AspireFall 2010 U n i v e r s i t y o f Sa i n t Ma r y from the president

Dear Alumni and Friends,

This is a unique time in the nation’s job market. We see it in the headlines of the day. As America’s baby boomer population ages, the demand for highly-skilled, well-educated health care professionals grows exponentially. The University of Saint Mary—with our strong roster of science majors and growing number of health care programs—stands ready to meet that need. That focus on meeting the needs of society is a hallmark of our founders and sponsors, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The sisters, after all, made nursing education a primary goal during their first years in Leavenworth, and, quite notably, opened the first civilian hospital in . That we are able to rise to the challenge speaks to our commitment to academic excellence. Inferior science programs cannot hope to produce superior graduates. But our science alums have started their own companies, explored complex ecological matters in their labs, gone on to medical school, and taught in high schools across the country. Others became dentists and physician assistants. But make no mistake: our science majors are successful not only because of the quality of our science department. They also succeed because each has a solid foundation in the liberal arts that enhanced their ability to think, to express their thoughts, and to engage in critical discussion. Our graduates praise the liberal arts foundation they received while here. They speak of becoming great communicators and of developing a breadth of knowledge that distinguishes them from their co-workers and counterparts from other schools. Those communication skills—practiced from a values-based perspective—bring ethics to research and compassion to the bedside. Leading our efforts in the science fields is our talented faculty. They help shepherd our students down their career paths, building unique research projects to meet the needs of their students. They pursue grant money to maximize student research opportunities and buy new lab equipment. They help us prepare the health care and science professionals of tomorrow. Not all scientists and doctors are created equal. Saint Mary graduates bring a depth and breadth of understanding to their professions that sets them apart from their peers.

Peace and blessings to you,

Diane Steele, SCL, Ph.D., C’83

MISSION STATEMENT The University of Saint Mary educates students of diverse backgrounds to realize their God-given potential and prepares them for value-centered lives and careers that contribute to the well being of our global society. We value: community, respect, justice, and excellence. Administrative Council Sr. Diane Steele, SCL, Ph.D., C’83 contents President Bryan Le Beau, Ph.D. 2 | View from the Spire Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs Dale L. Culver 6 | The Saint Mary Scientific Method Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services Laura Davis 12 | Class Notes Vice President of Marketing and Communications 6 14 | Memoriams

Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Corporation Members 18 | Remembering a Brave Saint Marian Sr. Maureen Hall, SCL, C’70 Community Director Sr. Nancy Bauman, SCL, C’70 Sr. Eileen Haynes, SCL, C’77 Sr. Eileen Hurley, SCL, C’71 For Your Reference Sr. Jean Anne Panisko, SCL, C’69 Sr. Peg Johnson, SCL, C’71 18 Class Codes A - Academy Board of Trustees C - College *Charles Berkel U - University *Mary Alice Bramming, C’65 M - Master’s Degree Sr. Nancy Bauman, SCL, C'70 Giddeon Brown Joseph Contrucci, C'94 Andres Dominguez, C’82 Col. (Ret.) Stanley Evans Thomas Gregory Sr. Maureen Hall, SCL, C’70 Greg Kaaz Ken Karr Susanna Laundy Charles McCann Sr. Jean Panisko, SCL, C'69 Michelle Piranio, C’81 (Sec./Treas.) Joseph Snyder (Chair) Sr. Diane Steele, SCL, C’83 (President) William Trenkle (Vice Chair) Mark Wilkinson Dr. Peter Wong

*Trustee Emeritus

The Aspire is published for the friends and alumni of the University of Saint Mary in the spring, summer, fall, and winter, including the Honor Roll of Donors, by the office of Marketing, 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048, (913) 758-6165. Please send all alumni news items, such as a marriage, birth, death, new job, promotion, award, additional degree, etc., to the attention of: Stephanie Shupe at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048, (913) 758-6126 or [email protected]. Please remember to include your class year, address, and phone number.

Printed on recycled paper. Fall 2010 | 1 VIEW FROM THE SPIRE Sister Susan Rieke Installed as First Holder of Fully-Endowed McGilley Chair With a simple liturgy, USM made McGilley Chair makes certain that this history on Sept. 12, 2010, as the university commitment will never be lost.” honored a beloved former president, The chair was established in 2008, recognized the significant contributions and named in honor of the late Sister of a current professor, and made a bold Mary Janet McGilley, former president advance in its own academic standing. of Saint Mary, who served at the school’s The celebration in Annunciation helm from 1964-1989. Sr. McGilley died Chapel marked the installation of Sister in 2003. Susan Rieke, C’68, as the holder of the Sr. Rieke, chair of USM’s language university’s first ever fully-endowed faculty and literature department, has taught at chair—the Sister Mary Janet McGilley USM since 1980. She also co-authored a Endowed Chair in Liberal Studies. book of poetry with Sr. McGilley. The chair is backed by a $1 million “Sister Susan Rieke has served the endowment raised through generous university in many different ways, leaving donations and is designed to help the her mark on just about every office and holder promote USM’s long-standing liberal arts tradition program,” Dr. Le Beau said. established by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The Sr. Rieke, for her part, has called it a deep honor to be chair-holder will have the position for a three-year term that connected with Sr. Mary Janet’s career. can be renewed. She told the crowd in Annunciation: “With profound “An endowed chair is the hallmark of the nation’s humility, I thank those who funded the McGilley Chair, best universities,” USM Academic Vice President Dr. those who honored me with its award, and I thank Sister Bryan Le Beau told the gathered crowd. “USM has always Mary Janet McGilley for her incredible accomplishments in been committed to liberal studies. The Sister Mary Janet life and our friendship.” A Lifetime of Learning Sister Hilaria, She first started taking chair of USM’s department C’57 (though she classes at Saint Mary in of history, political science & counts herself 1943. Since then, she’s global studies. among the class of done summer coursework Why does she do it? 1947), was honored at Nebraska, Creighton, “I feel like a treasure at an all-university Colorado, St. Louis hunter,” she said. “The reception to start University, Oglala Lakota instructors come in and give the year for her College, Vanderbilt, Vassar, me the syllabus, and that’s lifelong dedication SUNY, Donnelly, UMKC, the map. I don’t know what to learning. Drake, and the Union the treasure might be, but That dedication Theological Seminary. once a month, I bump into To hear her speak of it, has led her to enroll in “And over 67 years, my something really exciting and Sister Mary Hilaria Phipps 39 credit hours worth of best teacher seems to be Ken find the treasure.” has spent her entire life classes at Saint Mary since Mulliken,” she said, lending searching for buried treasure. September 2007. high praise to the current

2 | Aspire Meet Today’s USM Earns Academic, Saint Marian Athletic, and Military- Saint Mary is in the midst of an enrollment boom, with the start of Friendly Honors the fall 2010 semester marking the third consecutive The university’s awards case grew a little more cramped this summer. First came news that The Princeton year of record freshman Review had once again named USM a enrollment. This year’s freshman “Best Midwestern College.” It’s a designation class was 135 strong, up a half-dozen that the university has earned for six consecutive from last year. With all that growth years now, and reflects both USM’s record of has come some shifting in the academic excellence and the positive feedback demographics of our freshmen. from current students and parents. Dr. Bryan Le Beau, USM’s vice president for academic affairs, said the designation is a big positive for the university. “Academics play a What would an average major part in The Princeton Review rankings, as they should,” he said. Saint Mary freshman look like today? “And they also take other factors into consideration—ones that all students should be concerned with when choosing a college.” • For starters, he’s a he. This year, 54 percent of our freshmen are male, 46 percent USM was also named a 2011 are female. Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs, a designation that puts USM among the top • In all likelihood, he’s an athlete. 71 percent 15 percent of U.S. colleges, universities, and of this year’s freshmen play sports. .com schools trade schools for America’s veteran students. ndly aryfrie milit According to the Pittsburgh-based • 25 percent are minority—a slightly higher G.I. Jobs, a publication of Victory Media, schools on the list share a percentage than the full-time student body common priority of recruiting students with military experience, and offering benefits that enhance their college experience. USM, for its part, as a whole. is a VA Yellow Ribbon Program participant, and has an on-campus office for veterans’ services and a veteran as the office’s coordinator in • Many are undecided in major. But the most Carlton Philpot. popular majors in our student body are “Saint Mary is proud, pleased, and honored to be able to say that we nursing, sports management, and value our veterans for what they bring to us and what they have done for psychology. Thirteen percent of freshmen this country,” Philpot said. say they want to get into nursing, but only juniors can be admitted into the program. And athletically, Saint Mary was named a Five Star Champions of • 21 percent are first-generation Character Institution by the National students— the first in their Association of Intercollegiate Athletics families to attend college. (NAIA). The program encourages NAIA member institutions to instill in their student- • 38 percent receive athletes the five core Champions of Character federal Pell Grants, reserved for values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. deserving low-income students. “We’re proud of this honor,” said USM Athletic Director Rob Miller. “Champions of Character has been around for five years, and we were one of the pilot schools. I like the direction the NAIA has gone with the program. They’ve added some very high standards to be met, and we’re proud to say we achieved them.” www.stmary.edu Fall 2010 | 3 VIEW FROM THE SPIRE USM Supporters Hit the Links for Spires Sports Saint Mary supporters, faculty, “Our boosters made a and staff hacked away for a good serious show of support for our cause at the 2010 USM Golf Classic fine and dedicated student athletes,” on Aug. 12. said Athletic Director Rob Miller. This year’s event was held at “Thanks to their help, our athletes GreatLife Golf & Fitness @ will receive the best possible Leavenworth Country Club. But opportunity to develop the key life this year’s program had a new set of skills of teamwork, fair play, and beneficiaries: USM student ath- dedication that are the hallmark of letes. Previous Golf Classics raised a quality athletics program.” money for student scholarships. The Other sponsors included: 2010 edition benefits USM sports Dr. Jim Miller, Danny Zeck programs, helping to improve the Ford, Gabe Brown, Country Club overall college experience for Saint Bank, Straub Construction, K&J Mary Spires student athletes. Management, Armed Forces The field of over 50 golfers Insurance Exchange, and Capital braved the mid-August heat to play. Electric. A big thank you to all of The day began with lunch our supporters! generously provided by Mr. Goodcents of Leavenworth. “Our boosters made a serious show of support for our fine and dedicated student athletes.” Rob Miller, USM Athletic Director

Catholicism and Immigration: USM's Annual Fall Theology Lecture The Saint Mary theology immigration policy. The free lecture department hosted Kansas City, Mo. was well-attended, with Xavier native and theologian Dr. Kristin Theatre nearly filled to capacity. Heyer for this fall's annual theology “We were honored to have lecture on Sept. 16 in Xavier Theatre. Dr. Heyer share her well-informed In a program called views on immigration,” said “Welcoming the Stranger: Dr. Brian W. Hughes, chair of Catholicism and the Immigration USM’s theology and pastoral Crisis,” Dr. Heyer spoke about the ministry department. religious and moral implications of

4 | Aspire Saint Mary Alums, Fans Celebrate at Homecoming More than 60 alumni, parents, and friends enjoyed lunch at the pre-game tailgate party sponsored by the USM development office on Saturday, Oct. 16. The lunch— free for alums—preceded the Spires Football Team’s 42-26 win over Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference foe .

Ancilla CenterThe Turns Ancilla Center for 30Children Friday, Nov. 19, and will feature the has hosted quite a few birthday parties Thanksgiving “Stone Soup” potluck, over its lifespan. But the one coming up a whole host of birthday games, and a on Nov. 19 is particularly special, as the birthday cake. center celebrates its 30th anniversary. The center opened its doors on The Ancilla Center birthday Sept. 2, 1980, with Sister Anna Todd at celebration will be linked with the its the helm. It was intended to meet the annual Thanksgiving Celebration. child care needs of young women who “We figured having the two events were pursuing their college degrees, and together is a natural fit, as we’ll be was named for Mother Ancilla Spoor. saying ‘thanks’ for the center’s success,” Call Sharon Dedeke at said center Director Sharon Dedeke. (913) 758-6113 if you’re interested in Center staff is putting out the attending the event, or know of Ancilla call for all center alums or parents of alums or families who may want to join a child who attended Ancilla to come in the celebration. to the celebration. It starts at 6 p.m.

A Thought Courtney Manago Huhn for the Day U'07, KU Med School Student On Her USM Education and the Saint Mary science programs "The faculty supported and nurtured my dreams while challenging me to improve and grow. Without them challenging me to reach higher, I might not be where I am today." www.stmary.edu Fall 2010 | 5 CHOOSE a major WORK with faculty to FORMULATE a path Do RESEARCH Make the GRADES PROVE yourself in the workforce 6 | Aspire Scientific

nne Miller, C’64, owns her own company in the semiconductor industry. Lisa Bowers, C’84, is a senior research scientist for Bayer. Justin ABode, C’05, teaches high school science. Geoff Peterson, U’09, is three years away from becoming a dentist. And next spring, Courtney Manago Huhn, U’07, graduates from medical school. The secrets of their success? Talent. Intelligence. Dedication. And USM’s stellar science programs. For students interested in high-demand careers in everything from booming health care fields to secondary education, the Saint Mary science programs and their dedicated faculty can provide the key building blocks of life-long professional success. Like the alumni listed above, USM’s science programs—with their dedication to academic excellence—have a proven track record of producing success stories. And there’s more to come. Consider: junior Nick Stevenson is pre-med. Senior Alex Nowasell has been accepted into chiropractic school. Senior Christine Weber is aiming for pharmacy school. And junior Michelle Chrisman hopes to be among the first classes of USM’s in-development Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. USM is known for its excellent history of nursing education. But when it comes to pre-health programs at Saint Mary, nursing is now just one avenue among many. www.stmary.edu Continued on next page Fall 2010 | 7 USM Saint Mary Science Alum everything I need to take, Academic and I know all the professors ourtney Manago Huhn really care about me,” C2007 Excellence Michelle Chrisman said. “The Pre-med. Pre-dentistry. Pre- CLASS: 2007 classes are small, which I like, pharmacy. They cover the in- MAJOR: Biology because it makes me feel more demand job fields, and they’re CAREER: Graduates from KU comfortable. It makes me feel the paths today’s students want Med School in May 2011. like I can ask questions.” to see available at a university. She hopes to be a family For Courtney (Manago) “True to the trends, many physician and geriatrician in Leavenworth County. Huhn, the faculty of our science students are pre- unquestionably helped set her health professional students, up for success. and as their advisors, we go “University of Saint Mary opened up so many doors for me… “Going into med school to great lengths to help them The support net and the caring faculty really led to a personalized from USM, I could not achieve their dreams,” said Dr. education and growth experience that cannot be beat. They make have been more prepared,” Caroline Mackintosh, head of you face your weaknesses head-on, which prepares you well for the Courtney said. “I felt the the University of Saint Mary rigorous curriculum of medical school. The academics in all science department faculty biology program. departments, especially in the science and math departments, are went above and beyond to “But you don’t have to top notch, and leave you well-prepared as you study the basic help me achieve my goals. At be a science major to go into sciences in the first two years of medical school. You leave USM Saint Mary, you’re frequently professional health programs, as a well-rounded and well-prepared applicant, which bodes well for challenged to work harder. I you just need to do the pre- your eventual success.” grew both as a student, and as requisites,” she said. “And as a a person.” faculty, that’s an area we excel. Many alums also praised We can cater to any student the faculty for imparting on campus who wants to be a health professional. We can important communication and people skills through always work closely with them to help construct their own activities like mock job and grad-school interviews. winning strategy.” “USM definitely prepared me for dealing with patients,” Jay Arthur, U’08, for one, is in a physician assistant said Geoff Peterson, U’09. program in Nebraska, planning to graduate this year. He was a psychology major at Saint Mary and he was able to USM rely on the science faculty to help guide his career path. Saint Mary Science Alum That flexibility is a big part of the science programs’ commitment to excellence. USTIN BODE Science students regularly make the cut of top honors J2005 at Saint Mary’s annual commencement. In recent history, at CLASS: 2005 least one science student has landed All-University honors MAJOR: Biology & Secondary every year since 2006, and three took the award in 2007. Education Certification Saint Mary science students excel because they respond CAREER: Justin teaches well to the personal attention that is the hallmark of a Saint biology, anatomy, and Mary education. morphology at Leavenworth High School. “Our students get a lot of attention because the labs are taught by faculty, not teaching assistants,” Dr. Mackintosh said. “Because the faculty do the labs, there’s a better “I actually was pre-med to start. But then I coached a summer continuity between lab and lecture and we get to know our baseball team with high school-aged kids, and I absolutely loved it. students quite well. That made me sit down and re-think what I wanted to do… As a “That level of interaction benefits the students later, as science teacher, the wealth of knowledge that the USM faculty gave when I write a letter of reference, the reader knows that I us has really paid off. We know the basics and, of course, that’s what knew that student well.” we teach. But I have kids that are curious and they ask questions that go above and beyond the basics, and I’m prepared to answer The Faculty those questions. For the sizes of the classes and the education you Current and former USM students agree that a lot of get, it’s the best school available. The education and science what sets the University of Saint Mary science programs departments are spectacular.” apart is the faculty. “Dr. Mackintosh has really guided me through 8 | Aspire The Research the Another way the science faculty focused on student success is by going out of their way to provide valuable research experience. “All Saint Mary science faculty have post-doctoral research experience, and they draw upon this to create projects for students,” Dr. rograms Mackintosh said. “Research experience is tremendously beneficial… Ultimately, we want our students to be successful as they go forward.” The faculty’s dedication to providing research opportunities has meant some great advances for the science programs in recent years. USM has a program for any student In fall of 2009, for example, Dr. Jemima Ingle, head of USM’s interested in the sciences or health care, chemistry program, secured a $100,000 grant from the National including: Science Foundation that enabled the university to purchase two pieces of advanced scientific equipment and gave students the opportunity for -Chemistry advanced research. -Biology Assistant USM -Biomedical Sciences—a “3+4” plan, Biology Professor Saint Mary Science Alum Cassy Cozine where students matriculate into the Kansas City also earned some isa Bowers University of Medicine and Bioscience upon equipment in the L1984 completion of their junior year. At KCUMB, students physiology labs, complete a four-year course of studies en route to allowing students CLASS: 1984 to run EKGs. And MAJOR: Chemistry becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. They Steve Seibold, a CAREER: Senior research earn their USM degree following their first year recent addition scientist in ecotoxicology at KCUMB, and they earn med school admission at Bayer. to the USM without having to take the MCAT. science faculty, has applied for another -Medical Laboratory Science National Science -Pre-Professional Health Paths “Saint Mary did a great job of educating me as a scientist. But I think Foundation grant. the best thing of value is that it’s a liberal arts education. I still have • Pre-Chiropractic Saint Mary other interests outside of the scientific career. God knows I wouldn’t • Pre-Dentistry students benefit want to be single-minded… Coming out of school, my employers from research were so impressed with the amount of laboratory work and the depth • Pre-Medicine opportunities in of the education I got at Saint Mary, they offered me a place in the • Pre-Occupational Therapy and out of the lab… If I had been a larger university, I don’t think I could have • Pre-Optometry classroom, Dr. gotten the same flexibility in my career… I would hope it’s still true, Ingle said, noting that when our graduates leave, they’re excellent communicators.” • Pre-Osteopathic Medicine that in October, • Pre-Pharmacy three students— Christine Weber, • Pre-Physical Therapy Nick Stevenson, and Alex Nowasell—presented research at the • Pre-Physician Assistant American Chemical Society Midwest regional in Wichita, Kan. “Our students are doing good work,” she said. • Pre-Podiatry Alex Nowasell said that “you get challenged here. All of the • Pre-Veterinary Medicine research is a good way to learn, a good way to get a feel for how science And USM has several health care is carried out. We get to work independently and get experience in areas that might not be offered at larger institutions.” programs in development including: Christine Weber concurred. -Doctor of Physical Therapy—the “I feel like I’ve gained leadership experience,” she said. “I’ve university’s first doctorate broadened my horizons and worked closely with my professors, but I’ve also been able to study more than just the sciences.” -Health Information Management -Master of Science in Nursing

Continued on next page www.stmary.edu Fall 2010 | 9 USM Saint Mary Science Alum eoff Peterson G2009 CLASS: 2009 MAJOR: Biology & Theology CAREER: Currently enrolled in dentistry program at Oregon Health & Sciences University. Will graduate in 2013.

“When I first got to USM, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I had Dr. Mackintosh for my first science class, and I loved how she taught it. My professors, including Dr. Mackintosh and Dr. (Brian) Hughes, took a real interest in me, and I didn’t want to let them down. They care about whether you succeed… In science my instructors were very creative... In dental school, I feel as prepared as any of my classmates, and I’m way ahead in people skills. USM definitely prepared me for dealing with patients.”

The Job Outlook USM Science Faculty Combine Teaching, And science program participants continue to enjoy a Research to Generate Student Success rather rosy job outlook, Dr. Ingle noted. “It’s well known there’s an incredible nursing shortage, he paths taken to USM by the school’s Natural Science but there’s going to be a shortage of all sorts of medical faculty have been varied. And yet, they’re strikingly professionals—general practitioners, other doctors—as the similar. All faculty completed post-doctoral training, baby boomer population ages,” she said.“In health care, deepening and broadening their knowledge. And to the move has been toward more preventive measures, so make that final step to USM, they all honed their there’s this need for more physicians and more dentists and T teaching skills. more physical USM Teaching is clearly their first passion. Saint Mary Science Alum therapists.” But they also put an emphasis on providing Science serious, semester-long research opportunities teachers, nne Miller for their students. particularly A1964 Consider: in secondary CLASS: 1964 A National Science Foundation grant education, MAJOR: Chemistry has allowed Jemima Ingle to provide summer also remain in CAREER: Owner and research opportunities for six students. The high demand, manager of Semiconductor collected faculty are also busy preparing according to Services—a training for their third Science and Mathematics Dr. Ingle. organization—and founder Undergraduate Research Forum to be held and owner of a marketing “Even in company Semiconductor this coming spring. There, students will an economic Marketing Services. present their work, learn of the work of downturn, there their peers from other institutions, and hear are always many “I’m very pro-Saint Mary... A key difference between Saint Mary and various speakers. It’s the biannual highlight of opportunities a larger, public school is the grounding in the liberal arts we received. USM's department of natural sciences available for At Saint Mary, even a ‘science person’ is expected to take a full and mathematics. science majors.” range of liberal arts courses. That made our curriculum more Research aside, faculty are driven to challenging, but also more rewarding. That difference became more improve the learning experience of their evident to me later in life when I began interacting with chemistry students. Fiercely adamant that their labs majors from public schools. Their vision was much narrower... At should be capped at 20 students, they have Saint Mary, we learned how to communicate. I don’t think I would 10 | Aspire ever have been as successful without those skills.” USM natural sciences and mathematics department: (front row, from left) Dr. Cassy Cozine, Dr. Caroline Mackintosh, Dr. Jemima Ingle, and Sister Mary O'Rourke; (back row, from left) Dr. Steve Seibold, mathematics professor Paul Dean, and Dr. Rick Silvey, department chair.

By Dr. Caroline Mackintosh, Associate Professor of Biology and USM Biology Program Director

taken on additional sections of classes to maintain that ideal —Jemima Ingle, assistant professor of chemistry faculty-student ratio. Cassy Cozine, for example, recently and chemistry program director, joined USM in acquired new equipment for her physiology classes that 2008 from North Carolina A&T State University. There, will allow students to record their own EKGs. The USM she directed an undergraduate research and development department pioneered the use of an audience response program and investigated the application of statistical system on campus, increasing the use of technology in regression techniques to spectroscopic data. Prior to this, she their classrooms. And as advisors, they host speakers from earned her Ph.D. at Baylor. various professional and graduate school programs and —Cassy Cozine, assistant professor of biology, they integrate resume preparation and interview skills into completed her doctoral work at the University of Iowa before their programs. They also take time for fun, to build a moving to the University of Colorado as a post-doctoral community among their students and themselves. fellow to study autoantibody production in rheumatoid New for this year are student study areas with arthritis. She then moved to Buena Vista University and fridges, microwaves, and reference books, and a monthly undertook a post-doctoral teaching fellowship before joining celebration of students’ birthdays. Collectively, the faculty USM in 2009. are committed to growing their programs and ensuring the —Steve Seibold, assistant professor of chemistry, success of you, their former students! joined USM in August. He completed his doctoral work —Now in her seventh year at USM, Caroline at KU and moved to research positions at Michigan State Mackintosh, associate professor of biology and University, studying physical methods in the research of biology program director, came to the States from biological molecules. While at MSU, he began to teach Scotland after completing her Ph.D. At Penn State, she used course work there and at other institutions. transgenic and mutant mouse models to investigate heart The science faculty are guided by their chair, Dr. Rick disease and cancer. A second post-doctoral fellowship at the Silvey, associate professor of mathematics. They University of Minnesota saw her work to inhibit a fungal are also joined by Paul Dean, assistant professor of disease of cereals. While in Minnesota, she completed a mathematics, and Sister Mary O’Rourke, C’47, who Preparing Future Faculty program, steering herself from the instructs in the chemistry program. research arena to a teaching one.

www.stmary.edu Fall 2010 | 11 class notes ’50s Rosemary (Schell) Luckett, C’64, Isabel (McPhee) Manassas, Va., had a successful Ryan, C’57, and exhibition of her artwork this fall at the Philip J. Ryan, Touchstone Gallery in Washington, D.C. Raleigh, N.C., “Altered Terrain,” a mix of drawings and celebrated their sculpture, opened in late September and 50th wedding closed on Oct. 31. anniversary on June 25, 2010. They were married at the Mary (Brady) Bennett, C’66, Alison Banikowski, C’75, Olathe, Cathedral of St. Helena, Helena, Mont. Springfield, Va., and husband, Charles, Kan., led a team for August’s Susan G. celebrated the birth of their sixth Komen Kansas City Race for the Cure. ’60s grandson, Mark Liam Aefsky, on March Other Saint Mary alums on the team 13, 2010. included Marilyn (Vitt) Lappin, C’86, Dr. Tes Mehring, C’74, Emily (Roling) Carol (Grigsby) Bozworth, C’66, Dierking, C’75, Chris Vitt, C’78, Lucy Kansas City, Mo., retired from her Urlacher, C’78, and Becky Berger. The position as a regional family financial team raised over $9,000 to help in the specialist with the University of Missouri fight against breast cancer. Extension in September 2010, after serving for 16 years in that capacity. Prior David Gray, son of Kay (Ward) Gray, to that, she taught family economics C’ 7 7, was recently awarded a Ph.D. at . Carol looks in philosophy from Carnegie Mellon forward to having more time to travel, University, and is teaching at the quilt, and visit her daughters. Carnegie Mellon Campus in Doha, Several ’60s graduates of Saint Mary Qatar. Kay’s daughter, Erin, is in the final gathered for a mini SMC reunion in Rena (Fogarty) Russell, C’66, year at UCLA finishing up her Ph.D. in Santa Fe, N.M., in August. They enjoyed Leavenworth, Kan. welcomed her seventh neuroscience. Kay is bureau chief for a long weekend of reminiscing, sight- grandchild on Sept. 15, 2010. local government services with the seeing, shopping, and opera-going. Montana Department of Administration’s Attending were Dr. Gayle Murphy, state accounting division in Helena, C’69, Judy (Taylor) Barrick, C’66, Mont. She and her husband will be Angela (Flythe) Alexander, C’68, Sally traveling to Qatar in November to visit (Taylor) Holy, C’69, and Margaret David and his wife. (Flythe) White, C’69. Laurie (Metz) Cleavinger, C’78, Leavenworth, Kan., has accepted a position at the as a science lecturer. Her teaching Judith (Francis) Bellome, C’68, responsibilities include the UKanTeach Lawrence, Kan., and chief executive program, which prepares math and officer of the Douglas County VNA, science majors for jobs in the classroom. Rehabilitation & Hospice Care, celebrated the opening of the group’s new ’80s Care Cottage, an assisted living residence A Peterson Family update from Amanda in Lawrence, Kan. (Burns) Peterson, C’80, Butte, Mont. Geoff Peterson, U’09, married classmate ’70s Rebecca “Becky” Summers on June Meanwhile, four other Saint Mary alums Colleen (O’Connor) Harris, C’73, 27, 2009, in Blue Springs, Mo., with from the 1960s were lucky enough to be Bartlett, Tenn., won the first-ever Father Michael Stubbs officiating. The together for Independence Day this year. Memphis in May International Teacher couple recently had a baby boy named Cathy (Staley) Vesce, C’66, Judy Vasos- of the Year honor from the Memphis Quinn in August 2010. Geoff is a dental Baczewski, C’66, Arbie (Ranney) in May International Festival. The student at the Oregon Health and Science Vasos, C’65, and Linda (Vasos) award recognizes the teacher with the University in Portland, Ore.. You can Madigan, were together for the annual most outstanding “global classroom.” read a bit more about him earlier in this Vasos family reunion at Lake Viking Colleen teaches 7th grade social studies edition of the Aspire. Lindee Peterson, north of Kansas City, Mo. at Schilling Farms Middle School in U’09, is working as a registered nurse at Collierville, Tenn. Saint James Healthcare in Butte, Mont. She received training to obtain a pediatric

12 | Aspire SAVE THE DATE: JOIN US FOR 2011 ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND! FRIDAY, JUNE 3 - SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011 certificate and offers nursing care to Amy (Contreraz) Aguirre, C’98, Chiekko Sato, C’03, Houston, has pediatric patients. Amanda (Burns) Billings, Mont., recently was named been working as both a reference and Peterson, C’80, is in her 29th year as assistant director of Angela’s Piazza, a instruction librarian at Prairie View an elementary school teacher. She and local women’s drop-in center founded A&M University. husband, Gregg, celebrated their 30th by Ursuline Sisters. Amy had been wedding anniversary in December 2009. volunteering with Angela’s for the last six Richard Murdock, Their oldest son, Dustin, currently works years. She resigned her post at Guadalupe C’04, Galway, for St. Vincent’s Healthcare in Billings, Church—where she served as director of Ireland, and wife, Mont., a member of the Sisters of Charity religious education—to accept the post. Niamh, welcomed of Leavenworth Health System. a baby daughter, Janelle (Martin) Hutchins, C’99, Saorise Murdock, Sarah (Maurer) Palmer, C’86, Olathe, Kan., and husband, Steve, on May 30, 2010, in Scottsdale, Ariz., accepted a mission welcomed new son Aaron Henry on May Galway, Ireland. support specialist position with the 4, 2010. He joins older brother, Isaac, 3. Department of Homeland Security in Isaac and Aaron’s grandma is Patricia Jill Skinner, M’05, Hugoton, Kan., is Phoenix in April 2010. (Domme) Martin, C’61. a 2010 nominee for Kansas Teacher of the Year. Jill is a teacher at Hugoton ’90s Sharlis “Tweety” Pratt, C’99, Rock Middle School. Heather Brubaker, C’93 and M’04, Island, Ill., passed the requisite Illinois Longmont, Colo., adopted her second state exams and became a Licensed Jon Quisenberry, child, Terra AnnMarie Brubaker, in June Clinical Professional Counselor this U’06, and Ali 2010. Terra AnnMarie was welcomed year. She’s currently working as a clinical (Bradford) to her new family by grandma Sharon therapist for a non-profit organization Quisenberry, C’05 (Cosgrove) Brubaker, C’70, and aunts that helps people suffering from mental and M’07, were Mandy (Brubaker) Coy, C’01, and illness attain and maintain employment. blessed with the birth Sarah (Brubaker) Gonterman, C’99. of their second girl, ’00s Hayden Deborah, on April 10, 2010. Samantha Holly Desere (Everett) Sanders, Hayden is baby sister to 2-year-old Emma. Askew, C’94, C’00, Forney, Texas, is married with married Dean two children—Lucas, 4, and Isabella, Jofee’ Tremain, Alberty Sept. 15 months. She works for the Dallas M’07, teaching 4, 2010. The Independent School District, teaching certification ’04, couple is reading to 7th and 8th grade students. Lansing, Kan., was building their named principal home on Dean’s family farm, and look Damien Torres- at David Brewer forward to starting a family. Botello, C’01, had Elementary in been an artist in Leavenworth, Kan., Ginger Hernandez Howard, C’95, residence at the in time for the start of and husband, Ross, are enjoying their Kansas City, Mo.,- the new school year. new home in the Oxfordshire, England, based Fishtank countryside. The house, originally two Performance Studio Phillip Brice, farm cottages, dates all the way back to curated by Heidi Van U’08, and Jodie the 17th century. Middlesworth, also (Durler) Brice, C’01. Together, they created “53 Days C’05, Leavenworth, Marcia (Rhodes) Partridge, C’97, Fort and 52 Nights,” a clown requiem that was Kan., would like to Worth, Texas, is currently a senior performed this past summer. Damien is announce the birth of human resources consultant for also a member of the Dramatists Guild of their son, Kaden Michael Scott Brice, on Odyssey OneSource HR Consulting in America and recently moved to Chicago. Feb. 1, 2010. Phillip is currently teaching Fort Worth. 1st grade at Pleasant Ridge Elementary Jessica (Baker) Oertel, in Easton, Kan., and Jodie is teaching Robert Stremel, C’03, and husband, kindergarten at Lawson Elementary in C’97, and wife Julie Brian, welcomed twin Leavenworth, Kan. Stremel, Topeka, boys last winter. Conor Kan., celebrate the James and Grant Brandon Johnson, M’09, Leavenworth, birth of their son Patrick Oertel were Kan., and wife, Sarah, are happy to Landon Joseph born Jan. 12, 2010. announce the birth of their son, Bode, on Stremel on May 1, 2010. Landon Joseph Proud grandparents July 14, 2010. joins big brother Colton, 17, and sister include Professor Emeritus Dr. Terry Lillian, 7. Brungardt, Karen Baker, C’87 and M’97, and Jim Baker, C’97. www.stmary.edu Fall 2010 | 13 in memoriam ’40s Corrections Sister Ann Cecile DeDonder, SCL, C’43, Leavenworth, Kan., In the Class Notes section of the Summer 2010 Aspire, an Sept. 24, 2010. incorrect job title was listed for Alison Banikowski, C’75. Alison is deputy superintendent for the Olathe School District. Ruth Elizabeth (Mortensen) Graefing, C’45, Conroe, Texas. Aug. 22, 2010. In the Summer 2010 edition of the Aspire, the Honor Roll of Donors section did not include the correct list for In-Kind Therese (Craig) Shelton, C’ 45, St. Louis, Sept. 6, 2010. Donors. The list is as follows: Jim Welling, brother of Virginia (Welling) Krpan, A’48, In-Kind Donors southwest Florida, Sept. 25, 2010. John Bell Caraway Printing ’50s Dale & Mary Culver Michael Sassano, husband of Armelda (Phillips) Sassano, C’51, Bob Donaldson Helena, Mont., April 1, 1020 Dr. Con Hogan Cheryl & Russell Jacobson Sister Ann Donovan, SCL, C’53, Leavenworth, Kan., Aug. 29, 2010. Rita Kowalewski Dr. William Krusemark Sister Helen Keane, SCL, C’54, Leavenworth, Kan., Sept. 30, 2010. Mama Mia's Italian Restaurant Mike's Repair LLC Dorothy Ann (Hoffman) Lynch, C’54, Wichita, Kan., August, 2010. Mr. Goodcents - Subs & Pastas (Dave Gover) Pepsi-Cola General Bottling, Inc. Virginia (Barton) Gravatt, C’56, lost her son Craig Gravatt, Ryan Lawn & Tree Milwaukee, on Sept. 19, 2010, following a long illness. On Sept. Karen Shippey 29, 2010, her husband, Milt Gravatt, died peacefully in his sleep Tampico Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Gardiner, N.Y., after several years of battling Alzheimer’s. Western Robidoux Virginia is the sister of Sister Ann Barton, C’54. Also in the Summer 2010 edition of the Aspire, several class ’60s photos in the Alumni Reunion story were improperly labeled. Mary Hutcheson, mother of Maggie (Hutcheson) Perkins, The correct years are below: C’68, Keller, Texas, Aug. 26, 2010. ’70s Betty Wilson Odjidja, early ’70s grad, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, July 30, 2010. ’90s Wesley F. Potts, C’90, husband of Rhlonda (Scott) Potts, C’90, Lansing, Kan., Oct. 29, 2009. He left behind twin boys, Brian and Jeffrey. Class of 1960 Class of 1965

Friends U.S. Army Col. (Ret.) Frank Farnsworth, friend of the university and husband of USM supporter Lee Farnsworth, Leavenworth, Kan., Aug. 4, 2010. Eva Williams, director of USM graduate education programs, Overland Park, Kan., Sept. 23, 2010.

Class of 1970 Class of 1975

Announcement Can’t wait a few months to hear about all of the great happenings among Saint Mary alums? Become a fan of University of Saint Mary (Saint Mary College) Alumni on Facebook and check out our new custom “Class Notes” tab. See all the latest news and check out photos submitted by our alums! 14 | Aspire Thinking AbouT AnoTher Degree? Earn it online at the University of Saint Mary

You already know that the University of Saint Mary offers a great education, a talented faculty, and the support of a tight-knit community. If you’re considering another degree to advance your career or increase your marketability, come back to USM—online. You’ll find everything you loved about your on-campus USM experience in a convenient and flexible online format designed for busy working adults like you, your friends, and members of your family.

RN-BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING: Take the next exciting step in your nursing career! A Bachelor of Science in Nursing can help you improve patient outcomes and quality of care and may position you for a better job.

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING: Become a better teacher and enhance classroom performance with the latest educational theory and research on best practices in curriculum design and instruction for grades P-12.

MBA: Hone your managerial skills and learn to take calculated risks with confidence through a solid business curriculum that emphasizes ethics and corporate responsibility.

Get the advantage of a UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY education no matter where you are—online. Classes start in January and March.

877-307-4915 www.saintmaryonline.com www.stmary.edu Fall 2010 | 15 Remembering A Brave Saint Marian Family, Friends Commemorate the Life of USM Alum Leesa Haehn new tree now grows in the Saint Mary front circle, planted there in memory of the life of alum Leesa Maree Hite Haehn, U’08, who died in June at A the age of 27. Leesa—the niece of Rick Hite, chair of USM’s information systems & technology department—battled ill health for much of her short life. She was born with glycogen storage disease, a metabolic ailment that required her to receive a liver transplant a few years ago. Leesa was an elementary education major at USM, and taught at Fort Leavenworth schools after she graduated. During her time at Saint Mary, she married Jhon Haehn, U'06 & M'10. About six months before she died, Leesa became pregnant. She quickly developed health issues, and doctors opted to take the baby about 25 weeks into the pregnancy. Leesa succumbed to brain, lung, and liver infections a few days later. Her baby, Brooke, is happy and healthy. “The best way to describe Leesa is as the kind of person who cared about everyone else first,” Rick Hite said. “She was an optimist from the get-go.” Friends and family gathered on the Saint Mary campus Oct. 19 to bless and dedicate the tree with prayer and song. Near the tree is a plaque with Leesa’s name and the inscription "You Always Made Us Laugh." Planning Ahead By Pam McNally noticed several military place, you would likely find 100 men on the Saint Mary percent of them in favor of such I campus this week from prudent planning. Fort Leavenworth. They’re here Everyone, it seems, agrees utilizing some of the university’s with the wisdom of having a classrooms for an advanced current will. education and training program. Yet many people die without It all made me think of a will, and many others depart planning ahead. with a will that is out-of-date or Whenever a military invalid. Unless we are faced with deployment takes place, we hear a compelling reason to act, it is about the flurry of activity as simply easier to wait until a more service personnel rush to get their convenient day. For many, that estate plans completed or updated. day never comes. Attorneys are brought in to speed up the process and to As director of charitable gift planning at the make sure no one goes off to war without first setting University of Saint Mary, I urge you to take the initiative his or her house in order. Having a valid will in place and get started on the estate-planning process. We becomes mighty important in the face of such danger. believe the benefits for you and your family are too Some people are “awakened” to the importance compelling to do otherwise. of estate planning when they prepare to vacation in a If you need suggestions for a reputable estate- foreign land. Others may be prodded by a closer-to-home planning attorney in your area, I would be glad to assist vacation that entails risk, such as a river trip down the you. If there is anything else I can do to help accomplish Grand Canyon. Still others may be goaded to visit their this important task, I’m available. Call me at estate-planning professional prior to their first flying (913) 758-4389 or email me at [email protected]. lesson or other newly acquired hobby. Don't wait to brush against danger to do the right Attorneys will tell you that so-called “will thing. Do it now by getting your estate-planning affairs motivators” also include: a death in the family, serious in order. injury or illness, or some other sobering crisis. If you were to quiz every person you know over the age of 50 about the importance of having a valid will in

The Saint Mary Alumni Council of greater Kansas City Get into the holiday spirit invites all alumni to the while lunching with your Annual Holiday Luncheon Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010 classmates and fellow Starker’s Reserve on the Country Club Plaza Saint Marians! 201 W. 47th Street, above Restoration Hardware Social Hour begins at 11 a.m., lunch starts at noon In keeping with the grand tradition of inviting the Sisters of Charity to the luncheon, all attendees have the opportunity to sponsor a sister. Be sure to bring classmates! Luncheon costs $30 per person - You must RSVP * Cash bar available * Door prizes * Elevator access. Contact Shirley McGeary at (913) 722-5431 for info or to RSVP. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEAVENWORTH, KS PERMIT NO. 31

4100 South 4th Street Leavenworth, KS 66048

Dated Material Please Do Not Delay

Join us for the 13th Annual University of Saint Mary Lincoln Event “An Evening with Mrs. Abraham Lincoln” 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21, 2011 Xavier Theatre Actress Pam Brown of Springfield, Ill., portrays the oft-misunderstood first lady, Mary Todd Lincoln, in the one-woman play “Now and Forever” by Ken Bradbury. The show is set in the White House parlor as Mary Todd gets ready to go to Ford’s Theatre with her husband, President Lincoln. Mrs. Brown has been performing “Mary Lincoln” since 2006 when she was cast in the title role of “The Last of Mrs. Lincoln” at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Select pieces from USM’s Bernard H. Hall Lincoln collection will be on display in the Walnut Room Mary Todd Lincoln immediately following Mrs. Brown’s performance. Pam Brown Refreshments will be served.

Please join us for this rare glimpse at the complex and fascinating woman who stole the heart of Abraham Lincoln. Call (913) 758-6165 or visit www.stmary.edu for more information.