SAINTTHE MAGAZINE OF SAINT MARY’SMARY’S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA 6/,5-%  s .5-"%2  s 7).4%2  INTERSECTING WORLDS

PUBLISHER Every day we bump against other worlds we barely understand and sometimes fail to LETTER FROM THE EDITOR THE FROM LETTER Michael Beseda ’79 notice. There are the obvious things that divide us as people — gender, age, ethnicity, EXECUTIVE EDITOR upbringing, ideology and the many other factors that frame individual lives. One with J. Elizabeth Smith which we all have !rst-hand experience is the gap between generations. EDITOR For example, I am the youngest child of a youngest child. My father, past middle Jo Shroyer age when I was born, grew up in a strikingly different world, shaped by war, sacri!ce ASSISTANT EDITOR and stern frugality. The son of parents who came of age in the late 19th century, Dad Teresa Castle had one foot in a world where need and want, duty and entitlement, opportunity CREATIVE DIRECTOR and gender roles were all strictly de!ned. As I grew up, we struggled mightily to Bob Ciano understand each other. ART DIRECTOR Later, when I had children of my own, I was determined to do it differently, only Karen Kemp to discover that the borders surrounding childhood, adolescence and adult life are GRAPHIC DESIGNER surprisingly universal. My children and I lived in parallel worlds, intersecting out Beth Brann of necessity and love, but largely clueless about each other’s experience. Now, as POETRY EDITOR adults, when they talk about the things they did, what happened to them and how Graham Foust they felt, I am torn between peeking into that world and just holding on to my own CONTRIBUTORS vision of that reality. (I feel certain that there are at least a few things we don’t need Kristin Bender to know about each other.) Kathryn Geraghty ’12 Ginny Prior In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus encourages Scout to climb inside Liset Puentes ’15 the other person’s skin and walk around in it. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.” That’s a neat trick. Much easier said than done, but, as it turns out, critically important to a successful, rewarding life. The Saint Mary’s College of California experience With the bene!t of time and experience, I eventually was able to see things from inspires learning that lasts my parents’ perspective and understand what I derived from the intersection of our a lifetime. The College’s frustratingly different worlds. More given to demonstrating rather than describing rigorous education engages intellect and spirit while what he’d learned from life, Dad nevertheless tried to explain the difference between awakening the desire to his childhood and mine. “Kids grew up hard in those days,” he said. “You just don’t transform society. We are realize how lucky you are.” I do now. all learners here — together, working to understand My parents’ lifelong habits of frugality, kindness, citizenship and faith have and shape the world. informed my life and sustained me through my own hard times. And, while my For more information, see children and I are still working on understanding each other, I am comforted by the stmarys-ca.edu. thought that they are connected across generations and wildly different worlds by this precious common thread. Saint Mary’s magazine is published three times a year. Next year, as Saint Mary’s celebrates its sesquicentennial — 150 years since its Please send comments to founding in 1863 — we will focus particularly on the generations of Gaels who began [email protected] their adult lives learning at this college. Just as my grandfather, who was born not or call (925) 631-4278. Please submit name and long after Saint Mary’s was established, would barely recognize the world in which address changes to my children and I live today, those !rst Gaels would be stunned by the lives of their Donna Foster at 2012 counterparts. [email protected] or write Saint Mary’s College, As we dig deeper into the history of Saint Mary’s in preparation for the P.O. Box 4300, Moraga, CA upcoming anniversary, it’s not only interesting to contemplate how much things 94575-4300. have changed over 150 years, but also entirely satisfying to discover the common threads that unite generations of Gaels. Among them are the fruits of an exceptional education — the ability to overcome the differences that separate us as people, see things through someone else’s eyes, and intersect wisely with the many different worlds around us.

JO SHROYER EDITOR  %2 7).4

Science with a Twist New Watershed s

Science education at for River of Words  Saint Mary’s is entwined A successful national with the other liberal arts. program that inspires 12 For alumni in science 19 children’s art and .5-"%2 careers, that made all literature about the s

the difference. natural world moves  to Saint Mary’s College. 6/,5-%

2 feedback | events 34 the quad Carlo Beckman’s 4 the arcade Second Life | 2007 A Life of Faith and Adventure Brother Timothy | Student Speaks Up for Cabernet Supports SMC Veterans | Saint Scholarships Mary’s Adds Its Voice to Concerns About Economic 36 gael glimpses Inequality | Mass Honors First Responders | Senior 44 in memoriam Forward Rob Jones Steps 45 endnote into the Spotlight | Soccer and Rugby Shine | Faculty Books | Faculty Pro!le: Carla Bossard BILL SULLIVAN BILL

A Field Guide Wild Saint Mary’s to Student Life The campus is home Characteristics and not only to the College behaviors of today’s community, but also 25 Gael student captured 30 to cheeky denizens of in their natural habitat. the natural world.

Cover: Damon Tighe ‘01, a biologist who worked on the Human Genome Project. Photo by Toby Burditt. SAINT MARY’S SAINT FEEDBACK

Memories Are Made of This up at Mont La Salle in the juniorate. (He died FEBRUARY at 42, twelve years after serving in the D-Day 12 CONTINUES THROUGH MARCH 25 Thanks for such a great story. It rekindled so invasion in WWII). The Veil: Visible and Invisible Spaces many stories from when I was in the Christian Edward Hayes, Sparks, Nev. Brothers at Saint Mary’s from 1971–73 with Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art Brother Donald Mansir FSC, Brother Hugh A Second Life Kennedy FSC, Brother Andrew Steel FSC and Thirty-six works of art consider the many manifesta- Brother Michael Quinn FSC. Saint Mary’s Magazine is a very entertaining tions of the veil. Curator Jennifer Heath, author of The I still think about the Christian Brothers magazine. I love reading every issue. I have a BA Veil: Women Writers on Its History, Lore, and Politics, all the time, from my grandparents being at the degree from Saint Mary’s in English/Philosophy. will speak on February 12 at 2 p.m. in the Soda Center. August 5, 1928, dedication of the Saint Mary’s Now that I have taken early retirement from my Chapel on campus to my uncle, who was also day job, I have the rest of my life to work in pop MARCH music and the creative arts, which has always 2 SMC Guild Saint Patrick’s Dinner been my greatest passion. I am in the music busi- 5–10 p.m. Soda Center ness as a songwriter, executive producer, music Professor Emeritus Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with a traditional Irish Chester Aaron taught supervisor, publishing company owner, record literature, writing dinner and Irish music by the Kevin Roche band, along label owner and entrepreneur. and Collegiate Seminar with a piper and step dancers. Silent auction from Dan Orth ’71, Lounge Renown Records, at Saint Mary’s. 6–7 p.m. $40. RSVP by February 29 to Pat Wiegmann, Oakland, Calif. 39 Carr Drive, Moraga, CA 94556 or (925) 376-6088. Dinners with Brother Mel 10 Tenth Annual MFA Scholarship Fund Benefit 5–8 p.m. Dolby Chadwick Gallery Hi, I get the magazine and love catching up and 210 Post Street, Suite 205 seeing what’s going on with the college. One of San Francisco, CA 94108 my fondest memories from Saint Mary’s: a few The Language of Film: A Conversation with Robert dinners with Brother Mel in his sweet dorm/pad. Hass and David Thomson. An Evening of wine and hors He had great stories and was a super host! d’oeuvres. $100 per person or $50 for Saint Mary’s MFA Mike Wise ‘83, San Rafael, Calif. graduates. All proceeds benefit the MFA Scholarship Fund. Buy tickets at www.stmarys-ca.edu/mfabenefit. Never Give Up 14 Creative Writing Reading Series — Shane Book I served as professor at Saint Mary’s for 25 years 7:30 p.m. Soda Center and have been professor emeritus for more than Shane Book’s first collection, Ceiling of Sticks, won 15 years. the Prairie Schooner Book Prize. See End Note, p. 45. After receiving a recent issue of the maga- zine and reading about the publishing activities 15 Sacramento Saint Patrick’s Lunch of current faculty, I decided to send information 11:30 a.m. Dante Club about my newest and 26th published book. It is 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd., Sacramento a novel that went on the market July 1, 2011. The tradition — and the rivalry — continues! Join I continue to farm and to write and to Sacramento-area alumni along with SCU Broncos and publish. Due out this year: a collection of war USF Dons. No-host bar followed by luncheon of corned stories. Just republished: a young adult novel beef and cabbage or chicken. $25. RSVP online !rst published in 1973 by Harcourt Brace. One by March 9. of my novels was a !lm for ABC-TV Week- end Special and two titles have recently been APRIL optioned for !lm. 11 Creative Writing Reading Series — I share this with you to urge soon-to-be- Samina Ali retired faculty, staff and also students, that they 7:30 p.m. Soda Center should not give up. Samina Ali was born in Hyderabad, India. Her debut Chester Aaron, Occidental, Calif. novel, Madras on Rainy Days, was awarded the Prix Premier Roman Étranger 2005 Award. [From the editor: About Them is Aaron’s auto- 13 Songs for a New World: biographical novel about growing up in 1930s The Voice of Broadway Butler, a Pennsylvania mining village, and 7:30 p.m. Soda Center about the immigrant families making a life there. SMC voice students perform popular songs and It’s a story about friendship, making do and beloved chestnuts from Broadway. falling in love.]

2 WINTER 2012 EVENTS

15 CONTINUES THROUGH JUNE 10 Winning Artwork from the 2012 River of Words Contest Wednesday to Sunday 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art An exhibit of children’s art from around the world, drawn from winners of the annual River of Words contest.

15 CONTINUES THROUGH JUNE 17 Master Artist Tribute VIII: Richard McLean Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art The exhibition will present several of McLean’s major equine oils and watercolors, landscapes, still lifes and a series of watercolor portraits.

21 SMC Guild Fashion Show 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Soda Center Samba Swing Into Spring as you preview spring fashions from Chico’s in Walnut Creek while enjoying mariachi music and a luncheon. $50. RSVP by April 18 “Incident in Turlock” by Richard McLean; 1997, oil on canvas; from the collection of Caitlin Sliver. to Libby Townsend at [email protected] or (925) 825-5853. For more information, contact the Alumni Office at 9 CONTINUES THROUGH MAY 10 18 CONTINUES THROUGH APRIL 22 (925) 631-8744 or stmarys-ca.edu/alumni-events. Spring Chamber Music Concert The Imaginary Invalid, 9 Creative Writing Reading Series — Soda Center LeFevre Theatre Wesley Gibson and Tina Parsons Saint Mary’s Chamber Musicians perform at 1 p.m. SMC Performing Arts Department presents the famous 7:30 p.m. Soda Center on May 9 and 8 p.m. on May 10. play by Molière at 8 p.m. on April 18–21 and 2 p.m. Wesley Gibson is the author of You Are Here: A Memoir 19 Undergraduate Commencement on April 21–22. of Arrival and the novels Shelter and Personal Saviors. Tina 9:30 a.m. 28 Annual Alumni Awards Celebration Parsons’ blog, China Ate My Jeans, is about her year SMC Stadium 6 p.m. Moraga Country Club seeking and buying products made in the U.S. 20 Graduate and Professional We honor fellow Gaels and friends with six awards Programs Commencement for outstanding service to SMC and the community. 4 p.m. For more information: (800) 800-ALUM. Get Your Copy of Brother SMC Stadium 28 16th Annual River of Words Mel Anderson’s Memoir 2012 Awards Ceremony (West Coast) J U N E 2–7 p.m. 24 CONTINUES THROUGH JULY 5 Join the California winners and finalists of the 2012 YEARS OF YEARS OF YEARNING 150th Anniversary Cruise River of Words Youth Environmental Poetry & Art YEARNING A MEMOIR BY BROTHER MEL ANDERSON, FSC Join Brother President Ronald Gallagher and fellow Contest for a grand celebration of poetry and art PRESIDENT OF SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE 1969 –1997 Gaels for a unique Mediterranean cruise to launch our

of the natural world. For information, see stmarys- t

BROTHER MEL ANDERSON, FSC ANDERSON, BROTHER MEL 2012–13 celebration of Saint Mary’s 150th anniversary. ca.edu/row. Learn more at stmarys-ca.edu/cruise.

MAY JULY 6 AND MAY 8 SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE 20 CONTINUES THROUGH 22 Spring Concert Reunion Weekend Soda Center

1220_BrotherMel_Cover_Final.indd 1 12/20/11 7:22 PM Come back to the campus for the biggest and The SMC Glee Club and ChamberCOVER 4 Singers perform COVER 1 Read about the societal, academic and best alumni event of the year. Celebrate old times at 4 p.m. on May 6 and 8 p.m. on May 8. !nancial complexities of 1967–97 at Saint with friends and family and see what’s new. Mary’s in former SMC President Brother 7 33rd Annual Gael Golf Classic Mel Anderson’s memoir Years of Yearning. Blackhawk Country Club, Danville Order a copy today: Registration is at 9:30 a.m., shotgun start at http://tinyurl.com/6umvs2t SEE AND RSVP TO ALL ALUMNI EVENTS AT 11 a.m. and awards dinner and auction at 5 p.m. stmarys-ca.edu/alumni-events

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A Life of Faith and for abandoned infants in Bethlehem. Donald procured funding for the Creche and delighted Adventure: 1949–2011 in taking visitors to see this orphanage, meet the sisters and especially the abandoned infants, who were the most helpless and greatest in need.” BROTHER Brother Donald Mansir, who was DONALD internationally recognized for his MANSIR work in renovating the dome of the DEEP THOUGHT “As Director of the Saint Church of the Holy Sepulchre in AND HEARTY Mary’s College Brothers Jerusalem in the 1990s, died of cancer on October LAUGHTER Community, Donald was 8, 2011, at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut responsible for arranging our Creek. The much-loved Christian Brother and annual meeting before the semester began. For a longtime professor at Saint Mary’s and Bethlehem number of years he arranged for us to go to San University in the Palestinian territories was 62. Diego, his territory. We would always go out to We offer here, in memory of Brother Don- dinner at a restaurant of his choice and usually end ald, some photos taken during his lifetime and up in lively conversation and singing. On one occa- excerpts from eulogies delivered by Brother sion, here we are, a dozen men, not in our clerical President Ronald Gallagher and Brother Rich- garb, at table in a nice restaurant, and Donald gets ard Lemberg at a Mass of Christian Burial in the us singing. All heads turn to us, and we sang away Saint Mary’s College Chapel on October 14. (although some Brothers were trying to look

CARE “Brother Donald was an invisible). Word gets back to us that people in the AND extraordinary man who as a restaurant were curious about exactly who were COMPASSION humble Brother lived a life these men and had decided that we must be a !lled with faith, and more reunion of of!cers from the Naval Academy. We let adventures than any of us here might imagine. them think that. But just at the end of the meal a We come today to pray for Donald because we young man comes to the table and asks Donald if have all in some way or other been a part of those we could come to his table and sing, because he is adventures: whether it be as a classmate, student, proposing to his !ancé. So some of us did. We don’t friend, colleague, fellow traveler or, as James know to this day whether she said yes; but she Joyce might put it, ‘a victim of Donald’s hospital- looked shocked and a little confused. A pure ity.’ This latter usually involving dinner, song, Brother Donald event. conversation, deep thought and hearty laughter.” We have all had these events with Donald “Perhaps the best example I can think and I hope that you all take the opportunity to of regarding his response to those in need is share them with each other. He has been a bless- the Creche. One of his great friends was Sister ing, a friend, a teacher to us all.” Sophie, a Lebanese nun who runs an orphanage – BROTHER RONALD GALLAGHER

4 WINTER 2012 TEACHING AND “I grew to admire and respect SCHOLARSHIP Brother Donald’s way with people; he was a brilliant teacher and scholar with a sharp and ready wit, yet he was also a tremendously compassionate person. I was personally cognizant of his many kindnesses to his Brothers, his fellow faculty and

staff members, and especially, to his current and former students.” “There were some areas where Brother Don- ald and I did not exactly see eye-to-eye. I enjoy "y-!shing and camping and I remember an occa- sion on which I suggested to Brother Donald that he might like to go on a camping/!shing trip with me. He looked at me and replied with a deadpan expression: ‘Will there be dirt?’”

MUSIC Brother Donald was a !ne musi- AND cian and a lover of all music, FRIENDSHIP from Bach to Bo Diddley, with Cole Porter, Edith Piaf, Joan Baez and Gilbert and Sullivan thrown in. I like to think of Brother Donald’s whole life as a kind of music, a song to the God he loved and to the many people he touched with his care and concern.” A – BROTHER RICHARD LEMBERG OM , R I C LI SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM BROTHER FE DONALD’S LIFE OTO

F stmarys-ca.edu/magazine

STMARYS-CA.EDU 5 A RCADE EMP N K RE KA

“Many colleges and universities were hesitant to participate for fear Student Speaks Up of unknown expenses, but Saint Mary’s took the lead in participating from for SMC Veterans the start,” said Assistant Registrar Lyone Conner. “The program allows veterans to attend with their tuition fully paid, a housing allowance and with a stipend for books and supplies.” ifteen years ago, if you had told Shomari Carter that he would be sit- The Yellow Ribbon Program covers 50 percent of the expenses, while ting in a classroom at Saint Mary’s College, he would have laughed. Saint Mary’s College and the Veterans Administration pick up the remain- Like every teenager, he thought he knew everything, and he hun- ing 50 percent. In order to qualify, veterans must have served at least gered for that !rst taste of independence. He decided he could !nd 36 months of active duty after September 11, 2001. Fit in the Army. Carter doesn’t qualify under the program because he only served “I was anti-college since high school,” he said. “I knew if I went to col- 18 months after 9/11. Instead he receives assistance through other lege that I would be a broke college student.” GI Bills and scholarships. However, senior Tom Dale, who spent eight During his time in the Army from 1998 until 2003, he was stationed in years as a counterintelligence agent in the army said, “There is no way Hawaii, Bosnia and Japan. After his tour of duty, he returned to civilian life I could have gone to Saint Mary’s if I didn’t qualify for the Yellow and eventually found himself thinking about college. Ribbon Program.” “I always knew education was the key to happiness, but it had not The increase in veterans at SMC is indicative of a larger trend nation- become apparent until I suffered through a few dead-end jobs,” he said. wide in which vets are returning from combat and enrolling in college. He chose Saint Mary’s College because of its close-knit community. Support from both the College and peers is important, said Carter, because When he arrived, he found quite a few other veterans among the students veterans are instilled with a code of self-reliance, which often keeps them on campus. He knew some of them were struggling with the transition from from asking for help. military to student life, so he created a Veterans Club on campus as a way Carter said the high school version of himself would be surprised by for vets to share their experiences and offer advice on resources. He also how much he enjoys education today. “I was talking to one of my professors organized the College’s !rst Veterans Mass as a way to honor veterans and the other day and I told him that I really wanted to read all the textbooks increase awareness of their growing numbers on campus. but that I didn’t actually have the time to read every page,” he said. “I never Since Saint Mary’s adopted the federal Yellow Ribbon Program in thought I would want to read a textbook.” 2009, the veteran population has increased from 12 to 34 students. – KATHRYN GERAGHTY ’12

6 WINTER 2012 – society we want to create.” of kind the with aligned values have to important “It’sevent. responsible way,” he urged the nearly 100 SMC students at the socially a in engagedpoor. Becomethe with solidarity“Show the East Bay, urged the next generation to take a new approach. wallets,” she said. our not consciencesand votingour start to need States.“We Unitedthe in people nightmare”manytoo a for“becoming is dream American the thatAdministration,suggestedBusiness compared to 8 percent in 1979. States,United the in income all ofpercent 24 command now departments, noted that the wealthiest 1 percent economicsof Americans and politics SMC’s in lecturer a and Depression” was real — and alarming. phenomenonthethatagreed all but gap,income the of cause the on viewsdifferent held members, community and faculty SMC includingspeakers, Class.” The Middle American the of also the focus of a panel entitled “Poor and Poorer: The Demise tant chapter in the history of the country.” the future,” he told the students. “You are writing a most impor of vanguard the are“Youmovement. that of spiritnonviolent protestsSpringtoArab thestudentsadvised and to follow the movementOccupy the of importance the compared East, dle I’m passionate about.” somethingat job one workto want I jobs.threework to want don’tgraduate, I I“Once Mary’s,”said. Saintheto go to jobs three work “I relevance. personal a have disparity economic to organize the event. For Martinez, the Occupy protests against ticipate,”saidFrank Martinez, oneof the students helpedwho make their own decisions about whether or not they should par in a teach-in on campus in November. fall, more than 100 members of the community SMC took part last College”teach-in “Occupynationwidea of part As issue. the up took also members faculty and students Mary’s Saint that surprising not it’s Davis, UC and Berkeley UC Francisco, inequality and Occupy encampments sprouting in Oakland, San grappled with the changing economic landscape in this country. on the minds of students and faculty at Saint Mary’s, too, Whateveras they happened to the American Dream? That question was Streettoprotest corporate greed, moreandmore were asking: Wall on marched and recession double-dip a of prospectthe AsAmericans struggled with a stubborn jobs crisis, fretted over Inequality Economic About Concerns to Saint Mary’s Adds Its Voice T ERESA Solomon Belette, executive director of Catholic Charities of Kara Boatman, a professor in the School of Economics and Jack Rasmus, author of “Epic Recession: Prelude to Global was States United the in gap income ever-growing The Hisham Ahmed, a politics professor and expert on the Mid evaluateand can they so people educatetowanted “We income of issue the on focused nation whole the With C ASTLE

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MAX CROWELL Angels, is a traditional Catholic religious service service religious Catholic traditional a is Guardian Angels, the of Feast the of the honor in in Chapel held event, The College. the Mass by Blue hosted special a for fall last to Mary’s Saint came counties Costa Contra and Alameda from ghters ! re ! and cers ! of police of Hundreds Mass Honors Responders First treated to a barbeque on the Chapel lawn.were responders rst ! the all then and Mass, the of dutyfollowedline the who those in had fallen Christ.” in sisters and brothers as and justice, of ambassadors as peacemakers, work.”your in added:“WeyouHe commendas encounter you who icted " af the comfort to and service, public in yourselves of give to protect, to responsibilities awesome the you in see they uniform the beneath “because ghters ! re ! and that little children often look up to police cers ! of for those engaged in public safety. An interfaith service ofcommemoration for service interfaith An In his homily, Father Salvatore Ragusa noted ST MA R Y S-C A .EDU 7

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Senior Forward Rob Jones Steps Into the Spotlight

When West Coast Conference Player of the Year Mickey McConnell gradu- ated last spring, several college basketball experts predicted a decline in the Saint Mary’s men’s basketball program. After all, in addition to the departed McConnell, the Gaels have lost such great players as Patrick Mills, Omar Samhan and Diamon Simpson over the last few years — players who have helped build the Gaels into one of the West Coast’s top college basketball programs. However, it isn’t as though Randy Bennett’s cupboard was bare. There were still some very talented players in the Gaels program who read those predictions and were determined to prove the doubters wrong. One such player is six-foot-six senior forward Rob Jones, one of the most dynamic players on the West Coast, who drew attention early in the season as one of the top rebounders in the nation. A native of San Francisco who attended Archbishop Riordan High School, Jones played his !rst two seasons of college basketball at WCC rival San Diego and, while a Torero, earned a spot on the conference’s all- freshman team. After his sophomore season at USD, Jones was drawn back to the Bay Area due to family health issues. He spent some time at a local community college to earn his associate’s degree and then transferred to Saint Mary’s.

After sitting out the 2009–10 season and watching his teammates ER record the greatest NCAA Tournament run in school history, Jones was N ER

itching to get back onto the court and make his mark on the Gael program. FI OD

“Watching that Sweet 16 run from the bench was de!nitely dif!cult,” T said Jones, who was named WCC Player of the Week after he soared to a career-high 31-point effort earlier this season against his former alma mater, games, provided direction to the younger players and served as leaders to a San Diego. “But, I feel like I learned a lot and matured during that season. It program that expects success, both on and off the court. was great being around that team, getting to know everyone and becoming “Saint Mary’s is a wonderful place,” said Jones. “I wouldn’t trade my more acclimated to the Saint Mary’s culture. Coach (Randy) Bennett has previous experiences for anything. But I love my teammates and my coaches built a special program here, and it’s one that attracts not only great players here. I know I’ve created some lifelong relationships, and I’ll always be a Gael.” but great people as well.” – COURTESY SMCGAELS.COM Jones and Matthew Dellavedova — who played with the Australian National Team last summer — are the unquestioned leaders of this year’s FOR MORE ON SAINT MARY’S ATHLETICS: SMCGaels.com team. During the summer, the duo led off season workouts and pickup

Soccer Team Makes NCAA Elite Eight, North Carolina Tar Heels ended the Gaels’ run for the national title. SMC Rugby Goes to Nationals But by then the team had racked up the most successful postseason run in the history of Saint Mary’s athletics program. Saint Mary’s men’s soccer team had a record-breaking season in 2011, Saint Mary’s men’s rugby team also had a stellar year. The team taking the WCC title and advancing to the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight. claimed the California 7s title on October 30, 2011, with victories over Senior defender Tom Mohoric was among the team’s standouts Santa Clara, San Diego, UC-Berkeley, Cal Poly and San Diego State. during the postseason. In November alone, he scored three goals and With the California title in hand, the Gaels quali!ed for an automatic contributed to three SMC shutouts, including two during the !nal WCC bid to Nationals at Texas A & M on December 16-17. Although Life weekend to clinch the title. Coach Adam Cooper was named the WCC University won the National Collegiate 7s Championship, the never- Coach of the Year for the second time in three years. quit Gaels took the Plate Final and !nished with a 5-1 tournament In the Sweet Sixteen, the team won a thrilling 3-2 overtime match record, placing 5th in the 24-team tourney. at Brown, advancing to the Elite Eight. A 2-0 loss to the No. 1-ranked – COURTESY SMC GAELS AND KORY HAYDEN

8 WINTER 2012 Saint Mary’s faculty enrich their teaching and contribute to the community of scholars through research and publishing activities. FACULTY BOOKS The Bodies, 2011 Literacy Leadership for Christopher Sindt, School of Reading Improvement: Liberal Arts (SOLA) Intervention Programs and The Bodies is a collection of eco poetry, in free verse Balanced Instruction, 2011 elegiac form, inspired by the imagery and history of the Mary Kay Moskal, KSOE American West Coast. Moskal offers speci!c ways literacy leaders and teachers can work together on effective instruction and interventions to help struggling readers succeed.

Play of Lines: Anton Azbe’s Art Academy Personal Saviors, 2011 and the Education of East European Wesley Gibson, SOLA Female Painters, 2011 Gibson offers a humorous and sometimes dark exploration Anna Novakov, SOLA of the unfolding life of an 11-year-old boy trapped between his Anna Novakov’s Play of Lines is the !rst study of Slovenian- fundamentalist faith and his sexuality. born Anton Azbe’s co-educational art school in Munich, where he in"uenced four East European female painters from 1891 until 1905.

Instances, 2010 Monstress, 2012 Jeongrye Choi, (Co-Translated by Lysley Tenorio, SOLA Brenda Hillman, SOLA) A collection of short stories that reveal, through voices, Instances is a collection of poetry by Korean author Jeongrye con"icts and relationships, what it is like to be Filipino and Choi, whose work has been recognized for its powerful a citizen of the world, and the line between expectations metaphors, lyrical beauty and fearless imagination. and reality in shaping identity and a concept of the world.

Slant, 2011 Epic Recession: Prelude to Global Depression, 2010 Nicholas Leither and Barry Horwitz, Jack Rasmus, School of Economics SOLA and Business Administration (SEBA) This writing textbook, with a new approach on essay Rasmus describes how epic recessions like the recent structure, was created to guide students through the writing one are different from normal recessions and depressions. process. Used and edited by Saint Mary’s Seminar and He examines !nancial and non-!nancial variables and their English composition professors. contribution to economic system fragility.

The Pope’s Soldiers, 2011 Many Peoples, Many Faiths: Women and Men David Alvarez, SOLA in the World Religions, Ninth Edition, 2009 Alvarez, an expert in government intelligence agencies and Robert S. Ellwood and the history of Vatican espionage, writes about the military Barbara A. McGraw, SEBA history of the papal authority in this analysis of armed forces The 10th edition of this prestigious and widely adopted world and the Catholic Church. religions text is in production.

The Co-Teaching Book of Lists, 2012 MORE SMC FACULTY PUBLICATIONS Katherine D. Perez, Kalmanovitz stmarys-ca.edu/magazine School of Education (KSOE) A list of practical teaching strategies, including hands-on techniques, suggestions and classroom tested management ideas for teachers who share classroom-teaching responsibilities.

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20 Years of hen Carla Bossard was growing Since she joined the Saint Faraway Places: up, she had a favorite song that Mary’s faculty as a biology FACULTY Carla Bossard she played every day as she prac- professor in 1991, she has PROFILE Wticed the piano. It went: led 20 January Term travel courses to faraway places with strange sounding Faraway places with strange sounding names, names, and under her enthusiastic guidance, gen- Far away over the sea. erations of students have been introduced to the Those faraway places with strange wider world. sounding names, Bossard’s students have snorkeled in the Are calling, calling to me. Cook Islands and Fiji to examine the ecology of

10 WINTER 2012 almost always, as part of it, we do a home stay. After 20 years, Bossard has the Jan Term So students are really in contact with the locals.” experience down to a science. Two recent Jan The resulting experience is often life- Term travel courses — one to Indonesia and one changing for her students. to Thailand, Laos and Singapore — were among Bineydeep Mushiana, a senior who took her favorites because they came off without a two of Bossard’s Jan Term courses, said, “It’s single hitch. But it hasn’t always been that way. the best experience I’ve had so far in my life. She Last year, during a “Summer Jan Term” trip doesn’t just teach through one lens but through to Tibet, she had to rescue her class from a Wild the environmental lens and the cultural experi- West-style brawl between Chinese and Tibetans ence, too. My eyes were opened to the way peo- in a local restaurant. And in 1994, on a trip to ple live their lives, that there’s much more than study the ecology of the Baja Peninsula, all !ve just America.” bridges along Mexico’s Highway 1 were washed Bossard loves travel — she has visited 104 out by unexpected torrential rains, and her soggy different countries so far — and she is fascinated group had to take an arduous route along the Sea by scienti!c research, especially in her specialty of Cortez to reach their destination. of montane forest ecosystems. But that’s not “We still have reunions of that class,” she the heart of why she leads Jan Term classes. The said. “It wasn’t easy, so it created a really strong real reason, she said, is the way the trips open bond between all of us. It was like, ‘Wooooo! students’ minds. We survived.’ ” “It knocks the legs out from under them. It seems that nothing can stop Bossard from It makes them think about: What actually is guiding her students to remote corners of the important in life?” she said. “And that’s what I globe. In 1995, on the last day of a trip to study love about Jan Term. It makes them think about the tropical forests of Sumatra, she slipped and what makes a life worthwhile? What makes a fell off a cliff into a riverbed, nearly severing her life valuable?” spine. She was airlifted to Singapore Hospital in A memorable trip to study coral reef ecology Thailand, where doctors said she might never in the Cook Islands in 2001 is a case in point. walk again. But she proved them wrong. Despite It wasn’t easy getting lingering effects from the injury, she hiked above Professor Carla there. The plane to the 12,000 feet altitude in Tibet last year, and Bossard, astride tiny island of Atiu held this January, she led her students on a three- a yak and bundled in layers of clothing just !ve people and day trek at 10,000 feet to Simien National Park against the cold, the pilot, so it took in Ethiopia. on a summer day !ve trips to shuttle Bossard loves teaching Jan Term classes at Namtso Lake in Tibet. At their in the students and because the lessons learned in the !eld — whether campsite at 15,400 their gear. But once they’re about biology or photography or culture feet elevation, there, they were wel- — seem to stick with students better than lessons Bossard and her students awoke in comed with open learned in the classroom or even the lab. snow-covered tents. arms. In fact, on their “If you’re diving on a coral reef when you’re They had traveled to last day, the villagers studying coral reef ecology, you’re immersed in Namtso Lake, held sacred by Tibetan held a festival in their it. You can smell it and taste it,” she said. “They Buddhists, to meet honor, Bossard re- don’t forget it. Ever. It goes straight into the Tibetan nomads called. “We spent a hypothalamus. Zap!” who gather there every year from April couple of days help- Another reason she keeps going, she through June. ing them collect admitted, is that she hopes that by teaching stu- things, weave things dents to value and respect other people and other coral reefs, hiked through the montane forests and dye things to honor us!” cultures, she will help them to become more of Nepal and Tibet and the tropical forests of In the process, the students learned about a open-minded and less susceptible to the kind Sumatra, photographed the cultures of Morocco culture very different from their own — one in of cultural stereotyping that leads to con"ict and Indochina, and learned about conservation which people don’t invest in nice houses or fur- and war. and culture in Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, nishings, they invest in friendship. “If people have a homestay with someone Bali and Java. And those are just a few of In Morocco, students learned that hospital- in Fez or Yap or Fiji, it’s highly unlikely they’re the classes. ity is king. “If someone wanders in off the desert, going to want something bad to happen to these “I go to places that are really different. you take care of them,” she said. “We had a lame people later,” she said. I don’t go to London. I don’t go to Paris,” said camel in Morocco, and the local villagers took “I joke to my husband that this is my effort Bossard, who is now chair of the Biology Depart- the stone out of its foot — and then fed us dates toward world peace — 15 students at a time.” ment. “We’re in the backside of no place. And and sweets.” – BY TERESA CASTLE

STMARYS-CA.EDU 11 12 BURDITT TOB B PHOTOGRAPHS Y Y WI NTER 2012 SCIENCE WITH A WITH SCIENCE big ideas of human culture. of human big ideas the and books great the explore students Mary’s Saint all where Seminar, ingly in important today’s world. approachThis is edexempli ! in Collegiate integrating science with the rest of the liberal something arts, that is increas at students with their ofinstead professorsthem. lecturing talking pus, observed people collaborating on projects and sharing ideas, and heard double the ofsize my entire town.” — room the in people were300 there lecture, medium-sized ainto walked each other. about cared and whereeveryone placeknew a — village Alaskan small his six colleges that had accepted him. graduatedat schooltop wasthe and class able ofhigh his to choose among father’s his the asrace a twice teenager. footsteps, winning in followed 32, now Whittemore, times. nine terrain Alaska extreme the across race sled Iditarod 1,150-mile famed the ran father his then, but dogs, oflot a That’s 17dogs. sledand parents his with cabin log a shared He 150). (population Alaska Cantwell, in up grew Whittemore PerkinElmer that builds imaging systems for small medical animal research, own hometown. realized the answer wasn’t a huge university with classes twice the size of his he college, to go to wanted he where choosing to came it When hand. one classmates in his graduating in a town so small that he count the could Dusty Whittemore ’01 was born and raised

And he appreciated Saint Mary’s deliberate and unwavering focus on focus unwavering and deliberate Mary’s Saint appreciatedhe And By contrast, he felt at home at Saint Mary’s as he walked the leafy cam “Myrst choice! was the University of Oregon,” he said. “But when we But he wanted the same thing in a university that he had experienced in He atheart. scientist a really is Whittemore athlete, an moreButthan of division a in manager senior a is he whereColo., Boulder, in Now That ledto him Mary’s whereCollege, Saint he majored in physics. BY K RISTIN

gr of ngers ! the on class J. B ENDER - -

LUCA VENTER Dusty Whittemore ’01 majored in physics and is a senior manager in a company that makes imaging systems for small animal research. “It’s really educating people to become learners for life.” said Roy Wensley, dean of the School of Science. It is critically important for scientists to learn how to clearly communicate with the public about their work, he noted. “Our science students have to learn how to write,” he explained. “And they do a lot of writing. Math students write a senior essay, and learning how to collaborate and delving into some area of their discipline.” communicate with teammates and Too often, science programs at other universities are narrowly focused, coaches helped me to develop the exposing students only to courses within their particular !elds, Wensley skills needed to effectively commu- explained. That may produce excellent scientists, but it doesn’t always pro- nicate with other health care team duce excellent thinkers. members as well as my patients.’’ “I like to think of the Saint Mary’s approach as the students getting a The experience also taught her disci- great science education but also grappling with a lot of the ‘big questions’ of pline and how to prioritize her time humanity, meaning and purpose,” he said. for studies, extracurricular activities Alumna Maria Peralta ‘08 agrees and and time with friends and family. said Collegiate Seminar was, “one of the And, in addition to basic sci- top things I took away from my education at Saint ence knowledge, Elliott also took Mary’s College.” A fuller background in liberal arts made her a better scien- with her an increased ability to tist by exposing her to other viewpoints and ways of thinking. show compassion and empathy “Science is a team pursuit and the progression of science depends on other because of Saint Mary’s focus on people’s work and collaboration with other people,” said Peralta, who earned human reason, ethics and justice. a chemistry degree at Saint Mary’s and is working toward her doctorate at UC “The college essentially teaches in a Davis. “It is crucial to be able to interact with other scientists, and the ability to very humanistic way with the ulti- know how to do that is not something a lot of people know how to do.” mate goal of making life better for Psychology major Angelina Elliott ’05 pointed to another experience all people,” she said. that helped to prepare her for medical school at UC Davis. And now Elliott — who !n- “My answer has never wavered over the last six years: playing Division ishes medical school this May and is I soccer at Saint Mary’s College,” Elliott said . “Participating in a team sport waiting to hear where she will serve her pediatric residency — is paying Roy Wensley, professor of physics it forward. “I have always felt supported in my endeavors by Saint Mary’s College, and astronomy and speci!cally my mentor Dr. Hoang Vu and health science advisor Karen Cowman. The dean of the School of school’s steadfast encouragement has motivated me to give back to the school and be Science, in the lobby of the Brousseau Hall a mentor for any Saint Mary’s College student interested in medicine as a career.” science building. The opportunity for science students to interact closely with their professors has proven valuable. “It is really easy to see superiors in science as very threatening and intimidating since they know so much more science then the starting scientist,” Peralta said. “But because of the small feel of the science department, I had constant interaction with all of the chemistry professors and it was that interaction that lessened the intimi- dation factor for me both when I was working in the semiconductor industry and now in graduate school.” Whittemore particularly enjoyed the intimate atmosphere. “The physics program was 6 or 10 people and we were the biggest group they had had. We were kind of a little family all on our own. Because we were such a small group, we were all in it together.” His wife, who went to Texas A&M, had a different experience. “She is always blown away that I call my physics professors by their !rst names and that I keep in touch with them and go visit them.’’ A common misperception about scientists is that they are not social creatures but rather are lone !gures, toiling away in the laboratory. But much of the work is collaborative in nature and done in groups of people who may be from different back- grounds, countries and experiences. That makes interacting with others and collabo- rating cooperatively an imperative skill, said Ken Brown ’77, who has been teaching at Saint Mary’s since 1984. To drive that lesson home, Brown provides students with a set of experimental results (different spectra) that provide various clues to the identity of an unknown compound. Students must identify the compound and show how the experimental evidence supports their conclusion, he said.

14 WINTER 2012

Maria Peralta ’08 is pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at UC Davis. Damon Tighe ‘01, who spent several years working on the Human Genome Project, is also an avid outdoorsman who keeps “scienti!c journals” about his many travels. “As one student proposes a speci!c structural feature of the unknown compound, others can agree or point out contradictory evidence. If any of the students has been struggling with how to begin this sort of problem, they have this opportunity to learn strategies from their classmates,’’ Brown said. The lessons go beyond the laboratory to the !eld, where students gain real-world experience during January Term. They go all over the world to study things like reef ecology on the Cook Islands or food justice in Nicara- Take John Macken, for gua. But even then, there’s more to it than science. example. The 70-year-old “The January Term is an opportunity to take them to China or the graduated from Saint Mary’s Col- South Paci!c to study culture, art and science,’’ said Wensley, who co-led lege with a physics degree in 1962. He has, a trip to the Cook Islands with Professor Carla Bossard several years ago. by any measure, been a successful physicist. Damon Tighe, a 2001 biology major who He holds roughly three dozen patents, devel- now lives in Oakland and works in the oped over a 40-year career. education division of Bay Area-based life science His success in science and business technology company Bio-Rad, went along on that Jan Term trip to the Cook started the year he graduated from college, Islands to study reef ecology, anthropology and astronomy. “That was an when he began working at North American opportunity you can only get at Saint Mary’s.” Aviation, an aerospace company that was While in the Cook Islands, Tighe made necklaces from urchin spines later renamed Rockwell International. He for Wensley and Bossard to show his appreciation for the effort they put into made inventions in what was the new !eld organizing the trip. “I wanted to give them a token of my gratitude,’’ he said. of lasers. With about seven years of work Wensley still has the necklace in his of!ce. on his record, he began working at night John Macken Tighe believes his experiences in Jan Term opened his eyes to different in his garage developing commercial prod- ’62 started in the aerospace cultures and prepared him for the working world, beginning with his !rst job ucts that were instruments for use in the industry, formed — teaching at De La Salle North Catholic High School in Portland, where he laser !eld. In 1971 Macken and his brother his own laser lived with three Christian Brothers. “Being there was a way to experience a incorporated a company named Optical instrument company in different culture and the mechanisms that make that culture work,” he said. Engineering Inc. to manufacture and sell sci- the early 1970s Saint Mary’s emphasis on providing science majors with a solid foun- enti!c instruments that Macken developed. and holds dation in liberal arts and mind stretching experiences is nothing new and He also developed the process and equip- some three dozen patents. has served generations of students well. ment to make laser engraved decorations in wood products and make intricate laser cut paper products. The company changed its name to Lasercraft, Inc. and by 1991 it had grown to about 230 employees.

He later developed a new type of high-power CO2 laser and an innovative optical design that allowed sheet metal to be used for welding automobiles and then sold the company to an automotive-related company in 1997. Macken’s background in physics was instrumental in his success, of course, but so too were the skills he honed in one of the last places you might expect to !nd a physics major: the Debate Society. But the skills he learned debating his classmates transformed him from a shy and introverted young man into a bold and con!dent businessman. “When I was president of my own company, the ability to communicate with employees was critical. I had to be able to in"uence them to adopt my vision or plan,” he said. “I was always using skills that I developed in speech and debate.” Other students have experienced the same transition. “When I came into Saint Mary’s College I was painfully shy,’’ said Michelle Nenzel ’10, who earned a degree in chemistry in 2010 and is now working on a Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno. Hon- ing her debating and public speaking skills through liberal arts courses sharpened her ability to communicate with peers. That skill served her well the !rst time she had to deliver a talk, on depleted uranium and its impact on the environment. “If I hadn’t had Seminar I don’t think I would have gotten through it.’’

Kristin J. Bender is a longtime reporter at the Oakland Tribune.

18 WINTER 2012 A

NEW . WORDS

OF

ER

RIV WATERSHED T H G I R Y COP Y POETR

D AN RT FOR LL A LL A

. ST 2010 FINALI 2010 H, H, FIS H WIT

SWIM RIVER I . O I D U T S ART UN UN J OF N, GA., SHI GA., N, R U B IL L 5, GE

IU, A IU, WORDS L

HUA HUA BY TERESA CASTLE S A J

STMARYS-CA.EDU 19 Robert Hass remembers the exact HEAVEN moment when his poetic imagination and love of nature came together and Before my granddad caught !re. It was 1959 and Hass, died, he told me about who would go on to become Poet .

heaven and why it existed. Laureate of the United States, was a ST sophomore in the Integral Program He said the night sky at Saint Mary’s. One day, his profes- was a huge black

sor sent him and his classmates to 2010 FINALI ,

blanket, that every Lake La Salle to observe birds. RLD

soul could peek “One of the !rst things I did WO was to go out to the lake, lift a pair through and watch over us. of binoculars and see a Caspian He believed the stars were smiling tern, this immense white bird, great UNDERWATER !sher of the bird species, sail over

faces of those passed, who LAR

the lake, open its wings like a para- U watched me every day. clete and plunge into the lake and

My granddad said come up with a !sh. It was just a PECTAC S E

he would be moment of heart-stopping beauty.” H T

He felt he’d been given “a new

one of those RING

pair of eyes with which to see things,” he said. “It O

passed, and would PL

was a gift that I tried to give back.” EX Y.

watch over the In his books of poetry, from Field Guide to T IVI

world he loved. the Pulitzer Prize-winning Time and Materials T A

and beyond, Hass has returned that gift many RE I’ve looked at C

times over. But one of the most far-reaching ways OF

the stars in the L he has passed it along is through River of Words, OO H

sky, trying to a program he and writer Pamela Michael co- C !nd that new founded in 1995 that encourages children to !nd their own inspiration — and their inner artist — smiling face so , CHINA, S G

in the natural world. N

I can smile back. O

Last fall, with a little help from Vice Provost K G DiAnna Rowe, for Graduate and Professional Studies Chris Sindt, N HO age 11 River of Words found a new home at Saint Mary’s 14,

Greeley, Colo. as the !rst project of the College’s new Center for GE 2010 Grand Prize, Environmental Literacy, a program based in the , A HO Category II School of Education that explores ways to inte- UN UN S

(Grades 3–6) grate nature and the arts in the classroom. T

The heart of River of Words is an annual OK M international contest that inspires children in kin- dergarten through 12th grade to go out into their local watersheds and create at Saint Mary’s for 18 years. poetry and art that captures their unique surroundings. He sees watersheds as a lens through which we can understand our “The world’s children are perhaps its most truthful and sensitive environment and, ultimately, become better stewards of our world. “We observers,” said Michael, who is the director of the Center for Environmen- can’t take care of something that we don’t understand, and we’re not going tal Literacy, the editor of The Gift of Rivers and a former member of Wild to get interested in understanding it unless we come to love it,” he said. Writing Women, a Bay Area travel writers’ group. In order to !re young imaginations and carve out a new vision of how Around 20,000 contest entries pour in to River of Words each year. to live on the land, Hass believes, we need to bring together science, litera- The most promising are reviewed by a panel of judges, including Michael, ture and art. “This generation is going to have to deal with a whole series of Hass and children’s book illustrator Thacher Hurd, who select about 100 environmental problems,” he said. “They need to have a language for what poems and artworks as !nalists. A dozen grand prize winners and a teacher they care about.” of the year are honored at an annual ceremony at the Library of Congress The project grew out of a germ of an idea and a stroke of synchronicity. Center for the Book in Washington, D.C., and the children’s work is “I woke up one morning with the phrase ‘river of words’ in my head,” published in an anthology sent to thousands of classrooms across the nation, said Michael, who was then working as a consultant for International Riv- so their creations can inspire other youngsters. ers. She conceived an idea for a poetry contest about rivers to coincide with “We have to do this for the sake of our children, for the sake of the !rst National Poetry Month in April 1996. Around the same time, a our land, for our imagination and our future,” said Hass, who taught friend introduced her to the new Poet Laureate. Coincidentally, Hass was

20 WINTER 2012 DEER PRINT A. K

AN A soft indentation — thin legs threatening L I

R two toes — to give way, marks the ground, small brown head LLA, S LLA, E a blank reminder trembling in the cold. of what has been here before me. I want to see her bound away, I try to feel amazed, her tail high in the air, 10, MAWAN to marvel at this muddy imprint, her two-toed hooves GE

ST to feel lucky at my chance marking the ground.

UNA, A UNA, notice — R Benjamin F. Williams, age 12 A

K but I want to see the deer, A

J Westport Island, Maine 2010 FINALI , steam streaming from her nostrils 2004 Finalist as she stares at me, UNI RA UNI R I H UNTITLED

STMARYS-CA.EDU 21 22 WI NTER 2012

GEOFFREY CHUNG CHEUK HIN, AGE 6, HONG KONG, CHINA, SIMPLY ART. HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR, 2010 FINALIST. working on a large gathering of environmental writers at the Library of of science, education and the arts. Already, the center is sponsoring four Congress called “Watershed: Writers, Nature and Community.” The two publishing internships for MFA students and working on an orientation app visions coalesced into River of Words, which now oversees the largest youth for iPhones and iPads on the cultural and natural history of the College. poetry competition in the world. Together with Education Professor Raina Leon, Michael is also plan- “Its true genius is its simplicity,” Michael said. “We believe that the joy of ning a weeklong summer camp for Bay Area eighth-graders that will be discovery and investigation excites children and that learning should be fun.” called the Saint Mary’s Explorers Club. The youngsters will explore SMC’s Along with the annual contest, River of Words publishes a detailed 400 acres, including the Legacy Garden, the observatory, the swamp and “Watershed Explorer” curriculum, which encourages teachers to draw on the Redwood Grove, and create an online guide to all the trees on campus. many disciplines, including history, math, science, social studies, geography River of Words nourishes imaginations — young and old — in many and the arts, to help children understand the natural world. ways. Some of the young writers and artists even !nd their calling through Michael believes River of Words will be a catalyst for collaboration the contest. Rebecca Givens Rolland, a 1998 Grand Prize winner, has con- at Saint Mary’s, too, bringing together students and faculty from the schools tinued to develop her passion for poetry while earning degrees in English

THIS PLACE The creek runs past a fallen grandmother bay tree Over stones smoothed by the .

ST centuries The ripples INALI F seem to be

2010 2010 everlasting Y! A buckeye leaf "oats down TTERFL U

B the creek While the wrentit sings YOU, YOU, E and the sword fern OV L I stands guard LL. I

, Five-!nger ferns peek over the edge

BROOK The love of this place H is like NORT a child’s heart. 12,

GE Tobi Earnheart-Gold, age 9 IA TU, A TU, IA Bolinas, Calif. CTOR

I 1997 Grand Prize V

MISUNDERSTOOD

In a sacred place, a creek is alive, Water springs out creating unforgettable ripples. Shallow, murky, moving water. And if you look closely, you can see the A water-strider walks along the water. copper glow of pennies, the creek “Look closely, follow our movements,” hopelessly misunderstood for a fountain. the green water whispers. Dead leaves drift upon the water. A misplaced turtle bobs up and down, The turtle observes this silently. swimming gracefully. While the only spectator in the creek is Its striped shell and red head "oats near the Abe Lincoln’s copper face. surface and then disappears. Ripples spread over and over again, Caroline María Woods-Mejía, age 12 like a never-ending secret. Berkeley, Calif. A wilted tulip drifts by. 2009 Creek Seeker Grand Prize

STMARYS-CA.EDU 23 from Yale and Boston University. Her work has won a number of awards which begins “In a sacred place, a creek is alive…” and her !rst book of poems, The Wreck of Birds, will be published next year. “It’s wonderful how this connects poets like Robert Hass and writers Givens Rolland, now a doctoral student at Harvard’s Graduate School like me and these young poets,” he said. “It really is like a river of words that of Education, said the award “gave me con!dence at a young age in the power keeps "owing through time.” of poetry to express emotions and thoughts, and made me feel connected to The 16th Annual River of Words Youth Creativity Awards Ceremony a broader community of writers and to environmental issues.” will be held at the Library of Congress on April 23, 2012. Saint Mary’s will At the College’s reception last fall for River of Words, Tobi Earnheart- host a California ceremony in the Soda Center on April 28. Gold, a former !nalist who recently graduated from Stanford, spoke to the In addition, to celebrate the new program, the SMC Museum of Art will audience about the moment when “poetry found him.” display artwork by the 2012 contest winners from April 15 to June 10, the “River of Words instilled in me a sense of place and a relationship to art College library will feature River of Words artwork throughout April, and a that later became a refuge,” he said. Words Into Music Symposium will be held in Hagerty Lounge on April 27. The audience listened with delight as two teenage contest winners read To learn more about River of Words and the Center for Environ- their poems. In each work, a sense of place, closely observed, gave rise to a mental Literacy, see stmarys-ca.edu/row. To donate to the Center for delicious sense of discovery of the world — and of the child’s own nature. Environmental Literacy, contact Robert Smriga at (925) 631-4787 Standing at the back of the room, Bryn Garrehy, a student in Saint or donate online at stmarys-ca.edu/giving/make-a-gift-now by desig- Mary’s MFA program listened, enraptured, as Caroline María Woods- nating the center, listed under the Kalmanovitz School of Education, Mejía, a 2009 Grand Prize winner, recited her poem, “Misunderstood,” as the bene!ciary.

STREAM OF

WORDS ST slowly the words !nd 2010 FINALI

their way down Y, the trickling EMED R

stream to the river. A

ING

Abe Hoffman, K EE

age 8 S AND

Denver, Colo. 2010 Monkey’s Raincoat Prize

(honoring a RBEARANCE

short poem in the FO Y. ET

Japanese haiku I

tradition) OC S ART LA LA O H G L O AN, GH AN, ST I K A, PA A, ETT 14, QU GE ANI, A ANI, SS A H HULLAH HULLAH O R

24 WINTER 2012 Turkeys are the unof!cial campus alarm clock. GAELS (See Wild Saint Mary’s, p. 30) IN THEIR HABITAT} ROOMMATE OBSERVATION TIPS}

TO IDE GU ELD A FI STUDENT LIFE

5 B 1 Y ’ K S A E T T H EN R U YN P G ET ER LIS AGHTY ‘12 AND

There are certain experiences every col- lege student goes through — moving away from home, the !rst taste of independence, pulling all-nighters in a desperate attempt to !nish that term paper you put off all semester. ¶ But there are also aspects of college life unique to Saint Mary’s. In this !eld guide to campus life, students share insider information about their secret haunts and their only- at-Saint-Mary’s experiences.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEFFREY BRAVERMAN ILLUSTRATIONS BY MAGGIE OLSON

STMARYS-CA.EDU 25 Stress reliever 1: Stress reliever 2: Sneaking into the Chapel Meditating with Brother Camillus: to listen to Brother Martin practice “I promise it will raise your GPA.” on the 3,649-pipe organ.

The Party Animal The Activist Late nights are what party There is a fine line between animals are all about. They being a mere animal lover or always have an entourage, recycler and the roommate ready to party wherever who is really serious about they go. Unfortunately for social issues. They will you, it will be in your dorm. take dedication to a whole Earplugs and an authorita- other level. They will cover tive RA may help you get the walls with bright posters, through the year with a speak endlessly about their party animal. But, on the issues, and do anything and plus side, meeting people everything on campus to make is made easy because new sure their voices are being friends are brought to you. heard. These roommates may Places you will find them: actually get you interested in On the floor issues you didn’t know about On a roof and most importantly, get In bed until noon you active. Not in class Places you will find them: Intercultural Center Women’s Resource Center CILSA The Athlete Mission and Ministry Like the smell of sweat? Well, you will after living with an athlete. Soccer, baseball, water polo, lacrosse, basketball and everything in between, you will have all kinds of players in your room complaining about 6 a.m. practice, team bonding events (yoga), or trouble with the coach. Practice will take up most of their time so you will have to seek out other friends. Or you may decide to join in on the action and be part the team. Places you might find them: Madigan Gym Turf Power Plant Stress reliever 3: Mind expander: Chilling out in the secret Stargazing rose garden near Oliver Hall. with Professor (Then look for the 12 secret Ron Olowin. entrances to the catacombs.)

The Super Scholar These roommates rarely see the light of day. They spend their time studying, studying and then studying some more. While they will not go to events with you or acknowledge your presence behind their mounds of work, their dedication may inspire you to drop the game room ping-pong paddle and hit the books. The Musician Places you will find them Singing in the shower shouldn’t Library be a concern when you have In their dorm a musician roommate. They Café Louie will play their hearts out in the Writing Center lawn, in the room, or wherever Tutoring they can find an audience. Get ready to enjoy the thrill of hearing all kinds of new music genres. Earplugs are your best investment, unless, on the rare occasion that they do possess some talent, you can collect mounds of artifacts to sell on eBay once they reach notable fame. Places you might find them: Syufy Chapel Lawn De La Salle Lawn Practice Rooms

STMARYS-CA.EDU 27 “Useless for texting.” Small classes: you Surrounded by can’t hide and it’s beauty every day. harder to text and check Facebook.

The No Show Swag: con!dence in whatever (Not pictured) These The Video Gamer you’re wearing, even if it’s a roommates are always If you love the sound of pink tutu. You just rock it. MIA, either cozy back at combat, zombie death and home or nowhere to be non-stop action, then you’ve found. You are in for some hit the jackpot with a video quiet weekends and lonely game geek roommate. They nights but do not worry; will keep you up all night with there are always plenty the glare of their computer of out-of-state students or TV monitors flashing war on campus. scenes or the bright green Places you might find them: turf of FIFA or Madden games. Catacombs? Video gamers are serious Facebook about their virtual worlds; so serious you might enjoy having the room to yourself in the Best running trails: Up to the real world. cross and then down to the Places you might find them: Redwood Grove; the campus In their dorm loop; at Lafayette Reservoir. Next to a videogame console

Food tip 2: A taco truck shows up in the library parking lot late on Friday nights.

28 WINTER 2012 Energy tip: Hunker Mind blowing: down with coffee helping rebuild at Café Louis !rst a country during thing in the morning. Jan Term.

Food tip 1: Freshmen give up Imagine you’re on looking fabulous in a Harry Potter !rst thing in the movie while din- morning and go to ing at Oliver Hall. class in their pajamas. It looks like the Hogwarts School Great Hall, with- out the ghosts. We think. Place to nap: the library — in the beanbag chairs or in a cubicle.

Wild about sports: !erce Freshman socialization competition and a habit tip: open door policy in of winning. the dorms.

Body painting SMC style: Your body Redwood Grove: is your brush when you paint the commune with the spirit letters on the hillside. of naturalist John Muir in an island of solitude on a busy campus.

STMARYS-CA.EDU 29 WILD SAINT MARY’S BY GINNY PRIOR #$%&'$ wildlife and college in the same breath and it conjures up visions of the 1970s movie Animal House. But in a setting as serene as the Moraga Valley, the wildlife most talked about at Saint Mary’s College is the four-legged or feathered kind. Consider the words of ornithologist Brother John James O’Neill, who noted 100 avian species on campus in 1981: “It is my hope that this list will give guidance to Integral Biology students and pleasure to visiting bird- watchers. May it also serve as a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us if we only take the time to look, and wonder.” While the incursion of wildlife into popu- lated areas is increasing around the nation, for a number of reasons, the Saint Mary’s campus, with its park-like setting on 420 acres, has always shared space with the wild animals of the Moraga hills. And it still inspires wonder, along with a D host of other emotions. Barbara Smith, adminis- LLAN E

trative assistant to the president, remembers the U S T time, 20 years ago, when a wild turkey decided S to invite himself to a fancy luncheon in Brother Jerome West Hall. “There was a whole "ock outside and this one bird decided this would be a good adventure,” she said. He jumped on the table where the dishes were set up and Public Safety had to haul the bird out in a tablecloth. Meanwhile, student Craig Phillips remem- bers a turkey causing quite a kerfuf"e when he strutted through the propped-open doors of a classroom in Sichel Hall last year. Several years ago Bill Sullivan, director of scheduling and promotions, took photos of two young barn owls nesting in a broken downspout on the roof of Augustine Hall. It was during the summer when students weren’t around, so he was able to lean out of a third story window and snap away at the owlets peeking over the edge of the downspout. “They were old enough to be more curious than afraid,” Sullivan said. “But they were almost ready to leave the nest and not long

after that they were gone.” SULLIVAN BILL

30 WINTER 2012 Barn owls (far left) once made the Chapel steeple their home, but these two were found nesting in a dormitory downspout. Deer, a constant wild presence on campus, wander the Quad, munch on bushes and peer through windows,

’14 curious perhaps O

V about our human O world. Meanwhile,

ALNU neighborhood cattle S with wanderlust CA make appearances

CEE on campus from

JAY time to time.

STMARYS-CA.EDU 31 Courtney Carmignani ’05, associate direc- Even my golf cart zooming around her didn’t get and when they mingle with any of the estimated tor of alumni and volunteer engagement, her out of there.” 100 feral cats at Saint Mary’s, the results can be remembers when she was a student there was In the 83 years that Saint Mary’s Col- comical. Collegiate Seminar professor Jim Smith a famous family of albino raccoons that was lege has been in Moraga, some stories have once observed a cat descend from the cradle of actually featured in a cover photo in the been told so many times, they’ve achieved a Cork Oak to check out a "ock of hen turkeys. Collegian. But it was an encounter with a folklore status. The brothers cutting their “This cat came down — playing the leopard cow that topped her list of animal tales. It was hair for the birds to use making nests, — stalking them,” he said. What proceeded to during preparation for the annual Barbecue in the students coaxing the cow up the stairs of unfold was a curious dance where the cat would the Grove. “I headed out to the Redwood Grove Augustine Hall — these stories are all told with advance on the birds, and they’d move as a unit to set up and found a huge black and white great embellishment. to push him back. “They were huge birds,” said cow in the grove, eat- But where cows were once Smith. “There was no way the cat was going to ing the grass. I could plentiful, it’s the "ocks of wild tur- do anything.” not get her to move! keys that rule the roost these days, Controlling the cat population has been a

32 WINTER 2012 labor of love for several professors, staff and stu- dents, who are following a plan used at a number of other campuses. “When Stanford started their project 10 years ago, they had 1,500 cats and now they’re down to 200,” said Felicidad Oberhol- zer, professor of religion and theological studies, who along with Integral professor Alexis Doval, runs SMC Ferals. It’s been proven that the most effective and humane way to handle the cats is to

trap, neuter and release them back to their colo- D nies on campus, Oberholzer explained. LLAN As for claims that they’re threatening the E U S T bird population, she said, “Yes, cat’s kill birds. S

Wild turkeys But it’s unlikely to hap- serve as ad hoc campus alarm pen when they’re in a clocks, waking colony and fed.” SMC students early Ferals makes sure the in the morning, most noticeably campus cats eat regu- on weekends, larly and tracks them unfortunately. online (See “(')# '$- Feral cats living on campus are tracked *&$#” below). on a web site Meanwhile, Doval (see More Online). has created a Google bird map for the species he and his students have identi!ed during fresh- man lab. They include sapsuckers, !nches, towhees and a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks they captured on camera in the process of mating. Most proli!c, perhaps, are the Cliff Swallows who seem to have chosen the eaves under Brousseau Hall as their own personal maternity ward. (See photos and a Google map of birds on campus at “(')# '$*&$#”) Brother Charles Hilken remembers other winged creatures leaving their mark on campus over the years, including the owl that lived in the Chapel tower some 20 years ago. “It would occa- sionally drop its stomach contents (bones and fur) on the chapel steps.” Relative newcomers to SMC’s bird “sanc- tuary” are the crows, which biology professor Larry Cory calls “free wheeling” creatures that can be found from the branches of the tallest trees to the open lawn. “They !rst appeared on the campus in the year of the great Oakland !re and have been residents here ever since.” Among the best songbirds, he noted, are the House Finches, Warbling Vireo and Black-

D headed Grosbeaks. Day after day, the show goes on at Saint LLAN E Mary’s. It’s like watching Wild Kingdom on a U S T loop. For most of us, that’s a whole lot better than watching Animal House. VAL, S O D S MORE ONLINE XI E

L stmarys-ca.edu/magazine A I 34 omn tcnlg sco ad on hs new his found and sector technology booming that wasn’tmedicine he realized for him. arst cadaver,attempt at! his dissecting however, University. San After State Francisco San ofand Mateo College the at courses science through pursued he which medicine, in career a was goal “got no respect.” his age and lack of higher education, he noted, heof because But 20. of age the by cer ! of bank a became he fast, Rising banking. —supply short 1995, he went into a eld! where money is never in School graduating from in Madera after High So stamps.” food on lived “sometimes and said, he up in the Central Valley, his family was very poor, Growing success. to route circuitous a of nation out their fantasies in out game every the month. fantasies their online “residents,”visitors,or million the live1whonearly for possible as seamless as experience Life Second the making for responsible is employees 75of teamMay, customersupportlastofhistor “ C player in several of those transformations. ofthose several in player akey been has Mary’s Saint and lowdreams, his reinvented in many his questtimes himself to fol has Beckman reality. virtual in worlds alternate users to bring their dreams to life by creating creating by life to dreams their bring to users allows that site online popular a Life, Second of creator the Lab, Linden at works ’10 MA ’05 Beckman Carlo that !tting only seems t S arlo Beckman’s Around that time, he took a risk on the the on risk a took he time, that Around His degree. a getting on sights his set he So “There was a lot of ‘Hey, kid,’ ” he remembers. His His new position at Linden Lab is the culmi At Linden Lab, where he took over as direc overtookwhereheasLab, Linden At QUAD econd econd WI NTER L 2012 ife” - - -

ALEN MACWEENEY in cellar master at the Christian Brothers was man who the Diener, Timothy to Brother tribute (a value) is atting $94 ! a for $60 bottle Education Fund. a annuallycabernet tot! bene the of Guffy the the decade,” winemakersaid celebrated Dave Sauvignon is ready to debut. “ plum nose, the 2007 Brother Timothy Cabernet W S 2007 Brother ith a deep luminous core and a bright cherry/ N upports upports apa for more than 50 years. The wine, available to Saint Mary’s alumni alumni Mary’s to Saint available wine, The H ess Collection, who handcrafts ess whoCollection, handcrafts S cholarships I t’s the vintage of I t’s a reserve- L asallian asallian T W imothy inery inery

passionate passionate goals in life. the poor, and it was one of Brother Timothy’s Salle Christian Brothers’ ongoing mission to serve at Mont vineyard two-acre an education at Saint Mary’s. families, who mightbe otherwise unable to afford goproceeds to providefor scholarships legacy wines. world-class N he toiled. where in soil the grown grapes from made cases 294 of just offering quality ow leased by the ow leased Even morecant ! issigni the fact that the C abernet abernet H ess Collection, the small small the Collection, ess L a Salle yields yields a Salle I t is part of the De De the of part t is

L a calling. He left banking, dropped out of college anything. But over time, I learned to embrace and went to work for VeriSign, an early player in constructive criticism. Now I seek it out.” the !eld of online payments. When it comes to positive feedback, he Though he loved the work, it was a struggle practices what he preaches. At an earlier job, to get ahead. A mentor at the company offered he adopted a regular discipline to make sure he some sage advice: “If you want to go further, you remembered to hand out large helpings of praise: should get a degree.” So in 2003, encouraged by As he left for work each morning, he’d put four his wife, Angelica (Garcia) Beckman, a 1997 Saint small stones in his left pocket. Every time he gave Mary’s accounting graduate, he enrolled in SMC’s someone positive feedback, he’d transfer one of School of Extended Education (SEED) program, the stones to his right pocket. And he wouldn’t go a former degree completion program for working home until all four stones were in his right pocket. adults, and earned a B.A. in management in 2005. The discipline Beckman brings to his manage- Over the next !ve years, he climbed the career ment duties may be rooted in two practices he fol- ladder in a succession of management positions at lows outside of work: martial arts and meditation. Quicken Health, BOKU and Cryptic Studios. He Beckman has studied martial arts, including also enrolled in the M.A. in Leadership program karate, kung fu and tae kwon do, throughout his at Saint Mary’s, earning his second SMC degree life and is now an avid practitioner of Samurai in 2010 while continuing to work full-time. sword !ghting. Meditation is a skill he learned at Recently, Beckman returned to Saint Mary’s the feet of Brother Camillus Chavez, Saint Mary’s once again — this time to deliver the keynote meditation master. His new goal is to become pro- address at Dine With Alums, an annual event at !cient enough in meditation to “teach other which alumni share their hard-earned wisdom people the skill so they can improve their lives.” about the world of work with SMC students pre- Beckman already helps improve the lives of paring to launch their careers. others through his volunteer work and service to His top career tips for the students were: Find the College. He’s a mentor in Year Up, an inten- a mentor and decide what you value most. His own sive training program for young urban adults, values have changed over time, he said. “Five years and a member of the SMC Latino Alumni Chap- ago, my goal was to be a C-level executive rolling ter. In May, he became a member of Saint Mary’s around in a Mercedes-Benz,” he said. Now, with Alumni Board of Directors. He looks forward to two young sons and more experience in the world of giving back to the College because, “I loved my management, he said he values “work/life balance, courses and I loved my teachers. And it was at a chance to be challenged and to make change.” Saint Mary’s that I learned to inspire people to The most crucial thing he has learned in his achieve a greater good.” career, he said, is the importance of feedback — – TERESA CASTLE both positive and negative — although accepting negative feedback didn’t come easy. If you would like to be involved in next year’s Dine “At !rst, it was dif!cult for me to hear With Alums event, contact Courtney Carmignani criticism,” he admitted. “I had never failed at at [email protected] or (925) 631-4577.

“Basically, Brother Timothy approved the With his impressive stature, big hands and strong The fund — the West Coast Educational Foun- project and the legacy,” said SMC Alumni Board understanding of science, Brother Timothy proved dation of the De La Salle Christian Brothers member Michael Mulcahy ‘74, noting that too to be a quick study in the !eld of viticulture. It — provides scholarships to help disadvantaged many young people face the double threat of wasn’t long before he’d established the Christian students gain access to Lasallian Schools and poverty and exclusion. He called the scholarships a Brothers as one of the leading producers of wine in educational programs. great way to keep the Christian Brothers’ mission California’s budding wine industry. Indeed, it was The Brother Timothy 2007 Cabernet Sauvi- and legacy alive through a bottle of wine. his smiling image on advertisements nationwide. gnon is a tribute to his memory, and to the Chris- The legend of Brother Timothy is well known But as famous as he became for his wine, tian Brothers’ contributions to California wine. But in Napa — and throughout the California wine Brother Timothy considered himself a Brother for Mulcahy, it’s also a way for underprivileged industry. He was a high school chemistry teacher !rst and a winemaker second. He loved tending to youth to transform their lives and the lives of their when he was assigned to Mont La Salle in 1935 his vineyards and had an impressive collection of families and communities. “To me, this is a mes- — just !ve years after the Christian Brothers orchids but he never lost his focus on educating sage in a bottle,” he said. “It’s a message of hope.” purchased 340 acres on Mt. Veeder in the fertile children and helping the poor. – GINNY PRIOR Napa Valley. The property included vineyards and Near the end of his life, (he passed away an old stone winery where the Brothers made in 2004 at the age of 94) Brother Timothy TO ORDER WINE: stmarys-ca.edu/for-alumni/ altar wine and some early offerings of table wine. helped establish the Lasallian Education Fund. brother-timothy-wine

STMARYS-CA.EDU 35 QUAD L BUNN E DANI

2010 3 7 Chris Stevens ML retired as a lieutenant and division commander from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office last July and has formed Summit Solutions Consulting LLC. Chris is combining his 23 years of law enforcement and management experience with the knowledge gained through the SMC graduate Leadership program to offer services in HR, strategic planning, organizational change and workplace violence mitigation and other areas. www.summitsolutionsconsulting.com 2009 [1] After graduating from the Teachers for Tomorrow program at Saint Mary’s, Cassidy Gunter joined the Peace Corps. She lived in a small Kriol village of about 150 people in Belize and worked as a primary school teacher trainer and English teacher. Gunter (shown 1 with students) is now back in the States and living in Walnut Creek, continuing her work as an educator. Kathryn Morgan EMBA. Kathryn Morgan has been appointed sales and marketing manager at ASL Pharmacy. Kathryn’s most recent experience was at Clipper Windpower, Inc., where she was a communication specialist and project manager, and Medtronic, where she was in franchise marketing. 2008 [2] Molly Bergeson met her husband, Patrick O’Bryant, in 2004 while attending Bradley University. Molly transferred to SMC in 2006 and graduated in 2008 with a degree in Kinesiology. The couple were married on July 29, 2011, on Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman Island. Megan Galloway ’08 was a bridesmaid in the wedding. Patrick and Molly currently call Las Vegas their home but continue to travel for Patrick’s job. Molly owns an eyelash extension company in Las Vegas. [3] Nathan Garcia was married on Oct. 29, 2011, in historic San Antonio, Texas. It was a wonderful day for many blessed reasons, but especially so because his closest friends and fellow Gaels traveled from both ends of the country to witness him exchange vows and to take part in the ceremony. They shared love, laughter and tears of joy. It was a testament

36 WINTER 2012 5

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Miric, Lindsay Short ECR ’09 ME ’10, Marc Kaiser, PJ Hainley ME ECR ’09 and Steve Wackowski ‘05! 2007 [6] Jeff Karlton (shown with SF Giants player Barry Zito) has been a proud uncle for almost two years now. He received his commission as an Army Reserve second lieutenant on Nov. 29,2010, and is attending 2 training in San Antonio, Texas. 6 9 4 [7] Jonathan Danzl were married on Sept. 24 to his longtime girlfriend, Sarah Noe. The couple lives in Boulder, Colo. Jon is a business intelligence analyst in Broomfield, Colo. 2006 [8] Jessica (Fajardo) married Benjamin W. Griswold on Aug. 6, 2011, at Saint Mary’s Chapel. They were surrounded by family and friends. Shown are Jessica Fajardo, Fabiola Martinez ‘06, Kassie Zipay ‘06, Adriana Martinez ‘06, Jasmine Fajardo and Julia Fajardo (sisters of the bride). Jake Murray joins HFS Consultants as a consultant in reimbursement practice. Murray joins the company from Toyon Associates, where he held a similar role. After receiving a B.S. in Business Administration from Saint Mary’s, he earned an MBA with a concentration in finance from California State University, East Bay. Nicole Ward and Keith Nielsen were married on Dec. 3, 2011, in Sacramento. The ceremony took place at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, with a reception following at Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills. Nicole sells advertising for a travel magazine and Keith is an officer with the California Highway Patrol. The couple lives in Silicon Valley. Jessica Larson ’05 served as the 8 maid of honor. to the wonder of their alma mater! (Left to right: Robert Unzueta ’07, Michael 2005 Antonopoulos ’09, Theresa Garcia Denny Bulcao has worked in Austin, (beautiful bride), Laura Ayala ’08 (best Texas, as a senior web writer for PayPal/eBay friend), Francesca Parodi (graduating in 2012) and now works for MetLife in Warwick, R.I. and Scott Cullinane ’09.) He anxiously awaits another season of SMC [4] Megan (McAlpin) Sanchez basketball. Shameless plug: He also freelances was married on Oct. 1, 2011, in a vineyard in via his website, www.DennyWrites.com. Paso Robles, Calif. Numerous Gaels were in Snoopy says hi and Go Gaels! attendance, including maid of honor Melissa [9] Kelli (Cook) and Ryan Mahoney MacDonald, Jessica McDonald ME ’06 were blessed with their second daughter, ’10, groomsman Jarod Handel ‘07 and Emily Faye Mahoney, on May 29, 2011. Now her Dan Anderson’07. Megan is already sister McKayla, who is 2 1/2 years old, has a discussing Saint Mary’s with her 9-year-old playmate! stepdaughter as a top choice for college. They [10] Jennifer Merlo is engaged to reside in Morro Bay, Calif. Byran Schleicher. The two reside in Arizona, [5] Katie (Wackowski) and Ryan where Jennifer continues to pursue her Gummow were married on July 9, 2011. insurance career with Travelers Insurance. The party wouldn’t stop because along with Byran is a U.S. Border Patrol agent. Jen and them were their closest Gaels, including Alex Byran will be married in Southern California in Oetken ME ’09 ECR ’09, Christy August 2012.

STMARYS-CA.EDU 37 QUAD

[11] Jessica Porras married Katie 2001 18 Walrod of Richmond, Va., on May 15, 2011, [16] Clara (Hagemann) Elliott and her in Washington, D.C. Her maid of honor was husband, Kevin, just adopted a son, Elijah. Clara fellow SMC grad Jennifer Merlo. The is already reading him the classics, getting him couple honeymooned in Riviera Maya, Mexico. ready for Seminar classes. Elijah is a Gael in Jessica is working at Georgetown Law School the making! in the Dean of Students office, and Katie works Jason Murray announces that he has at George Washington University in Student been promoted to sports editor at the Syracuse Affairs. They happily reside in Arlington, Va. Post-Standard, where he has worked since 2003. [12] Stephanie Sandbergen MS, He served previously as an assistant sports along with husband Mark, daughter Lulu editor and copy editor. After SMC, he earned and son Alek, spent half of July on a cruise a master’s degree from the S.I. Newhouse to Alaska and Victoria, sailing from San School of Public Communications at Syracuse Francisco. Highlights included learning about University in 2003. He lives in Camillus, N.Y. with the Tlingit clan in Juneau, the lumberjack show his wife, Candace, and their 8-year-old daughter. in Ketchikan (the salmon capital of the world), riding on the White Pass and Yukon Route 2000 Railroad, and walking on the Mendelhall Glacier. [17] Christine (Lander) married Mark Professionally, Stephanie ended an internship Ventrella on July 16, 2011 in at the George Key at Hope Hospice in Dublin but continues to Ranch in Placentia, Calif. Gaels in attendance volunteer at this wonderful nonprofit. were Ravi Kolla, Josie (Trujillo) Elliott, and Jennifer (Portier) Wolf. 2003 The couple lives in Yorba Linda, Calif. and is [13] Katie (Bannister) MA ’08 and expecting a son in April 2012. Neal McSherry ’02 welcomed Reece [18] Lauren Lovett announces her William McSherry on Oct. 26, 2011! Katie engagement to Brendan Illingworth. She continues to teach first grade in Lafayette, works at Berkeley High School as an inclusion and Neal began a new job at Stub Hub in San specialist. Brendan graduated from UC Santa Francisco this summer. Cruz in 2002 with a major in mathematics and works as an electrical engineer at SCI 2002 in Livermore, Calif. The wedding will be in [14] Joseph Morstad completed his first Monterey, Calif., on Aug. 10, 2012. The couple sprint triathlon on September 11 at TriRock San plans to reside in Livermore. Diego. For 16 weeks, he trained and helped mentor with the San Diego chapter of Team 14 Challenge, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s endurance training and fundraising program, which helps to find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Joseph was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis 2008. Since then, he has started his own training business and website, Strength and Nutrition, providing fitness and nutritional coaching to fitness enthusiasts and those living with IBD. He enjoys living a healthy and happy lifestyle in San Diego and is looking forward to his next triathlon. [15] Lesley (McPherson) Luppino and husband Nick Luppino ’02 announced the birth of their second child, Nickolas, in May 2011. Older sister Sophia, 2, is thrilled to have a baby brother. 16

MFA PROGRAM IN CREATIVE WRITING RAFFLE WINNING PRIZE: ONE WEEK STAY IN A VILLA IN UMBRIA, ITALY June 15 – 22, 2012 umbriatuscany.com Includes 2 !rst class or 4 economy airline tickets to London on Virgin Airlines. $50 per ticket Drawing at MFA Scholarship Fund Bene!t Saturday, March 10, 2012 5–8 p.m. Dolby Chadwick Gallery 210 Post Street, Suite 205, San Francisco, CA 94108 Need not be present to win. More information: Sara Mumolo, Program Assistant [email protected] OR stmarys-ca.edu/mfaraf!e

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1999 17 20 [19] Amy (Bell) Archer and husband, Ted, and big brother Nathan welcomed Eli Theodore on July 30, 2011. Eli was 8 pounds, 7 ounces and 20.5 inches long. 1998 [20] Joe and Candace (O’Connell) Halsell have had an exciting year. Joe has been busy opening a new division of his construction company, Re+New Restoration, which specializes in fire and flood restoration service, while Candace is holding down the fort at home with their four kids: Nathan, 11: Rylie, 7; Logan, 6; and their newest addition, Eli, 18 months. They would love to hear from any Gaels who live near the Central Coast. [21] Kate (Leary) and Drew Wheatley welcomed their second daughter, Alice Margaret Wheatley, on April 7, 2011. Julie (Schick) and Andrew Costantino welcomed their third son, Marco James, on May 27. He is adored by big brothers Anthony, 5, and Dominic, 2. Andrew has been working at Lockheed Martin since graduating from SMC, and Julie will be taking this school year off from her teaching job to stay home with the boys. The Costantinos live in San Mateo, Calif.

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1997 1995 her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary with [22] Mechelle (McCarthy) Zorio [24] Kathryne (Maffey) Gillett and siblings Jim Sevey ’91, Jeff Sevey and her husband, Andrew, welcomed their her husband, Troy, had their sixth child in ’87, Jack Sevey ’84 and Kristin second child, Ethan James Zorio, on June 20, December 2010. They keep busy with family, Sevey ’89. 2011. Ethan was 10 pounds, 6 ounces and 21 their construction business and community John Coleman ML ’08 just inches long. Big brother Nicholas is very excited activities. Their 15th reunion last summer was graduated from Duke University’s Fuqua and enjoying getting to help in the care of fun but they missed seeing a lot of classmates! School of Business with a Global Executive his brother. Las Vegas treats them well and they get to see MBA. His studies took him to England, Russia, [23] Michael Scammon fellow classmates quite often! the United Arab Emirates, India, China and married Susan Dituri in front of family and Aaron Nelson’s original graphic novel, Singapore. John is director of sales operations friends on Sept. 11, 2011 in Ocho Rios, “Marlow,” is set to be published in February for a publicly held healthcare company and Jamaica. The couple, shown with son through Arcana Studio and will be available lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Chaun, and Dallas, recently purchased and moved through Amazon.com and comic book shops three kids, Jailyn, Joshua and Jakob. into a new home in Lincoln, Calif. Michael everywhere. is the collections manager at JPMorgan 1993 Chase in Roseville, Calif., where he has 1994 [26] On Aug. 30, 2011, Joshua Martin been since 2004. [25] Kara (Sevey) Burrell celebrated and his wife, Christy, introduced their second

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daughter, Sloane Harper, to the world. Four- During this time he facilitated the sale of over businesses from 11 to 47 percent off 1988 year-old big sister Cricket (Morgan) is very $125 million in properties, built over 400 homes current usage and costs. He has traveled [29] Catherine (Esnard) Owens excited to have a real sister instead of a doll and developed a number of commercial sites. all over the U.S. and some countries abroad. and her husband, Mark, with five of their to play with! In 2005 Kevin became a widowed father of his He now conducts his business from Indian six children, have moved from Austin, Texas, 2- and 5-year-old children. He has focused his Palms Country Club and Community in Indio, to Whitefish, Montana, on a temporary 1992 attention since then as primary caregiver to Calif. From this location he can do business job assignment with Mark’s employer, [27] Lisa DeBartolo and her husband, Isabella and Christian and is in the preliminary all over the U.S. and even in a few Countries Applied Materials. They enjoy living on Don, had another baby boy. Jasper George stages of career resurgence. overseas. He has so many friends in Northern the lake in Whitefish with all the lake DeBartolo Miggs was born on May 5, 2011. and Southern California and Kansas City and activities. The winter holds lots of fun He was 5 pounds, 1 ounce and 18 inches long. 1989 maintains contact with them all by Internet, for the family, like snowboarding and skiing, [28] Allen Hamilton EE has settled telephone and an occasional visit. He as they live eight minutes from the Big 1991 down with his perfect lady, Peggy Jane, will never forget his experiences at Saint Mountain Ski Resort. Their oldest, Paul, After receiving his MBA, Kevin Boldt spent in Palm Desert, Calif. She is his dream and Mary’s and has always appreciated his is a proud member of the fighting Texas the next 15 years building a successful career guess how they met? On the Internet. relationships and schooling received at A&M Corps of Cadets, class of 2015. in real estate investment and development. He works as an energy consultant, saving this fine institution.

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[30] Gene Smith announces that he just released a CD entitled “You Were Born To Shine.” It combines spiritual lyrics with country music. All the songs were written by Gene, and the project was recorded in Nashville, Tenn. Go to www.genesmith-youwereborntoshine.com to check it out.

42 WINTER 2012 Mike and Cindy have been married for 29 years the local community. Clark has also been and have two children, Alex, 23, and Molly, 20. awarded the Bronze Star in Vietnam and Mike and Cindy live in Overland Park, Kan. the Signum Fidei Award by Saint Mary’s College in 2006. 1971 Vincent De Vargas was recently [34] James Murphy, a founding member elected vice chairman of the Orange County of Murphy, Pearson, Bradley & Feeney PC, has Human Relations Commission. Vince was been recognized by the California State Bar of appointed to the commission by Chairman of the Legal Specialization as a certified specialist in County Board of Supervisors Bill Campbell in legal malpractice law. 2008. The commission is charged with creating Murphy’s practice emphasizes professional safe and inclusive communities, developing liability, including representation of lawyers diverse leaders, mediating conflict and building in malpractice cases nationwide and judges in understanding and respect in Orange County. disciplinary proceedings before the California Vince is a retired insurance broker. Commission on Judicial Performance, as well as general products liability litigation. He 1957 is a certified specialist in legal malpractice Dr. Don Puppione has discovered a by the American Board of Professional gene thought to have been inactive for 40 Liability Attorneys and chair of the State Bar million years. Interested scientists among of California Board of Specialization Legal the alumni may want to go online to check his Malpractice Consulting Group. Murphy is recent seminar entitled “How comparative a member of the American College of Trial proteogenomic studies resulted in the Lawyers, American Board of Trial Advocates discovery of a gene.” and National Board of Trial Advocates. He http://ch39.saddleback.edu/Cablecast/ earned his J.D. from the University of Cali fornia, Public/Show.aspx?ChannelID=1&ShowID=771 Davis (1974), and his B.S. from Saint Mary’s. (The lecture begins at the five-minute mark 31 in this video.) 1967 1984 (left to right) are, Dennis Tiernan, Geordie George Watters writes: It would be great Colleen (Condon) Marquez found Hawkins, Tom Calloway, Mike Scully and Mark to fill you in on much of what has happened her dream job in January 2011 at Bethany Murray, all class of 1983, in front of the newly with me in the last 44 years. Suffice it to say DEGREE KEY Christian Services as director of Outreach & opened Otago Stadium in Dunedin prior to the that I have a wonderful wife, great children Development for the Bay Area. (bethany.org, England vs. Argentina Rugby World Cup game. throughout the world and many long-standing ECR Education Credential impregnant.org). Bethany offers person alized friends. I have been an inventor for over EdD Doctor of Education pregnancy counseling, help with parenting 1976 40 years. I have a few inventions used EE Extended Education plans, a maternal home and, if desired, help [32] Stephen Drisdale (shown with internationally and a few U.S. patents EMBA Executive MBA to develop an adoption plan. Colleen recently Jim Plunkett, who won two Super Bowl and another one pending. I learned part HON Honorary helped to open Bethany’s new SF Bay Area championships) is living in the Hayward hills, of the skills for that while at SMC. Now MBA Graduate Business satellite office in Pleasant Hill and is involved Bay Area. Lauren Drisdale recently graduated I occasionally speak at schools about MC Counseling in raising awareness and capital to serve the from LSU with a B.S. in Business and Mass innovation and the ability to think outside ME Graduate Education Bay Area, from Santa Rosa to Monterey. As a Communications, and is working for Wells the box. I encourage children to learn the MFA Fine Arts grateful mom of two beautiful children that she Fargo as a business analysis in our middle- basics but innovate and defend. It is fulfilling ML Leadership and her husband adopted from birth, 16 and 8 market business lending department. to me to remember and cherish my liberal MLS Liberal Studies years ago, Colleen passionately believes every arts education at SMC. MS Science child should have the chance for life and a loving 1973 N Nursing family. Prior to Bethany, Colleen ran her own [33] Michael Faltermeier CPA retired 1966 P Paralegal Certi!cate successful executive search services company, July 1 after a 35-year career with the Federal [35] George Clark received the Salesian Marquez TeleSearch, for more than 20 years, Aviation Administration. Mike served in several Award at graduation ceremonies in June at Saint Mary’s magazine will She and Mickey Marquez ’79 also serve managerial capacities during his career, Saint Mary’s High School in Stockton, Calif. publish two Glimpse per year as property managers and fourth-generation including manager of the Midwest Accounting The award, named after Saint Francis de Sales, for any graduate of the College. family partners for The Ranch House at Garzas Division and more recently manager of Central is given annually to an individual in Stockton Please post more frequent updates Creek — Carmel Valley’s “Little Ahwahnee” — Regions Airport Planning and Development. who has been of service to the Church and at stmarys-ca.edu/glimpses. offering rustic luxury vacation rental. (www. carmelvalleyranchhouse.com) They have been married for 22 years. Margaret (Dempsey) Nelson taught for the last 14 years at Title 1 (inner-city) schools in Fresno, Calif. Once, a colleague JOIN asked her about her teaching techniques, and BROTHER RONALD GALLAGHER she was able to reply that SMC Seminar-style education definitely had some impact. Now and FELLOW GAELS on a living in Boise, she enjoys riding her bike on the Oregon Trail with her family and other outdoor Mediterranean Cruise activities in Idaho. June 24 – July 5, 2012 1983 to launch Saint Mary’s [31] Geordie Hawkins, Dennis Tiernan, Tom Calloway, Mike Scully 150th Anniversary Celebration and Mark Murray took the trip of a lifetime, 11 Nights in Italy and Croatia spending three weeks in New Zealand, sailing on the Celebrity Silhouette from Venice celebrating their 50th birthdays, attending the Rugby World Cup and enjoying the sights of the For more information: homeland of their beloved rugby coach at Saint www.stmarys-ca.edu/for-alumni/150th-anniversary-cruise Mary’s, the late Pat Vincent. In the photo

STMARYS-CA.EDU 43 IN MEMORIA M

ALUMNI FRIENDS Edward J. Barulich ’46 Flora Buscovich Clyde Baysinger ’49 Michael J. Coons Janice M Becker-Montgomery ECR Michael J. Blagrove ’96 C. Lee Emerson, Jr. William A. Burns ’84 Rene J. Guiral Ignatius Busalacchi ’62 Leonard W. Butler Jr. ’53 Virginia T. Hadsell Harold C. Caul!eld ’53 Diana Hagerstrand Cindy A. Collins ’96 Constance Donion ’78 John K. Hansen James L. Ettaro ’89 Betty Lou Jackson Daniel V. Freitas ’90 Francis B. Gillen ’37 Ugo Jacuzzi James R. Harper ’90 Kathryn T. Jan Robert F. Hayes ’50 Richard G. Henika ’77 Francis M. Joanes, former faculty Sharon A. Joseph ’78 Pio Lommori Doug Rosales (right), with Carlos Guzman (left) and Jaime Villanueva (middle). Thomas A. Kasovich, Jr. ’54 Sandra Mobley Keith ’83 Margo M. Metzger SAINT MARY’S FOOTBALL PLAYER Stanley H. Kelly ’51 Jeanine Miller JOSE DOUGLAS ROSALES Thomas Gerald “Gerry” Kennedy ’34 Karen L. Kjobech ’90 Richard G. Shouse Jose Douglas Rosales ’01 passed away on October 5, 2011, after a Jane Lovelady ’92 six-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, also known Richard G. Spry John G. Maher ’78 as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 31. Brother Donald F. Mansir ’71 Marjorie Stolley Doug graduated with honors from South El Monte High School and Thomas J. McAneney ’52 went on to major in international business at Saint Mary’s College, Donald L. Truax Kenneth W. McLaughlin ’51 where he played football for four years. Reverend William F. Moore ’62 Frank K. Vance “Doug was a special person. He inspired many of us to do our best, Silvio S. Morando ’49 to be better people, and to not make failure an option,” said Doug’s Rita Vear Karl Moll ’80 brother, Manuel Rosales, who described the dif!cult beginnings the Nancy L. Patten ’97 Rosales children had in their Los Angeles County town. Patricia N. Powell ’95 “We thought South El Monte was no different than any other city. John D. Rarig ’49 We were welfare kids. Wasn’t everyone? Our limited perspective could Rem P. Roberti ’66 have handicapped Doug. He could have let the song of failure lure him Doug Rosales ’2001 into temptation, like it does to many kids in the city. Doug did not Donald Sabatini ’52 listen; instead, he created his own tune.” Frank S. Tallerico ’77 The Rosales family had "ed civil war strife in El Salvador, deter- Don Von Stull ’55 mined to succeed in the United States. But it was tough going, Manuel Edward Waffen ’61 explained. There were times when they had little to eat, Lawrence J. Webber ’38 when he and his brother pushed a shopping cart to collect cans to Katharine C. Williams, ECR help their mother pay bills. Steven D. Woodson ’74 “Most students viewed classrooms as dungeons and boredom. We peered through each door and saw opportunity. We knew that our mother, who worked three jobs at times, would not have it any other way. Our mother is the driving force that guided us to success.” Doug received moral support from Gaels football alumni and close Saint Mary’s magazine prints the SMC friends, who hosted a special event on campus for him a few names of recently deceased alumni, years ago. It reunited generations of Gaels, according to close friend Christian Brothers, and friends and teammate Jaime Villanueva, who, with other SMC buddies — who have given to Saint Mary’s. Angel Cardenas, Carlos Guzman and David Taylor — visited Doug and Names of other friends of the formed a strong circle of support. College, as well as family members “My brother fought courageously, even though he knew he was of alumni, faculty and staff, !ghting a futile war,” said Doug’s brother, Manuel. “I thank him for appear in the online version making me a better man.” of the magazine.

44 WINTER 2012 ENDNOTE

N I G H T B I R T H S Fear of the wicks. Fear of the sacred creamy air. Fear of the debrie!ngs on precisely which sweet know-nothings were blown into him. Which is a question he swells within. Which, he holds the dark lantern to, and thus. Thus reveals the sung-dread of the receding trail. Dread of the breach of the sign warning of snowberries. Dread of the sliding place. Awe of the night disease. Awe of the waste-part remaining. Awe of the dog child’s heavings. A dog child’s stitching gait. His dark red hog, his brindled hog tongue. An earless dog of the earless ones. A dog an offering for the hammer mechanism. Palatable is the sacri!ce for the pitted tusk. Pitiful in the redness without cover. Pitiful in his muskgarment. “I go naked on the way to Bolga.” Where the adobe weapons end in septums. From the hooks and the searing. From the splaying and the quiet. The tunneling wind through his wet cage. Younger brother Poet and !lmmaker Shane Book — of the earless ones, those Afrogothic. Out a graduate of New York University and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop — from a giant growth come a noise. Out from is a Distinguished Visiting Writer at a pustular growth come a hanging. Out from Saint Mary’s this spring. A former a jaundiced growth come the tail swinging its Stegner Fellow at Stanford, Book length. Out from a pulsing growth come has received a New York Times the ash-smudged necks. Born in the time Fellowship, an Academy of American Poets Prize, a National Magazine when clay pots dotted his carrion farms. Award and the Prairie Schooner “I bind the glowing worm in the forehead.” Book Prize. SHANE BOOK NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID OAKLAND, CA PERMIT NO. 1788

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