FALL 2004
the magazine of aquinas college
Undergraduate sustainable business class, shown meeting outdoors, is one of Aquinas College’s signature programs (see page 14).
mission statement
vision statement
editorial team
Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College conducts an array of educational programs whose quality and effectiveness cause it to be considered consistently as a premier Catholic liberal arts college in the Midwest. In doing so, it is the college of choice for increasing numbers of students who seek a diverse, but inclusive, learning community that will enable them to increase their knowledge, hone their competencies, develop their character, and answer God’s calling to use their gifts and talents to make a positive difference in our world through their lives, work, and service. Aquinas strives to graduate students of competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment. EDITORIAL TEAM:
Marty Fahey Joelle Kwiatkowski `02 Sally Reeves Julie Ridenour Silvija Visockis CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Megan Alford `04 Glenn Barkan, Ph.D. Laura Bennett-Kimble `95 Damon Bouwkamp `00 Terry Bocian `70 Joseph Boomgaard `03 Michelle Bottrall `97 Marty Fahey Omar Flores `02 Brenda Hennink `96 Harry Knopke, Ph.D. Joelle Kwiatkowski `02 Crystal (Lubbers `01) Laska
contact information
Rabbi Albert Lewis, D.H.L. Sister Jean Milhaupt, O.P. `45 Tony Nolan `67 Sandy Rademaker Sally Reeves Julie Ridenour Tonya Schafer `02 Cynthia VanGelderen William Weitzel Deb Wickering Mike Williams, Ph.D. DESIGN/LAYOUT:
Mindpower, Inc. Silvija Visockis PHOTOGRAPHY:
Joseph Boomgaard Brian Kelly Mark Schmidbauer Andris Visockis
Aquinas magazine, created in spring 2002, is a semi-annual publication of Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is published in August and February each year by the College Relations Department for alumni, friends and benefactors of the College as well as parents of enrolled students. Aquinas is a private four-year Catholic Dominican Liberal Arts College. Letters comments/ suggestions are encouraged. E-mail: collegerelations@aquinas.edu Web site: www.aquinas.edu Alumni news: www.aquinas.edu/alumni Main number: (616) 632-8900
Mail to: College Relations Department 1607 Robinson Road SE Grand Rapids,MI 49506-1799 (616) 632-2844 / Fax: 616-459-2563
FALL 2004 • Vol. 3, No. 2
the magazine of aquinas college
Page
Page Letters to the Editor President’s Message Campus News AQ Receives Accreditation 2004 Commencement Chaplain Father Charles Dies FEATURE: The Road Ahead FEATURE: AQ and Metro Health Japan Trip Strengthens Ties Guest Lecturers Campus Safety 25-year Milestone Alumni News Chiwaya Named to Government Post Homecoming 2004 Pollster Sarpolus Checks Pulse of Voters Alumni Golf Outing Student News Going to “Congress” Weinandy Heads Campus Life CE Students Honored Faculty News Deans’ Reports Faculty Notes
4 5 6 7 12 14 16 18 19 25 29 30 31 32
34 34 35
36 39
Athletics Seventh Consecutive WHAC Award Bocian Receives Lifetime Award Senior Athletes Honored 2004 Athletic Hall of Fame Jan Bennett Retires
40 41 43 44 45
Development Palmores Plan $10 Million Gift to AQ Reflection Award: Kate Pew Wolters Community Leadership’s Major Gift Hall of Fame Gala Preview Ryans Establish Scholarship Lights! Action! Auction!
46 47 48 49 50 51
Trustees Profile: The Rev Bill Duncan Trustee Morrison Receives State Award
52 53
Emeritus College Sister Aquinas Honored
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Admissions Notable First-Year Students
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Class Notes
60 Cover photo by Andris Visockis. Dr. Matt Teuth takes his class into the environment to make his point.
Aquinas College is committed to equality. This statement of the College speaks to this commitment, as do our history and heritage. We believe that diversity is a blessing, which brings a richness of perspective to our intellectual, cultural, social, and spiritual life. All members of our community—faculty, staff, students— will demonstrate respect for each other regardless of our differences. All of us will be sensitive in our actions, words, and deeds. We will demonstrate these sensitivities in our classrooms, curricula, offices, meeting places, and living environments. We will maintain the diversity of our Board of Trustees, faculty, student body, and staff and appreciate the different gifts each brings to this community regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or disability.
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CONTENTS
let ters to the editor
Kudos to Brent Chesley for a well written and thoughtful article (“The Choice She Makes,” p. 40, Aquinas, Spring 2004). I’m passing it on to my daughter, who is studying for a master’s degree and broke up with her Kermit last year. Even though it was painful and it took her a long time, she finally had the courage to follow her own dreams. It’s nice to know there are professors out there giving such thoughtful advice to young women (and men, I hope). Laurel Hill ‘87
Just wanted to take the opportunity to express my appreciation for the great job…in the Spring 2004 edition of Aquinas magazine, focusing on the Catholicity of Aquinas College. It is a message that I believe really needs to be communicated to our greater audience and you did it very well. Pat Quinn `58, Aquinas Trustee
Glad to see the old colors back at AQ (“College Identity and Messaging Gets Updated,” p. 13, Aquinas, Spring 2004). Think the mascot is great also and he should also get a new maroon suit. The Aquinas magazine is outstanding and we look forward to every issue. Keep up the great effort. Bill MacKay `77
As an alumna who worked for 17 years in communications/media relations and 22 years in higher education, I am very disappointed in the new format of Aquinas magazine. It is too big, too glossy, too boring. It is a PR piece, designed to please internal groups and its own makers. I don’t see any added-value for the readers. I had considered asking you to remove me from the mailing list, but I do feel loyal to Aquinas. I remember my years there as a positive period of my intellectual growth and a great preparation for graduate school and career. So, you can keep me on your list, although I would much rather receive a modest little newsletter to keep in touch.
Hey, all. Love the new logos. I attended AQ from 1974 to 1978. After that, I was the head soccer coach there till 1983. I think the idea for calling Aquinas “AQ” originated with me and a group of my friends [fellow athletes]. I put AQ on a soccer t-shirt my sophomore year and the next thing you know, people were writing it on their book covers, putting it on sports banners, etc. I think it started to appear in the school newspaper around that time, as well. Just an F.Y.I. Cheers. Doug Mello `78
Mary R. (Tomaszek) Grove `57, Indianapolis Thanks, Doug. Our archivist, Sr. Jean Milhaupt, O.P., tells me that “AQ” was actually used quite extensively in the Sunrise (student newspaper), at least in 1973 and she found uses as far back as 1968. However, from your description, your use of it certainly elevated its visibility around the campus community. So, THANKS! (Ed.)
Mary, I do appreciate your comments. Aquinas magazine is a work in progress and I hope to continue making changes, perhaps shortening the length of articles and incorporating more feature pieces. As the only current historical publication for the College (yearbooks have not been produced for years), it is important to share with everyone what is happening here, while creating a record for future reference. (Ed.)
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p r e s i de n t ’s message
Harry J. Knopke, Ph.D.
“Change is underway at Aquinas— positive, deliberative change….” needs of both our graduates and the broader community.
Across the country, the cycles of college life consistently show renewed vigor at this time of year. Aquinas is no different: we’re progressing into the new academic year with substantial energy, enthusiasm, and confidence, but with added momentum generated by a number of important accomplishments recorded last year, many of which are described in this issue of Aquinas magazine.
When thinking about the efforts devoted to constructing these signature programs, I’ve been struck by how they describe Thomas Aquinas’ concept of change: a combinant of fixity and movement, wherein entities evolve but everything is not new, for something of the past remains in the present, and in turn enters into the constitution of the future. As well, W. B. Yeats, one of my favorite authors, implicitly adapted this position in his predominant images of spirals of all kinds conveying his notion that life is a journey up a spiral staircase. As we grow older, he maintained, we cover the ground we have covered before, only higher up; as we look down the winding stair below us, we measure our progress by the number of places where we were but no longer are.
Among the most important of our achievements was receiving the reaffirmation of our accreditation from the visitation team of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, summarized in the article on p. 8. We were pleased by the team’s overall highly positive assessment of the College, its people, programs, organization, and processes, including our institutional planning and the ways in which we have developed our annual and longrange plans.
In many respects, the College is “higher up” than it was last year, and we are most confident it will be even further “up” each successive year when new academic seasons begin. Change is underway at Aquinas—positive, deliberative change that builds on our Dominican charisms, our tradition, and our rich institutional history to ensure the College will continue to be a very special place in the months and years ahead.
The core of our institutional plan is the set of “Signature Programs” that gives direction for our efforts over the next ten years. Laura BennetKimble’s article on p.16 provides a fine summary of those distinctive programs and initiatives. Each takes advantage of the particular strengths inherent in our departments, faculty, and staff, and each will enable Aquinas to address quite effectively future 5
campus news
A member of the North Central Association visitation team talks with faculty and staff.
Aquinas Receives Seven-Year Accreditation
Learning Commission has planned a focused visit during the academic year 2007-2008 “to consider the progress made in pushing beyond the present level of financial stability to a position of growth and enhancement of financial reserves and the endowment” and to evaluate the College’s progress toward a comprehensive assessment program, Balog said.
The findings of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools indicate that Aquinas College continues to grow and improve. After a March visit, the review team recommended a seven-year renewal, which is what most colleges like Aquinas receive in the accreditation review process.
He also said, “based on the self-study review, the team confirms that the institution continues to meet each one of the 24 general institutional requirements.” And in the broader criteria involving the school’s mission, resources, accomplishment of stated purposes, effectiveness, and integrity, the two areas mentioned above were the only ones showing need for improvement. “Otherwise, they said everything was fine,” he added.
“The team noted the considerable progress the College has made in addressing the issues raised during the last visit in 1997, particularly in the financial areas, planning, and student advising,” said Provost and Dean of Faculty C. Edward Balog, Ph.D. The team also would like to check future progress. Therefore, the Higher
By Laura Bennett-Kimble `95, Contributing Writer
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CAMPUS NEWS
Commencement: Keeping Hope Alive “I come to you with full humility from the Aquinas of Indiana to the Notre Dame of Michigan,” announced University of Notre Dame President Rev. Edward “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C., upon receiving an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Aquinas during its 63rd Annual Commencement on May 8. The comment drew the applause of some 320 graduates, their families, faculty and staff. “I love graduations,” said Malloy, because “they fill the air with emotions. It’s a time to recall the sacrifice of all that’s represented here, the hard work of students and the tremendous dedication of faculty, staff and administration.”
The Reverend Edward Malloy
In his seventeenth and final year as president at Notre Dame, “Monk,” as he’s known to those close to him, delivered a commencement message titled “Keeping Hope Alive.” “Sometimes it’s hard to keep hope alive,” Father Malloy observed. “There’s too much violence, too much prejudice and too much unhappiness. The cornucopia of good things of this world is not always justly shared,” he said, referring to a growing influx of foreigners who come to America, bringing with them the richness of their culture, only to find rejection.
Diet Eman
“It’s ironic. That’s the way we (our forefathers) came here. I hope you have learned what it means to be just in your dealings with others and to recognize the special obligation we have to those who don’t enjoy the same privileges we have,” Malloy said. He challenged each graduate to keep hope alive, encouraging them to “be loving in relationships, to be a person of integrity in your work, and to be just in your dealings with others.” The Most Reverend Robert Rose, a former Aquinas Trustee who retired in October 2003 after serving 14 years as the Bishop of the
The Most Reverend Robert Rose 7
CAMPUS NEWS
Diplomas bring smiles any dentist would be proud of as readily seen in the photographs on pages 8 and 9.
Diocese of Grand Rapids received a doctor of humane letters for his long-term service to both the diocese and the community. Eighty-four year old Diet Eman, a Holocaust survivor and member of the Dutch resistance in World War II, was presented with an honorary doctor of social science degree. The honor came nearly 60 years to the hour after Eman was arrested by the Nazis. Even at the risk of her own death, her covert activities during the war allowed hundreds of allied troops and others to escape the atrocities of the German occupation. Accepting the award on behalf of her friends, half of whom died during the Nazi occupation of her country, Eman said, “I thank God for answering my prayers to spare my life.” She received two standing ovations from a gratified audience.
Ph.D. (Psychology) and Shirley Kane Lewis, Ed.D (Dean of Arts and Sciences).
Four retiring College faculty members were honored with Emeritus status for their years of dedicated teaching and service. They were Sr. Amata Fabbro, O.P., Ph.D. (Theology); Sr. Yvonne Greiner, O.P. (Theology); Lee Jacokes,
Aquinas Trustees Jim McKay and Sr. Carmelita Murphy, O.P., were also recognized for their “outstanding leadership and guidance” to the College over the past decade and were given Emeritus status as well.
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First Nursing Graduates Recognized at Commencement Aquinas College honored its first nursing graduates in a special campus ceremony May 4. The twelve students actually received their Bachelor of Science in Nursing diplomas May 8 from the University of Detroit-Mercy (UDM), which coordinates the collaborative program in conjunction with Aquinas and Saint Mary’s Mercy Medical Center. The students earned their degrees through four years of study with coursework at both Aquinas and UDM as well as clinical experience at Saint Mary’s Mercy Medical Center.
The first Nursing Program graduates (above) are: (L to R) Front row: Ann Deja, Kristy Vogel, Julie Kamps, Amber Williams, Melissa Elliott, Heather Bennett. Back row: Paulette Abbey, Chasity Wagner, Terri Beute, Sheila Lukens, Lynne Piccard, Therese Carroll-Caruso.
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CAMPUS NEWS
College Launches New Identity Aquinas is sporting a new look these days since the College publicly unveiled its new Web site design (www.aquinas.edu) July 1. The complete site redesign will take as much as two years to complete with more than 7,600 pages to be updated or redesigned. The new identity is part of the efforts of Mindpower Inc., an Atlanta-based marketing/ communications firm hired by the College. The company has been working with Aquinas for more than a year. Last spring, the first changes came to light with the production of the new admissions viewbook and the placement of multicolor banners around campus. This edition of Aquinas magazine, as you can see, reflects the use of a palette of colors that complement maroon and white, which were selected as the College’s primary colors. Those colors help to maintain the historical consistency with the original College colors of burgundy and silver. The new logo and colors will be prominently displayed on items including letterhead, envelopes, brochures, catalogs, and promotional goods.
Also, in the main logo, we have incorporated the tagline “Makes all the difference in the world.” The tag speaks to our goal of providing a liberal arts education in the Catholic Dominican tradition that inspires compassion and instills a desire to serve in a manner that does indeed make a difference in the world.
In addition to the main logo, the College has adopted a circular “AQ” logo, with the goal of it becoming recognized as representing Aquinas College.
The new logo provides a cleaner, updated look that incorporates a maple leaf, instead of the “trees” logo, which helps to maintain the connection to the College’s scenic, wooded beauty.
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The red and white colors used extensively in athletics, though never officially adopted, will change to maroon and white with the future opening of the proposed Field House expansion. The goal of the institutional identity changes is to allow the College to project a consistent and bold image, fostering a greater awareness and recognition of the College. We again want to extend special thanks to the Wege Foundation, which has graciously underwritten a large portion of the creative work done by Mindpower.
Web site: www.aquinas.edu
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CAMPUS NEWS
Aquinas Community Stunned by Death of College Chaplain
The Aquinas community was shocked to learn that its chaplain, Fr. Charles Santoro, O.P., died suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 3窶馬early two years to the day when he began his duties at Aquinas. Fr. Charles Santoro, O.P.
Fr. Charles, 60, was greatly beloved by the AQ community. His love and acceptance for each person he met was quite remarkable. Even though he had only been at Aquinas two years, he made a great impression on the campus. He was a dedicated priest with whom everyone felt comfortable. His deep faith and love for God and the Church were reflected through his passion for life. In each of the two years he was here, students awarded him the Spirit Award. Extremely supportive of the sports programs at Aquinas, Fr. Charles distributed pom poms to fans at basketball games and cheered the teams on, yelling enthusiastically.
He also loved to study and to teach. A faculty member mentioned that she learned something new every time she ran into Fr. Charles. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable about Catholicism, but he was also committed to ecumenism. Fr. Charles will be deeply missed. His large heart touched us all. Fr. Charles is believed to have died from a blood clot. He had had successful surgery on July 12 to remove some cancerous glands. While recovering at home, he developed an infection, for which he was hospitalized for a brief stay. He had just arrived home when he collapsed. He was returned to the hospital where efforts to revive him failed. His funeral Mass and burial were held August 9 in Minneapolis. A special memorial service and a Mass for Fr. Charles were held on campus in August. 12
Bishop Kevin Britt offers a prayer at Evening of Elegance, an Aquinas fundraiser held just two weeks before his death.
Bishop Britt Death Shocks Aquinas Community Bishop Kevin Britt was establishing close ties with Aquinas College when, just 10 months in office, he suddenly died on May 15.
Fr. Duncan said the late Bishop Britt was “very committed to Catholic education at all levels. When he arrived at the diocese, he was pleased to know that we had a Catholic college here in our midst with the great Aquinas tradition. And so from the very beginning, he wanted to establish a good working relationship with Dr. Knopke and the Aquinas community.”
The Kent County Medical Examiner ruled in June that Bishop Britt had died of a “rare brain disorder”—so rare, in fact, according to the medical examiner, that there are only 70 cases recorded in medical literature (as reported in The Grand Rapids Press, June 4, 2004). Britt was installed as the Diocese’s tenth bishop in October 2003, replacing the retired Reverend Robert Rose. The Reverend Bill Duncan, the Vicar General of the Diocese who is also an Aquinas Trustee (see article, p. 52), was given responsibility for handling the daily administrative responsibilities while Detroit Archbishop Cardinal Adam Maida has assumed the Apostolic Administrator duties.
Aquinas President Harry Knopke said that Bishop Britt was fast becoming an asset, not just to the Catholic Diocese, but to Grand Rapids and west Michigan as well. “Britt possessed seemingly boundless energy; demonstrated a genuine interest in all the people, programs, and organizations that either constitute or relate to the diocese; and quickly established personal and organizational relationships throughout the broader community,” Knopke said.
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THE ROAD AHEAD When traveling, a map can ensure that you reach your destination. When planning for the future, setting goals has a tendency to do the same thing. Aquinas College President Harry Knopke and Provost and Dean of Faculty C. Edward Balog have assembled a detailed roadmap to help implement the various goals of the College through 2013. Plans are in place for the development and enhancement of academic offerings as well as a new library and Field House. Several signature programs—programs recognized as Aquinas specialties—will be enhanced within the next 10 years, including expanding the sustainable business undergraduate degree program to the graduate level, establishing a writing center with creative writing certification, and creating an alternative certification program for the master’s in education degree. The undergraduate sustainable business program, which has doubled its expected enrollment and is attracting students from as far away as Japan (see p. 18), has proven to be an innovative and logiBy Laura Bennett-Kimble `95, Contributing Writer 14
F E AT U R E A RT I C L E S
(Left) Dr. Matt Tueth takes his class out into the environment for lectures.
President Knopke (right) and Provost Balog (below) map out a promising future for the College.
cal blending of the College’s environmental and business programs. The president said, “There has been a lot of interest in the six-course undergraduate program and the planned graduate program.” He said that he expects to see the sustainable business graduate program up and running within the next year or so. The writing program—including a prominent visiting artist-inresidence each year—is a logical addition to English Department offerings. Because so many of the English faculty members are published writers of everything from non-fiction texts to poetry and fiction, “I think it’s a natural fit,” said Knopke. “The attraction is the faculty.” The six-course creative writing certification program, which includes fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction, will be in place this fall. The Education Department is exploring alternative master in education options, Balog said, “so that students don’t have to give up their day jobs to get their certification.” This change involves meeting State of Michigan requirements and working with various departments throughout the institution because education students often earn degrees in specific disciplines rather than solely through the Education Department. Other disciplines will also evolve. The undergraduate nursing program has been growing and will continue to grow. “We’ll be at capacity this fall,” said Balog of the successful five-year-old program. The first class of nursing students graduated this spring and 11 of the 12 students have jobs. The 12th, Knopke said, didn’t have a job yet because she was still deciding between two offers. To continue supporting the nursing and pre-professional programs, new science equipment and laboratory space are planned. Additionally, a master’s degree program in religious studies may be offered within the next couple of years. As the Catholic community evolves, and as it continues to deal with the declining number of priests, “people are looking for this level of certification,” Knopke said. Other signature program developments will include a revised and expanded master of management program, an expansion of leadership and conflict management courses in association with the Woodrick Institute, a continuation of support for the theatre program and the new Performing Arts Center, and a political science department that collaborates with the Community Leadership Institute to focus on state and national government. Two building projects are also planned: the expansion and enhancement of the Field House and the relocation and expansion of the library. The Field House will be enlarged by over 60,000 square feet to include an athletic training facility, the health center, more classrooms for the expanding athletic (continued on p. 16)
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(The Road Ahead continued from p. 15)
department, and a convocation center, all of which will comprise the 120,000-square-foot facility. Integrated Architecture and Rockford Construction have been chosen to handle the project. The library will move from the Academic Building to the Jarecki Center, adding approximately 25,000 square feet to the building and doubling the library floor space. Progressive Architecture Engineering and Erhardt Construction have been chosen for the project. Both buildings will have environmentally responsible components factored into their construction and renovation. “It is our expectation that they will be LEED certified,” Knopke said. This certification of the U.S. Green Building Council designates structures as meeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria. The many changes projected for the future may seem quite diverse, but they add up to the College tradition of stewardship, service, leadership and career preparation. “We’re collaborating on these program development initiatives to ensure that we aren’t responding to trends,” Knopke said, “but rather anticipating and leading them. In moving into the future, we want to build on the strengths that we already have to create more strengths, basically, to provide our students and alumni with expanded opportunities.”
AQ AND M E T R O H E A LT H create energy-education lab In a continuation of the Aquinas College mission to reach out to the community and to form partnerships with complementary organizations, Aquinas College has joined with Metro Health to create a unique educational opportunity through its Sustainable Business program. In an effort that will expand and revolutionize its health care services, Metro Health is moving from Grand Rapids to a 170-acre Health Village in suburban Wyoming. When completed by Architectural rendering of proposed Center for 2006, the Village will include a 208-bed hospital, Sustainable Energy and Education. retail village, commercial businesses, health services, and the Center for Sustainable Energy and Education (CSEE), a sustainable education center that also functions as the main utility plant of the hospital. It is here that Aquinas students will expand and apply their knowledge of sustainable business, the concept of promoting economic growth while seriously addressing environmental and social responsibility. 16
U.S. Congressman Vernon Ehlers addresses a press conference held to announce the Center for Sustainable Energy and Education. At the front tables (l-r): Director of Aquinas’ Sustainable Business Program Dr. Matt Tueth; Director of Engineering and Real Estate, Metro Health Jeff Smitley; President of Novi Energy Anand Gangadharan; Vernon Ehlers, Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives (standing); President of Aquinas College Dr. Harry Knopke; and Metro Health President and CEO, Mike Faas.
The partnership was formalized at an August 25 press conference, which also included the announcement of a $2.75 million federal contract award from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory toward the project’s $30 million estimated cost. Funds for the project will come through a mix of conventional financing and national grants. Students in the program include those seeking a bachelor of science degree in sustainable business, the first undergraduate program of its kind in the nation, as well as those seeking a minor degree or certificate in sustainable business. The program began officially in August 2003 and enrollment is double what Sustainable Business Program Director Matthew Tueth, Ph.D., had expected. Twenty-seven students are currently enrolled in the program, including four Metropolitan Hospital management employees. The CSEE, which planners expect to achieve the coveted LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum designation of the U.S. Green Building Council, “will produce traditional and renewable energy for the hospital and potentially the health care village,” said Tueth. In its 45,000-square-foot energy and educational center, students will participate in learning and research projects in areas such as community education, waste elimination, material recycling, and renewable power generation to further their education and to assist in developing the facility’s potential. “The Metro Health Village project is unique in the world,” Tueth noted. “Our association with this truly unique sustainable business development will benefit Aquinas and the Sustainable Business program as well as Metro Health.” And, in the spirit of sustainable business, it is also expected to benefit the local environment, the economy, and the community as a whole. By Laura Bennett-Kimble `95, Contributing Writer 17
College and its partnership with Metro Health [see p. 17], along with the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, are being considered for inclusion in the U.S. Pavilion.
campus News
While in Japan, Tueth presented lectures on the Aquinas Sustainable Business program, a new program that incorporates economic growth and environmental responsibility. “I also gave an overview of what west Michigan is doing—it really is a leader in the field of sustainable business.” He was well received and said many people want to start the same program there.
Trip to Japan a Success In an effort to strengthen business and education ties with Japan, a group of West Michigan residents including Grand Rapids City Mayor George Heartwell, Aquinas President Harry Knopke, and Aquinas faculty members, Dr. Matthew Tueth and Dr. Masato Yamazaki, met with representatives from numerous organizations during a May visit.
Some of those people will be visiting west Michigan. “We are expecting our first Japanese undergraduate enrollment this fall and are aiming at next summer to offer a concentrated certificate program for managers, which would include Japanese business people,” said Knopke.
The trip was organized by Yamazaki, who is a co-founder of the U.S.-Japan Economic, Business, and Cultural Forum, a group created to help Japan improve its economy. Aquinas College has hosted two forums in the past, said Yamazaki.
This could be very good for the crowded nation. With 130 million people on the four main islands of Japan, Tueth said, “they’ve got environmental problems.”
“This trip followed up several visits of Japanese officials to west Michigan and reinforced our respective commitments to developing mutually beneficial business initiatives,” said Knopke.
“Japan was, historically, very sensitive to nature,” Yamazaki stated, but things changed during and after World War II. “Then, economic growth became the focus. Now they have to turn the clock back.” With sustainable business, he said, it isn’t an either/or situation regarding quality and cost—it’s a beautiful solution.
A result of these relationships may be College representation at the March 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan, where Nature’s Wisdom will be the official theme. Aquinas
By Laura Bennett-Kimble `95, Contributing Writer
(Left) Dr. Tueth makes a sustainable business presentation to a group of Japanese educators with Dr. Yamazaki providing the translation. (Center) West Michigan visitors view expo site model. (Right) Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, director of AQ’s Community Leadership Institute, and President Knopke pictured on a hill overlooking the expo site.
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Wege Foundation Speaker Series Some 350 people converged on the Performing Arts Center in April for the eighth-annual Wege Foundation Speaker Series. It was fitting that some attendees, like Peter M. Wege himself, arrived in gas-electric hybrid vehicles, considering the overall theme of these lectures: combining environmental responsibility and good business practices. Christine Ervin—in her final day as president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)—focused on buildings designed to meet the coveted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in her talk “Building a Healthy Future: The Role of the Built Environment.” Ervin praised Michigan companies for leadership in environmental action, listing Herman Miller, Inc.; Steelcase Inc.; Ford Motor Company; and other Michigan-based businesses that are committed to green building.
Christine Ervin’s lecture was made possible by the Wege Foundation and its founder Peter Wege.
Ervin said government plays a key role in the green movement, regardless of political affiliation. “This work should be bipartisan,” she said. Ervin highlighted several LEED-certified buildings across the country, prompting audience members to share information about local projects projected to meet LEED criteria.
Green building distinguishes the construction and operation of buildings that have significantly reduced or even eliminated environmental impact through the use of various technologies to improve water and energy usage, indoor air quality, and materials conservation.
USGBC was established in 1993 to promote buildings that are “environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work.” By Laura Bennett-Kimble `95, Contributing Writer
Archbishop of Chicago to Speak at Aquinas College, October 13 Cardinal George will lecture on the “Catholic Intellectual Tradition and Its Significance in a Secular Society.” The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center (PAC). The event is free and open to the public, but reserved tickets must be obtained in advance by contacting the PAC ticket office at (616) 456-6656.
His Eminence Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I., Archbishop of the Chicago Diocese, will speak at Aquinas College on Wednesday, October 13, 2004. Cardinal George will be the first speaker for the newly established series entitled the “St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture on Catholic Intellectual Tradition.”
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CAMPUS NEWS
Author to Speak on the Issue of Women and Low Wages, Oct. 13
PAC Completes First Full Year The Aquinas College Theatre Program concluded its debut season in April at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) by presenting an interesting slant on the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
As part of the Women Make a Difference Luncheon Lecture Series, the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center Beth Shulman will host author Beth Shulman on October 13 in the Wege Student Center Ballroom at 11:30 a.m for a presentation entitled “Low Wage Jobs: A Women’s Issue.”
Anthony Guest, assistant professor of theatre and theatre director, and set designer Benjamin Zimmer created a concept that included a raked platform spanning the stage, simulating the comic section in The Grand Rapids Press. A cartoon Peanuts character inhabited each comic cell on the newspaper. As the lights dimmed, the cartoon characters disappeared and were replaced by the human counterparts playing Snoopy (Nina Croll), Charlie Brown (Jason Dobb), Shroeder (Patrick Earl), Lucy (Laura Eilar), Linus (Justin Narrdechia) and Sally (Molly Jones). Each cell also contained objects that popped up, like Lucy’s psychiatrist booth and Shroeder’s piano. The production concluded with the actors returning to their cells.
The cost of the luncheon is $100, and reservations can be made by calling (616) 632-2821. Another presentation, “Where the Jobs are: Can They Sustain Families?” is free of charge and will be held at 7 p.m. The author of The Betrayal of Work: How Low-Wage Jobs Fail 30 Million Americans and Their Families worked for the 1.5 million-member United Food and Commercial Worker International Union (UFCW) for more than 25 years as general counsel, regional organizing and bargaining director, and vice president and director of UFCW’s Health Care, Insurance, Finance and Professional Employees Division. She also served on President Clinton’s Advisory Council for School to Work Opportunities along with other national boards and committees.
Laura Eilar (Lucy) and Molly Jones (Sally) were recognized for outstanding performances. They will be competing for an Irene Ryan Scholarship at the 2005 American College Theatre Festival. Final performance of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
Shulman has appeared on PBS’s “Now with Bill Moyers,” CNN’s “Lou Dobbs Tonight” and NPR’s “Talk of the Nation.” Her most recent articles have been published in The Washington Post, Perspectives on Work and The American Prospect.
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The Power of Many Nationally acclaimed speaker Monsignor James P. (“Msgr. Jim”) Lisante, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Hampstead, Long Island, New York, appeared in Aquinas’ Performing Arts Center on April 29 to share his views on life. Msgr. Lisante, who has made a name for himself nationally as a speaker regarding life issues including abortion, spoke to a crowd of around 300, including about 90 students from Catholic Central and West Catholic High Schools. His talk, “Defending Life in Death Defying Times,” addressed what he called “the central moral issue of our time.” He asked, “How can we become a more life-embracing society?” While he mentioned euthanasia and death sentences during his talk, the focus was on abortion. Combining humor, statistics, theology, pragmatism, and personal stories, Msgr. Lisante laid out a solid, logical case against abortion. He quoted a Roper poll, stating that 61percent of Americans call abortion the killing of a human life, yet 62 percent stated that they would want to have abortion available if they needed it. He shared dramatic stories of individuals he’s met who had had abortions, who had decided against abortions, or who were almost aborted. His own nephew was almost aborted, he said, because his sister was forced by her husband to choose between the marriage and the baby. She chose the baby, her husband left her, and Msgr. Lisante became a surrogate father to his nephew, who turned 20 years old this year.
Monsignor James Lisante
“Nightline,” “The Phil Donahue Show,” and news programs on MSNBC, ABC and NBC. He hosted the television program, “Personally Speaking,” and currently hosts “Christopher Closeup.” Msgr. Lisante’s visit was sponsored by Students for Life, which was formed in 1997 by Tricia Tyler Worrell (2000) and five other students. The group, which now has about 70 members, has been sponsoring Pro-Life Awareness Week on campus every October for three years.
Msgr. Lisante has written three books, Personally Speaking, Celebrating Our Catholic Values and Ideals, and most recently, The Power of One. He is a very public face for the Catholic Church and has appeared on
By Laura Bennett-Kimble `95, Contributing Writer
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Playwright Allison Williams
Resourceful Women’s Conference
“side show, strip show, and talk show.” Williams played the roles of six women (including a prom-date-seeking teenager, an intelligent stripper and a New York fashion boutique clerk) while focusing on the contents of a person’s pockets to tell her story.
The Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center held its Resourceful Women’s Conference on April 5 on Aquinas’campus, showcasing women’s contributions both past and present and emphasizing women’s stories.
During the show, Williams performed an aerial acrobatic display suspended from the PAC’s ceiling. “All of the good tricks hurt,” said Williams, whose act included fire eating. Sometimes, performers have to “seek out pain like salvation. …Fear keeps you safe,” Williams said.
The conference kicked off in the Jarecki Center for Advanced Learning with the announcement of the outstanding entry awarded to senior and dual English and history major Jennifer Sikora for her paper “Celestial Eve: A Deconstructionist Reading of Feminine Imagery in Milton’s Paradise Lost.” Stacey Danevicz received honorable mention.
After the students’ presentations, Williams held a workshop in the Lack’s Center for Graduate Studies about gleaning extraordinary stories from ordinary people.
The conference’s premier event was “True Story,” a one-woman performance by playwright/ performer Allison Williams. The event, held in the Performing Arts Center, was touted as a
“Everyone has an extraordinary story to tell,” Williams told the participants. By Joe Boomgaard ’03, Contributing Writer
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CAMPUS NEWS
The Advisory Committee was the idea of Ali Erhan, Ph.D., director of business and corporate relations at Aquinas. Erhan, who teaches and has worked in international business and finance, felt independent perspectives on the international business market would greatly benefit the program at Aquinas College.
International Business Advisory Committee (IBAC) The international business program at Aquinas College is getting some advice from area business professionals, thanks to its newly formed advisory committee. The committee, which consists of 11 businesspeople and industry insiders plus five faculty members plans to meet biannually. It gave the program laudatory support and offered some recommendations for improvement.
“We graduate students with degrees in international business and want to know if they’re marketable and employable. We want to know if what we’re teaching is applicable in the real world,” Erhan said. “We want to know how our product fits with the buyer, or more specifically, employer expectations.”
The panel stressed the need for classes in both sales and negotiations targeted at the international market. In addition, they emphasized the importance of foreign language training, especially in Chinese and Spanish.
Erhan hopes that the committee members will also serve as connections for possible student internships, both domestic and abroad. By Joe Boomgaard ’03, Contributing Writer
Members of the IBAC discuss the need for foreign language training, among other topics, for the international business program.
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CAMPUS NEWS
Paul Kasriel (at podium) delivers his economic perspectives before a panel discussion that includes (sitting L-R) John Jackoboice, Stephanie Leonardos and James Zawacki ’65.
Aquinas College Sponsors Economic Summit
The conference, sponsored by Northern Trust, included a panel discussion with Kasriel; John Jackoboice, Chairman, Monarch Hydraulics; Stephanie Leonardos, CEO, AMERIKAM; and James Zawacki, Chairman, Grand Rapids Spring and Stamping.
Aquinas College hosted an Economic Summit on February 4 that featured a panel of local business figures and keynote speaker, Paul Kasriel, the director of economic research at Northern Trust-Chicago.
While three members of the panel perceived the economic situation rather optimistically, Zawacki characterized himself as a “realist,” saying, “We need to make people realize that [American manufacturers] have to stay competitive.” He said that Americans, being price conscious, are not loyal to American goods if they cost more than foreign-produced goods. “That is why you have local companies moving their manufacturing to Mexico or China—to stay competitive.”
For 2004, Kasriel predicted moderate growth in an economy that will become stronger and more balanced. In his presentation entitled “Impact of Globalization on Local Manufacturing,” Kasriel suggested the economy will shift away from the housing sector and move toward business and exporting. He said China is responsible for much of that change. “Although we don’t sell much directly to China, we will sell more to its suppliers,” Kasriel said.
By Joe Boomgaard ’03, Contributing Writer
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Campus Safety Achieves Milestone
25th anniversary pin
The Aquinas Campus Safety Department celebrates its silver anniversary this fall. The College has had some form of security coverage throughout the years, but the formation of the department, as it now operates, originated in the fall of 1979 under the direction of Garth McGrath. Approximately 24 students and thensecurity officer Harold Hikade formed the original “Boys in Black” Public Safety Office. A special commemorative 25-year pin has been authorized for current officer uniforms and for former officers who visit the campus at Homecoming 2004. Former directors of campus safety will also be presented the anniversary pin. In addition to McGrath, Phil Johnson, Barry Kantz, Mike Palmer and Bob Ryan also served as directors. Tony Nolan is the current director.
1979 Public Safety Staff
A limited number of pins will be available, so former officers are encouraged to sign in at Homecoming 2004. Mail requests will be considered after Homecoming pins are issued. Written requests to campus safety or e-mails to nolanant@aquinas.edu should include officer’s name and year(s) of service. Join with us to celebrate 25 years of living our mission to Serve-Protect-Assist.
2004 Campus Safety Staff
Service and dispatch operations
By Tony Nolan `66, Campus Safety Director
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CAMPUS NEWS
Outstanding Women Honored at Aquinas
The second annual Aquinas College Outstanding Woman awards were presented on March 26 to a packed crowd in the board room of Holmdene. The event, sponsored by the Jane Hibbard Idema Women Studies Center, recognizes three women, one each from the faculty, staff and student body, for outstanding contributions to the Aquinas community and for promoting women’s issues. This year’s honorees were Dee Wagner, Student Development Office; Sister Yvonne Greiner, O.P., theology faculty, and senior Gail Gromaski.
Author Ondaatje Visits Michael Ondaatje (below right), award-winning author of The English Patient, read selections from several of his books of poetry, fiction and novels to a packed house at the Aquinas Performing Arts Center on April 13. His visit was made possible by a special gift from Deborah Meijer (2nd from right in group photo, below left) through the Rimbaud Fund of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. The Aquinas Contemporary Writers Series receives ongoing funding from Tony Foster, M.D. ‘73 (far right, below), and his wife, Grand Rapids’ poet laureate Linda Nemec Foster ‘72 (center, below), and Friends of the Contemporary Writers Series. Asst. Professor of English Vicki McMillan is on the far left, next to Ondaatje.
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Gary Eberle (faculty), Brad Schaub ’04, and Joe Boomgaard ’03 team up to clean debris from the stream that runs through campus.
AQ Community Cleans Up Campus A little sprucing, some trimming, a few plantings and a stream clean up were among the tasks on a list faculty, staff and students tackled April 30. Nearly five dozen people helped in the effort to clean up portions of the campus. There was plenty of work, which is typically handled by the grounds maintenance staff. But this year, members of the campus community decided to pull together and help Grounds Manager Jim Williams and his staff get ready for Commencement and the summer months.
Brian Matzke ’97, and MM ’02 (Provost’s Office) digs around flower garden in front of the Field House.
The volunteers, given time away from their offices by supervisors, helped with cleanup around the buildings, pulling weeds, planting and spreading mulch. Several volunteers said they had so much fun working outdoors with other colleagues freshening up campus that they volunteered to do it again. There was plenty of work to go around, perhaps, twice over. As important as finishing the tasks and creating a beautiful campus for commencement and the visitors the ceremony would bring, those who labored came away with a better appreciation for just how much work the grounds maintenance crew has to do each spring and year-round.
Connie Udell ’91 (Information Services) assists Cheri Dykhouse (Admissions) with planting in front of Wege Student Center.
Still, response from the day’s activities brought questions about what’s next. Well, we’ll see you in September!
The team of Jessica Higgins (sophomore), Katy Moore ’01 (Web Department) and Veronica Beitner (Health Center) pull together to clean up the gardens around the Arts and Music Center.
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ALumni ne ws
Dear Fellow Alumni, By the time you receive this magazine, the summer will have come and gone. The Alumni Association has been busy planning for the coming year to get more alums reconnected to the AQ family.
Mike Zagaroli ’74, President, Alumni Association Board of Directors
Look for details on Homecoming Weekend (Sept. 24-26) as there are many events planned. It is a great time to get together with fellow alums. Also, we are planning a trip to Ireland April13-20, 2005. Some details are included further in this Aquinas magazine. It will be a GREAT
trip with an optional two
days in Connemara for all of the interested Aquinas Ireland alums. We would be so pleased if you would consider becoming a member of one of our Alumni Association committees. The Special Events
Committee could really use your ideas for new events, as could the Campus Life Committee and the Development Committee. You may contact the Aquinas Alumni office at (616) 632-2494 for details on the committees and on how to join. You may also visit the Aquinas Web site and click on Alumni Association for committee information. Finally, let me encourage you to visit campus if you haven’t done
so recently. The new Performing Arts Center is MAGNIFICENT. Homecoming Weekend is a great time to visit us. Also, look for information on a St. Patrick’s Day party on campus in ’05. We hope to see or hear from you soon! Mike Zagaroli ’74 President, Alumni Association Board of Directors
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fall 2004
Alumnus Chiwaya Named to Malawi Cabinet Post
Clement Chiwaya ’02 is pictured here with his wife Faith and their daughter Sandra.
(Left) A blindfolded Chiwaya sits as his supporters line up behind him.
Clement Chiwaya `02 is a fullfledged Cabinet Minister in his home country of Malawi. He sent word that he had won a seat in Parliament and then, within days of being sworn into office on June 7, he was appointed to serve on the President’s Cabinet as Minister of Social Services and Disability Affairs. Chiwaya, who graduated in December 2002 with a double major in community leadership and political science, wrote in a June e-mail, “This is the first time that a disabled person has ever been
ALUMNI NEWS
elected to Parliament. I want to thank you all for the financial and spiritual help you have given me.” He continued, “When I was growing up and crawling on all fours to go to school, I never contemplated that one day I could be privileged to help in the running of this country.” As a Cabinet Minister, Clement is required to live in Malawi’s capital of Lilongwe, some five hours from his home. Clement has been working hard since leaving Aquinas. He returned to his homeland and began several
projects that have included the building of two schools in villages where there have never been school buildings. Clement worked to secure funding through the Warmhearts Foundation for one school and from the Elk Rapids (Mich.) Rotary Club for the second school. Clement and his wife, Faith, have a daughter Sandea who is less than a year old.
Contributed by Sandy Rademaker, coordinator of graduate education programs in the School of Education, who was Chiwaya’s surrogate mother while he was in the United States.
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fall 2004
Homecoming and Gala Weekend, September 24-26! Aquinas is excited to celebrate Homecoming and Gala Weekend 2004! Be sure to join us for the many festivities. All of the fun activities from past years will take place, like the Main Stage; men’s, women’s and alumni soccer games; Ernie’s Run; Golden Saints Reunion; children’s games; and the last weekend of the performance of “Baby” at the Performing Arts Center. In addition, some new events will take place, such as continuing education’s celebration of 35 years and Aquinas College Campus Safety’s 25th anniversary celebration reunion for former employees. Your whole family is welcome! Be sure to save the dates September 24-26, 2004!! 2003 Homecoming Weekend visitors enjoy time together, again.
get
noticed
submit your class note A fun vacation, volunteering, a job change, whatever your news, share it with friends and classmates via the Aquinas magazine. Submit your news by Dec. 1 to be considered for the next issue. If your address or other information has changed, please let us know. (Address is on inside cover.) Name _____________________________________________________________ Former name ____________________________ Class year__________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ E-mail ____________________________________________________________ Your news _________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________
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fall 2004
Homecoming & Gala Weekend Aquinas Hall of Fame Gala Event: dinner and induction of honorees into the Aquinas College Hall of Fame and the Aquinas College Athletic Hall of Fame as well as the presentation of the Aquinas College Alumni Association awards. Golden Saints Alumni Reunion. A celebration for all alumni of classes 1930-1955. Celebration of 35 years of the Aquinas College Continuing EducationProgram and 25 years of Aquinas’ Campus Safety Program.
A dedicated group of Detroit-area alumni gathered to cheer their Aquinas Saints Men’s Basketball Team to victory over Madonna University last February. A pizza tailgate party followed by speeches from Coach Dave Hammer and Athletic Director Terry Bocian prepared our alumni for an exciting victory! Detroit-area alumni—watch your mail for our next get-together.
Women’s, men’s and alumni soccer games; Ernie’s Run; main stage tent activities; children’s games and activities; student organization booths; and circle theatre’s presentation of “Baby.” Saturday, November 20 Alumni & friends Chicago bus trip April 13-20, 2005 “Unforgettable Ireland” alumni travel program
AQ Alum/Political Pollster Busy as Fall Elections Near topics from politics to health care. The presidential campaign has been a key area of study, and school millage and bond issues are major parts of their business, as well. USA Today and Fox News Channel
Ed Sarpolus ’76 got his start as a pollster early. During his days at Aquinas, the undergrad paid fellow students to make telephone calls
have quoted the former Saint’s findings. Yet while years of selfemployed professional experience led to his high-profile position, Sarpolus said credit also goes to mentors who encouraged him while he was a student at Aquinas.
for public opinion studies. Three decades later, Sarpolus is still at it. As vice president of EPIC-MRA, the state’s most-quoted public polling firm, Sarpolus measures citizen sen-
In the early 1970s, Sarpolus worked as a research assistant with psychology professor Lee Jacokes, Ph.D.,
timent about issues of the day, then passes data along to organizations that use it to market products, promote causes, and report on
his sophomore year, Sarpolus set up the dorm room phone banks that collected information for his stud-
ALUMNI NEWS
and also helped build databases for a state legislative campaign. During
ies. Finding workers for the project
wasn’t hard. Then, as now, “everybody needed money,” Sarpolus said. EPIC-MRA started as Michigan Researchers Associates in 1985, and got its current name when its founders made it a full-time business in 1993. After graduating from Aquinas, Sarpolus left for Cincinnati, but eventually moved to Lansing, where EPIC-MRA is based. He lives there with his wife, Kathleen (Sruba) ’81, and with their two children Andrea (20) and Jacqueline (14). His work might seem dry to some, but Sarpolus said, “We create dialogue and we help clients do better work, but we also help people understand the world we live in. Aquinas taught me everything I needed to know to do that.”
By Tonya Schafer `02
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fall 2004
Alumni Golf Outing The bright sun tricked a few golfers into wearing shorts for the 38th Annual Alumni Association Golf Outing. The temperature was actually a little cool for June 19, but the bright clear sky and very few clouds provided for an enjoyable round of
team scores was fierce and tiebreakers were used to determine the best men’s score and mixed score overall.
golf at Boulder Creek Golf Club in
Generous sponsors included John and Sarah Jackoboice, Erhardt Construction, Williams Group,
Grand Rapids.
Varnum Riddering Schmidt &
’69 took best men’s score at nine under par 63. Mixed team top hon-
Seventeen foursomes, including both men and women, participated in the event this year, yielding the highest
Howlett LLP, Tom and Joyce Wisner, Kool Chevrolet, Liberty Mutual, Emerald Spa, and Mika, Meyers, Beckett & Jones.
ors went to the team of (above right, L-R) Lynnanne Phillips, Dan Brick, Tom Sullivan ’64 and Joe Dulin.
participation in five years. Though no one made either of the two holein-one opportunities, competition in
The team of (above center, L-R) Bill Weitzel, Ron Urbanski ’56, Dave
Stocking ’80 and Tom Moleski, O.D.
By Jennifer Johnson Reynolds ’98, Coordinator of Parent/ Alumni Relations
Join your fellow AQ alumni on a trip to “Unforgettable Ireland” April 13-20, 2005 Please join us for an information session on Monday, September 13, 2004 at 6 p.m. in the Loutit Room (top floor of Wege Center). Details are available at www.aquinas.edu/alumni, or contact the Alumni Office at (616) 632-2494 or via e-mail at alumni@aquinas.edu.
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fall 2004
Multicultural Affairs ___________ Hello Alumni: As the new Director of Multicultural Affairs, I would like to tell you about an exciting new program that you can be a part of. Do you remember being an upperclassman preparing for the world of work or service? Let me take this opportunity to ask for your assistance in planning and implementing a mentor program for
the upperclassmen of color here at AQ. Here’s what we hope to accomplish: to provide a network system for upperclassmen so they can hear from our successful alumni of color and share their common experiences of being students of color at Aquinas College and how they prepared for the world of work or service. If you are willing to help in this endeavor, please contact me at (616) 632-2455 or at jackssta@aquinas.edu.
Aquinas College Alumni & Friends
Stacey Jackson
Chicago
Shopping Trip
Saturday, November 20, 2004 Itinerary: 7:30 am 11 am 8 pm 11:30 pm
The cost is $50 and includes bus ride, muffins, juice, snacks, and door prizes.
Bus Departs from Aquinas Arrive in Chicago Depart for Grand Rapids Arrive at Aquinas
Seating is limited to the first 45 guests; non-refundable payment reserves your spot.
Contact the Alumni Office by Nov. 8 at (616) 432-2493 or at alumni@aquinas.edu.
ALUMNI NEWS
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Student news Best Foot Forward:
Ambassadors
Going to “congress”
(Left, above) Meghan Porubsky with Congress Elementary student. (Right) Students from Congress Elementary and Aquinas College work together.
Community Senate
Weinandy to head
Campus Life
Aquinas College Community Senate organized a volunteer literacy
one hour. Every 20 minutes, volunteers rotated between groups of chil-
enrichment program at Congress Elementary, a racially diverse Grand
dren. The children also had a chance to read to the volunteers.
Rapids public school, in early March. The service project, dubbed “Senate Goes to Congress,” was developed by three cabinet members: Briana Asmus, Gail Gromaski, and Megan Alford. The organizers consider this an ongoing project and hope to make it an annual event, much to the delight of John Verhagen, principal of Congress Elementary, who thought the service project coincided well with National Literacy Month in March. The successful Senate Goes to Congress project involved 44 Aquinas volunteers who read to students for
David Weinandy,
The children’s reactions were positive. Annexia, a third grader, asked, “Are you guys now coming every
Ph.D., professor of communi-
Wednesday morning?” The students especially enjoyed the one-on-one attention. Many Aquinas groups helped make this event successful. Woodhouse Library helped the volunteers checkout all 160 books and categorized them by different reading levels. In addition, the Media Center’s Lisa Klynstra Yarost created 500 colorful bookmarks for the children to keep.
By Megan Alford `04
cation, has been tapped to guide the Campus Life Department at Aquinas. Provost C. Edward Balog appointed Weinandy as Special Assistant to the Provost for Campus Life in June. In his role within campus life, Weinandy, who began teaching at Aquinas in 1991, will be involved in directing various campus activities for students. Weinandy has been involved in nearly all facets of the College from teaching and advising to serving on various committees and panels.
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student NEWS
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fall 2004
AQ’s CE honor society
Alpha Sigma Lambda
GRAHEN award
Continuing Education
Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL), the National Continuing Education Honor Society, inducted 21 out-
Senior Mark Caswell, an Aquinas business and communication dual major, (pictured below) was honored by the
standing adult scholars into their fold on April 19. The annual ceremony took place in Aquinas’ Bukowski
Provost Ed Balog presents certificates to inductees.
Chapel. President Harry Knopke acknowledged the special achievement of
Grand Rapids Area Higher Education Network (GRAHEN) at its fifth annual ceremony April 27. Caswell was selected as AQ’s Outstanding Adult Learner for the 2003-2004 academic year.
adult students who meet the challenges of completing their coursework while at the same time often juggling demands of bosses, children, spouses and communities. He also noted the important support and contribution of recipients’ family members. President Knopke and Provost C. Edward Balog then honored each inductee with a presentation of certificate, pin and honor cords. This year, each member also received
be a Continuing Education student studying toward their first undergraduate degree, have completed 24 credit hours at Aquinas, and have achieved a cumulative grade point of at least 3.2. Students who meet these criteria are invited to become members of ASL.
a nameplate engraved with his or her name, the ASL insignia and
The inductees included: Pamela Bacon, Angela Brueck, Tamara Buikema, Mary Cook, Amy Deboer, Ann Devroy, Robert Fiore, Teresa
Aquinas College’s motto. The nameplates were the gifts of current ASL member, Michael Benedict of 2/90
Fortier, Julie Guenther, Janet Kuiper, Melinda Larva, Linda McCaleb, Brenda Merrifield, Anya Nyson,
Sign Systems in recognition of his gratitude to the Aquinas College Continuing Education Program.
Gaylia Ross, Peter Rumley, Annette Shumay, Kareen Thomas, Julie VanDam, Colleen Watts and Thora Wease.
Aquinas is one of only four colleges in Michigan with an ASL chapter. To become a member, students must
Student NEWS
By Deb Wickering, Professor-in-the-College
Senior Mark Caswell receives certificate from AQ Director of Adult Student Recruitment Brenda Hennink ’95. GRAHEN is a consortium of 14 west Michigan colleges and universities that have graduate programs. Its mission is to create an awareness of lifelong learning opportunities for adults in the Greater Grand Rapids Area. Aquinas College is proud to be one of GRAHEN’S founding members.
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fall 2004
f a c u lt y n e w s
Glenn Barkan, Ph.D., professor of political science, was named dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, replacing Shirley Kane Lewis, Ed.D., who retired at the end of the 2003-04 school year. Barkan, who joined the College in 1973 and most recently served as chair of the political science department, assumed his duties on May 10. He has researched and written about politics and the media, urban government, and health care policy. After 35 years in politics, Barkan continues to be a strong believer in our democratic system.
Dean Glenn Barkan, Ph.D.
School of Arts & Sciences Though I’ve taught political science at Aquinas for 31 years, I feel like the new
One recent summer afternoon, I went by Albertus and the chemists
kid on the block. My perspective on what Aquinas is about has broadened over the past few months as I’ve toured
were at work reorganizing their labs and preparing for fall classes.
Albertus, the Art and Music Center, and the dramatic new Performing Arts Center (PAC). I knew the buildings were there and serious faculty and students worked hard to better understand our world and our lives, but I guess I never fully appreciated the work these many talented people are doing. What a great place to be a part of!
The Art and Music Center is home to our summer jazz camp, and 58 young musicians learned and created and added a delightful background to those toiling in the summer. One evening, our Music Department hosted a jazz performance to help out jazz camp instructor and west Michigan institution, Dave Spring.
The PAC, summer home to Grand Rapids’ Circle Theatre, was a beehive of activity as “Morning’s at Seven” closed, and Magic Circle’s production of “The Princess & The Pea” was mounted. And all of this is during the summer! Our quiet time for reflection is not that. As I thought about the days ahead, I couldn’t wait for the fall when a couple thousand students would invade once again. I still like political science. But arts & sciences is a lot more fun!
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studentNEWS Faculty NEWS
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fall 2004
Dean Cindy VanGelderen
School of Management Greetings! Faculty and staff are anticipating the beginning of another exciting academic year. We look forward to greeting new and returning students as we continue to provide outstanding educational opportunities in the areas of business and technology. We welcome a new faculty member to the Business Department—Bruce Nanzer, Ph.D. In addition to teaching regular business courses, he will be handling classes in the new Sustainable Business program.
and organizations who have partnered with Aquinas College in this effort. We are excited about the opportunities for students and others in the partnerships between Aquinas College and Metro Health in Grand Rapids as well as those developing in Japan with the assistance of Masato Yamazaki, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics. In addition to the undergraduate major, minor and certificate programs in Sustainable Business, we now have added a concentration within the
As we begin the second year of the Sustainable Business program, we continue to appreciate the outstanding support and contributed
Masters of Management program. The foundation course, Industrial Ecology, will be offered this fall. We welcome new students as well as returning M.M. alumni to this area
expertise of the many individuals
of study.
StudentNEWS FACULTY NEWS
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F A C U LT Y N E W S
Michael R. Williams, Ph.D., was named dean of the School of Education, replacing V. James Garofalo, Ph.D., who stepped down to devote his time to full-time teaching. Williams, who assumed his duties May 10, joined Aquinas in 1974 and had served previously as a professor-in-the-college, as a program advisor to the community leadership major and as an academic partner in the Aquinas College Community Leadership Institute. Williams holds two doctorate degrees, one in philosophy and one in urban education, and is the author of three books.
Dean Mike Williams, Ph.D.
School of Education Major changes have taken place in the School of Education.
practically a small college in itself,
Dr. V. James Garofalo resigned as
and bears Jim’s stamp in every facet. We all owe him a great debt of gratitude.
dean but will remain on the faculty. Garofalo came to Aquinas to head the Department of Education in 1979 when there were only two full-time faculty members. He built the program over the next 25 years, increasing the department to a dozen full-time faculty, nearly as many staff persons, three offsite programs, three master’s programs, and five academic majors and six minors for which the School of Education has primary administrative responsibility. At any one time, between eight and nine hundred students take education courses. The School of Education is
I was asked by the College to Dr. Garofalo succeed Jim and decided to accept this tremendous opportunity. Let me introduce myself and then set forth a vision for the School of Education. Three and a half decades ago, I was finishing a life-changing year. Inspired by the civil rights marchers passing the Marquette University classroom window where I was teaching the
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studentNEWS Faculty NEWS
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fall 2004
theoretical dynamics of machinery to engineering students, I moved into Milwaukee’s inner city and taught for
duced to the real world of the schools and their communities from their first course here to their last. My experi-
and shackled by tyranny. Our teacher candidates are called to become builders of just and harmonious commu-
a year at North Division High School. That experience, in a part of what Michael Harrington called “The Other America,” moved me to commit to a life of study, teaching and involvement
ence with community leadership has given me insight into the problems and potential of “hands-on” learning, and I hope to apply what I’ve learned to enhance the development of our
nities. The role of teacher in public life has enormous potential to shape a thoughtful, engaged citizenry. Our work in the School of Education provides our students with the tools, skills
in the actual dynamics of society.
teacher candidates.
With a group of parents and other volunteers, I worked to create the Highland Community School in an economically depressed neighborhood near Marquette University. After
Experience by itself, however, is not necessarily educative, as John Dewey, the eminent American philosopher, wrote. What makes it educative is the reflection upon that experience guided by wisdom. Our coursework —indeed our very operation—seeks
and insight needed to embark successfully on this work.
building the still-present program for five years, I completed a doctorate in urban education and came to Aquinas College to begin a 30-year career as a professor-in-the-college, teaching in several departments during that time, including education. Five years ago, the Rev. George Heartwell, now the Mayor of Grand Rapids, joined Aquinas to create the Community Leadership Institute
to instill that wisdom in our students as they move through the School of Education. I profoundly believe that education is the cornerstone of democratic society. Without critical and open inquiry, people and societies are at enormous risk of being blindfolded by ignorance
In future articles, I’ll detail how the School of Education prepares our teacher candidates to be wise and effective builders of civilization. I will specifically describe our programs and introduce the people here who make it all happen. My first few weeks in the School of Education at Browne Center have been exciting. We have a dedicated team of faculty and staff, a strong legacy to build on and a profoundly far-reaching mission.
and to teach in our new community leadership (CL) major. He and I have teamed to teach the CL major courses each semester since his arrival. We have placed our students in a variety of social service and governmental agencies, mostly in Grand Rapids, but also as far away as Malawi, Ghana, and Haiti. CL students learn the meanings of community, service and leadership in actual settings and are required to create realistic proposals to enhance those settings. Some of their proposals have actually been funded and implemented – the students in effect created their own jobs after graduation.
PROMOTIONS: Kathy Burgis, Ph.D., to Associate Professor of Mathematics Robb Bajema, Ph.D., to Associate Professor of Biology TENURE: Dennis Marshall, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Theology Michael McDaniel, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics Pamela Waterbury, Assistant Professor of English
The School of Education is experien-
Robb Bajema, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology
tially based in its curriculum, just as is the CL major. Our students are intro-
Nkechy Ezeh, Assistant Professor of Education
StudentNEWS FACULTY NEWS
Jason Duncan, Ph.D., assistant professor of history, had his review of Robert Dallek’s book, An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963, published in the Review of Politics journal, published in spring of 2004 by the University of Notre Dame. Duncan is also nearing completion on his book, A Most Democratic Class: New York Catholics and the Politics of the Early Republic, which Fordham University Press has agreed to publish, hopefully in 2005.
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at h l e t i c s All Americans and Academic All Americans Seven Aquinas College basketball players were honored by the NAIA
AQ captures record seventh
WHAC All-Sports Award Aquinas College has won the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) All-Sports Trophy for the seventh consecutive year. The WHAC is comprised of seven schools from Michigan and Indiana which include Aquinas College, Concordia College, Cornerstone University, Indiana Tech University, Madonna University, Siena Heights University, and Spring Arbor University. There are 14 sports that are recognized by the league as sanctioned sports. Aquinas began its All-Sports Trophy streak in 1997-98. The 2003-04 season saw the Saints sweeping the competition in men’s track and field by capturing first place finishes in men’s cross country, men’s indoor track, and men’s outdoor track. The women’s track and field team claimed a first place
finish in women’s indoor track while racking up a third place finish in women’s cross country and a third place finish in women’s outdoor track. The Aquinas basketball teams added to the total points with a third place finish in women’s basketball, while the men’s basketball team finished the season in fourth. Respectively, the volleyball team finished the season strong to capture a third place finish. The women’s soccer team tallied a sixth place finish followed by the men’s soccer team with a fifth place finish. Rounding
with Academic All-American honors. The five members of the women’s team and two from the men’s team earning the Academic recognition are part of the largest contingent of basketball players from Aquinas College ever honored.
ALL AMERICANS Matt Bocian
Baseball
Noellia Garcia
Outdoor Track
Bob Jonaitis
In/Outdoor Track
TJ Shimek
In/Outdoor Track
ACADEMIC ALL AMERICANS Laura Beattie
Track
Michelle Borek
Track
Brett Cagney
Baseball
out the athletic competition, the softball and baseball teams each
Emily Corcoran
Tennis
Mandi DeGroot
Basketball
ended up third in the conference.
Sarah Ellis
Track
Aquinas finished the all-sports tabulation with a total of 40 points followed by Cornerstone with 38. Madonna finished a close third by accumulating 37 points.
Kara Ferguson
Tennis
Jeremy Frost
Baseball
Matt Garner
Tennis
Kim Gullekson
Basketball
Leslie Hoffman
Basketball
Tom Kuslikis
Basketball
Jeff Luehm
Track
Josh May
Track
Andy Mezwicki
Golf
Josh Miller
Track
Kim Pomeroy
Basketball
Heather Orr
Basketball
Craig Rehmann
Basketball
Ashley Rivers
Tennis
TJ Shimek
Track
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Three students, one team awarded Champions of Character honors
The award recognizes five core characteristics: respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship and servant leadership.
Aquinas College with the 2003-04 “Champions of Characters” Award.
MEN’S SOCCER (Bold – Home Games)
Athletic
August 27 @ Bethel Sept. 1 vs. Davenport Sept. 7 @ Taylor (IN) Sept. 8 vs. Kalamazoo College Sept. 10 @ St. Xavier (IL) Sept. 11 @ TBA Sept. 4 vs. Northwood University Sept. 18 vs. Spring Arbor Sept. 19 vs. St. Ambrose (IA) Sept. 25 vs. Madonna Sept. 29 @ Concordia Oct. 2 @ Siena Heights
Oct. 6 vs. Cornerstone Oct. 9 vs. Indiana Tech Oct. 11 @ Spring Arbor Oct. 13 @ Madonna Oct. 16 vs. Concordia Oct. 20 vs. Siena Heights Oct. 23 @ Cornerstone Oct. 27 @ Indiana Tech WOMEN’S SOCCER Sept. 1 vs. Davenport Sept. 7 @ Taylor (IN) Sept. 10 @ St. Xavier (IL) Sept. 11 @ Robert Morris
Sept. 14 vs. Northwood University Sept. 19 vs. Kalamazoo College Sept. 22 vs. GVSU Sept. 25 vs. Madonna Sept. 28 @ Concordia Oct. 2 @ Siena Heights Oct. 5 vs. Cornerstone Oct. 9 vs. Indiana Tech Oct. 11 @ Spring Arbor Oct. 12 @ Madonna Oct. 16 vs. Concordia Oct. 19 vs. Siena Heights Oct. 23 @ Cornerstone Oct. 26 @ Indiana Tech
Terry Bocian receives
announcer Ernie Harwell and former
Lifetime Achievement Award
East Grand Rapids High School football coach George Barcheski.
Athletic Director Terry Bocian ’70, former long-time baseball coach, was honored by the March of Dimes during its West Michigan Sports Awards Banquet on May 25. He was given the Warren Reynolds Lifetime in Sports Achievement Award. The event—which honored local, professional, college and high school athletes, teams, and coaches—raised $85,000 for the March of Dimes. Previous recipients of this prestigious award were former Detroit Tigers ATHLETICS
Senior Bonnie Spiegelberg Softball Juniors Craig Rehmann, Tom Kuslikis Men’s basketball Men’s cross-country team
Schedule
Aquinas College is proud to award three student athletes as well as one athletic team to represent
Bocian is in his 33rd year at Aquinas and his 25th year as athletic director. Bocian coached basketball for 13 years and baseball for 30 years at Aquinas, during which time AQ baseball teams won 1,079 games. He was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2000. He cited the support of his “two families”—the Bocians and his Aquinas College family—for any success he may have had. The award is named for the late Warren Reynolds, a longtime WOOD TV-8 sports announcer who died of cancer. aquinas magazine
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fall 2004
New faces in
Athletic Department
Nicholas Griffin
The volleyball program has added Nicholas Griffin. Griffen will join Head Coach Jan Nevelle as women’s volleyball assistant coach. Griffin most recently served as student assistant coach at Olivet Nazarene University for three years.
of the athletes in the intercollegiate sports programs as well as supervision of student athletic trainers in Aquinas College’s newly accredited
Volleyball.
athletic program.
coach. Fales most recently served as head women’s and men’s soccer coach at Lansing Catholic Central High School. While at Lansing he was voted 1999 Coach of the Year by area soccer coaches.
Athletic
Other coaching stints for Fales
(1995-99) In his last two years at Olivet, he compiled a 30-7-3 record including an invitation to play in the national tournament.
University of Louisiana at Monroe and earning a master of science degree. Wolhoy, a certified trainer, will be responsible for the treatment
He also serves as the associate training coordinator for USA Michigan
Aquinas College has enhanced its coaching staff with the addition of Mark Fales as head women’s soccer
included a stop at Olivet College as the head women’s soccer coach
Mike Wolhoy begins his first year with Aquinas’ athletic training staff. Wolhoy joins the Saints after completing his graduate work at the
Volleyball (Bold – Home Games) Sept. 3-4 @ Cornerstone University Tournament Sept. 10-11 @ St. Xavier Tournament Sept. 14 vs. Grace Bible Sept. 18 vs. Aquinas College Invitational Sept. 21 vs. Cornerstone Sept. 24 & 25 @ Trinity Christian Sept. 28 vs. Siena Heights Oct. 1 @ UM Dearborn Oct. 5 @ Concordia Oct. 8 & 9 @ Indiana Wesleyan Oct. 12 @ Madonna Oct. 14 vs. Kalamazoo Oct. 19 @ Siena Heights Oct. 23 vs. Concordia Oct. 26 vs. UM Dearborn Oct. 29 & 30 @ Calvin College Tournament Nov. 2 vs Madonna Nov. 6 @ Cornerstone Nov. 9 @ TBA first round WHAC Tournament Nov. 12 & 13 @TBA Semis & Finals WHAC Tournament
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Schedule
Mark Fales
Mike Wolhoy
fall 2004
Two senior athletes
Honored by Athletic Department The Athletic Department honored two of its outstanding senior athletes this past spring. Michelle Borek received the Helen Louise Brogger Award, which is given annually to a female athlete. The recipient must have demonstrated Michelle Borek
academic strength, service to others, and athletic involvement and success. Borek, of Marlette, Michigan, earned four year letters on both the Aquinas indoor and outdoor track teams. She was an all-conference performer helping Aquinas win six of eight possible league championships during her four years at Aquinas. In 2003, she earned All American honors in track and Academic All American Honors. She graduated in May with a major in biology, a minor in chemistry, and carried a 3.75 GPA.
Thomas Shimek
ATHLETICS
Borek has been involved in the national honor societies for both biology and chemistry. She has been active in service learning projects as well as tutoring and coaching students in biology and track and field.
Thomas Shimek, better known to many as T.J., received the Joseph Baker award, presented to a male athlete who exemplifies academic strength, service to others and athletic involvement and success. Shimek, who’s from Empire, Michigan, has been a key member of the indoor and outdoor track team for four years. He has helped the Saints claim five of eight league championships during his career. Shimek has also personally qualified for the national competition in each of his four years. Along with his All American honors in 2003, he has been honored as an All American Scholar Athlete. Shimek currently holds several school records in shot put and the 35-pound weight throw. Recently, he began competing in the javelin throw. In his last attempt in the javelin throw at the conference tournament, he threw one 20 feet farther than his personal best which propelled the Saints to come from behind to clinch the league championship. With a double major in business administration and accounting, Shimek currently carries a 3.70 GPA. He has been involved in tutoring, the Student Athletic Advisory Board, the Aquinas College Thespians, and the Aquinas College Business and Accounting League.
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2004 athletic
Hall of Fame The Third Annual Athletic Hall of Fame ceremonies will take place during the Gala event scheduled for Friday, September 24, 2004, in the ballroom of the Wege Student Center. Four individual athletes and one team will be in the third class to be inducted. The individual recipients are: Paul Gnepper ’74 (baseball/basketball), the first baseball All American and one of the top scorers in basketball
by Chuck Frydrych ’64, associate professor of physics, along with players Joe Hesse ’69, Terry Abel ’69, Greg Pfent ’70, Terry Green ’70, Harold Hall ’71, Michael Crawford ’69 and Roger Lilac ’72. Tickets for the event are available through the Development Office by calling (616) 6322809 or the Athletic
Paul Gnepper ’74
Fabian Knizacky ’82
Department at (616) 632-2474.
history; Pat Ryan ’70 (basketball) was an all-time leading rebounder; Alese Keiser ’89 (basketball) became one of the top ten scorers and rebounders as well as an All American and Academic All American; and Fabian Knizacky ’82 (track and field) was an All American and Academic All American. The team honors will go to the 1969 Men’s Tennis Team, coached
Pat Ryan ’70 (middle)
Alese Keiser ’89
Jan. 19 @ Concordia Jan. 22 vs. Davenport Jan. 26 @ Cornerstone Jan. 29 vs. Siena Heights Feb. 2 vs. UM Dearborn Feb. 5 @ Madonna Feb. 9 @ Indiana Tech Feb. 12 vs. Concordia Feb. 16 @ Davenport Feb. 19 vs. Cornerstone Feb. 24 TBA WHAC Tourney 1st Round Feb. 26 TBA WHAC Tourney 2nd Round Mar. 1 TBA WHAC Tourney Finals
Nov. 5 & 6 @ Bethel Tourney Nov. 9 @ Grace Bible Nov. 16 vs. Spring Arbor Nov. 26 & 27 Van Andel Tourney Nov. 30 vs. Calvin Dec. 4 @ Grand Valley Dec. 7 vs. Hope Dec. 10 and 11 Brann’s Classic Dec. 19-21 @ St. Xavier Tourney Jan. 5 @ Siena Heights Jan. 8 @ UM Dearborn Jan. 12 vs. Madonna Jan. 15 vs. Indiana Tech
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44
Schedule
Athletic
Men’s Basketball (Bold – Home Games)
fall 2004
Now retired
Jan Bennett After 18 years of service to Aquinas College, Jan Bennett officially retired from her position as athletic secretary on May 5, 2004. In appreciation of all of Jan’s efforts through the years, athletic and physical education departments hosted “Jan Bennett Day” on Thursday, April 29. Invitations were extended to the members of the Aquinas College community to wish Jan well as she embarks on a new challenge— retirement. Jan (pictured above
with her husband, Dick) says she’s “looking forward to retirement and being able to spend more
made it especially so. I’ll miss each and every one of you.” Although Jan is retiring, she will be stopping
time with my husband, family and grandchildren. My years at AQ were good years and the people
by in the fall to assist new athletic administrative assistant and AQ alumna, Crystal Laska ’01.
4TH ANNUAL AQ/BRANN’S BASKETBALL SHOOT OUT
ATHLETICS
Toys for Tots
Nov. 5 & 6 @ St. Francis Tourney Nov. 13 @ Trinity International Nov. 16 vs. Huntington Nov. 19 & 20 Aquinas College Classic Nov. 23 @ Calvin Dec. 1 vs. Grace Bible Dec. 4 vs. Rochester Dec. 17 & 18 @ Goshen College Tourney Dec. 27- 29 @ St. Xavier College Tourney Jan. 5 @ Siena Heights Jan. 8 @ UM Dearborn Jan. 12 @ Madonna Jan. 15 vs. Indiana Tech Jan. 19 vs. Concordia Jan. 22 vs. Davenport Jan. 26 @ Cornerstone Feb. 2 vs. UM Dearborn Feb. 5 vs. Madonna Feb. 9 @ Indiana Tech Feb. 12 @ Concordia Feb. 16 @ Davenport Feb. 19 vs. Cornerstone Feb. 23 TBA WHAC Tourney 1st Round Feb. 26 TBA WHAC Tourney Semis Feb. 28 TBA WHAC Tourney Finals
Friday, Dec. 10 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 noon and 2 p.m.
Schedule
Athletic
Women’s Basketball (Bold – Home Games)
One new toy (non-violent) in orginal packaging (unwrapped) is good for two (2) admissions. Admissions for one-day pass: $5 for adults , $2 for students. All proceeds from this two-day tournament benefits the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. Drop toys off at any Brann’s or at Aquinas’ Field House.
(616) 632-2474
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de velopment
Karen Palmore
Alumna Gives Back Karen Vogel Palmore ’89 believes education is the key to success—and that the success she and husband William J. Palmore enjoy as financial consultants is rooted in the college educations they received. Their belief in higher education, combined with their admiration of Ben Franklin and his principles of philanthropy, helped to compel Karen and Bill Palmore to pledge to Aquinas College in the form of a bequest. Their future gift of $10 million, the largest known bequest to Aquinas College, will be used to sup-
Pictured L-R) President Knopke, Karen and Bill Palmore, and Vice President of Development Julie Ridenour
vitality and deservedness to all who care about Aquinas and all the College represents.” Belief in the Aquinas College mission, belief in the work of its faculty, and the experience of having Palmore’s
ing education students and a departmental chair for the Aquinas
life changed by her education are significant factors in the Palmores’ decision to make a pledge to Aquinas, which will provide a large and lasting impact upon the two programs
College School of Management.
selected for support.
“The generosity of Karen and Bill Palmore will allow Aquinas to expand its efforts in two programs that are very important,” said President Harry Knopke. “And it
Karen Palmore came to Aquinas as a single parent whose goal was to graduate from college by age 50.
port two areas of the College that Karen Palmore, an Aquinas Trustee, holds high: scholarships for continu-
sends a message of institutional
Former College registrar the late Marjorie “Mudge” Joppe made an instant and positive impact upon her
from the very beginning. “From the moment I met Mudge, and how she welcomed me to the campus, I knew unequivocally that I was in the right place at the right time.” That lasting impression, combined with the continuing classroom lessons of helping others, convinced her to give back to her alma mater immediately upon receipt of her diploma. “I was so appreciative of the allencompassing education I received,” Palmore recalled. Initially her gifts were double-digit gifts, and she immediately updated her will to provide a 10 percent portion to Aquinas. With this latest gift, Trustee Palmore hopes to provide two messages to
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fall 2004
other alumni: to include Aquinas in their estate plans no matter the size of their bequest and that, as colleges go, Aquinas is exceptional. The Palmores also have pledged a similar amount to Bill’s alma mater, Purdue University, where he received a degree in agriculture. That decision to split their estate between their two institutions of higher education was carefully determined by the Palmores. “The impact my education had on my career and the success of my career is no less for me than it is for Bill,” explained Karen. “It makes no difference whether it’s a Big Ten
Reflection Award 2004 Honors Kate Pew Wolters Aquinas College friends and family gathered Thursday, September 9, to celebrate the
university or a small private college. The impact is no less.”
presentation of the 12th 2004
The opportunities to change oth-
Wolters ‘78.
ers’ lives through education is a great motivator for the Palmores— but no less is the chance to make this change in perpetuity through
Without exception, Wolters
their gifts of endowment.
service, loyalty, integrity, and
“Education is absolutely primary, and we wanted it to go into perpe-
trust. Over the years, Kate
tuity, so there never is an ending to the number of people we can help
these principles through the
to achieve their goals,” said Karen Palmore.
the community and Aquinas.
This fun-loving couple savor together the gusto of their livesand
to honor our alumna,
often can be heard exclaiming in unison “Life’s short. Eat dessert first.” Through their hard work, shared successes and thoughtful planning, their final dessert will be enjoyed by many future generations of Aquinas students and faculty.
the Aquinas College Board of
department NEWS
Reflection Award to Kate Pew
Kate Pew Wolters
mirrors the values recognized by the award: community leadership, commitment, vision,
has been the embodiment of leadership she provides to both
More than 300 came together immediate past president of Trustees, philanthropist, leader, and advocate.
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DEVELOPMENT
$1 million for community leadership
Alumna’s Endowment Kate Pew Wolters ’78 developed a keener appreciation for her Aquinas College training when she entered Michigan State University’s master’s program in social work. “I looked around … and I realized the knowledge and information I had, and the quality of that knowledge, was really superior to what others had,” explained Wolters, immediate past president of the Aquinas College Board of Trustees. “I knew I had a good thing going while I was at Aquinas, but it didn’t become clear to me until after I had graduated,” continued Wolters, who appreciated the school’s attention to inclusiveness. That—and her subsequent service to the College as a trustee and officer of the Board of Trustees—helped to convince Wolters through the Kate and Richard Wolters Foundation to
support the Community Leadership Institute (CLI) in the form of a $1 million endowment. The Foundation also provided startup funds for CLI in its infancy. And Wolters said the student involvement with the CLI convinced her the that institute was both viable and needed. “When I saw them and their enthusiasm and talking about the importance of the curriculum and the experiences, I thought, this is a good one,” she said. Grand Rapids Mayor and CLI Director the Rev. George Heartwell shares Wolters’ enthusiasm for the students and their work. He described with pride the first CLI graduate, Clement Chiwaya ’02, and his recent election to Parliament in Chiwaya’s home country, Malawi. Heartwell also talked about Chiwaya’s classmate and CLI colleague, M. Bridget Clark ’03, now executive director of the Kids Food Basket.
“Bridget stepped in, put the organization together, created a corps of volunteers to assist with this, wrote
grants that were approved, and following her graduation, accepted the position as executive director,” Heartwell said of Clark’s work in her CLI capstone class. For the program’s 14 majors and its staff, the endowment gift from the Kate and Richard Wolters Foundation means a solid, continuous base of funding. “It gives CLI the financial security to expand our leadership development throughout west Michigan as well as address the needs of students right here at Aquinas College,” added Heartwell. This gift “assures us that function will continue into the future.” And that’s exactly what Wolters hopes for her gift. “Every department, school, or institute at Aquinas has to think about their existence because of money. Like it or not, it’s a harsh reality. I hope by taking away some of the anxiety around the money that the focus can be on the program. That the foundation is providing a great learning experience to the students and a resource to the community,” said Wolters.
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HALL OF FAME RECOGNITION The third annual Aquinas College Hall of Fame Gala—which will kickoff the 2004 Homecoming Weekend on Friday, September 24—will recognize five outstanding individuals who are either alumni or friends of the College. To be inducted into the Aquinas College Hall of Fame in this year’s event are: Norbert Hruby, Ph.D., president emeritus; the late Sr. Aquin Gallagher, O.P., professor emerita of English; and the late C. Arthur Woodhouse, a former Aquinas College Trustee.
Sister Aquin Gallagher
department NEWS
John Wheeler
Rosie Hickey Zant
The Aquinas College Alumni Association will also present its Outstanding Alumni Award to Rosemary (Hickey) Zant ’59 and its Distinguished Service Award to current Trustee John Wheeler. The induction ceremonies will take place in the Wege Center Ballroom. For more information about the event, contact Deb O’Donnell at (616) 632-2809 or via e-mail at odonndeb@aquinas.edu.
Norbert J. Hruby, Ph.D.
C. Arthur Woodhouse
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fall 2004
DEVELOPMENT
Trustee Emeritus Ryan
Establishes Scholarship A late-night conversation with Father Martin Donnelly, S.J., at Xavier University was the catalyst for Aquinas College Trustee Emeritus Alan and his wife, Margaret, Ryan to
Margaret and Alan Ryan
make changes to their estate plan. Donnelly described for the Ryans Xavier University’s Pacesetter program, established by family friend Charles P. Gallagher for Xavier and the Toledo Catholic secondary schools. The Pacesetters program funds promising, but needy Toledo students through both high school and Xavier University. Through their thoughtful conversations and community interactions, the Ryans brought together Aquinas College, the Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools and the Grand Rapids Community Foundation to create a scholarship program that will provide a seamless opportunity for high school and college support for their hometown. “I really believe that any determined young person can complete a college education and find the resources to finance it. The operative word is
determined,” said Alan Ryan. “We are testing that premise with our
Leaders at all three organizations are delighted with the collaboration, one
program.”
which has linked in perpetuity the Community Foundation with the
The partnership between the Ryans and the three organizations will make possible a series of Ryan Scholars. Students selected by com-
Catholic Secondary Schools and the College. “Aquinas College has more alumni
mittee for the awards will be provided with financial assistance from ninth grade at either Grand Rapids Catholic Central or West Catholic through graduation from Aquinas College.
from Grand Rapids Catholic Central and West Catholic than from any
Ryan Scholars will be selected in
enrollment to an even broader base of students from these schools.”
their last year of middle school for participation in the program, based upon their leadership potential, academic standards, and commitment to a Catholic higher education in Grand Rapids. The scholarships will be established through a bequest, and ultimately will fund eight students each year.
other parochial high schools,” said Aquinas President Harry J. Knopke. The Ryan Scholars will further those lines of commitment and expand the
Both Alan and Margaret are products of Catholic educations, and both are great believers in the value of higher education. They also believe the program will be an incentive not only to future Ryan Scholars, but also to others who share their vision for higher education.
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fall 2004
Lights! Action! Auction!
Pink Panther The tickets for this year’s biggest event are going, going …! A grand committee is already working hard to make Lights! Action! Auction! 2004 the best ever. With a Pink Panther theme complete with trench coats, tiaras and a groovy pink cat and entertainment featuring our own President Knopke—this is one gig you won’t want to miss! Mark your calendar for October 28 at 6:30 p. at the Performing Arts Center. The black-tie event will take place in the new Performing Arts Center and will be chock full of sparkling entertainment, great food, music, and a variety of unique items that are sure to excite everyone there.
Martita and Pete Cudlipp at Lights! Action! Auction! 2003.
Thanks to a fantastic committee, the event in 2003 was the most successful auction to date. In the last four years, we have raised over $170,000 which goes directly into scholarships for Aquinas students. You can help
site for complete details.
make this year’s auction even better
raffle. Make your reservations to attend the auction today by calling (616) 632-2805 or email harbuell@aquinas.edu. We’d be tickled pink to see you there!
than the last! Already promised is a beautiful, handmade cherry baby cradle, a custom-designed playhouse, a lease on a
A Saintly “thank you” to all who helped make the 2004 Aquinas Fund campaign the most successful in the College’s history! And a big round of recognition to you, the alumni, who
NEW for 2004! Your chance to own a 2005 Ford Pickup. Watch for more details on the AQ car
experience.” Aquinas Saints believe they are well prepared for the world beyond, whatever their field of endeavor. Tuition fees at Aquinas, like most other private
helped elevate our level of alumni giving above 17 percent. That increase reflects growth of
liberal arts colleges, barely cover 60 percent of the cost of the education. So our graduates —whatever their graduation year—are like
25 percent—and an important surge in alumni giving.
more than 80 percent of our current students who receive financial support from the College.
Why is alumni giving so important? There are many reasons—but perhaps none more important than the message alumni giving levels send to our present and future students. Our graduate satisfaction surveys indicate a very high level of appreciation of the “Aquinas
department NEWS
2004 BMW X-3 and much, much more. Be sure to check our Web
And through gifts to the Aquinas Fund, you are helping to enhance that experience and ensure its availability to a vast range of students. You, like Aquinas College, “make all the difference in the world.”
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fall 2004
Trustees
The Rev. William Duncan
Trustee Profile Like a number of his fellow members of the Aquinas College Board of
gious life led him to leave his position as a vice president and enter the sem-
Trustees, the Rev. William Duncan has a history with the College that
inary. After he was ordained in 1990, he began teaching at the College
spans back to when he was a student. That was in the early 1980s, when he attended the Aquinas
as an adjunct instructor, continuing through the early 1990s. He has been a trustee for more than three years
Institute for Religious Studies. At the time, he also was an employee of St. Mary’s Hospital, where he was putting his master’s degree in health administration from Duke University
and was recently reappointed to the Board for another three-year term.
to good use. Duncan worked at the hospital from 1979 to 1986, when the call to reli-
“Having the three different perspectives of the College has been very enriching. In each of those experiences I have been able to participate in a learning community that I just have great, great respect for,” he said.
“The board is committed to providing a financially secure future for the College and part of that necessarily entails trying to provide for appropriate need for resources, including salaries. We’re very blessed with a committed faculty, but we need to continue to try to find the necessary resources to support them in their work.” He continued, “The commitment of the students to learn, the commitment of the faculty members to share their wisdom and knowledge, and the desire of the trustees to
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fall 2004
provide that foundation for a bright future is just a wonderful combination of people coming together for the noble purpose of education and preparing people to be good citizens in the world and in the Church.” Duncan has been the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids for two years. His responsibilities there involve the administration of the secretariats of the diocese and serving as the bishop’s representative in
the executive administration of the diocese.
Cardinal Adam Maida of Detroit as Apostolic Administrator, Duncan’s
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to
work did not change dramatically. Speaking in June, he said, “It’s basi-
work with all of the priests in our diocese and the various agencies and institutions and parishes,” said Duncan. Those institutions include Aquinas College. “My role includes serving as liaison for the diocese with Aquinas, and that’s a great opportunity and a privilege,” he noted. After the death of Bishop Kevin Britt in May and the appointment of
cally the same responsibilities, but now I bring the matters that need to be brought to the attention of a bishop … to Cardinal Maida.” “I love being a priest in west Michigan, he said.” In his sparse spare time, he likes to read and walk the beaches of Michigan, “in all seasons of the year,” he added.
Trustee/Alumnus Lyle Morrison,C.L.U.
National Recognition spring by the Life Insurance Agents of the State of Michigan with the state industry’s top award.
National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisory-Michigan, to an individual selected from among the association’s 1,600 members.
Morrison received the prestigious
Morrison has been a member of
Marvin E. Muilenberg, C.L.U., Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented annually by the
the NAIFA-Michigan for nearly 40 years and is a past president of NAIFA-Grand Rapids.
Lyle Morrison `52, an Aquinas College Trustee, was honored last
Lyle Morrison
department NEWS
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emeritus college
Sister Aquinas recognized
Emeritus Evening At the 2004 Emeritus Evening, Sr. Mary Aquinas Weber, O.P., ’58 received the Emeritus Award during an evening of sharing stories both at the lectern and among the crowd of some 350 people.
Rabbi Lewis said that Sister Aquinas exemplified the Jewish maxim “say little and do much.”
The program included tributes by her brother Joseph (Jack) Weber, Dr. Norbert Hruby, and Rabbi Albert Micah Lewis; a heartfelt, humorous toast by Martin Allen, who has known Sister since she was his sixth grade teacher; and a biographical video presentation. After pointing out that Sr. Aquinas’ strong character was probably built
Prioress of Grand Rapids Dominicans Sister Mary Beth Holtrip and Sister Aquinas share a moment.
while growing up with four older brothers, five younger brothers, and only two “allies” in her mother and one sister, Jack Weber said, “I have never heard her complain about anything she’s experienced in her life. We congratulate you, Sister. We are proud of you and the varied accomplishments you have achieved, and we love you very much.” In addition to Jack Weber and his wife, siblings Dan Weber, Paul Weber and his wife, and Marge Wagner also attended.
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Rabbi Lewis delivered a heartwarming speech grounded in the friendship he and Sister
When asked how she liked the evening, the 81-year-old acknowledged “all this fanfare,” as she put it, with
have shared for thirty years. Speaking to her, he said, “You, more than any other person in the Catholic community, have taught me that together
an embarrassed smile and a shrug. “It’s okay.”
we can dream dreams and see visions and truly bring them to life.” He said she exemplifies
While a natural leader, Sister
need to say something about the Emeritus College.” Her talk emphasized the program’s accomplishments and future plans, and concluded with the
herself would just as soon not be the focus of attention.
words, “I am deeply appreciative. God bless you.”
the Jewish maxim, say little and do much.
Martin Allen reminisced about being a sixth-grade student of Sister Aquinas.
In keeping with such modesty, when she received the award from Aquinas President Harry Knopke, she opened with the words, “I
Emeritus College Louise Harley
Aquinas Emeritus College Recognizes Students Louise Harley (pictured front right) was one of 30 Aquinas Emeritus College students recognized at the June 7 Aquinas Emeritus College Student Awards Luncheon. Harley
in a wide variety of the class offerings. This is one of several awards Louise has accrued over 1,200 credit hours at Emeritus. (Pictured L-R)
received a certificate for 100 hours of credit. She has been a
In back: Dr. Albert M. Lewis, director of the Aquinas Emeritus College and Aquinas College President Harry
student at the Emeritus College for over 20 years and participates
Knopke.. Seated: Sister Mary Aquinas Weber and Louise Harley.
department NEWS
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admissionS
Ryan Lomonaco, Amanda Strouse, Tim Ramsay
First-Year Students Overcome Obstacles and Set High Goals Ryan Lomonaco
Aquinas College’s freshman class will number about 345 this fall. Among those in the incoming class are several notable members: the youngest student to enroll at the College, an athlete who fought back from a tragic accident and another who has his eyes on the White House.
Ryan Lomonaco While most 14 year olds are just entering high school and thinking about getting their drivers licenses, Ryan Lomonaco was already looking at colleges. In June, he became the youngest person ever to graduate from Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School. And when he walked onto the campus of Aquinas in August for orientation,
he officially became the College’s youngest enrollee ever. According to The Grand Rapids Press (June 5, 2004), at three years old, Ryan began reading everything he could. By four, he could multiply and divide. Later that year, the report states, an IQ test showed Ryan was, indeed, a gifted individual. Ryan excelled at everything and was four years ahead of his contemporaries. He entered high school at 10, and now, at 14, he begins his college studies at Aquinas. He plans to major in pre-law, computer science and math. When asked about his being a genius, The Press article said he shrugged it off, saying, “I was always taught it was a gift from God. I was taught that everyone has talents. I never thought of myself as different from anyone else.”
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Amanda Strouse Amanda Strouse is a young person filled with a desire to succeed, driven by an inner strength that allowed her to overcome adversity. In July 2003, just before her senior year in high school, the Lansing Catholic student was in a serious car accident. Sideswiped by an oncoming car, her vehicle landed upside down in a farm field near her home, causing serious injuries to the track and field athlete’s right arm. Her forearm, which was nearly lost as a result of the crash, had been broken in two places. Doctors worked to save the arm through a total of eight surgeries. As one of Lansing’s top distance runners as a junior, her future as a top competitor appeared to be in question. But her coach, Tim Simpson, knew she would do “whatever it took to come back.” Her determination, support from friends and family and her faith helped her return to the field of competition.
The 18-year-old Strouse continued into late spring to work with an occupational therapist and received nightly massages from her mom, Sue, a nurse from the Michigan State College of Nursing. In early June, she competed in her final high school track competitions. And while her running times still trail some of her record-breaking, pre-crash times in the 1600 and 800 meter competition, she’s making good progress – progress she hopes will come to life at Aquinas.
Amanda Strouse (Photo courtesy of the Lansing State Journal.)
Tim Ramsay A West Coast teen who has his sights set on high political office is coming to Aquinas this fall, as well. Tim Ramsay, who graduated from Granite Hills High School in Apple Valley, California, plans to major in political science and, someday, hopes to be president of the United States. “I want to change things (and) make the United States better,” he told a Daily Press (Victorville, California) reporter. According to the news report (June 9, 2004), Ramsay has begun to lay the foundation for a future career in political leadership. He served as a member of his school’s Associated Student Body, addressed his local town council on youth issues, spent a month in Europe in the summer of 2003 to learn about various governments and spent a week in Sacramento,
California, learning about the intricacies of his own state government. An administrator at his high school stated she could see Ramsay entering politics someday: “He really does have a passion of fighting for what’s right. He’s a mature leader with an overall good attitude.” ___________ These articles are a compilation of stories excerpted from The Grand Rapids Press, Lansing State Journal and the Daily Press (Victorville, California).
Tim Ramsay
admission NEWS
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ADMISSIONS
First annual high-schoolers
Fine Arts Day Experiencing the arts has become one of the most important parts of an education for a number of high school students. Holding to that theme, the Admissions Office held the first annual Fine Arts Day (FAD) on March 19 when 180 prospects, high school freshmen through seniors, attended what many described “as the most unique visit at Aquinas College.”
Dr. Paul Brewer orchestrates a group of musicians.
“This is a really interesting program and really put together well,” said one student. “I loved the teachers and I met some awesome people.” High school students from around the Midwest began the day with department overviews from professors and then toured the Aquinas campus. After lunch, the students experienced everything from theatre workshops, jazz improvisation sessions, printmaking exercises, and poetry writing seminars. Following the breakout sessions, the students shared their work with everyone in the Performing Arts Center. “I am impressed with everything I saw today and I would recommend this day to anyone who is interested in fine arts,” commented another student.
Associate Professor of Art Kurt Kaiser works with several student prospects.
Admission Department’s special events days for the 2004-2005 school year Friday, November 12, 2004
Campus Day
Friday, November 19, 2004
Campus Day
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Athletic Campus Day
Friday, February 4, 2005
Nursing Campus Day
Friday, March 18, 2005
Fine Arts Day
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Leadership Day
Spring 2005
Science Day
Friday, April 22, 2005
Campus Day
By Damon Bouwkamp `00, Admissions Representative
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Some happenings at AQ September ’04 20-24, Wed.-Thurs. The Amazing AQ Women Alumni Exhibit Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center Lower Level Wege Center, Pond Lounge 25-27, HOMECOMING 30, Thurs. 7:30 p.m. William Heyen, award-winning poet Contemporary Writers Series Wege Student Center Ballroom
October ’04 7-10, 8 p.m. or 2 p,m, “The Nerd,” a comedy written by Larry Shue Aquinas Theatre Department $8 general admissions $6 faculty/staff and $3 students Performing Arts Center 13, Wed. 7 p.m. “Where the Jobs are: Can they Sustain Families?” Beth Shulman, author, attorney and former vice president of United Food and Commercial Workers. Wege Center Ballroom. Free Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center 13, Wed., 7:00 p.m. “The Catholic Intellectual Tradition and its Significance in a Secular Society” His Eminence Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago First Annual St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture on Catholic Intellectual Tradition Performing Arts Center. Free. 25, Mon. 7 p.m. Subhankar Banerjee Wildlife photographer and author Presentation, reception and book signing Performing Arts Center Free 28, Thurs., 12:30 p.m. “Yes, Virginia, There is a Glass Ceiling!” Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center Wege Student Center, Loutit Room 29, Fri. 6:30-9:30 p.m. HOLIDAY AUCTION Aquinas Performing Arts Center $75 per person
November ’04 2, Tues. 12:30-1:20 p.m. “Northern European Contributions to Early Renaissance and Baroque Art” Aquinas College Lecture Series Wege Student Center Ballroom
admission NEWS
11, Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Lee Gutkind, author and editor Contemporary Writers Series Wege Student Center Ballroom 14, Sun 2–4 p.m. Collaborative Sculpture and Poetry Exhibit Ron and Miriam Pederson Opening Reception Art and Music Center Gallery Exhibit runs through Dec. 17 18, Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Fall Jazz Night. Art and Music Center 21, Sun. TBA Invitational Band Concert Art and Music Center 22, Mon. 12:30 p.m. Gender, Racial and Political Ideologies in American Thanksgiving Maria DeRose, Women’s Studies Program, Bowling Green University Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center Wege Student Center 30, Tues. 12:30-1:20 p.m. “Representation of Mothers and Daughters in East-German DEFA Films between 1949 and 1989” Katharina Gross Aquinas College Lecture Series Wege Student Center Ballroom
December ’04 3, Fri. Noon Sister Santa visits Aquinas College. Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center Wege Student Center 9, Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Percussion Group Concert Art and Music Center 12 Sun. 5:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols Music Department Concert Bukowski Chapel
January ’05
28, Fri. 12:30 p.m. “Arms and the Women: Gender and Governance in Late Medieval England” Ann Clark Bartlett, De Paul University Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center‘s 8th Annual Lecture and Tea Wege Student Center 31, Mon. 7:30 p.m. Carlos de la Barrera., classical guitarist, in concert Art and Music Center
February ’05 10, Thurs. 12:30 p.m. “Profiles of Middle Eastern Women” Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center, Wege Student Center 10–13, Thurs.–Sun. 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. “Spinning into Butter,” a comedy written by Rebecca Gilman Directed by William Irwin Aquinas Theatre Program Cost: $8 general admissions $6 faculty/staff, $3 students For tickets, call (616) 456-6656 15, Tues. 12:30-1:20 p.m. “Is it True That … ? Fun with Regression and Correlation” Don Chaffee, Ph.D. Aquinas College Lecture Series Wege Student Center Ballroom 20, Sun. 2–4 p.m. Annual, All-Media, Juried Student Show Opening Reception Art and Music Center Gallery Show runs through April 1 20, Sun. TBA Music Department Choral Invitational Concert Art and Music Center 24–27, 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. 2005 Children’s Production Directed by Penny Avery, Ph.D. Aquinas Theatre Program Cost: $8 general admissions $6 faculty/staff and $3 students For tickets, call (616) 456-6656
17, Mon. TBA Martin Luther King, Jr. Blood Drive Wege Center Ballroom.
25, Fri. 7:30 p.m. Music Department Faculty Recital Aquinas Art and Music Center
17, Mon. 12:30 p.m. Jazz Combo Concert honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Wege Student Center Ballroom
26, Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aquinas College Bridal Show Wege Student Center Ballroom www.aquinas.edu/conference
18, Tues. 12:30 “Richard Nixon Tapped Our Phone” Brent Chesley, Ph.D. Aquinas College Lecture Series Wege Student Center Ballroom
For information: (616) 632-8900 www.aquinas.edu
24-28, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS WEEK
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CLASS NOTES Marriages ’82 Betsy Jean Gilsmythe and Larry Ray Davis, May 1, 2004 ’83 Amy Neitzel and Sean O’Brien ’83, August 2002 ’85 Marky J. Klapthor and Edwin Trinkle, June 21, 2003 ’96 Sarah Nowak and M. Kevin Mulvihill, April 2, 2004 ’97 Amanda Boes and David Feddes, July 10, 2004 ’99 Ashley Lynn Harris and John Rice, August 5, 2003 ’99 Jean VanWeelde ’02 and Justin Manwell, July 20, 2002 ’00 Elizabeth Schmiedicke and Omar Flores ‘02, May 22, 2004 ’00 Carrie Steffens and Doug Lipinski, Aug. 1, 2003 ’01 Mandy Sue Schneider ‘03 and Mark Pittman, Jan. 11, 2003 ’01 Lisa Bush and William Lemanski, June 7, 2003 ’02 Jessica (Buck) and Joshua Greenwald ’03, December 27, 2003 ’02 Kimberly Potter and Stephen G. Johnson, Aug. 16, 2003 ’02 Tracy L. Major and Craig Patterson, July 2002 ’02 Faith and Clement Chiwaya, July 5, 2003 ’03 Sara E. Beeler and David Lothschutz, July 23, 2003
Births ’80 Margaret and Daniel Sherman, a girl, Bridget Rose, April 28, 2004 ’85 Lynn and Joseph P. Nelis, a girl, Madelin Elizabeth, Feb. 17, 2004. ’87 Balby and Paul G. Cardenas, a boy, Jorge Giovanni, Oct. 29, 2003 ’88 Linda (Trentman) and Jeffrey Coon, a girl, Brigid Caroline, January 30, 2004 ’92 Megan L. Reid-Frank and George Frank, a girl, Meguire Reid, December 31, 2003 ’93 Renee Orr, a girl, McKenna Charlize, April 26, 2004 ’93 Amy (Wieczorek) and Clint Solden, a boy, Calvin Alexander, September 3, 2003 ’96 Dionne M. (Costello) and Scott Underhill, a girl, Carlyn McKenna, Nov. 3, 2003 ’96 Stacey D. (Dobrygoski) and Greg Bangsma, a girl, Rachel Marie, December 19, 2003 ’97 Sue (Harvey) and Rick Brown, a girl, Reese Elizabeth, June 18, 2004
’97 Jennifer (Wilkinson) and Timothy Shaw ’99, a girl, Emelia Martha, June 18, 2004 ’98 Lauren (Mullane) and Terry Poisson, a girl, Kayleigh Elizabeth, March 20, 2004 ’98 Erin Trapp and Patrick M. Krueger, a girl, Stella Grace Krueger-Trapp, April 30, 2004 ’99 Jean VanWeelde ’02 and Justin Manwell, a boy, Blake John Thomas, December 9, 2003 ’01 Valerie Mossman-Celestin and Jacson Celestin, a boy, Joshua Emile, March 23, 2004 ’01 Amber L. and Jamie Fogarty, a girl, Olivia Ann, in May 2002 ’01 Anne Marie Schlichting and Thomas Ferratt ’00, a boy, Brendan Patrick, April 24, 2004 ’02 Faith and Clement Chiwaya, a girl, Sandra, in October 2003 ’03 Monica and Greg Vedders, a boy, Zachary Alexander, June 2, 2004
Deaths ’34 Mary (Schmitt) Robach, mother of Michelle (Robach) Ogren ’93, Bernadette (Robach) Kamps ’72, Rosalyn (Robach) Wolfer ’65, and Mary (Roback) Prokop ’63 and grandmother to Angela Prokop ’03 and Sandra Ogren ’03, Feb. 11, 2004 ’40 Roberta Grady, wife of Stafford Grady ’41 Gerard Popma, Feb. 25, 2004 ’42 Geraldine (Bukowski) Konieczny, mother of Timothy Konieczny ’69, June 16, 2004 ’43 Toby McGowan, brother of Sr. Ann Lucille McGowan, O.P. ’44 Patricia Ann (Eardley) Ghering, May 26, 2004 ’50 Gladys Monique, May 6, 2004 ’50 Joseph Kupinski, Jan. 25, 2004 ’51 John Rogers, Sr., Jan., 2004 ’52 Leo Joseph Bouchard, June 23, 2004 ’52 Scott L. Hock, son-in-law of Lyle and Gail Morrison ’52, May 26, 2004 ’53 Sr. Pelagia M. Litkowski, O.P., May 18, 2004 ’55 Frances Zacharuk, brother of Sr. Audrey Kubian, O.P., May 24, 2004 ’56 Amalia Vargas, mother of Ruth Vargas Drummond and Irene Vargas Essenmacher ’59 ’57 Jane Murray, sister of Sr. Mary Alice MacDonald ’58 John C. Zant, husband of Rosemary (Hickey) Zant, Feb. 5, 2004 ’58 Kathleen Cashen, March 7, 2004
’59 Melvin Groulx, brother of Sr. Julia May Groulx, O.P. ’59 Fernande Gard, Feb. 19, 2004 ’60 Francis Bray, brother of Sr. Theresa Bray, O.P. ’62 Caroline Baker, wife of Frank Baker ’40, Dec. 6, 2003 ’62 Florence Desmet, mother of Joanne (Desmet) Deschaine ’62 Edward Tracy, brother of Sr. Susanne Tracy, O.P. ’66 Rose Anderson, mother of Sr. Catherine Anderson, O.P. ’67 Josephine Snook, Feb. 28, 2004 ’67 Michael McLellan, March 28, 2004 ’67 Sr. Mary Ann Otway, O.P., Jan. 28, 2004 ’67 Phillip Paskiewicz, March 15, 2004 ’69 Stuart Splan, Dec. 22, 2003 ’69 William Morin, father of Barbara (Morin) Camenga ’70 Roberta Zimber, Dec. 4, 2003 ’70 Richard Zwier, father of Lawrence Zwier ’75 and Thomas Zwier ’76, Jan. 2, 2004 ‘72 Martha Greiner, sister of Sheila Greiner ‘73 Robert Stawasz, March 17, 2004 ‘73 Kenneth Brousseau, father of Sr. Nancy Brousseau, O.P. ’73 June Wittenbach, mother of Mary (Wittenbach) Dewey and Stephen Wittenbach ’81 and sister of Most Rev. Robert J. Rose ’74 Ray Slagter, father of Daniel Slagter ’03, Feb. 7, 2004 ’74 John Navarre, father of Sr. Mary Navarre, O.P., May 8, 2004 ’74 Jean McDonnell, sister of Sr. Irene Mary McDonnell, May 2, 2004 ’75 Charles E. Smith, June 12, 2004 ’77 Earl Folkert, father of Michael O’Connor and Linda O’Connor-Myers ’79 ’78 Mary Watson, May 31, 2004 ’79 Caesar Solomon, father of Denise Solomon ’80 Arsenia (Carballo) Popma, Jan. 7, 2004 ’81 Wanda (Showalter) Stinchcomb, Jan. 13, 2004 ’83 Irene Stankus, mother of Sandra Becker, June 2, 2004 ’87 Steven Vander Voord, June 4, 2004 ’88 Marilyn Reilly, mother of Neil Reilly, April 3, 2004 ’89 James Banta, father of Theodore ’90 and Elizabeth (Luce) Banta ’97 Leslie Tassell, grandfather of Aquinas Trustee David Bottrall and Michelle Bottrall, March 19, 2004 ’97 Ethel Ghering, aunt of Mary (Hamel) Cook, March 26, 2004 ’00 Andra Visockis, cousin of Rita ’92, Steffi ’95 and Andris, Jan. 7, 2004 ’00 Joseph Tran, father of Kien Tran ’03 Darrell Garrett, Feb. 14, 2004 ’03 James Vedders, father of Bradley Vedders and Gregory Vedders and father-in-law of Meghan (McGahey) Vedders, July 5, 2004
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1957 Patricia A. Haviland owns For Women Only, offering therapeutic massage/neuro-muscular therapy.
’58 John F. Burns joined Howard & Howard Attorneys, P.C., where his practice focuses on corporate and business law matters and related financing and also provides labor and employment counseling for business and health care clients. He is president of Pheasant Ring Community, a non-profit organization devoted to assisting people and families affected by autism. John was previously appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board and was chairman of the board during his tenure. John and his wife reside in Northville, Mich. Thomas Sorrelle sold his insurance agency to his daughter, Michelle A. Jennings ’81. Tom has taken the position as Consultant for Life and is enjoying semi-retirement with his wife, Nancy, in Crystal.
’73 Fr. Charlon Mason celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on May 19, 2004, at St. Joseph Church in Pewamo, Mich.
’83 David Farley recently opened up the first chiropractic practice in Cranston, Rhode Island where he lives with his wife and four sons. Amy J. Neitzel-O’Brien is the Center Coordinator for the Center for Spiritual Direction in Mass. Sean O’Brien is coaching football and track at Westfield State College in Westfield, Mass.
’84 Chris Seager lives in Grayling, Mich., with husband, Steve. She received her M.A. from Central Michigan University in 1993 in counseling. Chris works for Catholic Human Services as a family services counselor. She has a daughter, Jill, 16, and a son, Matthew, 18.
’86 Michael Stevenson is with DTE Energy and Freight Logistics as a Supervisor. He has been selected to lecture at MSU in Freight Logistics management. Mike and wife, Patricia, have five children between 4 and 14 years. Mike just completed his tenure as president of Transportation Club of Detroit. He has coached baseball at Grosse Pointe High School for four years.
’91 Michelle (Jankowski) Carter and her husband, Tim, are the owners of It’s Just Lunch of West Michigan, a dating service for busy professionals
’92 Rachael Drenovsky accepted the learning center coordinator position with the Michigan Supreme Court, where she will be running a small museum in the new Hall of Justice in Lansing. Eric Bridge (pictured below), the coordinator of service learning at Aquinas, received the Michigan Campus Compact (MCC) Faculty/Staff Community Service-Learning Award last spring. It is the highest annual award that MCC bestows on faculty and staff in Michigan. The award recognizes Bridge’s important influence on students to become involved in community service and service learning through all of his tireless efforts through the Campus Ministry Department.
’76 Michael Howell spends his professional time employed by Catholic Human Development Outreach, where he is in charge of relocating political refugees. Outside of that, Mike says his whole life is running. In May 2004, Mike logged his 10,000th mile of running at the YMCA since 2001. Give or take a few hundred miles, he estimates he has run 68,000 miles at the YMCA.
’78 Earl D. Edwards retired from the Army after 20 years of service in Sept. 2001. Earl works at Lockheed Martin as an electronic technician. He and his wife, Laura, have two daughters in high school.
’79 Marlene (May) Ryan, immersed in full-time graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, pursuing a master of liberal arts degree with concentration on the role of hands in cognition, perception and emotion.
’81 Andrea M. Urda-Thompson received an M.A. in geography from Eastern Michigan University in April 2004. She currently teaches earth science and chemistry to at-risk high school students in the Ann Arbor Public School system.
ALUMNI NEWS
’87 Dellajean Combs completed her master of arts in Counseling Psychology at John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, Calif., in 1991.
’88 David G. Echelbarger, CPA and Shareholder at Echelbarger, Himebaugh, Tamm & Co., P.C. was recently recognized by Business Direct Weekly as one of Western Michigan’s Top Business Leaders Under 40. David is the Director of the Technology Solutions Division at EHTC.
’90 Remi Gonzalez was recently promoted to vice president at Public Communications Inc. in Chicago. Kris (Kooistra) DeYoung was named Teacher of the Year by VSA Arts of Michigan, an affiliate of the national VSA arts group, which promotes art education for children/adults with disabilities and has taught for nine years at Catholic Central High School. Tamara Ujiie and husband, Andrew, launched Nature Basics, Inc.; they are introducing an early child development program, “Play along with me!” to build bonding between babies and their parents/ caregivers. The company, wholly owned and operated by the couple, is based in Irvine, Calif.
’93 Reyes Carrasco retired from the Grand Rapids Police force as the city’s top-ranking Hispanic in April, 2004. Carrasco intends to take some time off, but hopes to teach. He and his wife, Valerie Ann, a detective in the Family Services Unit, have two children, Alyssa, 11, and Daniel, 8.
’95 Job S. Grotsky received his master of arts in teaching from John Hopkins University. He is engaged and plans to be married next year. He is teaching third grade in Baltimore’s inner city and is still playing with the band Domestic Problems.
’96 M. Kevin Mulvihill teaches English at Rogers High School. Former Aquinas College pitcher Tom Vos collected a National Junior College Athletic Association Division II World Series ring after Grand Rapids Community College, where Tom is a coach, won its national championship this spring.
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(‘96 cont.)
2000
Derek J. Donnelly and his wife Stephanie have two daughters Morgan, 3, and Katie, 8 months. David Berault will be attending law school in Chicago for the next few years. Stacey (Simmons) Jackson has been named AQ’s Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
’98 Karen McPhee was selected as superintendent of the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District in Holland, Michigan, in May 2004. The OAISD Board of Education unanimously selected McPhee for the post after she served as interim superintendent following her predecessor’s retirement in March. Troy Wilbon was named as the new head boy’s basketball coach at Grand Rapids Central. Patrick M. Krueger completed his Ph.D. in the Department of Sociology and Population Program at the University of Colorado-Boulder. His dissertation is titled “Social, Cultural, and Economic Capital, and Behavioral Investments in Health.” In the fall of 2004, he will continue his research on the causes and consequences of poor health in the U.S. as a Robert Wood Johnson, Health and Society Scholar, at the University of Pennsylvania. Matthew J. Flannigan graduated from the Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medical School in May 2004 and will be an intern at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Mich. At graduation, Matt was awarded the Outstanding Senior Award for professional involvement, academic achievement, leadership, and community volunteer work. James E. McHale is assistant vice president at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Mich. Jennifer (Johnson) Reynolds is the Coordinator of Alumni & Parent Relations at Aquinas College.
’99 Ann Walsh has taken a job with GM Planworks as a media planner. Tammy M. Cramer was promoted to the grant writer of Noah’s Ark Animal Center and Noah’s Ark Children Care Homes in Locust Grove, Geo. Her goal is to reach the $1.5 million mark through writing grants and fundraising. Dan O’Donnell graduated from Michigan State University of Osteopathic Medicine. Dan will be doing his internship and residency at Ingham Hospital in Lansing, Mich.
Cari Blind will be graduating from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and intends to practice medicine in Illinois. Angela M. Bruce graduated with an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Wright State University. Miriam Lynch made headlines in the Pistons Idol Contest. Designed to copy the phenomenon of American Idol, the Detroit Pistons staged their own contest to find the most talented Pistons fan. Miriam sang “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor to win the February 11 round.
’01 Amber L. (Seldon) Fogarty has been working as a Middle School Language Arts Teacher at Portland Middle School in Mich. She recently decided to take it one step further and pursue a master’s in School Counseling from Central Michigan University. Amber, her husband Jamie, and their eight-year-old son, Lane Christopher welcomed a baby girl, Olivia Ann Fogarty, in May 2002. Jennifer A. Churchill works for the Mid-Michigan District Health Department as a communications specialist. Maria G. Garza-Grande graduated from Indiana University-School of Library & Information Science with a master of library science. Maria is back home in Grand Rapids, ready to start a new career in librarianship. Jenna Elwart received a master’s degree in clinical psychology and has only two more years until she earns a Ph.D. Crystal (Lubbers) Laska is the Athletics Administrative Assistant at Aquinas College.
’02 Marquise J. Blakeslee completed her master’s in European Studies at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. Clement Chiwaya was elected to Parliament in Malawi in May 2004 and then, was given additional duties when appointed to the new Malawi president’s Cabinet as Minister of Social Services and Disability Affairs. Clement and his wife, Faith, had a daughter, Sandra, in October of 2003. Josh Greenwald works as the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Ohio University. Betsy B. Maesen obtained her MA in Congressional Studies and has been promoted to higher level position within the Greystone Group, a three-
person government relations firm, in Washington, D.C. She primarily works on Social Security and educational issues. Tonya Schafer has been working as a reporter and editor since her graduation. She is currently living in Grand Rapids and is senior editor at New View Media, which publishes Grand Rapids Cosmopolitan Home magazine.
’03 Jessica (Buck) Greenwald is working on a master’s degree in Geography and plans to pursue a Ph.D. Kelli C. Sattler is a master’s student in Higher Education Administration at Syracuse University.
’04 Gail Gromaski, who majored in international business and German, will head to Austria this fall as part of the Fulbright program. Gromaski was selected for a prestigious Fulbright Teaching Assistantship Scholarship, allowing her to live and work in Austria teaching English for the Ministry of Education. Her teaching assignment will run from October 2004 to May 2005.
CORRECTIONS! Sorry ’bout that … Spring 2004 edition: (P. 49): 2003 Hall of Fame Gala The former coach who influenced honoree Ralph Coleman `61 was Ray Null, not Nault, as printed. (P. 16) “Aquinas Welcomes Hennick to Recruitment Post.” Her name should have read as Brenda Hennink. Geraldine Hogan ’53 was incorrectly listed in the Spring 2004 Class Notes as deceased. The late Geraldine Hogan, mother of Nancy Schmiedicke ’91, is not an alumna of Aquinas College _____ We make every effort to ensure all information contained herein is correct and people whose names are listed in this magazine are properly identified. However, due to the large volume of information and names in the publication, we inadvertently fail to identify every possible error during proofing. It is our policy to make corrections on all identified errors in the next publication. We apologize in advance to those affected by our errors. (Ed.)
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G Stainless Steel Travel Mug
$14.99 $44.95
N/A
$14.95
H Aquinas Seal Tie Tack (STERLING
SILVER)
N/A
$35.00
I Aquinas Seal Pendant (STERLING
SILVER)
N/A
$35.00
N/A
$ 5.99
J AQ Notecards (WHITE
CARDS/ENVELOPES
•
BOX OF 10)
Shipping $5.50 first item: $.50 each additional item. (Michigan residents please add 6% sales tax.)
Order Form (prices good through December 2004)
Plus Shipping $____________ Mich. 6% sales tax $___________ TOTAL $_____________
Name _______________________________________ Phone (______) __________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________________________
State________ ZIP _______________________
Credit Card: VISA M/C AMEX DISCOVER _______________________ ______________ Card No.
ALUMNI NEWS
__________
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Exp. Date
aquinas magazine
63
See more alumni gift items on our Web site at www.aqbooks.com.
fall 2004
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