Thinking Globally The Spring Hill Magazine From the President Volume 2, Number 1

Editor: Lindsay O’Quin

Managing Editor: John Kerr

Art Director: Dear alumni and friends, Service continues to be part of Margaret Broach not only global citizenship but also “Through informed dialogue with mission into action for Spring Hill Photography: the world’s cultures, religions and students, as they continue to serve Seth Laubinger ’02 peoples, we promote solidarity with others in a variety of ways locally, Keith Necaise the entire human family. around the country and across the Scott Westbrook “And true to the Catholic and globe. Some of their most recent Biblical tradition, we nurture both experiences are shared with you in Contributing the personal and social dimensions this issue. Writers: of faith, seeking to draw our students You will also see a feature Caroline Alvarez into a deeper and more vital in the alumni news section about Robert C. Harding, Ph.D. Kelly McCarron ’99 relationship with God.” the alumni online community that Greta Sharp These commitments are part of the will be launched later this spring. Jim Stennett mission statement, The World Wide Web has played a and their message clearly connects major part in making a complex world President: with the wonderful stories and more informed, and the Web‐based Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J. reflections in this issue of the Spring online community will further help Hill College Magazine. the College to stay in touch with you The Spring Hill College “Thinking Globally” is the theme and help you to stay in touch with Magazine of this issue, and the stories that your classmates and friends. is published three times a year follow provide some insight and I wish you all a blessed and joyful by the Office of New Year and look forward to Communications and reflection on how necessary it is for Marketing. our students to know, understand seeing you at Homecoming on the and thrive in our complex world and Hill in April. Comments within the diversity of cultures that should be addressed to: make up our world. Sincerely, Lindsay O’Quin, Editor Dr. Robert Harding, director of Spring Hill College Magazine, international studies and assistant 4000 Dauphin Street professor of political science, Mobile, AL 36608‐1791 REV. GREGORY F. LUCEY, S.J. 251.380.2280 or 877.SPR.HILL offers his thoughts as well on this [email protected] important topic. President Table of Contents From the President i

Campus News 2

Badger News 4 Jim Stennett

The Global Education Imperative 6 Robert C. Harding, Ph.D.

Immersed in the World 9 Lindsay O’Quin

Passport To learning 12 9 Lindsay O’Quin

Seeing the World Through the Lens 14 Greta Sharp

Fr. Creagan Reflects on 50 Years as a Jesuit 16 Lindsay O’Quin

Speaking The Same Language 18 Lindsay O’Quin Serving In The Jesuit tradition 19 12 Caroline Alvarez

Chapter Updates 21

Class Notes 23

Upcoming Events 26

Alumni News 27

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16 CampusNews

SHC Continues Christmas Presents Check on the Hill Tradition to Bay Area Food Bank The Spring Hill College Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity on Oct. 26 presented the Bay Area Food Bank a check for $3,198 and a $100 Target gift card from the proceeds from their annual philanthropy event, the Watermelon Bash. Many sponsors contributed to this total amount, including local businesses, Spring Hill faculty and staff, and many students who competed in the Bash. This amount of money converts to buy approximately 45,700 pounds of food for needy families in the area, a record donation for the SHC chapter. Photo by Keith Necaise

Spring Hill College adopted 11 Catholic Social Services refugee families for the annual tradition of Christmas on the Hill, which culminated on Nov. 29 with a holiday dinner, photos with Santa, and a concert of Christmas carols. The families, who live in the Mobile area, came from several countries, including , Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia and Burundi. They received gift cards, fruit baskets provided by Aramark, as wells as presents and necessities donated by the campus community. Photo by Keith Necaise

Top Left:4 Graduate Theology Program The Rev. Christopher Celebrates 25 Years Viscardi, professor and division chair of philosophy Spring Hill College’s graduate theology program and theology, recounts celebrated its 25th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. the history of the SHC 13 with a day filled with commemorating the past, graduate theology program, examining the present, and looking to the future. as he holds up Students and friends of the program from all four sites a copy of the program. – , Birmingham, Jackson and Mobile – were in Top Right: attendance. Most. Rev. William Highlights of the celebration included remarks from Hauck, former bishop the Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., president of the college; of Jackson, prepares Most Rev. William R. Houck, former to consecrate bishop of Jackson and a native Mobilian; and the Rev. the wine at Mass in Msgr. Michael L. Farmer, chancellor of the St. Joseph Chapel. Archdiocese of Mobile. Dr. Timothy Carmody, professor and director of graduate theology, served Master of Theological Studies students from Mobile 5 as the master of ceremonies. The Rev. Christopher socialize with coordinators Mary Catherine Viscardi, S.J., professor and division chair of Gallahue and Pat Warren and Maureen Bergan, philosophy and theology, reviewed the history of director of campus ministry. the program from its inception to the present and Photos by Keith Necaise commented on future plans.

2 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 Students to Visit Congressman Artur Davis During Holy Week Speaks On Poverty and Political Responsibility In conjunction with Spring Hill College’s ongoing “Facing Poverty” initiative, U.S. Rep. Artur Davis presented “Poverty In : The New Civil Rights Struggle” on Jan. 10 to a crowd of more than 300 people. Davis represents Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District, a 12‐county area that spans from Birmingham and Tuscaloosa to the Black Belt. Davis, a Montgomery native, said the only way Alabama can solve its poverty problem is for its citizens to As part of Spring Hill College’s focus on global take political responsibility and vote on local issues. education, 10 students will have the opportunity to “The challenge is, honestly, visit Italy during spring break March 19‐29, which whether or not we are passionate coincides with Holy Week. enough about these problems, The Rev. Mark Lewis, S.J., associate professor of and what does that connect to?” history, is already in Rome as one of 250 electors of Davis asked. “Whether we really the new superior general of the . His think that everybody in our state history students will take advantage of the opportunity matters to us.” by touring Rome, Milan and Naples, exploring the Davis, who is in his third history, culture and cuisine of the country. term in Congress, added that Before the students arrive in Italy, Lewis says they Alabama’s poor still suffer, despite Alabamans’ will use distance‐learning techniques in preparation for Photo by Keith Necaise willingness to elect the trip. Then, they will spend Easter in Rome, where U.S. Rep. Artur Davis 5 minorities to position they will see the pope in St. Peter’s Square. speaks at Spring Hill College. “The goal will be for them to appropriate some of power. “The specific elements of what they’ve seen as personal empowerment of all kinds of people politically has not led glimpses into the history of our Western heritage,” to the empowerment of all kinds of people when it comes Lewis says. to the hard question of who is ahead and who is behind economically in the state of Alabama,” he said. In December 2006, Davis was appointed to the SHC Students Star in House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees all YouTube Video major economic policy issues, including tax policy and healthcare, as well as the Medicare and Social Security YouTube viewers can now enjoy some entitlement programs. “conversations” with several Spring Hill College students. The office of Admissions Advertising Campaign communications and marketing recently sat down and chatted with several Targets Major Catholic Cities students about their experiences on the The office of communications and marketing developed Hill and why they would recommend a new marketing and advertising campaign for the Spring Hill to other students. The admissions office. The fall initiative included news stories interviews were produced by FusionPoint on a variety of topics and a new display ad for the college Media of Mobile whose CEO, Brian that was published in Catholic diocesan newspapers in Jordan ’80, and videographer, , Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City and major Seth Laubinger ’02, are both SHC alumni. metro areas in Florida. The ads highlighted Spring Hill’s The video will also be posted on the mission and legacy of forming leaders in service to others. college admissions Web pages. See the display ad on the inside back cover of this issue.

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 3 5Cross country runners, from left, are Emilie Meier, Maggie Meier, Kayla Fox and Austin Fox. Photo By Scott Westbrook

Two Sets of Twins Run Cross Country By Jim Stennett

When the Spring Hill College cross country squad took nobody should run,” Maggie said, as the sisters shared to the course this fall, the event became a family affair as a knowing grin. the team featured two sets of twins, sophomores Kayla The Fox twins agree that growing up as a lifelong team and Austin Fox of Dothan, Ala., and freshmen Emilie and may help them run as members of a team. “Cross country Maggie Meier of St. Louis, Mo. really isn’t an individual sport,” Kayla said. “You get close The siblings agree that having a twin can be an to your teammates, and if you look at the times of our team advantage. “It makes the off season easier,” Maggie said. you’ll see we usually all come in as a pack. You learn to help “There are days you really don’t feel like running, then each other.” there is always someone there to make you run.” “I’ve learned that they watch out for each other,” head “We push each other and you don’t want to let the coach Griggs Covington said. “One will always make other person down,” Emilie added. “It’s nice always having sure that other is at practice on time, attending workouts someone to run with.” or taking care of their studies.” He also sees benefi ts at Austin and Kayla agree. “Being brother and sister, we’ve competitions. “For the Meiers, they know each other so never run cross country together, but it’s nice knowing there well that it pays off for them on the course. They just is someone there cheering you on and helping you out,” instinctively know how to work as a team.” Kayla said. “Austin is always passing along advice when As natives of St. Louis, the Meier sisters had not planned I need it.” on attending college in the Deep South. “It’s actually funny All four of the Spring Hill twins major in a science‐ how we ended up at Spring Hill,” said Emilie. “It turned out related fi eld. Kayla and Emilie study nursing, while Austin to be the only school we both applied to. Then we came is a biology major and Maggie is pre‐med. down for a campus tour and met the team.” Coincidentally, none of the runners began his or her Maggie laughs at the memory. “We drove back to St. athletic career in cross country. “We went to a small high Louis straight into an ice storm, and that’s when we decided school in Dothan, and we played on all the athletic teams,” to come to Mobile,” she said. Austin said. “Kayla and I ran in marathons before we came Austin originally came to Spring Hill for a to Spring Hill but not cross country.” visit but fell in love with the campus. Kayla went to the “We actually only started running cross country as a way of Mississippi for a year before transferring to to get in shape for fi eld hockey,” Maggie said, “but we liked Spring Hill. “I went to a small high school and missed the it so much that we stayed in it.” smaller classes. Plus, I wanted to major in nursing, and at The Meier sisters admit that they have a personal Ole Miss I would have to move to Jackson,” she recalled. strategy when they race. Usually Emilie sprints for the “And I missed Austin.” fi rst mile, and then Maggie catches up and they run together “It’s strange,” Austin said. “Last year we were 300 miles for the next mile or two. “Maggie runs the way you’re apart, and now we live across the hall from each other.” supposed to run, so she’s the stronger runner and fi nishes Jim Stennett is Sports Information Director with the better time,” Emilie said. “And Emilie runs the way at Spring Hill College.

4 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 BadgerNews www.shcbadgers.com By Jim Stennett Photos by Seth Laubinger ’02 Aucoin Competes at NAIA Cross Women’s Basketball Struggles in Country Nationals Early Season Play Spring Hill College junior Patrick The 2007‐08 edition of the Lady Badgers Aucoin of River Ridge, La., finished the basketball team struggled early but then 2007 cross country season at the National stunned their first conference opponent, Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Xavier (La.) University, with a 71‐68 home Men’s Championships held in Kenosha, upset during the first week of January. Wis., running the 8‐kilometer course in In his first season as head coach, 28:27.2. Aucoin ended 2007 as the Gulf Craig Madzinski’s young squad started the year Coast Athletic Conference Men’s with no seniors on the roster, but they have Individual Champion and “Male Runner shown tremendous improvement. Junior and of the Year.” The NAIA also recognized team co‐captain Keisha Forbes of Ft. Walton him as a Scholar Athlete for his outstanding Beach, Fla., leads the Lady Badgers in scoring academic performance. and rebounding, averaging more than 15 points At the Men’s Cross Country and seven rebounds per game. Championships, held in conjunction with Senior Noah Woolridge the NAIA Region XIII Championships, scored his 1,000th career Badger Basketball Opens the Badgers finished as the conference point at Tougaloo College Conference Play runners‐up and 5th among the 10 regional earlier this year. Head coach Robert Thompson’s Badger competitors. Lady Badger runners also basketball team closed the 2007 portion of finished as the conference runners‐up and its season with a 71‐64 home upset of No. 17 8th among the 11 regional competitors. Auburn‐Montgomery in December and then kept the momentum moving with an exciting Women’s Soccer Finishes 58‐56 come‐from‐behind victory at Dillard 2007 Season Strong University. At press time the Badgers were 8‐5 The 2007 Lady Badger soccer team overall and 2‐2 in the GCAC. closed out the year with a 10‐6‐3 record, In other basketball news, seniors Cash marking the squad’s first 10‐win season and Covington of Eureka Springs, Ark., and finishing 2nd in the GCAC. Head coach Noah Woolridge of Slidell, La., became the Adam Pearce saw this year as an important 28th and 29th members of the Badgers’ “1,000 first step in building a quality soccer Point Club” this season. Covington scored his Sophomore Allison ‘Allie’ program on The Hill. 1,000th career point on Nov. 23 versus Wesley Sophomore forward Kasey Pruett Symulevich of Tampa, Fla., College, and Woolridge broke the barrier at of Flower Mound, Texas, was selected swings the racket. Tougaloo College on Jan. 10. as a 1st Team member of the GCAC All Conference squad. Teams Hungry for 2008 Season Volleyball Season Ends Coach Hans Laub’s men’s and women’s on High Note teams are both eager for the season to The 2007 Lady Badgers volleyball team open, and Laub has been pleased with the found its stride in the second half of the performances he has seen during the fall season. First‐year head coach Beth Ring matches. directed her squad to victories in 13 of the “Our ladies have a real chance to make the team’s last 19 matches to end the year with National Tournament this year,” Laub said. a 17‐17 record, a 10‐match improvement “This year I want the men’s doubles teams over the 2006 season. to play more of an attacking style of tennis. Seniors Lindsey Schmidt of Chicago, In singles, we’ll play a more high‐percentage Ill., and Kristen Phillips of St. Louis, Mo., style because of the maturity our players have were selected to the GCAC All Conference shown.” team, and Phillips was also named to the The 2008 season opens at noon on Feb. 9 All Region XIII team. Schmidt totaled 1,011 Senior setter Lindsey Schmidt when the men take on assists for the season, and Phillips led the gives it her all in a game from Montgomery at the Mobile Tennis Center. The women open the year at noon on Badgers with 367 kills. against . Feb. 16 at MTC versus Faulkner State.

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 5 The GL BAL Education Imperative

It has become cliché to speak of the world getting smaller. The term “globalization” has turned into a catch-all expression for anything transnational in nature. However, a relatively small percentage of the U.S. population truly comprehends the broad ramifications this By Robert C. Harding, Ph.D. process currently has and will have on their lives, communities and society.

In his best‐selling book “The World is Flat,” interdependent place. My father, who was Thomas Friedman notes that globalization a grocery store manager, could have never in the post‐Cold War period has signifi cantly envisioned a produce section that is stocked year‐ leveled the playing fi eld across the board in a round with fresh products from around the world. number of areas and turned our previously held Likewise, the challenges we face today are conception of national versus international on more interconnected than before and ignore its head. Whether it’s your taxes done in India, political borders. The problems of global your electronic goods manufactured in China, or warming, environmental degradation, persistent your antibiotics produced in Austria, the world poverty, interstate and ethnic warfare, human has become a dramatically more interconnected, rights violations, and non‐state terrorism,

6 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 among other problems, resist traditional state‐ Compared to their counterparts in many centered approaches and can only be addressed other parts of the world, shockingly few U.S. through increased citizens’ knowledge of other college students are proficient in a foreign countries and cultures, and a resultant sense language, are knowledgeable of world geography, of global citizenship. Thus, to achieve this or have direct experience in another country. goal, it is imperative that our students today be Today less than 9 percent of U.S. college students prepared to live and work in such a world and study a foreign language and around three‐ that a new educational paradigm be enacted that quarters of them cannot find Iraq on a blank encompasses these new realities. Our students need world map. Studies have shown that university The a globally oriented education that reflects this new graduates from Europe, Latin America and Asia interconnected world, and that will enable them to are typically more “world‐savvy” than their U.S. both compete for jobs in the global economy and counterparts. This discrepancy must be rectified to GL BAL to address the global challenges that lie ahead. create students who really see themselves as global citizens. Just as computer literacy became a necessity during the last 20 years, global literacy should now occupy the same importance in our curriculum.

“... less than 9 percent of U.S. college students study a foreign language and around three- quarters of them cannot find Iraq on a blank world map.”

As a country, we have experienced this imperative before. This past fall semester in my American Foreign Policy class, we discussed how the United States’ isolationist policies and attitudes toward the rest of the world were forced to change following World War II, especially after the successful launch of the Sputnik satellite by the USSR in 1957. Fearing its educational system inadequate to Soviet challenge, the United States instituted the National Defense Education Act, which emphasized math, sciences and foreign languages, which our country’s educational curriculum had traditionally given short shrift. While this program was successful in its short‐term goal of landing men on the moon a decade later, the curricular innovations were not sufficiently institutionalized. The United States settled back into a comfortable cocoon of educational neo‐isolationism, and the aftermath is striking. Today most U.S. students are not presented with a curriculum that will Photo by Keith Necaise prepare them to work and contribute to an 5Dr. Robert Harding lectures to his Comparing interconnected world. Nations and Cultures class.

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 7 To make global awareness an integral part of our students’ total educational experience “‘Thinking globally’ means to be critically and creatively aware of the world as it is and as it will benefit not only them but our planet. This should be. A good liberal arts education should new educational paradigm takes on many forms. enable students to develop that ability. Spring Hill First, learning a foreign language College has a deserved reputation in the liberal to functional fluency is paramount. In most other arts, and we should make ourselves better at it developed countries, to be a university‐educated every year. That’s why we’re here.” person is to be at least functionally bilingual. – Rev. David Borbridge, S.J., A quick glance at the job listings in many major professor of history and theology U.S. cities reveals that bilingual individuals have a greater array of opportunities than monolinguals. Therefore, hablar español or tán zhÐngwén could be the key to one’s dream opportunity, as research “I consider that our duty, as teachers in a liberal shows that bilingual people can earn significantly arts college, is to enable our students to open their minds to the world. A true liberal arts education higher salaries (up to $200,000 more) over their goes far beyond the imparting of knowledge, as it lifetime. must give our students the ability to embrace new Secondly, by incorporating a global theme ideas and new ways of looking at the world. As throughout all academic disciplines our students our world grows smaller and more interdependent would be inculcated with a sense of belonging on other cultures, being a global citizen implies to a broader community. And perhaps the most understanding the world around us, in its diversity and complexity. Learning a foreign language or effective approach to instilling this sense of global studying abroad, for instance, is not just acquiring citizenship and awareness is to study abroad. a tool to do business; it is above all opening Whether for 10 days or 10 months, the benefits a window into another culture, its values and to students of studying abroad are immense and the way it expresses them. Global citizenship, multidimensional. In addition to undoubtedly therefore, means acquiring a broader benefiting foreign language acquisition, study appreciation of the world around us, which is a key aspect of Spring Hill College education.” abroad has been empirically demonstrated to increase self‐confidence and maturity, enhance – Dr. Collette Windish, coordinator of study abroad interest in academic subjects, help to positively and assistant professor of foreign language. shape one’s worldview, and influence relations with people from different cultures. Since these are attributes we wish our students to acquire anyway, using a “global methodology” would seem to be an appropriate path to follow. The world is changing before our very eyes at the speed of globalization. We have taken some positive, though tentative, steps so far in the areas I have outlined above. Nonetheless, we owe it to our students and the subsequent generations to fully embrace this reality of our interconnected and interdependent world and to prepare them wholeheartedly for the global future that awaits them.

Dr. Robert C. Harding is Director of International Studies and Assistant Professor of Political Science at Spring Hill College.

8 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 5Students build a house during their immersion trip to Belize in 2007. Photos courtesy of campus ministry

By Lindsay O’Quin

For the past five years, Spring Hill students her friends who went on past immersion trips. have embarked on international immersion trips During her time in Belize City, the biology/pre‐ with the hope that they will make a difference med major realized that although the Belizean in the lives of others. And, year after year they people had little financially, they were blessed return with the realization that they were blessed with a different type of wealth. by the experience just as much, if not more, than “In the face of true poverty, I found people those they set out to serve. who were loving, grateful and willing to help each During Mardi Gras break, three groups of 25 other. I gained more from this experience than I students and seven faculty and staff chaperones ever could have imagined,” said Baker, who will will travel to Belize City and Punta Gorda, travel to Punta Gorda in February. “I went on the Belize; and Managua, Nicaragua. In Belize City trip expecting to make a difference in someone’s and Managua, the groups will work with Hand life, but what I found was the people I met made in Hand Ministries, a faith‐based international as much of a difference in my life as I hope to service organization that provides life’s essentials have made in theirs.” to the poor. In Punta Gorda, the group will work As a Belizean, Rochelle Haylock ’08 will at St. Peter Claver, a Jesuit parish and school that experience a sort of homecoming when she provides religious and educational services to travels with the group to Belize City. Haylock, nearby Mayan and Garifuna villages. a computer information systems major, said she Last year Jessica Baker ’08 traveled to Belize expects to feel a “great surge of patriotic pride” City after hearing the positive experiences from upon arrival in her home country, adding that

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 9 she feels honored to help Hand The group that traveled During the Nicaragua trip, in Hand to alleviate some of the to Nicaragua experienced an the students rebuilt the façade suffering in Belize. unfortunate encounter during of a church and met many “In doing so, I hope to gain their immersion trip, as they wonderful people, and that is a sense of accomplishment that were robbed at gunpoint. what Mercurio said she took would inspire and motivate No one was hurt during the away from the experience. me to do greater works and a robbery, but several students “I enjoyed the trip the most, deeper relationship with God, returned home before the week I think, because of all of the knowing that I’m carrying out was over. interaction we had with the his work. That’s all I’m really Mercurio said she feels that Nicaraguans. ... I will never asking for,” Haylock said. it is important for her to return forget any of the people we had Jamie Mercurio ’08, a to Nicaragua this year. “I want the pleasure of meeting, or the double major in international to remember Nicaragua by looks on their faces and their business and Hispanic studies, the people that we help and gratitude when they saw the recently had studied abroad in places we see, so I feel like it is fi nished facade at the end of the Barcelona, and she jumped at important to go back so as not week,” she said. the opportunity to participate in to let the criminals win,” she Cory Bronenkamp ’11, a the immersion trip to Nicaragua said. “I am excited to have the double major in Spanish and last year. It was a chance for her opportunity to go back feeling sociology, graduated from to experience another culture, more familiar with the country DeSmet Jesuit High School in to gain some international and people, which hopefully St. Louis, Mo., where he had volunteer experience, and will help to further my service the opportunity to partake to practice her Spanish in a experience even more.” in an international service different part of the world. 6Students and staff rebuilt the facade of a church during their 2007 trip to Managua, Nicaragua.

10 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 trip. While in Honduras, activities, allowing the students discuss in the classroom. Bronenkamp volunteered at a to participate in the trips at little “It is a wonderful children’s home and a nutrition out‐of‐pocket expense to them. opportunity to work with center. He echoes the sentiments Spring Hill also has received students – indeed, some of our felt by so many of Spring Hill’s a grant from the Daughters of brightest and most engaged students who have participated Charity two years in a row to students – outside of the in immersion trips. help with expenses. The actual classroom. It is amazing to see “I came back with a our students undertake better outlook of poverty, such work with so much and I am so much more enthusiasm,” he said. thankful for the blessings Wilson said it is his I have in life,” he said. hope that students realize “Although I might have that serving others can be made a difference in the an enjoyable experience, children’s lives I worked as well as opportunity for with, they made the personal transformation, biggest difference in mine rather than simply an 5Students work together on a house in Belize. and taught me to be happy obligation to help the less and thankful no matter what cost of the trips is about $1,300 fortunate. “By working with situation you have to experience per person, but after the grant the very people they serve, our in life.” and fund‐raising activities, the students get a sense of our As a freshman at Spring cost to each student is about shared humanity and God‐given Hill, Bronenkamp will join $300, Bergan said. dignity,” he said. mostly upperclassmen on the Spring Hill students take part Bergan believes that the real trip to Nicaragua. “I want to in immersion trips, Bergan said, test of the value of immersion again experience and see the because “students have generous experiences comes after the pain and suffering that exists hearts. They know they are students return to their daily among the people so that when blessed and wish to share their routines – the choices they make I experience injustice or pain, time and talents with those as a result of their encounter I will immediately think of who are less fortunate. To be with “the other” in the world. the people I worked with and immersed in a different culture “Their spiritual and personal remember how much harder for a week, to work alongside growth is enriched by their their life is,” he said. of the poor and needy, is to participation, and they can Maureen Bergan, director discover parts of themselves never forget what they have of campus ministry, said students have never seen before. seen and what they have done,” immersion trips at Spring Hill They are transformed by their Bergan said. “The commitment differ from those at many other experience.” they make to these experiences in that the students Dr. Stephen Wilson, flows from the generosity of meet weekly to form community associate professor of theology, their hearts and impacts their with one another before and will participate in his fourth minds at the same time. They after the trips, discussing immersion trip this year as a are truly living out ‘a faith that cultural and political aspects chaperone in Punta Gorda. does justice’ as they experience, of the country, and engaging in Wilson said he volunteers if only for a short time, prayer and reflection. The sense year after year, because as a solidarity with others.” of community was critical to the Christian he is called to serve, wellbeing of the students and as a theology professor after experiencing the robbery he sees the educational and Editor Lindsay O’Quin is Assistant in Nicaragua, Bergan said. spiritual value of the experience. Director of Communications at In addition, the students take The students see firsthand some Spring Hill College. part in numerous fund‐raising of the social issues that they

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 11 Passport to

3Megan Waesche in Budapest, Hungary.

By Lindsay O’Quin gain a respect for different ways of living than those they are used to and an appreciation of the Studying abroad allows students to see that richness of diversity.” they are part of something larger. As they venture Garmon said her spontaneous decision to study outside of their comfort zone and into the abroad stemmed from the need to push herself unknown, they become citizens of the world. in a new direction. As a theology major, she was For Sidney Garmon ’08, her year abroad in attracted to Loyola University Chicago’s John Italy and throughout Europe was a life‐changing Felice Rome Center, because it put her right in the experience. “Everyone seems to have defi nitive heart of the and in a culturally moments in their lives – those moments where rich setting. something clicks, horizons are broadened, self Garmon worked in Italy while she studied becomes more completely defi ned, true beauty is during the 2006‐2007 academic year, making her experienced, and, before you know it, your life is feel like she was contributing to society. During changed forever. My year abroad was one of those that time, she was able to travel to several other moments,” Garmon said. places, including , , Greece, Tunisia, Dr. David Sauer, professor of English, serves as Africa, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Spring Hill’s representative for the Cooperative “I saw and experienced how various cultures and Center for Study Abroad, a consortium of 24 people lived – the good and the bad, the beautiful colleges and that Spring Hill joined and the ugly. These experiences changed the way I 12 years ago. He and other faculty teach courses see the world and how I see myself in it,” she said. in , and Scotland each year; and Kate LaBorde ’09, a political science major students have the opportunity to take classes with minors in international studies and French, around the world that transfer to Spring Hill. found a program through the American Institute “Students take away a sense of confi dence for Foreign Study that offered classes in political and accomplishment,” Sauer said. “They become science and French at a university in Grenoble, citizens of the world by experiencing and living France. The program also offered housing with in another culture, and know they can cope with a French host family, who LaBorde said truly any kind of new experience as a result. They also became her second family by the end of the

12 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 “It was a location that hasn’t been overly infl uenced by the West, and this appealed to me greatly,” Waesche said. “I wanted a challenge. I wanted to see what I was capable of.” During her fi ve months in “enchanting” Budapest, Waesche toured 12 countries, cruised the Danube River, tasted Hungarian wine Bull’s Blood, experienced Hungarian folk dancing, and visited Turkish and Roman thermal baths. “In all honesty, I felt like a kid in a candy shop while overseas. I wanted to learn and see everything that each city I visited had to offer,” she said. “I was so interested in learning the heritage and the culture and being infatuated with each street I turned down or century‐year‐old structure I saw. I couldn’t get enough of soaking up all of the 5Kate LaBorde in Paris, France. fl avors and charm within the cities and especially 3Sidney Garmon in Athens, Greece. Budapest, my adopted city.” But, Waesche acknowledges that her time abroad wasn’t always easy. She said she realized semester. They explained French traditions, taught that many Europeans perceive Americans as her idiomatic expressions, and helped her to use spoiled, and she often received a cold shoulder French as much as possible. from the locals and her classmates, as she was one LaBorde said her study‐abroad experience of only two Americans in her class. allowed her to apply what she learned in the Furthermore, she knew only basic Hungarian classroom to the real world. Studying in France phrases like “hello,” “goodbye,” “thank you” during the presidential election, LaBorde was and “you’re welcome,” which made it diffi cult to fascinated by the differences between the understand her professors. “Not knowing any of American and French election processes. the language and living in a city where they don’t “I was able to form my own opinions of the speak much English was a challenge, but I am candidates as if I were a French citizen, which has proud to say I wasn’t intimidated,” she said. made me more interested in following the relations David McLaughlin ’09, an electronic media between the U.S. and France since I have returned major, intended to study in Ireland; but when home,” she said. he found out that Scotland offered a course in LaBorde met up with Garmon in Rome during photojournalism, “that was the hook, line and Holy Week, and Garmon showed her some of sinker for me,” he said. her favorite sites, including St. Peter’s Basilica While studying abroad, McLaughlin said he on Good Friday. She also attended Palm Sunday experienced a very different way of life, got lost services and walked the streets with her palm along in the city, and saw how some Scottish earn their with the Italians. “Being a Catholic in Vatican living. McLaughlin said after he started taking City during one of the most important weeks of photos for his class, he found himself completely the year was an experience I will never forget,” enveloped in his work. LaBorde said. Being able to study abroad made him a better Megan Waesche ’08, a fi nance/economics student and a better person, he said. “I began major, said she was looking for a country that striving for my potential while doing my work. Just wasn’t “your typical study‐abroad location,” as like how the Jesuit education helps you to strive for well as a program that offered courses in her major. excellence,” he said, “so does being able to study She found Corvinus University in Budapest, an abroad.” institution that focuses on economics and public administration.

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 13 Seeing the World ... ThroughtheLens

By Greta Sharp For sophomore Doug Bruce, spending last May at the Cannes Film Festival was just another day at the office. While in Nice, France, he worked with Rocket Pictures and Kimbrough Media, and assisted in organizing the Cannes 24-Hour Film Challenge. “I was working with people in the industry who produce and travel globally,” he explained. “I got to meet them and to think less about producing from a college class viewpoint.” This globetrotting came on the heels of several local accomplishments, including winning first place in the Arts Alive! 2006 Film Scramble with his production “Backfire.” Bruce also spent his first year at Spring Hill College producing “Journey to the East,” a documentary following martial arts students at the Liu Institute International for several months as they prepared for live-action theme shows in Mobile, New Orleans and area festivals.

14 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 “It taught me to think like has not been picked up by a not you choose to pick a side.’ a producer – lighting, sound, network yet, Bruce said there are I want somebody to think position, movement,” said people considering developing about it, to provide an objective Bruce, who is from Milwaukee, the project. “I always hope stance.” Wis. He was often shooting on something will happen with it, In 2005, Bruce was chosen his own or with the help of a but I don’t see it as a loss,” he to take part in the National friend, so he was responsible said. “It got me thinking about High School Institute at for all aspects of the project, not only what I know I want Northwestern University in including making sure the to do, but thinking on a global Chicago, where 50 students tapes were changed and the level.” collaborated and produced batteries charged. Bruce said Bruce describes parts of several films. Last fall he had he broke some of the “rules of his film career as a study in the chance to share his own filmmaking,” in that “Journey ethics, something he’s learned experience with budding to the East” is not a traditional more about at Spring Hill, filmmakers. short film. where he’s studying integrated “I recently spoke to a Communication Arts communications and electronic bunch of seventh‐graders on Professor Tom Loehr was media. “You’re influenced by VideoChat on filmmaking,” impressed with Bruce’s the media, by so‐called reality he said. “They found me on dedication to the project and shows. You have to struggle YouTube. That taught me about the enthusiasm he brought to it. to stay real,” he said. When thinking globally. Who else “He not only has tremendous Bruce was faced with an ethical could be out there looking at talent for production of all dilemma, Loehr shared some your stuff? There’s such a global kinds and in many different advice. “He told me not to cross impact with this media.” production Back at “I want to change what people think about things – stages, but he Spring Hill, has a passion not force-feed them. To say, ‘This is a problem whether or not Bruce has for it that seems you choose to pick a side.’ I want somebody to think about it, received unquenchable,” to provide an objective stance.” — Doug Bruce ’10 accolades as Loehr said. well. He was “He is totally self‐motivated and any lines that I wouldn’t want awarded a Spring Hill College has a tremendous capacity for to cross,” Bruce said. “That’s merit‐based admissions award. hard work. Technical problems, one of the best things a teacher During his freshman year, production obstacles of all types can do sometimes – is not he received the Freshman do not seem to bother him like provide an answer, but push Leadership Cup and the they do with most students. He you to make a decision.” Campus Programming Board’s just works harder to solve them While filmmaking in the “Making It Happen” Award, and then moves on. classroom is a collaborative which honors a non‐officer “This project for Master art, Bruce explained that in the board member for taking Liu was not an easy one on real world filmmakers have to initiative to improve college any level, but Doug saw the work with people, communicate events and activities. When not potential in it as a reality‐show clearly, have ideals and be able in class or planning campus story and shaped the endless to move toward those goals. “I activities, Bruce films, edits hours of tape he shot into a want to change what people and produces video products coherent and compelling ‘pitch’ think about things – not force‐ for clients of his business, for such a show,” Loehr said. feed them,” Bruce said. “To say, Slick Ice Productions. While “Journey to the East” ‘This is a problem whether or

Greta Sharp is a freelance writer living in Mobile.

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 15 By Lindsay O’Quin

The Rev. Daniel Creagan, S.J. ’52 brought a creative and cultural pulse to the city of Mobile in the 1960s as Spring Hill College’s first chair of the fine arts department. After studying art and working in parishes around the country, Creagan has returned to Spring Hill to retire and to celebrate his jubilee year as a Jesuit priest. Fr. Creagan

on 50 R eflects years as a Jesuit Priest

reagan entered the Society of Jesus in despairing, telling me I would be standing on the street corner with a tin cup. ‘You can’t make 1945C and was ordained in France on July a living as an artist!’” he recalled the nuns 31, 1958, a moment that he remembers warning him. “Well, they were right – absolutely “almost like yesterday.” right about that.” Creagan said the Jesuits, while fascinated Although no one else in his family was a by his interest in art, encouraged him to pursue priest, Creagan knew that becoming a Jesuit was other academic avenues. So, he was sent to Spring his calling since childhood, having been taught Hill College, where he earned his bachelor’s by the Jesuits as a boy. degree in English in 1952. And, he was just as certain about his passion Creagan went on to earn a degree in for art. “That’s the same as becoming a priest,” he theology in 1958 from Les Fontaines Seminaire said. “It’s just one of those things that Missionaire in Chantilly, France. But, Creagan always is.” said his time in Europe only strengthened his As a student, Creagan would get caught interest in art history, and in 1963 he earned his drawing when he should have been doing his master’s degree in art history from the University arithmetic or English work. “The nuns were of Colorado.

16 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 Although Spring Hill had offered courses “The atelier system really taught art. They in art history, the college did not offer a degree didn’t just put a student in front of a canvas program in fine art until 1961, when Creagan and say, ‘Express yourself!’” said Creagan, who returned to Spring Hill and was named the first believes in the importance of a good foundation chair of the fine arts department. Serving in that to art. “Of course, the atelier is not the only way capacity, he taught studio art, art history, music to learn art, but there has to be a pathway to appreciation and guitar at Spring Hill until 1983. learning.” Creagan fondly recalls working with the In July 2006, the Society sent Creagan to fine arts faculty, including Frederick Mueller, Spring Hill College to retire. Since his arrival, Ira Swingle Jr., Lee Hoffman, Dennis Ciesil, Creagan has exhibited his work at Stewartfield in George Black, David McCann and Barbara Starr. a show titled “A Celebration of Realism,” which During his years at Spring Hill, Creagan directed raised $27,000 in artwork sales to benefit the fine numerous liturgies and choral productions in St. arts department. His show “Back to the Atelier: Joseph Chapel, which provided Mobile a venue Recent Works and New Directions,” which hung for the arts. in the ’s Skinny Gallery “Back then Spring Hill was really the only in downtown Mobile, brought in an additional show in town. I think Mobile sort of looked to us $2,000. for cultural life,” he said. Creagan continues to participate in Mass at Creagan said he tried to bring to the college St. Joseph Chapel and volunteers part time in the as many “big names” as he could, including archives of the Marnie and John Burke Memorial flamenco guitarist Carlos Montoya and folk Library with archivist Dr. Charles Boyle ’50, singer Joan Baez, a visit that didn’t sit well with updating the filing system and entering items many Mobilians. into the computer. Boyle, who admires Creagan’s “That was the talk of the town, because Joan paintings, said although Creagan insists that he Baez was one of these raging liberals, and Mobile is an “amateur” when it comes to computers, he had a hard time dealing with that,” he said with a does his job very well. smile. As Creagan stared out of the window to During his time in Mobile, Creagan received Spring Hill’s transformed campus, he reflected on the Mobile Press‐Register’s M.O. Beale Award his varied career as a Jesuit and his years at the for inaugurating the Fall Festival of the Arts, college. “This was a good place to come back to to Mobile’s first citywide arts festival; and he served retire,” he said with a hint of weariness. “There on the original board of directors for the Mobile are some great moments. ... I’m not sure where I Museum of Art. got all the energy to do all that.” Since his departure from Spring Hill, Creagan’s work has focused on parish life, including serving as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Abbeville, S.C.; as pastor of Most Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Orleans; and as parochial vicar at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Spring, Texas. Creagan has also continued his involvement in the arts, studying at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, at the Atelier Kare in Houston, and at an icon‐ painting workshop by the Prosopon School of Iconology. Creagan said during his studies, he developed a great respect for the

atelier system, which emphasizes classical Photo by Keith Necaise techniques of drawing and painting. 5Rev. Daniel Creagan, S.J., stands in front of a self-portrait.

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 17 3Melissa Creighton ’08 works with her ESL students. Photo by Keith Necaise

By Lindsay O’Quin

Through their volunteerism with the Foley because communication is essential for survival Center for Community Service, Spring Hill in our society.” students play an integral role in breaking down Orange said most students in the lower‐level language barriers in the Mobile community. classes are predominantly Spanish‐speaking As teachers of English as a Second Language immigrants who know little or no English, while (ESL) classes, the students devote four hours the conversation classes consist of people from all of their time each week helping immigrants to over the world who have taken English classes in learn to communicate effectively. Dr. Kathleen their homeland. Creighton said she has worked Orange, director of the Foley Center, said the with students ages 19 to late‐50s from Egypt, students gain an understanding of the hardships Vietnam, Cuba, Aruba, Cambodia and many immigrants endure to become citizens of the other countries. United States. “My students are always ready and willing to “I think it’s a good service for the people learn,” said Creighton, who also helps her students we are teaching, and I think it’s been a great with real‐life situations. For example, she taught experience for our students,” Orange said. “They one of her students how to order his eggs just the have developed a tremendous appreciation for way he likes them – sunny‐side up. “Before this he other cultures and a tremendous empathy for could not describe to the waiter how he wanted his what immigrants go through.” eggs,” she said. “Situations that might seem ‘small’ Orange recognized a need in the community to us are not so small to my students.” through her work with Hispanic ministry, and Orange said Spring Hill also offers preparation the Rev. Christopher Viscardi, S.J., approached for U.S. citizenship exams, so the immigrants her 14 years ago about adding the ESL service can fully understand the test questions. Orange to the Foley Center’s repertoire of volunteer added that the immigrants often feel stigmatized opportunities. Since then, Spring Hill College because they have an accent or might say things has been offering six levels of classes that range incorrectly, but the class provides a “refuge” where from basic phrases to conversational English, they feel accepted. They also come to appreciate imparting essential skills for gaining citizenship other immigrants’ struggles and learn about other and acquiring and keeping a job. cultures and religions through the class, she said. Melissa Creighton ’08, an English major, Carlos Labadie ’10, whose parents are from has been volunteering with the ESL program Puerto Rico, assists Creighton with teaching her since she was a freshman. “I thought that it class. “It has given me a bigger understanding of was important for me to help people who were what immigrants face, because my family didn’t struggling to learn English, because these have that struggle, coming from Puerto Rico,” people would struggle in our society without he said. “It defi nitely makes me not take things this vital tool of communication,” she said. for granted.” “Helping others to learn English is crucial

18 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 5Clare Bush ’05, front, with class.

Greg Montoya ’05, right, with5 friends in Majuro, Marshall Islands.

By Caroline Alvarez

Spring Hill College alumni across the world and local Archdiocesan school, Leo High School, located those in our own backyard believe in volunteerism in a poor neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. and service to others. From the Marshall Islands to Mahowald, who received his Bachelor of Science Chicago, alumni make commitments to the betterment in Biology from Spring Hill, was instrumental in of humankind through their work. They are inspired organizing the biology and chemistry/physics labs by the Jesuit tradition of “cura personalis,” the care for at the school, coaching the biology, chemistry and the spiritual, social and intellectual growth of each physics teachers and helping to organize materials for individual. Through volunteerism Spring Hill alumni their class laboratory exercises. have found that they continue to grow in each of these For Mahowald, his experience with IVC “has aspects. made me appreciate how distant we are from the poor in opportunities,” he said. Mahowald feels his Jesuit Faith in Action education has infl uenced his decision to take part in Throughout the United States, many Spring Hill community service and helped to infl uence the lives of College alumni volunteer in their own communities. others. One such alumnus is Dr. Anthony Mahowald ’58, a retired professor at the University of Chicago who Intellectual Growth and Social volunteers through the Ignatian Volunteer Corps. Understanding Ignatian Volunteers are men and women age 50‐plus Clare Bush ’05 decided she wanted to go to medical who “work for a more just society” and “serve the school because she wanted to spend her life “learning, needs of people who are poor.” In addition, IVC educating, and, most importantly, serving others.” Her volunteers should grow in their own Christian faith in desire to take on such a valiant effort was reinforced the Ignatian tradition and put their faith into action. over the past two years while earning her Master of Mahowald’s fi rst project with IVC was assisting Education through the University of Notre Dame’s elderly homeowners, whose incomes were below the Alliance for Catholic Education. poverty level and with homes that needed minor ACE is a two‐year service program that allows repair work. Next, Mahowald decided to work at a graduates to serve as full‐time teachers in

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 19 under‐resourced Catholic schools throughout the School, she teaches basic subjects to her class of 39 U.S. Bush, who received her Bachelor of Science in students, ranging in age from 11 to 16. Mulroy also Biology at Spring Hill, taught regular and honors high tutors after school and is the fifth‐ and sixth‐grade school biology and was the assistant cheerleading volleyball coach. moderator at St. Matthias Catholic Girls High School “The afternoons at school can be long, but it all in Los Angeles. Spring Hill provided many activities seems worth it when I get the afternoons free to play for Bush that intensified her desire to serve, such as soccer or run around in the rain with the kids, or to participating in two spring break immersion trips to crack open a fresh coconut one of the boys just threw Belize. Bush said her Jesuit education has inspired down from a tree,” Mulroy said. her to “work and pray for justice for all, with no Mulroy believes the commitment to JVC is not distinctions.” to be taken lightly. “It is not a decision to enter Bush’s experience also enhanced her thinking into without full self‐awareness and an absence of on a global scale. “While serving in ACE, I worked expectations,” she said. She describes JVC as “not a predominantly with the Hispanic population, a break from real life and not ‘volun‐tourism.’ This is group I had very little interaction with prior to my life – for everyone here in the Marshall Islands and moving to Los Angeles. Through my experiences now for myself.” with my students Greg Montoya ’05 and their families, I “His response still baffles me: ‘You’ll end up in the recently completed his came to realize that middle of the Pacific...’ Little did I know then how commitment to JVC despite our differences right he was.” – Greg Montoya ’05 and was “ruined for in race, language, life,” the catchphrase and background, we all seek to feel wanted, loved, of Jesuit Volunteers. He too lived in, taught in, and appreciated and respected. In turn, as Christians we became a part of the Majuro community. Montoya must work so that all people, not just those here in first learned about JVC through his high school, the U.S., are treated justly with compassion and love,” Regis Jesuit High School in Colorado. Upon entering Bush said. Spring Hill as a freshman, Montoya was assigned to his freshman advisor, Dr. David Sauer, professor ‘Ruined for Life’ of English. After discussing his interests, Montoya Spring Hill alumni are active in volunteer programs explained to Sauer that the only thing he knew for throughout the world, including the Jesuit Volunteer certain was that he wanted to become involved in Corps. The two‐year program recruits volunteers to JVC. Montoya said, “His response still baffles me: live out their commitment to faith and justice. ‘You’ll end up in the middle of the Pacific...’ Little did I Bridget Mulroy ’07 received her undergraduate know then how right he was.” degrees in art therapy and theology. Shortly thereafter Montoya said his two years in the Marshall Islands she began her two‐year commitment in Majuro, helped him to grow and that “the experiences of living Marshall Islands in the summer of 2007. As a in community and being welcomed so openly in the sixth‐grade teacher at Assumption Elementary lives of those I was there to serve will stay with me for a very long time,” he said. Mulroy, who is still overseas, said, “The small things of everyday life are what keep me going – kids calling through the windows at all hours for water; the ocean as the soundtrack and backdrop to our daily activity; the everlasting energy of the 39 kids in class; the incredible generosity of a communal culture; the sweet coconuts and bananas from the tree in the yard; Mass in another language; and the tears and laughs shared with my community mates. I never could have imagined or expected how my life is now.” 5Greg Montoya ’05, right, with a friend from the Majuro community in the Caroline Alvarez is Communications and Marketing Marshall Islands. Specialist at Spring Hill College.

20 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 ChapterUpdates

The sixth annual Atlanta Chapter Scholarship The Birmingham Chapter held its annual Auction was held on Oct. 13 at the home of Christmas Party on Dec. 6 at the Cathedral of Kathy ’78 and Mike ’77 Coghlan. More than 30 St. Paul in downtown Birmingham. More than people attended the event, which included a wine 50 alumni, parents and friends came out for the tasting and silent auction. Thousands of dollars event to spread some holiday cheer, and SHC were raised this year, with all proceeds benefiting door prizes were given thanks to the generosity the Atlanta Scholarship Fund. A special thanks of Sandy Melof ’68. A special thanks to president goes out to all committee members, donors and Megan Riordan Wyatt ’95 and her committee for attendees for supporting this worthy event. planning such a great party.

5Ginger Brodtman Sundberg ’98, Judy Miller ’03, 5Carrie ’95 and Chris Hawkins ’96 with their daughter Kevin Andrews ’94, Erin Boettcher Andrews ’95, and Nancy celebrate the holiday season with friends from SHC. Miller Hamlet ’00 enjoy networking at the Coghlan home.

6Celebrating the holiday season are Jerry Rubin ’57, Melissa Chuilli DiTosto ’97, Tamu Wilson ’96, Richard Burns ’82 and Cricket Burns.

On Nov. 29, nearly 40 Spring Hill alumni, parents and friends gathered at the Mad Hatter Saloon in Manhattan. Alumni from all over the Northeast traveled to the familiar local Irish pub to celebrate the holiday season Badger style. Special thanks to chapter president Melissa Chuilli DiTosto ’97 and Caroline Couvillon Walton ’00 for all of their work and to longtime trustee and former board chairman Jerry Rubin ’57 for making the event such a great success.

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 21 ChapterUpdates

The New Orleans Chapter held its annual Spring Hill College alumni and friends gathered Scholarship Auction on Oct. 11 at the Metairie in several South Florida cities throughout the home of past parents Suzanne and Michael month of October to mingle with friends and McGlone and alumna Katie McGlone ’03. With hear about campus happenings. The Yard House approximately 60 people in attendance, more Restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens provided than $5,000 was raised toward the scholarship the setting for an alumni gathering on Oct. 14. fund, providing access to SHC for deserving Approximately 15 people attended and enjoyed students in need from the Greater New Orleans networking with fellow Badgers. A special area. A special thanks to the committee, thanks to Joseph Teahan ’77 for organizing the especially chapter president Kerri Tedesco ’99, event. Several alumni from the Tampa Bay area president‐elect Harry Hardin ’00, all the donors, gathered on Oct. 21 for a football‐viewing party sponsors and attendees for supporting this event. at Champps Americana Restaurant. Thank you to all of those who supported these events.

5Alumni Board member J.B. Egan ’61 and 5Margaret and Luke Ponseti ’79, parents of 2007 Gus Bohne ’67 gather at the Yard House Restaurant New Orleans Scholarship recipient Mark Ponseti, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. enjoy the annual auction. 6Ron McConnell ’67, Mary Ann McConnell ’67 and Billie Pringle ’86 socialize at the annual Christmas Open House at Stewartfield.

On Nov. 5, the Spring Hill College men’s basketball team traveled to the University of South Alabama to take on the Jaguars in an exhibition match. Alumni from the Mobile area along with their friends and families gathered for a pre‐game event at local favorite Picklefish before heading over to USA’s Mitchell Center to cheer on the Badgers. Nearly 90 people were in attendance to show their Badger spirit. The Mobile Chapter also celebrated the Christmas season by participating in several the annual Christmas Open House. On Dec. 24, college‐sponsored events. On Dec. 6, more than the campus also celebrated with the Christmas 130 alumni, parents and friends came out to the Eve Mass at St. Joseph Chapel, where hundreds of beautifully decorated Stewartfield to mingle at people gathered to celebrate Christ’s birth.

22 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 ClassNotes

Cherokee Bend Elementary, plays soccer for Kendra Murray Barry ’94 and her husband, 1970s Birmingham United, and is a gymnast Sean, welcomed their daughter, Paige at Mountain Brook Gymnastics. Catherine Barry, on Aug. 17, 2007. She Margaret McKenna Houck ’73 moved to weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces. Hawaii in 2007 with her husband, Army Joan Ferretti Wright ’88 has been named the Chaplain Ira Houck. executive director of Childcare Resources in Sam Coates ’94 and his wife, Aislynn, Birmingham, Ala. are proud to announce the birth of their Taylor Henry Sr. ’79, news director for daughter, Gracie Rose, born on Aug. 27, KNOE (CBS) in Monroe, La., won the 2007. She weighed 8 pounds and was 20 Alfred I. duPont‐Columbia University 1990s inches long. She joins her brothers Collin, award for excellence in broadcast Angele Davis ’90 has been appointed to the 4, and Cooper, 2. The family resides in journalism for his television series of position of commissioner of administration Daphne, Ala. investigative reports, “Names, Ranks for Louisiana Governor‐Elect Bobby Jindal. and Social Plunder: the National Guard She has served as secretary of the Louisiana Kevin B. Doan ’94 and his wife, Anna, and Katrina.” The series exposed rogue Department of Culture, Recreation are happy to announce the birth of their members of the Louisiana National Guard and Tourism since 2004. Angele was daughter, Bronwyn Alida Avis Doan, who who looted stores they were deployed to instrumental in designing and leading the joins their two sons in the Doan household. protect in the New Orleans area during “Louisiana Rebirth Plan” to engage national She was born on July 24, 2007. The Doans Katrina. It aired Aug. 28, 2006 on KNOE. and state leaders in tourism efforts to assist reside in Louisiana where Kevin practices The entry was among only 13 selected of in Louisiana’s recovery from Hurricanes anesthesiology. Kevin and Anna are 510 entries submitted by television and Katrina and Rita. She also served in planning their seventh mission trip to South radio stations and networks nationwide the administration of Louisiana Gov. Africa and would like to encourage all to receive a 2008 duPont. The award was Mike Foster as Deputy Commissioner of Spring Hill graduates, especially those in the presented in New York City on Jan. 16. Administration. As commissioner, Angele medical field, to take on mission trips. Taylor is the son of Margaret B. Henry and will oversee the state budget. the late John R. Henry ’36 of Columbus, Ashley Norton Hutcheson ’94 is teaching Miss. Taylor is the father of four children: Tim McNair ’91 and his wife, Kelly, special education at Johnson High School Emily, 20, a junior at Spring Hill; Mary, 18, welcomed their son, Dallon Gage, on Sept. in Savannah, Ga. She is working in an a freshman at Mississippi University for 17, 2007. He weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce and inclusion classroom. Ashley, her husband Women in Columbus, Miss.; and Taylor Jr., was 20 inches long. He joins 2‐year‐old sister and son recently purchased their first home. 17, and Natalie, 15, who attend Aloysius Carson Brooke. High School in Vicksburg, Miss. His wife, John F. Kilpatrick ’94, in his civilian Jennifer Henry ’79, is chief administrator of Christina Maceluch Kalisz ’92 and her job, opened a third office for his company Aloysius High School. husband, Todd, welcomed their second LEGALimaging in Montgomery, Ala. Doug child, Seth Foster, on July 29, 2007. He joins Green ’88 joined the company in October 1980s 3‐year‐old big sister Camille. They reside in 2006 and serves a vice president of legal Orlando, and Christina continues to fly for technology. With Doug’s expertise they Thomas F. Boleky ’86 moderated the Illinois Delta as a flight attendant. have expanded the company into computer Institute of Continuing Legal Education forensics and electronic discovery. In (IICLE) seminar “Handling a Vehicle Crash Jay Deas ’92, owner of the Skyy Boxing Gym his military job, John serves as an Army Case from A‐Z” on Oct. 31, 2007 at the UBS and Skyy Promotions, recently coached Reserve adjunct professor of military science Tower in Chicago. He is an attorney at the his heavyweight, Deontay Wilder, to a spot for ROTC. The program is based at the law firm of Corboy & Demetrio in Chicago. on the U.S. Olympic boxing team that University of South Alabama and serves will compete in Beijing, China in the 2008 students at USA, the Alisa Pennington Archuleta ’88 has three Olympic Games. Wilder is the first fighter and Spring Hill College. Last summer he sons ages 6, 9 and 14. She is finishing trained in Alabama to make the Olympic opened the SHC campus office where seven a Master of Divinity degree at Austin boxing team. Jay’s boxers have competed SHC students enrolled in ROTC. Presbyterian Theological Seminary in in Canada, the Bahamas, Italy, England, preparation for ordained ministry. She has Germany, Russia, Dubai and throughout Amy Crowell Cooper ’95 and her husband, served as a hospital chaplain with Seton the U.S. He resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Ivan, welcomed their son, Jake Marshall Hospitals in Austin, Texas. with his wife, Starr, and daughters Gaby, 6, Cooper, on Feb. 28, 2007. Jake joins his 1‐ and Gracie, 2. year‐old brother, Grant. The family resides David Armata ’88 and his wife, Cindy, in Birmingham, Ala. welcomed their son, Ian Graham Armata, Marlo Carney Zarzaur ’92 and Ben Louis on Sept. 18, 2005. He joined sisters Sophia, Zarzaur ’92 are proud to announce the birth Cynthia F. Figueroa ’95 and her husband, 9, Eva, 8, Bailey, 18 and his older brother of their daughter, Amira “Mia” Grace on Robert Clark, reside in Philadelphia with Avery, 14. Oct. 12, 2007. She weighed 6 pounds, 12 their daughter Lola Figueroa‐Clark, born ounces and was 20 inches long. They reside April 15, 2006. For the last five years, Dr. Emery Michael “Sport” Cole II ’88 in Memphis, Tenn. Cynthia has served as the executive director and his wife, Carla Hoehn Cole, welcomed of Women Against Abuse, the largest son Emery Micahel “Tripp” Cole III on Elizabeth L. Davis ’93 was inducted into the domestic violence program in the state of Sept. 11, 2007. Tripp was 7 pounds, 4 Million Dollar Club with the American Pennsylvania and one of the largest in the ounces and 19 3/4 inches long when born Cash Association. She started Cash Flow nation. She also serves on the Pennsylvania at Brookwood Hospital in Mountain Financial Services in 1997 for residential state board on domestic violence and was Brook, Ala. He joins 6‐year‐old sister, and commercial loans, factoring, and appointed by the mayor of Philadelphia Carly Madison Cole who is a student at structured settlement funding. to serve on various commissions and taskforces related to social services. In

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 23 ClassNotes

September 2007 Cynthia completed the Tevis Vandergriff ’98 and his wife, Kristi, Mandy Blakeney Ball ’02 and her husband, Philadelphia Distance Run Half Marathon. are pleased to announce the arrival of Brad, proudly announce the birth of their Amelia Nicola Vandergriff, born Oct. 3, daughter, Carter Rebecca, born July 23, 2007. Mike Behan ’96 recently took a position 2007 in Rock Hill, S.C. She joins big Carter weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces with R.W. Baird as an associate in the equity brother Kees, 3. and was 19 3/4 inches long. The Ball family research department. He and his wife, resides in Denver, Colo. Danielle, reside in St. Louis with their two Jennifer Delcambre ’99 completed the children Andrew, 3, and Ashley, 1. 2007 San Francisco Marathon while Michael Chapman ’02 and Jennifer Feely helping to raise money for the Leukemia Chapman ’03 welcomed the birth of their Travis Grant ’96 and Carole Rathle & Lymphoma Society. son, Sean David, on April 4, 2007. Grant ’99 announce the birth of their He joins big brother Grant Patrick, who is daughter, Gabrielle Carole Anne, born Aug. Valerie Huff ’99 and Jim Hoffmann 2 years old. Michael is a manufacturer’s 17, 2007. She weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces were married on June 9, 2007 in Point Clear, sales representative and Jennifer a former and was 21 1/2 inches long. Carole is the Ala. Jim is a sales representative for Athena teacher. They reside in Celina, Texas, director of youth ministry at Corpus Christi Diagnostics, specializing in neurological a suburb of Dallas. Church, and Travis is an attorney. The genetic testing. Valerie is a pharmaceutical family resides in Mobile, Ala. representative for Eli Lilly’s Neuroscience Lona Kay Stanley ’02 and Timothy Michael Division. The wedding was attended by Barousse were married on June 12, 2007 in John E. Held II ’96 and Jamie Windsor were many Springhillians including: Michael ’00 Kane‐ohe, Hawaii. The couple resides in married on the sandy beach of Cabo San and Ely (Comerio) Anderson ’99, Shawna Mandeville, La. Lucas, on Sept. 1, 2007. Salmon Saussus ’99, Kathryn Graml Wilhelm ’00, Sylvia Cuesta Galves ’99, Brady Carroll Lauren Bailey Brogdon ’03 and her husband, Chris Travers ’96 and his wife, Allyson, are Peters ’00, Marisa Theriot Nardoni ’99, Joey, are pleased to announce the birth of proud to announce the birth of their fourth Adrienne Dixon Williams ’99, Melinda their daughter, Adler Isabella Paige, born child, William. William joins big brothers Lay ’99 and Robert Pohrer ’99. The couple on May 1, 2007. Addy joins her big brother, Jacob, 4, and Sam, 3, as well as big sister resides in St. Louis. 2‐year‐old Knox Everett. The Brogdons live Holly, 2. in Gulfport, Miss. 2000s Eddie Timmons ’97 and Simone Gaudin Alexis Anne Clarkson ’03 completed Timmons ’99 are proud to announce the Harry F. Hardin ’00 graduated in her master’s degree in physical therapy in birth of their second son, Andrew Hudson, May 2006 with an MBA in finance from the 2005 from the University of South Alabama. born June 26, 2006. He weighed 10 pounds, University of New Orleans. He is employed She moved to Tampa, Fla., in 2007 to pursue 3 ounces and 22 inches long. He joins in the Commercial Banking Division of a pediatric physical therapy career at Tampa 3‐year‐old brother Luke. The Timmons Regions Bank as a credit specialist. He and General Hospital. live in Covington, La. Eddie is the owner his wife, Emily Stevens Hardin ’98, welcomed of Prime Source Mortgage and Simone is a their second son, Kiernan Stevens Hardin, Julie Elizabeth Larkin, M.D. ’03 and Adam pharmaceutical sales rep. on Aug. 5, 2007. He joins his 2‐year‐old big Neil Foreman, M.D. were married on May brother, Seamus. The Hardins reside 26, 2007 in an afternoon wedding at St. Emery Regan DeSonier ’98 received in New Orleans. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Orleans, followed by a reception at the Since graduating, she has worked in her Barbie Martino Heneghan ’00 gave birth Pavilion of the Two Sisters in New Orleans hometown of Houston and now works in to a son, Blake Michael, on Sept. 26, 2007. Botanical Gardens. They are both recent South Carolina as a physical therapist. He weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces and was graduates of Louisiana State University 20 3/4 inches long. They reside in School of Medicine in New Orleans, where Rae Williams Leytham ’98 and her Orlando, Fla. Adam is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha husband, Wesley, announce the birth of National Medical Honor Society and Julie their daughter, Avery Rae, who was born James J. Renda ’01 graduated from the served as president of the SMILE program on April 4, 2007 and weighed 7 pounds, at Birmingham at Children’s Hospital and captain of the 12 ounces and was 19 inches long. The School of Dentistry and was commissioned LSU Pediatric Homeless Clinic. Following Leythams reside in Pensacola, Fla., where as a captain in the U.S. Air Force Dental a honeymoon to Sonoma and the Napa they own their business. The work of Rae Corps in 2006. He completed an Advanced Valley, they are in medical residency Leytham Photography can be seen at Education in General Dentistry residency at programs at the University of Tennessee www.raeleytham.com. Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. in Memphis for further training in in 2007 and is stationed at Royal Air Forces ophthalmology and neurology. Ann Marie Roberts ’98 moved in 1999 to Croughton in England for the next three the Midwest where she is enjoying the four years. He and his wife, Maurina LaRocca Robert Christopher Matthews ’04 and his seasons, continuing to teach Parish School Renda ’01, have a 4‐year‐old daughter, wife, Alicia, welcomed their first son, of Religion classes, becoming a special Giuliana, and a 1‐year‐old son, Gianmarco. Robert “Cain” Matthews, on April 27, 2007. instructor for infants and toddlers through Robert graduated from the University of working with Missouri First Steps, and Ryan Thompson ’01 and Nancy Bonilla were Alabama School of Law in May 2007 and caring for her aging mother. married on July 14, 2007 in Crosby, Texas. joined the firm of , Pipes and Cook Nancy has a 5‐year‐old daughter named in Mobile, Ala. Patrick Sprague ’98 and his wife, Renee, are Lilliana, and they reside in Crosby. They pleased to announce the adoption of Elijah both work for KBR in Houston, Texas. Michael McMyne ’04 released his newest Thomas Sprague, which took place on Sept. book, “Graduating With a Profit,” to the 14, 2007. trade on Nov. 19, 2007. The book is a guide

24 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 for college students to take life in college beyond the classroom walls and engage in the world of entrepreneurship. Published by In Memoriam the St. Louis University School of Business, it is his sixth book released. Vincent Paul Muscat, M.D. ’40 Ivan Austin Owen ’49 Daniel Norfleet ’05 is in Alaska studying to be a doctor and has received a grant to help Neal C. Davis Jr. ’50 serve the medical needs in underserved areas Carlos C. Escalante ’50 of Alaska. James Edward Cox Sr. ’53 John J. Robb ’05 has been named by William Andrew Scott ’54 Raymond James Financial Services to Robert L. Radam ’55 the firm’s 2008 Executive Council in recognition of outstanding client service and Albert M. Warnock ’58 professional growth. John has owned and Sylvia E. McGriff, Ph.D. ’60 operated the Raymond James west Mobile office since 2003. Raymond Joseph David ’61 John T. Yannuzzi ’61 Claire Wilker ’05 has accepted a position Madeline Carney Bruno ’64 as policy director for Virginia House Democratic Leader Ward Armstrong. Margaret Eileen Maher, M.D. ’70 She is based in Richmond, Va., and began Treg Tremont ’90 her new position Jan. 1, 2008. Kelley Louise Powell ’07 Christopher M. Garner ’07 and Courtney Rikard ’08 were married on January 5, 2008. Rev. Hilton L. Rivet, S.J. ’46 Elizabeth Van Galder ’07 and Jeffery Steimer ’07 were married at St. Joseph Chapel on Fr. Rivet entered the Society of Jesus on Sept. 20, 1941 and was June 30, 2007. The Mass was officiated by ordained a priest on June 16, 1954 in St. Joseph Chapel at Spring the Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., and the reception followed in the Louise Moorer Hill College. Fr. Rivet served in a number of capacities in a long and Commons. The wedding party included fruitful ministry, including his role as dean of students of Spring Ryan Nodurft ’06, Jennifer DiPalma ’06, Hill during the ’50s and ’60s, pastor of numerous parishes, prison Victoria Steber ’07 and Allison Hoadley ’08. Elizabeth and Jeffery reside in Worcester, chaplain, retreat director and superior of various communities. Mass., and teach at the New England Center for Children. Rev. Joseph B. “J.B.” Leininger, S.J. ’47 Keep in Touch Fr. Leininger entered the Society of Jesus in August 1940 along with his brother, Rev. Charles A. “C.A.” Leininger, S.J. He was ordained Share your successes with friends on June 17, 1953 at St. Joseph Chapel at Spring Hill College and took and classmates by submitting his final vows on August 15, 1957. He earned his B.S. in mathematics your news to the Spring Hill from Spring Hill. He began his Jesuit teaching at Jesuit High School College Magazine. We want in Tampa in 1947 and proceeded to serve assignments at various to know about your new Jesuit high schools. He remained in service at Strake Jesuit College job, volunteer work, exciting accomplishment, recent marriage Preparatory in Houston from 1972 until his retirement in 2006. or new baby. Please note that we only accept Class Notes in Rev. George F. Wiltz, S.J. ’58 written form. Fr. Wiltz entered the Society of Jesus on Aug. 14, 1952 at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, La. In 1958 he received his Send your news to: Spring Hill College undergraduate degree from Spring Hill College. Fr. Wiltz was ordained Class Notes a priest on June 7, 1965 in St. Joseph Chapel at Spring Hill College. Office of Alumni Programs Fr. Wiltz served throughout the South in numerous capacities during 4000 Dauphin St. his years as a priest. He was director of scholastics at Spring Hill Mobile, AL 38808 College and Loyola University.

Or, e‐mail [email protected]

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 25 AlumniNews

March 1 Miami Chapter Kickoff Celebration, home of Dr. Jose ’70 and Pilar Rovira March 7 Mobile Crawfish Boil, 5 Rivers March 8 McGuire’s Irish Pub Gathering, Pensacola, FL April 16 Andrew J. McLaughlin Jr. Hall of Fame and Athletic Awards Dinner, Spring Hill College campus April 17-20 Homecoming on the Hill, Spring Hill College campus April 30 Senior Crawfish Boil, Spring Hill College campus May 1 Birmingham Crawfish Boil, home of Dr. Leonard McGovern and Maureen McGovern ’04 May 17 Alumni Reception, home of Mike ’71 and Paula Phelan, Jacksonville, FL May 18 Memphis Crawfish Boil, home of Mike ’90 For complete details and and Jennifer Adams additional events, log on May 19 Washington D.C. tournament, Springfield Golf and Country Club to www.shc.edu/alumni. Spring New Orleans Crawfish Boil, Lemmon Camp (Date TBA) on Bayou Gauche

Members of the Spring Hill College 1830 Society, listed below, have made a commitment to support 1830Society education for future generations of students at Spring Hill. They do so by remembering the College For more information, visit our in their wills, charitable trusts, or retirement plans. Their gifts and bequests are an important part of planned giving Web site at www. ensuring that we continue to provide for leaders in service to others for years to come. shc.edu/plannedgiving. Mr. Carl A. Abbene ’52 Ms. Kathleen M. Fitzsimmons ’82 Mrs. Margaret N. Murray Mrs. Nan S. Altmayer Dr. James R. Flautt, Jr. ’40 Mr. Lorenz Neuhoff III ’52 If you have made Mrs. Rebecca H. Appenzeller ’74 Mr. Stanley C. Flotte ’46 Ms. Christy A. Omohundro ’81 arrangements for Spring Ms. Eileen A. Ast ’68 Mr. J. Kevin Foster ’78 Mrs. Dorothy S. Outlaw Hill College to be Mr. D. R. Atkinson, Sr. ’57 Mr. & Mrs. John Gallagher ’68/’67 Mr. Edward A. Overbey, Jr. ’70 included in your estate Mr. Harold I. Bahlinger ’57 Mr. & Mrs. John A. Galligan, Jr. Col. & Mrs. Harold W. Paige plans and would like Mr. H. Denton Baker ’65 Fr. Frederick W. Gunti Mr. William T. Partridge, Sr. ’38 to notify us so we may Dr. J. Edward Balthrop ’40 Dr. Eugenie L. Hamner Mrs. Sheila C. Pellegrini Mrs. I. Patricia Barr ’58 & Mr. Jack Barr Mr. Patrick F. Harte ’57 Dr. & Mrs. Leonard F. Pinkley, Jr. ’66/’67 list you as a member of Mr. & Mrs. John W. Barter III ’68/’70 Mr. Robert W. Hayden Ms. Mary Linda Portner ’74 the 1830 Society, please Mr. & Mrs. Charles Baur Mr. Arthur Y. Hearn, Jr. ’49 Mr. Gordon A. Pugh, Sr. ’58 contact Karen Edwards Mr. Gregory J. Bernbrock ’64 Mr. Fred G. Helmsing ’63 Mr. Christopher P. Puto ’64 ([email protected]) Mr. & Mrs. Jim Bligh Dr. Robert F. Klein ’51 Dr. & Mrs. John W. Rabby ’50 or Rinda Mueller Mr. Samuel J. Boldrick ’69 Mr. Stephen C. Kovacs ’54 Mr. Lou F. Ray, Jr. ’63 Mr. Milt ’54 & Mrs. Jo Anne Bolling Ms. Mary Phelps Kukla Mr. Henry E. Reimer, Jr. ’49 ([email protected]) Ms. Mary H. Bonaud ’59 Dr. & Mrs. Alex R. Landi Mrs. Rae C. Royle ’58 at 1‐877‐777‐4455 Mr. Noel M. Brawn ’63 Dr. & Mrs. Stewart D. Langdon Mr. Gerard F. Rubin ’57 or (251) 380‐2280. Mr. Richard T. Brock ’69 Mr. Stephen P. Lannan ’78 Dr. David Sauer Robert H. Bullington, M.D. ’47 Dr. Stephen G. Lauten ’71 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur H. Schmidt, Jr. ’96 Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Burke ’66 Mr. Joseph M. A. Ledlie ’65 Mrs. Barbara Ulrich Schurhoff ’65 Mr. Thomas A. Byrne, Jr. ’82 Dr. & Mrs. Edward J. Lose ’80/’82 Dr. Francis C. Skilling, Jr. ’68 Ms. Shannon D. Callahan ’90 Rev. Roger R. S. Lott, O.S.B. ’47 Maj. Kenneth J. Skipper ’53 Ms. Ceil Coley ’67 Mrs. Athalie Macgowan Dr. Peter B. Smith ’69 Mr. George R. Coperland, Jr. ’75 Mr. Robert P. McCabe ’64 Mr. Anthony J. Statile, Jr. ’68 Mr. Robert D. Coyle ’57 Mr. Jay McCann ’77 Dr. & Mrs. Benjamin J. Stebor III ’59 Mr. Francis M. Craft ’70 Dr. Graham McClintock, Jr. Mr. Shelby D. St. Martin ’56 Dr. Nicholas A. D’Amato ’53 Mr. David A. McDermott ’76 Mrs. Linda K. Stefan ’67 & Mr. Chester J. Stefan Mr. Felix F. Darby, Jr. ’51 Mr. Larry C. McGinn ’51 Mrs. Anna F. Swider ’62 Dr. David F. Dean Mr. John P. McKinley ’78 Mr. Richard A. Theis ’70 Mr. Marshall J. DeMouy ’47 Dr. Paul T. Mertel, Jr. ’66 Mr. & Mrs. William D. Ward ’77/’79 Mr. Charles ’52 & Mrs. Mary Ellen Diez Mr. Tom “Mice” Micek ’72 Mr. Richard S. Whitten ’49 Mr. & Mrs. Edward C. Dowd ’56 Ms. Samra Mims Mr. Robert J. Young, Jr. ’57 Mr. John F. Ewens ’63 Mr. Edward J. Moylan ’43 Dr. & Mrs. David D. Zinn ’69/’69 Mr. James J. Fallon ’55 Mr. Eric W. Mueller ’74

26 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 Log On and Link Up with BadgerNet

In the age of blogs, MySpace, and instant more interactive online experience, fostering a sense messaging, the office of alumni programs decided there of lifelong connectivity with the College and alumni,” should be a quick and easy way for alumni McCarron said. to link up with Spring Hill. John Zollinger ’89, president‐elect of the National Kelly McCarron, director of alumni programs, Alumni Association, said, “I am really excited about said, “We wanted to strengthen and enhance the the new online community and its potential effect on relationship we have with our alumni and provide the College’s ability to communicate more effectively each alumnus with a personalized online experience.” with alumni, as well as improve the ability of alumni The solution is BadgerNet, the new alumni online to network and stay in touch. I think this is a very wise community that will be unveiled in late April. investment that will pay great dividends.” When alumni log on to BadgerNet, they’ll be logging on to a whole other world with Spring Hill. From across the country to around the world, alumni will be able to stay in touch with their Spring Hill friends through the Internet. BadgerNet is designed to provide all the news and information alumni are interested in, including Class Notes, news, a searchable online directory and e‐mail forwarding. The online community is more than a social networking site, however. It offers specialized opportunities such as locating classmates or alumni in their geographic area, providing easy‐to‐use event registration, the ability to view their giving history, and post personal news and updates. After the initial launch, phase two of the plan will include chapter pages and a class agent module. There are also benefits for the College, including access to updated contact information on alumni and the capability to send alumni personalized communications based on their selected interests. “For example, if an alum is interested only in what’s happening in athletics, we’ll be able to send them information like stats and schedules,” McCarron explained. “We’ll be able to track what pages alumni visit so we can plan events and offer programs to better meet their needs and interests.” Not only is the Web site all encompassing, but it is also accessible to alumni 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so they can receive and view information at any time. Each alumnus can create his own experience with BadgerNet and have another outlet for nurturing his relationship with Spring Hill. “Alumni will have a

Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 27 AlumniNews Alumni Survey Reveals Positive Feedback, Areas for Improvement

During fall 2007, Stamats, Inc., a noted fi rm that works in Would you recommend SHC to a friend or higher education marketing, administered a comprehensive relative as a place to attend college? survey to more than 1,000 Spring Hill College alumni, 569 of whom were randomly selected to complete a telephone interview while 452 answered an e‐mail invite to complete a Web‐based survey. The survey sought to assess alumni feelings about past experiences with SHC, perceptions of SHC today, expectations of and interest in alumni events and activities, communication effectiveness, and philanthropic endeavors. “The survey reaffi rmed for us that Spring Hill College is more than just an educational institution. We are a community – a community that helps students to learn and grow academically, physically and spiritually,” said Dr. Samantha Church, director of annual and parent programs. From 2007 Stamats, Inc. “The college has stayed true to its mission, and that has been the core of what makes the Spring Hill ‘experience’ so unique.” Those receiving their master’s degree from SHC have a A large majority of those surveyed said they would high regard for the College in quality of faculty members, defi nitely choose Spring Hill again when selecting their campus diversity and the value of the degree for acceptance to college. Most feel they were well prepared for their careers graduate programs and good jobs. and that they made lifelong friends while on the Hill. The large majority of alumni (91 percent) would Other high marks were returned on questions such as “ recommend SHC to a prospective friend or family member. Did your Spring Hill experience enhance your leadership For the most part, alumni of all decades have at least some skills?” A vast majority of respondents noted they were level of knowledge of general SHC happenings and events, “extremely satisfi ed” with their student experience at the and the Spring Hill College Magazine is the most popular College. source for alumni news. The majority of alumni are most Alumni continue to be impressed with the beauty and interested in hearing about other alumni and upcoming upkeep of Spring Hill’s campus. In an open‐ended question, events. alumni most often associate SHC’s beauty with its trees Even though most alumni feel very positive about Spring (Avenue of the Oaks), golf course, facilities, and its location Hill today, the majority do not describe themselves as even close to the beach. “somewhat involved” as an alumnus of the College. The Another encouraging fi nding is that alumni believe SHC’s survey showed that alumni are most likely to return to mission remains viable today. More than half indicate that campus for a class reunion to reconnect with old friends. the mission of the College is “very good.” The majority of alumni have made a fi nancial contribution According to alumni, possible areas for improvement (or to the college. better communication) included fi nancial aid/scholarships, For more information on the alumni survey, contact Dr. Samantha campus diversity, internship opportunities and cost. Church at (251) 414-3208 or [email protected].

Alumni Represent SHC at Jesuit Presidential Inaugurations

3Jay McCann ’77, right, on Oct. 20, 2007, represented Spring Hill College at the inauguration of Wheeling Jesuit University’s new president, Rev. Julio Giulietti, S.J. In addition, Spencer Gillen ’89, not pictured, attended the inauguration of St. Peter’s College’s new president, Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., on behalf of SHC.

28 Spring Hill College • Winter 2008 Save the Date for Homecoming on the Hill 2008 April 17-20

This year we’re honoring classes ending in “3” and “8,” but all classes are invited to attend the Homecoming events.

Visit www.shc.edu/homecoming for details. Visit Us www.shc.edu 877•SPR•HILL

Spring Hill College Non‐Profi t Org. 4000 Dauphin Street U.S. Postage Mobile, AL 36608‐1791 PAID Permit No. 1450 Mobile, AL