FALL 2010
The magazine of aquinas college
The Aquinas College LEED-Certified Grace Hauenstein Library features Sustainable Building Concepts
Master of Sustainable Business is Launched Page 8
Aquinas magazine is printed on paper containing 10 percent post-consumer waste.
Aquinas magazine is published by the Aquinas College Office of College Relations. It is created for alumni, friends and benefactors of the College, as well as parents of enrolled students and adult students. Aquinas is a private, four-year Catholic Dominican liberal arts college. Letters, comments and suggestions are encouraged. Change of address requests can be made through the channels listed below. E-mail: collegerelations@aquinas.edu Mail: College Relations Department 1607 Robinson Road, SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799 Web site: www.aquinas.edu
Editorial Team Laura Bennett-Kimble ’95 Sally Reeves, staff Doug Seites ’10 Liz Sommerville Luke Sprunger ’10 Contributing Writers Marisela Aguilar, student Brigid Avery ’01, staff C. Edward Balog, Ph.D., President Michelle DeRose, Ph.D., faculty Meghan Disselkoen, staff Linda Nemec Foster ’72 Renae Gavitt ’03, staff Sam Granger, student Katharina Häusler-Gross, Ph.D., faculty Samuel Johnson, student Marjorie Kindel, MM ’06, staff
Sr. Jean Milhaupt, O.P., Ph.D., ’45, staff Sheila Pantlind, staff Samantha Rinkus, student Emily Sandula, student Doug Seites ’10 Katelyn Smith ’10 Liz Somerville Luke Sprunger ’10 Dan Treul ’09 Mike Wojciakowski ’99, staff Layout/Design Jason Bardwell, D&D Printing Co. Photography Brian Kelly, freelancer Andris Visockis, freelancer Ryan Wendt ’97, staff
Alumni news: www.aquinas.edu/alumni Phone (616) 632-2845 Fax: (616) 459-2563 For information on the cultural events taking place at Aquinas College from August through December, please visit the following Web sites: Music Schedule aquinas.edu/music/events Art Gallery Schedule aquinas.edu/art/gallery Theatre Schedule aquinas.edu/threatre Contemporary Writers Series aquinas.edu/library/cw/writers Aquinas Performing Arts Center aquinas theatre/pac schedule
MISSION STATEMENT
The Sports and Fitness Center renovation, designed to meet LEED standards, will open in mid-September.
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.
FALL 2010 vol. 9 no. 2
The magazine of aquinas college
TABLE OF CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE. .......................................... 5 CAMPUS NEWS
Former Aquinas President Norbert J. Hruby, Ph.D., Dies....................................... 6 Alumnus and Community Leader Glenn Steil Passes Away............................................... 7 Master of Sustainable Business is Launched....................... 8 Working Toward a Sustainable World................................. 9 2010 Commencement..................................................... 13 Gift to CLC from Ralph and Sue Garlick Honors Granddaughter........................... 14
STUDENT NEWS
Costa Rica........................................................................ 17 Aquinas Student Receives Summer Research Grant to Study Woodpeckers...................... 20
FACULTY NEWS
Aquinas Expands Scholarly Research and Collaboration Through Michigan Academy................ 21 Aquinas Lecture Series..................................................... 22
ADMISSIONS
Fine Arts AQDay Coincides with ArtPrize....................... 28
OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE (OLLI)
Emeritus Evening............................................................. 30 What’s New at OLLI ...................................................... 31
ADVANCEMENT
Reflection: Joan Secchia................................................... 32 Evening of Elegance a Success at Stately “Aslan” Residence........................................... 33 Wege ProAm Huge Success............................................. 35 Corporate Partners........................................................... 37
ATHLETICS
Aquinas Saints Win WHAC All-Saints Trophy................. 38 Women’s Lacrosse............................................................ 40 Aquinas Honors Senior Scholar-Athletes......................... 41 Spring 2010 Aquinas NAIA All-Americans...................... 42 Spring Sports Wrap.......................................................... 44
TRUSTEES
Welcome New Trustees.................................................... 46
ALUMNI
Message from the Alumni Director.................................. 23 Italy: Pilgrimage and Tour................................................. 23 Detroit Alumni Reception............................................... 26
CLASS NOTES............................................................. 47
Lacrosse Camps pg. 38
Woodpeckers pg. 20 Norbert J. Hruby, Ph.D.
, pg. 6
Conductive Learning Center pg.
14
Costa Rica pg. 17
C. Edward Balog, Ph.D. In the last issue of the Aquinas Magazine I noted that our students and our alumni were all part of a continuum. This unbroken stream of students and graduates extends the vision and values of Aquinas into the larger community so that they can make a difference in the world. We believe there is abundant evidence to support this statement, but it is healthy for organizations to engage in a periodic review of their goals and their effectiveness in achieving those goals. Aquinas College is completing such a review. The result is a document entitled Vision Twenty/20. This is our plan for the next decade—a decade likely to be characterized by economic uncertainty, major demographic shifts, continuing international realignment, and environmental challenges. As an educational community we continue to see the value of a liberal arts education which provides students the information and perspectives they need to prepare for active lives and careers. Thus, we are reaffirming our commitment to the values based liberal arts and sciences education that identifies the College today and will reinforce that identity in the future. We are confident that our graduates will make a difference because we are confident that the educational experience they share at Aquinas has demonstrable continuing value as well as current applicable value. Our efforts to continue and to extend the impact of the kind of education we engage in will continue to produce students capable of meeting the rapidly changing needs of our current society with a solid
grounding in the vision and values of Aquinas College. Aquinas students will continue to grapple with the large issues of the human condition: Being and Purpose. They will employ the perspectives of the humanities and the social sciences, and they will understand the power and the limitations of science. These are the paramount values of an education based on the liberal arts and sciences. In a rapidly changing environment, specialized and professional training will become part of the lifelong learning process that an Aquinas education begins. A solid grounding in the liberal arts and sciences will provide our students with the capacity to solve the complex problems of the 21st century and to become productive citizens. They will have the ability to think and to analyze and to apply their knowledge so that they will be prepared for whatever profession they choose. I am taking this opportunity to let you know that we not only respect our educational heritage but that we are committed to helping our students achieve a life well lived that will also make a difference in our society. We believe that our graduates will demonstrate three particular principles: service, social justice, and sustainability. These principles infuse our academic efforts; they define our campus culture for students, faculty, staff, and friends; and they are the identifying characteristics of our involvement with the community at large. Service to the campus and to their communities as they mature will be identifying characteristics of Aquinas Alumni. The College will continue to serve students from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing an accessible and affordable education rooted in our core values. These students will, in turn, serve the needs of the broader community. This academic experience will combine with our Catholic and Dominican heritage to provide graduates with a sense of social justice. This commitment is not restricted to the classroom but includes all areas of student life. We also have a responsibility of stewardship of the environment. The planet must be preserved for succeeding generations, and to accomplish this we must all be educated in the principles of sustainability. Aquinas is continuing its leadership position in sustainability with the establishment of the Master of Sustainable Business degree in the fall of 2010. It will continue to become part of our campus culture so that the entire institution will not only participate in but take the lead nationally in sustainable practices. Thus we will maintain and extend our commitment to a broad education in the arts and sciences which will be of lifelong use to our students, to their community, and to the world. A lot is happening on the campus. I invite you all to Homecoming to see our new Sports and Fitness Center. The new graduate degree and the sports and fitness center are examples of programs and facilities that will serve our students well and integrate them into the student-alumni continuum that will allow them to apply their knowledge and skills to meeting the challenges of the world. aquinas.edu | Fall 2010 | Campus News 5
Campus News
President’s Message
Campus News
Former AQ President Norbert J. Hruby Dies By Luke Sprunger ’10
On May 18, Norbert Hruby, Ph.D., the beloved and influential second president of Aquinas College, died after a long battle with cancer. He was 92. “Although small in stature, he was a giant of a man in determination and drive to excel,” stated Paul Nelson, Aquinas’ fourth president. Nelson r thu Ar gr. ents Ms Former Aquinas Presid .D. was first hired by Ph y, ub Hr rt J. Bukowski and Norde Hruby to run the Career Action program. “He championed the idea of lifelong learning and making a positive difference in the intellectual life of learners of all ages.” Born in 1918 to a Czech Bohemian immigrant family in the suburbs of Chicago, Hruby grew up with parents who understood the importance of education. Hruby’s passion for learning stemmed also from his older sister, Henrietta, who was one of the first women secretaries in Chicago and supported the family during the Great Depression. Her inability to pursue higher education would later inspire Hruby to focus his efforts on creating new opportunities for non-traditional age students. He was the first in his family to attend college at Loyola University, he earned his bachelor’s degree (1939), master’s degree (1941) and, after service in the army during World War II, a doctorate (1951) in English. In 1969, Hruby came to Aquinas from Chicago’s Mundelein College to serve as president. At a time when liberal arts colleges were under fire for being too small and undiversified, he arrived with the goal of finding ways to revitalize Aquinas. Through his “Institutionalized Self-study,” Hruby allowed students to participate fully in the governing structure, incorporated a new and flexible curriculum and created extensive placement and counseling services as well as a semester of field experience for juniors to aid their future success. By 1970, the benefits of his policies were apparent at Aquinas, but many of Hruby’s ideas for improvement were still to be realized. To fulfill his dream of creating a degreecompletion program for adults, he established the Career Action program, an evening program for full-time workers wanting to earn degrees in business and accounting. With the inspiration of his wife, Dolores, Hruby started Encore, a day-time program for women desiring higher education. These programs would lead to the Continuing Education and 6 Campus News | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu
Emeritus programs (now Osher Lifelong Learning Institute). Other influential initiatives undertaken by Hruby include a Career Development Center, age-integrated learning, the building of the Art and Music Center, Survival Skills Center and Student Tutoring Service and many others. His influence was so great that when he expressed his desire to retire in 1983, the Board of Trustees convinced him to remain as president for three more years. Hruby was awarded president emeritus status following his retirement in 1986 received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 1998 and was named to the College Hall of Fame in 2004. His retirement did not end his influence and presence on campus, however frequent walks with his dog, Guy, often brought Hruby across the street from his house and through campus, keeping him in Hruby receiv ed hood at close contact with Commencem ent in 1998. students, faculty and staff. “Two decades after his retirement as president, Norb Hruby is still the image of Aquinas for many alumni and friends of the College,” said Edward Balog, Ph.D., sixth president of Aquinas College, shortly after receiving word of Hruby’s death. “His determination, creativity and firm leadership style guided the College through the ’70s and ‘80s, a period of significant change in higher education. The entire community mourns his loss as much as we valued his leadership.” Hruby’s wife, Dolores, died of cancer in March 2008. He is survived by his three children: Michael Hruby, Monica Rice and Patricia Powell, along with three grandchildren.
By Luke Sprunger ’10 Rapids Youth Commonwealth, where he also was president for a time and organized a successful $2.5 million capital campaign. Steil served on the Aquinas Board of Trustees, being just shy of completing the first year of his initial three-year term at the time of his death. He also made generous financial contributions to the College over many years. Sister Mary Aquinas Weber, O.P., chancellor emeriti, described Steil as “compassionate, caring, thoughtful, and an individual who remained mindful throughout his life of his own humble beginnings and the need to help others of similar means.” “Glenn…never forgot his roots; he cared about people with limited opportunities,” she said, noting that in past years he partnered with others in the community to donate the funds necessary to keep all six of the Grand Rapids city pools open during the summer and free for children. The College honored Steil for his contributions to the College and community with the 1999 Trustee award and with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree at 2008 Commencement. Steil is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Glenn Steil, Jr.; daughter, Darlene Carol Steil; and three grandchildren.
The Honorable Glenn D. Steil ’72 passed away from a heart attack on May 7 in Bonita Springs, Florida. He was 69. His life defined by entrepreneurialism and a style of philanthropy that aimed to make a difference in the lives of needy individuals. One of 13 children, Steil was born in Grand Rapids in 1940. After serving honorably with the Coast Guard from 1958 to 1962, he returned to the city. Balancing work with educational pursuits, Steil earned an associate’s degree from Davenport University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Aquinas. Steil formed three furniture-related businesses over the years: Steil, Incorporated, Compatico and Office Furniture & Design Concepts. Outspoken against inequity in state spending, Steil acted on an opportunity to temporarily transition from businessman to officeholder, serving as a state senator from 1994 to 2002. A leader for civic and philanthropic causes, Steil served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Grand
Memorials to the Norbert J. Hruby Scholarship Fund If you would like to join others who have expressed an interest in paying tribute to Norbert J. Hruby, Ph.D., you can do so by contributing to the new scholarship that bears his name. This scholarship will provide an incentive to students who have suspended their college careers to devote time to their families, work or communities. To many, this scholarship opportunity can be life changing. If you would like more information on how you can contribute, contact Marjorie Kindel in the Gift Planning Office at (616) 632-2821 or e-mail kindemar@aquinas.edu. aquinas.edu | Fall 2010 | Campus News 7
Campus News
Alumnus and Community Leader Glenn Steil Passes Away
Campus News
Master of Sustainable Business is Launched By Liz Sommerville, Contributing Writer
Further demonstrating its dedication to sustainable initiatives, Aquinas College unveiled its new master of sustainable business (MSB) degree program in May. The program, which begins this fall, is the first of its kind in the upper Midwest and will expand upon the success of the College’s undergraduate Bachelor of Science in sustainable business (BSSB) program. At the MSB program announcement May 25, Aquinas President C. Edward Balog described President C. Edward Balog the degree’s importance, noting how the Aquinas sustainable business program has become a model for many other colleges across the country. “I think Aquinas should stand for our commitment to the environment and to the planet,” Balog said. “And I think we’re taking as bold a stance as we can to try to put ourselves at the forefront of sustainability advocacy.” The MSB program is comprised of six conventional business courses, currently offered in the master of management program, as well as six sustainable business courses. Students in the program will complete the 12 courses (36 credit hours) over a typical 18 to 24-month period. A full-tuition scholarship is also being offered for one student through the Wege Foundation. Also in attendance for the announcement was Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeanne Englehart, who, along with Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, had Jeanne Englehart just returned from Houston, Texas, where Grand Rapids was honored with the top Sustainable Community Award in the mid-sized community category from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and 8 Campus News | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu
Siemens Corp. Matthew Tueth “This new [MSB] program, and all that Aquinas College is doing through its sustainable initiatives, fits in with what the city of Grand Rapids is doing for the future,” said Englehart. “The program will have a greater emphasis on applying the practices of the movement in the business world,” Matthew Tueth, Steelcase Foundation Professor of Sustainable Business, said. “The focus will be on how to take all the learned aspects of sustainable business and walk a company through the steps that need to be taken to change the way it operates. Graduates will understand how to re-envision business and will be able to intelligently transition an organization towards this newly imagined sustainable strategy.”
“I think Aquinas should stand for our commitment to the environment and to the planet”
–Aquinas President C. Edward Balog
by Laura Bennett-Kimble ’95, Contributing Editor True to its motto, Aquinas College “makes all the difference in the world” when it comes to a sustainable environment. With the Sustainable Business bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, students have opportunity to learn about and gain the skills needed to incorporate a “triple bottom line” philosophy: integration of economic, environmental and social elements that can add up to a successful company–and help to change the business world, one organization at a time. “Through their jobs, our graduates are going into communities and effecting change from within,” said Matthew Tueth, Steelcase Foundation Professor of Sustainable Business. “They often tell us that their No. 1 job is to educate others.” He said companies recognize the importance of sustainability, which is why several Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Business (BSSB) graduates have been hired to fill newly created positions, educating others and implementing sustainable business practices. Since the BSSB was launched in 2003 as the first undergraduate degree program of its kind in the nation, more than 40 students have graduated and are working in a variety of fields, and dozens of requests were received in the spring for information on a new Master of Sustainable Business (MSB) degree program, which begins this fall. The overall SB program was inspired by Peter Wege’s vision of “economicology,” the idea that a healthy environment is necessary for a healthy economy, and it is supported by the Steelcase Foundation.
Community involvement
Tueth said the concept of sustainability wasn’t widely understood some 10 years ago, when Aquinas President C. Edward Balog was named provost and expressed interest in making the campus–and community–more environmentally sustainable. It was during this period that Tueth created his proposal for the BSSB program. “We got into this before it was fashionable,” he said. “We were pioneers in the educational perspective. Ed Balog showed a lot of leadership during this time, and if it weren’t for that, we wouldn’t have what we have today.” The concept of sustainability has grown in popularity in a very short time, according to Grand Rapids City Mayor George Heartwell, who said when he first started talking about sustainability seven years ago, response was not enthusiastic, and in fact, some people referred to it as “just another flavor of the month.” Perceptions about sustainability have changed over the past several years, moving from dismissal to acceptance. Local developers, for example, began embracing sustainable business practices in their building projects, Heartwell said. Recognition for the community has followed. In May, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented the third annual Siemens Sustainable Community Award to Grand Rapids as top mid-sized community for its work in
improving quality of life through economic, environmental and social goals. “When you have the U.S. Chamber of Commerce honoring Grand Rapids as a leader in sustainability, that says sustainability has moved from quirky to mainstream in a very short time. And, of course, Aquinas has been at the heart of it all from the start,” Heartwell said. In 2005, Grand Rapids became the first United Nations Regional Center of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development in the United States, according to Heartwell, who said partnerships between organizations including Aquinas College, the City of Grand Rapids, West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, West Michigan Strategic Alliance, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College have helped pave the way for partnerships in other Michigan communities interested in sustainable development. In addition, Grand Rapids ranks fourth in the nation for its number of LEED certified buildings. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, the certification program recognizes buildings designed and built to reduce energy and water use, as well as CO2 emissions, and improve overall efficiency and environmental impact.
Looking forward
When the SBBS program began in 2003, about seven or eight students were enrolled. Today, it is the largest major in the College, according to Tueth. And students continue to find internship opportunities and graduates are finding jobs – “even here in this economy of 13 percent unemployment,” he added. Regardless of academic growth, community recognition and awards received, he said now isn’t the time for sustainability advocates to pat each other on the back, however. “We could be doing more. If the journey toward sustainability is a foot long, I’d say we’ve gone about an inch and a half,” Tueth said. “We must continue to make changes to transition in a meaningful way toward a truly sustainable world that has the capacity to continue indefinitely.” Grand Rapids city skyline
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Campus News
Working Toward a Sustainable World
Campus News
Center for Sustainability: Onward and Upward By Liz Sommerville, Contributing Writer Last spring, Aquinas College was named to The Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges, a list that profiles the nation’s most environmentally responsible higher education institutions, which demonstrate an above average commitment to sustainability in terms of campus infrastructure, activities and initiatives. Aquinas was selected due to its campus-wide. The Center for Sustainability (C4S) at Aquinas is at the heart of the school’s sustainability efforts. It was established in 2005 as a community resource with support Deborah Steketee speaks from the Steelcase at MSB launch Foundation. The studentrun and faculty-directed C4S helps to build healthy communities by promoting principles and practices that restore the environment and advance economic prosperity. The center operates under the direction of Executive Director Deborah Steketee, an associate professor in the Department of Sustainable Business. “The main idea of the center is to serve as a resource to the community, especially the business community,” said Steketee. “We provide various learning opportunities to help businesses become more successful and profitable.” The C4S sponsors numerous lectures, workshops and educational programs for businesses and individuals interested in sustainable business practices. It also offers sustainable business professional certification for managers and executives who want further understanding of the fundamentals of sustainable business. The program is comprised of six courses that teach professionals how to use new tools and organizational strategies to make their businesses more sustainable. The C4S also aids in the development and advancement of organizations and communities that promote economic viability and social responsibility, and helps to build networks 10 Campus News | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu
and partnerships between Aquinas and local businesses. “The partnership element is very crucial to the center,” Steketee said. “Through partnerships, we lend our expertise and give the public access to what we learn about sustainability, all the while helping West Michigan become more sustainable.” Aquinas and the C4S have entered into numerous partnerships over the past five years. Last semester, the center and students in the Aquinas Sustainable Business Innovations lab course partnered with Blandford Nature Center of Grand Rapids and Earth University to research and develop an economicologyinspired business model for Blandford’s urban farm operations and Youth Farm Team programming. The project allowed Aquinas students to take the theories and tools of sustainable business learned in the classroom and apply them to a running organization. The C4S is currently acting as host and administrative manager for the Michigan Green Chemistry Clearinghouse, an initiative of the Michigan Green Chemistry Program, to highlight and advance efforts throughout the state related to the design of chemical processes and products that reduce or eliminate generation of hazardous substances. Aquinas and the C4S will collaborate with Sustainable Research Group of Grand Rapids, Blue Sphere of Ada and Grand Valley State University to distribute information around Michigan over the next three years. The Center for Sustainability continues to grow and expand its outreach beyond West Michigan. “We see ourselves as a regional resource, but we have inquiries from across the country,” Steketee said. “As more organizations and communities recognize the need to adopt sustainability initiatives, the center will garner more interest and demand.”
Aquinas SIFE Celebrates Successful Year The 2009-2010 academic year was very successful for SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise). The team was comprised of 60 students who completed 30 projects. The students were organized by leaders headed by President Katie Rogala.
AQ SIFE developed special projects with the following organizations: • Sam’s Club for Environmental Sustainability Challenge • Campbell Soup for Let’s Can Hunger • Frito-Lay for Earth Day Celebration • Michigan Technological University for Joint Innovation/Marketing Project • Senator Carl Levin for Stop Oil Speculation Campaign • Eco Smart Building for Dubuque Report on the Most Sustainable City • Steepletown Neighborhood for Green Community Development • Cascade Engineering for Antioxidant Plastic Container The team benefitted from the coaching of Ali Erhan, Ph.D., a Sam Walton Fellow, who joined SIFE as a key adviser. Aquinas won again at the SIFE USA Regional Competition with almost perfect scores and was able to advance to the SIFE USA National Exposition. Also noteworthy is that with the help of the Aquinas team, the new SIFE program at Cornerstone University won a Rookie of the Year Award and the Regional Championship, and also advanced to the SIFE USA National Exposition. With many important lessons learned, this upcoming year holds the promise for even greater success for Aquinas SIFE.
Where Are They Now? by Laura Bennett-Kimble Graduates of the Sustainable Business bachelor’s degree program are applying their knowledge in a variety of fields, from manufacturing to health care. Here’s an update on where several are working today. • Bryant La Pres ’09 is employed by PM Environmental, headquartered in Lansing, Mich., as a sustainability and energy consultant. • Karen Gray ’08 recently was hired as a salaried employee at Steelcase and works in the area of voluntary and regulatory projects related to Steelcase’s suppliers. • Megan Cramer ’07 is employed by Eagle Bluff Environmental Education Center as a naturalist and educator. • Lara (Fulton) Webster ’07 works for Pilgrim Manor of Grand Rapids, a long-term assisted living facility for the elderly, as sustainability coordinator. • Liz Ivkovich ’07 is international associate director of administration for Word Made Flesh, a non-profit Christian missionary organization headquartered in the U.S. with operations worldwide. • Josh Miller ’06 works as the sustainability coordinator for Spectrum Health of West Michigan. • Kate Luce ’06 is employed by the environmental consulting firm Entrix as an assistant staff scientist. • Melissa (Cunningham) Vander Horst ’06 is employed by Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta, Ga., as assistant to the dean of students. • Jessica Eimer ’05 is program director for the Center for Sustainability at Aquinas College. • John Ebers ’04 works for Practice Greenhealth of Reston, Va., as associate director of sustainability education and training. • Becky Brown ’09 will begin graduate work this fall at the University of Michigan in the Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environment program with a concentration in environmental policy and planning.
From left Ali Erhan, Ph.D., Sean Fahey, Katie Rogala, Janine Nacua, Zack Snyder, Mary Caldwell, Robert Hamel, Curtis Moran and Masato Yamazaki, Ph.D. aquinas.edu | Fall 2010 | Campus News 11
Campus News
Peter Wege Releases Second Book By Doug Seites ’10 After its unveiling on his 90th birthday, Peter Wege’s newest book was released to the public in late March. Economicology II is Wege’s second book, following his 1998 release, Economicology: The Eleventh Commandment. Like its predecessor, Economicology II highlights some of Wege’s favorite environmental and philosophical writers. Wege offers his thoughts on their writings and encourages readers to learn more about them. The writers he features touch upon a wide range of topics and issues that he has studied throughout his career. Protecting the Great Lakes’ fresh water and controlling population growth are themes throughout the book. Wege explains his concept of economicology and its principles, as well as providing information regarding how readers can help to save the planet. As he writes, “This book is the story of the six E’s that will determine our future. It is about the inseparability of economics, environment, ecology, ethics, empathy and education.” Throughout the book are quotes by Wege, as well as pictures from his life. Photos of his family, accomplishments and creative projects are joined by pictures taken by Wege
himself of Lake Michigan and Reeds Lake. Fittingly, Wege’s newest book is green from cover to cover. All 215 pages are printed on recycled paper that was Peter Wege and editor Susan Lo vell manufactured entirely with Green-e certified wind-generated electricity. Proceeds from the book, which sells for $19.95, go to the Sixth Grade Center for Economicology, a program with a public-private partnership with the Wege Foundation. To help promote the principles of economicology, 1,400 copies of the book will be given away to presidents of colleges and universities around the country. The book was published by the Wege Foundation and is available at the Aquinas Bookstore (Wege Center, Lower Level) and at www.wegefoundation.org.
Oceanographer Sylvia Earle Speaks at Aquinas By Doug Seites ’10 work advising Google Earth. She explained the lessons she Famed oceanographer Sylvia Earle appeared as the has learned during her time studying the natural world and featured speaker for the 14th Annual Wege Foundation the need for everyone to do a better job recognizing the Speaker Series program on April 19, just three days before connection between humans Earth Day. Earle spoke to a large and wildlife. “We live because audience gathered in the Aquinas they live,” said Earle. “If they College Performing Arts Center. cease to prosper, we cease to Earle is an explorer-inprosper.” residence at the National Earle spoke of the Geographic Society and founder importance of the survival of and chair of Deep Search marine ecosystems. She stated International. Her research deals with the ecology and conservation her desire for the eventual creation of protected areas in of marine ecosystems; Earle the oceans that she calls “hope has published more than 170 spots,” which would act like scientific, technical and popular national parks. Earle noted publications. She was named Pictured (l-r): Ed Balog, Sylvia Earle, Ph.D., that humans have the ability Time magazine’s first “Hero of the Peter Wege and Diana Wege Sherogan to change what is happening Planet” and a “living legend” by and to leave the world at least the Library of Congress. as good as they found it. She said it is going to take everyone While Peter Wege is fond of saying “go blue, think doing something to make a change. “It’s one thing to not green”—a reference to his love for the environment and know and therefore not care,” she said. “It’s one thing to know University of Michigan Wolverines—Earle put her own twist on the importance of these colors. She encouraged those and not care.” in attendance to “think blue and green and about the past, Earle believes that humans have a chance to turn things present and especially the future of what we are going to around. Before concluding her lecture she spoke of the need do about this [earth].” She emphasized that humans are to help the younger generation and empower them to make dependent upon nature, but have taken it for granted. responsible choices regarding the environment. According Earle talked about her illustrious career as a scientist and to her, “the next ten years may be the most important in the next thousand years.” showed pictures and video clips of her travels, as well as her 12 Campus News | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu
2010 Commencement
By Luke Sprunger ’10
Commencement is the pinnacle of the academic year. It is who teach and who care about both what and whom they at once a time of celebration, marking a significant milestone teach. This interaction has produced innovative minds looking of achievement in the lives of students, and also a bittersweet for problems to solve. We thus place our faith in you.” moment as the College community offers a fond farewell and Alumni Greg Alksnis ’71 and Rosemary Zant ’58 were extends best wishes to learned adults ready to set out into the awarded honorary doctorates of Business and Public Service, world. respectively, for their accomplishments since their time at The May 8th event was no different in spirit, albeit at Aquinas. Commencement Speaker David Van Andel was a different location from years awarded an honorary Doctor of past. Due to ongoing renovations Science degree. on the Fieldhouse as part of In his address, “Inflection the Sports and Fitness Center Point: Recognizing Your project, the 2010 Aquinas Vocation,” Van Andel spoke of Commencement was held at the need to pursue work that Sunshine Community Church reflects one’s individual calling on Grand Rapids’ northeast side. in life. He described inflection Nearly 300 of more than 430 point “as a point in life that eligible graduates participated in is dramatic enough where this year’s ceremony. The venue one sees new possibilities and proved to be accommodating changes direction,” and as an Pictured (l-r): Andrew Balog, Bishop Walter Hurley and Ed Balog for the nearly 2,300 attendees opportunity to follow a more escaping the cool, windy weather meaningful path. “Be open to outside to witness the transition from students to graduates. hearing your calling,” he said. “You have to be sensitive and Emphasizing a rapidly changing world, President Ed Balog continue to explore your dreams, values and desires.” Van offered advice to students in his welcoming remarks. Andel emphasized that the pursuit for individual meaning “You must be aware of cultural perspectives that you should have a beneficial impact beyond oneself, advising might never have encountered in a previous generation,” he graduates to “align your career with your values, especially in said. “You will not be able to avoid cultural, economic or hopes of helping others.” political conflict unless you understand the point of view While Sunshine Church proved to be an excellent venue of others who share this planet. Are you ready to face this for the 2010 Commencement, friends and families of 2011 world? I believe you are, because I believe in the impact of an graduates can look forward to next year’s ceremony being educated population,” he said near the end of his remarks. held in the newly renovated Sports and Fitness Center. “You have had a remarkable interaction with professors
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Campus News
The CLC Continues its Growth By Liz Sommerville, Contributing Writer The Conductive Learning Center (CLC), considered the leader in North America for conductive education, recently received an endowed scholarship for $100,000 made by Ralph and Sue Garlick in honor of their granddaughter Lilly, who was one of the first Ralph and Sue Garlick students to participate in the program. The CLC was established by Aquinas College in 1998 as a lab school for the Aquinas POHI (physically and/or health impaired) methodology teacher training program and provides learning and development programs for children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other motor challenges. The not-for-profit organization helps children ranging from infancy to adolescence to achieve physical, cognitive and social independence through the use of conductive education methods. The CLC offers the only program in North America that’s directed and supervised by the International Peto Institute of Conductive Education in Budapest, Hungary. Dr. Andras Peto developed the conductive educational system in 1945 to demonstrate that the central nervous system can form new neural connections despite previous neurological damage. Peto discovered that by repeating tasks and integrating movement with learning, the brain creates alternate paths to send messages to muscle groups to create movement. The conductive education programs involve the integration of 14 Campus News | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu
motor-skill development with cognitive and emotional-skill development within a group setting to help children build their cognitive skills and learn to use alternate strategies to perform desired movements. Aquinas is one of only four institutes in the world offering conductor teacher training, a profession that’s currently in high demand. As more programs open throughout the country, qualified conductor teachers are in short supply, particularly American-trained conductors. The Aquinas POHI program, the only one of its kind in the country using conductive education methodology, allows Aquinas students to work directly with the children at the CLC. Professionals from the Peto Institute deliver the curriculum, which is designed by Aquinas with the assistance of the International Peto Teachers College. Graduates of the Aquinas POHI program are often assisted in finding jobs by the Association for Conductive Education in North America, which provides organization for and collaboration of conductive education programs across North America. All previous graduates of the Aquinas POHI program have been offered jobs prior to graduation. The CLC, under the leadership of Terry Stelter, executive director of the CLC, continues to grow and expand its outreach across the country by partnering with various conductive education programs that are just getting established. The center recently entered into a collaborative agreement with A Step to Independence (ASTI), a conductive education program in suburban Atlanta, Ga. Conductors at the CLC traveled to Atlanta in June to run the ASTI/CLC collaborative summer camp. The three-week program served students ages 8-12 years old. The CLC has also mentored a conductive learning education program in Cincinnati, Ohio, and continues to provide workshops for conductors from other programs throughout North America.
2010 College Hall of Fame Honorees Muriel Karp Ross ’48
After graduating with a biology major, Muriel Karp earned master’s and doctor’s degrees at the University of Michigan, where she taught for several years and was active in a caucus that pushed for gender equity in salaries and promotions. She worked for NASA’s Ames Research Center in California, where she won a Nylen Medal for her experiments on the correlation between weightlessness and balance and developed a computer program that provides three-dimensional simulation of surgical procedures. After retirement, she continued her research at the University of New Mexico. She was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her work in medical research and social activism.
Laurence Burns ’63
Photo credit to Bruce Boutet Photography
Laurence Burns was the second sibling in a family of 11, all of whom attended Aquinas. He served as treasurer of his junior class and president of the Student Senate in his senior year. With his future wife, Marion Dougherty of Chicago, he went on a service trip to Bogota, Columbia. They worked with orphans and were deeply touched by the poverty. In later years, they adopted a child from Columbia in addition to five of their
own. After earning his D.O. from the Kirksville, Mo., College of Osteopathic Medicine, Burns started practice in Grand Rapids and specialized in OB-GYN. He has provided professional services for impoverished persons and physicals to student athletes without charge. Larry and Marion also revived the Irish Heritage Society of West Michigan.
John O’Connor ’68†
A native of Brooklyn, John O’Connor was assigned to a meteorological school in Grand Rapids during World War II. One of the trainees there was Pvt. Kenneth Marin, who would later encourage O’Connor in his involvement with the College. After stints in places such as the Aleutian Islands and Trinidad, O’Connor was hired as an accounting instructor at Aquinas in 1960. Following a two-year absence to work for the U.S. Agency for International Development, O’Connor returned to Aquinas in 1964 as an assistant professor in accounting and part-time controller. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1967, he became a full-time controller and, later, director of Business and Finance. Under President Norbert Hruby, he was named vice president for Business and Finance and guided the College through a series of financial crises. O’Connor retired in 1988 and died in 1999. His daughter, Catherine Lileikas, is a 1974 graduate of Aquinas.
Contemporary Writers Begins 14th Season This Fall Two award-winning authors will visit Aquinas this fall as the Contemporary Writers Series (CWS) begins its 14th year. On Thursday, September 30, Anne-Marie Oomen will showcase her many talents as a writer of creative non-fiction, memoir, poetry and essays. She is the author of Pulling Down the Barn and House of Fields, both published by Wayne State University Press and both selected as Michigan Notable Books. Oomen’s collections of poetry include Uncoded Woman (Milkweed Editions), and she has also written and produced seven plays. She is the founding editor of Dunes Review and teaches creative writing at Interlochen Arts Academy. Her forthcoming book of essays, An American Map, will be published in 2010. Nationally acclaimed poet and critic Mark Jarman will read on Monday, November 1. Jarman is the author of nine
books of poetry, two books of essays, and he has co-edited and co-authored two anthologies. His books include Unholy Sonnets, The Secret of Poetry, and To the Green Man. Jarman’s many awards include three grants from the NEA, a fellowship from the Guggenheim Foundation and the Lenore Marshall Prize from the Academy of American Poets. His book The Black Riviera won the 1991 Poets’ Prize. Wide-ranging in form and style, Jarman’s poetry has remained invested in family experience, a sense of place and the presence of God in everyday life. Both of these events are free and open to the public and will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Wege Center Ballroom. For more information, contact CWS Director Pam Luebke at (616) 632-2127 or visit the Series website at www.aquinas. edu/library/CW/writers.html. aquinas.edu | Fall 2010 | Campus News 15
Student News
Insignis Marks 25th Anniversary
Back row: Kyla Sisson, Allyse Fairbanks, Amelia Crist, Brian Himes, Katie Brandt, Christy Armock, Molly Soper Front row: James Trares, Amanda Sibilla, Nicole Caswell, Zarah Moeggenberg, Kristy Russell, Kara Madden
On the cusp of its 25th anniversary, the Insignis Honors Program at Aquinas College continues its proud tradition of academic excellence coupled with cultural and personal enrichment. Founded in 1985 by Gary Eberle, professor of English, and directed by Michelle DeRose, Ph.D., professor of English, the Insignis program now boasts well over 100 members and 22 students graduated during the 2009-10 academic year. Fueled in part by the winners and participants in the Spectrum Scholarship competition, whose numbers now inch close to 300, the student membership attracts the most academically gifted and the most service-oriented students on campus. Some of this year’s graduates are off to Verb Ballets in Cleveland, law school at Michigan State University and Valparaiso University, and graduate programs
in popular culture (Bowling Green State University), biostatistics (University of Michigan), equine therapy (Loyola University Maryland), theology (Boston College and Villanova University), analytical chemistry (University of Michigan) and sacred music (Notre Dame). All Insignis graduates are invited to this fall’s 25th anniversary events, with special activities planned for Homecoming (Sept. 24-26) and Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) weekends. There will be a reunion breakfast at the Homecoming tent with cake, T-shirts and raffles. In downtown Grand Rapids on November 27 come to the Insignis’ 25th birthday party. Contact Michelle DeRose at derosmic@aquinas.edu for more details or visit www.aquinas. edu/insignis.
Alumna Finishes Internship with Michigan Supreme Court Justice I recently completed a five-month internship with Justice Elizabeth Weaver of the Michigan Supreme Court. I worked with Justice Weaver directly, as well as with her law clerks. While working under the guidance of Justice Weaver’s clerks, I performed legal research on cases before the court and wrote reports on the legal issues of the cases and pertinent facts that applied. I also accompanied Justice Weaver to Lansing for oral arguments, conferences and administrative meetings, as well as to other locations throughout Michigan for speeches, including the court’s yearly “offsite” hearing. Justice Weaver provided me with a closer look at our State Supreme Court’s procedures, as well as introducing me to the congressmen and other public servants of the State of Michigan.
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By Katelyn Smith ’10
Justice Weaver instilled in me many lessons that she has learned over the course of more than 30 years serving the State of Michigan. She acted as a mentor by including me and guiding me through my time as an intern. Since the beginning of her career as Leelanau Probate Judge, Justice Weaver has allowed interns to become involved in the Michigan court process. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to work with Justice Weaver and her staff, and I plan to use the knowledge I gained over the next three years in law school, as well as in my own career as a practicing attorney, and maybe someday as a judge. I was grateful to have had the knowledge and critical thinking skills that I learned from Aquinas to excel during my internship.
Costa Rica
By Samuel Johnson, Student, and Erin Lamers, Student A favorite class for many students is reforestation. Students travel up to Don Jorge’s mountainside house and plant trees on the nearby hillsides. Students also interact with the community in other ways, including volunteering, attending local festivals and performing with local music organizations. Not all of the students’ time is spent in Santa Ana. Costa Rica contains a staggering amount of biodiversity, with 25 percent of its land area devoted to national parks and wildlife reserves. Students travel to a new nature site most weekends. Students explore rainforests and cloud forests, and visit volcanoes and beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. They also partake in horseback riding, zip-lining, white water rafting and snorkeling. Students with a desire for adventure, an appreciation of the natural world and an interest in improving their Spanish language abilities should consider this incredible study abroad opportunity.
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Student News
The most important thing students learn during the College’s Costa Rica program can be summed up in two words: pura vida. Literally translated, it means “pure life,” and Ticos (Costa Ricans) define their lifestyle with this concise phrase. For many Aquinas students, the concept of pura vida serves to symbolize their semester in Costa Rica. Students benefit greatly from the guidance of program director Jorge Luis Acevedo, an author of numerous books about Costa Rica who has devoted his time to the study of the music, culture and indigenous populations of the country. Val Huisman, alumna of the 2008 program, has fond recollections of Don Jorge and his wife, Doña Ana. “They genuinely care about each and every student that participates in the program, and [they] make an effort to help each student make the most of their experience,” Huisman said. While living in the community of Santa Ana, students attend classes that vary from ecology to literature to dance.
Student News
Tübi or not Tübi: That Is the Question By Sam Granger, Student Two Aquinas students, Matthea Brandenburg '12 (right end of row 1) and Sam Granger '11 (right end of row 3), along with a group of student from Oregon Universities on visit to Germany.
Aquinas College’s Tübingen Program takes students into southern Germany to one of the most historic universities in Europe. Here they live with students from all over the world in a quaint German atmosphere. The country has always been a conglomeration of “Germanies” with distinctive dialects, traditions and ways of life. Most Germans are very proud of their regional identity. In Tübingen, young Schwäbisch people speak in their dialect proudly and often, joking, “We can do everything—except speak standard German.” The university town of Tübingen was founded in 1477 and has been home to notable poets, scientists, philosophers and theologians. One doesn’t have to stay in Tübingen long to begin to understand what’s important to its residents. Tübingen is an intellectual city, but a dedication to intellectual discourse is tempered by simple pleasures. A stroll
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through the Aldstadt yields students dangling their legs over the wall banking the Neckar River as gondolas glide by. Trails run through the hills and forests outside the city and are frequented by residents of all ages. Says Matthea Brandenburg, class of 2012, “I love how much character Germany has. [Germans] cherish the old buildings, houses and castles that were built long ago, and don’t let new architecture overshadow the beauty of the historic architecture.” The unofficial motto of Tübingen is “klein aber fein” (small but great), and this little city does everything with a deep sense of integrity and appreciation. Whether it be the nature around the city or the buildings within, Tübingen preserves beauty wherever it’s found. Tübingen offers its students a unique perspective that’s sure to last a lifetime.
Chicana Literature Course Offers Peek into New Mexico We spent the rest of the trip traveling to the vibrant areas of Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos. Introduction to the various cultures found in New Mexico, especially indigenous ones, enabled us to see the importance of respecting traditional customs. Outdoor excursions allowed us to appreciate the unique New Mexican landscapes. We also had opportunities to experience storytelling and artwork, both firsthand and in museums. Plans call for offering the Chicana literature course every other year during the spring semester, while a new Latina literature course, featuring an excursion to Chicago, will be featured during the interval years.
Students visited many sights that displayed, among other things, the unique architecture of the people of the Taos Pueblo reservation.
Students handled landscaping work during a service project at Rehoboth Christian School. The school is located near Navajo land, and most of the students are of Navajo or other Native American backgrounds. Pictured left to right are: Marisela Aguilar, Carmine Prangley, Josh Marko, Max Rouse. Junior Marisela Aguilar
Student News
Junior Marisela Aguilar participated in the Spanish department’s Chicana Literature class, offered for the first time in spring 2010, and subsequent two-week trip around New Mexico. She shares her experience here. In Chicana (Mexican-American) Literature, the class spent the semester reading the works of New Mexican Chicano authors. A common theme in many of the works was the conflict between tradition and modernity. The authors suggested different ways to seek balance between the two. After finishing the in-class portion of the course, we left for New Mexico on May 10. Nine students joined Shelli Rottschafer, Ph.D., assistant professor of Spanish, and Aquinas Director of Adult Student Recruitment Brenda Hennink for the venture. At our first stop near Gallup, New Mexico, we had the opportunity to volunteer at Rehoboth Christian School for the service learning component of the trip. While there, we assisted elementary students—most of whom are Navajo or some other Native American background—with their studies. We also helped with landscaping and cleaning at the school. Later, we traveled to the Zuni reservation, where we witnessed one of their traditional dances.
Student News
AQ Student Receives Summer Research Grant to Study Woodpeckers Junior Jacob Jeffers of Wyoming, Mich., an Aquinas biology major, spent his summer studying the trees that woodpeckers select for finding food and building their cavities. The summer research project was made possible with a $3,500 grant from Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, a biological field station in Hastings, Mich. Each year, the institute awards grants through the Undergraduate Research Grants for the Environment (URGE) program to fund research projects by students from area colleges. In addition to the research grant, the URGE program can provide up to a $3,500 faculty mentor stipend that can be used for equipment purchases, general expenses, travel or training needed for conducting the research project. Each grant award also allows for up to $4,000 in room and board expenses for the student and faculty mentor. AQ Associate Professor of Biology Robb Bajema, Ph.D., is Jeffers’ faculty mentor for the project, which is designed to investigate the selection of snags (standing dead trees) and live trees by woodpeckers for foraging and cavity building in the forests of the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Jeffers was scheduled to record the number of cavities, height, diameter, and age of each snag in a given area, as well as overall snag density. The team hypothesizes that the greater the diameter of the snag and the less dense the wood, the more likely it is for woodpeckers to forage there and build cavities. They will also look into the behavior of the woodpeckers while interacting with the snags. This may consist of foraging and nesting behaviors. Jeffers and Bajema hypothesize that larger snags with decay have more woodpecker cavities, while the smaller snags are used more often for feeding. The institute’s biological field station is one of the few independently operated biological field stations in the country.
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Aquinas Expands Scholarly Research and Collaboration Through the Michigan Academy By Katharina Häusler-Gross, Ph.D., Associate Professor of German and Chair of the Department of Modern Languages
Marcos Romero
Shelli Rottschafer
will serve them well in their future professional and research careers. Aquinas faculty and students who recently presented papers at the Michigan Academy Conference in March include Suzanne Gasster-Carrierre, Ph.D., (not shown), Marcos Romero Ph.D., and Shelli Rottschafer Ph.D., (all in Modern Languages), and Bradford Winkler, Esq. (Law/ Political Science). Josi DeVrou (not shown), a recent graduate from Aquinas (B.A. in Spanish, May 2010), who will begin her master’s program in Spanish at Western Michigan University in the fall, presented her research on Latin American literature and culture related to specific themes used in novelist Isabel Allende’s narratives.
Katharina Häusler-Gross
Bradford Winkler
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Faculty News
Joining the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters as an institutional member in 2009, Aquinas College continues its dedication and commitment to original research and scholarly partnerships as an integral component of teaching, professional development and the pursuit of lifelong learning. Throughout its 114-year history, the Academy – as the regional professional organization is usually referred to – has facilitated an academic forum that encourages and engages both senior and new scholars as well as individuals from government, research and business organizations to present their findings from various academic disciplines, ranging from anthropology to interdisciplinary studies in science, languages and literatures, and sociology. In addition to presenting their results at the Academy’s annual conference in March, scholars are also encouraged to submit their papers to the Academy’s quarterly publication, the Michigan Academician. “Broadening our existing research agenda to increase interdisciplinary collaborations among colleagues and across the curriculum stimulates the creative exchange of ideas that is essential in an academic environment that fosters diversity and emphasizes interrelatedness of knowledge,” says Katharina Häusler-Gross, Ph.D., associate professor of German and chair of the Department of Modern Languages at Aquinas, who serves as the College’s representative for the Academy and has also presented and chaired the Section of Germanic Languages and Literatures. She also stresses the educational potential and opportunity that the Academy holds for students who are engaged in faculty-mentored advanced undergraduate and graduate research, because this allows emerging scholars to gain and hone valuable research skills while being recognized for their work: attributes that
New Faculty Emeriti Honored Following Retirement By Luke Sprunger ’10
Faculty News
Aquinas said farewell and best wishes in April to two of its long-serving faculty members, Len Smith and Glenn Barkan were awarded emeritus faculty status by the Aquinas Board following their retirements from the College and years of distinguished service. Leonard R. Smith, associate professor emeritus of computer information systems, retired after 28 years at Aquinas. Smith developed and taught many courses, with enthusiasm. He served as chairman of the computer information systems department, chaired and served on various College committees and contributed to the development and training of Aquinas employees. Smith led by example with his hard work as an educator and mentor. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Ferris State University and a Master of Science in computer education from Nova University. Glenn M. Barkan (featured in the spring 2010 issue of Aquinas), professor emeritus of political science, spent 37 years teaching at the College. Apart from teaching, Barkan served in a variety of capacities at Aquinas, including dean of arts and sciences, chair of the economics and political science departments, chair of faculty assembly and advisor to several student clubs and organizations. He demonstrated exemplary community Glenn M. Barkan outreach with both local and global focus. He served as a model for thoughtful political participation and discourse. Barkan earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Hobart College and received his Master of Arts and doctorate in government from Claremont Graduate School.
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2010-2011 Aquinas Lecture Series Dan Brooks, Ph.D., professor of English, and Brent Chesley, Ph.D., professor of English, invite you to attend the 2010-2011 Aquinas Lecture Series. Each presentation is on a Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. in the Wege Ballroom. People are invited to bring their lunches. Everyone is welcome.
2010 9/7
Roger Durham, Ph.D., professor of political science, “Peace Studies at AQ: Potentials and Possibilities”
9/28 Gretchen Rumohr-Voskuil, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, “Rethinking ’Best Practice’ in Education and Everyday Life” 10/12 Jennifer Dawson, Ph.D.,associate professor of English,”Common Reading Experience: This I Believe” 11/9 Molly Patterson, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, “Popular Culture, Political Imagination and Public Policy” 11/23 Vicki McMillan, assistant professor of English, “Thunder Mug: What I Did on Sabbatical”
2011 1/18 Swithina Mboko, Ph.D., associate professor of business administration, “Global Perspectives: Ownership of Production Factors–An Indigenization Case Study” 2/8
Shelli Rottschafer, Ph.D., assistant professor of Spanish, “Service Learning in New Mexico”
3/1
Glenn Barkan, Ph.D., former dean of the school of arts and sciences, “Vietnam: Thirtyfive Years Later”
3/29 Music Department, “Women Composers”
Faculty Notes… Congratulations to faculty members who have earned tenure or promotions. Tenure to: Stephan Davis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Theology; Jo Anne Gorant, Assistant Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER); and John Pinheiro, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History Promotions were granted to: Kurt Kaiser, Professor of Art; Dennis Marshall, Ph.D., Professor of Theology; Miriam Pederson, Professor of English; and Matthew Tueth, Ph.D., Professor of Sustainable Business Welcome to new faculty members: Victor Karandashev, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology
A Message from the Alumni Director
of the many opportunities AQ offers them to connect with other alumni and friends of the College. In turn I hope that, like Monsignor Bukowski challenged the Saints of 1943, you will stay connected and do what you can to offer support to other alumni and our current and prospective students. We are all connected by our Aquinas roots—now is the time to let your halo shine! I’d like to introduce you to the newest member of the Class of 2032— Emmett Calder, born March 18, 2010. In keeping with AQ’s sustainability theme, my friends here went in on cloth diapers for little Em C (shown in the background)!
Alumni News
A few months ago, I was in the alumni lounge admiring a graduation photo from nearly 70 years ago. Surrounded by only eight students was Monsignor Bukowski’s President’s Message to the Class of 1943. After reading it, and knowing that my “Alumni Welcome Address” at Commencement this past May would be one of my first duties after returning from maternity leave, I knew that I wanted to share some of his message with the Class of 2010. I hope that you will enjoy it as well. It reads: Dear Graduate Class of 1943: Aquinas College dislikes to part with you. Like a mother, it feels a bit sad to see you leave, in spite of its joy over your achievement. Mothers do not forget their children. Aquinas will always remember you at the altar. In turn it begs you for prayers. The trying times call for greater divine assistance in the task of carrying on collegiate education. Show your gratitude for receiving this precious endowment by making it possible for others to share in it. Your education is not for yourself. With it you shoulder more grave responsibility. Yet the more you give others the benefit of it, the more firmly do you secure it for yourself. I went on to tell the newest members of “our club” that we will continue to reach out to them through this magazine, our Facebook page, the Saints Network, social and networking events, and spiritual and community service opportunities. It’s a tough economic time to be a recent college graduate, and my hope is that these new Saints will take advantage
By Brigid Avery ’01
Italy: Pilgrimage and Tour Celebrating 125 years of Dominican Heritage
Sponsored by The Aquinas College Office of Alumni Relations Hosted by Sr. Nancy Brousseau, O.P. (’73) and Sr. Lucianne Siers, O.P. (’72) Tentative dates: October 16-28, 2011 (13 days) • Cost: $3,000 (approx.) plus airline taxes ($300-400)* (*Based on number of travelers). Includes: Air transportation from Chicago, hotels, breakfast and dinner, tour guides • Learn about Dominican spirituality through history, art, and the life of Dominican Saints
• Visit the tomb of St. Dominic in Balogna and his contemporary, St. Francis, in the Umbrian city of Assisi • Experience an audience with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in Rome • Enjoy Venice, historical St. Mark’s, and more… • If interested, let us know as soon as possible. Be the first to receive a brochure and reservation form. This will be an experience of a lifetime and a perfect way to celebrate the difference AQ has made in your life. You won’t want to miss this opportunity! Contact Brigid Avery at (616) 632-2494 or brigid.avery@ aquinas.edu. Florence Ponte Vecchio
• Visit the birthplace of St. Thomas Aquinas in Roccasecca, travel to Sorrento and the scenic Amalfi coast • Walk in the footsteps of St. Catherine in the historic Tuscan city of Siena • See the art of Michelangelo and Dominican artist Fra Angelico in Florence
St. Thomas Aquinas at entrance to his home of Rocca Secca aquinas.edu/alumni | Fall 2010 | Alumni News 23
Alumni Awards
Alumni News
Outstanding Alumni: Jack and Rita Kirkwood, ’60 The good works of Jack ’60 and Rita (Hasse) Kirkwood ’60 and their commitment to the common good have been an integral part of their lives. They exemplify the hope that Aquinas has for all of its graduates: that their education and life experiences rooted in the Dominican tradition will enable them to “make all the difference in the world.” Jack and Rita, owners of Bulman Products in Grand Rapids, have been good to Aquinas, giving their time and resources to further the mission of the College. Jack served as an AQ trustee from 1997 to 2000. They also contributed to the Sports and Fitness Center Campaign in the name of their son, Jim, a 1992 Aquinas graduate who died in December 2008.
Jack and Rita have been very active in the Grand Rapids community as well, donating money and time to arts organizations and community programs like Habitat for Humanity, Hope Network, the Grand Rapids Area Council for Ecumenism (GRACE), and the Child and Family Resource Council, and they are founding members of Guardian Angel Homes. They are also active with the Catholic Information Center’s efforts to support refugee resettlement and develop Montana de Luz, an AIDS program in Honduras. Jack and Rita are currently campaign co-chairs for Catherine’s Health Center, a clinic for uninsured patients.
Distinguished Service: Robert C. Boguslaski, Ph.D., ’62 & Thomas Zwier, Ph.D., ’76
Thomas Zwier, Ph.D., received his degree in chemistry from Aquinas in 1976 and attended the University of Arizona, where he earned his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry. Zwier joined the Upjohn Company of Kalamazoo in 1981 as a research scientist and progressed to lead the quality assurance program for the chemical manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Following his retirement in 2008, Tom and his wife, Patti, have been indulging their passion for travel. From his first days as a graduate student, Zwier realized how well his Aquinas education, and Dr. John A. “Doc” Poje’s instruction in chemistry in particular, prepared him for scientific research. When the scholarship fund in Doc’s name was established, Tom became a regular supporter as an expression of his gratitude to Doc and Aquinas. Tom answered the call to co-chair the committee, which significantly increased the endowment for the fund. The success of that effort highlighted the need for new equipment, research funding and facilities improvements for the nursing, science and mathematics division, leading to the Science Initiative, which Tom has co-chaired from its inception.
Robert Boguslaski, Ph.D., was born and raised in Grand Rapids and received a degree in chemistry from Aquinas in 1962. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Notre Dame in 1966 and conducted postdoctoral studies at the University of California Medical Center in San Francisco. Boguslaski served as the vice president of research and development and chief technical officer for the Medical Diagnostic Division of Bayer Corporation. Later, he founded two technologybased companies, one of which is now part of the Danaher Corporation. He is currently president of the second company, Serim Research Corporation, a medical device manufacturer. Boguslaski is a co-chair of the Aquinas College Science Initiative and a member of the Advisory Council for the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame. He is a member of a number of scientific societies and the author of 65 referred publications and one book, and holds 25 U.S. patents.
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Aquinas Alumna Releases Fourth Novel By Doug Seites ’10 directed medical research as a worldwide vice president for a leading health care company. Gussin serves on the board of directors at the Sarnoff Corporation in New Jersey, a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and former president of the Drug Information Association. She has held academic affiliations at schools such as the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She also has an honorary Doctor of Sciences degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Gussin also authored The Test and Twisted Justice, and co-authored What’s Next…For You? with her husband Robert Gussin. Her novel Shadow of Death was nominated for best first novel at the Thriller Awards, sponsored by International Thriller Writers Inc. And Then There Was One is in bookstores now.
2010 Master of Management Reunion September 21, 2010 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Donnelly Center RSVP: www.aquinas.edu/management
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Alumni News
Physician, medical researcher and thrillerauthor Patricia Gussin, class of ’67, has released her fourth novel, And Then There Was One. Her newest tale is the suspenseful story of a family coping with a devastating crisis. Like her other novels, And Then There Was One is a thriller that reflects her passions: family and medicine. Gussin grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from Aquinas College with a bachelor of arts degree. She received an M.D. degree from the Wayne State University School of Medicine and an MBA from Columbia University. She’s board-certified to practice medicine and has
AQ Grad Receives Dissertation Fellowship
Alumni News
By Liz Sommerville, Contributing Writer Kelly Dittmar ’06 was recently awarded the 2010 Woodrow Wilson Women’s Studies Dissertation Fellowship. Dittmar is a Ph.D. candidate in political science at Rutgers New Brunswick, and is one of only seven doctoral candidates in the nation to receive the fellowship. She will receive $2,000 toward expenses
connected with her dissertation. The fellowship, administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation in Princeton, N.J., encourages original and significant research about women that crosses disciplinary, regional or cultural boundaries. Dittmar’s dissertation, “Campaigns as Gendered Institutions: Stereotypes and Strategy in Statewide Races,” explores the role that gender stereotypes and dynamics play in campaign images, messages and tactics. Dittmar majored in political science, sociology and Spanish at Aquinas.
Detroit Alumni Reception On June 10, more than 85 Aquinas alumni and friends climbed aboard the Infinity Yacht and cruised the Detroit River while enjoying fine food and drink, great company and picturesque views of Detroit. More than $15,000 was raised for the Aquinas Fund, and the group may have even convinced a prospective student to attend AQ! Please save the date for 2011: Thursday, June 23. An early interest list is being created because the event is expected to sell out.
To purchase tickets and or sponsor the event, contact Brigid Avery at brigid.avery@aquinas.edu or (616) 632-2494. A very special thank you to host, Aquinas Trustee Michael P. Smith and sponsors, the Michigan Colleges Foundation, Jane ’53 and Raymond Cracchiolo, and Bob Michielutti ’85. See you on the boat next year!
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3 1. John Lacross ‘09 and Susan Rowe ‘74, teacher and principal at Detroit Cristo Rey 2. Jane Cracchiolo ‘53 and Janice Duscay 3. Richard '85 and Patty DeLoof with Sister Alice Wittenbach '59 26 Alumni News | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu/alumni
Alumna Soprano to Debut with New York City Opera By Luke Sprunger ’10 in music education, Jakubiak earned a Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute. She then attended Yale University, where she earned a Master of Music degree in opera performance and starred in a number of roles with the Yale Opera. “Aquinas and Cleveland [Institute] were instrumental for getting my bearings,” she says, noting that the Yale program helped her hone her performing abilities. While Jakubiak was not always set on the opera and had no previous professional instruction, as she pursued this path it became evident that her vocal abilities were well suited to opera performance. Her favorite part of her work is collaborating with the conductor and the rest of the creative team to come up with the best interpretation for each role. In October and November, Jakubiak will perform with the New York City Opera as Dede in A Quiet Place. Performances will be held at the city’s Koch Theater.
To learn more about the play and view a schedule of the performances, visit the show’s page at the opera’s website: www.nycopera.com/calendar. To read more about Sara Jakubiak and listen to brief audio clips of her performances, visit www.barrettvantage.com.
aquinas.edu/alumni | Fall 2010 | Alumni News 27
Alumni News
Sara Jakubiak ’02 has achieved considerable success and critical acclaim as an opera singer with productions that have taken her around the world and led to her upcoming work with the New York City Opera’s production of A Quiet Place. This May, she also debuted with the Chicago Opera Theater as Bea(trice) in their production of Three Decembers. Before her debut in Chicago, Jakubiak performed with the Tulsa Opera in their rendition of La Boheme, garnering strong praise from the Tulsa World, and was featured in the Los Angeles Opera’s production of La Rondine. Along with a number of other appearances, she performed the role of Countess for Le Nozze di Figaro with both the Seoul Arts Center in South Korea and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, and had engagements with the Orchestra Sinfonica Giuseppe Verdi in Milan, Italy. Jakubiak also performed as a soloist with a number of symphony orchestras and the Beethoven Festival in Warsaw, Poland. A regional finalist in the 2007 National Council Auditions, Jakubiak was the recipient of the Judith Raskin Memorial Award from the Santa Fe Opera, where she spent the summer as an apprentice artist, in 2007. While attending Aquinas, Jakubiak initially planned on completing an English major and earning her teaching certificate, but a conversation with Bruce Early, Ph.D., a music aficionado and faculty member who passed away in 1998, encouraged her to pursue studies in music. After graduating from Aquinas with a Bachelor of Music degree
Fine Arts AQDay to Coincide with ArtPrize
Admissions
By Emily Sandula, Student, and Renae Gavitt ’03, Assistant Director of Admissions As one of five AQDays held during the fall semester, Fine Arts AQDay will continue its reputation of success by making exciting, progressive changes for this year’s prospective students and their families on Friday, Oct. 8. Fine Arts AQDay provides opportunities for high school students who have an interest in theater, music, art and creative writing. By participating in any two of the 13 different breakout sessions (listed below), students are able to discover what studying the arts at Aquinas is all about. Fine Arts AQDay allows prospective students to explore the campus, highlighting areas such as the Performing Arts Center and the gallery in the Art and Music Center. This year, Fine Arts AQDay has been moved from its usual spring date to Oct. 8 to coincide with the largest art competition in the world, ArtPrize, held in Grand Rapids. With this new addition to the traditional activities of the AQDay, prospective students and their families will be able to explore these venues in the Grand Rapids community. Hundreds of students have participated in Fine Arts AQDay over the years, and this new opportunity can be expected to attract even more. Aquinas Art Professor Ron Pederson and Jessica Venlet ’10 have been working with Cathedral Square, ArtPrize and Aquinas to provide this unique opportunity. Prospective students participating in Fine Arts AQDay will be able to become active members of the art community by engaging
in the ArtPrize voting process and supporting up-and-coming artists. Partnering with the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, Cathedral Square will act as an exhibition center and venue for the second annual ArtPrize Sept. 22-Oct. 10. Located in the Grand Rapids Heartside district, the 11.5 acres of park-like space will feature at least 25 talented artists, host events and discussions, and serve as a venue for voting and purchasing ArtPrize merchandise. For more information or to register for an AQDays event, visit www.aquinas.edu/undergraduate/campus_day.html or call (800) 678-9593.
Sessions Include: What You Can Do With a Theatre Major Acting Writing Poetry about Art Instrumental Music Improv (Bring your own instrument) Vocal Music Gesture Drawing Printmaking Sculpture Ceramics Short Fiction Digital Art Photograms Creative Nonfiction
2010-2011 AQDays Fall 2010 AQDay Friday, August 27 Fine Arts AQDay Friday, October 8 AQDay Friday, November 5 Science, Nursing and Math AQDay Friday, November 12 AQDay Friday, November 19
Spring 2011 Club AQ Sunday, January 16 – Monday, January 17 Athletic AQDay Saturday, January 22 Club AQ Friday, February 18 – Saturday, February 19
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Spectrum Scholarship Competition Saturday, February 19 Leadership AQDay Friday, March 18 Club AQ Sunday, March 20 – Monday, March 21 Business, Accounting and Technology AQDay Friday, March 25 AQDay Friday, April 15 Club AQ Sunday, April 17 – Monday, April 18
Fine Arts AQDay Highlights
Admissions aquinas.edu/admissions | Fall 2010 | Admissions 29
Father, Daughter Honored with OLLI Award By Sheila Pantlind, OLLI Co-Director
OLLI
Friends applaud Bob and Kate on receiving the Emeritus Evening Award.
In early May, with more than 300 friends and family present, Robert C. Pew and his daughter Kate Pew Wolters ’78 received the Norbert J. Hruby Emeritus Award, one of the College’s most prestigious awards. The award is given annually by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas. The evening was a celebration of Bob and Kate’s long dedication and commitment to improving the lives of others in the community. “Through service and generosity, Bob and Kate serve as a light for others to follow,” said President Ed Balog as he opened the evening’s celebration. “Each year, a person, or persons, is chosen who exemplifies the best in leadership, generosity and service in our community, and few could be more deserving than Bob and Kate.” Rick Steketee, co-director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas, spoke of the humility of the first ever father-daughter recipients, “It is not only about what Bob and Kate have contributed to the community, but the way in which they have done it–without fanfare or the spotlight.” Both Bob and Kate have distinguished careers of service. Bob is chairman emeritus of Steelcase, Inc., where he previously served as company president and CEO. He has received honorary doctorates from Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University and Davenport University. He has served as director of numerous companies, including Foremost and Old Kent Financial Corporation, and has been on the boards of Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University, Cranbrook, Blodgett Hospital and the Michigan Economic Alliance. He has received the Michigan Governor’s Honor for his support of the arts,
30 OLLI | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu/olli
and was inducted into the Grand Rapids Business Hall of Fame in 1990. Kate Pew Wolters is a former director of the Grand Rapids Center for Independent Living and executive director of the Steelcase Foundation. She currently serves as chair of the Steelcase Foundation and has been a member of the Steelcase board of directors since 2001. Kate was appointed to the National Council on Disability by President Bill Clinton in 1994 and served eight of her nine years on the council as vice-chair. She received an eight-year appointment to the Grand Valley State University board of governors and is currently serving as chairperson. “I have learned many lessons from Bob,” said Dave Mehney, “not only about business, but also about the importance of respect and friendship in life.” Diana Sieger, director of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, spoke of Kate’s lifelong compassion and commitment to making the lives of others better, and about the humor and joy she brings to those who know her. The highlight of the evening came when father and daughter took the stage together. Bob talked about the importance of a good education for everyone, at every age. Kate thanked her father for his guidance, as well as for the independence he helped instill in her. “I thank him for taking me to visit Aquinas College. It was the best place for me,” she added. Co-chairs David and Judy Frey and Frank Merlotti thanked Bob and Kate for their long-standing friendship and loyalty and expressed gratitude for all that the father-daughter pair have given to the community.
Emeritus Evening Highlights 3
1 Bob Pew and Kate Pew Wolters. 2 Bob, Patty Stichnoth, Kate and Ed 3 Ralph Hauenstein and John Canepa enjoy a visit. 4 Diana Seiger shares some of her favorite memories of Kate. 5 David and Judy Frey along with Frank Merlotti, co-chairs of the event, salute Bob and Kate.
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6 Friends and former neighbors David and Linda Mehney enjoy a few minutes with Bob. 7 Janet Holtgreive Dean ’77 really surprised Kate by coming from Florida.
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1 OLLI
What’s New at OLLI? By Meghan Disselkoen, OLLI Program Coordinator As the seasons begin to change, so does the scene in the Browne Center. The quiet summer at OLLI is coming to a close, and with that brings an exciting change of pace and a new group of OLLI students eager to learn–just for the fun of it. Over the past year, we have had an exciting array of classes, chock full of subjects from “Recent World Cinema” to “Who Gets Into Heaven” to “Afghanistan & Pakistan.” To end the summer with a bang, we took members on a dune riding adventure in Mears. All of these classes and events have helped to make this our most successful year for memberships. By the end of the year, OLLI at Aquinas had reached a record number of 660 members! Fall sessions do not fall short of the bar that has been set. With such classes as “Modern Art at the UICA,” “How to Make Your Own Cheese,” “Understanding Your Dreams,” “The History of South Africa,” “Modern China Politics” and “Music of Big Bands,” as well as behind-the-scenes looks at the Van Andel Institute and Frederik Meijer Gardens, the fall is sure to be a busy time for OLLI. OLLI will also host four events: An Inside Listen to NPR (Sept. 16, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.) – Discover NPR from the inside out, ask questions about
the running of one of radio’s most beloved treasures and gain insight into some of NPR’s most popular programming. Living Life Without Limitations with Bill Barkley (Oct. 13, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.) – Both deaf and legally blind, Bill recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to prove that if you truly want to live life to its fullest, it should be done with both inspiration and aspiration. A Night of Music with Jim Croom (Oct. 26, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.) – Local Episcopal priest Jim Croom will share his musical talents with OLLI for a night of opera, jazz, pops and classics. Saving Schools in Nepal with Earl Canfield (Nov. 17, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.) – Grand Rapids resident Earl Canfield will share his story of the plights and triumphs he’s faced introducing low-caste children to quality education. Thank you to the Aquinas community for continued support throughout this past year. OLLI students enjoy being a part of this campus, and we appreciate the encouragement of both faculty and staff as we look toward another great year! aquinas.edu/olli | Fall 2010 | OLLI 31
2010 Reflection: Joan Secchia Joan Secchia is being honored Sept. 20 as the recipient of the 2010 Aquinas College Reflection Award. This award was established to recognize individuals whose lives offer a true reflection of the values and mission of Aquinas College. Joan began her affiliation with Aquinas in 1995 and served on the Board of Trustees until 2001. During that time, she was also chair of the Student Affairs Committee. In that role, she dedicated a great deal of time and energy to the improvement of campus life. Her leadership was vital in the 1996 renovation of the Cook Carriage House.
By Samantha Rinkus, Student Writer
“We were all led and inspired by Joan’s genuine concern for student life,” said Dave Weinandy, Ph.D., a communication professor who was also instrumental in the renovation. “Her dedication to community service is a thoughtful and deliberate act that is a core, natural component of her personality.” Joan’s community service has been both wide-ranging and effective, but she has been particularly effective in education and children’s issues. She has been instrumental in the Grand Rapids Public Schools Student Advancement Foundation and is an active supporter of the Children’s Assessment Center. Her service and commitment took on an international flavor when, following husband Peter Secchia’s appointment as Ambassador to Italy in 1989, she worked to establish a Rome branch of the Navy League. “Joan was a member of the Provost Search Committee in 2000,” Aquinas President Ed Balog recalled. When I interviewed with that committee, I was struck by her preparation for the interview, her knowledge of the position and her commitment to the College. It immediately became clear to me that, with a trustee such as Joan, Aquinas was the place to be.” Aquinas College is pleased to recognize Joan Secchia for her significant contributions to both the College and the wider community.
Advancement
New Scholarship Named for Father James Chelich By Marjorie Kindel, Director of Gift Planning Flowers, cakes, presents and balloons are typically offered to birthday celebrants, but a scholarship? Mike ’86 and Kiki (Hieshetter ’87) Lown wanted to honor Father James Chelich on his 60th birthday in a way
Kiki (Hieshetter ’87) Lown and President Ed Balog sign Father Jim Chelich Scholarship agreement as Mike Lown ’86, Father Jim, Sister Aquinas Weber, O.P. and Vice President Greg McAleenan look on.
that reflected his devotion to students at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and Aquinas College. The Lowns found that a number of fellow parishioners agreed, and within months the scholarship was fully funded. According to Mary Clark Kaiser, director of Campus Ministry, “Father Jim has been a wonderful pastor, confessor, mentor and friend to our students. He has opened up his home a few afternoons every week to host students for tea. They love to talk with him about what really matters in life, their walk with God. He speaks with a lot of wisdom. He has been so receptive to students when they ask him to give presentations. He spoke on both miracles and exorcism to the students at St. Joseph’s Hall. He gave a reflection on Adoration to the Arete Bike Retreatants the night before their long ride to Rockford. He has been extremely hospitable and welcoming to the students who worship at St. Thomas. He has helped them to feel at home. “Father Jim is an exceptional priest, and we are blessed to have him as the pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish,” she said. The first recipient of the Father James Chelich Scholarship will be named this fall.
Evening of Elegance a Success at Stately “Aslan” Residence By Dan Treul ’09 supporters of the College to spend some time with each other and help to celebrate the success of the College in a comfortable yet elegant atmosphere.” Sponsored by Huntington Bank, the 2010 Evening of Elegance delighted more than 100 guests with exquisite cuisine and expansive, soft-lit ambience. Reflecting on the event, Cecilia Cunningham said, “The Evening of Elegance celebrated its 10th year, and it was another wonderful evening to remember. I am so deeply grateful to Bob and Paulette Israels and the whole Israels family for publicly opening their beautiful and unique home for the first time. It was the perfect setting. The money raised sent us over the budgeted goal of $1.4 million for the Aquinas Fund and provided much needed scholarship support.”
1. Gary Eberle, "Master of the Revels" for the Aquinas 125th anniversary celebration, speaking to guests about plans for the year-long celebration.
3. Guests enjoy wine and food around the island of the mainfloor kitchen, which features a counter top made of river stones with glass overlay.
2. The pool room on the first floor houses eight hide-away beds for Israels’ grandchildren to use when visiting.
4. Guests peruse the selection of Spanish boutique wines at the bar on the main floor.
Advancement
Named to celebrate their grandchildren’s love of The Chronicles of Narnia, Bob and Paulette Israels’ downtown residence—“Aslan”—played host to the 2010 Evening of Elegance on Tuesday, June 15. Their home provided a fittingly majestic atmosphere for the annual event supporting the Aquinas Fund, the College’s primary funding source for merit and need-based scholarships. Longtime supporters of Aquinas College, the couple recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation of the Aslan Building on the city’s northwest side, where Bob Israels grew up. “Thanks to Bob and Paulette Israels for hosting one of the most successful events of the year,” said Aquinas College President Ed Balog. “Their generosity and commitment to Aquinas provided the perfect opportunity for friends and
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Changes to the Aquinas Fund July 1, 2010 brought in a new fiscal year, and with it, some staff changes in the Advancement Department. After 10 years as director of the Aquinas Fund, Cecilia Cunningham has been named director of major gifts. Kate Davis and Bridget Harrigan will assume the helm as co-directors of the Aquinas Fund. Both Davis and Harrigan have been at AQ in
Advancement
Bridget Harrigan
other Advancement positions and are embracing their new challenges. They look forward to getting to know you and want you to feel free to contact them at any time. Kate can be reached at (616) 632-2817 or daviskat@aquinas.edu. Bridget’s contact information is (616) 632-2806 or bridget.harrigan@aquinas.edu.
Kate Davis
Save the Date Reflection Award honoring Joan Secchia
Monday, September 20, 2010
Aquinas College Peter M. Wege ProAm Monday, May 23, 2011 Blythefield Country Club
For more information, call Ellen Harburn ’00 at (616) 632-2805, e-mail harbuell@aquinas.edu or visit www.aquinas.edu/advancement/events
34 Advancement | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu/advancement
Cecilia Cunningham
Wege ProAm Huge Success By Doug Seites ’10
Ed Balog speaks to dinner guests
Advancement
On May 24, the third annual Aquinas College Peter M. Wege ProAm golf outing took place at Blythefield Country Club, considered one of Michigan’s top golf courses. Once again the event was a great success, raising more than $75,000 for the Aquinas Fund for student scholarships. That brings the total for the past three years to more than $225,000. The event was sold-out, with a full 32 teams competing. Each team was matched with a golf professional from around the state. Par 3 and hole-inone contests also took place. Following the golf outing, a dinner and live auction were held. Trips to Vermont, Mexico and Ireland were among items auctioned off, as well as a dinner to be cooked by Father Mark Przybysz ’83 and Aquinas College President C. Edward Balog. In total, more than $15,000 was raised by the auction. The annual ProAm event honors Peter M. Wege, trustee emeritus and benefactor of Aquinas College. Wege has made countless contributions to the College with both his leadership and philanthropy. He’s been a trusted advisor to each of the College’s six presidents and his leadership has extended more than 60 years. Those in attendance were treated to a pleasant surprise when Wege gave guests free copies of his newest book, Economicology II.
Members of the Women’s AQ Gol
f Team with Peter Wege
Golden Saints Head Back to School By Marjorie Kindel, Director of Gift Planning annual event. An alumna commented that while the campus has changed considerably since she was a student, “the spirit of Aquinas College remains.”
Cold, damp weather in April didn’t hamper the enthusiasm of more than 20 Golden Saints (50 plus years since graduation) who attended a Back to School event designed for them. The day started early as the alumni enjoyed coffee in the Moose Café and met students who escorted them to the classes they’d requested. Some headed for Paul Brewer’s, Ph.D., “History of Popular Music,” others to Dennis Marshall’s, Ph.D., “Wrestling with God.” Sister Rosemary O’Donnell ’61 welcomed fellow alumni to her humanities class. Kristel HeinzCiullo’s advertising class, Beth Jensen’s, Ph.D., chemistry class and Gary Eberle’s course on British romantic literature were also popular selections. Following their classroom experience, the Golden Saints were challenged by a private seminar on “The World in Crisis” by Roger Durham, Ph.D., professor of political science. A lively discussion followed over lunch in the cafeteria. Back to School was so well received by the Golden Saints, faculty and students that it is likely to become an
Picture (l-r): Roger Durham, Lyle Morrison ’52 and Kathryn Chandunnet
Aquinas as a Family Tradition
Advancement
By Marjorie Kindel, Director of Planned Giving Upon first glance, it looked like a typo. The guest list for the Aquinas Golden Saints Back to School event had Frances Maycroft listed twice. Closer scrutiny, however, showed Frances Maycroft, class of 1951, and Frances Maycroft, class of 2012, grandmother and granddaughter, were both participants. The event, which took place April 8, allowed Golden Saints to return to campus and experience student life as it exists today. Each Golden Saint was paired with a current AQ student who served as a campus guide. The alumni were invited to sit in on various classes and even participate in class discussions. Aquinas prides itself on being a part of strong family traditions like the Maycroft’s. The younger Frances, an AQ junior this fall, remembers many trips to campus with her grandmother, walking in the woods and gathering leaves for various school projects. Even as a little girl she found the campus to be a wondrous place. She attended science camps on campus in the summers and “never doubted” she’d enroll at Aquinas after her graduation from Lowell High School. Frances ’51 majored in economics and business with minors in English and Spanish. Frances ’12 is interested in art and accounting but hasn’t selected a major. The two have lively discussions about student life in the 1950s and 36 Advancement | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu/advancement
today. They agree the biggest difference is technology. Frances ’51 recalls the drudgery of typewriting papers but can’t imagine having to keep pace with changes in software and the constant demands imposed by social networking. Frances ’12 finds that she can access an overwhelming amount of information online but for academic accuracy has to undertake painstaking research in the College library, a process she found tiring at first. Frances ’51 is awed by the frenetic lifestyle of her granddaughter. Frances ’12 began BMX (bicycle motocross) racing when she was six years old and now wears the badge of an elite biker, the highest BMX rating. She trains on a track near downtown Grand Rapids but also makes frequent trips to Indiana for additional training, all while managing to hold down a part-time job in Cascade. Frances ’51 says she tries to catch up with her granddaughter a couple times a week. Aquinas is one thing the Maycroft women have in common, and the Golden Saints Back to School event served as a great opportunity for the two to connect. Grandmother and granddaughter started their day in Omar Flores’ Humanities class and shared their perspectives on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818).
Corporate Partners
Baker Spindler Holtz
For more than three decades, Baker Spindler Holtz has provided specialized accounting, taxation and consulting services using the knowledge and experience of their professional staff. The firm focuses on the needs of closely held businesses, their owners and others who are seeking trusted advisors in financial and tax matters. According to Lori J. Baker CPA CSEP, president of Baker Spindler Holtz and Aquinas alumna (’85), the College has been a big part of their success. Over the years, the firm has participated in the campus recruiting program, served as a sponsor for Evening of Elegance and been an active member of the corporate partners program.
President’s Circle Amway Bissell Central Interconnect D&D Printing Global Forex Trading Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Howard Miller Co. Huntington Bank Rockford Construction Steelcase Inc. Executive Partner Asphalt Paving Inc. Comerica Bank Dematic Corp. Gill Industries Israels Designs for Living Magic Steel Corp. NETech Corporation Rehmann Robson SondTech Inc. Spartan Stores Van Dyken Mechanical Varnum Wolverine World Wide Partner Berends Hendricks Stuit Bucher Hydraulics Cascade Engineering Chemical Bank Crowe Howath LLP Erhardt Construction Fifth Third Bank GE Avionics Grand Rapids Plastics Kent Manufacturing Leon Plastics Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Co. Martha’s Vineyard Metro Health Hospital Mosaic Wealth Management Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Pepsi Bottling Group River City Mechanical Saint Mary’s Health Care Service Express Spartan Stores Vi-Chem Corp. Weather Shield Roofing Systems
Associate Partner A-1 Tent Rental Angel Care AON Consulting Arrowaste Associated Insurance Auto-Owners Insurance Company Baird Co. Baker Spindler Holtz Bartlett Tree Experts Beene Garter LLP Byron Bank Campbell Group Cap Trust Financial Advisors Carter Products Control Solutions Creative Dining Crowne Plaza Hotel D. Schuler’s Wine D.J. Lawn Service Dickinson Wright Eikenhout Inc. Forest Hills Foods Founders Bank & Trust Grandville Printing Hanover Insurance Henry Fox Sales Highland Chrysler Infotech Imaging Products Inc. Integrated Architecture Kay Pharmacy Kent Beverage Co. Lakeshore Energy Marsh/Mercer Northfield Lanes Perrigo Corp. Prangley & Marks Pridgeon & Clay Inc. Progressive AE Prudential Financial Restoration Technology Ritsema Associates S.A. Morman Inc. Shred Docs LLC Superior Asphalt Swaney Sales Transmatic West Side Beer Williams Group Witte Travel Wolverine Coil Wolverine Printing
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Advancement
Aquinas College continues its successful relationship with its corporate partners. The Corporate Partners Network provides business-building opportunities to corporate friends, while their contributions serve as a crucial resource for the College: 100 percent of the membership funds benefit student scholarships. The 2009-2010 Corporate Partner networking series was capped off with a March 25 luncheon featuring Mark Lindquist. Lindquist owns Rapid-Line, Inc., a full-service metal fabrication and tooling company, and is president of the Manufacturer’s Council. The Manufacturer’s Council, which Aquinas joined this winter, aims to strengthen the West Michigan region as an international center for business innovation and manufacturing excellence. Lindquist spoke on such initiatives of the council as competitive differentiation, lean and green manufacturing, and new forms of collaboration. This year’s series will kick off with keynote speakers Jeanne Englehart on Sept. 22 and Michael Lindley on Oct. 27. Englehart is the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce president and CEO and has won numerous state and community awards for leadership. She will speak about the need for grassroots political advocacy and explain the Chamber of Commerce’s rt leha Eng ne Jean initiatives to help area businesses. Michael Lindley is the senior vice president and marketing director for Huntington Bank in West Michigan. Lindley has been writing for more than 30 years as an advertising/ marketing professional, and has had recent commercial success as a fiction writer. He will speak on realizing his dream of becoming a novelist and offer suggestions of how to pursue longMichael Lindley simmering ambitions.
Aquinas Saints Win WHAC All-Sports Trophy For the third consecutive year, Aquinas College placed first in the race for the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) All-Sports Trophy. The Saints have captured the WHAC All-Sports Trophy in 11 of the last 13 years. The WHAC All-Sports Trophy is computed using the highest finish in eight conference sports (four women and four men) for each school. Each sport champion is awarded points based on the number of schools participating in each sport. For a sport with all eight schools participating, eight points are awarded for first place, with second place receiving seven points and so on. A tie results in adding the total points for the tied spots together and dividing by the number of teams that are tied, with the teams sharing the points. Aquinas edged out second-
place Cornerstone University by four and a half points. The Saints won conference championships in women’s cross country, men’s soccer, women’s outdoor track and field and men’s outdoor track and field.
WHAC All-Sports Overall Standings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Aquinas College.................................. 50.5 Cornerstone University.......................... 46 Madonna University........................... 45.5 Davenport University............................. 42 Indiana Tech........................................... 41 Siena Heights University........................ 39 Concordia University.......................... 19.5 University of Michigan-Dearborn...... 10.5
Seven Saints Earn All-American Honors at National Championships The Aquinas College men’s and women’s track teams had strong showings at the 2010 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships, contested in Johnson City, Tenn. Highlighting the trip for the Saints was the performance by Rumeal McKinney in the 60-meter dash. The “NAIA’s fastest man” won the 60-meter dash and achieved a new school record in the 60-meter final. McKinney’s time of 6.78 seconds eclipsed the previous record held by Jason Carver. Allison Strouse was also honored as an All-American in the 60-meter hurdles. Strouse tied Natalie Kent’s school record of 8.66 seconds in the semifinal and placed fourth in the event final. Freshman Carly Plank, competing in her
first track championships, also excelled as she bettered her own school record in the 3,000-meter by 14 seconds. Plank finished fourth in the event to earn All-American status. The foursome of Victor Ramirez, Nick Thelen, Kolin Stickney and Dustin Heiler garnered All-American honors as they finished sixth in the 3,200-meter relay finals. The relay team ran 7:46.03—the second fastest time in school history. The women’s distance medley relay team of Caitlyn Bonney, Allison Strouse, Chelsey Bonney and Carly Plank missed the podium by only one place, but ran the fifth fastest time in school history (12:18.00).
Aquinas Lacrosse Hosts Charity Lacrosse Camp Athletics
By Doug Seites ’10 For three days in June, Aquinas College was host to more than 100 boys and girls lacrosse players taking part in the Aquinas College Charity Lacrosse Camp. The instructional camp gave area youth lacrosse players a chance to receive instruction from coaches, have fun and help a great cause. Proceeds from the camp went to the Conductive Learning Center (CLC), which provides opportunities for children with motor challenges such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida to achieve optimal physical, cognitive and social independence though the use of conductive education principles. Campers were instructed by collegiate lacrosse players and coaches about the fundamentals of lacrosse as well as the importance of the CLC and service to their community. Students from the CLC spoke to the campers about their lives and the work of the CLC. “It helped show how fortunate they (the campers) are and also how attending the camp is helping others,” said Aquinas women’s Head Coach Frank Rogers. 38 Athletics | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu/athletics
The camp was instructed by current Aquinas College coaches and players, as well as a few special guests. Kevin Anderson and Kevin Dugan, both assistant coaches from national runner-up Notre Dame, were able to lend their coaching expertise. Also helping instruct was East Grand Rapids native Tyler Oates, a midfielder from Army, as well as players from Adrian College and area youth coaches. The charity camp was the brainchild of a group of people from Aquinas and the surrounding community. Greg McAleenan, Aquinas College Vice President for Advancement, approached Molly Anderson, wife of Notre Dame Assistant Coach Kevin Anderson, about creating a charity lacrosse camp. The Andersons’ son KJ attends the CLC, along with the son of Army Lacrosse Coach Joe Alberrici. McAleenan next approached Aquinas men’s lacrosse Coach Luke Griemsman with the idea, one that Griemsman called a “no brainer.” The decision was then made to start a partnership with the CLC and, with the support of the Army and Notre Dame lacrosse programs, create the charity lacrosse camp. “We
Inaugural Women’s Lacrosse Team a Success By Doug Seites ’10 Aquinas College’s newest athletic program, women’s lacrosse, showed in its inaugural season that it is already a force to be reckoned with. The team exceeded expectations and outmatched its opponents on the way to a 20-2 record and a conference championship. The team won the WCLL (Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse League) Northwest Conference Championship, and was the only team in the WCLL to finish the regular season undefeated in conference play. Overall, the women’s lacrosse team finished 20-2 and had a 20game winning streak, the longest in the nation this season. In the last regular season poll, the Saints were ranked 12th in the nation. “What they did as a firstyear team has never been matched in any sport,” said head coach Frank Rogers. “There is no way anyone could have predicted this. If anyone says they were not surprised, I would say they were fibbing.” In the Louisville Lacrosse Tournament in April, the Saints lost their first game to the University of Mississippi, but finished in second place at the tournament. The Saints did not lose again until the WCLL Conference Championship Game, where they fell to defending champion Oakland University by one goal. On their way to the championship game, the
educate quality young men and women who could study to be teachers and many other rewarding fields,” said Griemsman. “These students may also play a sport like lacrosse. We are attempting to raise awareness of a great organization that does amazing things.” The Aquinas lacrosse programs and the charity camp hope to bring a continuing awareness of the CLC to the Aquinas community and beyond. This year, 100 percent of the proceeds raised by the boys’ camp were donated to the CLC, with a portion of the proceeds from the girls camp donated as well. The CLC and the Aquinas lacrosse programs look to continue their partnership into the future. “This was a win-win opportunity, a professional and a charitable collaboration among the three college lacrosse programs facilitated new friendships among kids that have a love for lacrosse and kids from CLC who were able to show others that there are many ways to become a champion,“ said Terry Stelter, Executive Director, Conductive Learning Center.
Saints defeated Butler and DePaul. The Saints were able to put together their incredible season despite leaving fall practices with questions and an inexperienced team. “It was a complete turnaround from fall to the end of the season, a major turnaround,” said sophomore Hannah Brogger. Nine of the 19 players on the roster were new to the game when the season started. “The new players took their experiences from other sports and really applied them to what we need to do in our game,” said freshmen Kati Rogers. “Our team meshed really well, which made it easy to play on the field together.” The women’s lacrosse team led the WCLL in scoring with 15.54 goals per game. Rogers (97 goals, 47 assists) led the nation in scoring and teamed with sophomore Michelle Murphy (45 goals, 55 assists) and freshman Lauren McCarty (66 goals, 26 assists) to help Aquinas have one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Defensively, the Saints were also ranked No. 1 in the WCLL, giving up only 7.18 goals per game. Freshman goalie Bre Stockall was named First Team All-Conference, along with Rogers, Murphy and McCarty.
2010 Athletic Hall of Fame The Aquinas College Athletic Department has announced its 2010 Hall of Fame class. The members of this group will be feted on Sept. 24, at the Hall of Fame Gala Event in the Wege Student Center Ballroom. This year’s class includes an outstanding tennis player, two noteworthy track and field athletes and an esteemed Grand Rapids area coach. The four honorees are Roy White ’72 (tennis); Tom Zyniewicz, M.D. ’84 (track and field); Neil Reilly ’88 (track and field) and Coach George Barcheski ’61. Barcheski will be given a lifetime achievement. White was an outstanding tennis player at Aquinas in the early 1970s. He won the state NAIA singles championship in 1970 and was the state runner-up in 1971. He was a member of the 1971 NAIA state championship doubles team (with Buzz Hall) after the tandem finished as state runners-up in 1970. White then went on to coach the “Tommies” for several years. Zyniewicz was an outstanding track and field athlete in the throwing events in the early 1980s. A three-time national qualifier, he highlighted his outstanding career in 1984 by
Athletics
Roy White
Tom Zyniewicz
becoming the first track and field event performer in Aquinas history to be honored both as an All-American for his efforts at the national meet and as an Academic All-American for his classroom achievements. Reilly became a two-time All-American for his efforts in the throwing events. He was a three-time national qualifier and is still in the top five category of Aquinas throwing records. Reilly has had a successful 10-year run as an assistant track coach at Aquinas, where he has helped develop eight throwing All-Americans through his teaching efforts. Barcheski coached football and taught at East Grand Rapids for 30 years. During this time, his teams won 82 percent of their games (238-53-3), winning four state championships. This winning percentage is the third highest mark in the storied history of Michigan high school football. Coach Barcheski has been inducted in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame (2001).
Neil Reilly
i
George Barchesk
Aquinas Grad Leads Catholic Central to State Championship Aquinas College alumna Colleen Lamoreaux-Tate is reveling in a well-deserved victory as coach of the Grand Rapids Catholic Central girl’s basketball team, which captured the Class B State Championship title in March. Lamoreaux-Tate ’93, a former Lady Saints basketball player, took her team into the state Class B finals on March 20 against No. 1 ranked Detroit Country Day School. The 5143 victory was Catholic Central’s 26th in a row. It was sweet revenge for Lamoreaux-Tate, who has had two of her teams lose to the Country Day Yellowjackets in the state final. The Catholic Central Cougars lost to Country Day in last year’s 40 Athletics | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu/athletics
final game, and Lamoreaux-Tate’s East Grand Rapids Pioneers girl’s basketball team lost to the Yellowjackets in 2002. On a related note, another Lady Saints basketball alumna, Char Broersma-Muller ’96, a former teammate of Lamoreaux-Tate’s, was named the Michigan High School Class A Coach of the Year. Muller-Broersma is head coach of the girl’s basketball squad at Grand Rapids Christian High School.
Aquinas Honors Senior Scholar-Athletes The Joseph Baker and Sr. Helen Louise Brogger Awards are given annually to male and female senior student athletes who meet the three requirements established by the alumni board. These requirements
are academic strength, service to others and athletic involvement and success. This year’s recipients are exemplary in meeting these requirements.
Joseph Baker Award
Sr. Helen Louise Brogger Award
Samantha Kendall – Kendall is a graduate of Hartland High School and was a four-year starter for the softball team. Last season, she was named to the All-WHAC First Team and selected team captain. Kendall also garnered Academic All-American honors. Besides her accomplishments in the classroom and on the field, she proved a valuable asset on Samantha Kendall campus as a student athletic trainer. Kendall was also vice president of SAAB and spearheaded the campaign to collect Christmas baskets for needy families. Allison Strouse – Strouse is a graduate of Lansing Catholic Central and has been a major contributor to the track and field teams over the past four years. She has garnered AllAmerican status four times in her track events and has been awarded Academic All-American status twice for her work in the classroom. Strouse holds four school records and has been an AllWHAC performer numerous times. She also has provided invaluable assistance to Aquinas student athletes with her work Allison Strouse as a student trainer.
aquinas.edu/athletics | Fall 2010 | Athletics 41
Athletics
Will Eberle – A graduate of East Grand Rapids High School, Eberle was a four-year letter winner and a three-year starter for the baseball team. He was also one of the top five seniors in the 2010 Aquinas graduating class and a two-time Academic All-American. Eberle was named the top political science major for 2010, completed an internship last summer at the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C., and led Will Eberle an Aquinas contingent at the Model United Nations debates in Chicago. Tuan-ahn Tran Tuan-ahn Tran – Tran was valedictorian at East Kentwood High School. He was a four-year starter for the men’s tennis team and played No. 1 singles and doubles last season. He captained the team during the 2010 campaign and was named Academic All-American. Tran was a part of Student Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) and assisted on various service learning projects. Devin Tarrant – A graduate of Bath High School, Tarrant was both an Academic and an Athletic All-American for the men’s track team. In 2009, he claimed the Most Outstanding Performer award at the WHAC Outdoor Championships and placed seventh in the discus at the 2009 NAIA Outdoor National Championships, earning All-American honors. Tarrant Devin Tarrant has played a vital role on the Aquinas campus in promoting fitness and wellness, leading the charge to raise awareness regarding the need to exercise. Brian Himes – Himes is a Fenton High School graduate and was a key member of the men’s soccer team. He overcame injuries to lead the Saints to two WHAC championships and scored three game-tying or game-winning goals during the 2009 season. Himes was a two-time Academic All-American selection and was very active in the Brian campus ministry group and in his Himes church.
Spring 2010 Aquinas NAIA All-Americans
Athletics
Athletic All-Americans
• Men’s Basketball: John Lierman • Women’s Basketball: Joslyn Narber • Men’s Indoor Track & Field: Dustin Heiler, Rumeal McKinney, Victor Ramirez, Kolin Stickney, Nick Thelen • Women’s Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field: Kaitlyn Meernik, Carly Plank, Emily Popma, Emily Smith, Allison Strouse
Academic All-Americans
• Women’s Basketball: Kaitlin Lang • Women’s Tennis: Cecelia Vaughn, Katie Siegel • Men’s Golf: Max Rouse • Men’s Baseball: Kennen Less, Will Eberle, Adam Farrell, Nick Papes • Men’s Track & Field: Nate Poirier, Cameron Smith, Devin Tarrant, Andy Vereecke • Women’s Track & Field: Allison Strouse, Emily Sandula, Emily Popma, Kaitlyn Meernik
42 Athletics | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu/athletics
Winter/Spring Athletic Honors Men’s Basketball • All-Conference First Team: John Lierman • Academic All-Conference: Matt McDonald • Champion of Character: Matt McDonald • All-American: John Lierman Women’s Basketball • All-Conference First Team: Joslyn Narber • All-Conference Third Team & All Newcomer Team: Taelor Sanders • Academic All-Conference: Kaitlyn Lang • Champion of Character: Lindsey Karpowicz • All-American: Joslyn Narber • Academic All-American: Kaitlyn Lang Men’s Indoor Track & Field • All-Conference: Rumeal McKinney • All-American: Nick Thelen, Kolin Stickney, Dustin Heiler, Victor Ramirez, Rumeal McKinney Women’s Indoor Track & Field • All-Conference: Lauren Mouthann, Emily Popma, Carly Plank, Allison Strouse • All-American: Allison Strouse, Carly Plank Men’s Outdoor Track & Field • All-Conference: Rumeal McKinney, Ben Hagge, Dustin Johnson, Blake Garvey, Devin Tarrant, Nate Poirier • WHAC Coach of the Year: Dave Wood • Academic All-American: Nate Poirier, Cameron Smith, Devin Tarrant, Andy Vereecke
Women’s Tennis • Academic All-American: Cecelia Vaughn, Katie Siegel Men’s Lacrosse • All-CCLA Honorable Mention: James Burkhardt, Mike Matych Women’s Lacrosse • All-WCLA First Team: Kati Rogers, Lauren McCarty, Michelle Murphy, Bre Stockall Men’s Golf • Academic All-American: Max Rouse Men’s Baseball • All-Conference: Joe Welton, Kennen Less, Jon Good • All-Conference Honorable Mention: Vince Misiewicz, Andrew Bard, Adam Farrell • Champion of Character: Joe Welton • Academic All-Conference: Andrew Bard, Will Eberle, Nick Papes, Adam Farrell, Drew Huard, Mike Kaiser, Kennen Less • Academic All-American: Will Eberle, Kennen Less, Adam Farrell, Nick Papes Women’s Softball • All-Conference: Sam Kendall, Alyssa Fleser • All-Conference Honorable Mention: Whitney Hudson, Sarah Doss, Sam Klinkner • Champion of Character: Lisa Mulder • Academic All-Conference: Heidi Holmes, Kristi Kuiphof, Sam Kendall, Whitney Hudson
Athletics
Women’s Outdoor Track & Field • All-Conference: Emily Popma, Allison Strouse, Lindsey Karpowicz, Chelsey Bonney, Lauren Smith, Jackie Katt, Carly Plank • WHAC Coach of the Year: Dave Wood • Academic All-American: Emily Popma, Allison Strouse, Emily Sandula, Kaitlyn Meernik • All-American: Allison Strouse, Emily Smith, Emily Popma, Kaitlyn Meernik
aquinas.edu/athletics | Fall 2010 | Athletics 43
Spring Sports Wrap
Please check the Athletic Department Web site (www. aquinas.edu/athletics/) for the 2009-2010 sports schedules.
Men’s & Women’s Track
The Aquinas College Track & Field teams had another successful campaign this past winter and spring under Coach Dave Wood. The women’s team captured the Outdoor WHAC Championship after finishing second to Cornerstone University indoors. At the WHAC Indoor Championships, which were contested at Trine University, the Saints were led by All-Conference performers Lauren Mouthann, Emily Popma, Carly Plank and Allison Strouse. At the Indoor National Championships, Allison Strouse earned All-American honors with a fourth place finish in the 60m hurdles and Carly Plank matched her efforts with a fourth place finish in the 3000m. When the competition switched to outdoors, Lindsey Karpowicz, Emily Popma, Allison Strouse, Chelsey Bonney, Lauren Smith, Jackie Katt and Carly Plank recorded All-WHAC performances at Houseman Field. At the Outdoor National Championships, Emily Popma finished third in the women’s marathon and Allison Strouse placed fifth in the 100m hurdles. Kaitlyn Meernik (marathon) and Emily Smith (discus) both placed seventh in their respective events to earn All-American status. New school records were delivered by Allison Strouse (indoor 60m hurdles) 8.66, Samantha DeStefano (outdoor 100m) 12.11, Carly Plank (indoor 3000m) 9:54 and (outdoor 5000m) 17:17 and Emily Popma (outdoor 10000m) 37:14 and (marathon) 3:06:22. The men’s team also finished second indoors for the conference and won the outdoor championships. At the Indoor WHAC Championships, Rumeal McKinney earned first-place finishes. The Saints were represented on the All-WHAC outdoor team as Rumeal McKinney, Ben Hagge, Dustin Johnson, Blake Garvey and Nate Poirier led the Saints to their third straight WHAC Outdoor Championship. At the NAIA Indoor National Championships, Rumeal McKinney was crowned National Champion in the 60m, and the men’s 4x800 meter relay received All-American recognition as Nick Thelen, Victor Ramirez, Kolin Stickeny and Dustin Heiler placed sixth. Rumeal McKinney recorded a pair of school records during the track season in the 60m indoors (6.78) and 100m outdoors (10.45). Nick Thelen also broke the indoor 800m record with a time of 1:54.86.
Rachel Luehm
Women’s Softball
The women’s softball team finished the season with a 31-22 record overall and a 17-11 record in the WHAC. Aquinas’ efforts in league play earned them a three-way tie for third place in the league standings. Seniors Sam Kendall and Alyssa Fleser were named to the All-WHAC first team for their efforts and contributions. Kendall led the Saints in hitting with a .367 batting average and in runs scored, with 61. Fleser completed her senior campaign with a record of 12-10 and an earned run average of 3.39. Fleser also struck out 90 batters on the year. Freshman pitcher Carlie Giarmo went 11-3 on the year with a 2.69 ERA. Giarmo led the team in strikeouts with an even 100 K’s. Whitney Hudson, Sarah Doss and Sam Klinkner were named to the All-WHAC second team.
Alyssa Fleser
Women’s Basketball
The women’s basketball team completed the season with a 21-12 record and a second place finish in the WHAC. This year’s team was led by senior Joslyn Narber, who finished her career as the all-time scoring leader for Aquinas with 2184 points. She led the team in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals, and garnered First Team All-American status. Not only did she become the Saint’s leading scorer, but she also became the all-time scoring leader for collegiate women’s basketball in the Grand Rapids area. Narber was also selected as the WHAC player of the year and closed out her career as a three-time All-American. Though they lost a close game to eventual runner-up Shawnee State University in the sweet16 round of the NAIA national tournament, the Saints posted the only upset in the tournament’s first round. Seventh-seeded Aquinas defeated second-seeded University of St. Francis in an overtime thriller. Freshman Taelor Sanders earned Third Team WHAC AllConference honors and was named to the WHAC All-Newcomer Team.
Joslyn Narber
Men’s Basketball
With the ongoing construction of the new field house, the men’s basketball team used various venues for practices and games. The Saints did not use this as an excuse, as Coach Hammer’s team continued to show resilience, finishing third in the WHAC with a 9-5 record and a 21-12 record overall. The Saints finished the season strong, winning seven of their last eight games before bowing out to Cornerstone in the WHAC Championship game. Senior John Lierman received NAIA first team All-American and WHAC Player of the Year honors. Lierman averaged 18.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists. John finished his career as the fourth most prolific scorer in school history with 1,943 career points. Some signature victories for the Saints this year included wins versus Lake Superior State, Hope, Calvin, and two late season wins over Davenport.
AJ Schmidt
Connor Sutton Men’s Lacrosse
The Aquinas Lacrosse team continued its growth with an inaugural trip to the Carolinas. The Saints, in their second year of existence, dropped a very close game to Southern Virginia. Aquinas then came away with a win at Coastal Carolina. Aquinas suffered some losses upon returning to Michigan, but closed the season with victories over Saginaw Valley State and UM Dearborn to finish with a record of 4-7. The Saints were represented by James Burkhardt and Mike Matych on the CCLA Honorable Mention Team.
Women's Lacrosse
The AQ Women's Lacrosse team had one of the most successful first years in the history of sports, posting an amazing 20-2 record. The Saints earned 20 straight wins en route to a conference championship and a regional finals appearance. The team ended the season with the number one offense and defense in the league. Aquinas placed four players on the WCLL First Team All League, lead by freshmen captain Kati Rogers who lead the nation in scoring with 97 goals and 47 assists. Rogers, combined with two other all-league players Michelle Murphy (45G 55A) and Lauren McCarty (66G 26A) produced one of the most potent attacks in the nation. Bre Stockall and Bri Shefferly anchored the defense along with co-captain Anne Parks. Stockall posted a 54% save percentage and a GAA of only 7.04. Due to her strong athletic ability, Shefferly was asked to go back and forth between the midfield and defense and ended up leading the team in ground balls.
Kati Rogers No. 20 Paige Shesteakin
Cory Garneau Men’s Baseball
The baseball team was led by Jon Good and Kennen Less, who were named to the All-WHAC first team. Good hit a .354 average, while collecting ten home runs and 51 RBI. Less batted .353 and had five home runs, 33 RBI and led the team with 39 runs scored. Pitcher Joe Welton was also named to the All-WHAC first team. Welton went 6-2 on the season with a 3.44 ERA and 39 K’s. Vince Misiewicz, Andrew Bard and Adam Farrell received All-WHAC second team honors for their consistent play. The Saints finished with an overall record of 27-24-2 and a 9-11 record in league play. The team finished third in the WHAC behind Madonna and Indiana Tech. Will Eberle, Kennen Less, Adam Farrell and Nick Papes were all named to the Daktronics Scholar Athlete Team for NAIA Men’s Baseball.
Men’s & Women’s Tennis The men’s tennis team was led by seniors Dan Doerrfield, Tuan-ahn Tran and Nick Ludwig. Tran had the duty of playing No. 1 singles for the Saints, and teamed up with Kyle Masteller in first doubles for AQ. The Saints finished the season with a strong overall record of 14-6. The women’s tennis team bounced back from a rough start to the season in rainy Orlando, Fl. to finish with a 7-5 record and earn a first-place finish at the Trine University Doubles Tournament. Juniors Katie Siegel and Cecelia Vaughn were both named to the Daktronics Scholar Athlete Teams for NAIA Women’s Tennis.
Cecilia Vaughn
Trustees
Welcome New Trustees… As we ready to begin the new school year, we also welcome new trustees to campus: Mike Zagaroli (not shown) attended Aquinas College for two years before leaving for George Washington University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, he attended Cooley Law School and earned a juris doctorate degree. After 25 years of practicing law in Lansing and Grand Rapids, Mike retired as a firm partner in 2004 but continues to practice independently. He has served as president of the Aquinas College Alumni Association, chair of the Aquinas Fund and is a former trustee. Mike VanGessel is a Mike VanGessel founding partner in the Rockford Construction Company. He helped grow the company from a two-to a 200-person firm with revenues of nearly $300 million for 2008. Mike currently serves as president and CEO; he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Michigan State University and attended the Wharton School of Business Continuing Education program. Mike is extremely active in the Grand Rapids community and has a strong history supporting education. Ed Carlson attended Ed Carlson Aquinas College, receiving a Bachelor of Science in business administration degree in 1969. He later returned to earn a Master of Management degree in 1984. Ed retired from Munson Healthcare in April 2009 after 17 years as their corporate vice president and chief financial officer, along with additional responsibilities, and with 30 years of combined experience in healthcare finance and administration. Currently, he is the chairman of the Board for Women’s Resource Center in Traverse City and a board member of the Traverse Health Clinic.
46 Trustees | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu/trustees
Sister Barbara Dannhausen, O.P., works with Mission Development Associates in Milwaukee, Wisc. She has also served as director of Mission Integration for the Sinsinawa Dominicans. Sister Barbara earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Edgewood College, Master of Science in secondary education from Northern Illinois University and Master of Arts in organizational development from Loyola University. Sister Barbara has worked for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for nine years in a variety of roles and has over 11 years of experience at various Catholic schools. Sister Barbara Dannhausen, O.P.
Trustee Appreciation… Aquinas College President C. Edward Balog acknowledged outgoing members of the Board of Trustees at the 2010 Commencement ceremony, thanking them for their nine years of service to the institution. They are Sr. Joyce Ann Hertzig, O.P., a 1962 Aquinas graduate Sr. Margaret Hillary, O.P., a member of the class of 1963 and Grand Rapids business entrepreneur John Wheeler, former president and CEO of Rockford Companies. Each was honored by the Board of Trustees with the awarding of emeritus status, recognizing their long-time commitment to the College.
Marriages
’03
’95
Theresa (Huyge) and Chrisopher Lockhart October 13, 2007
’03
Kerrie (Walker) and Josh Nyenhuis, October 24, 2009
Katie (Yenglin) and Scott Greer a son, Caleb Donald Greer, on January 8, 2010
’05
Amy (Westphal) and Seth Peters ’03 a daughter, Rita-Marie Cecilia Peters, on January 25, 2010
’05
Andrea (Hill) and Mark McGarry a daughter, Faith Claire McGarry, on December 3, 2009
Alumni Deaths
Pictured left to right, front row: Josh ’02 and Jessica (Buck ’03) Greenwald, Tim ’02 and Beth (Pochert ’02) Lowe, Monique Nadon ’03, Kerrie (Walker ’03) and Josh Nyenhuis, Brendan ’02 and Nikki (Buhagiar ’02) Earl and Andrea Prisby ’03. Back row left to right: Ray Gaiser ’03 and Meghan (McGahey ’03) Price
’05
Melissa (May) and Peter Guzmann October 17, 2009
Births ’97 Mike Wojciakowski and Amorena (Newman) a daughter, Cecelia Louise, on March 26, 2010
’00
Nicole (Van Geest) and Jason Tokar a daughter, Kendal Lee Tokar. Kendal joins siblings Braeden and Tryce Tokar, on April 28, 2010
Mary Letitia Good Heuvelhorst, Holland, Mich., February 2, 2010
’42
Arthur Kieras, brother of Edmund Kieras ’51; uncle of Roger Kieras ’77, March 26, 2010
’47
Sister Rose Marie Visner, Grand Rapids, Mich., January 20, 2010
’48
John “Jack” Lally, father of Aquinas student Kathleen Lally, Belding, Mich., June 10, 2010
’51
Roy Emerson, husband of Helen (Kluting ’51) Emerson, Grand Rapids, Mich., February 5, 2010
’53
LeClaire “Lee” Blissett, Grand Haven, Mich., May 31, 2010
’53
Kathernie (Koukios) Leonida, Prairie Village, Kansas, June 5, 2010
’60 ’62
Robert Beckwith, April 30, 2010
’62
Salvatore “Sam” Genovese, Banning, Calif., February 16, 2010
’62
Mary Margaret (Platte) Reens, Baldwin, Mich., April 30, 2010
’65 ’71
Judith Rupar, Muskegon, Mich., March 22, 2010
’72
The Honorable Glenn Steil, Bonita Springs, Fl., May 7, 2010
Sister Thomasine Bugala, O.P., Grand Rapids, Mich., May 11, 2010
Harry Kloska, husband of Vicki “Lynne” (Kokot ’70) Kloska, Grand Rapids, Mich., February 14, 2010
aquinas.edu | Fall 2010 | Class Notes 47
Class Notes
’00
Carrie (Steffens) and Doug Lipkinski, a son, Lukas James, on May 12, 2010
’37
’73
Sharon Ann Herington, Grand Rapids, Mich., January 17, 2010
’74
Roger Murphy, Caledonia, Mich., January 7, 2010
’74
Josephine “Jo” (Lensler) Theisen, Norton Shores, Mich., April 16, 2010
Deaths of Friends and Family Lillyan Barry, mother of Michael Barry, M.D. ’74, November 30, 2009 Benjamin “Ben” Basa, Jr., father of Christine Basa ’10 Tony Betten, father-in-law of Professor Robb Bajema, February 25, 2010
’76
H. “Hal” Alden Rozema, grandfather of Brian Rozema ’01, April 1, 2010
’76
Timothy Wessely, Grand Rapids, Mich., December 28, 2009, father of Christopher Wessely ’04
’77
Guy Leo “Gus” Diekman, Fremont, Mich., December 14, 2009
’78
Caroline Scott Robinson, Ada, Mich., January 12, 2010
’81 ’82
Allen Jackson, Jr., Albion, Mich., April 21, 2010
’83
Richard A. Groat, MM, Powell, Ohio, January 15, 2010
Armida Dixon, mother of Aquinas staff member Diana Dixon, April, 2010
’83
George Terrance “Terry” Nota, Grand Rapids, Mich., December 18, 2009
Ziegman “Ziggy” Dugal, father of Gerald Dugal ’63; fatherin-law of Margaret (Knieper ’70) Dugal, April 11, 2010
’84
Virginia Maxine (Huff) Gartmon, Grand Rapids, Mich., April 12, 2010
’85
Christine (Watson) Peplinski, sister of Patricia (Watson ’74) Jerzycke and Monica (Watson ’96) Randall. Preceded in death by sister Mary Watson ’78, Grand Rapids, Mich., April 10, 2010
Donna Fahey, mother of former employee Marty Fahey (2001-2010); grandmother of Courtney Fahey ’07 and Aquinas student Sean Fahey, May 31, 2010
’86
Terri Ayers, Wyoming, Mich., January 30, 2010
’87
Percy Brown, Grand Rapids, Mich., February 10, 2010
’89 ’89
Harriett Michelakis, Wyoming, Mich., April 19, 2010
’93
Carli Francies, July 24, 2009
David James Van Keulen, Sr., Lowell, Mich., May 25, 2010
Edith Elizabeth (Gustafson) Miller, MM, Grand Rapids, Mich., May 17, 2010
Florence Boguslaski, mother of Robert Boguslaski, Ph.D. ’62; grandmother of Christopher Boguslaski ’03, January 17, 2010 Jeffrey R. “Boz” Bosma, husband of Connie (Soler ’82) Bosma, April 5, 2010 Thomas J. Cariano, father of William Cariano ’73, Nicholas Cariano ’74, Fred Cariano ’81, and John Cariano ’87, June 6, 2010 Margaret “Marge” Corcoran, mother of Colleen (Corcoran ’80) Nelis, April 17, 2010 Rens Damstra, father of Casey Damstra ’73, March 21, 2010
Robert C. Hill, brother of Nancy (Hill ’84) Hagan; brotherin-law of Michael Hagan ’83, January 21, 2010 Howard Horton, husband of Rosemary (Delaney ’56) Horton; father of Mary (Horton ’84) Farrell; father-in-law of Daniel Farrell ’83, May 28, 2010 Norbert J. Hruby, Ph.D., former president of Aquinas, May 18, 2010 Duane “Butch” Huver, father-in-law of Amanda Huver, D.O. ’84 and uncle of Christopher Wessely ’04, January 9, 2010 Lindsay Joy Jolliffe, niece of Patty (Nickels ’77) Dressander, Beth Nickels ’83 and Sharon (Nickels ’88) Bowen, February 15, 2010
Class Notes
Virgil (Red) Kimble died January 9, 2010 Father of Glenn Kimble ‘98 and father-in-law of Laura Bennett-Kimble ‘95 Sam Kravitz, father of former adjunct professor Norm Kravitz (2001-2004), March 23, 2010
48 Class Notes | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu
Harry Levandoski, husband of Evelyn (Walen ’46) Levandoski; father of Jane (Levandoski ’83) Bruewer; brotherin-law of Mary Beth (Smith ’51) Walen, January 29, 2010
Class Notes
Marie Frances Lorenzoni, mother of Sandy (Lorenzoni ’75) Grosvenor, February 16, 2010
Juan Olivarez, Ph.D., former president of Grand Rapids Community College and current president of Kalamazoo Community Foundation, received a Bronze Leadership award from Junior Achievement of West Michigan for his years of service to the organization.
Lyle Lothschutz, father of James Lothschutz ’83 and Joseph Lothschutz ’84, December 31, 2009 Margaret Burke Marko, mother of Professor Robert Marko, Ph.D.; grandmother of Jonathan Marko ’05, Josh Marko ’10 and Aquinas student Hannah Marko Aurelio “Randy” Marzolo, father of Angela Marzolo ’06, January, 2010 Elmer “Miles” Michalski, father of Todd Michalski ’85; fatherin-law of Kyle Rasikas, M.D. ’74, May 1, 2010 Herman Miller, father-in-law of Professor Don Chaffee, April, 2010 Thurston Joseph Milligan, father of Kevin Milligan ’77; father-in-law of Chantal (Symans ’72) Milligan, April 24, 2010 Suzanne Lillian Mousseau, husband of former Aquinas College employee Ernie Mousseau (1973-1995); mother of Scott Mousseau ’83 and Andy Mousseau ’87, February 12, 2010 Anita Olivarez, mother of Juan Olivarez ’71; mother-inlaw of Mary (Tyjchyj ’72) Olivarez, March 23, 2010 Jane O’Brien, mother of Timothy O’Brien ’06, December 16, 2009 Sister Marybride Ryan, O.P., retired Aquinas professor (1957-1987) Sister Lois Schaffer, Aquinas College faculty 1960-1977, December 17, 2009 William “Bill” Schroeder, Trustee Emeritus Mary Sherman, mother of Dan Sherman ’81; grandmother of Aquinas student Dan Izuza, April, 2010 Jan Swart, wife of Ed Swart ’70, February, 2009 Lawrence “Larry” Walcott, father of Phil Walcott ’84; father-in-law of Ellen (Moore ’84) Walcott, February 8, 2010
1981
Randy Parrish has joined Ken-Tool in Akron, Ohio, as operations manager. Parrish has had a long career in management of production in the automotive industry as well as the steel and glass industries. Parrish is also a certified trainer in Kaizen/Lean Manufacturing methodology.
1984
Phil Walcott, anatomy instructor and academic coordinator for the Western Michigan University physician assistant program, has been selected to receive the 2009-2010 College of Health and Services Teaching Excellence Award. Phil’s nominators cited his teaching excellence in all three areas of award criteria: classroom teaching, creative/innovative works as regards teaching, fieldwork, or supervision, and teaching that involves interdisciplinary or collaborative activity. Phil will be recognized at an event this fall and receive an award of $1,000.
1999
John Rice was honored with an award from Molina Healthcare of Michigan in April for his work with the Grand Rapids Lions Club. Rice was one of seven individuals recognized at Molina Healthcare’s Community Champions Awards. As president of the Grand Rapids Lions Club, a nonprofit organization working to eliminate preventable blindness, Rice coordinates the group’s efforts to support local vision programs and provide prescription glasses to those who cannot afford them. A $1,000 grant from Molina was awarded to the Lion’s Club in Rice’s honor.
aquinas.edu | Fall 2010 | Class Notes 49
Class Notes
Pamela Sue Zant, sister-in-law of Rosie (Hickey) Zant ’58, January 1, 2010
1971
2001
Mary Fournier founded the non-profit organization To: Africa From: U.S. to aid communities in need in developing African nations. Learn more about the organization at www.2africafromus.com.
2003
Bridget Clark Whitney is the director of the Kids’ Food Basket, which was honored as Outstanding Volunteer Program of 2010 at the Governor’s Service Awards held on June 28 at the Gem Theatre in Detroit, Mich. Kids’ Food Basket is a non-profit organization that fights child hunger in West Michigan by providing nutritious sack suppers to nearly 2,600 children in area schools. In 2009, volunteers put in more than 23,000 combined service hours. Visit www.kidsfoodbasket.org.
2007
Courtney Bender graduated on May 8, 2010 from Central Michigan University with her Master of Science in Administration degree with a concentration in Organizational Communication.
2009
Jennifer Williams has been appointed to the Grand Haven School Board of Education.
2010
Class Notes
Nicole Storey has been accepted into the exclusive Master of Sacred Music program at the University of Notre Dame for fall 2010. Along with three of the seven other students, she will have a choral/vocal emphasis of study. Taking two years to complete, Notre Dame’s Master of Sacred Music provides students with a full tuition scholarship and parish placement, comparable to an internship. The curriculum aims to prepare all participants to meet the liturgical needs of individual parishes after completing their studies. Storey, talented as a vocalist as well as with the organ and piano, won recognition during her time at Aquinas as an outstanding performer. She is one of the founding members of AQpella, the women’s on-campus vocal group.
50 Class Notes | Fall 2010 | aquinas.edu
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