsGod’sof loveJan.onduring 28 theUniversity’s annual Masson of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Immaculate the of NationalShrine the of Basilica the of Education.Rev. Peter John Cameron, O.P., editor-in-chief of thegrace of the sacrament that Catholics can best be prepared to ser celebrated the in solace take to reminded was community University Catholic The Mass AquinasLove during God’sof RemindedStudents United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Catholic 6 and out Studies, and the National Catholic Educational Association (NC l “perfect joining” in friendship between God and man. It is while receiving Ohio, chairman of the NCEA Board of Directors, and chairman of the satisfied desires — especially the longing for infinite love, which can only be only can which love, infinite for longing the especially — desires God’sabout “thisconviction had love.”amazing also he bullied, and “misunderstoodoverweight,introverted,person,” mocked, young a as o eies r lc o proe n ie Tog te an was saint the Though life. in purpose of lack a or neliness In his homily, Father Cameron, M.F.A. 1988, called St. Thomas St. called 1988, M.F.A. Cameron, Father homily, his In Theannual Mass was cosponsored by CUA, the Dominican House of “Live your life as a risk,” he said. “Someone out there needs you. needs there out “Someone said. he risk,” a as life your “Live FatherCameron advised students to pursue their deepest longings and T FAITH he s go eape o yug epe wo fe sfe from suffer often who people, young for example good a as C by God.alsoimportanceHespokebytheof Eucharistthe of a as do what he does: Give to others your very self.” — K.B. — self.” very your others to Give does: he what do atholic b y Most Rev. George V. Murry, S.J., bishop of Youngstown, U niversity of niversity A merica M agazine Magnificat EA), and then go then v e. our brothers and sisters, and that we can understand the challenges we remembering our shared life together on this planet, that all people are schedule, which included a penance service in Caldwell Chapel and Chapel Caldwell in service penance a included which schedule, o hl feigmryadcmaso oohr.Suet tThe at increaseyear,an with Students others. to compassion and mercy offering while God confessions held simultaneously in every residence hall until 10 p.m. 10 until hall residence every in simultaneously held confessions with us.” — K.B. — us.” with ahlcUiest fAeiaaetkn htcalnet er this heart to challenge that taking of are mercy America the of seek University to Catholic Church the in everyone for need the of spoke he face as a society in a different way because there’s a sense of solidarity there’sof because sense way a different a in society a as face Ross suggested they consider the ideas of encounter and intentionality. said. that, ‘I’ve stretched or broken relatio broken or stretched ‘I’ve that, relationship with myself,” he said. “This is an opportunity to recognize community. On Jan. 18, more than 600 students, staff, and faculty and staff, students, 600 than more 18, Jan. On community. ret cm t cmu t ass wt te miiu confession ambitious the with assist to campus to came priests einn nDc ,21,tefato h mauaeConception, Immaculate the of feast the 2015, 8, Dec. on beginning relationship with God or my relationship with other people, or my or people, other with relationship my or God with relationship year.jubilee the for spiritually students prepare help Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The March for Life (see on story pages worship, God pr Martin the during community the of needs the serve to out fanned CUA the of members for opportunities ministry and service host hnPp rni elrda xrodnr oyYa fMercy of Year Holy extraordinary an declared Francis Pope When Service Sacraments, with CUACelebrates Year Mercyof tdns who students, various academic fields. academic various ih n det vnn o Rcniito o Dc 7 Twenty-five 7. Dec. on Reconciliation of Evening Advent an with have opportunities to encounter God in new ways, to encounter one encounter to ways, new in God encounter to opportunities have day event included prayer and veneration of a relic of the saint. The saint. the of relic a of veneration and prayer included event day his gave who Kolbe, Maximillian St. of death the of anniversary 70th 4 and 5) and 4 an same month, the office also office the month, same prisoner.three- another The save to camp death Auschwitz the at life o other in new ways, and to do that through the lens of mercy,”he of lens the through that do to and ways, new in other codn t Rv Justin Rev. to According Sn s tecig r raig eainhp, hte i b my be it whether relationships, breaking or stretching is “Sin In February, Campus Ministry hosted an event commemorating the As the Year of Mercy continues, Campus has Ministry continued to “By choosing to be intentional about participating, you’re participating, to about going intentional be to choosing “By Forthe in Year participating interestedin students Mercy,of Father Catholic vide hospitality for out-of-town visitors. out-of-town for hospitality vide to repair those relationships.’” those repair to “ To look at the world through that set of eyes opens us up to up us opens eyes of set that through world the at Tolook was another opportunity to show mercy, as students helped students mercy,as show to opportunity another was the night of confession was a campus-wide moment: a way to U iest kce of t clbain f h Jble Year Jubilee the of celebration its off kicked niversity hrd o mry a b icroae it their into incorporated be can mercy how shared d focus on prayer, service, and faith formation. faith and prayer, on service, focus d sponsored a panel discussion of graduate of discussion panel a sponsored os ascae hpan o ltry and liturgy for chaplain associate Ross, nships and I need the mercy of mercy the need I and nships O N C AMPUS

Modern New Biology Lab Opens on Campus

Classes began meeting in a completely new, modern molecular biology awarded to the science departments.” He noted that the biology depart- laboratory in February. The lab, said Venigalla Rao, professor and chair ment fosters a “symbiotic relationship between teaching and research,” and of the biology department, “is designed as a research-oriented teaching the new lab is a testament to that relationship. He cited the department’s laboratory in which undergraduate students collaborate as a team to ability to leverage the success of its biotechnology program to fund the answer real-life research questions.” new lab. Located on the third floor of McCort-Ward Hall, the new lab features The department’s biotechnology master’s program, started in 2010, seven octagonal work stations. The design of the lab allows not only for has been so successful that the net proceeds generated by the program collaboration among students, but also for faculty members to easily roam were reinvested in the department to fund the new lab. the room and check in with students during experiments. Garvey closed the ceremony by congratulating all involved in Associate Professor Ann Corsi teaches Investigations in Molecular making this “beautiful, thoughtfully designed space” possible. He said the Biology in the new facility, a sophomore course that meets twice a space was designed “with students in mind. This new lab will enhance the week for four hours each class. “The students have been so excited to undergraduate experience of our biology students and help us continue to meet in this new state-of-the-art facility,” she says. “They are here for a attract the very best students to our program.” — E.N.W. long time. So in addition to this being a great place for experimentation, they are also reacting positively to the comfort of the space. It’s physically comfortable, right down to the chairs,” she said. The Jan. 29 ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new lab was attended by biology faculty and students; President John Garvey; representatives from the University’s Office of Facilities Operations; L.R. Poos, former dean of the School of Arts and Sciences; and Claudia Bornholdt, current acting dean of Arts and Sciences. Poos said that the event offered “reason to reflect on the University’s history of excellence in the hard sciences.” He said evidence of that excellence can be found in the “research, the grants, and the recognition

Spring 2016 7 Bushytail makes things more interesting. Among other things, Ricky Bushytail Ricky things, other Among interesting. more things makes Bushytail Ricky undergraduates. for dry quite be can Aristotle Studium. Aristotelian the redevelopment of South Campus.] South of redevelopment the of part as 2007 late in demolished Streetwas It7th Avenue, Michiganand at of part are years many for program honors Twothe I’vein classes taught the of campus. on lives who squirrel inclined philosophically the Bushytail, Ricky balancing act to not lead to the neglect of either group. — M.M.H. — group. either of neglect the to lead not to act balancing (He uses my email account.) email my uses (He students step.You important an can’tis change this Butgraduate students. good have graduate on more be to used focus the and institution graduate a as founded cartoon MonroeStreet,by surrounded land the on stood Bonaventure[St. building. that from brick rescued a has demolished was it when teaching do. I as freshmen teaching enjoy to It’sgroups.faculty these senior for unusual of both teaching experience to able being like I challenge. intellectual the about mission. definite a University]has background is in philosophy, Arabic, and medieval studies. philosophy,medieval in and is Arabic, background Now there is more importance given to undergraduate students. CUA was CUA students. undergraduate to given importance more Nowis there Change WitnessedBiggest this with fascinated were kids her and Europe in friend a visited I summer One UniqueHer Teaching Assistant was who quirky.member and faculty quaint Each was It Hall. BonaventureSt. CampusFavoriteon Place it’slevel, graduate the more At me. amuse they because freshmen teaching enjoy I FavoriteJobHerParts of mediev studies, medieval with me for fit good extremely an is CUA and teaching, enjoy I StayedHas She Why CUA’s[the liked that I fact program. the graduate and program graduate the in teach to occasion little had and university another at teaching was I CUAto Coming Professorof Philosophy and University Marshall/Mace-Bearer Druart Thérèse-Anne 28 YearsCUA@ 8 times T N AMPUS he O C C monkey. I don’t really care for monkeys. But that led to the creation of creation the monkey.to don’tled I that But monkeys. for care really atholic sends philosophical questions to students to which they must respond. must they which to students to questions philosophical sends if they don’tIt’sthey education. undergraduate carefulgood a a have U al philosophy, and an excellent Semitics program. Myprogram. Semiticsphilosophy, excellent al an and niversity of niversity A merica M agazine O N C AMPUS

Literary Association Moves to CUA

The Association of Literary Scholars, Critics, and Writers (ALSCW) moved to the campus of The Catholic University of America in January. The ALSCW is a national organization that seeks to foster interaction among scholars, artists, and anyone with an interest in literature and art. Members of the ALSCW include Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winners. The association produces three publications: Literary Imagination, Literary Matters, and Forum. ALSCW is housed within the University’s South African Archbishop Addresses Department of English in Marist Hall. “The ALSCW’s move to CUA is an extra- Racial Reconciliation ordinary development for the University, our English department, and the humanities on Is racial reconciliation possible after times of segregation and extreme injustice? campus,” said Ernest Suarez, professor of That was the question posed by South African Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, archbishop of Durban, English and current vice president of the during a February lecture in the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center. Though Cardinal Napier association. “The ALSCW’s literary values believes reconciliation is possible, he said it can only happen where there is a serious respect for align perfectly with the English depart- equality and human dignity. ment’s emphasis on literary history and Cardinal Napier’s speech, titled “Pax et Bonum — A Pious Greeting or a Life Changing aesthetics. The organization brings an Challenge,” chronicled his integral role in the South African Catholic Church during the end Oxford University Press journal, Literary of apartheid. As vice president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Imagination, with it.” 1990s, Cardinal Napier was involved in the negotiation with national and Church leaders. He The ALSCW annual conference will was also present for key events such as the signing of the 1991 Peace Accord and the subsequent be held at CUA Oct. 27–30, 2016. 1994 elections, the first elections in which South African citizens of all races could vote. Former speakers at the conference have Over the years, Cardinal Napier has built ministries across his diocese to foster a sense of included writers such as Joyce Carol community and peace. These ministries were only possible because he held meetings with Oates, Tom Wolfe, Dana Gioia, and Carl community members to learn about their wants and needs. Phillips. At the conference, Suarez will be Cardinal Napier believes that the act of listening in this way demands mutual respect. He says named president of ALSCW. that respect is still needed in South Africa, which continues to struggle with racial equality, and in The conference “is a fabulous chance for the United States, where the Black Lives Matter movement has brought to light long-unresolved our students to be exposed to many of the best racial tensions. literary critics, creative writers, and other artists “You can’t deal with the problem until you look at the real issue,” he said. “We look at South from the United States and abroad,” Suarez said. Africa and we say, ‘What is the real issue? Why are we at each other’s throat 20-something years The ALSCW’s mission statement notes that after independence and this new democracy?’ We have to look at the real issues, identify those. the organization “seeks to promote excellence And then we have to look at what are the causes of those issues.” in literary criticism and scholarship, and works In addition to his talk on racial reconciliation, Cardinal Napier delivered the University’s to ensure that literature thrives in both scholarly annual Cardinal Dearden Lecture on Feb. 18. During that talk, he discussed his experiences of and creative environments.” — L.C. synodality as a cardinal archbishop in South Africa and around the world. — K.B.

Spring 2016 9 ACULTY F

Digital Animator Jonathan Monaghan, Department of Art

Jonathan Monaghan, assistant professor, joined the Department of Art in 2013. He is a computer animator and artist with expertise in 3D printing, 3D modeling, and 3D CGI animation. He has delivered lectures on 3D printing at the Glasgow School of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the U.S. Department of State. His artwork has received critical acclaim in such publications as The Washington Post, the Village Voice, and The Huffington Post. In 2011, Modern Luxury DC magazine named him one of the “Top 10 Young Artists to Collect.”

Q: Your film Escape Pod was installed at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. Can you tell us about the film and that experience? A: Escape Pod is a 20-minute long computer-animated film that chronicles a golden deer through different surreal environments — a real postapocalyptic landscape — in one continuous tracking shot. It was installed in the Sundance program called New Frontiers that looks at art and video that expands the traditional notions of storytelling and cinema. The film was originally on display at the Bitforms Gallery in New York City. The Sundance curator came by to take a look and selected it. That was very cool. Being in Park City was a great experience, and definitely an honor. I had a lot of opportunities to talk about my work, and meet some really interesting filmmakers. The setting was incredibly cold and incredibly beautiful.

Q: How did you get interested in creating computer-animated works of art? A: Back in high school I played a lot of video games. That led to making my own video games, which led me to learn about the advanced 3D animation computer software I use now. I went to college to study computer animation, thinking I might work for Pixar or develop video games. But I decided I’m more comfortable in the context of contemporary art for galleries and museums.

Q: Your work has garnered a good deal of critical acclaim, and reviews often note that your films make a statement. Is that deliberate? A: For sure. Artists like to contemplate the society that they live in without making direct statements. You have to leave something to the viewer’s interpretation. I want to make people think, to move them out of their comfort zone both artistically and intellectually. Good art should be thought provoking.

Q: Is there a greater appreciation in recent years for digital art within the world of more traditional art? A: I think so. Sometimes in the larger art world I’ve experienced a little resistance to digital art. But in recent years I’ve seen increasing acceptance by major players of digital art as a legitimate art form. Recently, I had one of my digital art works acquired by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark., for their permanent collection. It’s a new museum but they have pretty significant works by artists such as Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.

Q: What brought you to Catholic University? A: I love sharing and creating a dialogue around technology and contemporary art, especially with young people. They have a unique perspective on technology. The students here are bright and engaged. Our classes are always full and we have a broad range of students in addition to art majors. We have students in architecture and media studies, and we have a lot of students who are taking art courses as humanities electives. The Salve Regina Digital Art Lab here on campus is a great place to teach. And the small size of the art department was very appealing to me. It fosters freedom and creativity, and I’ve been given a great opportunity to be a leader here in digital art. — E.N.W.

10 The Catholic University of America Magazine FACULTY 11 Spring 2016 of the congress, noting that he was holics, we can build an intellectual culture y a distinctive vision of reality.” b During a During session Association hosted for by the Education European During their stay in Rome, members of the U.S. delegation attended of delegation the U.S. members in stay Rome, their During Pope Pope Francis spoke at the end eased with the event and acknowledging the of work the participants. and with the acknowledging eased event l elitist.” — C.L. “If our faculty approach every discipline — history, biology, literature, biology, our “If faculty everyapproach discipline — history, Law and Policy, Law Garvey and spoke Policy, about the role of Catholic universities. margins, to serve the poor, and to not allow the schools to become engineering — as Cat guided challenged Catholic schools to go outside the walls, to go out to the Mass in the crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica as well as a reception hosted reception a as well as Basilica Peter’s St. cryptunder the in Mass congress. “He “He did say that work still there’s to be done,” said Schuttloffel. “He program program who currently serve as superintendents also attended the p by the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. Several graduates of the CELPS the of graduates Several See. Holy the to ambassador U.S. the by Standing Standing in in front portrait of Francis of Pope Chinese artist Shen Jiawei’s Vatican City, congress participants included City, Mimi Professor Schuttloffel, CELPS Vatican graduates Diane graduates Phyllis Starkovich, Morrison, Cathy Cook, and and Cris Carter, Professor John Convey. Convey. John Professor and admin- Gravissimum ts. residence. For Garvey and 12 and professors Ex Ex . Corde Ecclasiae the unique relationship shared by s education department chair and director of and chair department education s cation. Sponsored by the Vatican’s Congregation states. “They are a vital aspect of the Church’s ations from South America and Africa, we saw the saw we Africa, and America South from ations described the congress as “an overwhelmingly arten through grade of the Church,” said Schuttloffel. “The congress made d its future, was held at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall Paul and at d its future, was held at the Vatican’s and its schools. “Catholic schools are at the heart of the presentations, presentations, speakers at the congress, including Garvey, face ch (CELPS), Gandolfo, Pope Francis’s summer

their

A report prepared by the United States Conference of Catholic The congress, which brought together professors and administrators and professors together brought which congress, The In In The event included sessions for diocesan and school administrators Schuttloffel, the University’ the Schuttloffel, “With many deleg many “With declining enrollment and rising tuition cos report report also noted the challenges facing Catholic schools, among them me very aware that we are all part of a universal church.” at the first-ever World Congress on Catholic Education, held in Rome Church,” Church,” the report education an Castel mission to preach the gospel Christ of and Jesus as such are important Catholic of University America were among more than 2,000 participants changing preparation preparation of lay teachers and administrators, and the challenge of providing an affordable Catholic education for all children who seek from from around the world for four days of discussion about Catholic to the future and vitality of the Church in the United States.” The sharing our experiences and our research was extraordinary.” was an opportunity to compare notes with colleagues worldwide on in November. President John Garvey and two education professors from The First World Congress World First University Participates in Participates University Vatican Vatican Council’s Declaration on Catholic Education, the the graduate program in Catholic Leadership Educational and Policy Studies istrators in higher edu addressed addressed Catholic the identity, concept of a holistic education, the one. With the help of simultaneous translation, talks were offered in for Catholic Education, it marked the 50th anniversary of the Second , Educationis as well as the 25th anniversary of apostolic John Paul II’s them.

education professors John Convey and Mimi Schuttloffel, the congress the Schuttloffel, Mimi and Convey John professors education on Catholic Education the Chur positive experience. The fact that we were all together in the same place same the in together all were we that fact The experience. positive Bishops prior to the congress noted constitution on Catholic universities, what’s working in what’s Catholic schools and what can be done to improve English, English, Italian, Spanish, and French. serving kinderg XPERTS E Ask the Experts

Learning a language opens doors to travel, cuisine, exploring your heritage, reading literature, better understanding art and architecture, and meeting new people. Whether you study with a textbook, a workbook, an audio or video program, take a community class, or even try Rosetta Stone or Duolingo, these helpful tips can guide you in this adventure. Learning a New Language • Use the target language every day. Make flashcards and play games on quizlet.com. Label things around the house so you can see and say the words while you work, clean, or make dinner. While you exercise, review numbers and vocabulary words such as months and days (even verb forms!) in your head. Change the language on your smartphone. And just take a look around you. You’ll be surprised at how much of the language you are studying can be found in everyday places: labels for cosmetics and food items, instructions for use of small appliances, street signs and ads, and overheard conversations.

• Pursue your own interests through the target language. Are you a soccer fan? Follow the Twitter feed of a soccer player who speaks the language you are studying. Do you like to cook? Look for recipes in the language. Like to travel? Travel virtually online with Google Earth. Are you an art lover? Take a virtual tour on the website of a museum in the country whose language you are studying. The possibilities are limitless.

• Watch movies and television, listen to music, follow podcasts, and read the news in your target language. To begin, watch an American movie or TV show you already enjoy and play the language track or dubbed version (with the captions in that language if available). Since you know the story and the context, you’ll be able to understand more than you imagine. Learn the lyrics for a song; websites such as lyricstraining.com and YouTube videos have song lyrics. The BBC offers a great site for language learners (www.bbc.co.uk/languages/) with news, videos, and useful phrases. Countless newspapers are available online, so check out the headlines.

• Explore the culture of the language you are learning. Ethnic restaurants often have menus in the language you want to learn. Cultural groups have festivals and special events (think Chinese New Year celebrations, flamenco or tango shows, Greek Easter events). These allow you to mingle and interact with people from the culture. These experiences add to your appreciation for the culture, increase your curiosity, and enhance your motivation.

• Don’t worry about making mistakes! That is how we all learn. If you haven’t made a mistake using the language today, then you’re not moving forward. As adults, we sometimes feel we ought to learn more quickly, that what we hear about learning a language in 10 days may be true. But learning a language is a lifelong activity. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t think about what you don’t know; instead, cheer yourself on for the progress you’ve made. And remember, you are getting great exercise for your brain as well as gaining useful skills and knowledge.

Margaret Ann Kassen is interim chair, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, and associate professor, French and Spanish.

12 The Catholic University of America Magazine T HE B IG P

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service ICTURE Emily Merkel, a junior business management major, and her lacrosse teammates carry lanterns at the Franciscan Monastery near campus. Participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the students spent the day helping out at the monastery, including collecting the lanterns that had decorated the grounds during the Christmas season and putting them in storage. More than 600 students served at 19 locations in Washington, D.C., on the national day of service.

Spring 2016 13 Cardinal Athletics When the Cardinals Played Julius Erving By Jim LeBuffe, B.A. 1970

In 1969, the CUA men’s basketball team faced off against the University of Massachusetts and their Hall of Fame-bound forward Julius “Dr. J.” Erving. Former Catholic University basketball player Jim LeBuffe recalls the night the Cardinals played against Dr. J.

The dorms were strangely quiet. It was just us [the men’s basketball team], the swimming team, and a few foreign students as we returned to campus for a few days of practice after a short Christmas break in 1969. Then the 10 members of our team, Coach Bobby Reese, and trainer Franny Murray made the trip to frigid Erie, Pa., for the Gem City Bowl Holiday Tournament, hosted by Gannon College. The Cardinals traveled light in ’69. We drew the University of Massachusetts (UMass) for the first game of the four-team tournament. Our scouting report told us that UMass had a player named Julius Erving who was very good. Julius Erving? Some of us mocked the name, only to be set straight by teammate Jack Bruen. He told us that Erving, who like Jack was from the New York City area, was quite a player. Erving showed us that he was for real when he scored the first 10 points for UMass in this opening game of the tournament. I was then assigned to guard him for much of the rest of the contest. Yes, Julius could score, rebound, and block shots. But he was also remarkable for his era in the way that he could, at 6’7”, handle the ball and run the court. Erving said little to me during the game. The good ones — like Howard Porter from Villanova, Fred Carter from Mount

14 The Catholic University of America Magazine Photo: UMass Athletics SPORT SHORTS

Athletics Honored for Community Service The National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) and Jostens recognized the Department of Athletics for its community service project with Special Olympics D.C. this The 1969–70 team. Front row: Bob Goeke, Mike Poness, Len Kelly, Tom Burke, Jack Bruen. Back row: Vince past year. The awards program is intended LeBuffe, Greg Harrelson, Joe Goode, Jim Howard, Jim LeBuffe (team captain). to recognize the many contributions Division III student-athletes regularly St. Mary’s, and other CUA foes from that era five super hero-type strides, covering most of make to their campuses and local who went on to the NBA — didn’t talk the court in a flash, and pinned the Gannon communities. Athletics received an much. They just went about their business. player’s shot against the glass. That would honorable mention selection in the one- Erving had 25 points and 22 rebounds, I had turn out to be the key play in UMass’s 72-63 time project category. 21 points, and the final score was UMass 70, victory over Gannon. CUA and Special Olympics D.C., CUA 51. Erving smoothly collected his What occurred next was the only time I partnered for the Fall Sports Classic, a points on quick drives, short jumpers, saw a crowd act this way. The sold-out arena six-day event featuring individual golf offensive put-backs, and by filling the lane on went silent after Erving’s amazing play. One, skills competitions, unified bocce league breaks. He had no dunks, since dunking was two, three seconds passed. Then, whether championships, and various basketball illegal in college basketball in 1969. from disbelief, ecstasy, or just plain good and tennis competitions. More than 100 Night two: Catholic University was playing sportsmanship, the crowd erupted into 20 to volunteers from Catholic University’s Lehigh University for third place. We were up 30 seconds of an ultra-decibel, ear-splitting 21 varsity sports teams helped put on a few points at halftime when our coach made frenzy. My teammates and I were not the the events. a wise decision. He shut up. We all shut up only ones who, in the midst of the mayhem, and just listened through the paper-thin turned to each other and screamed, “Who is Hankins Named Head Coach locker room wall as Lehigh’s coach, in the this guy?” of Men’s Cross Country and next room, berated his players long and loud, “This guy” became Dr. J., one of the Track and Field for trailing, of all people, Catholic U. biggest professional basketball stars ever. Ian Hankins has been hired as the head We seethed. We wanted to show those Erving played one more year at UMass and coach of the men’s cross country and Eastern Pennsylvania boys that we had game. then turned pro, starring for the Virginia track and field teams. A Washington, That we did, trouncing them 78-58 to secure Squires and New Jersey Nets in the upstart D.C., native, Hankins comes to Catholic third place for the tournament as Vince American Basketball Association (ABA), then University from Potomac State College LeBuffe, my brother, scored 16 points, for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. He of West Virginia University, where he including several long-distance shots that was famous for his acrobatic, gravity-defying was the head coach for both the men’s were worth a mere two points, since there slam dunks. Many say he invented the genre. and women’s cross country programs. In was no three-point shot in 1969. Dr. J. led the 76ers to the NBA crown in 2014 he earned Western Pennsylvania Thirty minutes after our game ended, the 1983, had many epic battles with the Boston Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year hometown Gannon College Golden Knights Celtics and Larry Bird, and was named one honors. squared off against the eventual tournament of the 50 greatest NBA players of all time in Hankins previously served as an winner, the UMass Minutemen, in the 1996. I never could convince my late father, assistant cross country and track and championship game. My teammates and I Leon LeBuffe Sr., that Larry Bird was a better field coach specializing in distance were sitting courtside in Gannon Auditorium, player than his beloved Dr. J. events at Montgomery College, Baker an old-school field house built in the late University, and St. John’s College High 1940s. Its sharply angled stands were packed Jim LeBuffe is a member of the CUA Athletic School. Hankins attended Muskingum with Gannon faithful. Hall of Fame and was named to the 1969 Gem University, where he served as a two-year It was a close game midway through the City Bowl All-Tournament team. LeBuffe is team captain and was a three-time NCAA first half. A very quick Gannon guard picked a “Dr.” too, but his degree is in educational regional qualifier in cross country. off a UMass pass at midcourt and was flying administration. He is now an assistant professor for a breakaway layup. Erving, who would be of educational leadership at the University of named the tournament’s MVP, took four or St. Thomas in Houston.

Spring 2016 15 Taking Up Space CUA Explores Mysteries of the Universe

By Katie Bahr

16 The Catholic University of America Magazine THANKS TO THE LONG-STANDING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CUA AND NASA, STUDENTS ARE MAKING NEW DISCOVERIES ABOUT OUR UNIVERSE.

octoral student Amy Soto, who studies in Catholic University’s Department of Physics, has always loved looking up at the stars. When she was growing up in Hartford, Conn., she spent family vacations visiting the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. In 1993, she witnessed a shuttle launch Dat the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., with her family. “I remember thinking how cool it would be to go into outer space,” Soto said. “And who doesn’t love looking up at the sky and gazing at the stars and wondering what’s out there?” So in May 2014, Soto jumped at the opportunity to do research work at the Nordic Optical Telescope in the Canary Islands of Spain. The telescope is at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma, one of the best locations for optical and infared astronomy in the Northern Hemisphere. “The observing I did in the Canary Islands, it was so amazing,” Soto said. “Going out there, it was the darkest place I had ever been in my whole life and you can see the bands of the Milky Way across the sky at night.” Soto’s trip would never have been possible without the connections she has made at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., where she works five days a week as part of her doctoral research. At NASA Goddard, Soto studies galaxy evolution alongside world-class astrophysicists, including her advisor, Duilia de Mello, a Brazilian astronomer who researched in Chile and Sweden before coming to NASA Goddard in 2003. An associate professor of physics, de Mello has been at CUA since 2008. “By being at Goddard, you have this direct connection to the scientists — most of whom are the leading scientists in their area. It’s really an environment that fosters learning,” said Soto. Soto is one of many CUA students currently doing research at NASA Goddard. The student involvement is reflective of a long partnership between NASA and Catholic University, which traces back two decades to the formation of the University’s Institute for Astrophysics and Computational Science (IACS) in 1996. IACS was founded by now-retired physics professor Frederick Bruhweiler as a one- man CUA research team with a strong interest in enhancing the level of research and educational opportunities available for CUA faculty, research staff, and students. Two decades later, the institute now involves nearly 50 CUA researchers at NASA Goddard who study a variety of topics related to astrophysics, planetary science, and heliophysics. Steven Kraemer, professor and chair of the physics department, serves as the director of the institute. De Mello is among the IACS researchers. The partnership works because it is mutually beneficial. NASA benefits from the work of leading academics while the University gains access to the government’s state-of-the art resources, including telescopes and laboratories. The expenses for the research work are covered in part by NASA’s budget, as well as grants from outside sources attained through the University.

Spring 2016 17 When a talented new student comes to CUA interested in working at Goddard, IACS personnel will often network among their NASA contacts to find an open research position. Thirteen doctoral physics students currently work at the facility. More students, including some undergraduates, have worked there as summer interns. “We have so many connections there, so we talk with our collaborators and our friends to see who is interested in working with students. The fact that we are so close physically to Goddard [approximately 12 miles away] makes our program very successful,” de Mello said. “Our goal is to open the doors for [students] at NASA. We try to give them a hand and put them on the right path.” In addition to providing hands-on research experience, she believes working alongside world- renowned astrophysicists can motivate students to work harder and ask tougher questions. “The NASA environment is very inspira- tional,” she said. “To be a scientist requires a lot of dedication and students see that.” % "% !#% % Approximately half of the students researching at NASA Goddard spend their time working in the astrophysics division, where they study stars, galaxies, nebulae, and other objects in the universe. Soto was part of a team that in 2014 captured the most colorful deep image of the universe, a composite of several exposures taken by Hubble cameras. The image uses the full range of colors available to the Hubble and captures approximately 10,000 galaxies, dating back in time to within only a few hundred million years of the big bang. Discoveries with this image will add missing pieces to the puzzle of galaxy formation, including details on how the Milky Way came to exist. As part of her research at NASA Goddard, Soto works with de Mello analyzing images from the Hubble Space Telescope to learn more about how galaxies are formed. In 2013, Soto, who is Hispanic, was named the recipient of NASA’s prestigious Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship, which seeks to increase the number of graduate degrees awarded to CUA doctoral students Suzanne Smith and Amy Rager are seen with their advisor, Craig Pollock, NASA underrepresented persons in the science, techno- fields and particles astrophysicist, in the Fast Plasma Investigation Calibration Laboratory in the Heliophysics Division of NASA Goddard. logy, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.

18 The Catholic University of America Magazine “It feels great because you know you are looking at things no one researcher and associate professor of physics who studies space weather. else has paid attention to,” Soto said. “I get to look at images before they “Human technology has become more and more sophisticated and at are released to the public and to raw data that not many people have seen. the same time more and more vulnerable to its effects.” It’s amazing.” John O’Neill, a doctoral student from Boston, Mass., works in a lab Trevor Torpin, a doctoral student from outside of Lincoln, Neb., is building instrumentation for new devices to study the sun. With the also researching in NASA Goddard’s astrophysics division. His work guidance of his advisor, Joseph Davila (pictured in the table of contents), involves studying the behavior patterns of the black hole binary LMC a senior scientist in NASA’s heliophysics division, O’Neill is currently X-3, a black hole and star that orbit together. The black hole binary working on a photon sieve, a special optic lens for a spectrometer, an follows distinct patterns, in which it appears brighter and dimmer at instrument that measures spectrums of light. The sieve will allow the certain times. By examining spectra and light curves from NASA’s spectrometer to capture images depicting the temperature variations Swift telescope, as well as the European Space Agency’s XMM-Newton within the sun’s corona that are 12 times as detailed as any taken and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s MAXI telescopes, previously. After it is tested, the sieve could one day be placed on a Torpin is hoping to learn more about the variability of the binary, satellite and flown into space. including what causes those behavioral changes. “We’re fairly confident that the photon sieve will be able to get better Torpin said he feels lucky to work with telescopes along- images of the sun at a higher resolution so we will be able to side the scientists who created them. His advisor at see higher details,” O’Neill said. “If we can understand NASA, Patricia Boyd, is a deputy project scientist how these solar processes work, one of the goals for the Hubble Space Telescope. for people working in space weather is to be Though his research involves entities that able to forecast these things.” are about 165,000 light years away, Torpin O’Neill said he feels lucky to work in a loves that he is adding to NASA’s space lab setting, with devices that could one day expertise. play an important role in space missions. “I think it’s important to broaden our “I’ve always loved that marriage be- horizons,” he said. “This work may not tween theory and experimentation,” he have much practical purpose right now, said. but it is expanding human knowledge.” Doctoral students Suzanne Smith and Amy Rager also work with space instru- "#! "% ! ments as part of their research under For nearly five years, Catholic University NASA fields and particles astrophysicist has managed the Center for Excellence in Craig Pollock. Their work revolves around a the Physics of the Heliosphere and the Sun, mission currently in space, the Magnetospheric a cooperative agreement with NASA Goddard’s Multiscale Mission (MMS), in which four Heliophysics Science Division, which identically instrumented spacecraft simulta- researches the physics of the sun and its neously study the Earth’s magnetosphere. effect on the solar system. About half of Since the MMS mission launched last the doctoral students at Goddard work In 2014, graduate student Amy Soto was part of a NASA team March, Rager and Smith have been in that captured the most colorful deep image of the universe. in this group, where their main area of charge of practicalities like tracking the study is space weather, the interaction of health of the machines. As the spacecraft matter emitted by the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field. begin to collect results, they will help look at the data to draw Space weather can include solar flares, solar storms, and coronal conclusions about magnetic reconnection, a process that causes mass ejections (CME) — large bubbles of gas and magnetic field that solar flares, magnetic storms, and other space weather. Right now, occasionally erupt from the sun. These solar behaviors are the cause of scientists have little understanding of how magnetic reconnection aurorae like the Northern and Southern Lights. They can also adversely works. affect high frequency radio communications, satellite technologies, and “These students are totally integrated into our science and power grids. engineering teams,” Pollock said. “They’re here every day. They wake up Very large solar storms can induce currents in power grids that can in the morning, eat breakfast, and come to work here, and they have break those systems down completely. In 1989, a severe geomagnetic real responsibilities.” storm resulted in nine hours of power outages for the entire province Smith said she applied to CUA specifically because of the University’s of Quebec. Magnetic storms can also make it dangerous for astronauts strong connections with NASA. She first visited NASA Goddard as or even pilots in Arctic areas, leaving them exposed to radiation. a physics undergraduate at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa. “Space weather is a very violent and turbulent process and it’s becoming “I came down here for a visit and I fell in love with Goddard,” she more important as technology develops,” said Vadim Uritsky, an IACS said. “I knew I wanted to get in here one way or another.”

Photo: NASA, ESA, H.Teplitz and M.Rafelski (IPAC/Caltech), A. Koekemoer (STScI), R. Windhorst(ASU), Z. Levay (STScI)

Spring 2016 19 Vadim Uritsky, associate professor of physics, and doctoral student John O'Neill stand before images of the sun's surface in the Heliophysics Division at NASA Goddard.

Rager, who has worked with Pollock for two #! "% % % % years, grew up in Maryland and earned her Not all students who benefit from the NASA bachelor’s degree at University of Maryland, Goddard connection are graduate students, Baltimore County. A lifelong lover of science, or even physics students. Junior Ethan Robinett, she began working at NASA Goddard when of Haymarket, Va., a mechanical engineering and she was in high school. math double major, met Uritsky during a “As soon as I got my permit I was driving Physics for Engineering class last year. At here,” she said. “That’s why I chose Catholic Uritsky’s recommendation, Robinett applied University. I thought it was great that this for a NASA internship and began working at school already had a pipeline set up where NASA Goddard in June. students can get in to NASA and find the Over the summer, he spent 40 hours a week resources they need.” in NASA Goddard’s space weather lab learning Ashley Jones, a doctoral student from how to chart and track various solar events. Durham, N.C., began working at NASA During that time, his team helped to track one Goddard as an intern after earning her bachelor’s of the largest solar events in three years. A CME in physics from Duke University. Jones loved was observed with a measured speed of 1,250 the internship so much that she became kilometers per second, directed straight at Earth. determined to find a job at NASA Goddard. The result was a severe geomagnetic storm. After working a year as a data technician, her Though Robinett and his team usually mentor suggested she enroll as a graduate worked in NASA Goddard’s Community student at Catholic University so she could Coordinated Modeling Center, a room with continue her research work. large screens displaying data and images, they When Jones looked into the University, watched this CME in a separate room on a she realized she already knew and had large projector screen, surrounded by excited worked with some of the professors and heliophysicists. students to learn about space weather. Next IACS research faculty. “[Studying at CUA] “Everyone on the team was anticipating a year, he will offer a class for undergraduates seemed like an easy decision to make,” she strong arrival,” Robinett said. “It was a CME, all about space weather forecasting. said. where the sun shoots out a lot of hot plasma. “Students will be able to do research at Jones is currently working on a CubeSat This one actually was big enough that when it NASA and the center will, logistically and — a miniature satellite that will go into low- arrived at Earth, it pushed our magnetosphere software-wise, be completely consistent,” earth orbit and study particles trapped in the way back. It caused a lot of magnetic field Uritsky said. “We want to use this to help our earth’s magnetic field. Because there are only problems and caused spacecraft orbiting very undergraduates understand physics better. Even 10 people on her team, Jones is involved with close to Earth to be exposed.” if they don’t want to become space weather all aspects of the satellite, from design to con- At the end of the summer, Robinett was researchers in the future, this is a way of edu- struction to building simulations and, someday, selected to continue working part time with cating them in plasma physics and modern analyzing the data. Jones also analyzes data of NASA. Now, he logs on to the NASA system physics in general at a much higher level than larger satellites that are already in the air, for 12 hours a week from his room in CUA’s they would probably expect.” including the Van Allen Probes that were Millennium North residence hall. By looking Uritsky has also made an effort to intro- launched in 2012. at satellite reports, he is able to monitor data duce nonphysics students to the research at By providing more details on the earth’s and models related to CMEs, solar flares, and NASA Goddard. Last year, he took a group of magnetic field, Jones’s research could help other events that can be hazardous to spacecraft. 11 honors students on a backstage tour of the scientists understand areas in which astronauts In the future, Uritsky hopes CUA students science facility. During the tour, students or pilots could be vulnerable to radiation. will have similar opportunities to assist with received a sneak peek at the NASA testing Her research also will examine how space space weather forecasting. This spring, the facilities and caught a glimpse of the con- weather interacts with the earth’s magnetic physics department will open its own Space struction efforts for the James Webb Space field. Weather Forecasting Center within Hannan Telescope, the successor to the Hubble, which is “It’s so cool to me this concept that there Hall. The center, funded by a grant from the expected to launch in 2018. are these things going on right around Earth National Science Foundation, will include By introducing more students to NASA that we don’t understand,” Jones said. “I like state-of-the-art computers and monitors research and space weather, Uritsky hopes to that I don’t have to be a climate scientist to connected to live feeds from NASA Goddard. show them how physics is ever-changing. study science that affects people and the Uritsky says the new center will provide an “Often textbooks show physics as a solved earth.” access point for undergraduate and graduate equation or a game that is over, and that is not

20 The Catholic University of America Magazine $! $$ #!%% $#! #""#!$%$ %"%"#! cientists around the world were astounded in February when the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in Hanford, Wash., announced its discovery of gravitational waves, tiny ripples in space and time that were first predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916. The detected wave, whose signal sounded like a short chirping noise, was Scaused by a collision of two black holes a billion light-years away. It was detected using a pair of laser interferometers located in Hanford and Livingston, La. Though the gravitational wave detection may have come as a surprise for some space watchers, it is the result of several decades of research and experimentation. That research was kick-started by the groundbreaking research of alumnus Joseph Weber, who earned his Ph.D. in physics from Catholic University in 1951. While studying at Catholic University, Weber focused his attention on microwave spectroscopy, laying the groundwork for what is now known as quantum electronics. In 1952, he became the first person to present research on how to produce lasers and masers — ideas that were inspired in part by a class taught by longtime professor Karl Herzfeld. During the 1960s, Weber became the first person to build a gravitational wave detector. His version, the “Weber Bar,” was a large aluminum bar that acted as a resonance chamber for certain frequencies. Though Weber never successfully detected a gravitational wave with his method, his work inspired a generation of physicists to search for what Einstein had previously theorized could never be seen. “Joseph Weber was really a pioneer in gravitational wave detection,” said Tommy Wiklind, true,” he said. “I always emphasize that this is the professor in the Department of Physics. While earning his doctorate in physics at the Chalmers cutting edge of physics and that the cutting Institute of Technology in Sweden, Wiklind’s thesis advisor was physicist Gustaf Rydbeck, a edge means there are many things we do not former doctoral student of Weber’s. Though Wiklind never met Weber before his death in yet understand.” 2000, he remembers spending hours discussing his research. Uritsky enjoys bringing students to NASA “He is a colorful profile in many respects and he’s known all over the world,” Wiklind said. because he can see it ignite something within “CUA should be proud, absolutely, to call him an alumnus.” them: a sense of wonder and curiosity. Suddenly, Wiklind believes the recent discovery of gravitational waves will likely lead to many new students who were bored will have a spark in findings about the inner mechanics of the universe. their eyes, and a yearning to answer new “This opens up a whole new window in astrophysics and every time we’ve opened up a new questions. window, we’ve detected new things that were not predicted to be there,” Wiklind said. “It’s very Soto knows that yearning well. What she exciting to see what we are going to find out with this.” enjoys most about working at NASA Goddard is being able to make new discoveries while striving to understand space in a deeper way. “There is still so much unknown out there,” she said. “I think all of us enjoy that journey and that search to learn another small fraction of the puzzle. It’s cool to know there’s so much more that needs to be discovered.” Similarly, O’Neill said he enjoys building upon the massive body of knowledge NASA has already acquired. “The most rewarding part is helping to go that extra step and pushing the envelope a little more,” he said. “We’re all trying to figure out one more piece of the puzzle about how everything fits together.”

Photo: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Maryland Libraries Spring 2016 21 By Ellen N. Woods

22 The Catholic University of America Magazine FOR GENERATIONS, CUA ALUMNI HAVE BEEN MAKING THEIR MARK ON THE LANDSCAPE OF AMERICAN THEATRE. NOT JUST ON STAGE, BUT BEHIND THE SCENES MANY ARE RUNNING THEIR OWN THEATRE COMPANIES. STARTING WITH FATHER HARTKE’S “KIDS,” AND CONTINUING WITH MILLENNIALS, ALUMS ARE BRINGING THEIR OWN UNIQUE ARTISTIC VISIONS TO THE STAGE.

ith just a hint of eerie lighting, Bill Largess, B.A. 1976, enters W stage left. As the light comes up a bit more, audience members see that he is holding a white coffee cup with blood dripping down the sides — foreshadowing a dark theme. “As a boy, I was afraid of the dark.”

And so it begins. For the next 90 minutes he will deliver a mono- C. Stanley Photography logue. Largess’s nameless character in St. Nicholas, the one-man play written by contemporary Irish playwright Conor McPherson, becomes obsessed with a young actress, follows her to London, and falls in with a coven of vampires. Portraying a cynical, alcoholic theatre critic (“Everybody was afraid of me and I loved it.” ) in Dublin, the veteran actor must rely on his voice, his expression, his eyes, and his timing to draw the audience into a story that ranges from humor to horror. It’s the first of two shows in one day for Largess. It’s not easy to fill the house for a matinee on a sunny, 60-degree February Saturday in Bill Largess, B.A. 1976, in Washington Stage Guild’s production of St. Nicholas. Washington, D.C. There are 17 people in the 148-seat theatre. That doesn’t deter Largess, the artistic director of the Washington Stage seniors, many of whom arrive clutching the newspapers where they Guild, a 30-year-old company founded by a group of CUA alumni. heard about our show.” To stick around that long takes grit, determination, and passion, What they won’t do, she says, is compromise their mission just to fill and sometimes giving everything you’ve got even when the theatre is seats. The company’s tag line is “smart theatre for a smart town.” full of empty seats. Largess knows he can’t play off audience reaction “We are a classical ensemble. We love George Bernard Shaw and for this performance. “People are very self-conscious about laughing Oscar Wilde and Brian Friel. And we are just as excited by contemporary out loud and making other obvious reactions when the seats around playwrights who are producing eloquent plays,” says Largess. them are empty,” says Largess. “So you adjust.” “So much of what we do is inspired by the Catholic U. drama faculty The secret to Washington Stage Guild’s longevity and success may of the 1970s; voice training, oral interpretation, love of language. We well be its ability to adjust. The company has worked out of five received a solid grounding in theatre history. And they really instilled in different spaces in its 30 years. Five years ago, they found a home in us a love for intelligent and challenging work,” says Largess. the Undercroft Theatre of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist They were a group of drama department alumni from the 1970s Church at the intersection of 9th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, not working in Washington, D.C., area theatre when they got the idea to far from the District’s busy Gallery Place/Chinatown area. form their own company. They found themselves together in 1983 They are also taking a fresh look at their marketing strategy, says for a production of Heartbreak House by Shaw at the Source Theatre, Laura Giannarelli, B.A. 1978, who directed St. Nicholas. “We have to directed by the late John MacDonald, M.F.A. 1975. “The theatre scene find new ways to fill our seats and sell season subscriptions and that in D.C. was starting to boom. We looked around at each other and means email lists and all forms of social media. While we work to reach realized we had all the experience: directors, actors, stage managers, younger audiences, we don’t want to lose our dedicated fan base of technicians,” says Largess.

Back row: Students Dani Ebbin, Maddy Cuddihy, John Sygar, and Andrew Shoro of Centerstage Theatre. Middle row: Matt Ripa, M.F.A. 2008, of Doorway Arts Theatre; Beth Amann, B.M. 2013, and Jimmy Mavrikes, B.M. 2013, of Monumental Theatre. Front row: L.J. Whalen, B.M. 2015, of L’Enfant Rebelle Theatre; and student Emma Heck of Convergence Theatre.

Spring 2016 23 The company launched its first season with MacDonald at the helm Street. They are transported to the farmlands of Ireland through as artistic director and his wife, Ann Norton, B.A. 1975, as executive music, sound effects, and stunning scenery and acting in Outside director. The large group of founding alumni also included Giannerelli Mullingar, a bittersweet comedy about complicated family dynamics and Largess, who was dramaturg. After MacDonald’s death in 2008, and finding unexpected love. The play, directed by Donald Hicken, Largess became artistic director. M.F.A. 1969, is by playwright John Patrick Shanley, the author of Doubt The company’s first production in November 1986 was Uncle Vanya and Moonstruck. by Anton Chekhov. By the end of that first season, The Washington Post The Riley and the Muldoon families are at odds over their neigh- declared, “Like the goddess Athena, the Washington Stage Guild sprang boring farmland. Anthony Riley lives with his elderly father, Tony, and forth fully armed this year.” Rosemary Muldoon lives with her mother, Aoife, (played by drama alumna Helen Hedman, B.A. 1973). The audience laughs along with all four characters. The high school students laugh the loudest at the quick-paced one-liners. he house is usually full during Wednesday matinees at Everyman “She won’t smoke in front of me, and she’s always smoking so I never T Theatre in Baltimore. That’s because Vincent Lancisi, M.F.A. see her.” 1988, founding artistic director, offers a matinee program to Baltimore By the end of the play, audience members don’t know whether to City high school students. In addition to show tickets, he provides laugh or cry when the awkward adult children find themselves alone bus transportation, study guides, and talk-back opportunities with the in the Muldoon kitchen over a Guinness and stumble through the actors. He also offers pay-what-you-can previews. realization they have feelings for each other. For Lancisi, who founded Everyman Theatre in 1990, it’s about Halfway through his master’s program in directing, Lancisi decided living up to the name of his company — keeping theatre affordable he wanted to start his own theatre company. “I met so many talented and accessible to everyone. actors at Catholic, and they shared this incredible work ethic and On a cold, rainy December afternoon, high school students fill a desire to be able to work for a living,” he says. “It wasn’t about the nearly a third of the new 253-seat state-of-the-art theatre on Fayette fame or the glory. They wanted to pursue their chosen profession, and not have to wait tables. So I thought the best way I could serve them was to found a company that keeps actors at its center; that has a resident company of actors who perform together on a regular basis.” Today, Everyman Theatre is one of the few resident theatre companies in the United States. Three years ago, the company moved into a newly renovated space that has, in addition to its theatre, classroom and rehearsal space and a welcoming lobby complete with Vinny’s Bar. The 1910 building, a Baltimore landmark, has a storied history as a vaudeville house and later a burlesque theatre. Lancisi and his crew kept the neoclassical façade, but gutted the inside. The E that stands on the apex of the building was discovered during restoration. It stood for Empire Theatre, and as fate would have it, now for Everyman Theatre, which has 5,000 season subscription holders, 50,000 patrons a year, 28 employees, and $18.5 million raised during the capital campaign that funded the renovation. Lancisi is a long way from the day he drove a U-Haul to Baltimore, where he saw a market for a small professional theatre, after getting his master’s in directing. He worked out of his small apartment. It was two years before he raised enough money to fund his first production. He called his friend and former CUA roommate, Kyle Prue, B.F.A. 1989, who was in Los Angeles looking for film work, to come play a priest on trial for the murder of a nun in the Runner Stumbles by Milan Stitt. “I was horribly miscast, but when Vinny calls you don’t say ‘no,’” says Prue, “which incidentally is one of the reasons for Everyman’s success.” When they began rehearsing in early September, they didn’t realize Vincent Lancisi, M.F.A. 1988, founding artistic director; Kyle Prue, B.F.A. 1989, there was no heat in the basement of St. John’s Church, their first director of production; and Laura Weiss, B.M. 2006, special assistant to the artistic performance venue. By opening night in early November it was cold. director, of Everyman Theatre. The church sponsored a homeless shelter and had newly cleaned

24 The Catholic University of America Magazine Stan Barouh Wil Love, Tim Getman, and Helen Hedman, B.A. 1973, in Outside Mullingar at Everyman Theatre. blankets. “We put them on every other metal folding chair. At first our Velasco discusses timing with them. Miletich begins with the audience members thought it was quaint. But within 15 minutes, they words of the poem describing America as a land of immigrants, a were huddled under shared blankets,” says Lancisi. welcoming place. In those early days, Everyman had a rule that if they had three or “From her beacon hand glows worldwide welcome.” fewer patrons at a play, they would buy them a beer and ask them to He will provide the backdrop to the scene, reading in a continuous come back for a different show. loop. Then, like a well-orchestrated harmony conducted by Velasco, Prue never went back to L.A., joining the resident company and the others come in. later becoming director of production. In 1994, the company found a “I just remember my parents crying so many times and not being able permanent home in a small storefront space on Charles Street. Another to leave and being so scared about the future of our country, of not having turning point was offering season subscriptions in 1996. But Prue and a place to go.” Lancisi both credit the overwhelming critical and box office success of “Thank God I have a video of my brother being shot.” Proof by David Auburn in 2004 as the moment they knew Everyman “Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses …” had arrived.

heatre is the ultimate form of free speech,” says Elena Velasco, “T B.A. 1989, M.F.A. 2015, artistic director of Convergence Theatre, a new professional theatre company in the D.C. metro area. Velasco and four actors — “artistic collaborators” as they are known at Convergence — are rehearsing for Guerilla Theatre Works: At What Cost? in one of Synetic Theatre’s small studios in Arlington, Va. There is no script. This is devised theatre. All members of the collective bring their ideas to rehearsals. Together they are crafting a story of what it means to be a refugee. Sitting on the floor with their laptops in front of them, the actors discuss the scene. Alex Miletich reads The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus, the famous poem engraved on a plaque inside the Statue of Liberty. Olivia Haller has the part of a Syrian refugee; Stephanie Tomiko, B.A. 2015, plays a Bosnian refugee; and Asif Majid portrays Elena Velasco, B.A. 1989, M.F.A. 2015, artistic director of Convergence Theatre, a Mexican immigrant. The latter three are improvising based on real- creates a scene for Guerilla Theatre Works with Asif Majid and Stephanie Tomiko, life stories of refugees and immigrants. B.A. 2015.

Spring 2016 25 As the scene wraps, they critique their work. “We should scatter our endings,” says Majid. “How was our timing?” asks Tomiko. “Let’s find the arc of the conversations,” says Velaso. “Try it again, standing this time and using the space, walking around Alex.” “Yes, movement will help convey our emotion,” says Tomiko. Guerilla Theatre Works is set for its first workshop performance in a few weeks. In choosing the topic for the play, Velasco says, “We are all touched by the refugee crisis — in Syria, in Central America. The heartbreaking situation of unaccompanied minors. We are exploring the definition of home. For most people in our audiences, that’s a very simple notion. But for others in the world, it’s extraordinarily complicated.” Velasco believes “theatre cultivates understanding and compassion.” And she’s hoping this second production by Convergence will encourage discourse. The company’s first production, Bhavi the Avenger by M.F.A. playwriting candidate Tearrance Chisholm, won positive reviews by The Washington Post (“Inaugural offering from Convergence Theatre is whimsical, resourceful.”) and was honored by DCMetro TheatreArts with three awards (play, performance, and directing). Chisholm, who Students Andrew Shoro, Dani Ebbin, John Sygar, and Maddy Cuddihy of has been recognized by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Centerstage Theatre. Festival with awards for several plays, including the Rosa Parks award for Bhavi, is resident playwright for the Convergence collective. Tomiko Students Take Center Stage is director of development and Philip da Costa, B.M. 2015, is director of social media. At the helm of CUA’s student-run theatre company, students are The mission of Convergence, says Velasco, is rooted in exploring finding they like doing things on their own. themes of social justice. She often cites the work of Brazilian theatre This spring, they are producing Urinetown by Jacky Rizzuti artist Augusto Boal, who started a revolution with his groundbreaking through Centerstage, and if past productions are any indication, work now known as Theatre of the Oppressed. “His work changed it will be sold out. “It’s a full-time job,” says Dani Ebbin, a junior communities by raising attention to injustice and encouraging musical theatre student who is the artistic director of Centerstage. dialogue and action,” says Velasco. “I wake up thinking about what we have to do that day. Do we Velasco received her undergraduate degree in drama in 1989 and have the rights to the show? Is the theatre booked? Does the went on to establish herself as a working director, choreographer, director have what he needs? What costume pieces do we need? To playwright, and actor in the greater D.C. theatre community, all while work with my peers to bring all of this together is so rewarding. raising seven children. She returned to CUA some 20 years later when Every time we close a show, we feel so proud that we were part of she was accepted into the three-year M.F.A. in Directing Program. something bigger than ourselves,” says Ebbin. “My experience the first time around was so positive. When I “I never really saw myself behind the table,” says musical returned, I was happy to find that the department still felt like theatre major John Sygar, who has made a name for himself on family, it was just as tightknit, an incredible collective of talented campus as a performer in such musicals as Godspell and Into and committed faculty and students. The faculty are so willing to the Woods. meet you on your journey. I wanted to live out my faith through my “But when I heard The Laramie Project would be the fall pro- commitment to social justice theatre, and they supported me whole- duction, I wanted to give it a try,” says Sygar. “The message of the heartedly on that track.” play about basic human rights and dignity was so important to me. So I applied to be director.” And he found he “loved being part of the collective, helping MISSION IS KEY the actors find their voice, and working out problems. I Theatre in the greater Washington, D.C., area is booming. There are experienced a different kind of pride when the show opened and of course the big names such as Arena, Signature, Olney, Shakespeare, I saw how it touched people.” Synetic, Woolly Mammoth, and Studio. The best thing about Centerstage? “It’s a safe place. You can But what makes the region one of the best in the country is the fall on your face, and your peers will always be there to pick you upwards of 90 professional theatre companies in the District, Northern up,” says Ebbin. Virginia, and Maryland.

26 The Catholic University of America Magazine Convergence, Everyman, and Washington Stage Guild are in good theatre major with Broadway aspirations, but soon realized his path was company. theatre management rather than performance. It isn’t hard to find CUA alumni at the helm of professional theatre While a student he worked at a Catholic elementary school in companies. Longacre Lea has been specializing in “absurdism and magical Rockville, Md., where he had the opportunity to work with students realism” since 1998 with Kathleen Akerley, M.F.A. 1998, as artistic who have special needs in an arts elective theatre program. director and founder. The company offers one show per season every “One of the students had high-functioning autism, and the other summer at the Callan Theatre on CUA’s campus. “With so much good two had Down Syndrome. I cast them in a musical,” explains Whalen. theatre already in this market, we are committed to one really great show “In theatre, you need to be able to genuinely convey a story, and be every year,” says Akerley. The company’s 2006 production of Rosencrantz unbounded in that. These kids were able to embrace that concept and and Gildenstern are Dead received a Helen Hayes nomination for best run with it. One boy’s dad came up to me after the show with tears in ensemble. his eyes, and said, ‘I didn’t know my son could do that.’ I wondered Since 2008 dog & pony dc, founded by Wyckam Avery, M.F.A. how many more kids were being denied that opportunity.” 1996, has been presenting devised performances that incorporate new Early in his college career, Whalen began considering how he could ways for audiences to experience theatre. Their original production create more performing arts opportunities for people with disabilities. Beertown was the first ensemble-devised show to receive a Helen Hayes He says a turning point came when he took Theatre Topics: American nomination for Outstanding New Play (2011), and was named one of Drama taught by Rosalind Flynn, B.A. 1978, head of the Master of Washington Post Express’s top 10 shows (2012). It made its off- Arts in Theatre Education Program. The course is one of several drama Broadway debut in 2014, and the audience-participation play is now department courses required for musical theatre students. set for a multicity national tour. “The class was magical,” says Whalen. “In addition to reading and Parlor Room Theater opened in Prince George’s County, Md., in learning about great American dramas, we learned life skills like ice 2006. The company, founded by Frank DiSalvo Jr., B.A. 2009, M.F.A. breakers for introducing yourself in professional settings and 2012, and his brother, Thomas DiSalvo, B.A. 2012, is on a mission to marketing skills. Most important, we were encouraged to follow our foster a love of theatre at affordable prices in a county with limited dreams by jumping in feet first even if that means making mistakes.” options for live theatre. DiSalvo, like many who run companies, The first thing Whalen did in launching his theatre company was also works professionally in D.C.-area theatres. He currently has two put together a board — a requirement for a nonprofit organization. Helen Hayes nominations for sound design at other theatres, one for And he invited Flynn to join the board to share her expertise in theatre the Washington Stage Guild’s December 2015 production of It’s a education. He also invited Emmjolee Mendoza Waters, B.A. 2001, Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, which was so popular the show’s run M.S.W. 2009, CUA’s associate director of Campus Ministry and com- was extended. munity service, to lend her expertise. “Staying true to our mission is what guides us,” says DiSalvo. “When He enlisted friends from the musical theatre program to take on you bring live theatre to audience members for the first time and then production jobs. Meredith Eib, a junior musical theatre major, is helping you see them returning with friends and family, that brings a lot of him with a cabaret production this spring. “At Catholic University, we satisfaction and reminds us that theatre is about serving communities.” have this gem of a music school with the most talented faculty and students, and then we have this amazing campus ministry program that MUSICAL THEATRE STUDENTS ENTER THE SCENE Newcomer L.J. Whalen, B.M. 2015, is preparing to launch the inaugural season of L’Enfant Rebelle Theatre company. He is laser focused on a mission to create inclusive and accessible theatre experiences for artists, audiences, and arts administrators. “We welcome people who have physical, intellectual, and cognitive disabilities to our company,” says Whalen. “We are not a theatre company exclusively for people with disabilities. We welcome all people and we seek to showcase the similarities among us, despite our differing abilities. “The goal is to create an inclusive environment where a person with autism can feel comfortable auditioning for a show or a director who uses a wheelchair can be confident that we will offer a setting free of barriers,” says Whalen. He came to the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music as a musical L.J. Whalen, B.M. 2015, of L’Enfant Rebelle Theatre.

Spring 2016 27 allows you to use your skills in service to others. Working with L.J. is a full-time faculty position at the music school, the theatre went dark. such a natural extension of that,” says Eib. He offered the infrastructure of his company, including the 501 (c)(3) Monumental Theatre Company is another new professional company tax exempt status, to Mavrikes and Amann. They in turn reinvented run by young musical theatre alumni. Jimmy Mavrikes, B.M. 2013, is the company as Monumental. co-producing artistic director (along with Michael Windsor), and Beth “It’s been very rewarding for me to see what they’ve done with their Amann, B.M. 2013, is managing director. company,” says Brock. “I was in a unique position to do this, and as a “We would go to the theatre and look around and wonder where are faculty member I take particular pride in seeing them flourish and the millennials,” says Amann. “So we knew we wanted to make it part create an identity.” of our mission to reach out to our generation in a different way. We are especially committed to fostering new work by emerging writers and providing platforms for local artists.” CUA’S WIDE REACH The group’s inaugural season garnered favorable reviews and high “I often tell the students, ‘This is your family, not just for four years attendance. They produced Girl Versus Corinth and Holidazed and held but for the rest of your life.’ Theatre is so much about networking. We a wildly successful gender bender cabaret called Sex Swap that featured build a supportive environment in both the music school and the an array of talented young performers singing popular musical theatre drama department, and that serves them well in the professional and pop songs meant for their opposite gender. This spring they world. They will be working for each other and with each other, brought the cabaret back with Sex Swap 2.0, complete with musical especially if they stay in the D.C. theatre community,” says Brock. Mad libs contributed by the audience. Next up is a summer production “Working in theatre is a tough occupation but it is full of joy and of Urinetown in Alexandria, Va. support. It’s so much about the people you meet along the way,” says Amann says she enjoys blending her theatre training with her business Matt Ripa, M.F.A. 2008. He is the administrative specialist in the management minor in managing the company. She and Mavrikes tested drama department and the producing artistic director of Doorway the waters of theatre management as undergraduates in leadership Arts Theatre. The company premieres work by contemporary play- positions with CUA’s student-run Centerstage Theatre Company. wrights, presenting “new plays in new ways.” “That’s where we discovered the satisfaction that comes from bring- “When I give student tours, I talk about the reach of CUA. I don’t ing your creative vision to a production and helping other artists shine,” think I’ve ever been in a professional production in this area without says Mavrikes. there being another alum in it in some capacity. And that’s an instant “By working with Centerstage, students find out that they either connection even if you’ve never met before,” he says. love theatre management or that it’s not for them,” says Jay Brock, “We are all aware of the legacy of this department. Iconic figures clinical assistant professor and faculty advisor to Centerstage. like Father Hartke and Bill Graham and so many more put this Brock and his business partner, the late Jan Stewart, had a theatre department on the map nationally. We’ve changed with the times, but company called Limelight. After Stewart passed away and Brock took we still honor that legacy. We are still greeted in the professional world with respect, admiration, and open arms,” says Ripa. “CUA students, alumni, and faculty are very loyal. They help each other out,” says Joel Markowitz, publisher and editor of DCMetro TheatreArts, a well-known website that has more than 100 writers reviewing and writing about D.C.-area community, professional, and university theatre. “CUA has a solid reputation in the professional community. The University has great teachers who are role models, and who are honest about what it takes to make it in the profession. “And the alumni are working. If you attend any show in this area, read the bios and you are sure to find a number of alumni. It’s the same with local theatre awards. They are filled with CUA alumni,” he says. “The program is very different than when we attended. I was among the last group that Father Hartke taught,” recalls Largess, referring to Rev. Gilbert Hartke, the “show biz priest” and legendary founder of Catholic University’s 78-year-old drama department. “He called us ‘his kids.’ That’s a bond that a generation of us has,” Giannerelli says. Her ties to the department remain strong. She teaches for the drama Beth Amann, B.M. 2013, and Jimmy Mavrikes, B.M. 2013, of Monumental department’s High School Drama Institute. In 2009, the Washington Theatre. Stage Guild hosted a conference with the drama department in collab-

28 The Catholic University of America Magazine Beyond the Beltway Alumni are leading theatre campanies well beyond the D.C. area. Here are two of them.

CHICAGO “Familiar stories, unorthodox methods, perpetually curious.” That’s the tagline of Sideshow Theatre Company. The Chicago Matt Ripa, M.F.A. 2008, of Doorway Arts Theatre. company hit the stage in 2008 with a new play by Walt McGough, Dante Dies! (and then things get weird). oration with the International Shaw Society. Performances by CUA Now in its 10th season, Sideshow is still producing original students and stage guild actors included a set of one-act plays. works. “All of our plays have an element of surprise or something “It was so much fun to work with students. There have been so many unexpected that we can hopefully transport or help transcend the changes over the years, but it’s always nice to see the work ethic, talent, audience into another world. We want them to be immersed in and commitment of the students remain the same,” says Giannerelli. the experience,” says Megan Smith, B.A. 2006, executive director For sophomore drama major Emma Heck, the opportunity to work and founder of the company. She is also an ensemble member. with graduate students and alumni has been one of the reasons she She says she was drawn to the Chicago theatre scene because says, “I’m so happy I found CUA.” She was stage manager for Bhavi “the theatre community here is very collaborative, friendly, which the Avenger at Convergence and is one of the company’s artistic I thought was a great quality,” she says, a quality similar to what collaborators. she found in Catholic University’s drama department. “You can “Our faculty are working professionals and so talented and reach out to any drama alumni and they will talk to you and give knowledgeable and on top of that, as undergrads we get to work with you advice.” the graduate students in acting, directing, and playwriting. They inspire Other alumni working with Smith include Bruce Phillips, B.A. us to up our game. They are also working in the field and are amazing 2005, marketing manager, and Kathleen Akerley, M.A. 1998, connections for us. That’s how I got involved with Convergence Theatre,” and Gina DiSalvo, B.A. 2005. Both are artistic associates. she says. About running a theatre company, Smith says, “I like the strategic planning element of my role, thinking about how you build something out of nothing. It’s a lot of putting a puzzle together and a ALL ABOUT THE AUDIENCE lot of problem solving — which I find really exciting.” “In a difficult business, our CUA network is a blessing,” says Giannerelli. “Theatre management is grinding and not for the faint of heart. But NEW YORK it is worth it when I sit in the audience of our theatre and watch a play Before starting CAP 21, Frank Ventura, B.A. 1975, spent time as we are producing on opening night, and I think, ‘Damn! This is good!’ a successful actor, director, and choreographer in New York City. and I know I’m part of it and that our resources are well spent. We “Broadway was experiencing a slump in the ’80s, and that started produce theatre for the audience, because in the end that’s what it’s me thinking that I wanted to be part of a resurgence by facil- all about,” says Norton of the Washington Stage Guild. “And we get to itating new work by new artists.” do it all — the ups and the downs — with this band of lifelong friends.” In 1993, Ventura and his wife, Eliza, founded the Collaborative “At CUA, we learned that this is a profession and you have to pursue Arts Project 21 with a dream and credit card. it because it brings you joy and purpose, not because you want to get Today, they have their own theatre center in downtown rich or famous,” says Prue of Everyman Theatre. Manhattan, complete with 19 dance and vocal studios. CAP 21 He says he was reminded of that one late night in his office during includes a theatre company that develops new works with the run of Outside Mullingar. “I was sitting at my desk finishing up composers, book writers, and lyricists; a writers’ residency; a some work, and I found myself listening to the last few minutes of professional training conservatory; and a B.F.A. program in the play when Rosemary and Anthony find each other, and realized I conjunction with Molloy College. had tears in my eyes. That’s what theatre is about. It’s a service to our Ventura says he got the theatre bug as a young boy when his community, our society. We give them an escape, a laugh. Maybe we family took a day trip from their home in Baltimore to the Great inspired them or maybe we just got them thinking.” White Way. From the last row in the balcony, he watched Richard Burton, Julie Andrews, and Robert Goulet in Camelot. “That was Editor’s note: In researching this article we found out when it comes to it. I knew I had to be part of this.” theatre, our alumni are so prolific we could not possibly include them all. Ventura says, “Catholic University was a great place to If you have a theatre company, write to us at [email protected] so understand the profession, the craftsmanship, and the training and we can mention you in a future magazine. skill needed to make a career in theatre. The faculty was amazing. Turn to Class Notes to read about a psychology alumna who runs a theatre I took a course in the four stages of Renaissance style that I still use company and a drama alumna who just opened a bake shop. today. It taught me how to create the world of the play.”

Spring 2016 29 The Only Way Was Forward After losing his sight during World War II, a young veteran finds his way to Catholic University where he learns to teach children who are blind — changing the course of their lives, as well as his own.

By Regina Conley Bethencourt, B.A. 2013

When Gale Brown, a 20-year-old Coast Guard electronic technician, Brown’s health troubles began just before Christmas 1945. While on arrived at Omura Airfield on Oct. 31, 1945, he looked toward Nagasaki his way to Saipan (one of the Mariana Islands), his hands and feet began and saw only trees stripped of both bark and branches. There were no to swell. Lesions and sores appeared on his body and he had pain in his buildings, just a wall or two in the distance. He was less than 20 miles appendix. Treatment with antibiotics in Pearl Harbor, lessened some from the site of the atomic bomb blast that killed an estimated 40,000 symptoms and in March 1946, he was discharged from the service. He people on Aug. 9. He had been sent to scavenge electronics from the went home to Hyattsville, Md., married his high school sweetheart, and kamikaze planes parked there. started classes at the University of Maryland to study electrical engineering. The war in the Pacific was over and Brown could not imagine he was One morning in March 1950 Brown woke up completely blind in his in harm’s way. It wasn’t until many decades later that experts would right eye. He spent 81 days in Bethesda Naval Hospital, where doctors change the radius of radiation exposure danger to 150 miles from the tried to discover what was wrong. They were stumped, but Brown did epicenter of the Nagasaki blast. experience some improvement in his vision.

30 The Catholic University of America Magazine After being discharged from the hospital, Brown felt a calling to something bigger, most likely in academia. re-evaluated his life and decided to follow his passion. Becoming a teacher for blind children, he thought, He transferred to Ohio State University to study history. would be a waste of his talents. Within two weeks of his arrival, however, Brown’s vision worsened: He was completely blind in his right Right Place. Right Time. Right Man. eye and intermittently blind in his left. What Brown didn’t know was that the United States Brown remembers, “I got two or three jobs, but I failed at all of them. was grappling with an enormous problem. Although new incubator Some days I could see well enough to drive but some days I couldn’t technology had enabled doctors to save large numbers of premature see anything at all.” infants, many of those infants developed retrolental fibroplasia caused by In April 1951, doctors at Ohio State University Hospital finally linked an overabundance of oxygen in the incubator. Fibroplasia, which leads to Brown’s symptoms to Bechet’s disease, an immunological syndrome asso- blindness, was at its peak from 1947 to 1953, leaving parents and educators ciated with low-dose ionizing radiation. They hoped his condition would desperate for resources for the influx of visually impaired children. not worsen but they had little ability to prevent it if it did. Special education was hardly an established discipline. William “I remember clearly the day the doctors sat me down and told me Cruickshank, a professor at Syracuse University, was a pioneer in the that, barring a miracle, I would soon be completely blind with no hope field. One of the first to consider the importance of training teachers for a cure,” Brown said. “When I reacted calmly, my primary doctor, Dr. in special education, he had just established the Division of Special Farmer, exclaimed ‘Damn it, Gale! Don’t you realize what we’re saying Education and Rehabilitation at the university. to you?’ I told him I did but that I was also a man of deep faith and would According to Brown’s recollection, only two other schools in the hope for a miracle.” country were paying attention to Cruickshank’s research: Peabody College Brown was declared legally blind a few weeks later. Despite testimony in Nashville, Tenn., and The Catholic University of America. by a doctor from the Department of Veterans Affairs that his blindness When Brown heard the words “The Catholic University of America,” was a direct result of his military service, his appeal to the VA for disability his interest was sparked. CUA was close by his home in Hyattsville. assistance was denied. Perhaps it could offer him a path forward, he thought. “What could I do?” he said. “The only way for me was forward.” In the summer of 1952, a few weeks after graduating with his He returned to the University of Maryland, advised by his vocational sociology degree, he enrolled in a two-semester program for Certification rehabilitation advisor to pursue a degree in sociology. The advisor also to Teach the Blind. The class consisted of himself and 40 nuns from suggested that Brown consider a career teaching the blind. all over the world. Brown greeted the teaching idea without enthusiasm. He had grown up At CUA he felt the first awakening of what would become his passion working in the fields and the coal mines of West Virginia and had always and vocation for the rest of his life.

Spring 2016 31 Left: The Swiss ambassador, Gale Brown, Johnny Wilkinson, Johnny’s mother, Johnny’s father, and an unidentified man. The ambassador had just presented Johnny with a Braille watch, the latest Swiss technology at that time, in recognition of his academic achievement (circa 1957).

Opening photo: Gale Brown (center) and two of his former students, Jeanette Gerrard and Johnny Wilkinson, reunite on CUA’s campus, November 2015.

Inset photo (page 31): Gale Brown served in the Coast Guard during World War II (circa 1944).

Group photo (page 31): Brown was the only male to study at Catholic University’s Visually Handicapped Institute (circa 1955).

“I owe much of my success to the skills I learned while studying at The Maryland School for the Blind caught wind of Brown’s class. Catholic U.,” Brown said. “It was there that I fully internalized the nobility School administrators challenged his qualifications and requested of a calling to education. To think that a mostly blind man could go on that all blind children be sent to their school. To prevent Brown from to have such a meaningful and needed career is to acknowledge that a continuing to teach, an administrator at the Maryland School for the greater hand is at work, and I am so grateful that that hand led me to Blind called a meeting with Brown, the assistant superintendent of CUA.” schools, the state supervisor of special education, and the supervisor Just before he began the program, his doctors, believing that the of services for the blind. Brown heard nothing about the results of radiation his body absorbed had settled in his appendix, decided to remove the meeting until the assistant superintendent called to tell him that the organ in an effort to curb his impending blindness. He jokes that it if he heard anything more from folks at the school for the blind, he was the worst way to start a semester, especially with nuns as classmates. had the superintendent’s permission to tell them “to go straight to “You know how nuns are,” he said. “They would spend the whole period hell!” trying to make me laugh so my stitches would split open.” Changing Lives A Miracle and a Calling Brown’s career was moving, but his life was far from easy. Brown’s The removal of his appendix turned out to be the miracle Brown blindness and financial hardships led to unresolvable problems in his needed. His right eye had deteriorated beyond hope, but his left eye marriage. In June 1955, his divorce was finalized. A week later he began to steadily improve until he could read, write, and get around began the second half of his coursework at Catholic University. His fairly well on his own. But his experience had already planted the certification from CUA made him the first teacher of the blind desire to learn more about how he could improve the lives of those certified by the state of Maryland. living with blindness. Meanwhile, a determined mother had been badgering the Prince In the fall of 1952, Brown began working as a home teacher respon- George’s County School Board to allow her son, Johnny Wilkinson, to sible for teaching blind adults how to read and write in Braille in five enroll in public school. They resisted. She would not accept no for an counties across Maryland. answer. “There’s always a first,” she insisted. At the time, the vast majority of blind children studied at specialized After several conversations with Mrs. Wilkinson, the supervisor of schools. Since their social experiences were primarily with other blind special education gave in, telling her, “There’s one man who teaches children or visually impaired educators, they developed “blindisms,” partially sighted kids at Hyattsville Elementary School. He knows habitual movements that might appear strange to sighted people, like Braille, so we will give it a try on an experimental basis.” rocking, pressing the eyes, or head shaking. In 1956, when Wilkinson was just five years old, he became the first Knowing that the children needed to learn how to function in a sighted fully blind child to attend public school in Maryland and one of the world, Brown began to explore the idea of integrating fully blind first in the country. children into the regular public school system. He met resistance on “I remember the first day I met Mr. Brown,” Wilkinson said. “Like two fronts: public schools worried about mainstreaming a large influx of any first grader, I was nervous and scared but Mr. Brown made me feel completely blind children, and existing schools for blind children that so comfortable. I forgot I was there by myself. I was so motivated being felt threatened. able to go to school with regular kids. I would go home and practice As he was working on ways to integrate his students, Brown met Susan my Braille, I wanted it to work out so much. By Christmas I could be Barton, a teacher for the class for visually impaired students at Hyattsville entirely with my first-grade class and I had learned enough Braille that Elementary School. One of her student’s doctors believed the little girl, I could send all of my friends Christmas cards.” Donna Jean Evans, would most likely be completely blind within a few Wilkinson was a model student and gave the school board the years. Barton met with Brown to ask him to teach Braille to Evans to evidence they needed. His success paved the way for another child prepare her for the future. facing a much grimmer future.

32 The Catholic University of America Magazine Her name was Jeanette Elaine Gerrard. She was eight years old and Finding Love Again weighed just 25 pounds, having refused to eat solid food. The Maryland In 1957, Brown was called to West Virginia to conduct a diagnostic School for the Blind, where she was a student, had determined after program at an institute for the blind. There he met 21-year-old two years that she was “mentally retarded” and needed to be sent to a Delores Hintz, who was studying Braille at the institute in order to “school for mentally retarded blind children.” Desperate, Gerrard’s father learn how to better care for her five-year-old blind niece. They were reached out to Brown for help. Her psychiatrist told Brown that he married the following June. The first of their four children was born a was the little girl’s last hope of escaping a lifetime of institution- little over one year later. alization. He agreed to try. “She took a chance on my old, divorced, and handicapped self,” “I spent hours at each lunch period encouraging Jeanette to hold food Brown said. “But she never seemed to mind.” in her mouth,” Brown remembered. “There were many eager to see my Delores joined him in his mission to educate the blind and taught efforts fall through, but I hoped against hope that I would succeed.” Brown’s class whenever he was away or sick. Together they taught After a month of struggling, Brown finally watched Jeanette Gerrard children with a range of special needs for a combined 41 years. take her first bite. Her academic progress after that was slow, but with Brown, who reached the age of 90 last year, and Delores have now been Brown’s instruction, she began to improve. When it came time for married 58 years and live in Indore, W.Va. They have four children, 18 standardized IQ testing in the school, Gerrard scored above average. No grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. one brought up “mental retardation” after that. Looking back, Brown says he bears no resentment toward the “I remember those days,” Gerrard said. “My parents were too afraid Department of Veterans Affairs or those who made the miscalculation to let me go outside. I had to stay at home playing in the house. I was that cost him his sight. Instead, he says he focuses on the lives he never isolated. Thank God I had Mr. Brown. He changed my life.” would have been able to touch had fate not played out the way it did. Learning to read and write opened a new world. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to have an influence in the lives of “We got our first Perkins Brailler in the third grade,” she remembered. these children. Could anyone hope for greater rewards in this life?” “I had wanted it so badly. I loved to read and write. Soon after, I started getting these magazines in the mail, in Braille. Mr. Brown never told me but I’m sure it was him.” Gerrard studied with Brown through most of her grade school years and then went on to graduate from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring in 1968. She was accepted to the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Winchester, Va., and graduated with a degree in music education in 1972. She obtained a job as a dictation machine tran- scriptionist with the D.C. Department of Health and worked there until her retirement. Today, she lives in Washington, D.C. “He was a man of faith and he said to go out there and do,” Jeanette said. “I took that to heart and I know I came into the kingdom as a result of this man.” Wilkinson graduated with honors first from High Point High School in Beltsville, Md., and then from American University in Washington, D.C. He was employed by the U.S. Library of Congress as a Braille proof- reader. By the time he retired in 2008 after a long career, he was the literary Braille advisor in charge of the entire Braille program at the library. “I can say in all sincerity that I wouldn’t have achieved any of what I did without Mr. Brown,” he said. “I certainly would not have had a successful career or gotten my education without him.” About the Author: Regina Conley Bethencourt (pictured with her baby; Wilkinson and Gerrard were the first of many to join Brown’s class. grandfather, Gale Brown; and Jeannette Gerrard and Johnny Wilkinson) In addition to Braille, he taught his students everything from history earned her B.A. in history in 2013. She says it was not until researching this to how to dial a phone and how to walk with a cane. He was known story about her grandfather and interviewing him about his experiences that for taking his entire class on the Metro for field trips to the zoo, Mount she truly understood the grit, determination, and hope that made him the Vernon, the Capitol, and museums. man he is today. Bethencourt was editor of The Tower and a member of the Brown’s success with public school integration was part of a wave of University Honors Program. She married her high school sweetheart, progress that was happening all across the country. In 1950, nearly 90 Tomás Bethencourt, who received his B.A. from CUA in 2013 as well. They percent of children with visual impairments were sent to specialized have an eight-month-old daughter, Isabella. Regina is the marketing and schools for the blind. By 1960, a little more than 45 percent of visually communications director for Yuma Center, a leadership organization for impaired children were segregated. women.

Spring 2016 33 ALUMNI NEWS

2016 Hall of Fame Members Inducted

Cristine (Waterhouse) Kosnik, B.B.E. 1995, welcomes her daughter Caylin to the podium and asks the audience to help out with a belated round of “Happy Birthday” for her 10th birthday.

Alumni Association President Carrie Grundmayer, B.A. 1996, (far left), President John Garvey (center), and Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Sean Sullivan (far right) are proud to induct the newest members of the CUA Hall of Fame on Jan. 30, 2016. Pictured left to right: Anthony “Tony” Gallis Jr., Class of 1986; John B. Douglas, B.A. 1995, M.A. 1997; Brent Raue, B.S. 1996; Cristine (Waterhouse) Kosnik, B.B.E. 1995; and Jeffery Clay Jr., B.A. 1998. Tony Gallis Jr. embraces a fellow teammate.

Longtime CUA athletics department employee Franny Inductee Jeff Clay, B.A. 1998, (right) with class- Mary Gallis reacts to remarks delivered by her Murray, B.A. 1950, at the luncheon. mate and quarterback Kevin Ricca. husband, inductee Tony Gallis Jr., Class of 1986.

34 The Catholic University of America Magazine

Looking Back: 100–50–25 Years Ago

1966: Marie Brugger (now Marie Curry) was crowned Queen of Homecoming by former reigning queen Chris Curtis at the Sheraton-Park Hotel. In 1966, all full-time lay undergraduates were permitted to vote for the homecoming court — more than 1,000 students participated that year.

1916: It was a memorable occasion for The Catholic University of America when, in the autumn of 1912, the Class of 1916 arrived on campus. The class boasted 67 members — the largest number ever enrolled at that point in history. In 1928, female graduate students began to be admitted to the University, and it wasn't until 1991: Andy Dwyer, B.A. 1992; Fran Corrigan, the 1950s that women undergraduates became a part of campus life. Today the University welcomes nearly 3,500 B.A. 1991; and Lauren O’Conner, B.A. 1991. The undergraduates, more than half of whom are women. Tower staff entered their office the back way.

Cardinal Weekend will be held Oct. 14–16, 2016. Class years ending in a 1 or a 6 are celebrating reunions. There are two ways you can prepare:

1. Serve as a reunion committee volunteer for your class. You will work with the Alumni Association to encourage classmates to come back to campus and build financial support for the University. Simply put, we need your help to reach out to your fellow Cardinals and to remind them that Catholic University is not just a place to visit — it is home. Visit cuatoday.com/CardinalWeekendVolunteer for more information and to sign up.

2. Send pictures to share during the tent party slideshow. Have a great shot of your friends sledding down South Side, hanging out in a residence hall, or enjoying a past homecoming? We want them. Submit copies by email to [email protected] and be sure to include your name and class year.

Spring 2016 35 I Do, Take Two There are more than 1,300 CUA sweet- will be a source of encouragement for others. heart marriages — and still more who have “Marriage is a struggle, but it can be done,” On Jan. 31, the CUA Alumni Association found love while studying at CUA and have said Mecholsky. “There are ups and downs. welcomed 24 CUA sweetheart couples back yet to tie the knot. My wife says that, fortunately, we weren’t to campus for a Mass and vow renewal Jack Mecholsky, B.C.E. 1966, M.C.E. both down at the same time. We got ourselves ceremony. Led by Rev. Jim Sabak, O.F.M., 1968, Ph.D., 1973, and Susan (Kurtz) through rough times, one helping the other.” B.A. 1985, M.A. 2003, Ph.D. 2012, the Mecholsky, B.A. 1966, M.A. 1971, who are Stephen Schatz, B.A. 2002, and Edith Alumni Association national chaplain, the celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, Schatz, B.A. 2003, M.S.W. 2005, who have event focused on remembering and reinforc- wed the day before their Commencement in been married for almost eight years, enjoyed ing marriage as a journey of faith. 1966, and their ties to the University are as meeting fellow alumni celebrating milestone With Sunday morning light pouring into strong as their marriage. Two of their four anniversaries. Heritage Hall, couples held hands and gazed children went to CUA and another is now a “This seemed like a fun way for us to at one another in a moment that was both member of the University’s faculty. While spend some quality time together without sweet and profound. their anniversary is on June 4, they plan to the kids,” said Edith, laughing. “We have “Married couples are given a tremendous celebrate every month this year. young children, so we are always trying to task to show others what it means for God to “This trip to campus for the vow renewal think of ways to stay connected and celebrate love us,” said Father Jim in his homily. was one of the 12 trips that we will take in our marriage. Since the whole day was centered “When you see two people who have realized 2016,” said Jack Mecholsky. “We also plan to on the vow renewal, it was a nice reminder of that they are with and for each other, it return in October for Cardinal Weekend to all the things we appreciate and love about becomes a lightning rod for expressing the celebrate our 50th class reunion.” each other outside of the busyness of our lives power of God’s love.” He hopes that their on-campus renewal and schedules.” — E.L.W.

Stephen Schatz, B.A. 2002, and Edith Schatz B.A. 2003, M.S.W. 2005

George M. Cecala, B.A. 1997, and Jennifer M. Gartlan, B.A. 1999, J.D. 2002, have been married Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Susan (Kurtz) Mecholsky, B.A. 1966, M.A. 1971, and Jack Mecholsky, B.C.E. a little over a year and a half. They got engaged in 1966, M.C.E., 1968, Ph.D., 1973, (center) are happy to be surrounded by their family. the Mary’s Garden behind the Shrine.

36 The Catholic University of America Magazine By the Numbers

Curious where your fellow Cardinals live? Alumni of CUA’s undergraduate and graduate programs can be found across the United States and around the world. Here’s a quick snapshot. 47,407 undergraduate alumni 107,813 60,406 graduate alumni 54,517 men total alumni 53,296 women # of Alumni by State 17,100 5,772 Maryland Washington, 48 SMALLEST D.C. North Dakota LARGEST 52 38 12,229 Idaho Wyoming Virginia

Six continents have alumni representation. (We are everywhere except Alumni Around the World Antarctica!) The largest population by country is the United States. Take a look at the next top 10. China Republic of Korea 83 Canada United Kingdom Italy Taiwan 111 363 80 Japan 137 93 83

Philippines 177

United States Nigeria Australia 79,913 74 99

Need to update us on your present location? Send an email to [email protected] with your new address! Spring 2016 37 Class Notes

1937 1958 1974

Alfred E. Secino, B.A. 1937 (A&S), celebrated Michael Mark, B.M. 1958, D.M.A. 1969 Joyce Zakierski Simmons, M.M. 1974 his 103rd birthday with family and friends on (MUSIC), of Baltimore, Md., was honored by (MUSIC), of Sparta, N.J., will be guest curator Aug. 2. Secino played football for Catholic the University of Michigan with a new fund at the Sparta Historical Society’s Van Kirk University for four years and was on the team named after him — the Michael L. Mark Music Homestead Museum on the upcoming exhibit that defeated the University of Mississippi in Research Fund — to support young researchers. Faux and Fabulous: 100 Years of Vintage Costume the Orange Bowl in 1936. Secino retired in The fund recognizes his contributions to music Jewelry, which will run from April 10 to June 1977 after teaching physical education for 40 education through the 17 books he has written 26. Simmons has written about, lectured on, years in the Fitchburg, Mass., school system. on the subject. and collected vintage costume and collectible He resides with his daughter in Lakeville, Fla. jewelry for more than 35 years. 1969 1955 1976 Barbara Murphy, B.A. 1969 (A&S), retired Sister Agnes Mary Joy, M.M., M.A. 1955 from the presidency of Johnson State College Dhiru A. Thadani, B.S.Arch. 1976, M.Arch. (A&S), was chaplain of the pastoral care depart- in Vermont in June 2015. She was recognized 1978 (ARCH), of Washington, D.C., is the ment and Association for Clinical Pastoral with the title of president emerita and a recipient of the inaugural Sam van Embden Education supervisor for 40 years at Harris fellowship established in her name. Award from the International Society of City County Hospital District in Houston. Due to and Regional Planners (ISOCARP). The award declining health, Sister Joy is living at the recognizes Thadani for his efforts to improve Maryknoll Center in Maryknoll, N.Y., where 1970 the living conditions of people; his contribution she is researching the 60-year history of to sustainable development of place; and his chaplaincy departments, prayers, and pastoral Rev. W. Thomas Faucher, S.T.B. 1970, publications, projects, and research. The award care services in hospitals, 11 clinics, and health M.A. 1971 (THEO), J.C.L. 1996 (CLAW), ceremony was held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, care institutions of the Harris County Hospital has retired and was named pastor emeritus of in October at the 50th ISOCARP Congress. District of the Texas Medical Center. Saint Mary’s Parish in Boise, Idaho. He has been a pastor and chancery official in both the Diocese of Boise and the Diocese of Baker. 1977 1956 Father Faucher also wrote his sixth novel, Describing Color to the Blind: A Novel to Stir Rev. Bruce Miller, M.A. 1977 (THEO), Frieda Roots Butler, B.S.N. 1956 (NURS), of the Soul (Outskirts Press, December 2015). J.C.L. 1986 (CLAW), of Alexandria, La., Annapolis, Md., has served as consultant, was elected vice president/president-elect of the gerontological authority, and health advisor to Canon Law Society of America at its con- numerous agencies, including the American 1973 vention in October in Pittsburgh. Public Health Association, USAID, Urban Shelters and Health Care Systems, Inc., and the Joseph Cimini, J.D. 1973 (LAW), of Senate Special Committee on Aging. She also Dunmore, Pa., received the Alan Sweeney 1979 served as consultant to the D.C. Superior Court Volunteer Award from the Lackawanna monitor for D.C. Village Nursing Home. She Historical Society at the opening ceremonies Ovide Lamontagne, B.A. 1979 (A&S), was received the title of professor emeritus from of Railfest at Steamtown National Historic announced as a shareholder of Bernstein Shur George Mason University in 2010. Site in September. in the firm’s growing Manchester, N.H., office. Lamontagne was the Republican nominee for governor in New Hampshire in 2012. He

38 The Catholic University of America Magazine joins Bernstein Shur from his previous position as general counsel to Americans United for Life, a public policy organization located in Washington, D.C. A Beloved Missionary 1981

James Engler, B.E.E. 1981 (ENGR), of Sykesville, Md., is soon to complete his one- year term as state president of the Maryland Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, serving the 800 members of the state society and its 15 chapters through April 2016.

Monsignor James Flaherty, M.Div. 1981 (THEO), J.C.L. 1985 (CLAW), was appointed founding director of the Lay Formation Monsignor Richard ‘Dick’ Albert, B.A. 1970, S.T.B 1975, a Bronx native and Institute of the Diocese of Pensacola- beloved and well-known missionary, spent the latter 40 years of his life serving the Tallahassee, where he is also pastor of St. poorest of the poor in Kingston, Jamaica, where he died in November at the age of 69. John Parish. Monsignor Albert was a strong presence on Catholic University’s campus in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was recognizable by the large St. Bernard who roamed campus at his side, and well known for his congeniality and compassion. 1982 During his undergraduate years, he was a founding member of the The House — then on Monroe Street — the on-campus residential community for student Alice Hartge Wilson, M.S.W. 1982 ministers. His goal, once he became a priest, was to be a university chaplain. (SOCSV), of Martinsburg, W.Va., has retired But those plans changed when his superior sent him to Jamaica. The prospect of as a clinical social worker. In her 30 years of doing mission work in the poverty-stricken, violence-ridden slums of Kingston did work, she mainly focused on children. She has not initially make him happy. But once there, Monsignor Albert embraced his call been a school social worker, residential to mission work. He fell in love with the people, the risks, and the challenges he treatment therapist, and an outpatient child faced. He became so invested in the community that he rejected transfers to safer, psychotherapist. She now enjoys spending less demanding locations. He was a renowned fixture in the Jamaican communities more time with her children, grandchildren, he served, where the children affectionately called him “pink head.” and friends. Monsignor Albert established multiple community centers in Jamaica. He began by opening St. Monica’s in 1982, a nursing home that CUA mission trips still visit today. He often spent time with the students, sharing with them the story of his call 1983 to service. He expanded the St. Patrick’s soup kitchen into the St. Patrick’s Foundation in 1994, providing food, education, health and child care, job training, and services for Michael Moriarty, B.A. 1983 (A&S), was addicts and those who are H.I.V. positive at three service centers. His life was often appointed by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker threatened as he worked to save youths from gang violence. as a new member of the 11-member Board of Daniel D’Agostino, B.A. 1974, a longtime friend of Monsignor Albert, remembers Elementary and Secondary Education. Moriarty his “passion and devotion to provide help, dignity, and the chance to achieve a higher is the executive director of Olde Holyoke quality of living for those he so dearly cared for and to, as best as possible, eradicate Development Corporation, a nonprofit com- violence, crime, poverty, and corruption in Jamaica.” munity development agency focused on Monsignor Albert was widely recognized for his service. He received the Servitor affordable home ownership, rehabilitation, Pacis Award from the Vatican’s Path to Peace Foundation in 2001 and the Opus Prize and community engagement. Previously, he in 2004, a humanitarian award from the Helping Hands for the Poor. His myriad practiced law for 20 years in Holyoke. He accomplishments were featured on a segment of 60 Minutes in 2000. served for 13 years on the Holyoke School At the end of the interview with correspondent Christiane Amanpour, Monsignor Committee and is the founder and past Albert could not hold back his tears. “I just think it’s so very important to give people president of Friends of Holyoke Public Schools, their dignity,” he said. — M.S.

Spring 2016 39 Inc., a local education fund serving his community. He has been an adjunct professor at a number of Massachusetts colleges since 1993. Shaping the Future of Pittsburgh, He has been an advocate for the Campaign for Grade Level Reading in Holyoke since 2011. One Baby at a Time 1986

Ronda Wasserman Fisch, M.S.L.S. 1986 (LIS), has joined Jones Day as director of library services in the firm’s Pittsburgh location. Previously, she was the director of research and library systems at Reed Smith, also located in Pittsburgh.

Jake Reinhart Jake 1989

Photo: Photo: David Paterson, B.A. 1989 (A&S), of If all goes according to plan, Matthew Conboy, B.A. Arch. 1999, predicts that by Manhasset, N.Y., was reelected as state com- the year 2033 more than 314,000 natives of Pittsburgh will have been art collectors missioner for the Manhasset Park District. As since birth. Conboy is in a good position to make this prediction. Through his nonprofit a screenwriter, his third feature film, The Great Start with Art Pittsburgh, in 2015 more than 3,000 Pittsburgh newborns received a Gilly Hopkins, starring Glenn Close and Kathy signed original work of art (like the one pictured above) — the first work in their Bates, opened in theaters in February. collection, Conboy hopes. But he isn’t just cultivating little art lovers, he also wants to “get the artists’ work out into a broader audience.” Conboy was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in England and the Upper 1993 Peninsula of Michigan. A 1999 graduate of Catholic University’s School of Architecture and Planning, he holds an M.F.A. in photography and film from Virginia Theresa Cullen Hill, B.A. 1993 (A&S), has Commonwealth University and a Ph.D. in interactive arts from Ohio University. In taken a new position as the head of the ele- August 2001, his master’s thesis year, he joined the National Guard. “I was planning mentary school at the American School in to travel across the country taking photos for my thesis. Then, three weeks after I Lugano, Switzerland — TASIS. joined, 9/11 happened. That threw a crimp into my plans,” he says. He was on active duty with the air defense artillery unit for five years, rising to the rank of captain. “I Pamela Lieber, B.A. 1993 (A&S), M.S.W. knew once I left the military, I had to do something big.” 1999 (SOCSV), is a new staff member at When his wife, Helen Pinson, a classical violinist, began teaching at Robert the nonprofit Sasha Bruce Youthwork in Morris University in Pittsburgh, Conboy found a place to practice his own art. Washington, D.C. A licensed clinical social While teaching an art history class there he discovered that many of his students had worker and therapist, Lieber is in charge of never been to a museum. “In England, my parents took me to a different museum creating a welcoming space for people younger every weekend.” That’s 50 museums a year for the four years he lived there: 200 different than 24 who are falling into homelessness. museums. “Pittsburgh has great artists and institutions of art, but my students definitely weren’t using those resources.” Marc Nestorick, B.A. 1993 (A&S), was or- Committed to bringing “people into the museums, thinking about art, and thinking dained a deacon for the Archdiocese of about the many talented artists in Pittsburgh,” Conboy decided to foster art lovers Denver in June 2015. He is principal of from birth. In 2014 he won a grant from a nonprofit devoted to engaging new Bishop Machebeuf High School and lives audiences, particularly in photography. The success of Start with Art Pittsburgh in in Morrison, Colo., with wife Patricia 2015 has led to diversified funding this year. Conboy has already lined up 12 artists Nestorick, B.A. 1993 (A&S), and their four and five hospitals and birthing centers for 2016. Conboy would like to share Start children. with Art Pittsburgh with CUA alumni. “As a gift, I would be happy to send a gift of art to any newborn additions to the CUA family,” he said. “Send me an email at [email protected].” — C.C.

40 The Catholic University of America Magazine Education, a Pennsylvania-based education 1994 consulting company. She joined MMS 2011 Education in 2011 as senior director of com- Rosemary “Roey” (Ford) Ebert, B.A. 1994 munications. She lives in Bristol, Pa., with Renée Morgiewicz, M.S.B.S. 2011 (A&S), (A&S), stars in the locally produced Roey’s husband Marty, whom she met at CUA’s of Waterford, N.Y., serves as coordinator in Paintbox — Art is for Everyone, which debuted Homecoming in 2001 during Marty’s tenure the newly established Office of Parish on WLVT-PBS39 last March. It will now air as an assistant coach of the men’s basketball Services for the Diocese of Albany, where she on public television stations nationwide. The team. provides resources to the diocese, its parishes, series, which was nominated for a Mid-Atlantic and individual Catholics who want to Emmy, is designed to educate, motivate, and strengthen their ministries and nourish their inspire students and adults through painting. 2001 faith life. Ebert serves as host and painting instructor to help guide beginners step-by-step through the Dorcas Cobb Fitzgerald, Ph.D. 2001 painting process. She lives in Coopersburg, (NURS), of Warren, Ohio, was inducted in 2012 Pa., with husband Greg and their six children. October into the Cornelius Leadership Her oldest child, Max, is a freshman at Catholic Congress, the Ohio Nurses Association’s most Alyssa Palella, B.A. 2012 (A&S), of University. prestigious honor, for her demonstration of Hoboken, N.J., has been promoted to leadership characteristics during her many advertising executive at Financial Times. She Scott N. Flesch, B.A. 1994 (A&S), J.D. 1997 years of work for the association. joined the global publication in April 2014 as (LAW), was appointed by the U.S. Army Judge advertising coordinator. Advocate General to serve as the chief of bid Timothy I. Kelsey, J.D. 2001 (LAW), joined protests for the U.S. Army Contract and Fiscal the Charlottesville office of Woods Rogers PLC Law Division in Arlington, Va. He will lead a as of counsel. His practice areas range from 2013 team of Army litigators defending bid protests corporate representation to estate planning and submitted by contractors worldwide before the commercial and residential real estate. Marcus Ladd, M.S.L.I.S. 2013 (LIS), works Government Accountability Office, the U.S. in the special collections of the Miami Court of Federal Claims, and the U.S. Court University Library in Ohio. He wrote the article of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Flesch 2002 “Access and Use in the Digital Age: A Case continues to serve as a major in the U.S. Army Study of a Digital Postcard Collection” for the Reserve and has been a part-time lecturer at the Ryan J. Cudnik, J.D. 2002 (LAW), was New Review of Academic Librarianship, 21(2). Columbus School of Law since 2004. He and promoted to of counsel for Brownstein Hyatt his wife, Amy, are raising their two children in Farber Schreck in their Reno, Nev., office. As a Amal Saade, M.A. 2013 (A&S), performed Oakton, Va. member of Brownstein’s intellectual property with the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company group, Cudnik manages high-profile patent of Baltimore, Md., in their Halloween horror litigation cases. Cudnik has also managed high- play, William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus. 1997 stakes gaming litigations that involved a blend Saade played a nurse and a tribune. of intellectual property and contract issues. Jay Hall Carpenter, B.A. 1997 (A&S), of Silver Spring, Md., created a monument to The 2015 Virginia Patriots of the Revolutionary War, 2009 which was dedicated on the courthouse lawn Erica White, B.A. 2015 (A&S), of in Leesburg, Va., on Veterans Day 2015. He Jennifer Webb, J.D. 2009 (LAW), of Washington, D.C., has joined Griffin & also wrote a collection of poems titled Dark Washington, D.C., has joined the Independent Company, Inc., a national public relations and and Light (Carpenter Press, 2015). Insurance Agents & Brokers of America marketing communications firm, as media Capitol Hill team as federal government affairs relations specialist. She is responsible for client counsel. She joins the association’s bipartisan media relations support, which includes con- 1999 lobbying team primarily as a liaison to ducting media research, maintaining media Democratic congressional offices and will assist resources, and writing press releases. Stacey Persichetti-Moyers, B.A. 1999 in formulating federal policy positions. (A&S), has been named vice president of program strategy and management at MMS

Spring 2016 41 of summer programs at Levine Music in James B. Brislin, Ph.B. 2006 (PHIL), Weddings Washington, D.C. They live in Vienna, Va. married Jennifer Lynn Landry on Oct. 3, 2015. Rev. Ryan T. Creamer, Ph.B. 2006, Kristin Green, B.M. 2004, M.M. 2005 Katie McEvoy, B.A. 2005 (A&S), married Ph.L. 2007 (PHIL), of the Diocese of (MUSIC), married Frederick Longwood on James Crawford, B.A. 2007 (PHIL), on Rockville Centre, N.Y., officiated along with Dec. 5, 2015. She is currently a doctoral Oct. 17, 2015. Rev. Ronny O’Dwyer, Ph.B. Rev. John R. Evans, Ph.B. 2005 (PHIL), of candidate in voice at the Benjamin T. Rome 2005 (PHIL), officiated the marriage. They the Diocese of Rockford, Ill., and Rev. School of Music and is the deputy director live in Quincy, Mass Ronald Paul Floyd, B.A. 2003 (A&S), of the Diocese of Fall River, Mass. Brislin was admitted to the Bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in November 2014. The couple lives in Holyoke, Mass.

Joseph D. Sheehan, B.A. 2009 (A&S), married Briana Goellner on Aug. 7, 2015. Sheehan is employed by the Massachusetts Senate and works in the office of Sen. Robert L. Hedlund. He also serves as an officer in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. The couple lives in Somerville, Mass.

Sarah Stipicevic, B.S.B.A. 2010 (A&S), married Colin Higgins, B.S.B.A. 2010 (A&S), on Oct. 30, 2015. CUA relatives in attendance were Patricia Anne Higgins, B.S.N. 1980 (NURS), mother of the groom, and John Stipicevic, B.A. 2006 (A&S), brother of the bride. The couple lives in New York, N.Y. McEvoy-Crawford wedding, Oct. 17, 2015 Aaron Smith, B.A. 2013 (A&S), married Bronwen McAuliffe, B.A. 2012 (A&S), on Aug. 1, 2015. The couple lives in Washington, D.C.

Arrivals

Bernadette McMasters Kime, B.A. 1997 (A&S), and husband Eric announce the birth of their daughter, Erica Yumiko, on Jan. 10. They live in Wheeling, W.Va.

Mark P. Williams, B.A. 1998 (A&S), J.D. 2003 (LAW), and Rebecca Haggerty Williams welcomed their third child, daughter Frances Marian, on May 8, 2015. Frances joins her siblings, Beatrix Rose, 5, and August Henry, 2. Frances received a very special blessing from her namesake, Pope Francis, during his recent visit to Philadelphia Stipicevic-Higgins wedding, Oct. 30, 2015

42 The Catholic University of America Magazine for the World Meeting of Families. The family lives in Moorestown, N.J.

Adam Dickman, B.S.B.A. 2004 (A&S), Alumna Fulfills Bakeshop Dreams and Katie (Murtha) Dickman, B.S.N. 2007 (NURS), announce the birth of their daughter, Samantha Margaret, on Nov. 20, 2015. The family lives in Philadelphia.

Kathleen (Burlew) Lange, B.A. 2006 (A&S), and husband Brian welcomed their daughter, Norah Clare, on July 27, 2015. She joins sister Grace at home in Rumson, N.J.

Walter “Wally” Avellaneda, B.M. 2007 (MUSIC), and Meaghan (Smith) Avellaneda, B.M. 2008 (MUSIC), welcomed their first child, Gerard Francis, on Jan. 5. The family lives in Huntington Station, N.Y. Hand-dipped chocolates, wedding cakes, and French macarons are all in a day’s work for alumna and pastry chef Alexandra Mudry, B.A. 2005, who believes that making Genevieve (White) Joubert, B.S. 2009 great mistakes is one of the joys of baking. (A&S), Ph.B. 2009 (PHIL), and David “Baking requires a good balance between confidence and humility,” says Mudry. Joubert, B.A. 2012 (A&S), announce the “You have to believe in yourself — but you also have to know that mistakes are a really birth of their second child, Henry, on Aug. good thing.” 22, 2015. He joins sister Adele at their home Equal parts culinarian, dedicated businessperson, and performer, Mudry studied in Townsend, Mass. in the drama department at Catholic University, where she juggled her time between acting and costume design, planning events with Program Board, and serving as Laura (Hagerty) Sapanara, B.A. 2009 (A&S), president of Kappa Tau Gamma, CUA’s social service sorority. and husband James announce the birth of Those varied responsibilities, reflects Mundry, “taught me how to multitask.” their son, Nathaniel James, on July 22, 2015. When she graduated from CUA, Mudry didn’t know how much her background They live in Burke, Va. in theatre would inform her career as a cake decorator and pastry chef. As a drama major, she had to learn how to do everything, from acting and costuming to Christine (Orawsky) Scherder, B.A. 2009 customer service and marketing. (A&S), and husband Patrick announce the “It’s a lot of work and you have to be very much invested,” says Mudry. “A lot of birth of their daughter, Hannah Marie, on what I learned at Hartke translates: You have to own every minute, every line, every Sept. 12, 2015. They live in Richmond, Va. costume change — and, now, every chocolate or bite of cake.” A native of Westchester County, N.Y., Mudry grew up an hour south of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Family trips to CIA’s campus restaurants left Books Mudry feeling inspired. Although she wanted to enroll at CIA out of high school, her parents encouraged her to pursue a liberal arts education at CUA. Rev. John G. Proctor Jr., B.A. 1968 “I'm so glad it turned out the way it did. My time at Catholic U. gave me the skills (PHIL), J.C.B. 1978, J.C.L. 1979 (THEO), and life experience I needed to be laser focused later on.” a priest of the Diocese of San Diego who is After culinary school, Mudry spent a handful of years at bake shops in New York. serving as a contract priest in the United She returned to D.C. in 2010 as the pastry sous chef at Buzz Bakery in Alexandria. States Navy, edited and translated Don From there, she took on the positions of lead decorator and wedding coordinator Silviano Carrillo: Servant of Truth (Sister and helped to expand the cake program at the bakery. She has spent the last year as Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, 2013). the pastry chef at Grassroots Gourmet in Bloomingdale — a stone's throw from Brookland — while setting up a shop of her own: Buttercream Bakeshop. Diana Scimone, B.A. 1972 (A&S), of “Buttercream’s menu will include scones, quick breads, croissants, and savory Orlando, Fla., a journalist, children’s book items as well as our signature cookies, layer cakes, and confections. We’ll also author, and founder/president of the nonprofit continue to focus on wedding and custom cakes — making sure to have a little bit of something for everyone.” — E.L.W.

Spring 2016 43 Born2Fly Project, has published her latest book, Born to Fly: The Tale of a Dream That Would Not Die (Peapod Publishing, June 2015). She A Psychologist also is author of the Adventures With PawPaw series. Scimone donates a portion of all her Moves Backstage book sales to the Born2Fly Project, which aims to stop child trafficking.

Carolyn Griffin, M.A. 1974, who has James Aylward, D.M.A. 1975 (MUSIC), of devoted the past 32 years to MetroStage in San Francisco, announces publication of the Alexandria, Va., says she never really first two volumes of his Eight Gregorian Sketches planned a life in the theatre. Instead, she Set 1 and Set 2 (Alcazar Audioworks, 2015) earned a master’s degree and extra credit for solo organ performance, with each volume hours in psychology at Catholic University featuring eight Gregorian chant-based com- — enabling her to work as a certified positions for use during liturgy or in recital. school psychologist — and then got an He plans publication of additional volumes M.B.A. But after getting her M.B.A., she in 2016. never really saw herself as a business person. G.M. Malliet, M.A. 1985 (A&S), of She stumbled on her life’s calling in Alexandria, Va., has written her fifth book in

: Nina Tisara : Photo Nina 1984 when she attended a workshop one the Max Tudor mystery series, The Haunted evening for the brand-new American Season (Minotaur Books, October 2015). Showcase Theatre Co. By the next day she was serving as the company’s managing director. Griffin, who had grown up going to the theatre in Cleveland, faithfully Jean M. McLaughlin, B.A. 1995 (A&S), of saving all her Playbills, had found her calling — arts management. Washington, D.C., an associate director at the The theatre company, started by Catholic University drama instructor Jill Kamp American Council on Education, cowrote Melton, eventually became MetroStage. Griffin, who now serves as producing Faculty Retirement: Best Practices for Navigating artistic director, says, “At that time, no one had ever heard of arts management, but the Transition (Stylus Publications, 2014) with for me, it was perfect. I was never interested in performing, but I had always felt a Claire Van Ummersen and Lauren Duranleau. strong connection to the theatre. Now I would have the chance to experience it with every fiber of my being.” Kathy (Kelly) MacMillan, B.A. 1996 (A&S), Griffin has received numerous awards, including Helen’s Star in 2012. Given by of Owings Mills, Md., published her debut theatreWashington and named for Helen Hayes, the award honors “daring novel, Sword and Verse (HarperCollins, 2016). individuals who have shaped and redefined the landscape of Washington theatre; She is also the author and co-author of eight individuals whose dedication and unwavering spirit make the Washington area an nonfiction books, including Little Hands and example of theatre’s transformative power.” Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing When MetroStage opened in 1987, it operated out of a series of converted Together (Huron Street Press, 2013). storefronts in Alexandria until 1996 when it reopened in its new space — a lumber warehouse converted into a modern, 130-seat theatre with a glass entrance and a Janine Utell, M.A. 1998 (A&S), professor floating staircase — in 2001. “The value of this kind of theatre has continued to and chair of English at Widener University, grow and be recognized as a unique, powerful experience, and MetroStage has been has published Engagements with Narrative at the forefront with some of the D.C. area’s other remarkable first-generation (Routledge, October 2015). This book is part theatres, as I like to call them.” of the Routledge Engagements with Literature Griffin’s psychology studies at CUA continue to inform her work in theatre. series, which offers students and instructors “Subconsciously I’m always fascinated by the psychological underpinnings of any new ways to engage with literature by human interaction. A play, with its interactions among the actors, has the power to balancing foundational information and key touch an audience in a way that is unforgettable and life changing,” she says. topics with new developments and trends. Working 18-hour days, Griffin handles the theatre’s financing, producing, and Utell is the recipient of the 2014 Lindback marketing. “I’m producing five shows a year while I’m on the lookout for next year’s Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching shows.” She allows herself to relax when she hears audience members talking at Widener University. In 2015 she assumed enthusiastically about a performance as they leave the theatre. “That’s how I the position of editor for the journal The Space unwind.” — C.L. Between: Literature and Culture 1914–1945.

44 The Catholic University of America Magazine John C. Libert, B.Arch. 1958, of Great Falls, Sister M. Dorothy Neuhofer, O.S.B., Terence Kempf, B.S.B.A. 2006 (A&S), vice Va., Jan. 9, 2016. M.Ch.A. 1977, of Saint Leo, Fla., Oct. 14, president of strategic partnerships and alliances 2015. for FactSet in New York, N.Y., published a Richard C. Burke, M.A. 1959, of children’s book titled Leroy (December 2014). Bloomington, Ind., April 12, 2015. Jon M. Sherbun, B.A. 1977, M.S.W. 1979, Sister M. Barbara Buckley, M.A. 1962, of of Crofton, Md., Sept. 23, 2015. Paul S. Stevenson, M.A. 2008, Ph.D. 2013 Oakland, Calif., June 25, 2015. Daniel Welch, M.A. 1978, Ph.D. 1979, of (A&S), of Perry Hall, Md., published his second Sister M. Macrina Dorrian, R.S.M., M.S.N. Silver Spring, Md., Dec. 21, 2015. book, Stanzaic Syntax in the Madrashe of Ephrem 1963, of Springfield, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2015. Christine A. Picchi, B.S.N. 1979, of Oak the Syrian (Brill, 2016). Lucie Adele-Marie Portier, M.S.W. 1963, Harbor, Wash., April 2, 2015. In Memoriam of Parkville, Md., March 22, 2015. Sister Desales McNamee, D.C., M.A. 1980, Francis T. Heuring, M.A. 1964, of Oakdale, of Emmitsburg, Md., Nov. 30, 2015. Herbert L. Goda, B.A. 1938, of Washington, Calif., April 1, 2015. Joan B. Givens, Ed.D. 1987, of Decatur, D.C., May 17, 2015. Joan M. Kelly, B.S.N. 1964, M.S.N. 1973, Ga., March 31, 2015. Elizabeth K. Beam, J.D. 1939, of Boynton of Washington, D.C., June 20, 2015. Tome N. Mbuia-Joao, Ph.D. 1990, of Silver Beach, Fla., June 13, 2015. Rev. Gerard M. Connolly, T.O.R., B.A. Spring, Md., July 19, 2015. Capt. Edward L. Barker, USN (Ret.), who 1965, M.A. 1970, of Hollidaysburg, Pa., Christine L. Saum, M.Arch. 1994, of attended the University in 1940, of Washington, April 22, 2015. Washington, D.C., Feb. 13, 2015. D.C., May 30, 2015. Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I., M.A. Anthony J. Scullen Jr., B.C.E. 1940, of Silver 1966, retired archbishop of Chicago, April Faculty/Staff Spring, Md., Sept. 3, 2015. 17, 2015. Daniel Lee Crist, HVAC engineer, Mary C. Brocking, B.S.N. 1945, M.S.N. James P. McDevitt, M.A. 1966, of South Department of Facilities Maintenance and 1946, of Richmond, Va., Nov. 4, 2015. Boston, Mass., Oct. 14, 2015. Operations, from 1996 to 2013, of Dunkirk, Rev. Dennis A. Worzalla, B.A./M.A. 1946, Dale W. Stetzer, B.S. 1967, of Sewickley, Md., July 9, 2015. S.T.L. 1950, of Green Bay, Wis., June 13, 2015. Pa., Aug. 7, 2015. Sister Catherine “Kate” Dooley, O.P., M.A. Kathleen E. Dollymore, B.S.N.E. 1947, of George L. Repass, B.A. 1968, of Winston- 1970, professor of catechetics and liturgy, Bethany Beach, Del., July 9, 2015. Salem, N.C., Nov. 8, 2015. School of Theology and Religious Studies, John F. Muldoon, B.A. 1949, M.A. 1953, of William M. Lee, Ph.D. 1969, of Marshall, from 1984 to 2008, of Hazel Green, Wis., Arlington Heights, Ill., Jan. 6, 2015. Mich., Sept. 15, 2015. Dec. 1, 2015. John Blake Murphy, B.Arch. 1949, of Takoma Monsignor Richard Albert, B.A. 1970, S.T.B. John O. Tresansky, B.E.E. 1950, distinguished Park, Md., March 19, 2015. 1975, of Kingston, Jamaica, Nov. 30, 2015. lecturer of intellectual property law, Columbus School of Law, for 27 years, of Chevy Chase, Maureen A. Geraghty, B.S.N. 1950, of Silver David M. Harlan, M.C.E. 1970, of Md., Nov. 30, 2015. Spring, Md., Oct. 11, 2015. Richmond, Va., Nov. 21, 2015. Helen Yura-Petro, M.S.N. 1962, Ph.D. 1970, George A. Spohrer, B.A. 1950, of Dallas, Pa., Patricia C. Quinn, M.S.N. 1970, of assistant professor, School of Nursing, from July 15, 2015. Minneapolis, July 18, 2015. 1964 to 1969, of Norfolk, Va., Oct. 12, 2015. Brother Nicholas Sullivan, F.S.C., B.A. 1950, Sister Mary Janene Russell, S.N.D., M.A. of Lincroft, N.J., Oct. 4, 2014. 1971, of Toledo, Ohio, Jan. 10, 2015. In the fall issue of The Catholic University of John O. Tresansky, B.E.E. 1950, of Chevy James M. Mendlein, B.A. 1972, of Decatur, America Magazine, we incorrectly spelled the Chase, Md., Nov. 30, 2015. Ga., Sept. 14, 2015. last name for Philip Cefaratti, B.A. 1986 (A&S), page 35. We regret the error. Anthony L. Vallillo Sr., B.C.E. 1950, of Sister Mary Peter Kerner, O.S.F., M.S.W. Macomb, Ill., Oct. 14, 2015. 1976, of Aston, Pa., Oct. 31, 2015. Mary Angela Cobb, B.S.N. 1951, of Bethesda, Md., Aug. 17, 2015. Share Your News! Richard J. Gill, B.M.E. 1951, of Allentown, Did you … start a new job? Receive an award? Get married? Celebrate a Pa., Oct. 14, 2015. milestone in your life? Share your news with other Catholic University Rev. Gerard Schubert, O.S.F.S., B.A. 1956, alumni by submitting a class note to [email protected]. M.F.A. 1964, of Childs, Md., Dec. 6, 2015.

Spring 2016 45 Advancement NEWS Scholarships in Action >>> Nursing School Receives Renewed $4 Million Grant to Support Four-Year Scholarships

Dedicated to addressing the nation’s nursing shortage with grant fund- room and board, and books. The grant also funds a position for a ing for nursing scholarships, the Bedford Falls Foundation Charitable faculty mentor who works with the scholars throughout their studies. Trust has renewed a $4 million commitment that benefits promising In addition, the grant supports a review course to prepare students in undergraduate students in the School of Nursing. the program for the National Council Licensure Examination for The William and Joanne Conway Nursing Scholars Program — Registered Nurses that they take following graduation. designed to expose high-achieving undergraduate students to careers in “We are enormously grateful to Bedford Falls, and its trustees, nursing and to encourage them to fill nursing jobs in the Washington, William and Joanne Conway, for their generosity,” said McMullen. D.C., area after graduation — is a path to success for young people who “The renewal of this very generous grant will play a significant role in want to become baccalaureate-prepared nurses. The renewed grant, increasing the number of students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in which again includes $1 million annual installments over four years, Nursing degree.” will continue to provide foundational support to the academically qual- McMullen noted that B.S.N. preparation tremendously improves ified students named Conway Scholars. In this partnership, the nursing patient outcomes. “In short, education is a good deal! Not only for school will continue to provide Conway Scholars with opportunities nurses, but for those for whom we care,” said McMullen. “Our Conway for clinical placements and summer internships, primarily in the Scholars will cast a wide net over the course of their careers and positively Washington, D.C., area. impact literally thousands of patients and their families.” The Bedford Falls Foundation Charitable Trust was established During a visit this fall, Conway shared with McMullen and the by William E. Conway Jr., co-chief executive officer and Conway Scholars (pictured below) why he and his wife managing director of The Carlyle Group, and his wife, decided to invest in the nursing profession. Joanne. The foundation made its first $4 million “My wife and I are pleased to renew this commitment to CUA in 2013. Now in its third commitment and very happy with the year, it has significantly increased the number progress to date,” he said. “The program of students pursuing Bachelor of Science in reflects our strong belief that our future Nursing degrees. According to Patricia health care professionals need to be McMullen, dean of nursing, nearly both competent and compassion- a third of the current junior class ate, and we are proud to know are Conway Scholars. that the program at CUA The Conway scholar- emphasizes both.” ships cover tuition, fees, — E.L.W.

46 The Catholic University of America Magazine Generosity Repaid A kind act motivated an alumnus to write a $10,000 check at his 50th reunion.

Alberto Delgado, B.S.Chem.E. 1965, came to Joe Fisher, B.A. 1975, and Ronny Lancaster, B.A. 1973, are dedicated to continuing the legacy that brought Catholic University in 1961. He was a first- them to Catholic University. generation college student, who traveled to Washington, D.C., from Havana after his grandmother encouraged him to apply. Scholarships Honor Student Activists “I had very little money,” he said. “I had to work in order to study, washing dishes and This past October, two juniors and two seniors assumed the full cost of the program. working as a waiter in Caldwell Hall, where — Jenai Bell, B.A. 2017; Kimberly Myers, “At that time in history, the University the student priests were housed. In addition, B.S.N. 2017; Ruth Delgado, B.S. 2016; and was beginning to see itself as a citizen of the I worked at the Mullen Library 20 hours a Camille Sanchez, B.A. 2016 — were awarded community and wanted to take advantage of week shelving books.” scholarships from the Thaddeus Aubry-Leon what it saw as an opportunity to create Besides providing tuition money, Delgado’s LeBuffe Endowment, which offers financial something very positive,” said Fisher. “By work-study jobs helped him establish a net- support to minority students. The award cere- offering resources to students who showed work of mentors on campus. By his senior mony, held during Cardinal Weekend, marked academic promise, they made it possible year, the priests he befriended were helping the official endowment of the scholarship, for kids from low-income families to gain a him to make ends meet. which was established to honor and continue college education.” All was going well until his final semester, the work of two student activists: Thaddeus Endowed scholarships, like the one created when his father — who was living in Mexico Aubry, B.A. 1966, and Leon LeBuffe, M.A. by Lancaster and Fisher, create a lasting City — suddenly passed away. 1971, Ph.D. 1974. inheritance for future students. The most “My father left Cuba in October 1964 for Ronny Lancaster, B.A. 1973, and Joe Fisher, recent endowments at CUA range in size Mexico. He lived with my cousins while he B.A. 1975, co-chairs of the endowment from $50,000 — the minimum amount was applying for a U.S. resident visa at the effort and leaders of the alumni chapter of needed to initiate a named endowed fund — the Black Organization of Students at The to $500,000. When established, the original continued Catholic University of America, were proud gift amount is retained in perpetuity and the to announce this milestone. revenue provides annual awards to students “Above all, the endowment recognizes the on a continual basis. commitment of these two men who worked to “Our goal is to match the donor’s desires provide opportunities for minority students to with institutional needs,” explains Scott attend and graduate from Catholic University,” Rembold, vice president for University said Fisher. “Their vision, determination, and Advancement. “Because scholarships have tenacity is what made it possible for me and become essential to nearly every student, it is Ronny and many others to attend Catholic imperative that the University makes these types University over four decades ago.” of endowments a priority. Mr. Lancaster and In 1969, Aubry and LeBuffe started work- Mr. Fisher are creating a tremendous legacy.” ing with the University administration, as well Lancaster and Fisher are paving the way as the local business community, to launch the for the next generation, as Aubry and LeBuff Partnership Program. The program sought did 47 years ago. to enroll inner-city students in Washington, “Without Thad and Leon, and without D.C., and to provide them with the aid and the Partnership Program, students like us academic support they needed to graduate may have not gone to college and most cer- from CUA. In the beginning, the business tainly would not have come to CUA,” said Classmates (left to right) Maurice Astorga, B.S.Chem.E. 1965, M.S. 1967, David Pettit, B.S.Chem.E. 1965, community and the University split the costs Lancaster. “They played a pivotal role in us and Alberto Delgado, B.S.Chem.E. 1965, celebrate of providing 35 half-tuition scholarships. being here, and we are proud to continue together in Heritage Hall at the Golden Cardinals At the end of the first year, the University building on what they started.” — E.L.W. reunion during Cardinal Weekend 2015.

Spring 2016 47 continued from previous page

American Embassy in Mexico City,” said Delgado. “My mother and my two sisters were in Miami at the time, but they did not have any money to handle the transport and burial expenses when my father passed away. It was just me, and I had to drop everything. The assistant chaplain, Father McCarrick, came to my rescue.” Rev. Theodore McCarrick, M.A. 1960, Ph.D. 1963, L.H.D. 2006, later to be named Cardinal McCarrick, was one of the priests that Delgado had met during his years of work-study. He heard about Delgado’s father’s death and tapped into the University’s emergency funds to cover some expenses. That emergency support enabled Delgado to travel to Mexico to bury his father, and ensured that Construction Begins on Murphy’s: he would be able to continue his studies and graduate. A New Campus Social Hub “I was able to meet with Archbishop McCarrick many years later and tell him how A celebration and tour took place on March more friendly, comfortable, and desirable grateful I was for his help,” said Delgado. 14 with the University trustees and other lead destination spot for students and members “And, on the 50th anniversary of my grad- project donors to mark the official start of of the campus community,” said Mike Allen, uation, I wanted to do something for the construction for Murphy’s, the highly antici- vice president for student affairs. University.” pated new student lounge space and restaurant During the summer, the second floor of When Delgado came back to campus in that will be located in the Edward J. Pryzbyla the old bookstore will be converted into a 2015 for Cardinal Weekend, he wrote a University Center. lounge with comfortable seating, TVs, a pool $10,000 check to the Cardinal Charities The new installation is a tribute to alum- table, fireplace, space for entertainment, and Dean’s Fund, which supports students with nus Mike Murphy, B.A. 1974, M.A. 1975, a sound system. This phase of the renovation emergency expenses. who passed away in 2007. During his years at will be complete by the start of the fall 2016 “Graduating from college is a dream that is CUA, Murphy and his friends, like countless semester. Plans for the lower bookstore include within the reach of all our students,” says other alumni of their era, spent their time at a restaurant and pub; a construction date has Associate Vice President for Student Affairs the Rathskeller (the “Rat”) discussing history yet to be finalized. and Dean of Students Jonathan Sawyer. and politics, enjoying food and drink. The “We are especially grateful to the many “That said, occasionally, there are serious Rat closed when the Pryzbyla Center opened alumni and donors who have made this first hurdles that students must face during their in 2003. portion of the project a reality,” said Allen. time at CUA. Funds like this can help us to In the wake of his passing, Murphy’s friends The University raised more than $4 million provide a safety net if and when an extenuat- launched fund-raising efforts to open a new from alumni and friends and has nearly coming circumstance arises.” gathering place, a legacy to his dedication pleted raising the $4.5 million needed to build For Delgado, it made all the difference. to the University, where future generations the restaurant and pub. Many of the lead donors “My education is very important to me,” he of students will gather and foster lifelong were on hand for the celebration. — M.S. said. “Without it, I would be nothing. I hope friendships. that the fund can help others in the way I was “This renovation is part of a larger, multi- Look for more news about the Murphy’s opening helped.” — E.L.W. step plan to make the Pryzbyla Center an even in future editions of the magazine.

To support the Thaddeus Aubry-Leon LeBuffe Endowment, the Cardinal Charities Dean’s Fund, or Murphy’s construction, visit giving.cuatoday.com to make a gift.

48 The Catholic University of America Magazine Power of Healing

Xiomara Galeano Class of 2017 Bridgeport, Conn.

Xiomara Galeano was looking for a faith-filled community, a great nursing program, and an abundance of service opportunities in her ideal university. The power of philanthropy made it possible for her to attend Catholic University — her dream school. “Financially, attending Catholic seemed unrealistic for my family and me … we were prepared to go to another school more within our means,” said the junior nursing major. “A week before the final deposit was due, I received a phone call from the School of Nursing saying that I would be receiving a scholarship that would make it entirely possible for me to attend the school of my dreams,” thanks to the William and Joanne Conway Nursing Scholars Program. When Galeano graduates, she will be ready to bring the power of healing to patients, families, and communities with the skills and compassion that are the hallmark of CUA’s nursing program. “I believe that God gives us gifts, and it’s our job to give back. I look forward to continuing the cycle of generosity and philanthropy so that others might have the same opportunities to reach their fullest potential,” said Galeano. Gifts from alumni and friends to the CUA Fund enhance the lives of our students, creating an environment where they can find and pursue their vocations in life. To learn more about supporting the University and making CUA students’ power of healing a reality, visit giving.cuatoday.com.

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