St. Norbert College Class of 2017
Table of Contents Letter from President Kunkel..........................1 Words of Wisdom.............................................2 Student Photos.................................................5 Remembering Kurt Ahonen...........................15 Orgs & Sports.................................................17 Through the Years..........................................21
To the St. Norbert College Class of 2017: In a few short days you will be proudly crossing the stage in the newly dedicated Mulva Family Fitness and Sports Center, then taking your diploma from me. It’s a proud moment we share, more so than ever this time because, in a very real sense, I’m “graduating” from SNC with you! Of course, it only took you four years, or maybe even just three and a half, and it’s taken me nine! But then I never was the quickest student in the world! All kidding aside, it really is an honor to be going out having you as my last graduating class. You have been exemplary students here, and we couldn’t be prouder of your accomplishments. You have worked hard in class, collectively volunteered tens of thousands of hours in service to our wider community, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for worthwhile purposes. In addition, so many dramatic things have happened in your time at SNC: We opened the beautiful Gehl-Mulva Science Center, started a business school and M.B.A. program (maybe some of you will come back for that!), partnered with the Medical College of Wisconsin, renovated the Mel Nicks athletics complex, repurposed the old Priory, and, finally, opened the Mulva Family Center. I’ll admit that last one came a little late for you, but I do hope you’re going to take advantage of our seniors-only “sneak preview!” I will have a fuller message for you at the commencement itself. But for now, do remember that you not only are SNC alumni but you are “walking advertisements” for the kind of high-quality, high-integrity young men and women that we produce at this institution. We know you will think on your experiences here often, and that you will continue to put your Norbertine values into everyday practice. For the rest of your lives everyone who sees and respects you will inevitably connect you with your alma mater, and for that we are thankful. Like you, there will be many, many things I will miss about our wonderful college. But also like you, I will have those memories to carry the rest of my life! God bless you—and I’ll see you on May 14! President K
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words of wisdom It would be my heartfelt encouragement that you might believe in the power of beauty to influence your thoughts, words and actions. Accessing beauty is easier and more natural than you might ever imagine; in fact, it can be effortless. Allow yourself to revel and delight in local colors, textures, fragrances, sounds and tastes...your natural senses have much to teach you by way of surprise and pleasure. Expect to be bowled over by beauty wherever you find yourselves...LITERALLY, in whatever place, in whatever circumstance or event or occasion, beauty exists THERE (in more ways than you might have ever been told or imagined...of this I am 100% certain!). Of course, and please, seek beauty, also, in local art museums and galleries...these works of art have been especially curated and cared for in advance of your arrival, just waiting for you to encounter them. You don’t need a degree in art history to recognize or be moved by a work of art; by simply placing yourself before the object or within the environment or even in peaking in on the edge, you might well be surprised by what you encounter at that moment and beyond (I have a little theory about the power of art; certain images and ideas “percolate” in our minds and hearts and just when we most need to be assured or inspired by their narrative or the essential truth they embody, its happens!). Also, there is no more optimistic and empowering reaction to life’s rich pageant than WONDER and AWE...to audibly gasp at the sight of something lovely and to be stopped in your tracks by an experience that feels “sublime” is to affirm beauty’s power and influence. Here’s wishing you a lifetime of joyfully encountering all the beauty in the world. Fr. Neilson, Assistant Professor of Art and SNC Parish Administrator To put wisdom into words is a difficult task. It also reduces wisdom down to a simplistic notion when it is not. Wisdom is context bound and culturally situated. However, in an attempt to provide insight as you embark on the next phase of life’s journey I hope you reflect often, live joyfully, and never stop learning. Show love often. We are all called to show love. Serving humanity is one way to show love. Showing gratitude, even for what may appear to be insignificant shows love. Show love by caring for the Earth. When you show love you change the world a little. When you demonstrate politeness over anger or engage in daily acts of kindness, no matter how small, the world benefits. As you take your place in the world know there is always room to learn and grow. Seek out opportunities that will challenge your perspectives and current ways of knowing. There are multiple ways to see and experience the world, embrace them. Don’t be afraid, instead set audacious goals and work towards attaining them. You may believe your dreams or goals are unreachable, but take a chance and reach out your hand to the future. It is waiting for you. Dr. Tynisha Meidl, Associate Professor of Teacher Education
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Words of wisdom and advice: such a request would reduce any sensible person to silence. How, then, to get past the fear of saying nothing but useless drivel that everyone has heard or read a thousand times: appreciate the kindness of the person who has asked, write honestly about what a lifetime of learning has taught you, and try to make simple, good sense. Wisdom means, I suppose, practical, equitable, studied application of knowledge. Here goes, after the fashion of the ancient recorders of maxims. Learn everything you can that you think may prove useful to you, and learn a lot that you guess may never prove useful—in fact, you never know what will help most in years to come. Find some endeavor in which you want to gain expertise, and then summon the discipline to gain that expertise. Elwood P. Dowd says his mother told him that to succeed in the world a person must be ever so smart or ever so pleasant; he has tried both and prefers pleasant. I say aim for both: smart and pleasant may succeed whether either alone may fail. The narrative voice in one of W. H. Auden’s poems proclaims, “Let me be the more loving one” in a relationship: a noble sentiment. I say that if you find people who love you just as much as you love them, you are one of the most fortunate human beings in the world. Anything less leads to sadness, which we all find easily enough. Joseph Campbell says that the secret to a good life is “follow your bliss.” I say follow your bliss, but in the meantime find a way to make a living so you can live long enough to find and enjoy your bliss. You may find that way through internships or summer jobs rather than courses. One of Ursula Le Guin’s characters in The Left Hand of Darkness says that wisdom often comes not in knowing an answer, but in knowing the right question to ask—absolutely. The problem that leads to the worst errors and the most suffering in life isn’t pride in the traditional sense, but self-absorption or self-obsession. Getting outside oneself leads to liberation from self-imposed tyranny. Resist tyranny from inside and outside with all your strength. The centerpiece of Christian philosophy is free will—for good reason. The secret to a successful and happy life isn’t money or power; it’s kindness—to yourself and everyone you can. Don’t trust the fancy sound bites that whiz-bang salespersons try to foist on you without thinking through each one for yourself. Don’t trust anything I tell you without thinking it through for yourself. E. L. Risden, Professor of English
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During today’s meeting of the computer science senior capstone course, many soon-to-be graduates of SNC were lamenting how fast their time at SNC has gone. As faculty, we have lots of experience with students moving on from SNC, but that doesn’t mean we don’t share many of the same feelings as our seniors as they graduate. Will our grads find jobs that allow them to use their knowledge and talents? Will our grads be happy in their new lives? Have we helped to prepare them for all that lies ahead? Will they remember us and their time at SNC? Will we hear from them again? My CS students know that I can’t resist slipping in tidbits of advice, so here is one. Maintaining contact with friends and classmates is much easier than trying to re-establish it. You have so many communication options – Facebook, Twitter, Skype, and SnapChat (yea computer science!), and I strongly encourage you to use them to grow the many friendships and connections you have made at SNC. Many of you know exactly where you will be in a few months or the next year. Some of you do not. But if you think your future plans are fixed, think again. When I left SNC in 1982, I expected to complete a Masters in Math at Purdue and return to Green Bay to work. How wrong I was. Travel? I had left Wisconsin only once! But I have since traveled throughout Europe, Singapore and Bangladesh and have visited numerous historical and natural sites in the US from the seat of my Harley. Me, a college prof? You and I have shared some of the same SNC professors, and they can tell you that I rarely ever spoke in class! Planning well is important, but so is being prepared for many decisions that will change your way. Even decisions that seem correct at the time may ultimately not turn out as expected. How you recover and move forward will speak greatly of your character. There is so much that lies ahead, but you are ready. And if your future journeys lead you back to SNC, you will not be alone. Many of us have returned to SNC as staff and faculty to provide the same support to students that others had given to us. You are always welcome here. Be proud, be compassionate, be joyful, be in touch, be you. We are so very proud of you, of what you have accomplished, and all that you will do in the future. Dr. Bonnie McVey, Associate Professor of Computer Science
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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2017 5
Lauren Adams
Katherine Ake Biology Neenah, WI
Business Administration Economics Gillett, WI
Dex Anschutz
Communications Japanese Black Creek, WI
Aubree Antosch
Elementary Education Mosinee, WI
Elsa Aparnieks
Education Language Arts Kimberly, WI
Erin Artz
Accounting Omaha, NE
Abdul Askar
Melissa Ballestad
Hayley Bertrand
Ann Bliss
Stephanie Blumer
Jackson Boehlke
Mid. Child-Early Adolescent Education Math, Spanish, & Music McHenry, IL
Kate Anderson
Psychology Communications Wauwatosa, WI
Clare Appleton
Math Spanish Ashwaubenon, WI
Sociology Women & Gender Studies De Pere, WI
Accounting Saudi Arabia
Business Administration Sociology Sun Prairie, WI
Shane Anderson
Math & Spanish Education New Berlin, WI
Elementary Education Bonduel, WI
Business Administration Richfield, WI
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Cassie Bonin
Sociology Women & Gender Studies Manitowoc, WI
Accounting Economics Wisconsin Rapdis, WI
Brad Brux
Finance Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Bailey Bushman
Ashley Buth
Christine Chen
Erin Cooper
Alison Cordry
Communications & Media Studies Leadership Studies Stockbridge, WI
Communications Green Bay, WI
Psychology Sociology & French Wausau, WI
Psychology & Spanish Green Bay, WI
Brianna Crysler English Newport, RI
Meg Curi
Education Studies Early Childhood Glen Ellyn, IL
Caitlin Deuchert Computer Science & Math Music McHenry, IL
Business Adminstration Spanish Wauynakee, WI
Nora Eckert
Becca Firkus
Samantha Frinzi
Becca Gallow
English Business Adminstration Wausau, WI
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Hannah Bovee
Business Adminstration Union Grove, WI
English History Mayville, WI
Graphic Design Lincoln, NE
Lydia Dorn
History American Studies West Bend, WI
Matt Gannon
Lauren Gantenbein
Kylie A. Gazzolo Business Administration Wauwau,WI
Sociology Leadership Studies Milwaukee, WI
Breanna Gosh
Anna Gosz
Angela Grahn
Connor Gullstrand
Riley Hacker
Abigail Hausman Graphic Design Spanish Delafield, WI
Collin Hess
Biology Music & Chemistry Suamico, WI
Quinlan Hillesheim
Davey Holzer
Megan Hovell
Clarissa Jauregui
Laura Aleisah Marie Jones
Math & Business Administration Plymouth, WI
Spanish & Secondary Education History Neenah, WI
Geology Green Bay, WI
Biology Hartford, WI
Communications & Media Studies Waukesha, WI
Biology Wausau, WI
Accounting Economics Seymour, WI
Biology Randolph, WI
Business Administration & Economics Fish Creek, WI
Jasmine Gordon
Biology Chemistry Green Bay, WI
Economics Escanaba, MI
Sociology Chicago, IL
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Alexia Kaminski
Mid. Child-Early Adolescent Education Language Arts Wauconda, IL
Dana Kautzer
Psychology Business Adminstration & Communications Wauwatosa, WI
Bridget Kelly
Art Education Downers Grove, IL
Lexi Kersten
Sarah Kick
Ella Kirby
Maggie Knecht
Jillian L. Kosteck
Beverly Lee
Communications & Media Studies English Oak Creek, WI
English Winchester, United Kingdom
Physics Education Wayauwega, WI
Jeni Kubiak
Sam Lamers
Morgan Lanahan Psychology & Sociology Wausau, WI
Psychology Communications Studies Milwaukee, WI
Caimyn Lutze
Michaela Machurick
Austin Mahlik
Luke Manderle
Music & Liberal Arts Elementary Education Japanese Area Studies Broad Field Social Studies Menasha,WI Kimberly, WI
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Business Administration Appleton, WI
Graphic Design Communications & Business Sturgeon Bay, WI
Biology Kaukauna, WI
Biology Marinette, WI
Psychology New Lenox, IL
Political Science History Buchanan, WI
Nicole Manders Business Administration Green Bay, WI
Missy Mas
Hannah Mandlman
Lauren R. March Theology & Religious Studies Philosophy & Music Iron Mountain, WI
Business Administration Finance Glen Ellyn, IL
Sierra Menzer
Jessica Meza
Grace Mickelson
Psychology & Sociology Classical Studies Mequon, WI
Tim Marshall
Communications Leadership Studies Gurnee, IL
Business Administration Political Science Lomira, WI
International Studies & Spanish Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Business Administration Communications Tomahawk, WI
Scott Miller
Leah Murphy Business Administration Freedom, WI
Haley Nett
Psychology & Spanish Appleton, WI
Mallory F. Nickerson
Colin O’Brien
Kalie O’Leary
Melanie Othon
Alexis Pamperin
Communications Business Administration Libertyville, IL
Economics & Business Administration Racine, WI
Biology Green Bay, WI
Computer Science Philosophy St. Charles, IL
Math Education Green Bay, WI
Spanish Education Green Bay, WI
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Mary Paplham
Amanda Parsons Accounting Hilbert, WI
Biology & Spanish Green Bay, WI
Lauren Pavlik
Danielle Perszyk
Sam Potier
Alyssa Price
Paulina Puskala
Hanna Raczek
English Creative Writing Classical & Communications Studies De Pere, WI
Physics & Math Sturgeon Bay, WI
Biology Rhinelander, WI
Spanish & Education Marquette, MI
Computer Science Mosinee, WI
Ashley Randazzo
Stephanie Reed Business Administration Lindenhurts, IL
Delilah Rezk
Communications Psychology Racine, WI
Jennifer Roberts
Spanish & Secondary Education Math Chaska, MN
Ruby N. Robles
Riley Scanlan
Melissa Scheele
Michelle Scheibe
Business Management St. Charles, IL
Sociology & Spanish Green Bay, WI
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Computer Science & Math Greendale, WI
Biology Pulaski, WI
Communications & Media Studies History Niles, IL
Accounting Chemistry Kingsford, MI
Brandon Schmitz
Elizabeth Schroeder Communications Green Bay, WI
Elementary Education Social Studies Green Bay, WI
Communications & Media Studies Business Administration De Pere, WI
Nicolette Sheffield
Bella Sipes
Jacyln Jennings Sollars
Kristin Sorensen
Accounting De Pere, WI
Geology English Chicago, IL
History Green Bay, WI
Shawn Soris
Grace Spagna
Emily Tavares
Nicole Marie Temme
Business Administration & Economics Aurora, IL
Communications & Media Studies Chicago, IL
Education Language Arts Libertyville, IL
Biochemistry Newton, WI
Haley Semenak
Communications & Media Studies English Fontana, WI
Reed Shallue
English Creative Writing Media Studies Menominee, WI
Yvonne Stapleton-Polack Abigail Swanson Psychology & Communications Eagle River, WI
Political Science Spanish Kiel,WI
Aly Tomey
Katie Traeger
Middle Childhood Education Spanish & Theology West Bend, WI
Business Administration De Pere, WI
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Carissa Trepanier
Communications Spanish &Theology and Religious Studies Oconto Falls, WI
Psychology Manitowish Water, WI
Business Administration Economics Franklin Grove, IL
Molly Uphoff
Katelyn Van Buskirk
Aaron Van Eperen
Jeffrey Van Grinsven History Kimberly, WI
Austin Van Pay
Business Administration Psychology Green Bay, WI
Shelby VanRossum
Megan Waldoch
Dana Warpinski
Colleen Welsh
Teagan Wernicke
Kelsey Woodward
Joseph Zielinski
History Education United States Politics Wrightstown, WI
Biology Theology & Religious Studies Greenfield, WI
Kirsten Umbach
Sociology Business Green Bay, WI
Jacob Wittmershauws Rebecca Rae Wood
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Math Education Philosophy Menomonie, WI
Business Administration Leadership De Pere, WI
English Religious Studies Oconomowoc,WI
History Economics Mindoro, WI
Communications Leadership Studies Evergreen Park, IL
Biology Freedom, WI
Mid. Child-Early Adolescent Education Broadfield Science Sobieski, WI
Physics Math Blaine, MN
Melonie Zielinski History Education Richfield, WI
Joseph Zizzo
Communications & Media Studies Business Administration & Marketing Germantown, WI
Theresa Adelaide Zukowski
Early-Mid. Childhood Education Elm Grove, WI
Letter from the Editors: On behalf of the Yearbook committee we like to express our thanks to everyone who submitted their photos to the yearbook. We had a wonderful time making this yearbook to commemorate the class of 2017! We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all the professors and T. Kunks who took time out of their busy schedules to write a few words of advice for us as we move to the next stage of our journey. Though our days at St. Norbert will come to an end sooner than we’d like, hopefully this yearbook can be a nice memento to remind us of the home away from home we’ve created here in these four years. St. Norbert will always be a place that holds some of our best and worst (finals week) memories. We would also like to take a moment to remember our friend Kurt, who will not be able to walk across the stage with us, but will always hold a place in our hearts. Once a Green Knight, always a Green Knight. Samantha Frinzi, Alison Cordry, Melanie Othon, Elizabeth Schroeder, & Sarah Kick
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IN LOVING MEMORY OF KURT AHONEN
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A note from Kellie and Mark Ahonen Kurt cared deeply about his family and friends. He had an inexhaustible creative side, thought outside the box on almost everything and was always seeking answers to life’s biggest questions. He was always writing down notes and ideas. Of the many he had, we would like to share one in particular that was found in his room that said “Your actions on this side determine outcomes on other side.” He lived life fully, seeing only the best in people, and could always be counted on when needed. Our family shared a statement that Kurt would say with confidence, in public and private situations, it was “Love you, God bless.”
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Organizations & Sports
ADMAR
Alpha Xi Delda 17
Accounting Club
CCHAMS
Discover International
Dance Marathon
Dumbledore’s Knights
Independent Council
Garden Club
Knights for Life
Graphos
Knitting Knights 18
Ski and Snowboard
SWEA
Wakeboard Club 19
Society of HR Management
Untouchables
Wishmakers
Spanish Club
Wakeboard & Water Ski
Zambia Project
Cheer
Dance
Women’s Tennis
Football
Women’s Hockey
Women’s Basketball
Women’s Soccer
Men’s Soccer
Men’s Basketball 20
Through the years
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