Aquinas Magazine :: Spring 2003

AQUINAS COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT

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 ser vice to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.

VISION STATEMENT

Aquinas College conducts an array of educational programs whose quality and effectiveness cause it to be considered consistently as a premier Catholic liberal arts college in the Midwest. In doing so, it is the college of choice for increasing numbers of students who seek a diverse, but inclusive, learning community that will enable them to increase their knowledge, hone their competencies, develop their character, and answer God’s calling to use their gifts and talents to make a positive difference in our world through their lives, work, and service. Aquinas strives to graduate students of competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Aquinas College is committed to equality. This statement of the College speaks to this commitment, as do our history and heritage.We believe that diversity is a blessing, which brings a richness of perspective to our intellectual, cultural, social, and spiritual life. All members of our community—faculty, staff, students—will demonstrate respect for each other regardless of our differences. All of us will be sensitive in our actions, words, and deeds. We will demonstrate these sensitivities in our classrooms, curricula, offices, meeting places, and living environments.

We will maintain the diversity of our Board of Trustees, faculty, student body, and staff and appreciate the different gifts each brings to this community regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or disability.

Aquinas magazine is a publication of the College Relations Department, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

It is published semi-annually, spring and fall. Comments/suggestions are encouraged: Online: collegerelations@aquinas.edu College Web site: www.aquinas.edu Alumni news: www. aquinas.edu/alumni

Mail:

Aquinas Magazine, College Relations Department Aquinas College, 1607 Robinson Road, S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799

Fax: 616-459-2563 • Phone: 616-459-8281, Ext. 4422 Editorial Team Marty Fahey Joelle Kwiatkowski ’02 Sally Reeves Julie Ridenour Contributing Writers Rick Albro Terry Bocian ’70 Michelle Bottrall ’97 Cecilia Cunningham Gary Eberle V. James Garofalo, Ph.D.

Laura Bennett-Kimble ’95 Harry J. Knopke, Ph.D. Crystal Lubbers Laska ’02 Shirley K. Lewis, Ph.D. Paula Meehan ’75 Sr. Jean Milhaupt, O.P. Julie Ridenour Tonya Schafer ’02 Nicole Selzer Cynthia VanGelderen Steffi Visockis ’95 Brad Winkler, J.D. Bill Weitzel

Design Greg Becker Desktop Publisher Silvija Visockis Photography Sarah Van Hall Joelle Kwiatkowski ’02 John Niedzielski ’97 Mark Schmidbauer Andris Visockis

Spring 2003 – Class Notes

Maria (Lupita) Garza-Grande is pursuing her master’s in library science, specializing in special collections, at Indiana University.

Eric Messing, a local community theater actor, has taken over Northview High School drama productions. He will direct the extracurricular drama program and serve as advisor to the drama club.

He has also joined Grand Rapids’ Circle Theatre, which will move to the new theatre at Aquinas campus next summer, as its marketing director.

Lauren (Tetzler) and Robert Thormeier relocated to Kansas City, Mo. Lauren is pursuing a master’s of social work while Robert is a manager for Volume Services America, working at Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums.

2002 Sharon Killebrew is the new director of United Methodist Community House, a 100-year-old ministry in downtown Grand Rapids. The program provides services and programs for children, adults, seniors and families. Killebrew is also currently working towards a master’s degree in management at Aquinas.

Joelle Kwiatkowski is the director of Alumni & Parent Relations at Aquinas.

William Lemanski is a claims representative for Auto-Owners Insurance in Taylor, Michigan.

Births ’79 Jean (Bugai) Henning, a granddaughter, Isabelle Grace Beckwith, Sept. 2001 ’88 Jill (Johnson) and John Tewsley, a girl, Maxine Eleanor, Nov. 2001 ’89 Tracy and Vinit Asar, a girl, Karina Fe, Dec. 2002 ’90 Theresa (Knizacky) and John Shoop, a girl, Audra, 2002 ’90 Jeanne (Osbourne) and Tom Walch, a boy, Colin Patrick, Sept.

2002 ’93 Kelly (Conneely) and Spencer Coyle, triplet boys, Benjamin Patrick, Jack Michael, and Andrew Walter, May 2002 ’95 Kelly (Chenier) and James Doyle, a boy, Quinlan James, Sept. 2002

’98 Susan Samples-Gavan and Joe Gavan, a boy, Jack Edward, Nov. 2002 ’99 Summer (Brady) and Mark Spetoskey ’00, a girl, Ryleigh Jean, March 1999, and a boy, Jackson Anthony, Nov. 2001 ’99 Darcy (Polega) and Greg Kampfschulte, a boy, Ryan Gregory, Dec. 2002

Marriages ’88 Linda Trentman to Jeffrey Coon, Oct. 2002 ’93 Valerie Holtrop (M.M. ’98) to John Woosley, Sept. 2002 ’95 Joan Gibson to Stephen Majewski, Sept. 2002 ’98 Holly Butryn to Andrew Williams ’00, Aug. 2002 ’99 David Acevedo to Sharon Kukla ’00 to , Nov. 2000 ’99 Megan Elliott to Mike Goodrich, May 2000 ’00 Steve Langan to Jennifer Galletly ’02, Aug. 2002 ’00 Jason Hill to Lindsay Simmons, June 2002 ’00 Bernard Varnesdeel to Ronda Bolitho ’02, Oct. 2002 ’01 Amy Granderson to Shannon Irish, Aug. 2001 ’01 Jason Loepp to Heather Bledsoe, Feb. 2002 ’01 Crystal Lubbers to Christopher Laska, Aug. 2001 ’01 Valerie Mossman to Jacson Celestin, Aug. 2002 ’01 Missy Rabidue to Justin Orlik, Dec. 2002 ’01 Lauren Tetzler to Robert Thormeier, June 2002

Deaths ’50 William Westhoff, July 2002 ’54 John Thoreson, brother of Sr. Karen Thoreson, O.P. ’56 Leo Barth, brother of Sr. Paschal Barth, Aug. 2002 ’59 Eldred Martin, mother of Sr. June Martin, O.P. ’59 Sr. Bernice Botwonski, O.P. ’61 Charles Salon, father of Carolyn Salon Hauenstein ’64 Paul Beckman, brother of Sr. Maria Garetti Beckman, O.P. ’64 John Bryan, brother of Sr. Thomas Estelle Bryan, O.P.

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’65 Fred Harvey, Sr., father of Errol Harvey, March 2002 ’68 Florence Falta, mother of Sr. Dorothy Jonaitis, O.P. ’69 Philip C. Nunn, Oct. 2002 ’70 Mary Meistas ’71, sister of Joyce (Meistas) Gillis, Aug. 2002 ’71 Mary Meistas, sister of Annette (Meistas) Termin, Aug. 2002 ’72 Wayne Postma, Aug. 2002 ’73 Kenneth E. Sikkenga, May 2002 ’77 Mary “Betty” Hier, Dec. 2002 ’77 William H. Jones ’79 Sam Afendoulis, father of Stathi Afendoulis, March 2002 ’79 Jane M. (Boot) Osowski, wife of Mark Osowski, Oct. 2002 ’87 Janet Kwiatkowski, mother of Paula M. Annis ’88 Charles R. Lundy, March 2002 ’92 Wilford Bill C. Saliers, father of Timothy Saliers, Jan. 2003

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AQUINAS SPRING 2003

VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1

CONTENTS President’s Message

page 5

Campus News Student Internships at VARI NEW Sustainable Business Major Diaconate Formation Program

page 6 page 8 page 10

Student News Clement Chiwaya: A Success Story Spectrum Scholarship Competition AQ Club Night

page 18 page 22 page 23

Deans’ News

page 24

Faculty News Faculty-Student Advising “Sacred Time”– Gary Eberle Book

page 26 page 28

Athletics Sanel Fazlic: Student-Athlete Feature Cross Country Wins WHAC Title Bocian Chairs NAIA Region

page 30 page 31 page 32

Admissions Campus Days AQ and You Program

page 34 page 35

Alumni News Muriel Ross ’48: Women’s Hall of Fame Mary Heuvelhorst ’37: Busy Retirement Homecoming 2002 Hall of Fame Domestic Problems: Band Plays Final Notes

page 37 page 38 page 39 page 40 page 46

Development Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Update

page 50

Trustee News Profiles: Kate Wolters ’78 Peter Wege: MEC Award

page 56 page 58

Class Notes

page 54

3

VARI internship Pg. 6

AQ Club Night Pg. 23

Eberle’s new book Pg. 28

AQ andYou program Pg. 35

Domestic Problems Pg. 46

Cover: President Knopke hooding Clement Chiwaya during special graduation ceremony in December.

(Photo by Mark Schmidbauer)

– Spring 2003

Spring 2003 –

Class Notes – Spring 2003

1987

Editor’s Note What an exciting time at Aquinas!

Planning is underway for the Grand Opening celebrations for the new Aquinas College Performing Arts Center set to take place July 29– August 2. This facility will soon take our students to new heights in their college experience. It will expose future college students to the Aquinas environment and will throw down a new welcome mat to members of the community at large.The theatre represents a tremendous opportunity for others to see for themselves what Aquinas is all about. Most of you already know!

As the third edition of Aquinas magazine nears completion, I reflect proudly on the feature articles we’ve

presented in our first three magazines.

It is with my thanks to those within the Aquinas community worldwide who take their Dominican education to heart and practice daily the tenets of what service to others is truly all about. They are passionate about making a difference in the world around them … in their workplace, within their families and in their communities. My task is made easier when stories that reflect the Aquinas tradition are brought to my attention.

I don’t think a week goes by without hearing about what alumni are doing to better the lives of those around them. We are a proud, but humble community. Still, these are the stories that need to be told, shared

with others. For faculty and staff, it validates that their efforts are having a positive impact on the lives of the students, both here and now and beyond Aquinas.

Please, let us know what you’re doing.

I’m responding to your timely forwarding of the first issue of Aquinas (spring 2002). It is very impressive indeed—I have yet to read the whole issue. But I want to congratulate you and all the staff. I am somewhat aware of the tremendous effort required to publish such a work.

The format is—I think suitably informal but with a solid dignity that is appropriate.

I especially like the cover! The leafy campus must have been a tempting subject, but instead you chose to reflect a vision of what college is ultimately about!

Best wishes on a happy and successful future for the magazine. Keep it fresh and simple and show forth the beauty of the Dominican life.

Thanks again, Marcel Black Highland Lakes, N.J.

Lloyd (Brown ‘55 -2002 Hall of Fame inductee) would have been so “proud” to be honored

by Aquinas College in such a beautiful way. He loved Aquinas College, his teammates, classmates, nuns and priests who

4

1988 Jeffrey Coon and his wife, Linda, reside in Sarasota, Fla. where he is a homehealth physical therapist.

1989 Jeanne Czarnopys serves as the current vice president of Investment Advisors at Fifth Third Bank in Grand Rapids.

1990

Editor Marty Fahey

were always so supportive of him, recognized and valued his character and talents. He considered Aquinas his other family.

Lloyd left a beautiful legacy to his family by being a loving husband and devoted father. Aquinas College has extended his legacy beyond his family and community. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts—for every kind word that was spoken in the beautiful induction ceremony celebrating his life.

He made us proud in life and Aquinas has made us proud by cherishing and honoring him so that his legacy will continue for generations to come.

Thank you so very much for everything.

The family of Lloyd Brown ‘55 Joy (Brown ‘62) Baker, daughter

was promoted to associate professor in 2000. She resides in Oregon with her husband, Scott, and their two children.

1992

Robert Tubman was named marketing director of Volkswagon Bank USA in Rochester Hills, Mich.

Letters to the Editor As part of the St. James School (Grand Rapids) family, we want to thank you for your participation in making Tee-Off For Kids a financial success.

Your contribution was an essential part of that success.

We hope to provide tuition grants to 15 students with the funds raised. We look forward to your continued support.

God Bless you, Mary Beth Rothenthaler Tee-Off For Kids Committee Member

Melvene Tardy, formerly director of Alumni & Parent Relations at Aquinas College, has transferred into the Human Resources department as assistant director.

Ralph E. Johnson completed his M.B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1992 and went on to engineer a welfare reform program in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Currently, Johnson oversees various departments at McKinsey and Company, an international consulting firm.

Steven J. Laurent joined the law firm of Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, P.L.C., in Grand Rapids. He will practice in the area of business and corporate law.

Theresa (Knizacky) Shoop is currently teaching mathematics at Ludington High School. She and her husband, John, with their four children, just moved into a log home that they built themselves.

Amy (Hughes) Haborak earned her M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees in school psychology from Georgia State University. She works as a school psychologist and lives with her husband, Chris, and their son, Jackson, in Peachtree City, Ga. Rich Cook, CEO of X-Rite in Grandville, Mich., has joined the Board of Trustees of Aquinas College.

1993 Colleen Lamoreaux-Tate, coach of East Grand Rapids High School Women’s Basketball, led the team to a runner-up finish in the 2002 state finals.

Daniel Moore became an associate director for Verizon Wireless in Atlanta, Ga., following completion of his M.B.A. at Franklin University and earning his project management certification from Villanova University.

1994 Deborah (Schoenborn) Headworth’s life story entitled “I Obey” has been published in a new book: Amazing Grace For Those Who Suffer by Jeff Cavins and Matthew Pinto.

The book includes photographs of her sculptures. She has told her story on television and has been approached about publishing audiotapes.

commercial litigation. She currently resides in Lansing, Mich.

1997 Rebecca Drenovsky received her Ph.D. in plant biology from the University of California-Davis. She is now working as a postdoctoral researcher, collaborating with a professor specializing in soil microbial ecology.

Brian Hillary has joined the School of Education at Aquinas College as an adjunct professor, teaching education technology.

1998 Patrick Krueger recently received a grant from the National Science Foundation to support his dissertation research examining whether race/ethic and sex differences in investment in health result from unequal access to social, cultural, and economic capital.

He is currently a doctoral candidate in the Department of Sociology at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

1999 David Acevedo is working toward a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Kentucky. He and his wife, Sharon (Kukla) ’00, reside in Lexington.

Brian Vicary, graduate of the master of management program, was promoted to assistant vice president of Independent Bank South Michigan in Leslie, Mich. He is also a newly appointed board member for the Leslie Economic Development Committee.

2000 Tom Walch was promoted to manager of National Information Systems at BDO Seidman, LLP. He and his wife, Jeanne (Osbourne) ’90, have recently welcomed the birth of their second son, Colin.

Beth Willis moved to Naples, Fla., where she works as an account executive with FLS-DCI, a Republican consulting company.

1991 Rebecca (Marsh) McCannell, who teaches at Western Oregon University,

Crystal Smith was recently selected as the first teacher to receive free books for her classroom in a contest sponsored

by The Grand Rapids Press. Her languagerich reading talents benefit the students of her fourth-grade class at the new Coit Arts and Science Academy.

Colleen (Willett) Heibeck joined the Lansing (Mich.) firm of Howard & Howard Attorneys, P.C. in Dec. 2002.

Her practice is concentrated in corporate, tax, creditors rights, commercial finance, nonprofit, estate planning and

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Sharon (Kukla) Acevedo is pursuing her master’s in public administration at the University of Kentucky. She and her husband, David Acevedo ’99, live in Lexington.

2001 Lisa Bush is pursuing her M.A. in comparative politics at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.

Crystal Laska has joined Aquinas as coordinator of Alumni & Parent Relations.

The deadline for

– Spring 2003

1948 Muriel (Karp) Ross was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in October 2002 for her extraordinary career in medical research. She and her husband, Bernard, reside in New Mexico where she is still involved with scientific concerns.

1950 Rev. Maurice Schepers, O.P., is continuing his ministry in Aruba, Tanzania.

1963 John Nowak, a retired Lieutenant General (three-star) from the U.S. Air Force, is the president and CEO of LOGTEC, Inc. He was named 2002 Entrepreneur of the Year in the southern Ohio and Kentucky region. He and his wife, Maureen, have five children and 10 grandchildren.

1964

submitting class notes for the

Dennis Williams was formally called

by Bishop Robert J. Rose to prepare for ordination as a deacon of the Church.

He and his wife, Sue, along with their children, are members of Saint Thomas Parish in Grand Rapids.

1966

fall Aquinas magazine is June 1, 2003. ______

Robert Schaner and his wife, Carol, have retired to Florida after 30 years of owning their own business in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Sr. Mary Ann Barrett, O.P., moved to Albuquerque and is presently the Campus Ministry director at the Newman Center/ Parish at the University of New Mexico.

1968

alumni@aquinas.edu (616) 459-8281, ext. 4501

John Longcore and Jim Brunson ’71 completed their third backpacking trip together in Aug. 2002 on the Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior.

1970 Thomas Tithof, most recently an elementary principal, retired after 30 years of serving Chesaning Schools. He lives in Montrose, Mich., with his wife, Pat, and daughter, Kelsey.

1971 Jim Brunson recently graduated from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle

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Barracks, Penn., with a master of strategic studies degree. He currently serves as the State Judge Advocate and is a Full Colonel for the Michigan National Guard. He and John Longcore ‘68 completed their third backpacking trip together on the Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior in Aug. 2002.

Juan Olivarez, Ph.D., president of Grand Rapids Community College, was named in January to the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) board by President George W. Bush. The NIFL goal is to ensure that all Americans with literacy needs have access to services that can help them.

1979 Nanette Bowler was named by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to head the newly titled Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS). Bowler is a longtime advocate for child welfare in Grand Rapids, as well as the state of Michigan. The OCFS will focus on the needs of families, especially those of children.

Georgia (Goscinski) Ellwanger, a senior contact analyst with the Michigan Family Independence Agency, retired after 32 years with the State of Michigan.

1980 Sharon Smith, director of Career and Counseling Services at Aquinas College, received the first annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award. Multicultural Affairs of Aquinas College will present the award each year to a person who has contributed to the goals of social justice.

1986 Robert T. Gallagher received the 2002 Vatican II Award for Distinguished Service in Liturgy for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Gallagher is also the chairperson of the Archdiocese Liturgical Commission as well as the director of liturgy and music at St. John Vianney Parish in Brookfield, Wis. Dave Robach is a home mortgage consultant at Exchange Financial Corporation in Grand Rapids.

In a special ceremony this past December I had the pleasure of presenting a diploma to Clement Chiwaya, certifying his completion of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree with a double major in community leadership and political science. We arranged this ceremony because Clement would be returning to his home country, Malawi, shortly after Christmas and would not be able to return to participate in our traditional commencement activities in May. For those of you who haven’t had the good fortune to know Clement during his undergraduate career at Aquinas, our story on page 18 describes him, his work, and the impact he has had on Aquinas College. Clement’s success story, written at our supportive, yet academically rigorous, campus, is one of courage, dedication, determination and hard work, one that also beautifully describes how the campus environment is enriched in different ways by all those who enroll as students.

Those of us who teach, study, and work at Aquinas College see this interrelationship between current students and the campus every day. Its effects are also consistently demonstrated in alumni of the College. As you will see on pages 40-42, our first inductees into the College’s Hall of Fame, whether for college-wide or athletic accomplishments, as well as those individuals receiving the Outstanding Alumni awards, continue to model the values of the College.

Patricia Bissonette Dignan ’63, for example, recently retired as principal of Detroit’s Renaissance High School, the highest academically performing minority high school in the country. Her Aquinas education in the early 60s, she reported, was more rigorous than the two graduate programs she later completed. And, at that time, “Aquinas was diverse even before it was fashionable. Aquinas saw not race, not color, not gender as a passport to equality, but they saw God’s handiwork in each of us and every human being.”

John Kurzynowski ’65, a national leader in amateur golf, was playing in a high school tournament when then-Aquinas Athletic Director Ray Null and Head Golf Coach Dick McCormick recruited him. Rather than attending a Division I school, John was able to enroll at Aquinas when awarded a scholarship established by Trustee Peter Wege. John achieved academic and athletic success at Aquinas, the latter including his becoming the first small-college golfer to win the NCAA national championship.

One of John’s many mentors, Trustee Peter Wege, joined Monsignor Bukowski and the late Jerry Byrne ’48 as a first inductee into the College’s Hall of Fame. In his acceptance remarks, Peter stated, “My life is Aquinas … We’ve been a family here.” That sentiment, in a nutshell, describes what Aquinas is all about, a community of faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends who relate to one another as if we were part of a large and extended family. It is what enabled Clement Chiwaya ’03, arguably our most remote member, to succeed, and what supports us all as we contribute our respective skills, talents and abilities to fulfilling the Aquinas mission.

President’s Message

Class Notes

Spring 2003 –

President Harry J. Knopke

“… the campus environment is enriched in different ways by all those who enroll as students. ”

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Campus News

Spring 2003 –

Trustee Profiles – Spring 2003

Aquinas Strengthening Links to Medical Research Center

By Laura Bennett-Kimble ’95 Contributing Writer

The billion-dollar Michigan Life Sciences Corridor, begun in 1999 and funded from the state’s

by two interns, seniors Holli Charbonneau and Ashley Mynsberge, as well as two Aquinas graduates, Sarah Scollon ’02 and Emily (Schultz ’97) Eugster, both fulltime employees.

Aquinas’ interns and graduates have found the Institute an exciting, rewarding place to work.

Charbonneau is involved in a number of projects, and several relate to prostate cancer research.

“I love the work because it allows me to continually think about science, particularly in the summer” (when she isn’t in school), she said. “It’s definitely a wonderful experience. We’re doing important things here—someday the work

Trustee Lori Bush passes the 20-mile mark at the New York marathon.

AQ Trustee Setting a Steady Pace Imagine moving along for three hours and 54 minutes, knowing you’ve only gone 26.2 miles. Now, picture 32,000 others going the same way! What you

Charbonneau: “We’re doing important things here.”

Charbonneau (l) and Mynsberge (m) talk with James Doyle, Aquinas professor of biology.

settlement with the tobacco companies, includes the state of Michigan, state universities, and, as the hub of the west anchor, the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI).

When it opened its doors, the VARI quickly established itself as a premier medical research facility with the primary goal of learning more about cancer in order to improve human health. As the Institute’s first director, Aquinas Trustee Dr. Luis Tomatis created opportunities for area college science majors by establishing internship positions that would provide real-life work experience.

Aquinas College is currently represented at the Institute

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have is a marathon. And if it were November, you’d be in New York.

That’s where Aquinas Trustee Lori Bush of Holland was last November 3rd. The New York Marathon was her third major race.

Her best marathon time was 3:43 at the Bayshore marathon in Traverse City in May 2002. She admits being disappointed with her Big Apple finish of 3:54. Still, she finished 7,941 out of 31,835 runners, which put her in the front quarter of the pack at 1,297 of 10,210 female runners. She was willing to concede, however, that the incredible excitement that accompanied participation in the event made up any shortfall in her performance.

The winning time for men was 2:13 while the fastest finisher among women competitors was about 2:23.

What’s next? Lori has set her sights on the Boston Marathon in April.

We’ll let you know how she does.

2003 Board Meetings Tuesday, March 18 Noon to 4 p.m.

Lacks Center, Room 141

Tuesday, May 27 Noon to 4 p.m.

Jarecki Center Piazza/ Lacks Center Room 141

John Cummiskey Remembered

Mynsberge: “It’s a great learning experience.”

we’re doing could lead to the cure of a disease.” Unlike classroom lab work, she said, “This is real.”

And it builds upon experience gained at school. “Aquinas gave me the background in biology and helped me realize that I was interested in pursuing the sciences,” said Eugster, who earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Aquinas and then a master’s degree

John W. Cummiskey, Aquinas Board Trustee Emeritus, died on November 11, 2002. He served on the Board for 12 years beginning in 1985. He chaired the Academic and Faculty Affairs Committee of the Board and remained an active member of the committee until his death. He received the Aquinas Reflection Award in 1994.

Cummiskey, a founding member of the Grand Rapids law firm Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, P.L.C., was a vigorous advocate of legal aid for the poor. He was former president of the State Bar of

Michigan and a member of the American Bar Association Board of Governors.

His dedication to ensuring access to justice for all earned him many honors including the National Legal Aid and Defender Association’s Arthur Van Briesen Award, the State Bar of Michigan’s Robert P. Hudson Award and a Special Presidential Honor from the State Bar of Michigan. In 1982, the State Bar created the John W. Cummiskey Award, given annually to a Michigan lawyer for exemplary pro bono service.

His wife, Eleanor E. Cummiskey, and four children survive him.

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John W. Cummiskey

Spring 2003 – Trustee Profiles

Campus News – Spring 2003

Peter Wege Receives Michigan Environmental Award The Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) presented Peter M. Wege, Aquinas College Trustee Emeritus, with the Helen and William Milliken Distinguished Service Award at an Oct. 16 reception in Lansing. The MEC Award, its most prestigious, was given to Wege for his lifelong and steadfast commitment to environmental causes.

Wege was cited for his continuing dedication to environmental and educational philanthropy. The Wege Founda-

tion, which he founded in 1967, has dedicated millions of dollars to environmental research and advocacy organizations.

Wege’s highly regarded contributions to understanding the positive relationship between business and ecology are represented in his 1998 book, Economicology: The Eleventh Commandment.

Lana Pollack, president of the Michigan Environmental Council, described Wege as “a visionary and a legend.” She said his creativity and unwavering dedication to the

Peter Wege with MEC award

environment have inspired and aided generations of activists and business leaders.

Honorary Doctorates to Be Awarded to Trustees at 2003 Commencement John C. Canepa is being honored with an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree for his lifelong service on numerous educational, cultural, community and business-related boards.

Canepa is a consulting principal for Crowe Chizek and Company LLP, working primarily with financial institutions.

He was appointed president of Old Kent Financial when it was formed in 1972 and served as its

Kay Donnelly Trustee Emerita (Board 1987- 2000)

Katherine (Kay) S. Donnelly will be honored Saturday, May 10, with an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, for her lifetime

John C. Canepa Trustee Emeritus (Board 1982-1994)

Chairman/CEO from 1982 until his retirement in 1996. During that of service to professional and community organizations as well as to Aquinas College.

Born in Grand Rapids, Katherine Shields married John Fenlon Donnelly. She is a founding member of the Holland League of Women Voters, helped to establish Hospice of Holland and has served on boards of the Holland Area Arts Council and the Holland Community Foundation.

She currently serves on the advisory council for the Snite

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time, the corporation achieved 22 years of record earnings and dividends and its assets grew from $800 million to over $15 billion.

Prior to Grand Rapids, Canepa worked at banks in New York and Ohio. His banking career spans over 40 years.

He received his B.A. in economics from Harvard University in 1953 and later earned his M.B.A. from New York University.

John and his wife, Marie, have four children and 11 grandchildren.

Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame.

Before the sale of Donnelly Corporation to Magna International in October of 2002, Katherine Donnelly served as the chair of the corporation’s Donations Committee and is a former member of the Board of Directors.

She earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan where she did graduate work in sociology.

Donnelly has three children and seven grandchildren.

in molecular biotechnology from Wayne State University. The research technician is currently working on projects involving protein microarray technology, which she said allows the researchers to “look at many different gene profiles and compare them to tumor tissue.”

Scollon, an assistant research scientist who began working with the Institute as an intern, said, “I came in with a strong science background. I’m very happy with the knowledge I gained at Aquinas.

The lab work gave me the basic

skills I needed, so I was at least comfortable when I started here.”

The Institute was a new world Scollon thought. “I’ve probably been working with people from at least 10 countries,” she noted. “I have definitely learned a lot about cancer research here. And beyond the science itself, I’ve grown so much; I’ve been exposed to so many cultures, which helped me mature and learn about myself and the world—and want to know more about it.”

When discussing the Aquinas students involved with the

Institute, Aquinas Professor of Biology James Doyle, who teaches genetics and micro-biology, was full of praise. “All of these students are very self-directed and highly motivated,” Doyle said. The students did much of the work themselves to attain their positions at the Institute.

In summing up the opportunity available at the VARI, perhaps Mynsberge, who is currently working with yeast genetics at the Institute, stated it best: “It’s a great learning experience.”

Nursing Students Get Presidential Treatment on Ethics Third-year students in the College’s nursing program are getting some presidential treatment. President Harry Knopke is teaching a medical ethics class to a group of 10 students this spring semester. Dr. Knopke was associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Alabama’s medical college and a professor of Behavioral and Community Medicine throughout his 20 years there. Medical Ethics was one of his areas of teaching and research during his tenure at Alabama.

The students here comprise the first group moving through the nursing program established in collaboration with the University of Detroit-Mercy and Saint Mary’s Mercy Medical Center.

Aquinas and UD-M each have responsibility for half of the baccalaureate curriculum. Aquinas is providing the traditional foundational arts and science courses, including Knopke’s

President Knopke lectures nursing students on medical ethics.

medical ethics course. UD-M is directing the advanced science and clinical course work that makes use of Saint Mary’s clinical facilities.

The program began with a group of eight students in 2000 and has grown to an enrollment of 53 this year. This collaboration is unique among nursing programs nationwide and will be featured in the fall 2003 issue of Aquinas magazine.

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Spring 2003 – Campus News

Trustee Profiles – Spring 2003

A New Major: Sustainable Business

raise the bottom line for these companies,” he predicted.

“This is a cutting edge kind of program,” he added. “I think it fits with the goals of this college and will give Aquinas a higher profile in this community. It’s an opportunity for Aquinas to reconnect with the business component of West Michigan.”

When exploring the concept, Balog met with community leaders; perspective program

By Laura Bennett-Kimble ’95 Contributing Writer

Can industry lessen its impact on the environment and still make a profit? Yes, it can, according to Matthew Tueth, Ph.D., coordinator of Aquinas College’s newest undergraduate degree program, the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Business.

While the principles of sustainable business—balancing economic growth with responsible environmental practices—have been around for more than a dozen years, formal education is hard to find. Provost and Dean of Faculty C. Edward Balog, Ph.D., came up with the concept for the program

… balancing economic growth with responsible environmental practices.

-Principles of sustainable business

last summer, when he began looking into combining business education with the sciences to create something new. Little did he know that he was also helping to create something unusual.

“I don’t know of another undergraduate program that addresses the principles of sustainable business the way that we’re doing,” Tueth said. In fact, even graduate programs in this expanding field are rare, with the University of Michigan, Cornell University, and

Dr. Matt Tueth, coordinator of new degree program.

Yale University offering the only comparable programs nationwide, according to Tueth.

Multidisciplinary in nature, the new major integrates science, business, and environmental studies. “It grows directly out of our mission to provide a liberal arts education with a global perspective dedicated to the common good,“ Balog said.

Aquinas already offers two environmental majors and six business programs. Consequently 15 of the classes required for the new program are already in place, Tueth said. New classes are industrial ecology, sustainable energy systems, environmental business management, environmental regulatory compliance, environmental economics and policy, and an internship.

Graduates of the program will be familiar with the principles of sustainable business and able to help their employers not only be environmentally conscious, but also profitable, according to Tueth.

“What’s going to get [future graduates] hired is their ability to

8

What’s going to get [future graduates] hired is their ability to raise the bottom line for these companies.”

away, Wolters’ chose to live on campus. She found that faculty and students were very accepting, but because she was still unable to do simple things, like dressing herself, she had to have a personal attendant 24 hours a day. It wasn’t until a few years later that she decided to be totally independent.

“I wanted to go on a date,” she said. “How was I going to do that when someone had to follow me around all the time?”

Kate went to Mary Free Bed as an outpatient, where they taught her to dress and cook for herself and do all the things that were necessary for her to become an independent woman. For the first time, Kate was, literally, on her own.

It was this independence that led to her meeting Richard Wolters, a local hardware store owner, whom she later married.

They were married for 14 1/2 years

- Coordinator of new program Dr. Matt Teuth

donors; representatives from companies including Dow Chemical, General Motors and Steelcase; and faculty from the schools of Business and Science, and he received encouragement from all sides. Industry representatives expressed interest in hiring graduates of the program.

Aquinas received a $25,000 donation to help with start-up costs. And serious discussions regarding scholarships are already taking place.

For more information on the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Business, visit www.aquinas.edu.

until Richard died last year after a very long, brave fight with complications of Hepatitis C. “When you have a disability, it’s a natural thought process that your life will be different in every way including relationships. I didn’t think that I’d have a relationship or get married, especially to someone as caring as Richard was.”

Besides being in the final term of her tenure as chair of the Aquinas College Board of Trustees, these days find Kate learning how to deal with the grief of losing her husband.

“I’ve got to believe I’m going to miss Richard forever. I’m not at the point where I cry every day, but I still cry. I try to keep busy.... some might think I’m too busy but I have plenty of time even in the middle of meetings to grieve. I believe that if you put it off, it will come back, but if you go through it, you go through to the other side.”

AQ Trustee Marty Allen Receives Notre Dame Honor

Martin J. Allen, Jr.

Martin J. Allen, Jr., member and former chair of the Aquinas College Board of Trustees, was recognized with a prestigious honor from the University of Notre Dame Alumni Association last fall.

Allen received the Harvey G. Foster Award during halftime at the Notre Dame–Michigan football game on September 14.

The Foster Award is given annually to a Notre Dame graduate distinguished for athletic

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She lives in the beautiful house that they built together on the Thor napple River. Richard’s workshop is in the back, every tool exactly where he left it. And although the house might seem big for her alone, there are just too many happy memories there to let it go, she said.

They designed every detail of the home to make things easier for her. The counters in the kitchen are lower, making the coffee pot easier to reach; the tub is sunken into the floor, making it easier for her to get in and out; and, her mattresses are close to the floor.

And, the doorway? It’s huge, at least eight feet tall and made entirely of heavy wood. When you visit, you can’t help but be struck by the image of this tiny woman in the doorway. And yet, she fills it entirely with warmth, reputation and success. “Just plain” Kate?

Never.

endeavors and community service. Allen graduated from Notre Dame in 1958 and is past president of the ND Club of Grand Rapids.

Allen has also been honored with commendations from the President of the United States and the Governor of Michigan for his exceptional volunteer services in the fields of education, human services, community development and in the arts and cultural activities.

Allen and his wife, Susan, have two sons and a daughter.

His son, Stephen, is a 1990 Aquinas graduate.

Trustee Profiles

Spring 2003 –

Kate Wolters, Chairperson, Aquinas College Board ofTrustees

– Spring 2003

Profile: Kate Wolters ’78, Alumna, Trustee, Friend

by Michelle A. Bottrall ’90, Contributing Writer

Kate Pew Wolters ’78: chair of the Aquinas Board of Trustees, executive director of the Steelcase Foundation and a champion in the State Senate for those with disabilities. An incredible woman. Some have called her unstoppable, formidable, and even remarkable. But she prefers Kate, “just plain” Kate.

Well, “just plain” Kate is anything but that to the people who know her.

She was born in 1957 with diastrophic dwarfism; she stands only threefoot-six-inches tall, her hands, feet and legs are deformed and she suffers daily pain from osteoarthritis. She gets around with the help of a rolling walker that does double duty as a chair. And yet, despite her disablements, she has an unbelievable list of accomplishments under her name. She has served for 11 years as a trustee of Aquinas College, the last three as chairwoman.

Wolters is a member of numerous boards. They include the Steelcase Foundation, Founders Trust Personal Bank, the Disability Funders Network, Indian Trails Camp, Michigan State University, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund. She also is the president of the Kate and Richard Wolters Foundation. In addition, she received a presidential appointment to the National Council on Disability, not once, but twice. Her list of accomplishments can be intimidating.

Yet, soon after talking to her, you find yourself forgetting that she is small, or disabled or even so accomplished.

Instead, her wry sense of humor and directness win you over. And, when you leave, you’ll remember Kate, the woman.

Wolters’ maternal grandfather, Walter Idema, started Steelcase with Peter Martin Wege, the father of our lead benefactor, and David Hunting. Kate, herself, is part owner of the furniture company and was asked recently to be on the board at Steelcase.

When asked if her disabilities have held her back, she responds, “I don’t know if it’s a woman thing or a disability thing or that I’m just being stupid. And I can be stupid. But I do think I have to try extra hard.”

Aquinas College was the first school Kate attended that was not strictly for people with disabilities. She says she was thrown into this institution, learning about philosophy, psychology and all those things that she “didn’t have a freakin’ clue about.” Early on, she was placed on academic probation, but quickly learned how to study and went on to earn a master’s degree in social work at Michigan State University.

Wolters says that her time at Aquinas College led her to one of the biggest events in her life. Although her parents only lived five minutes

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Attendees at the First Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

Campus Life Director Jessie Grant presents inaugural MLK Community Service Award to Sharon Smith ’80, Aquinas’ director of Career and Counseling Services.

New MLK Program Bridges Ties Between AQ and Grand Rapids

By Jessie Grant, Director of Campus Life

Aquinas College continues to build closer ties with the Grand Rapids community. The latest evidence of that effort came on January 14 with the introduction of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

Developed in conjunction with the Aquinas College Office of Multicultural Affairs, the MLK celebration program ties into the Dominican tradition of hospitality and social justice. This year, 80 guests listened to the inspiring wor ds of Dr. Fannie Brown, executive director of the Coming Together Project, a national clearing house created to bring people together to address race relations in their communities. Her words invoked the audience to

reflect on Dr. King and to act on injustices they see in their daily lives.

In honor of Dr. King’s legacy, the Office of Multicultural Affairs created an award to recognize individuals for their community service. The inaugural award went to Sharon Smith ’80, director of Career and Counseling Services at Aquinas. She was honored for her numerous social justice contributions to both Aquinas and Grand Rapids communities and for providing continual support to those in need. Smith said that she knows the needs first hand and is compelled to repay what “many people did for me.”

Awele Makeba Performs on Campus On January 23, Aquinas College welcomed Awele Makeba to campus for a performance of her one-woman stage play “Rage is not a 1-Day Thing.” Makeba, an internationally known actor, playwright, storyteller, awardwinning recording artist and educator, is a “truth-teller” and an artist for social change.

The performance, sponsored by the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Study Center, tells the story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott as it was experienced by four influential African-American women. The

Awele Makeba and Dr. HaworthHoeppner, director of the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Study Center.

story is told primarily through the voice of 15-year-old Claudette Colvin, who would not give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus nine months before Rosa Parks’ arrest for the same act.

“Rage” examines the impact of exclusion, hatred and violence under segregation and helps audiences to understand racism’s legacy and continuing influence. The play is based on oral histories, interviews, court transcripts, memoirs and biographies.

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Spring 2003 – Campus News

Aquinas Takes Lead In Developing New Deacons For Diocese

By Tonya Schafer ’02 Contributing Writer

When his father died at 63, Denny Williams ’64 made a vow.

Upon retirement, he would

Deacon candidate Denny Williams

commit himself to service of the faith that had been a source of strength for so many years.

Last year, Williams retired from his position as Chairman of the Williams Group, the successful business he started years ago, and enrolled in the Diaconate Formation Program offered by the Diocese of Grand Rapids.

The Grand Rapids man joined 23 others from around West Michigan whose desire to serve has led them to become deacons.

These lay members of the Catholic Church conduct outreach and assist in the celebration of Mass, and form an integral part of the faith community, according to Deacon Mike Dordan, the program’s director.

“When we understand that the primary role of the deacon is service to the marginalized, the needy, those overlooked or avoided by the majority, we can recognize that there is a lot of

Development – Spring 2003

room for deacons in our diocese,” Dordan said.

Last fall, Williams and the other deacon candidates, some accompanied by spouses who also registered for courses, enrolled in the Academic Formation component of the Diaconate Program conducted by Aquinas College.

They take classes in subjects ranging from Liturgy, Scripture, Introductory Theological Methodology, to Christian Morality, each of which is what “anyone preparing for a serious ministry in the church needs,” said Sister Amata Fabbro, O.P., chair of the College’s Theology Department, who directed the design of the curriculum. Full-time Aquinas faculty members and diocesan priests who have adjunct faculty appointments teach the courses.

Courses can be taken for Aquinas College credit or continuing education units.

Tuition is $900 per course, half of which is sponsored by the diocese and the other half assumed by the student.

The diocese had sponsored a Diaconate-training program in the 1970s that continued through

the early 1990s when interest subsided. Several years later, Bishop Robert Rose created a committee to evaluate reinstituting the program in light of the changing demographics of the diocese, including the increasing numbers of Catholics living in the diocese and the decreasing numbers of priests available for traditional ministries. Aquinas participated in the planning effort because the diocese has had a long and favorable working relationship with the College and looks to it for substantive educational offerings.

The College’s formal involvement began in September 2002.

This academic program was instituted with the help of a major grant from Camille Cebelak, a prominent diocesan laywoman and Catholic leader.

Future plans include curricula for a three-year discernment program and a three-year post-deaconate special study program.

Williams expressed gratitude for the program’s revival. “If it is God’s will that I be ordained a deacon, I will serve at the pleasure of my bishop in whatever capacity he should choose.”

Grants for New Initiatives

By Steven de Polo Grants Associate Director

When new projects at Aquinas are too experimental to be included in the general fund budget, that’s when I step in. As the grants officer, I help the faculty identify grant opportunities. But, applying for a grant is as much an art as it is a science. There needs to be a balance between the vision of our professors with the interests of our alumni and donors.

On my first day, Mike McDaniel, associate professor of mathematics, pulled me aside in the Academic Building. He told me how he wanted to help girls become more confident in math. I did some research and found several foundations interested in reversing math inequity for young women while numerous technology companies are desperate to

Steven de Polo

digitally, process it onto a CD in a multi-track format, and download recording tools from the Internet As you can see, obtaining grants can be an adventure. Please let us know if you would like to help with the Math Camp for Girls or if you have information about other grant opportunities. Contact me at 616-459-8281, ext. 4507 or via email at depolste@aquinas.edu.

AQ Remembers Stella Ferris with Named Scholarship

By Bill Weitzel Director of Planned Giving

Deacon candidates immersed in academic component of Diaconate Formation Program for Diocese.

Stella Ferris ’88

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hire female employees. Working with former camp directors and female civic leaders, McDaniel and I drafted a proposal for a two-week summer Math Camp for Girls.

The camp will enroll 24 seventh and eighth grade girls, utilizing female math majors as counselors.

After several presentations, we received $2,000 from the Nokomis Foundation and $5,000 from the Michigan Women’s Foundation. We are waiting for answers from a number of other potential donors.

In mid-Februar y, Aquinas College also received word of an $8,000 grant to support the Music Department from the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation.

The monies include $5,000 to help upgrade the recording studio in the Art and Music Center and $3,000 to purchase new materials for the Woodhouse Library. When completed, the Studio will allow students to record live music

Estelita “Stella” Ferris touched everyone she met, especially her friends, students and family. Stella, who served as Aquinas’ multicultural director from 1989 until 2002, had a life-long love of travel adventure and was very involved in the College’s service-learning trips to Haiti, Mexico and Appalachia to serve others in need.

55

Stella died on January 26, 2002.

Recently, a group of her friends and co-workers established a memorial scholarship that would provide financial assistance to minority students who demonstrate caring and consideration towards service learning projects.

Her pursuit for justice, knowledge and peace was exemplified in her courage and support for the disadvantaged.

Spring 2003 – Development

Campus News – Spring 2003

New Corporate Relations Director Brings Energy, Experience to Aquinas Ali Erhan, Ph.D., joined the Aquinas Development Department last fall as its director of Corporate Relations. He’s new to his current position but he’s no stranger to the College. He has been an adjunct faculty member for the last nine years teaching business and economics courses.

Erhan spent 13 years in corporate banking and investments in West Michigan.

Erhan began his career as a foreign currency trader for

Ali Erhan, Ph.D.

Barclays Bank International in Great Britain while he attended graduate classes at London School of Economics as a Fullbright scholar. He came to the United States, where he completed his

master degree in Applied Economics at Western Michigan University. He began his doctoral coursework at Michigan State University and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Istanbul in International Economics and Finance.

Erhan plans to use his extensive community connections and professional relationships to enhance Aquinas’ recognition among West Michigan businesses.

He hopes to tap both alumni and College benefactors to lend a hand as team members to reach this very meaningful goal. You can reach Ali Erhan at 616- 459-8281, ext. 4410, or via e-mail at

Reprinted with permission. Copyright Grand Rapids Magazine, December 2002, Gemini Publications. (Tamber Moore, lower left)

erhanali@aquinas.edu

Future Community Leaders Identified at Aquinas

Sophomore Joe McCarthy in his 1959 Aquinas yearbook picture.

McCarthy Scholarship The memory of Joe W. McCarthy ’63 is celebrated each year through the awarding of the Joe McCarthy

Memorial Scholarship to student athletes on the Aquinas Golf Team. Joe died in 1994 and a group of Joe’s classmates established a scholarship fund in 1995.

Each year an appeal is sent to Joe’s

54

classmates and his scholarship fund is nearing $30,000. As a part of the 2002 Homecoming Event a golf outing and dinner were held to honor Joe and memories of his life with us.

Each year, Grand Rapids Magazine, a local community publication, highlights future leaders with a special segment, “20 Under 40.”

This year, four of those on its list have ties with Aquinas. These young people, according to Grand Rapids Magazine, were selected not only for their work but also “for their idealism and creative influence on the new GR.” The publication calls them “energetic, forward-thinking, creative and generous” persons who are building the Grand Rapids of the future.

Among those on the list: Tamber Moore (pictured on magazine cover above; seated left) is a former administrative assistant in the Woodrick Institute and is now the Community Outreach manager at The Delta Strategy.

She’s working on community

initiatives to reduce poverty and is “passionate” about healing racism in Grand Rapids.

Brigid Avery ’01 (pictured right), an admissions representative at Aquinas, was identified as a “woman of character” who “walks the talk.” Avery, the magazine states, is on a “mission to increase diversity” at Aquinas College and in the greater Grand Rapids community. She developed a summer program for Detroit public high school students called “Detroit Rewarding Youth Achievement,” inviting them to experience college life at Aquinas. This year, the number of incoming freshmen of color increased six percent.

Liz Keegan ’98 (pictured right, sitting on floor), a partner in program management in the Community Leadership Institute at Aquinas, organizes dialogues on contemporary issues and spends her time promoting diversity.

Grand Rapids Magazine characterized Keegan as “one of these incredibly bright and dedicated young leaders who is breaking the mold or helping to break the mold of traditional leadership.”

Steve Robbins (pictured right, seated left) is the director of Woodrick Institute for the Study of Racism and Diversity at Aquinas College. Robbins works to heal racism and promote diversity through workshops he developed to foster community sensitivity in those areas. In the article,

Brigid Avery

President Harry Knopke described Robbins as creative and passionate about what he does and with a “broad perspective on the community ... and what a community means.”

Steve Robbins (lower left) and Liz Keegan (lower right)

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Spring 2003 – Campus News

Development – Spring 2003

Wege Speaker Series To Welcome International Urban Preservationist Aquinas College welcomes John Knott Jr., a noted urban renewal preservationist, to campus in April.

He’s the seventh speaker for the Annual Wege Foundation Speaker Series, to be held on Tuesday, April 15 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Wege Student Center Ballroom.

Knott, CEO of Noisette Company John Knott Jr. of Charleston, South Carolina, is a noted expert in the field of historic preservation, specializing in ecologically sound and energy efficient design.

Noisette, a community-driven, and environmentally sensitive redevelopment company, is setting new standards for urban renewal.

The company is involved in the nation’s largest urban renewal effort, the Noisette Project, on 3,000 acres of North Charleston’s southern end. The 20-year project, expected to cost $1 billion, is based on urban renewal without displacing neighborhood residents.

The project aims to help residents upgrade their homes and increase the number of homeowners in that community.

www.aquinas.edu/president/commencement/

C O M M E N C E M E N T

2 0 0 3 • 2 0 0 3

It’s hard to believe that the school year is near its end. Commencement is less than two months away.

Behind the scenes planning for graduation has been underway since early January.

Noted author, historian and civil rights activist Roger Wilkins will deliver this year’s com-

12

mencement address. Currently, he is a professor of history at George Mason University in Virginia.

We encourage you to visit the Commencement Web site for details on the week of activities including the graduation ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m.

Ruth Eberhard’s nephew, Bob Sullivan, pictured with his daughters, Catherine M. Sullivan ’84 (l) and Therese Sullivan Seeley (r), following last October’s dedication ceremony.

dedicated in her name last fall. A bequest from her estate has also endowed the Ruth Rasmus Eberhard Athletic Scholarships that will be awarded each year to outstanding student athletes.

Over the years, Eberhard was a strong supporter for Aquinas and assisted with the Catholic Junior College Scholarship Committee and other reunion activities. She died in October 2001.

Ruth Rasmus Eberhard Hall Dedication On a crisp October morning at Aquinas College, a dream held by the late Ruth Rasmus Eberhard was realized. As a 1936 alumna of Catholic Junior College (now Aquinas College), she wanted to leave a legacy to the education she received from the Dominican Sisters. The Ruth Rasmus Eberhard Hall, one of the Ravine apartment buildings that provides housing for 40 students, was

(l-r) Barbara Witham McCargar, assistant professor of music; Paul Brewer, Ph.D., associate professor of music; Sr. Catherine Williams, O.P., associate professor of music; and, Ruth Rasmus Eberhard (center) in this 2001 photo.

Co-chairs Drs. Greg Gilmet ’73 and Tom Zwier ’76 present gift to the scholarship fund during the annual Dr. Poje Scholarship Dinner.

Poje Scholarship Committee Raises $60,000 Co-chairs of an alumni committee that raised funds for the Poje Scholarship, announced that $60,000 was collected from former students of the late Dr. John Poje for the scholarship fund. Poje, who died in 1989, began teaching at

Dr. John Poje (1915–1989)

Aquinas in 1950 and continued for 36 years. Affectionately referred to as “Doc Poje,” he befriended, inspired and guided the career decisions of many of his students. The scholarship was established in 1988.

53

Music, Reminiscing, Scholarship, Mark Ireland Study Abroad Alumni Reunion Under the guidance of Sr. Alice Wittenbach, O.P., the Ireland Alumni Committee organized a 30th Anniversary Reunion as a part of Homecoming Weekend.

Class representatives for 13 out of 29 Ireland classes have committed themselves to building an Ireland alumni network. The Ireland Alumni Reunion was celebrated with Irish music from Fohnmoor along with Irish fare and beverages. The Ireland Alumni Committee also established the

Ireland alums share fond memories.

Gertrude Horgan Ireland Alumni Scholarship to honor Miss Horgan, the Aquinas instructor who began the program in 1972.

The scholarship will provide financial assistance for Aquinas students to study in Ireland as well as help students from Tully Cross come to Aquinas.

Ireland Alumni Committee members pose with President Knopke after establishing the Horgan Scholarship.

They are (l-r) Sr. Alice Wittenbach, O.P., Ph.D.; Ron Pederson; Patricia ThomeWoodhouse ’88; Lanae Gill ’01; and, Joelle Kwiatkowski ’02.

Spring 2003 – Development

Peter and Pat Cook are honored with 2002 Reflection Award.

Reflection Of Values

By Ellen Harburn ‘01 Contributing Writer

In the Dominican tradition and spirit of leadership and service, Aquinas College takes time each year to honor those whose dedication and commitment to the community embody that spirit. We call it Reflection.

Campus News – Spring 2003

Peter C. and Emajean (Pat) Cook were honored with the 2002 Reflection Award. The Cooks, lifelong residents of Grand Rapids, truly emulate the values of Aquinas: commitment, vision, service, loyalty and integrity.

Peter is the former chairman of Mazda Great Lakes and Pat has volunteered her time and service to the local community. The couple was recognized at the annual Reflection Award Dinner September 5 at Browne Center on the Aquinas Campus.

“Peter and Pat are examples of enduring love and exhibit the strength that family bonds create,” said Richard DeVos, the master of ceremonies and a friend of the Cook’s. “Throughout the years of creating a successful business and being committed to developing the community in which they live through philanthropy and volunteerism, family was always

the foundation that made the successes possible,” he said.

The Reflection Award recognizes the positive values of our community. The Awards Dinner also serves as the College’s main fundraising event with proceeds supporting student scholarships. In 2001, Aquinas created an endowed scholarship in the name of the Reflection Award recipient(s).

This year, the event provided $68,000 for a scholarship in the name of Peter C. and Pat Cook.

The ideals the Cooks have inspired in the community, their professional lives and in their family will now be reflected in the graduates of Aquinas College who benefit from Peter and Pat’s continuing generosity and spirit of giving.

On September 4, 2003, Aquinas will bestow its Reflection Award honors on Miner S. and Mary Ann Keeler of Grand Rapids.

in the Jarecki Center. A record number of guests attended the fundraising event.

In the true spirit of the season, our guests helped to raise more

receiving some form of financial assistance.

Among the items on the auction block: a six-month lease on a 2003 Honda Accord, a oneweek stay in Vail Valley Arrowhead, Colorado, an autographed shoe from Grant Hill and a basketball signed by the entire 2000–01 Orlando Magic basketball team. There were well over 100 items up for bid. To help keep the evening rolling along, the Honorable Sara J. Smolenski served as guest auctioneer for the live auction, raising spirits and the bidding!

Holiday Auction 2003 is expected to be a grand affair, as well. Look for details in the next edition of Aquinas magazine.

Holiday Auction attendees participate in the live auction.

Judge Sara Smolenski works to raise bids in the live auction.

Holiday Auction

By Ellen Harburn ’01 Contributing Writer

Aquinas College provided some early Christmas cheer this past holiday season with its annual Holiday Auction on November 7

than $27,500 for the Aquinas Fund, which supports scholarships for 85 percent of Aquinas students

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Dr. Roger Durham, associate professor of political science, confers with Model U.N. participant.

Modeling U.N. Spirit

By Kathy Fore, Aquinas Director of Special Gifts

Aquinas College’s political science students stormed into Chicago last November for the annual Model United Nations.

Thirty-one students attended the conference at the Hyatt Regency.

Aquinas’ Political Science department and POLIS, the political studies club, sponsored the trip. This year’s participants represented delegations from Vietnam, Afghanistan and Denmark.

More than 1,000 students from across around the world participated. They came from Nigeria, Greece, Canada, Ghana

Aquinas Maintains “Best Values” Ranking Among Colleges Aquinas College continues to be recognized as a “Best Values” college, according to annual rankings released by U.S. News and World Report. The College is positioned again on the prestigious “Best Values” list for 2003. “This annual college survey ranking reflects the academic quality of an institution and the extent to which it is affordable to students.

and Cameroon, as well as California, New York, Missouri, and Michigan. Model U.N. conferences bring college and university students together to role-play delegates from assigned countries.

In their fifth year of participation, Aquinas College students again performed extremely well. The Denmark delegation won an Outstanding Award on the Historical Security Council.

Delegates are judged on their ability to accurately portray their country’s policies ad positions on a number of important issues.

Knowledge of history, balance of power, alliances and diplomatic skill are fundamental. For example, in the Security Council the issues include the Indian-Pakistani arms race and conflict, the situation in

Kosovo and the ethnic cleansing in central Africa. Students must use diplomatic skills including nego-tiation, conflict resolution and debate. Knowledge and use of parliamentary procedure is also considered in the judging.

Aquinas students spend several weeks researching and developing their country’s positions and policies. They develop specific policy statements and practice writing United Nations resolutions.

To be a successful U.N. representative, knowledge of the structure and function of the United Nations is as crucial as their knowledge of a country’s positions.

Alumni Pat Miles ‘88, Dan Sherman ‘80 and Johann Vaz ‘88 also attended and shared their experiences with the students.

Student representatives debate issues in Model U.N. forum.

Each year, U.S. News and World Report conducts an exhaustive survey of colleges and universities across the United States. Analysis of survey responses results in detailed rankings, based on several qualifying factors, which are published in a special edition each fall. The list is designed to provide parents and students with objective information to help them decide which school best fits their educational needs.”

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Copyright 2002. Reprinted with permission from U.S. News and World Report.

Spring 2003 –

Development – Spring 2003

“We Remember” ceremony draws hundreds to Gerald R. Ford Museum on Sept. 11, 2002.

Remembrance and Hope ... One Year Later September 11 will be forever etched in the minds of Americans and people worldwide. The horrific events in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania in 2001 serve as a constant reminder that America is not immune to the determination of would-be terrorists.

Last September 11, the world paused to remember. Grand Rapids scheduled a community commemoration, “We Remember.”

Hundreds gathered in Ah-NabAwen Park at the Gerald R. Ford Museum on the banks of the Grand River. The ceremony was replete with music, brief speeches and a moment of silence to mark that moment when the first of two planes tore into one of the two World Trade Center Towers.

Aquinas Chancellor Sr. M. Aquinas Weber, O.P., ’58 delivered the invocation, reading from the Prophet Micah: “One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.”

Under sunny skies, Sr. Aquinas implored God to hear her words, “We carry in our hearts men and women who need Your gifts of love, wisdom and courage. We pray that all world leaders will treat differences as challenges to be resolved together.”

On campus, members of the Aquinas community took part in noontime service at the Shrine of Mary. Several dozen students, faculty and staff joined together in a moment of silence, then prayer and, finally, in song.

Among those participating was Abby Triebel, a senior transfer from New York who lost two uncles in the World Trade Center disaster. She shared with those in attendance a piece of poetry she wrote shortly after the tragedy.

Here’s an excerpt: How many innocent bodies are buried in the rubble?

How did the land of the free find itself in trouble?

Tears flow from my eyes as I think of all that has past.

How long will this horrible day last?

- Abby Triebel

In Minneapolis, Tim McGuire ‘71, the retired editor of the Minneapolis Star Tribune and an Aquinas Trustee, delivered brief remarks to those gathered for a church service on the anniversary.

An excerpt from his comments sum up the feelings of many: We must remember. We must move on.

We must live a life of peace and urge others to do the same. We must turn our backs on violence, revenge and hate. We must know that even when bad things happen, God will be with us if we let Him. Finally, we must not let the barbaric actions of a few zealots be the legacy of September 11. Rather, we must let all those selfless actions of courage, heroism and love stand as September 11’s most profound lesson.

-Tim McGuire ‘71

Aquinas College Chancellor Sr. M. Aquinas Weber, O.P., delivers the invocation.

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Theatre construction is moving at a measured pace and is expected to be finished on time in July. By mid-spring, most of the major construction elements will have been completed.

With construction nearly complete and Grand Opening plans underway, the collaborators are looking forward to the first year of programming.

The task was complex, but achieved through some diligent scheduling that involved the leaders of the three organizations.

The result: a schedule that entails four high school productions (Catholic Central in November and April and West Catholic in October and March), plus one joint Shakespeare festival in January.

Aquinas will develop six productions (October, November, December, February (2) and April) that would include joint efforts with Circle, such as children’s theatre and a holiday production.

Circle Theatre will have access to the building from May to September. As the schedule currently exists, there are only three dark, or open, weeks out of the entire year for the new space.

The glass-enclosed lobby and gazebo, completed this past winter, have given the theatre a vibrant new character.The exterior work, landscaping, parking and other groundwork will be completed in May and June.

The Grand Opening is set for July 28-August 2.

The inaugural performance, “Beehive,” will be presented by Circle Theatre August 6-9, 2003

“We’ve Saved a Seat for You” Campaign There’s still time to become involved. Reserve a seat for yourself or someone close to you. You can have a permanent display of your support by purchasing a theatre seat for $1,000 through the We’ve Saved a Seat for You chair campaign.

For more information, contact Kathy Fore, Director of Special Gifts, at 616-4598281, ext. 4423, or via e-mail

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at forekat@aquinas.edu. or visit our Web site and download a chair reservation form. Also, visit the Aquinas Web site main page at www.aquinas.edu for weekly progress reports on construction, including site photographs. There is a link on the main page or go to www.aquinas.edu/news/ theatre/.

Development

Spring 2003 –

– Spring 2003

CAMPUS CAMPUS EVENTS EVENTS

Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Construction, Grand Opening Planning, Programming Aquinas College welcomes a new theatre to campus this summer. In keeping with the Dominican tradition of inclusion, the theatre will house three distinct groups of players. The unique partnership between Aquinas College, Catholic Secondary Schools and Circle Community Theatre promises great opportunities for all participants.

While each dreamed of having its own theatre, the reality was that it could only be accomplished through a cooperative partnership. We believe this collaboration will serve as an example to other communities across the nation. Probably the most exciting aspect of our new theatre is that it will experience constant use.

A major Grand Opening is planned for August 6-9 on the College’s south grounds along Robinson Road. The first theatre performance will be Circle Theatre’s production of Beehive, which begins on August 13.

Visit the College’s Web site www.aquinas.edu for an update on theatre construction.

Grand Opening Week Activities Tuesday, July 29 Wednesay, July 30 Thursday, July 31 Friday, August 1

Saturday, August 2 Saturday, Sept. 27

Contractors, Architects, Builders Reception Ribbon Cutting and Major Donor Gala Chair Campaign Celebration Employees, Staff and Volunteers Reception Program (Aquinas College, Catholic Secondary Schools & Circle Theatre) Neighborhood Open House Alumni (Homecoming Weekend)

MARCH 2003 18,Tuesday Linda Nemec Foster Poetry Reading and Book Signing Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center 7 p.m.

Loutit Room,Wege Student Center. Free

26,Wednesday

St. Thomas Aquinas Week The traditional St. Thomas Aquinas Week (Jan. 27 - Feb. 1) celebration began on the right note with choral music, birthday cake and the annual Aquinas family picture in front of the Academic Building (above). Nine male students braved a frigid 18-degree temperature to pose for several pictures. The weeklong celebration also included, among other things, the faculty music recital, lectures, the Medieval Banquet and Theater, Monty Python’s Holy Grail Party and men’s and women’s basketball games against Cornerstone University.

The annual Dominican Heritage Mass honored faculty and staff who marked 25 years in service to the College. They included (L-R below) (Cindy Chapman, administrative assistant for the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; Dave Zenk, general maintenance/mechanic; Joyce LaFleur, director of Information Technology and Services; Woody Hoover, chair of the Business Department; and, Sr. M. Aquinas Weber, Chancellor).

Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center 3 p.m.

Donnelly Conference Center.

Free

29/30, Saturday/Sunday 30th Annual Jazz Festival Art and Music Center Saturday’s Concert: Sunny Wilkinson (Kretschmer) Sunday’s Concert: Randy Brecker (Wealthy Theatre) For information, call 616-459-8281, ext. 3030.

Artist’s rendering of interior lobby of new theatre.

Artist’s rendering of new Aquinas College Performing Arts Center.

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Speaker: Marie Wilson, President of the White House Project “Why Women Matter: The Path to Leadership”

15

Spring 2003 –

CAMPUS CAMPUS EVENTS EVENTS APRIL 2003 3, Thursday Speaker: Eric Pankey Award-Winning Poet Aquinas College Contemporary Writer Series, 7:30 p.m. Ballroom Wege Student Center. Free.

6, Sunday Aquinas Bachelor of Fine Arts Students’ Exhibit 2-4 p.m. Opening Reception Aquinas College Art and Music Center Gallery

15, Tuesday Wege Speaker Series John L. Knott, Jr. CEO Noisette Company Charleston, South Carolina 4 p.m. • Wege Center Ballroom

25, Friday Campus Day For high school juniors, seniors, and their families. E-mail: admissions@aquinas.edu

Alumni News – Spring 2003

Class of 2006 Orientation week in late August each year brings with it new faces and new challenges.

Fall of 2002 was no exception.

In fact, a near-record number of new students—over 360— arrived August 21. Near-perfect weather greeted them with sunny skies and temperatures hovering near 70.

Students, parents, faculty and staff pooled their efforts to ensure a smooth transition from home to college. They hauled boxes, clothing, TVs, refrigerators, bedding, computers, and personal items from family vehicles to dorm rooms.

By noon that day, most of the students were settled in their new digs. Lunchtime provided a break from the rush of moving and gave students a few more moments with mom and dad before they headed home.

Moving in

Arizona Alumni Celebrate

By Cecilia Cunningham Annual Fund Director

Aquinas Alumni gathered under a twinkling starlit sky at the gorgeous Wrigley Mansion in Scottsdale, Arizona, October 29 for the President’s reception.

Hosted by Jack Hebert ‘70 and his wife, Tami Lewis, the theme focused on fun and renewal of meaningful connections.

The Arizona Aquinas Alumni group is also helping to set the pace for chapters around the country for financial support of the College. Contributions for the Aquinas Fund and other special restricted gifts have reached nearly $8,000. All Aquinas Fund gifts directly

Aquinas alumni came together in Scottsdale, Arizona, last October.

support student scholarships, making a difference in the lives of students.

If you’re an alum interested in hosting a reception in the South-

www.aquinas.edu/

Project Unite

MAY 2003 10, Saturday Baccalaureate Mass • 10 a.m.

St. Robert of Newminster Church 6477 Ada Drive S.E. Commencement • 2 p.m.

Aquinas College Field House 1580 East Fulton

21, Wednesday Emeritus Evening Wege Sudent Center Dining Hall

Convocation

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west, please contact Cecilia A. Cunningham at 616-459-8281, ext. 4408, or 800-748-0186 (during regular office hours) or e-mail us at cunnicec@aquinas.edu.

Campus

Spring 2003 – Alumni News

Alumni Giving: The Time Is Now

By Julie Ridenour Vice President for Development

Eight centuries ago St. Thomas Aquinas urged the world “to contemplate the truth and to share the fruits of that contemplation.”

Those words are a lasting encouragement, aren’t they? And how do they apply today to the College that bears his name in a part of the world never contemplated by him?

There are some basic truths about Aquinas College that, regardless of your graduation year, can be applied across the generations: ✦ Aquinas College is committed to educating our students in the liberal arts tradition with a career emphasis; ✦ The College is steeped in a Catholic tradition that embraces inclusiveness in ecumenical fellowship; ✦ Aquinas provides living and learning environments that help

Class of 2006 Welcomed! students prepare themselves for a future of real-world risks; and ✦ Through service to others, the College links individuals to a wide range of opportunities, whether in academic, local or global communities.

When it comes to alumni support of Aquinas College there is another lesser recognized but no less important axiom: With an alumni giving level at 15 percent, Aquinas College alumni need to think about ways they can reinvest in the College which prepared them for the outside world.

Alumni are the key component of the Aquinas Fund. Alumni contributions work to strengthen the College into one of the Midwest’s finest Catholic universities.

As of January 30, 2003, the Aquinas Fund was at 71 percent of its $1.7 million financial goal.

Your Aquinas College Alumni Association understands the value of this concept—and that stronger alumni support will enhance the value of your degree.

As an organization, they are

Aquinas College welcomed graduates from 1952 and before at the Golden Saints Reunion brunch.

Golden Saints 1952 Class Reunion 1952 was a leap year. A new twodoor Buick Sedan sold for $2,280.

A loaf of bread was 16 cents.

Cotton-knit blouses were on sale at Sears for $1.98 each. Popular songs included: “Slow Poke” by Pee Wee King, “Wheel of Fortune”

by Kay Starr, “A Guy is a Guy” by

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committed to attracting 300 new alumni donors to the Aquinas Fund this year and hope you’ll help them reach their goal if you are among those who have not yet given to the College through the Fund.

So sit back and contemplate, as St. Thomas would have encouraged you to do, about the truths of Aquinas, of your time here and how your education has served you in life. Then we encourage you to remove the envelope inserted into this magazine, and return it to the College with a gift.

Your contribution will help Aquinas College provide the scholars of today with the financial assistance they need now.

For additional information, contact Cecilia Cunningham, director of the Aquinas Fund, at 616-459-8281, ext. 4408.

Doris Day and “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” by Lloyd Price.

Those few tidbits were among the conversations during the golden anniversary celebration held at Aquinas College last September. A Homecoming and Gala Weekend brunch was held for all Golden Saints alumni who graduated in, and before, 1952.

Sr. Jean Milhaupt, O.P., ’45, Aquinas archivist, gave a spirited review of the activities of the Class of 1952. The Class of 1953 will celebrate its 50th anniversary r eunion brunch on Sunday, September 28, 2003.

Getting settled

– Spring 2003

CAMPUS CAMPUS EVENTS EVENTS

Getting acquainted

JUNE 2003 23–27 • Mon–Fri Math/Science/Technology Camp For Girls in 7th and 8th Grades Call 459-8281, ext. 3665 Jazz Camp Call 616-459-8281, ext. 3401

JULY 2003 Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Opening

Time out for fun

Project Unite

Several College representatives noted that it was one of the most organized move-ins in recent memory. A number of parents pointed out that this type of personal assistance is not provided at other colleges they’ve visited.

Jessie Grant, the new director of Campus Life, was responsible for coordinating Orientation Week activities. He worked with dozens of faculty and staff from various College departments as well as with returning students to ensure a smooth transition for the freshmen.

The Orientation Team, headed

by Grant, was responsible for gathering volunteers, planning food, scheduling entertainment, reserving rooms for activities, coordinating Inquiry and Expression and working with community leaders in Eastown for the freshmen service project, Project Unite.

Congratulations to Grant and his team of volunteers for a seamless effort.

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7–11 • Mon–Fri Math/Science/Technology Camp For Girls in 7th and 8th Grades Call 459-8281, ext. 3665

AUGUST 2003 18, Monday Welcome Week/ Orientation begins

25,Tuesday First day of class

SEPTEMBER 2003 4,Thursday Reflection Award Dinner

NOVEMBER 2003 12, Wednesday Scholarship Dinner

Be sure to check the AQ Web site for details on events.

www.aquinas.edu

Student News

Spring 2003 –

Clement’s foster parents, Sandy and Jim Rademacher, share sentiments and stories during the graduation ceremony. Copyright 2002. The Grand Rapids Press. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Alumni News – Spring 2003

SHOPPING!!!

Clement Chiwaya: An Aquinas Success Story

Alumni Chicago Shopping Trip Set for 2003

By Laura Bennett-Kimble ‘95, Contributing Writer

The Aquinas College campus said goodbye to a familiar face in December when Clement Chiwaya graduated. Chiwaya, who zipped around campus on a battery-powered wheelchair for four years, making friends wherever he went, returned to his home in Malawi, a small, poverty-stricken country in southeastern Africa.

Because he wanted to go home as soon as possible to put his education to work helping the people in his village, Chiwaya wouldn’t be here for the traditional May graduation ceremonies. College officials decided to honor him with his own ceremony, so he wouldn’t miss the academic rite of passage. In a special reception December 16 in the Holmdene Boardroom, Aquinas College President Harry Knopke hooded Chiwaya before an audience that included his classmates, professors, friends, supporters and admirers. Chiwaya majored in political science and community leadership and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.

Chiwaya, who had polio, did not have a leadership role in his village of Mpondasi before he came to the United States. Foster parent Jim Rademaker said Chiwaya told him, “people like myself are seen as a liability in my country.”

Since entering Aquinas, Chiwaya developed a strong presence in Mpondasi, where he returned each summer during school breaks.

“Going back every summer as a leader – his community has seen him in a very different light,” said Eric Bridge ’92, coordinator of the College’s Service Learning program. Through his own efforts and the generosity of the people of Grand Rapids, Chiwaya has brought his village food, seedlings, cook stoves, education and enthusiasm.

He was involved in the installation of a clean water system in the village. He organized groups to train permaculture skills to create sustainable agriculture. He acquired a donated vehicle for his transportation as well as for medical emergencies. Working to educate his community, he has helped bring health education to a nation plagued by AIDS and other communicable diseases.

“He calls himself a humble peasant,” Knopke said. “But he’s so much more.”

The event was attended by more than 40 people, including a Grand Rapids Press reporter and photographer who gathered information for the newspaper’s Christmas Day cover story on Chiwaya. It was a time of reminiscences, good wishes, laughter, tears and goodbyes. Chiwaya spent much of the ceremony wiping his eyes with a tissue and smiling.

“This event is as much a family gathering as anything else,” Knopke said as he stood beside Chiwaya. “Clement, you’ve been a gift to this College.”

Raised and educated by the Catholic Bishop of his village because his mother could not support him, Chiwaya came to Grand Rapids in 1998 with a gift of $500 and the goal of attending college. Unlike many individuals from impoverished nations who leave their countries intending never to return, he came to Grand Rapids intending to do so.

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Domestic Problems played to huge audiences like this sold-out performance at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo.

“Andy used to go there to play his guitar and sing for the kids.

They loved it.” It is exactly this kind of cross-generational appeal that makes DP so special.

On December 31 at the Intersection in Eastown, DP played what was billed as their last show.

In a press release, Holtgrieve stated that Domestic Problems is “going to stop. Not going to ‘quit,’ not break up, but simply stop.”

Questioned about that statement, he explained that he didn’t want DP to be a bar band anymore.

Whatever lies ahead for band members, one thing is for sure, Domestic Problems made people feel good. There is something in their music that offers audiences a taste of true freedom.

Among the list of alums who have been associated with the band since its inception are: Job Grotsky ’95; Scott Hammontree ’00, manager; Christian Hauser ’94; Tadd Kimble ’95; Sarah Landry ’98; Josh Newman ’98; Katy Moore ’02, promotions and Seth York ’94.

If you’re already looking ahead to the next holiday shopping season, make sure you put Saturday, November 22, 2003, on that planning calendar. That’s the date of the annual alumni excursion to the Windy City for shopping, sightseeing, entertainment and, perhaps, some cultural stops.

Last fall, two buses carried 79 alums to Chicago for the daylong adventure.

Watch for more information on the 2003 Chicago Shopping Trip in the fall edition of Aquinas magazine.

For information regarding upcoming Alumni events, visit the alumni page on the Aquinas Web site at alumni@aquinas.edu or e-mail us at www.aquinas.edu/alumni/.

Invitation to Nominate for Aquinas College Hall of Fame The Aquinas College Historical Commission will continue to elect persons to the Aquinas College Hall of Fame each year. Alumni/alumnae will be selected on the basis of long-term or distinguished achievement in professionalism and/or service to the community. Non-alumni will be chosen for service within the College or support from outside.

To nominate one or more persons, please send: name, current address (if known), and qualifications. Include your own address and

telephone number. A committee of alumni, current and retired faculty and staff will select the honorees. Names of all nominees will be kept on file for consideration in the future.

Send your response by April 30 to: Aquinas College Historical Commission, c/o Jean Milhaupt, O.P., 1607 Robinson Rd. SE Grand Rapids MI 49506-1799 Telephone: (616) 459-8281, ext. 3525 e-mail: milhajea@aquinas.edu

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Spring 2003 – Alumni News

Student News – Spring 2003

Domestic Problems Plays Its Final Notes

By Nicole Selzer, Contributing Writer

Domestic Problems began as a group of guys jamming in the basement of St. Joe’s Hall in the early 90s. It appears now, however, that the band has played its final number. The group’s leader, Andy Holtgrieve ‘94, announced in late 2002 that Domestic Problems would disband.

Looking back, nobody knew then that those noisy guys in the basement would become one of the hottest bands to grace our music scene. They performed between 200 and 250 shows per year in such familiar places as Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Traverse City as well as in 32 states and hundreds of cities—Chicago, New York, Atlanta and Boston, among others.

Domestic Problems holds a special place in the hearts of many in the Aquinas community, from students and alumni to the staff and faculty, and even President Harry Knopke.

“I distinctly recall the first time I met Andy and the band and heard them play during our orientation week in 1997. Their energy was infectious, and the unique sound and consistently good music they created had an SRO welcome-

Most recent Domestic Problems members included Aquinas alums John Niedzielski ’97 (second from left), Bill Kenny ’94 (third from left) and Andy Holtgrieve ’94 (right).

back-to-school crowd at the Cook Carriage House asking for multiple encores,” remembered Knopke.

“I’ve been impressed with the evolution of their music as well as the obvious joy they take in performing it.”

President Knopke, who readily admits to being a fan, added, “they have been such outstanding representatives of Aquinas to countless audiences.”

Holtgrieve, lead singer and guitarist, studied business administration and communication at Aquinas.

The only time he actually studied music was during his guitar lessons with then-Professor Mike Hyde.

Domestic Problems is something that evolved from a mutual love of playing and creating music

for sheer enjoyment. It wasn’t until graduation that Andy and the other members of the band decided to perform professionally for a living. And that is what they did for five great years.

Aquinas College has not only been a second home to Holtgrieve, Bill Kenny ’94 and the other founding members of Domestic Problems, it has also been a place to learn and grow academically and personally, while being helped along by some of the finest people one could hope to find.Gary Kieff and David Weinandy, business and communication professors, respectively, influenced Holtgrieve, teaching him lessons that he used in running the business and the show. Sr. Ann Mason, O.P., taught him self-discipline. Former Aquinas President Paul Nelson always encouraged Andy to “follow your passion.” Sr. Alice Wittenbach, he recalled, was “just great.” And Stella Ferris, Andy fondly remembers, was one of his best friends. “She helped me to believe in myself.”

Domestic Problems created music that was enjoyed, not only by the adults on campus, but children as well. Paula Meehan, dean of Admissions remembers when her son, Michael, was in day care over in Donnelly.

SAVE THE DATE! Aquinas College Annual Alumni Association Golf Outing Who: Everyone When: June 21, 2003 • Shotgun 8 a.m.

Where: Boulder Creek Golf Club Grand Rapids, Michigan

MORE DETAILS SOON!!

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Doyle said Clement was always “cracking a joke” at the cafeteria where he worked. Krevda goodnaturedly recalled how Chiwaya “chased me in his wheel-chair” in the dormitory halls during his freshman year.

“He’s been such a gift to us,” said a teary-eyed Sandy Rademaker, who with her husband Jim was a foster parent to Chiwaya during his years in Grand Rapids.

“Everyone has supported him because of who he is.

I’ve never seen one ounce of self-pity in him.”

Bishop Robert Rose congratulates Chiwaya following graduation ceremonies.

“It’s rare for people who come to a more prosperous country to go back home,” said Chiwaya, who wanted to return and use his education to help effect positive change.

“Clement took the road less traveled,” said The Dominican Sisters provided funds to Chiwaya Roger Durham, an for his Malawi Project. They include: (back row, l-r) Janet Mish, Sr. Diane Dehn, Sr. Ottilia Schaub and associate professor of Sr. Sr. Jean Kramer. (front row, l-r) Sr. Mary Lucille, political science who Clement and Sr. Aquinas Weber. spoke at the ceremony.

“Clement is breaking [the “brain “He doesn’t know he has special drain”] trend, and we’re very proud needs because he’s always helping of that.” others,” said Robert Woodrick.

Chiwaya left a permanent mark “He is a living example of what it on the Aquinas community. means to be a caring individual.”

“It’s [Chiwaya’s departure] is Turning toward Chiwaya, Woodgoing to be a huge loss,” said junior rick spoke sentiments that many Jim Vote. He, along with junior in the room shared, “Clement, it Matt Krevda and sophomore has been my privilege and honor Maureen Doyle, attended the to know you. May God always be ceremony to honor their friend. with you.”

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Pictured left to right: Sarah Van Hall, Casa Hogar member, and Allison Lindemyer, organization president, display their Michigan AFP Award.

Casa Hogar Earns Michigan Philanthropy Award Aquinas College’s Casa Hogar project was honored by the West Michigan Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) with the “2002 Youth in Philanthropy Award.” Junior Allison Lindemyer (above right), president of Casa Hogar, received the award during the National Philanthropy Day luncheon on November 15.

Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II orphanage in Lurin, Peru was featured in Aquinas magazine (spring 2002, p. 32). The Project’s 2002-2003 goals are to improve literacy levels and education programs at the orphanage. At the same time, the group hopes to build awareness of the orphanage’s needs, as well as the challenges faced by the illiterate.

Aquinas or individuals connected to the College have received a total of ten awards from the AFP West Michigan Chapter over the past several years.

Spring 2003 – Student News

Alumni News – Spring 2003 Alumni Association Advisory Board Involvement Form

Fall Service-Learning Busiest Ever

❏ I would like to serve on the Aquinas College Alumni Association Advisory Board, please contact me.

Name ___________________________________________ Maiden Name _________________________________

By Eric J. Bridge ’92 Coordinator of Service Learning

Tom Eggleston lends a strong back to hauling and unloading gravel for a trail improvement project in Acadia National Park, near Bar Harbor, Maine. Eleven people were involved with the Acadia program.

Last fall’s break week (Oct. 1826) was the busiest ever for the College’s Service-Learning program. Five simultaneous programs engaged students, faculty and staff in a variety of settings and cultures.

Forty-six participants completed over 1,700 hours of service to communities. The projects included:

Address _________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: Daytime (____)________________ Evening (____)_________________ ❏ Male ❏ Female_____________

E-mail____________________________

Ethnic Background (Optional): ❏ African American ❏ Asian ❏ Caucasian ❏ Hispanic ❏ Native American ❏ Other_________________________________

Year of Graduation:_______ Major:______ Degree(s) Obtained ___________________________________________ ❏ 30 Credits or more/did not graduate ❏ Presently Enrolled (Program) ______________________________________ ❏ Not presently enrolled Other academic degrees earned/institution(s) attended ___________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Job Title _____________________ Employer Address __________________________________________________ Senior Ray Gaiser applies stain to a hard to reach area of a community center building being refurbished by four service-learning people in the Wilderness State Park in northern lower Michigan.

• Building 300 feet of new outdoor trail at Acadia National Park in Maine • Constructing a new snow fence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Browning, Montana

I would like to serve on the following Alumni Association Committee: ❏ Alumni Admissions

❏ Alumni Development

Skills/Experience (check all that apply):

❏ Campus Life

❏ Fundraising

❏ Nominations & Awards ❏ Special Events

❏ Working with Youth

❏ Communications

❏ Special Events

❏ Recruiting

Other Skills/Areas of Interest ________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ ❏ I nominate Aquinas College Alumnus(a) _____________________________________________________________ to serve on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

• Completing multiple home repair projects in Salem, West Virginia • Staining interior and exterior cabins and a community center at Wilderness State Park, located at the northernmost point in lower Michigan

Sophomore T.J. Burdick with one of the young students who were tutored by the twelve Aquinas students visiting Brooklyn, NewYork.

• Tutoring children and adults in Brooklyn, New York Service Learning engages students by providing experiential programs that connect academic knowledge to social issues.

Students learn to serve and serve to learn.

Through their commitment to service and their desire for social justice, Aquinas students exemplify the Dominican spirit of putting faith into action.

The Service-Learning Team reshingled a roof and made other repairs at Nazareth Farm near Salem,West Virginia.

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Please return nomination form

by April 15, 2003 to: Joelle Kwiatkowski Director of Alumni & Parent Relations Aquinas College 1607 Robinson Road, S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799

name\program\year of graduation

Phone: 616-459-8281, ext. 4415 Fax: 616-732-4481 E-mail: alumni@aquinas.edu

You will be contacted by an Aquinas College Alumni Association member following the return of this form.

Thank you for your support and interest in Aquinas college!

Alumni Association Board Committee Descriptions The Special Events Committee plans various alumni events including the Alumni Golf Outing and Homecoming activities. College developments, economic enhancement, spiritual growth, and the advancement of the Association’s mission drives the committee’s work.

The Alumni Development Committee provides leadership and assistance to the College’s Development Office in raising funds from alumni to support Aquinas College. This committee is also responsible for the oversight of active Association membership and volunteer recruitment.

The Nomination & Awards Committee is responsible for determining the recipients of the Association’s annual awards. The committee will also work on the Sr. Anne Keating Scholarship and other alumni-related scholarships.

The Campus Life Committee works with the College to develop programs and projects which will help current students to better understand the importance of alumni in the life of the College and to prepare them for their role as alumni.

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The Alumni Admissions Committee, through serving as members of the Saints Network, assists the College’s admissions office in the recruitment of students.

The Communications Committee concentrates on effective communications among the members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors as well as between the Board and all Aquinas alumni. The committee contributes content and information regarding the Alumni Association to the Aquinas magazine and Aquinas Alumni Web site.

Spring 2003 – Alumni News

Student News – Spring 2003

previous semester. The pride, the personal satisfaction and the sense of accomplishment that each student feels are a joy to observe.

Alumni Association Call for Nominations Distinguished Service and Outstanding Alumni Awards.

Members of the Aquinas College community make their mark through noteworthy accomplishments and contributions worldwide. By making a difference, our alumni bring honor to themselves as well as to their alma mater. We would like to celebrate these accomplishments and pay tribute to the individuals whose

efforts enrich the Aquinas legacy of service and success.

The Distinguished Service Award honors one or more non-alumni in recognition of exemplary service and commitment to Aquinas College. The Outstanding Alumni Award honors an individual whose

accomplishments have procured a high level of distinction both personally and professionally. The awards will be presented at the Aquinas Hall of Fame dinner on September 26, 2003. If you would like to make a nomination(s), please provide the information requested below.

❏ I am pleased to nominate ______________________________________ for the 2003 Distinguished Service Award. ❏ I am pleased to nominate ________________________________________ for the 2003 Outstanding Alumni Award.

1. Please provide detailed information as to why this person is deserving of the above award.

2. A list of any professional, community, or humanitarian involvement and/or awards received.

3. Detailed contact information for the person you have nominated including program and year of graduation if possible.

4. Any other information that may be pertinent to this person’s consideration for the award.

Nominator’s name and address ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: Daytime (____)________________ Evening (____)_________________

E-mail_______________________________

BRIEF NARRATIVE DESCRIBING 1-4 ABOVE. (Please provide or direct us to any additional sources of information regarding your nominee.) ___________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Please return nomination form by April 15, 2003, to: Joelle Kwiatkowski Director of Alumni & Parent Relations Aquinas College 1607 Robinson Road, S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799

Other means of contact include: Phone: 616-459-8281, ext. 4415 Fax: 616-732-4481 E-mail: alumni@aquinas.edu

You will be contacted by an Aquinas College Alumni Association member following the return of this form.

Thank you for your support and interest in Aquinas College.

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Brad Winkler, J.D.

From the Dean’s Desk

By Brad Winkler Dean for Student Development

The freshman class demonstrated a real eagerness to learn, and I am struck with the image of over 360 students working together on a service project that made Congress School the brightest of the elementary schools in Grand Rapids.

Dean’s List With all the traditional fanfare of the Homecoming weekend’s activities Sept. 27-29, the image I recall most vividly is the look on faces of the parents and students who participated in our dean’s list ceremony. Each semester, we recognize the academic achievements of students based on their grade point averages for the

Bridget Clark Receives Venture Grant Senior M. Bridget Clark received a Venture Grant from the Michigan Campus Compact (MCC) for her “Kids Food Basket” project. The food rescue program provides meals to over 300 undernourished children in the Grand Rapids School District unlikely to receive an evening meal at home.

The Community Leadership Institute of Aquinas College has collaborated with Kids Food

AQ Club Night (See story, p.23) With the assistance of a grant to discourage underage drinking, we rented a local upscale health club Friday Oct. 11 for a night of fun.

The images that stayed with me were seeing groups of our students just laughing and playing wacky games in the pool, on the volleyball courts, the tennis floor, and the dance studios.

J.A.M.M.I.N. Fashion Show The event started by the Multicultural Department many years ago seems to improve in quality and entertainment each year. What’s unique is that students designed and coordinated everything. The Nov. 14 show had more than a hundred students involved in dancing, acting, poetry reading and showing current fashions for college students. The image I am struck with is the closing act when everyone comes back to the stage to take their bows.

The racial and ethnic diversity of the performers demonstrates the Basket and placed student Bridget Clark as the Coordinator of the program. This experiential learning oppor-tunity empowers students to respond to an identified need in the community.

Clark’s program was the only one of eight MCC award recipients to receive a full $2,500 grant. MCC is a state-level non-profit organization that promotes the education and commitment of Michigan college students through the development or expansion of community service programs,

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inclusiveness and racial harmony of our community.

Athletics A great semester of the best. As each season progressed, the excitement of championship seasons evolved. Personally, the victory of our men’s basketball team over the undefeated Hope College team was my favorite. I was hoarse for two days but the jumps of joy by Coach Albro and the team is an image I will treasure.

Christmas The annual Music Department concert featured musical ensembles performing music of the season. I vividly recall the image of senior Sarah Makowski conducting the entire orchestra and chorus for “White Christmas.” She student teaches during the spring 2003 semester and the performance was her final assignment in the music department. What a joy to watch her take the wand and direct every musician in the department.

I look back with many smiling images of this past fall semester. I am blessed with the rewards of watching our students learn and play in this very special place.

Bridget Clark

service-learning opportunities, and/or civic engagement activities.

Spring 2003 – Student News

Top Scholarship Winner Takes Cues From Older Siblings It’s fair to say that most high school seniors feel a good deal of pressure during their search to find the right college to spend the next four years of their lives. Kelly Dittmar of Aurora, Illinois was no different and, perhaps, felt some additional pressure as she began her search in 2001.

As the youngest of four, Kelly was looking for the right school, at the right price. The right price, in her terms, meant a full scholarship, with room and board, if you please. You see, her two older sisters and an older brother set the stakes high. They each earned full scholarships from their respective schools.

Kelly was very capable and she knew it. She also knew that she would have to refocus after 9/11.

Her father, Joe Dittmar, was in one of the World Trade Center Towers that day and managed to escape just minutes before the first tower collapsed. That fall was a traumatic

Alumni News – Spring 2003

period for her and only compounded the pressure to compete for available scholarships. Somehow, she managed to move on.

Kelly liked what she had heard about Aquinas and fell in love with it during a visit. In fact, her sister had selected Aquinas as her first choice but then decided to attend another school which offered her a full scholarship. For Kelly, the question was, what would Aquinas offer her?

She participated in the Spectrum Scholarship competition in February 2002 to find out.

Kelly left the daylong academic competition feeling as though she hadn’t done well. A short time later, however, there came a call from Aquinas. She received word that she had won a scholarship, but, in her excitement, she was uncertain which scholarship it was. Then, a second call brought clarification and a final decision.

“It was President Knopke, calling to congratulate me,” she recalls. She realized that if the president was calling she had won the Jerome C. Byrne Scholarship for full tuition/room and board.

Alumni News

(Steffi) Kelly Ditmar pictured with her mother, Betty, and father, Joe.

“That’s when I made the decision [to come to Aquinas],” Kelly said. While the initial financial burden for her and her parents has eased, she continues to feel the pressure of performance. She knows she must maintain a 3.7 GPA to remain qualified for the annual Byrne scholarship award.

“I know I’ll be fine and I know I’ll work hard because I’ll have to,” she stated. “It’s good because it forces me to keep up the hard work. But, it’s also nice not to have the pressure at the other end of having to pay for college.” Besides, she feels good about Aquinas, likes her roommate and loves the campus.

What more could she want?

Shanghai, Pudong district—12 years ago a marsh.

Now is aiming to be the “Wall Street” of China.

Shanghai Sojourn

By Steffi Visockis ’95

Because APL (American President Lines—the sixth largest international container shipping firm and my employer the past five years) recently moved a department from Denver to Shanghai, I had the opportunity to work in China for five months.

Studying overseas in France to attain my international business degree from Aquinas is vastly different from using that knowledge daily in a Chinese office.

The opportunity to win a full-tuition scholarship to Aquinas College brought 129 prospective students and their parents to campus Saturday, February 15. The 11th Annual Spectrum Scholarship competition, sponsored by the Admissions Office, is open to students who have been accepted for Prospective students work to complete the writing component of the admission to the College.

Spectrum Scholarship Competition Feb. 15, 2003.

Fifteen scholarships are awarded each year and can be renewed for up to a maximum of five solving, critical thinking and a decision making years. They include five full-tuition awards, five component. $1,000 awards and five $500 awards. The threeResults of the competition will be announced by hour long competition included writing, problemApril 1, 2003.

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I trained APL’s Shanghai staff, primarily in their mid 20s, to process the “paperwork” for

My favorite merchants to barter with.

The only English they knew: “Cheaper, cheaper, last price!”

transporting goods globally in a foreign language—English. We all worked U.S. hours—the night shift. They were extremely skilled in using computer software and had an evident desire to succeed.

Weekends were spent sightseeing, shopping/bartering and leaving China every 30 days (a visa requirement).

Living in Shanghai I rarely felt out of place. At 5’8’’ with blond hair and blue eyes, that says a lot about the kindness of the Chinese people.

And The Saints Go Marching … Forward!

By Jeremy Wood Admissions Representative

2003 Spectrum Scholarship Competition

The Shanghai APL night crew. Just about all had Western first names and all had studied English since grade school.

With this new issue of Aquinas magazine comes great news about the Saints Network.

Thanks to the help of the Alumni Office and the Admissions Committee of the Alumni Association Board, we’ve seen significant growth in the Saints Network and our national reach.

Last fall, hundreds of students in Illinois, Indiana, New Mexico and New York learned more about Aquinas as a result of alumni who represented the

College at career and college fairs.

To date, more than 250 students have received letters from Aquinas alumni to congratulate them on their acceptance. It’s no wonder prospective students and parents praise the strong connection that Aquinas maintains with its alumni!

We’ve also explored some great new ideas to help us reach prospective students in unique ways. During fall Campus Days, Aquinas alumni were present as part of our morning “meet-andgreet.” The connections between

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the alumni and visiting families proved valuable for everyone.

Parents and students loved the opportunity to talk with former students who shared similar experiences with the college search process. The last student visitation is April 25 (Campus Day).

For information about becoming a Saints Network volunteer, contact Jeremy Wood in the Admissions Office at 1-800-678-9593 or woodjer@aquinas.edu.

Spring 2003 – Alumni News

Student News – Spring 2003

Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Class Inducted September 27, 2002

Maggie and Paul Assenmacher

Paul Assenmacher, ’84 (Baseball). “This honor is not about me, it’s about the people who have had a hand in my development in the course of my life … my parents … my high school baseball coach …

Coach Bocian. It’s about my wife, Maggie, who’s been a pillar of strength raising our five kids (while I was on the road playing baseball).”

Kathy Grzegorski-Johnson ’85 (Basketball) “I accept this on behalf of the women’s basketball teams and players I’ve had the privilege to play with. [I want to] thank my two coaches … Pat and Joe Tibaldi … through high school and college. It was their superior coaching … wisdom and personal attention they gave each player on and off the court that allowed all athletes who had the privilege to play for them, the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

By Randy MacGeorge ’91 Residence Life Director

John Kurzynowski

John Kurzynowski ’65 (Golf). (From his top 10 list of memories from Aquinas) “Playing in two NCAA tournaments and winning a national championship … thanks for the memories.”

Patti Tibaldi (left ) and Kathy Grzegorski-Johnson

Fred Brown (Lloyd’s brother)

Lloyd Brown ’55 (Basketball) (Fred Brown, brother, on accepting Lloyd’s induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame.)

“Lloyd was my brother. He was in my hall of fame long before Aquinas’. If you thought Lloyd was a tremendous basketball player … you should have watched him be a brother, a father, love his family and give to his family. Lloyd was a lot of things. Basketball was maybe not first on his list but it was a big part of the list.”

Patti (Blaesser) Tibaldi ’73, (Coach). “It’s all about family here at Aquinas. I’ve been so blessed. I found the only man who could be married to me (Joe Tibaldi ’73). I found the place that could nurture my spirit. I found the people—the players who fostered the dreams. I found a passion for teaching and coaching that brought me fulfillment. I found an administrator, friend and mentor in Terry Bocian (athletic director) who shared a vision and worked to bring it to fruition.

With all this good fortune … tell me again why I am the one who is in Hall of Fame?”

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“AQ Club Night” Provides a Different Type of Fun

Pat Weiler and family

Pat Weiler ’78, Cross Country. “Time has a way of making us understand the important things in life.

Thanks to all the people at Aquinas … the alumni. Being a teacher and educator, I find it extra special (Hall of Fame Gala). From the current and past administrations, up to people who make this campus as beautiful as it is, it is the work you do everyday that makes … alumni be proud to be a part of Aquinas.

Last October 11, Aquinas College students flooded one of Grand Rapids’ finest athletic facilities, participating in a variety of events to socialize and unwind

before preparing for upcoming mid-term exams and projects. The event provided an alternative to the bar and party scene.

The student organization called AQRAAD (Aquinas Residents Against Abusive Drinking) organized the event, which was funded by a grant from the Prevention Network and Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking. The RHA (Residential Housing Association) and Programming Board also provided support for the project.

Getting there was part of the fun as the Grand Rapids Trolley shuttled students back and forth from campus to the East Hills Athletic Club.

At 10 p.m. the doors opened and students began playing tennis, racquetball and basketball. The Aquinas volleyball team coordinated games for the “bump, set, and spike” fanatics all evening long.

Elsewhere in the club, students challenged each other in inflatable

arenas such as the joust, bouncy boxing, an obstacle course and the bungee run. The swimming pool was the spot to be for many others, whether they were competing in the “Wild Water Relays,” swimming a few laps or just relaxing with friends.

For those less athletically inclined, the club lounge set the stage for a euchre tournament and several board games. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages were plentiful throughout the evening.

Upstairs, the music was fast, but fun. And Brad Winkler, dean of students, took the excitement to new highs with a demonstration

residential service groups), the AQ volleyball team and many other students and staff volunteered for the Club Night. Kristi Pavlak, a

(Upper right) AQ RAAD members (Upper left) AQ Club Night offered students a chance to test their knowledge in a game of Trivial Pursuit.

(Middle) Students didn’t get far in the inflatable bungee run.

(Bottom right) Bouncy boxing. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee?

of the latest in exercise and conditioning equipment.

Organizers collected information from a survey, “Actions and Attitudes About Alcohol at Aquinas,” completed by over 190 students. Drawings for door prizes were held throughout the evening.

Students unanimously agreed that the event was a great opportunity to get away and have some fun in a healthy environment.

Many offered to volunteer for similar events in the future.

According to senior Amy Westphal, “It was phenomenal to see so many different groups of students interacting and having fun together at one event.”

Resident assistants, members of Casa Hogar and AQCLAIM (two

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senior resident assistant, was responsible for writing the grant proposal that funded this event as well as another alcohol education event on campus in September.

Students will have another opportunity at East Hills on March 28 as the College was able to secure another $2,500 grant from the Prevention Network for Club Night.

News from the Deans

Spring 2003 –

Alumni News – Spring 2003

Aquinas College Alumni Awards

School of Arts and Sciences (SAS)

Shirley Lewis, Ph.D. Dean, School of Arts and Sciences

It has been an active and productive year for our faculty and students.

The SAS faculty has been working on their professional development plans for 2003 and their initiatives are scholarly and creative.

Gary Eberle, chair of the English Department and one of our most gifted teachers and writers, published his fifth book in January (see p. 28). Gary is to words what Dr. Paul Brewer is to jazz. Paul, an associate professor of music, will be presenting at an international music conference in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Rob Bajema, associate professor of biology has been investigating the possibility of including a Hazardous Material’s (HAZMAT) program in our science offerings.

Dr. Kris Lou, who has directed our International Education Program, left Aquinas for a similar position at Willamette University in Oregon. He leaves us with excellent programs, which will be carried on by our new interim Director Beth Laux ‘02, a former study-abroad participant. She is overseeing programs in Ireland, Costa Rica, and Germany during this spring semester.

The Health and Physical Education/Recreation (HPER) department will be receiving an on-site visit from the National Athletic Training Education Programs for the accreditation of our Athletic Training Program. We look forward to offering this program to potential Athletic Trainers. In addition to these initiatives, I collaborated on grants for the humanities and The Holocaust: An Interdisciplinary Inquiry course, which is offered this spring.

My assistant, Mary Kwiatkowski, has developed an interactive SAS Web site and is the creator of a new monthly newsletter for faculty and students that is available on the Aquinas Web site.

Connie Kowalsyk & Tony Nolan

Distinguished Service Award Nancy Erhardt “My desire is to stay close to Aquinas. My deepest sense of giving back was a natural reaction to all that I had experienced (at Aquinas) and all that I had been given.…”

Nancy Erhardt

Outstanding Alumni Award Patricia Bissonette Dignan ’63 (On her lifetime achievements in the field of education) “I attribute that and my leadership abilities to Aquinas. Aquinas was diverse even before it was fashionable. Aquinas saw not race, not color, not gender as a passport to equality, but they saw God’s handiwork in each of us and every human being.”

Patricia Bissonette Dignan

Outstanding Alumni Award Dr. Mary T. Meistas ’71 (deceased) Accepted by Joyce (Meistas) Gillis ’70, sister of Mary, in accepting award on her behalf “For Mary, Annette (Meistas ’71) and me, Aquinas provided … us with excellent preparation for the careers we pursued in teaching, nursing and medicine. This special award, which is Mary’s last, is the one most treasured by her family.”

School of Management

Cynthia VanGelderen Dean, School of Management

An organization’s mission identifies why it exists. The vision statement should set the direction in achieving the mission. However, it’s the organization’s values that influence its behaviors, guide decision-making and determine how it will handle conflict and relate to its people. Valuesbased education is increasingly important in light of the organizational challenges and failures of recent times.

In the School of Management, as in the other areas of the College, our faculty commitment to values-based education is demonstrated throughout the curriculum. Business ethics was added as a required course in the business major this fall. Ethics and social responsibility of management has been a required course in the master of management program since its inception.

As we continue our process of curricula review, our commitment to an emphasis on organizational values and ethical decision making will stand firm.

In addition, faculty members assist companies and nonprofit organizations as they identify and establish ethical decision-making in the workplace.

An example of this is the recent Values Accountability training program written

by Dr. Curt Bechler, associate professor of communication. This program helps companies integrate organizational values into their operations. These types of business/academic partnerships are indicative of our School of Management programs.

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Alumni Board Member(s) of the Year Tony Nolan ’66 & Connie Kowalsyk ’99 Kowalsyk: “I find no greater joy than being able to share and reinvest myself in the Aquinas community that so richly invested in me as an individual and still inspires and challenges me in my new pursuits.”

Joyce Meistas Gillis

Aquinas College Hall of Fame Monsignor Arthur F. Bukowski, former president (deceased) Accepted by Tim Konieczny ‘69, Bukowski’s nephew “He spent over 30 years here. He gave much of his life to Aquinas, but he received in return much more. Those who knew him, remember him as a reserved man, but a good man who knew what was right and who not only talked the talk, but acted on his principles. Mon Buk, a good man who loved his God, his family and Aquinas College.

Peter Wege, benefactor “My life is Aquinas. I appreciate everything Aquinas has done for me over the years. We’ve been a family.”

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Peter Wege and Tim Konieczny ’69

Spring 2003 – Alumni News

Hall of Fame Gala Awards

By Tonya Schafer ’02 Contributing Writer

The prevailing theme at the 2002 Aquinas College Hall of Fame Gala was “family.”

Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Patricia M. (Blaesser) Tibaldi ’73 stressed that theme while describing how members of the women’s basketball team became “sisters” to her daughter as Tibaldi led them to victory throughout 17 years as coach.

Thaddeus Bukowski demonstrated it when he traveled from Bay City to see his brother, Monsignor Arthur F. Bukowski, be

– Spring 2003

“This award will be treasured,” Gillis said, addressing the hundreds who filled Wege Ballroom September 27. “It will remain in our family forever.”

Nine others were acknowledged that night for contributions

John A. Kurzynowski ’66, Pat G. Weiler ’78, Paul A. Assenmacher ’84, Kathleen Grzegorski-Johnson ’85 and Tibaldi.

Hall of Fame inductees were Bukowski, who served as president of Aquinas College for 35 years;

Alumni Award recipients (l-r) Tony Nolan ’66, Nancy Erhardt, Joyce Meistas Gillis ’70 (for Mary T. Meistas ’71), Patricia Bissonette Dignan ’63 and Connie Kowalsyk ’99.

Alums reminisce at the 2002 Hall of Fame Gala.

inducted posthumously into the Aquinas College Hall of Fame.

And Joyce Gillis ’70 emphasized family when she accepted an Outstanding Alumni Award on behalf of her sister, Dr. Mary T. Meistas ’71, who died in an accident days before learning she was chosen to receive one of the College’s most prestigious honors.

they have made to society and to the Aquinas community.

Dr. Patricia (Bissonette) Dignan ’63 joined Meistas in receiving an Outstanding Alumni Award, while Nancy (Murphy) Erhardt received the College’s Distinguished Service Award.

Inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame were Lloyd J. Brown ’55,

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Jerome C. Byrne ’48, a former Board of Trustees member and nationally known attorney; and Peter M. Wege, founder of the Center for Environmental Studies, the Wege Foundation and who established the College’s Wege Speaker Series in 1997.

“This has been a chance to reflect upon many Aquinas memories,” Grzegorski-Johnson said upon receiving her award.

“Tonight will be a new one to cherish for years to come.”

Next year’s Aquinas College Hall of Fame Gala will be held on Friday, September 26, 2003.

Check the College’s Web site www.aquinas.edu for details this summer.

School of Education (SOE) The School of Education (SOE) team of Nancy Schmiedicke, Gayle Hulswit, Cindy Blair, Sandy Rademaker and Elizabeth Schmiedicke ’02 managed to exceed its projected fall enrollment goals for SOE courses for the 14th year in a row. Our staff and faculty, in addition to their advising, administrative, teaching and committee work have been busy in professional activities in the community and state.

Elizabeth Schmiedicke, certification officer, is teaching Spanish both as adjunct instructor for the Aquinas College Foreign Language Department and the Emeritus Center.

Sandy Rademaker, coordinator of graduate SOE programs, completed a three-week practicum in Spiritual Direction last May and is currently very busy with this ministry. In addition she is co-facilitating a 33-week JustFaith program.

Sr. Mary Navarre, O.P., and Dr. Cathy Tucci, both SOE faculty members, are serving on a Michigan Department of Education (MDOE) committee that oversees the Michigan test for teachers of reading. Julia Reynolds, director of introduction to education program, has been working with the MDOE on its secondary reading work, and is serving as president of the NCTE, Michigan Chapter. She also coordinated its state conference last fall and is a reading consultant with the Wyoming Public Schools.

Kathy Burgis, with the math department and SOE, has been working with the MDOE committee that oversees the math curriculum for teachers.

Kathy Barker, director of special education endorsement programs in SOE, has been working with the MDOE Special Education Office on assessing programs and training special education staffs around the state. Nkechy Ezeh continues to work with area schools teachers to increase their effectiveness in working with minority students and young children in the community.

David Kelly, consultant to our two Reggio Emilia inspired K-5 partner programs, has been working with Steelcase’s social anthropologists and Susan Lukaart, principal of Child Discovery Center (Reggio Charter School in Grand Rapids) and the Aquinas College Child Development Center to study teaching and learning in these environments. Tim Bennett, director of the master in science education faculty and curriculum, is completing his third year as science education consultant with the East Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Luthene Chappell has been working on the board of the Northroek Academy, which is a college program for developmentally disabled adults in western Michigan. Carol Winkle is working with MDOE in developing statewide surveys regarding the perceptions of the quality of teacher preparation (to be used with Title II and possibly PR/PE). Carol also has taken on extra students to advise in addition to her regular assignment of students in the College’s new Faculty Advising program (see story, p. 26).

Sue Liberatore, director of the reading clinic, has added an off-site reading clinic in a Grand Rapids elementary school that has a significant number of at-risk children enrolled. And I continue my work as a reading and accreditation consultant with the Wyoming Public Schools.

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V. James Garofalo, Ph.D. Dean, School of Education

Faculty News

Spring 2003 –

Associate professor Gary Eberle provides academic counseling to junior Briana Asmus

– Spring 2003

Faculty Student Advising Program

Coming Home—Ain’t It Great? —And, It Was!!

By Laura Bennett-Kimble ‘95, Contributing Writer

By Tonya Schafer ’02, Contributing Writer

Beginning with the fall 2002 semester, traditional students who have a declared major are now working with faculty advisors to meet not only course requirements for their majors, but also general education requirements needed for graduation.

Why the change? For one thing, “students are less likely to run into problems and will do better academically,” said Provost and Dean of Faculty C. Edward Balog, Ph. D. Also, he said, “it forges a relationship earlier between students and faculty.” The benefits affect everyone, he added. Faculty members get to know the student body. Students get to know their instructors, who have specific knowledge about the students’ area of interest. And the institution has the benefit of having aca-demic advisors who also create curriculum and work directly with students in the classroom. “This is a way to foster a greater sense of campus community,” Balog said.

The transition does not mean that folks at the Academic Advising Center are running out of things to do, however. “Advising is being combined with the Registrar’s office,” Balog said, where the staff will work “more in recordkeeping and [record] maintenance. The Registrar’s office was understaffed,” so this seemed a good fit. Undeclared majors and continuing education (CE) students will still work with the advising center, so the advising professionals will continue to

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advise some students and also oversee the faculty ad-vising program. According to Balog, this transition accomplishes two things: (1) enhancement of the Registrar’s office and (2) involvement of faculty members.

Because the program is still new, there have been a few bumps in the road, he said. For example, the School of Education requirements are quite complicated, because in addition to general education, major and minor requirements, School of Education requirements also must be met. Also, about half of the faculty advisors for Aquinas College don’t have previous advising experience and are learning as they go.

“The biggest challenge might be negotiating the Colleague [software] program—just learning how to operate the system,” said Associate Professor of English Rebecca Coogan, who has done English and women’s studies advising but not course schedule advising.

“There is really a lot to learn.” She said that the advising center has provided the faculty with a lot of support, though; and even set up a hotline to answer faculty questions.

“I don’t think students will notice a change as much as the faculty members,” said Gary Eberle, chair of the English Department, who has been advising for several years.

“With faculty advising, the faculty has to learn all the general education requirements and use the Colleague system—which has 20-some years of student records in it.” But it’s worth the effort, he said, because faculty-student

A change in location meant new memories in the making at Aquinas College’s 2002 Homecoming celebration, September 27-29. After several years at the Donnelly Center parking lot, the festivities moved to the lawn of Holmdene, where students, alumni and their families enjoyed activities.

Sports fans laced their sneakers and donned crazy costumes for Ernie’s Run (Centipede Shuffle), then headed to the soccer field for men’s and women’s games against Concordia Saturday afternoon.

Between matches, junior Matt Krevda and senior Kerry Lucas were announced as the School’s 2002 Homecoming King and Queen.

Reunions were plenty, as golfers, science students and Ireland study-abroad participants caught up with kindred spirits during the Joseph McCarthy Scholarship Golf Outing, the Dr. John Poje Scholarship & Science Alumni Dinner, and the Ireland Studies 30th Anniversary Reunion.

Golden Saints—those who attended Aquinas between 1930 and 1952— covered more generational ground during their own reunion on Sunday morning, while music lovers enjoyed food and camaraderie at the Dr. Bruce Early Memorial Jazz Brunch.

A number of music performances, art exhibits, children’s activities, student organization booths and opportunities to visit with friends at the Main Stage rounded out the weekend’s entertainment offerings.

The new location and activities garnered rave reviews from many attendees, including Lucas, who took in a soccer game with her family shortly after being crowned the school’s newest Queen.

“I think it’s great. It’s really brought people back on campus,” she said.

5

1

2

3

4 1. Students share a moment of laughter during comedian Eric Nieves’ performance on Sept. 27, one of the many student-centered events during Homecoming 2002.

2. Senior Kerry Lucas and junior Matt Krevda were crowned Homecoming’s royalty during Saturday’s festivities.

3. The women’s and men’s varsity soccer teams each faced Concordia University on Saturday afternoon. Cheered on by alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends, each Saints’ team claimed a victory, with the women ousting the Cardinals 4-1 and the men prevailing 9-0.

4. Alumni spent Homecoming weekend catching up on the latest news at their alma mater and spending time with friends.

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5. As always, Homecoming is a family affair with events and activities to entertain Saints of all ages.

6. Nelson, AQ’s beloved St. Bernard, greets a future Saint.

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Spring 2003 – Alumni News

Faculty News – Spring 2003

Passion For Education And Art Brings Fulfillment to Octogenarian Alumna

By Tonya Schafer ‘02 Contributing Writer

Mary Heuvelhorst’s affiliation with Aquinas College goes back 65 years, to a time when the school was known as Catholic Junior College and its students attended classes on Ransom Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids.

“The care and attention given to us by the nuns was wonderful,” says Heuvelhorst, 87, of her AQ days.

“They acquainted me with literature that is still important to me today.”

They also introduced her to pursuits of a more hands-on nature.

Heuvelhorst (pictured third from left) with the 1937 graduation class of Catholic Junior College.

diagnostic center and elementary school have since met the needs of thousands of students with physical and mental disabilities.

Heuvelhorst worked until she was 67 years old, “when someone told me I would make more money if I didn’t work than if I did,” she says.

Since retirement she has become an artist, whose works are ex-

hibited at the Thornapple Gallery in Saugatuck, where she lives.

Inspiration for her paintings and sculptures comes from the picturesque beach scenes around her.

“I live in a little house filled with art—mine and others’,” says Heuvelhorst, who would also like to try writing. “This is such an important and wonderful time in my life.”

Alumni Science Majors Return to Campus

Alumna Mary Heuvelhorst and friend, Dr. Shirley Lewis, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

“I remember Sister Celeste rolling up her sleeves and showing us how to dissect a cat,” Heuvelhorst recalls.

“We spent weeks studying its anatomy.”

Upon leaving Aquinas, Heuvelhorst continued her affiliation with Catholic education at a Dominican college outside Chicago. Eventually, she became a social worker and teacher who helped found the KenO-Sha Special Education Center, now affiliated with Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Kent Intermediate School District.

Established in 1975, the Ken-OSha complex and its preschool,

Dr. Bin Teh, senior investigator for VARI, provides science alums a tour of the Research Institute.

A tour of the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), a medical research facility located in Grand Rapids (see story on page 6), and a presentation by Bin Teh, M.D., Ph.D., senior investigator at the Institute, were two of the highlights of

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the Aquinas Science Department reunion on Homecoming Weekend.

A reception at Albertus Magnus Hall and science student exhibits greeted alumni who returned to campus for the activities last September.

advising “helps build a bond between the students and faculty.”

“The faculty have been terrific,” Balog said, “and the students have been patient, overall.”

Molly Frendo, one of the students Coogan Junior Molly Frendo gets advice from Dr. Rebecca advised, said of her Coogan, associate professor of English. meeting, “It was a nice learning experience for both of us, “It’s extra work for the faculty, and it was nice to see how well I there’s no doubt about it,” Balog was on track.” The junior, who is said. According to national majoring in English with a statistics, “the average advising women’s studies minor, added, “In appointment is 20 to 25 minutes.” the past I usually made up the At Aquinas, “many are now 45 entire schedule myself and went minutes. After we gain some directly to the Registrar’s office, familiarity with the process, I because of the time constraints of expect to see them at less than 30 work. I found out a lot of students minutes.” did that.” But as commencement Despite the challenges the day approaches, she said, “It’s nice College is facing as it transitions to know exactly what you need into faculty-student advising, the before graduation. And it’s system isn’t actually new. Faculty especially good to have faculty members handled advising for advising in their own field; and to years before a centralized advising be able to speak to someone in the center was created with profield you want to pursue.” fessional advisors in the early Because some departments have 1980s, Eberle said. more majors than others, the Before that Academic Advising student-faculty ratio hasn’t always Center was in place, Michael been equal from department to McDaniels, chair of the department, and Balog said they Mathematics Department and an need to find a way to cap the Aquinas graduate, said he numbers. “In an ideal world, the benefited from faculty advising as faculty members would have no a student years ago and is glad to more than 17 students each,” he see it back in place. said, acknowledging that this was “A liberal arts school is supposed not always the case last fall during to have a smorgasbord of classes,” the first of two two-week advising McDaniels said, “so students can periods scheduled for the year. see what other stuff is out there” “We’re a bit overwhelmed by it,” and possibly discover new interests said Eberle. “In my case, for those and career directions. He said he’s two weeks [in the fall] I had to find happy to play a role in the advising about 10 hours each.” But in the program. “Essentially, part of being end, “It went very smoothly, in my a teacher is being involved.” opinion.”

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Faculty Notes Glenn Barkan,Ph.D., professor of political science, and Brent Chesley, Ph.D., professor of English, judged student presentations at the LAND Conference for Student Scholars at Michigan’s twoyear colleges on Sept. 28 at Grand Rapids Community College.

Gary Eberle, chair of the English department, had a short story, “Uncle Hickey’s Funeral,” published in the June 2002 issue of The MacGiffin. In July, he was on the faculty of the Ligonier Valley Writers’ Conference in Ligonier, Pennsylvania.

Eberle serves as the secretary/ treasurer of the Michigan Association of Departments of English.

Professor Michael Williams, Ph.D., received the Michigan Campus Compact (MCC) Faculty/Staff Community Service-Learning Award. It’s the highest annual award MCC bestows on faculty and staff in the state of Michigan.

Williams was designated by peers as the faculty/staff person who made the most outstanding contribu-tions in the area of community service learning.

Sr. Katrina Hartman, O.P., Ph.D., chair of the chemistry department, has been awarded a Community Engagement Grant for the Get the Lead Out Partnership.

Spring 2003 – Faculty News

– Spring 2003

New Book Sacred Time Urges Us to “Unplug” Gary Eberle

which is very rapid, relentless even. We’ve become like frogs that never go in the water—we get dried out. Something’s missing. We need to jump back into the pond of sacred time to get refreshed.

Gary Eberle, associate professor of English and department chair, recently completed his fifth book, Sacred Time and the Search For Meaning.

Eberle began writing the book in 1996. Ironically, he had to set the book aside because his schedule was so busy. In 1998, he returned to writing. After several edits, the 230-page book was published this year. Aquinas magazine posed questions to Eberle about the book and his perspectives on the issue of time. (Ed.) AQM: Were you surprised by what you learned in your research for the book?

GE: I read some fascinating studies on the history of time-keeping, on how our bodies measure time, and on psychological aspects of time, in addition to the spiritual aspects of time and eternity.

AQM: Is this a book on “time” or on “life?”

GE: Human beings are “temporal amphibians.” Just as frogs need to exist in water for part of their lives and on land for other parts, so we need to move between time and eternity to keep a healthy balance in our lives. In the contemporary world we’ve been living only with clock time,

AQM: Is time an issue in your life or were you seeing the problem in those around you?

GE: Both. I began writing the book when I was 45 years old, the same age as my father when he died. I was thinking about time passing. Also, in mid-life, I was doing more work than ever before in my life. I felt stretched to the limit, with no time for myself anymore. I wrote the book at least in part to understand what was going on in my own life. But as I talked with people about the project, everyone agreed that they, too, felt what a writer named Stephen Linder has called “time famine,” the sense that we are starved for time.

AQM: Most people would say that it has become increasingly difficult to find the time to truly enjoy life. Why is that?

GE: I think we’ve allowed work to make totalitarian demands on us. No dictator would ever demand that we be accessible 24 hours a day, but all of us who wear pagers or carry cell phones may be summoned from our private time at any moment of the day or night. We take our work on vacation in the form of checking email, and when we aren’t working most of us are watching television. The passive nature of TV watching means we spend most of our lives watching other people live their lives and very little time living our own. Obviously the key to enjoying life

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is to totally “unplug” from time to time.

Living one evening without TV can teach a family to enjoy one another in many surprising ways.

Muriel Ross ‘48, A Leader Among Michigan Women

AQM: With near-record unemployment levels and a weakened economy, are we being seduced into believing that we can no longer afford to take time to relax and enjoy life for fear of losing our jobs?

GE: Probably. The anxiety that comes with the problems you mention makes it difficult to enjoy life and relax, but you don’t need money to enjoy and celebrate life. You just need to shift your attitude.

By Tonya Schafer ‘02 Contributing Writer

AQM: It seems many of us have lost control of our time and, thus, our lives. Have we lost control?

Can we regain it without jeopardizing our livelihoods, security, etc.?

GE: We can regain control if we periodically stop and re-evaluate what’s important in our lives. The media has convinced us that we need everything, and we need it right now. As a result, we constantly feel a void that we try to fill with things. It doesn’t work, but we don’t let that stop us from trying. Until you really understand that buying more stuff will not make you happy, you can’t step off the treadmill. Once you realize that an extra ten thousand dollars a year wouldn’t really make you happy, then you can let go of your anxiety and really enjoy life.

You can concentrate on the “sufficiency” of your life rather than the deficiency.

AQM: Technology was sold as a means to greater efficiency, theoretically giving us the chance to do more in less time and, therefore, have more time for ourselves? What happened?

GE: We have turned our lives over to machines that work in nano-seconds, and then we wonder why we feel speeded up.

You cannot get a sense of inner peace and

For Muriel Ross ‘48, the best thing about being inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame was not the acclaim but the fact that one of her daughters introduced her during the awards ceremony in October.

“I think that’s kind of unusual. I was pleased it could happen,” Ross said.

Her work in the areas of medical research and social activism had brought Ross to the attention of Hall of Fame staffers, who selected her to join an elite group of women that includes activist Rosa Parks and former first lady Betty Ford.

The path to success began at Aquinas, from which Ross graduated with a biology major.

She went on to earn a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, where she taught for several years and was active in a women’s caucus that pushed for gender equity in salaries and promotions on campus.

For 13 years, Ross worked at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California, conducting experiments on the correlation between weightlessness and balance. Her research won Ross a Nylen Medal from the Barany Society, an organization devoted to inner ear research.

Alumni Calendar 2003 Thursday, April 24 Traverse-City-Area Alumni

Muriel Ross ’48

Ross also worked on a computer program that provides threedimensional simulation of surgical procedures. Applications for the software include training physicians and engaging in longdistance diagnosis and treatment.

Since retiring from Ames, Ross has continued her research at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She lives in that state with her husband, Bernard. “We like the southwest climate better,” Ross said.

Equally proud of her four daughters’ professional accomplishments as she is of her own, Ross said her Aquinas experiences have contributed to what she is today. “Sister Celeste, Monsignor Bukowski—the teaching was excellent,” Ross said. “It gave me a strong foundation for going on to get my Ph.D.”

Reception Waterfront Inn,Traverse City

Saturday, May 10 Baccalaureate and Commencement

Saturday, June 21 Annual Alumni Association Golf Outing Boulder Creek Golf Club, Grand Rapids

Friday–Sunday September 26-28 Homecoming Hall of Fame Inductions Gala Weekend 2003

Saturday November 22 Annual Alumni Bus Trip to Chicago

For additional information on any listed event, please call the Alumni & Parent Relations Office at 616-459-8281, ext. 4415, or e-mail to alumni@aquinas.edu. Be sure to check the AQ Web site for details on these events and others at www.aquinas.edu.

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Faculty News – Spring 2003

Alumni News

Spring 2003 –

From the Alumni & Parent Relations Office

By Joelle Kwiatkowski ’02, Director, and Crystal Laska ’01, Coordinator, of Alumni & Parent Relations

What an honor it is to be working in the Alumni Office of a college that has given each of us so much.

The Alumni Office is bustling with new dynamics. Working side by side with the Alumni Association, the Alumni Office is determined to improve communication and increase involvement among Aquinas alumni.

Upon its restructuring last summer, the Alumni Association Board of Directors has focused on re-evaluating the existing alumni programs as well as growing new events and activities to further alumni connections to the College.

We need your input to do this.

Please direct suggestions you have via e-mail to alumni@aquinas.edu or call Joelle Kwiatkowski at 616-459-8281, ext. 4415, or Crystal Laska at 616-459-8281, ext. 4501.

Meet your 2002-03 Alumni Association Board of Directors (above).

To view the members’ bios, visit www.aquinas.edu/alumni; at the main menu, click on Alumni Association and then click on Meet the Board Members .

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If you’d like to take your involvement a step further, please consider membership on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Interested alumni can apply via the form on page 44 in this magazine or via the Aquinas Alumni Site at www.aquinas.edu/ alumni. Be sure to visit the Alumni site for alumni updates and events.

Joelle Kwiatkowski ’02 (right) has been serving as the director of Alumni & Parent Relations since October 2002. Upon earning her bachelor of arts degree from Aquinas, Joelle work ed in the President’s Office before moving into her current position. Joelle looks forward to contributing to the growth of Aquinas through her work with the College’s 16,000 alumni. Her fiance, Kyle Baldwin, is a ’99 grad.

Crystal (Lubbers) Laska ’01(above left) has been named the Alumni & Parent Relations coordinator.

Crystal obtained her degree in business administration and communication. Crystal’s professional experience includes special events and public r elations coordinator at Paws with a Cause.

Crystal brings a wealth of energy, enthusiasm and knowledge to this newly created position. Her husband, Chris Laska ’01, is also an alum.

enjoyment sitting in front of a computer screen all the time. You need to unplug once in a while. That means spending time considering your priorities and then making life changes based on them. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth the struggle in the end.

AQM: Sacred Time—is it your premise that this is “spiritual” time, “recreational,” or both?

GE: There is a continuum of sacred time that begins with simply stopping work.

That’s the first real requirement of observing the Sabbath—to rest. But then the continuum goes on, perhaps to the aesthetic pleasure we get when we simply watch the sunset, or the joy we feel at a wedding feast. And then there’s that sense of timelessness that we experience in religious rituals, where we feel in touch with eternity. We reach the extreme end of the temporal spectrum in full-blown mystical experience where time simply ceases to exist, and we experience the fullness of being, beyond space, beyond time. When we simply stop, as in Zen meditation or contemplative prayer, we open ourselves to experiencing this other, refreshing sort of time, which restores our souls to us.

AQM: Writing five books, teaching classes, assisting in various activities on campus— how have these things impacted your personal life? Have they precluded your enjoyment of “sacred time”?

GE: Fortunately, I have reached a time in my life where I enjoy nearly everything I do, and I have learned to say “no” to things that will not further my personal growth. I have consciously put “down time” into my personal life. Sometimes, at home, we simply declare a “slow food” night and spend two or three hours cooking and eating dinner. Or, we have a “no screens” night and light a fire and simply talk with each other. I also use Zenstyle meditation, sitting, several times a

week. When I temporarily and consciously unplug myself, I feel less like a plate-spinner and can go back to my work refreshed and with new energy.

AQM: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

GE: Perhaps this: it would be very good for each of us, and very good for the world, if we could learn to look at every moment of our lives as the ancient peoples did, from the aspect of eternity.

Sacred Time and The Search for Meaning is available for $14.95 from the Aquinas College bookstore (www.aquinas.edu/bookstore), www.amazon.com or from the publisher at www.shambhala.com.

Eberle is scheduled for numerous appearances for book signings, interviews and lectures around the country, including: March 15 – First Unitarian Universalist Church, Houston,Tex. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

16 – East Congregational Church, Grand Rapids 11 a.m.

22 – Spirit Dreams Bookstore Grand Rapids 1-3 p.m.

23 & 30 – Christ Community Church, Spring Lake 11 a.m.

June Aquinas College Emeritus Program Course (call 616-459-8281, ext. 5416) August 17 – Tikkun Community Summer Institute, San Francisco, California (tentative)

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Faculty and staff mingle at farewell reception in Holmdene for Dr. Kris Lou (second from left) in December.

Kris Lou Farewell When Kris Lou, Ph.D., accepted the position as assistant dean of international and cultural studies at Aquinas in 1998, the Ireland Program was the only Aquinas semester-long study abroad program. Under his leadership, the College now offers study abroad and cultural immersion programs in Canada, France, Japan, Spain and on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana during the fall semester.

The spring semester programs are held in Costa Rica, Germany, Ireland and Japan.

Members of the Aquinas community gathered for a farewell reception in the Holmdene Board Room last December for Lou, who left in January to assume duties as the director of international education at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Dr. Shirley Lewis, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Roger Durham, associate professor of political science, expressed appreciation for the growth in the Aquinas program that took place under Lou’s direction. They presented Lou with a pair of lion bookends reminiscent of the Holmdene lions as a farewell gift.

Beth Laux ’02 will serve as interim director of the international and cultural studies programs until a permanent director is named.

Athletics

Spring 2003 –

“We worked our way out of refugee life.”

Admissions – Spring 2003

Aquinas Soccer Player Experiences Horrors of War

By Rick Albro, Sports Information Director/Men’s Head Basketball Coach

In each Aquinas magazine edition, the Athletic Department focuses on one student-athlete.

This time, we want to share the story of one special person whose circumstances should give us pause to appreciate the life we have here in America. Sanel Fazlic, an All-WHAC Academic Team selection last fall, is a junior on the Aquinas men’s soccer team. We want to share his story with you.

I was born in February 1980. My parents, Jasim and Fikretz Fazlic, were college graduates. My father held two Ph.D.s, one in journalism and the other in business. We lived in Kozarac, Bosnia, until May 24, 1992, when Serbian troops surrounded the city. Several days later, the Serbian and Yugoslavian military and paramilitary forces stormed the city, killing more than 3,000 people and displacing another 30,000.

The men, women and children who survived the siege were sent to concentration camps. Many were subjected to systematic torture, including rape and murder, over a period of several months. Meanwhile, the occupying forces burned our town to the ground with not a single home left standing.

My mother and I went to Croatia where we lived for a year with my aunt and uncle. While there, 250 men in the town were told they would be sent to soldier exchange on the front of the battle lines. Instead, they were indiscriminately killed on a mountainside. They were ordered to kneel before Serbian soldiers. The soldiers then opened fire and allowed the bodies to fall into a 425-foot mass grave. My father, his two brothers, my mom’s three brothers and a cousin were among those brutally killed.

In 1993, my mother and I made our way to Germany through a refugee resettlement program. We lived in a refugee camp for three years, surviving on $100 a month. We were not allowed to leave the state, nor allowed to work.

In December of 1996, destiny brought us to the United States where we began a new life, starting from scratch. We had nothing when we arrived here—no money, no personal belongings, nothing!

However, with dedication, hard work, and trust in a better Sanel Fazlic tomorrow, we worked our way out of refugee life. I finished two years of high school at Forest Hills Northern, earning a GPA of 3.7 along with various other academic and athletic awards—AllAcademic, All-State, All-State Soccer Team, All-Regional, All-Districts, All-Conference.

At Aquinas, I have maintained a GPA of 3.6 and have received many honors, including being named to the Aquinas College Dean’s List and earning All-Academic, All-American and All-Conference selections. I am majoring in international business with a minor in German. I also have been working for Fifth Third bank for two years. With the possibility of receiving some additional scholarships, I hope to continue my education in one of the College’s master programs.

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Recently, one visitor remarked about the beauty of the campus.

Another exclaimed, “I can’t wait to enroll for next fall.” Remarkably, those are typical comments written all over the Campus Day evaluations and offered verbally.

It’s all in a day’s work—a day of fun and excitement for us as well

as our prospective students.

Where else, in the span of a few hours, can one meet the College president, dine with academic department chairs, trade e-mail addresses with ambassadors and be invited to try out for a sports team? More importantly, they experienced what our alumni

already know, the “spirit” of Aquinas College.

If you know a prospective student who would like to “catch the spirit,” our next Campus Day is Friday, April 25, 2003. Details are on the admissions undergraduate Web page via the College homepage at www.aquinas.edu.

AQ and You Program Inspires, Motivates

By Brigid Avery ’01 Admissions Representative

The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder - Ralph M. Sockman

Last summer, twenty students from the Detroit Rewarding Youth Achievement Program (RYAP) expanded their islands westward to Grand Rapids. They spent the week on campus, experiencing college life first hand. I developed the program, AQ AND YOU, after meeting with Austrene Hambrick, the interim director of Detroit Public Schools Guidance, and Sylvia Thomas, the director of the RYA program. We discussed the need for a residential experience that would expose these students to both the academic and social aspects of higher education, specifically at a small, liberal arts college. Thus, AQ AND YOU was born.

In keeping with our tradition of service to the community, one of the student’s most memorable trips was to Marywood’s Aquinata Hall to visit with retired Dominican Sisters and chat about their lives over ice cream sundaes. The students then wrote personal

RYAP students from the Detroit area take a moment from their schedule last summer to pose for a picture in the Holmdene garden.

essays describing similarities between them and their new friends.

Additionally, I wanted to connect the Detroiters with the Grand Rapids community. A scavenger hunt in nearby Eastown, lunch at GOJO Ethiopian Restaurant, and a jazz concert at John Ball Zoo allowed the students to discover the unique offerings of our city.

Students also attended classes with the topics ranging from math to political science and included a crash course on Nigerian culture.

One of the students’ favorite lessons was Contemporary Poetry.

Asst. Professor Vicki McMillan inspired the young scholars with her passion for writing and exposed them to modern poets through rap music. Infused with imagination, the creative juices nearly flooded the Wege Ballroom

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on Tuesday night, when every student participated in the “On The Spot” talent show. Students sang, acted and read slam poetry until late into the evening.

Overall, the week was an enormous success, and we plan on repeating and improving the program for the summer of 2003.

Many of the students had never heard of Aquinas College before AQ AND YOU, and to date we have already received several applications for next fall. It is my hope that these students will continue to seek wonder, knowledge and vision, and possibly continue their journey here at Aquinas.

If you are interested in ways you can support this program, contact me in the Admissions Office at averybri@aquinas.edu or at 616-459-8281, ext. 5237.

Spring 2003 –

Athletics – Spring 2003

Admissions

McWilliams Returns to Aquinas College

Student ambassadors lead prospective students and their parents on a tour of campus last November.

Seeing is Believing…Campus Days at AQ

Student Ambassador Dave Bertram thinks Aquinas Campus Days are some of the best parts of his job. “ It’s a great day for prospective students to get on campus and meet current students for a better idea of what Aquinas is really like.”

Campus visitors come from as far away as North Carolina via the “Fly to Aquinas” program, or as near as any of the local high schools. Some bring friends, while others are accompanied by their parents and siblings. It’s always fun when an alum returns with their son or daughter to see how things have changed and to reminisce about their years at Aquinas.

Three Campus Days are scheduled annually, each showcasing the wonderful opportunities Aquinas offers its students. The entire campus participates. The response from our visitors has been positive. From the moment a prospective student and his/her parents step on campus, they are greeted with the typical Aquinas hospitality.

A continental breakfast begins the day and provides an opportunity for prospective students to mingle informally with faculty, staff and student ambassadors. President Knopke offers the group a warm welcome and an overview of Aquinas with a vision of its future presented by the admissions staff.

Information packets contain a schedule of the day’s events, a window decal for a student’s car, a 10-percent-off coupon to the bookstore and a T-shirt to wear proudly back at their high schools.

In addition, information sessions cover such areas as academic programs, financial aid, athletics, student life, scholarships, service learning and campus ministry, volunteerism and social action, student and multicultural affairs, residence life, career services and international and cultural immersion programs.

The students and their parents are given tours of the campus before winding up with lunch in the cafeteria. There, President Knopke welcomes a group of prospective students and prospective students can meet and talk one-on-one with parents to his Holmdene office. current students to learn about their experiences.

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Matt McWilliams ’99 hascome home. McWilliams was named assistant athletic trainer this past fall to aid Jo Anne Gorant in the Aquinas athletic/sports medicine program.

McWilliams was a student athlete at Aquinas from 1995 through 1999. During that time, he participated in the cross country and track programs before earning his B.S. in physical education with a concentration in athletic training.

He received his M.S. in education/ athletic training from Northern Illinois University where he also worked with the men’s baseball, men’s soccer, women’s basketball and women’s cross-country teams.

Returning to the Grand Rapids area, McWilliams worked as a clinical athletic trainer at the Grand

Men’s Basketball Team Wins Big Game The 2002-2003 Aquinas men’s basketball team had an outstanding December. It recorded huge victories over Calvin College (74-48), Hope College (79-72) and Division I opponent Indiana-Purdue at Ft. Wayne (85-82). This marks only the third time in college history that Aquinas has defeated both Calvin College and Hope College in the same year in men’s basketball. The other two occasions were in the 197879 and 1994-95 seasons. The victory over Indiana-Purdue at Ft. Wayne was the Saints’ first victory over a Division I opponent since 1971 when Aquinas defeated Xavier University.

Rapids Sports Center and as an athletic trainer at ThornappleKellogg High School for the 2001-2002 school year.

“I feel very lucky to be able to do what I love and now, where I want to do it.”

McWilliams will work with the Sports Medicine Department, the Physical Education Department, and the Athletic Department to gain NATA certification for the athletic training program.

“Matt is well prepared, professional, and possesses an outstanding work ethic,” said Terry Bocian, athletic director.

“He will be a definite asset to the student-athlete population and Aquinas’ quest for NATA certification, a crowning jewel in an outstanding sports medicine program.”

Matt McWilliams ’99

Men’s Cross Country Team Wins WHAC Title and NAIA Region Eight Championship The 2002 men’s cross country team under the guidance of Dave Wood and alum Mike Wojciakowski ’97 concluded a successful season with an 18th place finish at the NAIA championships held in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The Saints’ road to the national meet included capturing the WHAC conference title as well as winning the NAIA Region VIII Championship, where five Aquinas runners earned All-Region honors.

The Saints excelled in the classroom as well as on the course as the team captured fourth place nationally in the team Academic National Championship with a team grade point average of 3.51. In addition to the team honors, five Saints earned Academic All-American honors. The top seven runners on this year’s squad were Leo Foley, Shawn Gast, James Jones, Nate Kaiser, Josh May, Josh Miller, and Craig Potter.

2003 cross country team

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Spring 2003 – OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD Mar. 29 Grand Rapids Open Grand Rapids Apr. 5 Washington University Invitational, St. Louis, Mo. Apr. 12 Grand Valley Invitational Allendale Apr. 18 WHAC Outdoor Championships, Grand Rapids Apr. 25-26 Hillsdale Invitational Hillsdale May 3 Butler Twilight Invitational Indianapolis, Ind. May 10 Butler Last Chance Invitational, Indianapolis May 22-24 NAIA Outdoor Championships, Olathe, Kans.

BASEBALL March 26 Northwood March 28 @ Muskegon CC March 29 Tri-State March 30 @ Concordia March 31 Kalamazoo April 1 @ Hope April 2 Spring Arbor April 5 @ Indiana Tech April 8 Calvin April 9 @ Alma April 12 @ Madonna April 13 Siena Heights April 15 Hope April 16 @ Rochester April 17 @Tri-State April 19 Concordia April 22 @ Calvin April 23 @ Spring Arbor April 26 IndianaTech April 27 Rochester April 29 Albion April 30 Alma May 3 @ Olivet May 5 @ GRCC May 7-10 Great Lakes Regional

GOLF SCHEDULE April 12 Furniture City Classic @ Holland CC April 15 GRCC @ Sunnybrook CC April 17 Coldwater Inv. @ Coldwater CC April 24 Aquinas Inv. @ L.E. Kaufman April 25 Siena Heights Inv. @ Lenawee CC May 1 NAIA Region VIII @ Coldwater CC May 2 NAIA Region VIII @ Coldwater CC

– Spring 2003

Athletic Department Golf Outing August 9

Bocian Named NAIA Regional VIII Chairperson Athletic Director Terry Bocian has been named the NAIA Region VIII chairperson by the NAIA national office. Bocian will represent the states of Michigan and Indiana on the NAIA National Regional Management Council.

The council is comprised of 14 athletic directors from throughout the nation and has direct influence on national policy making for nearly 400 member institutions.

Athletic Director Terry Bocian Bocian has served as the athletic director at Aquinas College since 1978. During that time, the sports offerings at the College have doubled and Aquinas has won five consecutive WHAC all-sports championships, indicative of theoverall quality in the athletic department.

Mark your calendars. The Athletic Department will host its 13th annual golf outing on Saturday, August 9, 2003. The four-person scramble offers plenty of opportunity for prizes, fellowship and the chance to help the Athletic Department.

It will be held at Scott Lake Country Club in Comstock Park, Michigan.

Nearly 125 golfers participated in the 2002 outing. For more information call the Field House at 616-459-8281, ext. 3101, or e-mail Coach Bocian at bociater@aquinas.edu.

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

WOMEN’S TENNIS March 26 @Calvin March 28 @St. Mary’s March 29 @Tri-State April 3 Adrian April 5 @Alma April 8 Spring Arbor April 15 @ Spring Arbor April 26 Tri-State

2002 Aquinas College Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees: (Left to right) Paul Assenmacher ’84 (Baseball), Pat Weiler ’78 (Cross Country), Kathy GrzegorskiJohnson ’85 (Basketball), John Kurzynowski ’65 (Golf), Patti (Blaesser) Tibaldi ’73 (Coach), and Fred Brown, brother of Lloyd Brown ’55 (Basketball). (See related article on p. 42.)

Senior members of the 2002-03 AQ varsity basketball team (l-r) Chuck Schuba, Jason Aerts and Derek Weaver.

Eleven Fall Athletes Honored with AllAmerican Status Aquinas College had 11 fall athletes honored with AllAmerican status in December.

Jonathan Mies was given recognition in men’s soccer for the second consecutive year. The academic All-American honorees are: Sanel Fazlic (men’s soccer),

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Nathan Rose (men’s soccer), Jeff White (men’s soccer), Julie Roy (women’s soccer), Tamara Harnden (volleyball), Nate Kaiser (men’s cr oss country), Eric Johnson (men’s cross country), Lars Petzke (men’s cross country), Leo Foley (men’s cross country), and Josh May (men’s cross country). Each was honored during halftime ceremonies at the February 8 basketball game against Madonna.

MEN’S TENNIS March 26 @ Calvin March 28 Walsh April 2 Albion April 4 @ Grand Valley April 5 Tri-State April 5 Wheaton April-8 @ Hope April 12 Spring Arbor April 14 @ Kalamazoo Valley CC April 19 Tri-State April 23 @ Kalamazoo April 1 Region VIII May 2 Region VIII

Athletic Hall of Fame Call for Nominations Nominations are now being taken for induction into the Aquinas Athletics Hall of Fame.

The second annual ceremony will take place on September 26, 2003, during Homecoming weekend.

Nominations will be accepted until April 15, 2003. Forms can

be obtained via the College’s Athletic Department Web site (www.aquinas.edu/athletics/) or mailed to you upon request by contacting the Athletic Department at 616-459-8281, ext. 3101.

Six new members will be inducted in this second class.

Once nominated, a person will remain in a pool of candidates for future consideration.

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SOFTBALL March 27 Calvin March 29 Siena Heights* March 30 Indiana Tech* April 1 @ Spring Arbor* April 5 @ Tri-State* April 6 Madonna* April 8 Concordia* April 10 Hope April 11 Tri-State* April 12 @ Siena Heights* April 15 Cornerstone* April 16 @ Concordia* April 19 @ Indiana Tech.* April 22 Spring Arbor* April 25 @ Kalamazoo April 26 @ Madonna* April 28 Ferris State May 1 WHAC Tournament May 2 WHAC Tournament May 8 Region VIII Tournament May 9 Region VIII Tournament * Wolverine-Hoosier Opponent

Spring 2003 – OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD Mar. 29 Grand Rapids Open Grand Rapids Apr. 5 Washington University Invitational, St. Louis, Mo. Apr. 12 Grand Valley Invitational Allendale Apr. 18 WHAC Outdoor Championships, Grand Rapids Apr. 25-26 Hillsdale Invitational Hillsdale May 3 Butler Twilight Invitational Indianapolis, Ind. May 10 Butler Last Chance Invitational, Indianapolis May 22-24 NAIA Outdoor Championships, Olathe, Kans.

BASEBALL March 26 Northwood March 28 @ Muskegon CC March 29 Tri-State March 30 @ Concordia March 31 Kalamazoo April 1 @ Hope April 2 Spring Arbor April 5 @ Indiana Tech April 8 Calvin April 9 @ Alma April 12 @ Madonna April 13 Siena Heights April 15 Hope April 16 @ Rochester April 17 @Tri-State April 19 Concordia April 22 @ Calvin April 23 @ Spring Arbor April 26 IndianaTech April 27 Rochester April 29 Albion April 30 Alma May 3 @ Olivet May 5 @ GRCC May 7-10 Great Lakes Regional

GOLF SCHEDULE April 12 Furniture City Classic @ Holland CC April 15 GRCC @ Sunnybrook CC April 17 Coldwater Inv. @ Coldwater CC April 24 Aquinas Inv. @ L.E. Kaufman April 25 Siena Heights Inv. @ Lenawee CC May 1 NAIA Region VIII @ Coldwater CC May 2 NAIA Region VIII @ Coldwater CC

– Spring 2003

Athletic Department Golf Outing August 9

Bocian Named NAIA Regional VIII Chairperson Athletic Director Terry Bocian has been named the NAIA Region VIII chairperson by the NAIA national office. Bocian will represent the states of Michigan and Indiana on the NAIA National Regional Management Council.

The council is comprised of 14 athletic directors from throughout the nation and has direct influence on national policy making for nearly 400 member institutions.

Athletic Director Terry Bocian Bocian has served as the athletic director at Aquinas College since 1978. During that time, the sports offerings at the College have doubled and Aquinas has won five consecutive WHAC all-sports championships, indicative of theoverall quality in the athletic department.

Mark your calendars. The Athletic Department will host its 13th annual golf outing on Saturday, August 9, 2003. The four-person scramble offers plenty of opportunity for prizes, fellowship and the chance to help the Athletic Department.

It will be held at Scott Lake Country Club in Comstock Park, Michigan.

Nearly 125 golfers participated in the 2002 outing. For more information call the Field House at 616-459-8281, ext. 3101, or e-mail Coach Bocian at bociater@aquinas.edu.

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

WOMEN’S TENNIS March 26 @Calvin March 28 @St. Mary’s March 29 @Tri-State April 3 Adrian April 5 @Alma April 8 Spring Arbor April 15 @ Spring Arbor April 26 Tri-State

2002 Aquinas College Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees: (Left to right) Paul Assenmacher ’84 (Baseball), Pat Weiler ’78 (Cross Country), Kathy GrzegorskiJohnson ’85 (Basketball), John Kurzynowski ’65 (Golf), Patti (Blaesser) Tibaldi ’73 (Coach), and Fred Brown, brother of Lloyd Brown ’55 (Basketball). (See related article on p. 42.)

Senior members of the 2002-03 AQ varsity basketball team (l-r) Chuck Schuba, Jason Aerts and Derek Weaver.

Eleven Fall Athletes Honored with AllAmerican Status Aquinas College had 11 fall athletes honored with AllAmerican status in December.

Jonathan Mies was given recognition in men’s soccer for the second consecutive year. The academic All-American honorees are: Sanel Fazlic (men’s soccer),

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Nathan Rose (men’s soccer), Jeff White (men’s soccer), Julie Roy (women’s soccer), Tamara Harnden (volleyball), Nate Kaiser (men’s cr oss country), Eric Johnson (men’s cross country), Lars Petzke (men’s cross country), Leo Foley (men’s cross country), and Josh May (men’s cross country). Each was honored during halftime ceremonies at the February 8 basketball game against Madonna.

MEN’S TENNIS March 26 @ Calvin March 28 Walsh April 2 Albion April 4 @ Grand Valley April 5 Tri-State April 5 Wheaton April-8 @ Hope April 12 Spring Arbor April 14 @ Kalamazoo Valley CC April 19 Tri-State April 23 @ Kalamazoo April 1 Region VIII May 2 Region VIII

Athletic Hall of Fame Call for Nominations Nominations are now being taken for induction into the Aquinas Athletics Hall of Fame.

The second annual ceremony will take place on September 26, 2003, during Homecoming weekend.

Nominations will be accepted until April 15, 2003. Forms can

be obtained via the College’s Athletic Department Web site (www.aquinas.edu/athletics/) or mailed to you upon request by contacting the Athletic Department at 616-459-8281, ext. 3101.

Six new members will be inducted in this second class.

Once nominated, a person will remain in a pool of candidates for future consideration.

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SOFTBALL March 27 Calvin March 29 Siena Heights* March 30 Indiana Tech* April 1 @ Spring Arbor* April 5 @ Tri-State* April 6 Madonna* April 8 Concordia* April 10 Hope April 11 Tri-State* April 12 @ Siena Heights* April 15 Cornerstone* April 16 @ Concordia* April 19 @ Indiana Tech.* April 22 Spring Arbor* April 25 @ Kalamazoo April 26 @ Madonna* April 28 Ferris State May 1 WHAC Tournament May 2 WHAC Tournament May 8 Region VIII Tournament May 9 Region VIII Tournament * Wolverine-Hoosier Opponent

Spring 2003 –

Athletics – Spring 2003

Admissions

McWilliams Returns to Aquinas College

Student ambassadors lead prospective students and their parents on a tour of campus last November.

Seeing is Believing…Campus Days at AQ

Student Ambassador Dave Bertram thinks Aquinas Campus Days are some of the best parts of his job. “ It’s a great day for prospective students to get on campus and meet current students for a better idea of what Aquinas is really like.”

Campus visitors come from as far away as North Carolina via the “Fly to Aquinas” program, or as near as any of the local high schools. Some bring friends, while others are accompanied by their parents and siblings. It’s always fun when an alum returns with their son or daughter to see how things have changed and to reminisce about their years at Aquinas.

Three Campus Days are scheduled annually, each showcasing the wonderful opportunities Aquinas offers its students. The entire campus participates. The response from our visitors has been positive. From the moment a prospective student and his/her parents step on campus, they are greeted with the typical Aquinas hospitality.

A continental breakfast begins the day and provides an opportunity for prospective students to mingle informally with faculty, staff and student ambassadors. President Knopke offers the group a warm welcome and an overview of Aquinas with a vision of its future presented by the admissions staff.

Information packets contain a schedule of the day’s events, a window decal for a student’s car, a 10-percent-off coupon to the bookstore and a T-shirt to wear proudly back at their high schools.

In addition, information sessions cover such areas as academic programs, financial aid, athletics, student life, scholarships, service learning and campus ministry, volunteerism and social action, student and multicultural affairs, residence life, career services and international and cultural immersion programs.

The students and their parents are given tours of the campus before winding up with lunch in the cafeteria. There, President Knopke welcomes a group of prospective students and prospective students can meet and talk one-on-one with parents to his Holmdene office. current students to learn about their experiences.

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Matt McWilliams ’99 hascome home. McWilliams was named assistant athletic trainer this past fall to aid Jo Anne Gorant in the Aquinas athletic/sports medicine program.

McWilliams was a student athlete at Aquinas from 1995 through 1999. During that time, he participated in the cross country and track programs before earning his B.S. in physical education with a concentration in athletic training.

He received his M.S. in education/ athletic training from Northern Illinois University where he also worked with the men’s baseball, men’s soccer, women’s basketball and women’s cross-country teams.

Returning to the Grand Rapids area, McWilliams worked as a clinical athletic trainer at the Grand

Men’s Basketball Team Wins Big Game The 2002-2003 Aquinas men’s basketball team had an outstanding December. It recorded huge victories over Calvin College (74-48), Hope College (79-72) and Division I opponent Indiana-Purdue at Ft. Wayne (85-82). This marks only the third time in college history that Aquinas has defeated both Calvin College and Hope College in the same year in men’s basketball. The other two occasions were in the 197879 and 1994-95 seasons. The victory over Indiana-Purdue at Ft. Wayne was the Saints’ first victory over a Division I opponent since 1971 when Aquinas defeated Xavier University.

Rapids Sports Center and as an athletic trainer at ThornappleKellogg High School for the 2001-2002 school year.

“I feel very lucky to be able to do what I love and now, where I want to do it.”

McWilliams will work with the Sports Medicine Department, the Physical Education Department, and the Athletic Department to gain NATA certification for the athletic training program.

“Matt is well prepared, professional, and possesses an outstanding work ethic,” said Terry Bocian, athletic director.

“He will be a definite asset to the student-athlete population and Aquinas’ quest for NATA certification, a crowning jewel in an outstanding sports medicine program.”

Matt McWilliams ’99

Men’s Cross Country Team Wins WHAC Title and NAIA Region Eight Championship The 2002 men’s cross country team under the guidance of Dave Wood and alum Mike Wojciakowski ’97 concluded a successful season with an 18th place finish at the NAIA championships held in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The Saints’ road to the national meet included capturing the WHAC conference title as well as winning the NAIA Region VIII Championship, where five Aquinas runners earned All-Region honors.

The Saints excelled in the classroom as well as on the course as the team captured fourth place nationally in the team Academic National Championship with a team grade point average of 3.51. In addition to the team honors, five Saints earned Academic All-American honors. The top seven runners on this year’s squad were Leo Foley, Shawn Gast, James Jones, Nate Kaiser, Josh May, Josh Miller, and Craig Potter.

2003 cross country team

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Athletics

Spring 2003 –

“We worked our way out of refugee life.”

Admissions – Spring 2003

Aquinas Soccer Player Experiences Horrors of War

By Rick Albro, Sports Information Director/Men’s Head Basketball Coach

In each Aquinas magazine edition, the Athletic Department focuses on one student-athlete.

This time, we want to share the story of one special person whose circumstances should give us pause to appreciate the life we have here in America. Sanel Fazlic, an All-WHAC Academic Team selection last fall, is a junior on the Aquinas men’s soccer team. We want to share his story with you.

I was born in February 1980. My parents, Jasim and Fikretz Fazlic, were college graduates. My father held two Ph.D.s, one in journalism and the other in business. We lived in Kozarac, Bosnia, until May 24, 1992, when Serbian troops surrounded the city. Several days later, the Serbian and Yugoslavian military and paramilitary forces stormed the city, killing more than 3,000 people and displacing another 30,000.

The men, women and children who survived the siege were sent to concentration camps. Many were subjected to systematic torture, including rape and murder, over a period of several months. Meanwhile, the occupying forces burned our town to the ground with not a single home left standing.

My mother and I went to Croatia where we lived for a year with my aunt and uncle. While there, 250 men in the town were told they would be sent to soldier exchange on the front of the battle lines. Instead, they were indiscriminately killed on a mountainside. They were ordered to kneel before Serbian soldiers. The soldiers then opened fire and allowed the bodies to fall into a 425-foot mass grave. My father, his two brothers, my mom’s three brothers and a cousin were among those brutally killed.

In 1993, my mother and I made our way to Germany through a refugee resettlement program. We lived in a refugee camp for three years, surviving on $100 a month. We were not allowed to leave the state, nor allowed to work.

In December of 1996, destiny brought us to the United States where we began a new life, starting from scratch. We had nothing when we arrived here—no money, no personal belongings, nothing!

However, with dedication, hard work, and trust in a better Sanel Fazlic tomorrow, we worked our way out of refugee life. I finished two years of high school at Forest Hills Northern, earning a GPA of 3.7 along with various other academic and athletic awards—AllAcademic, All-State, All-State Soccer Team, All-Regional, All-Districts, All-Conference.

At Aquinas, I have maintained a GPA of 3.6 and have received many honors, including being named to the Aquinas College Dean’s List and earning All-Academic, All-American and All-Conference selections. I am majoring in international business with a minor in German. I also have been working for Fifth Third bank for two years. With the possibility of receiving some additional scholarships, I hope to continue my education in one of the College’s master programs.

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Recently, one visitor remarked about the beauty of the campus.

Another exclaimed, “I can’t wait to enroll for next fall.” Remarkably, those are typical comments written all over the Campus Day evaluations and offered verbally.

It’s all in a day’s work—a day of fun and excitement for us as well

as our prospective students.

Where else, in the span of a few hours, can one meet the College president, dine with academic department chairs, trade e-mail addresses with ambassadors and be invited to try out for a sports team? More importantly, they experienced what our alumni

already know, the “spirit” of Aquinas College.

If you know a prospective student who would like to “catch the spirit,” our next Campus Day is Friday, April 25, 2003. Details are on the admissions undergraduate Web page via the College homepage at www.aquinas.edu.

AQ and You Program Inspires, Motivates

By Brigid Avery ’01 Admissions Representative

The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder - Ralph M. Sockman

Last summer, twenty students from the Detroit Rewarding Youth Achievement Program (RYAP) expanded their islands westward to Grand Rapids. They spent the week on campus, experiencing college life first hand. I developed the program, AQ AND YOU, after meeting with Austrene Hambrick, the interim director of Detroit Public Schools Guidance, and Sylvia Thomas, the director of the RYA program. We discussed the need for a residential experience that would expose these students to both the academic and social aspects of higher education, specifically at a small, liberal arts college. Thus, AQ AND YOU was born.

In keeping with our tradition of service to the community, one of the student’s most memorable trips was to Marywood’s Aquinata Hall to visit with retired Dominican Sisters and chat about their lives over ice cream sundaes. The students then wrote personal

RYAP students from the Detroit area take a moment from their schedule last summer to pose for a picture in the Holmdene garden.

essays describing similarities between them and their new friends.

Additionally, I wanted to connect the Detroiters with the Grand Rapids community. A scavenger hunt in nearby Eastown, lunch at GOJO Ethiopian Restaurant, and a jazz concert at John Ball Zoo allowed the students to discover the unique offerings of our city.

Students also attended classes with the topics ranging from math to political science and included a crash course on Nigerian culture.

One of the students’ favorite lessons was Contemporary Poetry.

Asst. Professor Vicki McMillan inspired the young scholars with her passion for writing and exposed them to modern poets through rap music. Infused with imagination, the creative juices nearly flooded the Wege Ballroom

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on Tuesday night, when every student participated in the “On The Spot” talent show. Students sang, acted and read slam poetry until late into the evening.

Overall, the week was an enormous success, and we plan on repeating and improving the program for the summer of 2003.

Many of the students had never heard of Aquinas College before AQ AND YOU, and to date we have already received several applications for next fall. It is my hope that these students will continue to seek wonder, knowledge and vision, and possibly continue their journey here at Aquinas.

If you are interested in ways you can support this program, contact me in the Admissions Office at averybri@aquinas.edu or at 616-459-8281, ext. 5237.

Faculty News – Spring 2003

Alumni News

Spring 2003 –

From the Alumni & Parent Relations Office

By Joelle Kwiatkowski ’02, Director, and Crystal Laska ’01, Coordinator, of Alumni & Parent Relations

What an honor it is to be working in the Alumni Office of a college that has given each of us so much.

The Alumni Office is bustling with new dynamics. Working side by side with the Alumni Association, the Alumni Office is determined to improve communication and increase involvement among Aquinas alumni.

Upon its restructuring last summer, the Alumni Association Board of Directors has focused on re-evaluating the existing alumni programs as well as growing new events and activities to further alumni connections to the College.

We need your input to do this.

Please direct suggestions you have via e-mail to alumni@aquinas.edu or call Joelle Kwiatkowski at 616-459-8281, ext. 4415, or Crystal Laska at 616-459-8281, ext. 4501.

Meet your 2002-03 Alumni Association Board of Directors (above).

To view the members’ bios, visit www.aquinas.edu/alumni; at the main menu, click on Alumni Association and then click on Meet the Board Members .

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If you’d like to take your involvement a step further, please consider membership on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Interested alumni can apply via the form on page 44 in this magazine or via the Aquinas Alumni Site at www.aquinas.edu/ alumni. Be sure to visit the Alumni site for alumni updates and events.

Joelle Kwiatkowski ’02 (right) has been serving as the director of Alumni & Parent Relations since October 2002. Upon earning her bachelor of arts degree from Aquinas, Joelle work ed in the President’s Office before moving into her current position. Joelle looks forward to contributing to the growth of Aquinas through her work with the College’s 16,000 alumni. Her fiance, Kyle Baldwin, is a ’99 grad.

Crystal (Lubbers) Laska ’01(above left) has been named the Alumni & Parent Relations coordinator.

Crystal obtained her degree in business administration and communication. Crystal’s professional experience includes special events and public r elations coordinator at Paws with a Cause.

Crystal brings a wealth of energy, enthusiasm and knowledge to this newly created position. Her husband, Chris Laska ’01, is also an alum.

enjoyment sitting in front of a computer screen all the time. You need to unplug once in a while. That means spending time considering your priorities and then making life changes based on them. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth the struggle in the end.

AQM: Sacred Time—is it your premise that this is “spiritual” time, “recreational,” or both?

GE: There is a continuum of sacred time that begins with simply stopping work.

That’s the first real requirement of observing the Sabbath—to rest. But then the continuum goes on, perhaps to the aesthetic pleasure we get when we simply watch the sunset, or the joy we feel at a wedding feast. And then there’s that sense of timelessness that we experience in religious rituals, where we feel in touch with eternity. We reach the extreme end of the temporal spectrum in full-blown mystical experience where time simply ceases to exist, and we experience the fullness of being, beyond space, beyond time. When we simply stop, as in Zen meditation or contemplative prayer, we open ourselves to experiencing this other, refreshing sort of time, which restores our souls to us.

AQM: Writing five books, teaching classes, assisting in various activities on campus— how have these things impacted your personal life? Have they precluded your enjoyment of “sacred time”?

GE: Fortunately, I have reached a time in my life where I enjoy nearly everything I do, and I have learned to say “no” to things that will not further my personal growth. I have consciously put “down time” into my personal life. Sometimes, at home, we simply declare a “slow food” night and spend two or three hours cooking and eating dinner. Or, we have a “no screens” night and light a fire and simply talk with each other. I also use Zenstyle meditation, sitting, several times a

week. When I temporarily and consciously unplug myself, I feel less like a plate-spinner and can go back to my work refreshed and with new energy.

AQM: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

GE: Perhaps this: it would be very good for each of us, and very good for the world, if we could learn to look at every moment of our lives as the ancient peoples did, from the aspect of eternity.

Sacred Time and The Search for Meaning is available for $14.95 from the Aquinas College bookstore (www.aquinas.edu/bookstore), www.amazon.com or from the publisher at www.shambhala.com.

Eberle is scheduled for numerous appearances for book signings, interviews and lectures around the country, including: March 15 – First Unitarian Universalist Church, Houston,Tex. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

16 – East Congregational Church, Grand Rapids 11 a.m.

22 – Spirit Dreams Bookstore Grand Rapids 1-3 p.m.

23 & 30 – Christ Community Church, Spring Lake 11 a.m.

June Aquinas College Emeritus Program Course (call 616-459-8281, ext. 5416) August 17 – Tikkun Community Summer Institute, San Francisco, California (tentative)

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Faculty and staff mingle at farewell reception in Holmdene for Dr. Kris Lou (second from left) in December.

Kris Lou Farewell When Kris Lou, Ph.D., accepted the position as assistant dean of international and cultural studies at Aquinas in 1998, the Ireland Program was the only Aquinas semester-long study abroad program. Under his leadership, the College now offers study abroad and cultural immersion programs in Canada, France, Japan, Spain and on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana during the fall semester.

The spring semester programs are held in Costa Rica, Germany, Ireland and Japan.

Members of the Aquinas community gathered for a farewell reception in the Holmdene Board Room last December for Lou, who left in January to assume duties as the director of international education at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Dr. Shirley Lewis, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Roger Durham, associate professor of political science, expressed appreciation for the growth in the Aquinas program that took place under Lou’s direction. They presented Lou with a pair of lion bookends reminiscent of the Holmdene lions as a farewell gift.

Beth Laux ’02 will serve as interim director of the international and cultural studies programs until a permanent director is named.

Spring 2003 – Faculty News

– Spring 2003

New Book Sacred Time Urges Us to “Unplug” Gary Eberle

which is very rapid, relentless even. We’ve become like frogs that never go in the water—we get dried out. Something’s missing. We need to jump back into the pond of sacred time to get refreshed.

Gary Eberle, associate professor of English and department chair, recently completed his fifth book, Sacred Time and the Search For Meaning.

Eberle began writing the book in 1996. Ironically, he had to set the book aside because his schedule was so busy. In 1998, he returned to writing. After several edits, the 230-page book was published this year. Aquinas magazine posed questions to Eberle about the book and his perspectives on the issue of time. (Ed.) AQM: Were you surprised by what you learned in your research for the book?

GE: I read some fascinating studies on the history of time-keeping, on how our bodies measure time, and on psychological aspects of time, in addition to the spiritual aspects of time and eternity.

AQM: Is this a book on “time” or on “life?”

GE: Human beings are “temporal amphibians.” Just as frogs need to exist in water for part of their lives and on land for other parts, so we need to move between time and eternity to keep a healthy balance in our lives. In the contemporary world we’ve been living only with clock time,

AQM: Is time an issue in your life or were you seeing the problem in those around you?

GE: Both. I began writing the book when I was 45 years old, the same age as my father when he died. I was thinking about time passing. Also, in mid-life, I was doing more work than ever before in my life. I felt stretched to the limit, with no time for myself anymore. I wrote the book at least in part to understand what was going on in my own life. But as I talked with people about the project, everyone agreed that they, too, felt what a writer named Stephen Linder has called “time famine,” the sense that we are starved for time.

AQM: Most people would say that it has become increasingly difficult to find the time to truly enjoy life. Why is that?

GE: I think we’ve allowed work to make totalitarian demands on us. No dictator would ever demand that we be accessible 24 hours a day, but all of us who wear pagers or carry cell phones may be summoned from our private time at any moment of the day or night. We take our work on vacation in the form of checking email, and when we aren’t working most of us are watching television. The passive nature of TV watching means we spend most of our lives watching other people live their lives and very little time living our own. Obviously the key to enjoying life

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is to totally “unplug” from time to time.

Living one evening without TV can teach a family to enjoy one another in many surprising ways.

Muriel Ross ‘48, A Leader Among Michigan Women

AQM: With near-record unemployment levels and a weakened economy, are we being seduced into believing that we can no longer afford to take time to relax and enjoy life for fear of losing our jobs?

GE: Probably. The anxiety that comes with the problems you mention makes it difficult to enjoy life and relax, but you don’t need money to enjoy and celebrate life. You just need to shift your attitude.

By Tonya Schafer ‘02 Contributing Writer

AQM: It seems many of us have lost control of our time and, thus, our lives. Have we lost control?

Can we regain it without jeopardizing our livelihoods, security, etc.?

GE: We can regain control if we periodically stop and re-evaluate what’s important in our lives. The media has convinced us that we need everything, and we need it right now. As a result, we constantly feel a void that we try to fill with things. It doesn’t work, but we don’t let that stop us from trying. Until you really understand that buying more stuff will not make you happy, you can’t step off the treadmill. Once you realize that an extra ten thousand dollars a year wouldn’t really make you happy, then you can let go of your anxiety and really enjoy life.

You can concentrate on the “sufficiency” of your life rather than the deficiency.

AQM: Technology was sold as a means to greater efficiency, theoretically giving us the chance to do more in less time and, therefore, have more time for ourselves? What happened?

GE: We have turned our lives over to machines that work in nano-seconds, and then we wonder why we feel speeded up.

You cannot get a sense of inner peace and

For Muriel Ross ‘48, the best thing about being inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame was not the acclaim but the fact that one of her daughters introduced her during the awards ceremony in October.

“I think that’s kind of unusual. I was pleased it could happen,” Ross said.

Her work in the areas of medical research and social activism had brought Ross to the attention of Hall of Fame staffers, who selected her to join an elite group of women that includes activist Rosa Parks and former first lady Betty Ford.

The path to success began at Aquinas, from which Ross graduated with a biology major.

She went on to earn a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, where she taught for several years and was active in a women’s caucus that pushed for gender equity in salaries and promotions on campus.

For 13 years, Ross worked at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California, conducting experiments on the correlation between weightlessness and balance. Her research won Ross a Nylen Medal from the Barany Society, an organization devoted to inner ear research.

Alumni Calendar 2003 Thursday, April 24 Traverse-City-Area Alumni

Muriel Ross ’48

Ross also worked on a computer program that provides threedimensional simulation of surgical procedures. Applications for the software include training physicians and engaging in longdistance diagnosis and treatment.

Since retiring from Ames, Ross has continued her research at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She lives in that state with her husband, Bernard. “We like the southwest climate better,” Ross said.

Equally proud of her four daughters’ professional accomplishments as she is of her own, Ross said her Aquinas experiences have contributed to what she is today. “Sister Celeste, Monsignor Bukowski—the teaching was excellent,” Ross said. “It gave me a strong foundation for going on to get my Ph.D.”

Reception Waterfront Inn,Traverse City

Saturday, May 10 Baccalaureate and Commencement

Saturday, June 21 Annual Alumni Association Golf Outing Boulder Creek Golf Club, Grand Rapids

Friday–Sunday September 26-28 Homecoming Hall of Fame Inductions Gala Weekend 2003

Saturday November 22 Annual Alumni Bus Trip to Chicago

For additional information on any listed event, please call the Alumni & Parent Relations Office at 616-459-8281, ext. 4415, or e-mail to alumni@aquinas.edu. Be sure to check the AQ Web site for details on these events and others at www.aquinas.edu.

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Spring 2003 – Alumni News

Faculty News – Spring 2003

Passion For Education And Art Brings Fulfillment to Octogenarian Alumna

By Tonya Schafer ‘02 Contributing Writer

Mary Heuvelhorst’s affiliation with Aquinas College goes back 65 years, to a time when the school was known as Catholic Junior College and its students attended classes on Ransom Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids.

“The care and attention given to us by the nuns was wonderful,” says Heuvelhorst, 87, of her AQ days.

“They acquainted me with literature that is still important to me today.”

They also introduced her to pursuits of a more hands-on nature.

Heuvelhorst (pictured third from left) with the 1937 graduation class of Catholic Junior College.

diagnostic center and elementary school have since met the needs of thousands of students with physical and mental disabilities.

Heuvelhorst worked until she was 67 years old, “when someone told me I would make more money if I didn’t work than if I did,” she says.

Since retirement she has become an artist, whose works are ex-

hibited at the Thornapple Gallery in Saugatuck, where she lives.

Inspiration for her paintings and sculptures comes from the picturesque beach scenes around her.

“I live in a little house filled with art—mine and others’,” says Heuvelhorst, who would also like to try writing. “This is such an important and wonderful time in my life.”

Alumni Science Majors Return to Campus

Alumna Mary Heuvelhorst and friend, Dr. Shirley Lewis, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

“I remember Sister Celeste rolling up her sleeves and showing us how to dissect a cat,” Heuvelhorst recalls.

“We spent weeks studying its anatomy.”

Upon leaving Aquinas, Heuvelhorst continued her affiliation with Catholic education at a Dominican college outside Chicago. Eventually, she became a social worker and teacher who helped found the KenO-Sha Special Education Center, now affiliated with Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Kent Intermediate School District.

Established in 1975, the Ken-OSha complex and its preschool,

Dr. Bin Teh, senior investigator for VARI, provides science alums a tour of the Research Institute.

A tour of the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), a medical research facility located in Grand Rapids (see story on page 6), and a presentation by Bin Teh, M.D., Ph.D., senior investigator at the Institute, were two of the highlights of

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the Aquinas Science Department reunion on Homecoming Weekend.

A reception at Albertus Magnus Hall and science student exhibits greeted alumni who returned to campus for the activities last September.

advising “helps build a bond between the students and faculty.”

“The faculty have been terrific,” Balog said, “and the students have been patient, overall.”

Molly Frendo, one of the students Coogan Junior Molly Frendo gets advice from Dr. Rebecca advised, said of her Coogan, associate professor of English. meeting, “It was a nice learning experience for both of us, “It’s extra work for the faculty, and it was nice to see how well I there’s no doubt about it,” Balog was on track.” The junior, who is said. According to national majoring in English with a statistics, “the average advising women’s studies minor, added, “In appointment is 20 to 25 minutes.” the past I usually made up the At Aquinas, “many are now 45 entire schedule myself and went minutes. After we gain some directly to the Registrar’s office, familiarity with the process, I because of the time constraints of expect to see them at less than 30 work. I found out a lot of students minutes.” did that.” But as commencement Despite the challenges the day approaches, she said, “It’s nice College is facing as it transitions to know exactly what you need into faculty-student advising, the before graduation. And it’s system isn’t actually new. Faculty especially good to have faculty members handled advising for advising in their own field; and to years before a centralized advising be able to speak to someone in the center was created with profield you want to pursue.” fessional advisors in the early Because some departments have 1980s, Eberle said. more majors than others, the Before that Academic Advising student-faculty ratio hasn’t always Center was in place, Michael been equal from department to McDaniels, chair of the department, and Balog said they Mathematics Department and an need to find a way to cap the Aquinas graduate, said he numbers. “In an ideal world, the benefited from faculty advising as faculty members would have no a student years ago and is glad to more than 17 students each,” he see it back in place. said, acknowledging that this was “A liberal arts school is supposed not always the case last fall during to have a smorgasbord of classes,” the first of two two-week advising McDaniels said, “so students can periods scheduled for the year. see what other stuff is out there” “We’re a bit overwhelmed by it,” and possibly discover new interests said Eberle. “In my case, for those and career directions. He said he’s two weeks [in the fall] I had to find happy to play a role in the advising about 10 hours each.” But in the program. “Essentially, part of being end, “It went very smoothly, in my a teacher is being involved.” opinion.”

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Faculty Notes Glenn Barkan,Ph.D., professor of political science, and Brent Chesley, Ph.D., professor of English, judged student presentations at the LAND Conference for Student Scholars at Michigan’s twoyear colleges on Sept. 28 at Grand Rapids Community College.

Gary Eberle, chair of the English department, had a short story, “Uncle Hickey’s Funeral,” published in the June 2002 issue of The MacGiffin. In July, he was on the faculty of the Ligonier Valley Writers’ Conference in Ligonier, Pennsylvania.

Eberle serves as the secretary/ treasurer of the Michigan Association of Departments of English.

Professor Michael Williams, Ph.D., received the Michigan Campus Compact (MCC) Faculty/Staff Community Service-Learning Award. It’s the highest annual award MCC bestows on faculty and staff in the state of Michigan.

Williams was designated by peers as the faculty/staff person who made the most outstanding contribu-tions in the area of community service learning.

Sr. Katrina Hartman, O.P., Ph.D., chair of the chemistry department, has been awarded a Community Engagement Grant for the Get the Lead Out Partnership.

Faculty News

Spring 2003 –

Associate professor Gary Eberle provides academic counseling to junior Briana Asmus

– Spring 2003

Faculty Student Advising Program

Coming Home—Ain’t It Great? —And, It Was!!

By Laura Bennett-Kimble ‘95, Contributing Writer

By Tonya Schafer ’02, Contributing Writer

Beginning with the fall 2002 semester, traditional students who have a declared major are now working with faculty advisors to meet not only course requirements for their majors, but also general education requirements needed for graduation.

Why the change? For one thing, “students are less likely to run into problems and will do better academically,” said Provost and Dean of Faculty C. Edward Balog, Ph. D. Also, he said, “it forges a relationship earlier between students and faculty.” The benefits affect everyone, he added. Faculty members get to know the student body. Students get to know their instructors, who have specific knowledge about the students’ area of interest. And the institution has the benefit of having aca-demic advisors who also create curriculum and work directly with students in the classroom. “This is a way to foster a greater sense of campus community,” Balog said.

The transition does not mean that folks at the Academic Advising Center are running out of things to do, however. “Advising is being combined with the Registrar’s office,” Balog said, where the staff will work “more in recordkeeping and [record] maintenance. The Registrar’s office was understaffed,” so this seemed a good fit. Undeclared majors and continuing education (CE) students will still work with the advising center, so the advising professionals will continue to

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advise some students and also oversee the faculty ad-vising program. According to Balog, this transition accomplishes two things: (1) enhancement of the Registrar’s office and (2) involvement of faculty members.

Because the program is still new, there have been a few bumps in the road, he said. For example, the School of Education requirements are quite complicated, because in addition to general education, major and minor requirements, School of Education requirements also must be met. Also, about half of the faculty advisors for Aquinas College don’t have previous advising experience and are learning as they go.

“The biggest challenge might be negotiating the Colleague [software] program—just learning how to operate the system,” said Associate Professor of English Rebecca Coogan, who has done English and women’s studies advising but not course schedule advising.

“There is really a lot to learn.” She said that the advising center has provided the faculty with a lot of support, though; and even set up a hotline to answer faculty questions.

“I don’t think students will notice a change as much as the faculty members,” said Gary Eberle, chair of the English Department, who has been advising for several years.

“With faculty advising, the faculty has to learn all the general education requirements and use the Colleague system—which has 20-some years of student records in it.” But it’s worth the effort, he said, because faculty-student

A change in location meant new memories in the making at Aquinas College’s 2002 Homecoming celebration, September 27-29. After several years at the Donnelly Center parking lot, the festivities moved to the lawn of Holmdene, where students, alumni and their families enjoyed activities.

Sports fans laced their sneakers and donned crazy costumes for Ernie’s Run (Centipede Shuffle), then headed to the soccer field for men’s and women’s games against Concordia Saturday afternoon.

Between matches, junior Matt Krevda and senior Kerry Lucas were announced as the School’s 2002 Homecoming King and Queen.

Reunions were plenty, as golfers, science students and Ireland study-abroad participants caught up with kindred spirits during the Joseph McCarthy Scholarship Golf Outing, the Dr. John Poje Scholarship & Science Alumni Dinner, and the Ireland Studies 30th Anniversary Reunion.

Golden Saints—those who attended Aquinas between 1930 and 1952— covered more generational ground during their own reunion on Sunday morning, while music lovers enjoyed food and camaraderie at the Dr. Bruce Early Memorial Jazz Brunch.

A number of music performances, art exhibits, children’s activities, student organization booths and opportunities to visit with friends at the Main Stage rounded out the weekend’s entertainment offerings.

The new location and activities garnered rave reviews from many attendees, including Lucas, who took in a soccer game with her family shortly after being crowned the school’s newest Queen.

“I think it’s great. It’s really brought people back on campus,” she said.

5

1

2

3

4 1. Students share a moment of laughter during comedian Eric Nieves’ performance on Sept. 27, one of the many student-centered events during Homecoming 2002.

2. Senior Kerry Lucas and junior Matt Krevda were crowned Homecoming’s royalty during Saturday’s festivities.

3. The women’s and men’s varsity soccer teams each faced Concordia University on Saturday afternoon. Cheered on by alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends, each Saints’ team claimed a victory, with the women ousting the Cardinals 4-1 and the men prevailing 9-0.

4. Alumni spent Homecoming weekend catching up on the latest news at their alma mater and spending time with friends.

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5. As always, Homecoming is a family affair with events and activities to entertain Saints of all ages.

6. Nelson, AQ’s beloved St. Bernard, greets a future Saint.

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Spring 2003 – Alumni News

Hall of Fame Gala Awards

By Tonya Schafer ’02 Contributing Writer

The prevailing theme at the 2002 Aquinas College Hall of Fame Gala was “family.”

Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Patricia M. (Blaesser) Tibaldi ’73 stressed that theme while describing how members of the women’s basketball team became “sisters” to her daughter as Tibaldi led them to victory throughout 17 years as coach.

Thaddeus Bukowski demonstrated it when he traveled from Bay City to see his brother, Monsignor Arthur F. Bukowski, be

– Spring 2003

“This award will be treasured,” Gillis said, addressing the hundreds who filled Wege Ballroom September 27. “It will remain in our family forever.”

Nine others were acknowledged that night for contributions

John A. Kurzynowski ’66, Pat G. Weiler ’78, Paul A. Assenmacher ’84, Kathleen Grzegorski-Johnson ’85 and Tibaldi.

Hall of Fame inductees were Bukowski, who served as president of Aquinas College for 35 years;

Alumni Award recipients (l-r) Tony Nolan ’66, Nancy Erhardt, Joyce Meistas Gillis ’70 (for Mary T. Meistas ’71), Patricia Bissonette Dignan ’63 and Connie Kowalsyk ’99.

Alums reminisce at the 2002 Hall of Fame Gala.

inducted posthumously into the Aquinas College Hall of Fame.

And Joyce Gillis ’70 emphasized family when she accepted an Outstanding Alumni Award on behalf of her sister, Dr. Mary T. Meistas ’71, who died in an accident days before learning she was chosen to receive one of the College’s most prestigious honors.

they have made to society and to the Aquinas community.

Dr. Patricia (Bissonette) Dignan ’63 joined Meistas in receiving an Outstanding Alumni Award, while Nancy (Murphy) Erhardt received the College’s Distinguished Service Award.

Inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame were Lloyd J. Brown ’55,

40

Jerome C. Byrne ’48, a former Board of Trustees member and nationally known attorney; and Peter M. Wege, founder of the Center for Environmental Studies, the Wege Foundation and who established the College’s Wege Speaker Series in 1997.

“This has been a chance to reflect upon many Aquinas memories,” Grzegorski-Johnson said upon receiving her award.

“Tonight will be a new one to cherish for years to come.”

Next year’s Aquinas College Hall of Fame Gala will be held on Friday, September 26, 2003.

Check the College’s Web site www.aquinas.edu for details this summer.

School of Education (SOE) The School of Education (SOE) team of Nancy Schmiedicke, Gayle Hulswit, Cindy Blair, Sandy Rademaker and Elizabeth Schmiedicke ’02 managed to exceed its projected fall enrollment goals for SOE courses for the 14th year in a row. Our staff and faculty, in addition to their advising, administrative, teaching and committee work have been busy in professional activities in the community and state.

Elizabeth Schmiedicke, certification officer, is teaching Spanish both as adjunct instructor for the Aquinas College Foreign Language Department and the Emeritus Center.

Sandy Rademaker, coordinator of graduate SOE programs, completed a three-week practicum in Spiritual Direction last May and is currently very busy with this ministry. In addition she is co-facilitating a 33-week JustFaith program.

Sr. Mary Navarre, O.P., and Dr. Cathy Tucci, both SOE faculty members, are serving on a Michigan Department of Education (MDOE) committee that oversees the Michigan test for teachers of reading. Julia Reynolds, director of introduction to education program, has been working with the MDOE on its secondary reading work, and is serving as president of the NCTE, Michigan Chapter. She also coordinated its state conference last fall and is a reading consultant with the Wyoming Public Schools.

Kathy Burgis, with the math department and SOE, has been working with the MDOE committee that oversees the math curriculum for teachers.

Kathy Barker, director of special education endorsement programs in SOE, has been working with the MDOE Special Education Office on assessing programs and training special education staffs around the state. Nkechy Ezeh continues to work with area schools teachers to increase their effectiveness in working with minority students and young children in the community.

David Kelly, consultant to our two Reggio Emilia inspired K-5 partner programs, has been working with Steelcase’s social anthropologists and Susan Lukaart, principal of Child Discovery Center (Reggio Charter School in Grand Rapids) and the Aquinas College Child Development Center to study teaching and learning in these environments. Tim Bennett, director of the master in science education faculty and curriculum, is completing his third year as science education consultant with the East Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Luthene Chappell has been working on the board of the Northroek Academy, which is a college program for developmentally disabled adults in western Michigan. Carol Winkle is working with MDOE in developing statewide surveys regarding the perceptions of the quality of teacher preparation (to be used with Title II and possibly PR/PE). Carol also has taken on extra students to advise in addition to her regular assignment of students in the College’s new Faculty Advising program (see story, p. 26).

Sue Liberatore, director of the reading clinic, has added an off-site reading clinic in a Grand Rapids elementary school that has a significant number of at-risk children enrolled. And I continue my work as a reading and accreditation consultant with the Wyoming Public Schools.

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V. James Garofalo, Ph.D. Dean, School of Education

News from the Deans

Spring 2003 –

Alumni News – Spring 2003

Aquinas College Alumni Awards

School of Arts and Sciences (SAS)

Shirley Lewis, Ph.D. Dean, School of Arts and Sciences

It has been an active and productive year for our faculty and students.

The SAS faculty has been working on their professional development plans for 2003 and their initiatives are scholarly and creative.

Gary Eberle, chair of the English Department and one of our most gifted teachers and writers, published his fifth book in January (see p. 28). Gary is to words what Dr. Paul Brewer is to jazz. Paul, an associate professor of music, will be presenting at an international music conference in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Rob Bajema, associate professor of biology has been investigating the possibility of including a Hazardous Material’s (HAZMAT) program in our science offerings.

Dr. Kris Lou, who has directed our International Education Program, left Aquinas for a similar position at Willamette University in Oregon. He leaves us with excellent programs, which will be carried on by our new interim Director Beth Laux ‘02, a former study-abroad participant. She is overseeing programs in Ireland, Costa Rica, and Germany during this spring semester.

The Health and Physical Education/Recreation (HPER) department will be receiving an on-site visit from the National Athletic Training Education Programs for the accreditation of our Athletic Training Program. We look forward to offering this program to potential Athletic Trainers. In addition to these initiatives, I collaborated on grants for the humanities and The Holocaust: An Interdisciplinary Inquiry course, which is offered this spring.

My assistant, Mary Kwiatkowski, has developed an interactive SAS Web site and is the creator of a new monthly newsletter for faculty and students that is available on the Aquinas Web site.

Connie Kowalsyk & Tony Nolan

Distinguished Service Award Nancy Erhardt “My desire is to stay close to Aquinas. My deepest sense of giving back was a natural reaction to all that I had experienced (at Aquinas) and all that I had been given.…”

Nancy Erhardt

Outstanding Alumni Award Patricia Bissonette Dignan ’63 (On her lifetime achievements in the field of education) “I attribute that and my leadership abilities to Aquinas. Aquinas was diverse even before it was fashionable. Aquinas saw not race, not color, not gender as a passport to equality, but they saw God’s handiwork in each of us and every human being.”

Patricia Bissonette Dignan

Outstanding Alumni Award Dr. Mary T. Meistas ’71 (deceased) Accepted by Joyce (Meistas) Gillis ’70, sister of Mary, in accepting award on her behalf “For Mary, Annette (Meistas ’71) and me, Aquinas provided … us with excellent preparation for the careers we pursued in teaching, nursing and medicine. This special award, which is Mary’s last, is the one most treasured by her family.”

School of Management

Cynthia VanGelderen Dean, School of Management

An organization’s mission identifies why it exists. The vision statement should set the direction in achieving the mission. However, it’s the organization’s values that influence its behaviors, guide decision-making and determine how it will handle conflict and relate to its people. Valuesbased education is increasingly important in light of the organizational challenges and failures of recent times.

In the School of Management, as in the other areas of the College, our faculty commitment to values-based education is demonstrated throughout the curriculum. Business ethics was added as a required course in the business major this fall. Ethics and social responsibility of management has been a required course in the master of management program since its inception.

As we continue our process of curricula review, our commitment to an emphasis on organizational values and ethical decision making will stand firm.

In addition, faculty members assist companies and nonprofit organizations as they identify and establish ethical decision-making in the workplace.

An example of this is the recent Values Accountability training program written

by Dr. Curt Bechler, associate professor of communication. This program helps companies integrate organizational values into their operations. These types of business/academic partnerships are indicative of our School of Management programs.

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Alumni Board Member(s) of the Year Tony Nolan ’66 & Connie Kowalsyk ’99 Kowalsyk: “I find no greater joy than being able to share and reinvest myself in the Aquinas community that so richly invested in me as an individual and still inspires and challenges me in my new pursuits.”

Joyce Meistas Gillis

Aquinas College Hall of Fame Monsignor Arthur F. Bukowski, former president (deceased) Accepted by Tim Konieczny ‘69, Bukowski’s nephew “He spent over 30 years here. He gave much of his life to Aquinas, but he received in return much more. Those who knew him, remember him as a reserved man, but a good man who knew what was right and who not only talked the talk, but acted on his principles. Mon Buk, a good man who loved his God, his family and Aquinas College.

Peter Wege, benefactor “My life is Aquinas. I appreciate everything Aquinas has done for me over the years. We’ve been a family.”

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Peter Wege and Tim Konieczny ’69

Spring 2003 – Alumni News

Student News – Spring 2003

Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Class Inducted September 27, 2002

Maggie and Paul Assenmacher

Paul Assenmacher, ’84 (Baseball). “This honor is not about me, it’s about the people who have had a hand in my development in the course of my life … my parents … my high school baseball coach …

Coach Bocian. It’s about my wife, Maggie, who’s been a pillar of strength raising our five kids (while I was on the road playing baseball).”

Kathy Grzegorski-Johnson ’85 (Basketball) “I accept this on behalf of the women’s basketball teams and players I’ve had the privilege to play with. [I want to] thank my two coaches … Pat and Joe Tibaldi … through high school and college. It was their superior coaching … wisdom and personal attention they gave each player on and off the court that allowed all athletes who had the privilege to play for them, the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

By Randy MacGeorge ’91 Residence Life Director

John Kurzynowski

John Kurzynowski ’65 (Golf). (From his top 10 list of memories from Aquinas) “Playing in two NCAA tournaments and winning a national championship … thanks for the memories.”

Patti Tibaldi (left ) and Kathy Grzegorski-Johnson

Fred Brown (Lloyd’s brother)

Lloyd Brown ’55 (Basketball) (Fred Brown, brother, on accepting Lloyd’s induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame.)

“Lloyd was my brother. He was in my hall of fame long before Aquinas’. If you thought Lloyd was a tremendous basketball player … you should have watched him be a brother, a father, love his family and give to his family. Lloyd was a lot of things. Basketball was maybe not first on his list but it was a big part of the list.”

Patti (Blaesser) Tibaldi ’73, (Coach). “It’s all about family here at Aquinas. I’ve been so blessed. I found the only man who could be married to me (Joe Tibaldi ’73). I found the place that could nurture my spirit. I found the people—the players who fostered the dreams. I found a passion for teaching and coaching that brought me fulfillment. I found an administrator, friend and mentor in Terry Bocian (athletic director) who shared a vision and worked to bring it to fruition.

With all this good fortune … tell me again why I am the one who is in Hall of Fame?”

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“AQ Club Night” Provides a Different Type of Fun

Pat Weiler and family

Pat Weiler ’78, Cross Country. “Time has a way of making us understand the important things in life.

Thanks to all the people at Aquinas … the alumni. Being a teacher and educator, I find it extra special (Hall of Fame Gala). From the current and past administrations, up to people who make this campus as beautiful as it is, it is the work you do everyday that makes … alumni be proud to be a part of Aquinas.

Last October 11, Aquinas College students flooded one of Grand Rapids’ finest athletic facilities, participating in a variety of events to socialize and unwind

before preparing for upcoming mid-term exams and projects. The event provided an alternative to the bar and party scene.

The student organization called AQRAAD (Aquinas Residents Against Abusive Drinking) organized the event, which was funded by a grant from the Prevention Network and Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking. The RHA (Residential Housing Association) and Programming Board also provided support for the project.

Getting there was part of the fun as the Grand Rapids Trolley shuttled students back and forth from campus to the East Hills Athletic Club.

At 10 p.m. the doors opened and students began playing tennis, racquetball and basketball. The Aquinas volleyball team coordinated games for the “bump, set, and spike” fanatics all evening long.

Elsewhere in the club, students challenged each other in inflatable

arenas such as the joust, bouncy boxing, an obstacle course and the bungee run. The swimming pool was the spot to be for many others, whether they were competing in the “Wild Water Relays,” swimming a few laps or just relaxing with friends.

For those less athletically inclined, the club lounge set the stage for a euchre tournament and several board games. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages were plentiful throughout the evening.

Upstairs, the music was fast, but fun. And Brad Winkler, dean of students, took the excitement to new highs with a demonstration

residential service groups), the AQ volleyball team and many other students and staff volunteered for the Club Night. Kristi Pavlak, a

(Upper right) AQ RAAD members (Upper left) AQ Club Night offered students a chance to test their knowledge in a game of Trivial Pursuit.

(Middle) Students didn’t get far in the inflatable bungee run.

(Bottom right) Bouncy boxing. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee?

of the latest in exercise and conditioning equipment.

Organizers collected information from a survey, “Actions and Attitudes About Alcohol at Aquinas,” completed by over 190 students. Drawings for door prizes were held throughout the evening.

Students unanimously agreed that the event was a great opportunity to get away and have some fun in a healthy environment.

Many offered to volunteer for similar events in the future.

According to senior Amy Westphal, “It was phenomenal to see so many different groups of students interacting and having fun together at one event.”

Resident assistants, members of Casa Hogar and AQCLAIM (two

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senior resident assistant, was responsible for writing the grant proposal that funded this event as well as another alcohol education event on campus in September.

Students will have another opportunity at East Hills on March 28 as the College was able to secure another $2,500 grant from the Prevention Network for Club Night.

Spring 2003 – Student News

Top Scholarship Winner Takes Cues From Older Siblings It’s fair to say that most high school seniors feel a good deal of pressure during their search to find the right college to spend the next four years of their lives. Kelly Dittmar of Aurora, Illinois was no different and, perhaps, felt some additional pressure as she began her search in 2001.

As the youngest of four, Kelly was looking for the right school, at the right price. The right price, in her terms, meant a full scholarship, with room and board, if you please. You see, her two older sisters and an older brother set the stakes high. They each earned full scholarships from their respective schools.

Kelly was very capable and she knew it. She also knew that she would have to refocus after 9/11.

Her father, Joe Dittmar, was in one of the World Trade Center Towers that day and managed to escape just minutes before the first tower collapsed. That fall was a traumatic

Alumni News – Spring 2003

period for her and only compounded the pressure to compete for available scholarships. Somehow, she managed to move on.

Kelly liked what she had heard about Aquinas and fell in love with it during a visit. In fact, her sister had selected Aquinas as her first choice but then decided to attend another school which offered her a full scholarship. For Kelly, the question was, what would Aquinas offer her?

She participated in the Spectrum Scholarship competition in February 2002 to find out.

Kelly left the daylong academic competition feeling as though she hadn’t done well. A short time later, however, there came a call from Aquinas. She received word that she had won a scholarship, but, in her excitement, she was uncertain which scholarship it was. Then, a second call brought clarification and a final decision.

“It was President Knopke, calling to congratulate me,” she recalls. She realized that if the president was calling she had won the Jerome C. Byrne Scholarship for full tuition/room and board.

Alumni News

(Steffi) Kelly Ditmar pictured with her mother, Betty, and father, Joe.

“That’s when I made the decision [to come to Aquinas],” Kelly said. While the initial financial burden for her and her parents has eased, she continues to feel the pressure of performance. She knows she must maintain a 3.7 GPA to remain qualified for the annual Byrne scholarship award.

“I know I’ll be fine and I know I’ll work hard because I’ll have to,” she stated. “It’s good because it forces me to keep up the hard work. But, it’s also nice not to have the pressure at the other end of having to pay for college.” Besides, she feels good about Aquinas, likes her roommate and loves the campus.

What more could she want?

Shanghai, Pudong district—12 years ago a marsh.

Now is aiming to be the “Wall Street” of China.

Shanghai Sojourn

By Steffi Visockis ’95

Because APL (American President Lines—the sixth largest international container shipping firm and my employer the past five years) recently moved a department from Denver to Shanghai, I had the opportunity to work in China for five months.

Studying overseas in France to attain my international business degree from Aquinas is vastly different from using that knowledge daily in a Chinese office.

The opportunity to win a full-tuition scholarship to Aquinas College brought 129 prospective students and their parents to campus Saturday, February 15. The 11th Annual Spectrum Scholarship competition, sponsored by the Admissions Office, is open to students who have been accepted for Prospective students work to complete the writing component of the admission to the College.

Spectrum Scholarship Competition Feb. 15, 2003.

Fifteen scholarships are awarded each year and can be renewed for up to a maximum of five solving, critical thinking and a decision making years. They include five full-tuition awards, five component. $1,000 awards and five $500 awards. The threeResults of the competition will be announced by hour long competition included writing, problemApril 1, 2003.

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I trained APL’s Shanghai staff, primarily in their mid 20s, to process the “paperwork” for

My favorite merchants to barter with.

The only English they knew: “Cheaper, cheaper, last price!”

transporting goods globally in a foreign language—English. We all worked U.S. hours—the night shift. They were extremely skilled in using computer software and had an evident desire to succeed.

Weekends were spent sightseeing, shopping/bartering and leaving China every 30 days (a visa requirement).

Living in Shanghai I rarely felt out of place. At 5’8’’ with blond hair and blue eyes, that says a lot about the kindness of the Chinese people.

And The Saints Go Marching … Forward!

By Jeremy Wood Admissions Representative

2003 Spectrum Scholarship Competition

The Shanghai APL night crew. Just about all had Western first names and all had studied English since grade school.

With this new issue of Aquinas magazine comes great news about the Saints Network.

Thanks to the help of the Alumni Office and the Admissions Committee of the Alumni Association Board, we’ve seen significant growth in the Saints Network and our national reach.

Last fall, hundreds of students in Illinois, Indiana, New Mexico and New York learned more about Aquinas as a result of alumni who represented the

College at career and college fairs.

To date, more than 250 students have received letters from Aquinas alumni to congratulate them on their acceptance. It’s no wonder prospective students and parents praise the strong connection that Aquinas maintains with its alumni!

We’ve also explored some great new ideas to help us reach prospective students in unique ways. During fall Campus Days, Aquinas alumni were present as part of our morning “meet-andgreet.” The connections between

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the alumni and visiting families proved valuable for everyone.

Parents and students loved the opportunity to talk with former students who shared similar experiences with the college search process. The last student visitation is April 25 (Campus Day).

For information about becoming a Saints Network volunteer, contact Jeremy Wood in the Admissions Office at 1-800-678-9593 or woodjer@aquinas.edu.

Spring 2003 – Alumni News

Student News – Spring 2003

previous semester. The pride, the personal satisfaction and the sense of accomplishment that each student feels are a joy to observe.

Alumni Association Call for Nominations Distinguished Service and Outstanding Alumni Awards.

Members of the Aquinas College community make their mark through noteworthy accomplishments and contributions worldwide. By making a difference, our alumni bring honor to themselves as well as to their alma mater. We would like to celebrate these accomplishments and pay tribute to the individuals whose

efforts enrich the Aquinas legacy of service and success.

The Distinguished Service Award honors one or more non-alumni in recognition of exemplary service and commitment to Aquinas College. The Outstanding Alumni Award honors an individual whose

accomplishments have procured a high level of distinction both personally and professionally. The awards will be presented at the Aquinas Hall of Fame dinner on September 26, 2003. If you would like to make a nomination(s), please provide the information requested below.

❏ I am pleased to nominate ______________________________________ for the 2003 Distinguished Service Award. ❏ I am pleased to nominate ________________________________________ for the 2003 Outstanding Alumni Award.

1. Please provide detailed information as to why this person is deserving of the above award.

2. A list of any professional, community, or humanitarian involvement and/or awards received.

3. Detailed contact information for the person you have nominated including program and year of graduation if possible.

4. Any other information that may be pertinent to this person’s consideration for the award.

Nominator’s name and address ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: Daytime (____)________________ Evening (____)_________________

E-mail_______________________________

BRIEF NARRATIVE DESCRIBING 1-4 ABOVE. (Please provide or direct us to any additional sources of information regarding your nominee.) ___________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Please return nomination form by April 15, 2003, to: Joelle Kwiatkowski Director of Alumni & Parent Relations Aquinas College 1607 Robinson Road, S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799

Other means of contact include: Phone: 616-459-8281, ext. 4415 Fax: 616-732-4481 E-mail: alumni@aquinas.edu

You will be contacted by an Aquinas College Alumni Association member following the return of this form.

Thank you for your support and interest in Aquinas College.

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Brad Winkler, J.D.

From the Dean’s Desk

By Brad Winkler Dean for Student Development

The freshman class demonstrated a real eagerness to learn, and I am struck with the image of over 360 students working together on a service project that made Congress School the brightest of the elementary schools in Grand Rapids.

Dean’s List With all the traditional fanfare of the Homecoming weekend’s activities Sept. 27-29, the image I recall most vividly is the look on faces of the parents and students who participated in our dean’s list ceremony. Each semester, we recognize the academic achievements of students based on their grade point averages for the

Bridget Clark Receives Venture Grant Senior M. Bridget Clark received a Venture Grant from the Michigan Campus Compact (MCC) for her “Kids Food Basket” project. The food rescue program provides meals to over 300 undernourished children in the Grand Rapids School District unlikely to receive an evening meal at home.

The Community Leadership Institute of Aquinas College has collaborated with Kids Food

AQ Club Night (See story, p.23) With the assistance of a grant to discourage underage drinking, we rented a local upscale health club Friday Oct. 11 for a night of fun.

The images that stayed with me were seeing groups of our students just laughing and playing wacky games in the pool, on the volleyball courts, the tennis floor, and the dance studios.

J.A.M.M.I.N. Fashion Show The event started by the Multicultural Department many years ago seems to improve in quality and entertainment each year. What’s unique is that students designed and coordinated everything. The Nov. 14 show had more than a hundred students involved in dancing, acting, poetry reading and showing current fashions for college students. The image I am struck with is the closing act when everyone comes back to the stage to take their bows.

The racial and ethnic diversity of the performers demonstrates the Basket and placed student Bridget Clark as the Coordinator of the program. This experiential learning oppor-tunity empowers students to respond to an identified need in the community.

Clark’s program was the only one of eight MCC award recipients to receive a full $2,500 grant. MCC is a state-level non-profit organization that promotes the education and commitment of Michigan college students through the development or expansion of community service programs,

21

inclusiveness and racial harmony of our community.

Athletics A great semester of the best. As each season progressed, the excitement of championship seasons evolved. Personally, the victory of our men’s basketball team over the undefeated Hope College team was my favorite. I was hoarse for two days but the jumps of joy by Coach Albro and the team is an image I will treasure.

Christmas The annual Music Department concert featured musical ensembles performing music of the season. I vividly recall the image of senior Sarah Makowski conducting the entire orchestra and chorus for “White Christmas.” She student teaches during the spring 2003 semester and the performance was her final assignment in the music department. What a joy to watch her take the wand and direct every musician in the department.

I look back with many smiling images of this past fall semester. I am blessed with the rewards of watching our students learn and play in this very special place.

Bridget Clark

service-learning opportunities, and/or civic engagement activities.

Spring 2003 – Student News

Alumni News – Spring 2003 Alumni Association Advisory Board Involvement Form

Fall Service-Learning Busiest Ever

❏ I would like to serve on the Aquinas College Alumni Association Advisory Board, please contact me.

Name ___________________________________________ Maiden Name _________________________________

By Eric J. Bridge ’92 Coordinator of Service Learning

Tom Eggleston lends a strong back to hauling and unloading gravel for a trail improvement project in Acadia National Park, near Bar Harbor, Maine. Eleven people were involved with the Acadia program.

Last fall’s break week (Oct. 1826) was the busiest ever for the College’s Service-Learning program. Five simultaneous programs engaged students, faculty and staff in a variety of settings and cultures.

Forty-six participants completed over 1,700 hours of service to communities. The projects included:

Address _________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: Daytime (____)________________ Evening (____)_________________ ❏ Male ❏ Female_____________

E-mail____________________________

Ethnic Background (Optional): ❏ African American ❏ Asian ❏ Caucasian ❏ Hispanic ❏ Native American ❏ Other_________________________________

Year of Graduation:_______ Major:______ Degree(s) Obtained ___________________________________________ ❏ 30 Credits or more/did not graduate ❏ Presently Enrolled (Program) ______________________________________ ❏ Not presently enrolled Other academic degrees earned/institution(s) attended ___________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Job Title _____________________ Employer Address __________________________________________________ Senior Ray Gaiser applies stain to a hard to reach area of a community center building being refurbished by four service-learning people in the Wilderness State Park in northern lower Michigan.

• Building 300 feet of new outdoor trail at Acadia National Park in Maine • Constructing a new snow fence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Browning, Montana

I would like to serve on the following Alumni Association Committee: ❏ Alumni Admissions

❏ Alumni Development

Skills/Experience (check all that apply):

❏ Campus Life

❏ Fundraising

❏ Nominations & Awards ❏ Special Events

❏ Working with Youth

❏ Communications

❏ Special Events

❏ Recruiting

Other Skills/Areas of Interest ________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ ❏ I nominate Aquinas College Alumnus(a) _____________________________________________________________ to serve on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

• Completing multiple home repair projects in Salem, West Virginia • Staining interior and exterior cabins and a community center at Wilderness State Park, located at the northernmost point in lower Michigan

Sophomore T.J. Burdick with one of the young students who were tutored by the twelve Aquinas students visiting Brooklyn, NewYork.

• Tutoring children and adults in Brooklyn, New York Service Learning engages students by providing experiential programs that connect academic knowledge to social issues.

Students learn to serve and serve to learn.

Through their commitment to service and their desire for social justice, Aquinas students exemplify the Dominican spirit of putting faith into action.

The Service-Learning Team reshingled a roof and made other repairs at Nazareth Farm near Salem,West Virginia.

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Please return nomination form

by April 15, 2003 to: Joelle Kwiatkowski Director of Alumni & Parent Relations Aquinas College 1607 Robinson Road, S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799

name\program\year of graduation

Phone: 616-459-8281, ext. 4415 Fax: 616-732-4481 E-mail: alumni@aquinas.edu

You will be contacted by an Aquinas College Alumni Association member following the return of this form.

Thank you for your support and interest in Aquinas college!

Alumni Association Board Committee Descriptions The Special Events Committee plans various alumni events including the Alumni Golf Outing and Homecoming activities. College developments, economic enhancement, spiritual growth, and the advancement of the Association’s mission drives the committee’s work.

The Alumni Development Committee provides leadership and assistance to the College’s Development Office in raising funds from alumni to support Aquinas College. This committee is also responsible for the oversight of active Association membership and volunteer recruitment.

The Nomination & Awards Committee is responsible for determining the recipients of the Association’s annual awards. The committee will also work on the Sr. Anne Keating Scholarship and other alumni-related scholarships.

The Campus Life Committee works with the College to develop programs and projects which will help current students to better understand the importance of alumni in the life of the College and to prepare them for their role as alumni.

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The Alumni Admissions Committee, through serving as members of the Saints Network, assists the College’s admissions office in the recruitment of students.

The Communications Committee concentrates on effective communications among the members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors as well as between the Board and all Aquinas alumni. The committee contributes content and information regarding the Alumni Association to the Aquinas magazine and Aquinas Alumni Web site.

Spring 2003 – Alumni News

Student News – Spring 2003

Domestic Problems Plays Its Final Notes

By Nicole Selzer, Contributing Writer

Domestic Problems began as a group of guys jamming in the basement of St. Joe’s Hall in the early 90s. It appears now, however, that the band has played its final number. The group’s leader, Andy Holtgrieve ‘94, announced in late 2002 that Domestic Problems would disband.

Looking back, nobody knew then that those noisy guys in the basement would become one of the hottest bands to grace our music scene. They performed between 200 and 250 shows per year in such familiar places as Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Traverse City as well as in 32 states and hundreds of cities—Chicago, New York, Atlanta and Boston, among others.

Domestic Problems holds a special place in the hearts of many in the Aquinas community, from students and alumni to the staff and faculty, and even President Harry Knopke.

“I distinctly recall the first time I met Andy and the band and heard them play during our orientation week in 1997. Their energy was infectious, and the unique sound and consistently good music they created had an SRO welcome-

Most recent Domestic Problems members included Aquinas alums John Niedzielski ’97 (second from left), Bill Kenny ’94 (third from left) and Andy Holtgrieve ’94 (right).

back-to-school crowd at the Cook Carriage House asking for multiple encores,” remembered Knopke.

“I’ve been impressed with the evolution of their music as well as the obvious joy they take in performing it.”

President Knopke, who readily admits to being a fan, added, “they have been such outstanding representatives of Aquinas to countless audiences.”

Holtgrieve, lead singer and guitarist, studied business administration and communication at Aquinas.

The only time he actually studied music was during his guitar lessons with then-Professor Mike Hyde.

Domestic Problems is something that evolved from a mutual love of playing and creating music

for sheer enjoyment. It wasn’t until graduation that Andy and the other members of the band decided to perform professionally for a living. And that is what they did for five great years.

Aquinas College has not only been a second home to Holtgrieve, Bill Kenny ’94 and the other founding members of Domestic Problems, it has also been a place to learn and grow academically and personally, while being helped along by some of the finest people one could hope to find.Gary Kieff and David Weinandy, business and communication professors, respectively, influenced Holtgrieve, teaching him lessons that he used in running the business and the show. Sr. Ann Mason, O.P., taught him self-discipline. Former Aquinas President Paul Nelson always encouraged Andy to “follow your passion.” Sr. Alice Wittenbach, he recalled, was “just great.” And Stella Ferris, Andy fondly remembers, was one of his best friends. “She helped me to believe in myself.”

Domestic Problems created music that was enjoyed, not only by the adults on campus, but children as well. Paula Meehan, dean of Admissions remembers when her son, Michael, was in day care over in Donnelly.

SAVE THE DATE! Aquinas College Annual Alumni Association Golf Outing Who: Everyone When: June 21, 2003 • Shotgun 8 a.m.

Where: Boulder Creek Golf Club Grand Rapids, Michigan

MORE DETAILS SOON!!

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Doyle said Clement was always “cracking a joke” at the cafeteria where he worked. Krevda goodnaturedly recalled how Chiwaya “chased me in his wheel-chair” in the dormitory halls during his freshman year.

“He’s been such a gift to us,” said a teary-eyed Sandy Rademaker, who with her husband Jim was a foster parent to Chiwaya during his years in Grand Rapids.

“Everyone has supported him because of who he is.

I’ve never seen one ounce of self-pity in him.”

Bishop Robert Rose congratulates Chiwaya following graduation ceremonies.

“It’s rare for people who come to a more prosperous country to go back home,” said Chiwaya, who wanted to return and use his education to help effect positive change.

“Clement took the road less traveled,” said The Dominican Sisters provided funds to Chiwaya Roger Durham, an for his Malawi Project. They include: (back row, l-r) Janet Mish, Sr. Diane Dehn, Sr. Ottilia Schaub and associate professor of Sr. Sr. Jean Kramer. (front row, l-r) Sr. Mary Lucille, political science who Clement and Sr. Aquinas Weber. spoke at the ceremony.

“Clement is breaking [the “brain “He doesn’t know he has special drain”] trend, and we’re very proud needs because he’s always helping of that.” others,” said Robert Woodrick.

Chiwaya left a permanent mark “He is a living example of what it on the Aquinas community. means to be a caring individual.”

“It’s [Chiwaya’s departure] is Turning toward Chiwaya, Woodgoing to be a huge loss,” said junior rick spoke sentiments that many Jim Vote. He, along with junior in the room shared, “Clement, it Matt Krevda and sophomore has been my privilege and honor Maureen Doyle, attended the to know you. May God always be ceremony to honor their friend. with you.”

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Pictured left to right: Sarah Van Hall, Casa Hogar member, and Allison Lindemyer, organization president, display their Michigan AFP Award.

Casa Hogar Earns Michigan Philanthropy Award Aquinas College’s Casa Hogar project was honored by the West Michigan Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) with the “2002 Youth in Philanthropy Award.” Junior Allison Lindemyer (above right), president of Casa Hogar, received the award during the National Philanthropy Day luncheon on November 15.

Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II orphanage in Lurin, Peru was featured in Aquinas magazine (spring 2002, p. 32). The Project’s 2002-2003 goals are to improve literacy levels and education programs at the orphanage. At the same time, the group hopes to build awareness of the orphanage’s needs, as well as the challenges faced by the illiterate.

Aquinas or individuals connected to the College have received a total of ten awards from the AFP West Michigan Chapter over the past several years.

Student News

Spring 2003 –

Clement’s foster parents, Sandy and Jim Rademacher, share sentiments and stories during the graduation ceremony. Copyright 2002. The Grand Rapids Press. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Alumni News – Spring 2003

SHOPPING!!!

Clement Chiwaya: An Aquinas Success Story

Alumni Chicago Shopping Trip Set for 2003

By Laura Bennett-Kimble ‘95, Contributing Writer

The Aquinas College campus said goodbye to a familiar face in December when Clement Chiwaya graduated. Chiwaya, who zipped around campus on a battery-powered wheelchair for four years, making friends wherever he went, returned to his home in Malawi, a small, poverty-stricken country in southeastern Africa.

Because he wanted to go home as soon as possible to put his education to work helping the people in his village, Chiwaya wouldn’t be here for the traditional May graduation ceremonies. College officials decided to honor him with his own ceremony, so he wouldn’t miss the academic rite of passage. In a special reception December 16 in the Holmdene Boardroom, Aquinas College President Harry Knopke hooded Chiwaya before an audience that included his classmates, professors, friends, supporters and admirers. Chiwaya majored in political science and community leadership and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.

Chiwaya, who had polio, did not have a leadership role in his village of Mpondasi before he came to the United States. Foster parent Jim Rademaker said Chiwaya told him, “people like myself are seen as a liability in my country.”

Since entering Aquinas, Chiwaya developed a strong presence in Mpondasi, where he returned each summer during school breaks.

“Going back every summer as a leader – his community has seen him in a very different light,” said Eric Bridge ’92, coordinator of the College’s Service Learning program. Through his own efforts and the generosity of the people of Grand Rapids, Chiwaya has brought his village food, seedlings, cook stoves, education and enthusiasm.

He was involved in the installation of a clean water system in the village. He organized groups to train permaculture skills to create sustainable agriculture. He acquired a donated vehicle for his transportation as well as for medical emergencies. Working to educate his community, he has helped bring health education to a nation plagued by AIDS and other communicable diseases.

“He calls himself a humble peasant,” Knopke said. “But he’s so much more.”

The event was attended by more than 40 people, including a Grand Rapids Press reporter and photographer who gathered information for the newspaper’s Christmas Day cover story on Chiwaya. It was a time of reminiscences, good wishes, laughter, tears and goodbyes. Chiwaya spent much of the ceremony wiping his eyes with a tissue and smiling.

“This event is as much a family gathering as anything else,” Knopke said as he stood beside Chiwaya. “Clement, you’ve been a gift to this College.”

Raised and educated by the Catholic Bishop of his village because his mother could not support him, Chiwaya came to Grand Rapids in 1998 with a gift of $500 and the goal of attending college. Unlike many individuals from impoverished nations who leave their countries intending never to return, he came to Grand Rapids intending to do so.

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Domestic Problems played to huge audiences like this sold-out performance at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo.

“Andy used to go there to play his guitar and sing for the kids.

They loved it.” It is exactly this kind of cross-generational appeal that makes DP so special.

On December 31 at the Intersection in Eastown, DP played what was billed as their last show.

In a press release, Holtgrieve stated that Domestic Problems is “going to stop. Not going to ‘quit,’ not break up, but simply stop.”

Questioned about that statement, he explained that he didn’t want DP to be a bar band anymore.

Whatever lies ahead for band members, one thing is for sure, Domestic Problems made people feel good. There is something in their music that offers audiences a taste of true freedom.

Among the list of alums who have been associated with the band since its inception are: Job Grotsky ’95; Scott Hammontree ’00, manager; Christian Hauser ’94; Tadd Kimble ’95; Sarah Landry ’98; Josh Newman ’98; Katy Moore ’02, promotions and Seth York ’94.

If you’re already looking ahead to the next holiday shopping season, make sure you put Saturday, November 22, 2003, on that planning calendar. That’s the date of the annual alumni excursion to the Windy City for shopping, sightseeing, entertainment and, perhaps, some cultural stops.

Last fall, two buses carried 79 alums to Chicago for the daylong adventure.

Watch for more information on the 2003 Chicago Shopping Trip in the fall edition of Aquinas magazine.

For information regarding upcoming Alumni events, visit the alumni page on the Aquinas Web site at alumni@aquinas.edu or e-mail us at www.aquinas.edu/alumni/.

Invitation to Nominate for Aquinas College Hall of Fame The Aquinas College Historical Commission will continue to elect persons to the Aquinas College Hall of Fame each year. Alumni/alumnae will be selected on the basis of long-term or distinguished achievement in professionalism and/or service to the community. Non-alumni will be chosen for service within the College or support from outside.

To nominate one or more persons, please send: name, current address (if known), and qualifications. Include your own address and

telephone number. A committee of alumni, current and retired faculty and staff will select the honorees. Names of all nominees will be kept on file for consideration in the future.

Send your response by April 30 to: Aquinas College Historical Commission, c/o Jean Milhaupt, O.P., 1607 Robinson Rd. SE Grand Rapids MI 49506-1799 Telephone: (616) 459-8281, ext. 3525 e-mail: milhajea@aquinas.edu

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Campus

Spring 2003 – Alumni News

Alumni Giving: The Time Is Now

By Julie Ridenour Vice President for Development

Eight centuries ago St. Thomas Aquinas urged the world “to contemplate the truth and to share the fruits of that contemplation.”

Those words are a lasting encouragement, aren’t they? And how do they apply today to the College that bears his name in a part of the world never contemplated by him?

There are some basic truths about Aquinas College that, regardless of your graduation year, can be applied across the generations: ✦ Aquinas College is committed to educating our students in the liberal arts tradition with a career emphasis; ✦ The College is steeped in a Catholic tradition that embraces inclusiveness in ecumenical fellowship; ✦ Aquinas provides living and learning environments that help

Class of 2006 Welcomed! students prepare themselves for a future of real-world risks; and ✦ Through service to others, the College links individuals to a wide range of opportunities, whether in academic, local or global communities.

When it comes to alumni support of Aquinas College there is another lesser recognized but no less important axiom: With an alumni giving level at 15 percent, Aquinas College alumni need to think about ways they can reinvest in the College which prepared them for the outside world.

Alumni are the key component of the Aquinas Fund. Alumni contributions work to strengthen the College into one of the Midwest’s finest Catholic universities.

As of January 30, 2003, the Aquinas Fund was at 71 percent of its $1.7 million financial goal.

Your Aquinas College Alumni Association understands the value of this concept—and that stronger alumni support will enhance the value of your degree.

As an organization, they are

Aquinas College welcomed graduates from 1952 and before at the Golden Saints Reunion brunch.

Golden Saints 1952 Class Reunion 1952 was a leap year. A new twodoor Buick Sedan sold for $2,280.

A loaf of bread was 16 cents.

Cotton-knit blouses were on sale at Sears for $1.98 each. Popular songs included: “Slow Poke” by Pee Wee King, “Wheel of Fortune”

by Kay Starr, “A Guy is a Guy” by

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committed to attracting 300 new alumni donors to the Aquinas Fund this year and hope you’ll help them reach their goal if you are among those who have not yet given to the College through the Fund.

So sit back and contemplate, as St. Thomas would have encouraged you to do, about the truths of Aquinas, of your time here and how your education has served you in life. Then we encourage you to remove the envelope inserted into this magazine, and return it to the College with a gift.

Your contribution will help Aquinas College provide the scholars of today with the financial assistance they need now.

For additional information, contact Cecilia Cunningham, director of the Aquinas Fund, at 616-459-8281, ext. 4408.

Doris Day and “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” by Lloyd Price.

Those few tidbits were among the conversations during the golden anniversary celebration held at Aquinas College last September. A Homecoming and Gala Weekend brunch was held for all Golden Saints alumni who graduated in, and before, 1952.

Sr. Jean Milhaupt, O.P., ’45, Aquinas archivist, gave a spirited review of the activities of the Class of 1952. The Class of 1953 will celebrate its 50th anniversary r eunion brunch on Sunday, September 28, 2003.

Getting settled

– Spring 2003

CAMPUS CAMPUS EVENTS EVENTS

Getting acquainted

JUNE 2003 23–27 • Mon–Fri Math/Science/Technology Camp For Girls in 7th and 8th Grades Call 459-8281, ext. 3665 Jazz Camp Call 616-459-8281, ext. 3401

JULY 2003 Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Opening

Time out for fun

Project Unite

Several College representatives noted that it was one of the most organized move-ins in recent memory. A number of parents pointed out that this type of personal assistance is not provided at other colleges they’ve visited.

Jessie Grant, the new director of Campus Life, was responsible for coordinating Orientation Week activities. He worked with dozens of faculty and staff from various College departments as well as with returning students to ensure a smooth transition for the freshmen.

The Orientation Team, headed

by Grant, was responsible for gathering volunteers, planning food, scheduling entertainment, reserving rooms for activities, coordinating Inquiry and Expression and working with community leaders in Eastown for the freshmen service project, Project Unite.

Congratulations to Grant and his team of volunteers for a seamless effort.

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7–11 • Mon–Fri Math/Science/Technology Camp For Girls in 7th and 8th Grades Call 459-8281, ext. 3665

AUGUST 2003 18, Monday Welcome Week/ Orientation begins

25,Tuesday First day of class

SEPTEMBER 2003 4,Thursday Reflection Award Dinner

NOVEMBER 2003 12, Wednesday Scholarship Dinner

Be sure to check the AQ Web site for details on events.

www.aquinas.edu

Spring 2003 –

CAMPUS CAMPUS EVENTS EVENTS APRIL 2003 3, Thursday Speaker: Eric Pankey Award-Winning Poet Aquinas College Contemporary Writer Series, 7:30 p.m. Ballroom Wege Student Center. Free.

6, Sunday Aquinas Bachelor of Fine Arts Students’ Exhibit 2-4 p.m. Opening Reception Aquinas College Art and Music Center Gallery

15, Tuesday Wege Speaker Series John L. Knott, Jr. CEO Noisette Company Charleston, South Carolina 4 p.m. • Wege Center Ballroom

25, Friday Campus Day For high school juniors, seniors, and their families. E-mail: admissions@aquinas.edu

Alumni News – Spring 2003

Class of 2006 Orientation week in late August each year brings with it new faces and new challenges.

Fall of 2002 was no exception.

In fact, a near-record number of new students—over 360— arrived August 21. Near-perfect weather greeted them with sunny skies and temperatures hovering near 70.

Students, parents, faculty and staff pooled their efforts to ensure a smooth transition from home to college. They hauled boxes, clothing, TVs, refrigerators, bedding, computers, and personal items from family vehicles to dorm rooms.

By noon that day, most of the students were settled in their new digs. Lunchtime provided a break from the rush of moving and gave students a few more moments with mom and dad before they headed home.

Moving in

Arizona Alumni Celebrate

By Cecilia Cunningham Annual Fund Director

Aquinas Alumni gathered under a twinkling starlit sky at the gorgeous Wrigley Mansion in Scottsdale, Arizona, October 29 for the President’s reception.

Hosted by Jack Hebert ‘70 and his wife, Tami Lewis, the theme focused on fun and renewal of meaningful connections.

The Arizona Aquinas Alumni group is also helping to set the pace for chapters around the country for financial support of the College. Contributions for the Aquinas Fund and other special restricted gifts have reached nearly $8,000. All Aquinas Fund gifts directly

Aquinas alumni came together in Scottsdale, Arizona, last October.

support student scholarships, making a difference in the lives of students.

If you’re an alum interested in hosting a reception in the South-

www.aquinas.edu/

Project Unite

MAY 2003 10, Saturday Baccalaureate Mass • 10 a.m.

St. Robert of Newminster Church 6477 Ada Drive S.E. Commencement • 2 p.m.

Aquinas College Field House 1580 East Fulton

21, Wednesday Emeritus Evening Wege Sudent Center Dining Hall

Convocation

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west, please contact Cecilia A. Cunningham at 616-459-8281, ext. 4408, or 800-748-0186 (during regular office hours) or e-mail us at cunnicec@aquinas.edu.

Development

Spring 2003 –

– Spring 2003

CAMPUS CAMPUS EVENTS EVENTS

Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Construction, Grand Opening Planning, Programming Aquinas College welcomes a new theatre to campus this summer. In keeping with the Dominican tradition of inclusion, the theatre will house three distinct groups of players. The unique partnership between Aquinas College, Catholic Secondary Schools and Circle Community Theatre promises great opportunities for all participants.

While each dreamed of having its own theatre, the reality was that it could only be accomplished through a cooperative partnership. We believe this collaboration will serve as an example to other communities across the nation. Probably the most exciting aspect of our new theatre is that it will experience constant use.

A major Grand Opening is planned for August 6-9 on the College’s south grounds along Robinson Road. The first theatre performance will be Circle Theatre’s production of Beehive, which begins on August 13.

Visit the College’s Web site www.aquinas.edu for an update on theatre construction.

Grand Opening Week Activities Tuesday, July 29 Wednesay, July 30 Thursday, July 31 Friday, August 1

Saturday, August 2 Saturday, Sept. 27

Contractors, Architects, Builders Reception Ribbon Cutting and Major Donor Gala Chair Campaign Celebration Employees, Staff and Volunteers Reception Program (Aquinas College, Catholic Secondary Schools & Circle Theatre) Neighborhood Open House Alumni (Homecoming Weekend)

MARCH 2003 18,Tuesday Linda Nemec Foster Poetry Reading and Book Signing Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center 7 p.m.

Loutit Room,Wege Student Center. Free

26,Wednesday

St. Thomas Aquinas Week The traditional St. Thomas Aquinas Week (Jan. 27 - Feb. 1) celebration began on the right note with choral music, birthday cake and the annual Aquinas family picture in front of the Academic Building (above). Nine male students braved a frigid 18-degree temperature to pose for several pictures. The weeklong celebration also included, among other things, the faculty music recital, lectures, the Medieval Banquet and Theater, Monty Python’s Holy Grail Party and men’s and women’s basketball games against Cornerstone University.

The annual Dominican Heritage Mass honored faculty and staff who marked 25 years in service to the College. They included (L-R below) (Cindy Chapman, administrative assistant for the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; Dave Zenk, general maintenance/mechanic; Joyce LaFleur, director of Information Technology and Services; Woody Hoover, chair of the Business Department; and, Sr. M. Aquinas Weber, Chancellor).

Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center 3 p.m.

Donnelly Conference Center.

Free

29/30, Saturday/Sunday 30th Annual Jazz Festival Art and Music Center Saturday’s Concert: Sunny Wilkinson (Kretschmer) Sunday’s Concert: Randy Brecker (Wealthy Theatre) For information, call 616-459-8281, ext. 3030.

Artist’s rendering of interior lobby of new theatre.

Artist’s rendering of new Aquinas College Performing Arts Center.

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Speaker: Marie Wilson, President of the White House Project “Why Women Matter: The Path to Leadership”

15

Spring 2003 –

Development – Spring 2003

“We Remember” ceremony draws hundreds to Gerald R. Ford Museum on Sept. 11, 2002.

Remembrance and Hope ... One Year Later September 11 will be forever etched in the minds of Americans and people worldwide. The horrific events in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania in 2001 serve as a constant reminder that America is not immune to the determination of would-be terrorists.

Last September 11, the world paused to remember. Grand Rapids scheduled a community commemoration, “We Remember.”

Hundreds gathered in Ah-NabAwen Park at the Gerald R. Ford Museum on the banks of the Grand River. The ceremony was replete with music, brief speeches and a moment of silence to mark that moment when the first of two planes tore into one of the two World Trade Center Towers.

Aquinas Chancellor Sr. M. Aquinas Weber, O.P., ’58 delivered the invocation, reading from the Prophet Micah: “One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.”

Under sunny skies, Sr. Aquinas implored God to hear her words, “We carry in our hearts men and women who need Your gifts of love, wisdom and courage. We pray that all world leaders will treat differences as challenges to be resolved together.”

On campus, members of the Aquinas community took part in noontime service at the Shrine of Mary. Several dozen students, faculty and staff joined together in a moment of silence, then prayer and, finally, in song.

Among those participating was Abby Triebel, a senior transfer from New York who lost two uncles in the World Trade Center disaster. She shared with those in attendance a piece of poetry she wrote shortly after the tragedy.

Here’s an excerpt: How many innocent bodies are buried in the rubble?

How did the land of the free find itself in trouble?

Tears flow from my eyes as I think of all that has past.

How long will this horrible day last?

- Abby Triebel

In Minneapolis, Tim McGuire ‘71, the retired editor of the Minneapolis Star Tribune and an Aquinas Trustee, delivered brief remarks to those gathered for a church service on the anniversary.

An excerpt from his comments sum up the feelings of many: We must remember. We must move on.

We must live a life of peace and urge others to do the same. We must turn our backs on violence, revenge and hate. We must know that even when bad things happen, God will be with us if we let Him. Finally, we must not let the barbaric actions of a few zealots be the legacy of September 11. Rather, we must let all those selfless actions of courage, heroism and love stand as September 11’s most profound lesson.

-Tim McGuire ‘71

Aquinas College Chancellor Sr. M. Aquinas Weber, O.P., delivers the invocation.

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Theatre construction is moving at a measured pace and is expected to be finished on time in July. By mid-spring, most of the major construction elements will have been completed.

With construction nearly complete and Grand Opening plans underway, the collaborators are looking forward to the first year of programming.

The task was complex, but achieved through some diligent scheduling that involved the leaders of the three organizations.

The result: a schedule that entails four high school productions (Catholic Central in November and April and West Catholic in October and March), plus one joint Shakespeare festival in January.

Aquinas will develop six productions (October, November, December, February (2) and April) that would include joint efforts with Circle, such as children’s theatre and a holiday production.

Circle Theatre will have access to the building from May to September. As the schedule currently exists, there are only three dark, or open, weeks out of the entire year for the new space.

The glass-enclosed lobby and gazebo, completed this past winter, have given the theatre a vibrant new character.The exterior work, landscaping, parking and other groundwork will be completed in May and June.

The Grand Opening is set for July 28-August 2.

The inaugural performance, “Beehive,” will be presented by Circle Theatre August 6-9, 2003

“We’ve Saved a Seat for You” Campaign There’s still time to become involved. Reserve a seat for yourself or someone close to you. You can have a permanent display of your support by purchasing a theatre seat for $1,000 through the We’ve Saved a Seat for You chair campaign.

For more information, contact Kathy Fore, Director of Special Gifts, at 616-4598281, ext. 4423, or via e-mail

51

at forekat@aquinas.edu. or visit our Web site and download a chair reservation form. Also, visit the Aquinas Web site main page at www.aquinas.edu for weekly progress reports on construction, including site photographs. There is a link on the main page or go to www.aquinas.edu/news/ theatre/.

Spring 2003 – Development

Peter and Pat Cook are honored with 2002 Reflection Award.

Reflection Of Values

By Ellen Harburn ‘01 Contributing Writer

In the Dominican tradition and spirit of leadership and service, Aquinas College takes time each year to honor those whose dedication and commitment to the community embody that spirit. We call it Reflection.

Campus News – Spring 2003

Peter C. and Emajean (Pat) Cook were honored with the 2002 Reflection Award. The Cooks, lifelong residents of Grand Rapids, truly emulate the values of Aquinas: commitment, vision, service, loyalty and integrity.

Peter is the former chairman of Mazda Great Lakes and Pat has volunteered her time and service to the local community. The couple was recognized at the annual Reflection Award Dinner September 5 at Browne Center on the Aquinas Campus.

“Peter and Pat are examples of enduring love and exhibit the strength that family bonds create,” said Richard DeVos, the master of ceremonies and a friend of the Cook’s. “Throughout the years of creating a successful business and being committed to developing the community in which they live through philanthropy and volunteerism, family was always

the foundation that made the successes possible,” he said.

The Reflection Award recognizes the positive values of our community. The Awards Dinner also serves as the College’s main fundraising event with proceeds supporting student scholarships. In 2001, Aquinas created an endowed scholarship in the name of the Reflection Award recipient(s).

This year, the event provided $68,000 for a scholarship in the name of Peter C. and Pat Cook.

The ideals the Cooks have inspired in the community, their professional lives and in their family will now be reflected in the graduates of Aquinas College who benefit from Peter and Pat’s continuing generosity and spirit of giving.

On September 4, 2003, Aquinas will bestow its Reflection Award honors on Miner S. and Mary Ann Keeler of Grand Rapids.

in the Jarecki Center. A record number of guests attended the fundraising event.

In the true spirit of the season, our guests helped to raise more

receiving some form of financial assistance.

Among the items on the auction block: a six-month lease on a 2003 Honda Accord, a oneweek stay in Vail Valley Arrowhead, Colorado, an autographed shoe from Grant Hill and a basketball signed by the entire 2000–01 Orlando Magic basketball team. There were well over 100 items up for bid. To help keep the evening rolling along, the Honorable Sara J. Smolenski served as guest auctioneer for the live auction, raising spirits and the bidding!

Holiday Auction 2003 is expected to be a grand affair, as well. Look for details in the next edition of Aquinas magazine.

Holiday Auction attendees participate in the live auction.

Judge Sara Smolenski works to raise bids in the live auction.

Holiday Auction

By Ellen Harburn ’01 Contributing Writer

Aquinas College provided some early Christmas cheer this past holiday season with its annual Holiday Auction on November 7

than $27,500 for the Aquinas Fund, which supports scholarships for 85 percent of Aquinas students

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Dr. Roger Durham, associate professor of political science, confers with Model U.N. participant.

Modeling U.N. Spirit

By Kathy Fore, Aquinas Director of Special Gifts

Aquinas College’s political science students stormed into Chicago last November for the annual Model United Nations.

Thirty-one students attended the conference at the Hyatt Regency.

Aquinas’ Political Science department and POLIS, the political studies club, sponsored the trip. This year’s participants represented delegations from Vietnam, Afghanistan and Denmark.

More than 1,000 students from across around the world participated. They came from Nigeria, Greece, Canada, Ghana

Aquinas Maintains “Best Values” Ranking Among Colleges Aquinas College continues to be recognized as a “Best Values” college, according to annual rankings released by U.S. News and World Report. The College is positioned again on the prestigious “Best Values” list for 2003. “This annual college survey ranking reflects the academic quality of an institution and the extent to which it is affordable to students.

and Cameroon, as well as California, New York, Missouri, and Michigan. Model U.N. conferences bring college and university students together to role-play delegates from assigned countries.

In their fifth year of participation, Aquinas College students again performed extremely well. The Denmark delegation won an Outstanding Award on the Historical Security Council.

Delegates are judged on their ability to accurately portray their country’s policies ad positions on a number of important issues.

Knowledge of history, balance of power, alliances and diplomatic skill are fundamental. For example, in the Security Council the issues include the Indian-Pakistani arms race and conflict, the situation in

Kosovo and the ethnic cleansing in central Africa. Students must use diplomatic skills including nego-tiation, conflict resolution and debate. Knowledge and use of parliamentary procedure is also considered in the judging.

Aquinas students spend several weeks researching and developing their country’s positions and policies. They develop specific policy statements and practice writing United Nations resolutions.

To be a successful U.N. representative, knowledge of the structure and function of the United Nations is as crucial as their knowledge of a country’s positions.

Alumni Pat Miles ‘88, Dan Sherman ‘80 and Johann Vaz ‘88 also attended and shared their experiences with the students.

Student representatives debate issues in Model U.N. forum.

Each year, U.S. News and World Report conducts an exhaustive survey of colleges and universities across the United States. Analysis of survey responses results in detailed rankings, based on several qualifying factors, which are published in a special edition each fall. The list is designed to provide parents and students with objective information to help them decide which school best fits their educational needs.”

13

Copyright 2002. Reprinted with permission from U.S. News and World Report.

Spring 2003 – Campus News

Development – Spring 2003

Wege Speaker Series To Welcome International Urban Preservationist Aquinas College welcomes John Knott Jr., a noted urban renewal preservationist, to campus in April.

He’s the seventh speaker for the Annual Wege Foundation Speaker Series, to be held on Tuesday, April 15 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Wege Student Center Ballroom.

Knott, CEO of Noisette Company John Knott Jr. of Charleston, South Carolina, is a noted expert in the field of historic preservation, specializing in ecologically sound and energy efficient design.

Noisette, a community-driven, and environmentally sensitive redevelopment company, is setting new standards for urban renewal.

The company is involved in the nation’s largest urban renewal effort, the Noisette Project, on 3,000 acres of North Charleston’s southern end. The 20-year project, expected to cost $1 billion, is based on urban renewal without displacing neighborhood residents.

The project aims to help residents upgrade their homes and increase the number of homeowners in that community.

www.aquinas.edu/president/commencement/

C O M M E N C E M E N T

2 0 0 3 • 2 0 0 3

It’s hard to believe that the school year is near its end. Commencement is less than two months away.

Behind the scenes planning for graduation has been underway since early January.

Noted author, historian and civil rights activist Roger Wilkins will deliver this year’s com-

12

mencement address. Currently, he is a professor of history at George Mason University in Virginia.

We encourage you to visit the Commencement Web site for details on the week of activities including the graduation ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m.

Ruth Eberhard’s nephew, Bob Sullivan, pictured with his daughters, Catherine M. Sullivan ’84 (l) and Therese Sullivan Seeley (r), following last October’s dedication ceremony.

dedicated in her name last fall. A bequest from her estate has also endowed the Ruth Rasmus Eberhard Athletic Scholarships that will be awarded each year to outstanding student athletes.

Over the years, Eberhard was a strong supporter for Aquinas and assisted with the Catholic Junior College Scholarship Committee and other reunion activities. She died in October 2001.

Ruth Rasmus Eberhard Hall Dedication On a crisp October morning at Aquinas College, a dream held by the late Ruth Rasmus Eberhard was realized. As a 1936 alumna of Catholic Junior College (now Aquinas College), she wanted to leave a legacy to the education she received from the Dominican Sisters. The Ruth Rasmus Eberhard Hall, one of the Ravine apartment buildings that provides housing for 40 students, was

(l-r) Barbara Witham McCargar, assistant professor of music; Paul Brewer, Ph.D., associate professor of music; Sr. Catherine Williams, O.P., associate professor of music; and, Ruth Rasmus Eberhard (center) in this 2001 photo.

Co-chairs Drs. Greg Gilmet ’73 and Tom Zwier ’76 present gift to the scholarship fund during the annual Dr. Poje Scholarship Dinner.

Poje Scholarship Committee Raises $60,000 Co-chairs of an alumni committee that raised funds for the Poje Scholarship, announced that $60,000 was collected from former students of the late Dr. John Poje for the scholarship fund. Poje, who died in 1989, began teaching at

Dr. John Poje (1915–1989)

Aquinas in 1950 and continued for 36 years. Affectionately referred to as “Doc Poje,” he befriended, inspired and guided the career decisions of many of his students. The scholarship was established in 1988.

53

Music, Reminiscing, Scholarship, Mark Ireland Study Abroad Alumni Reunion Under the guidance of Sr. Alice Wittenbach, O.P., the Ireland Alumni Committee organized a 30th Anniversary Reunion as a part of Homecoming Weekend.

Class representatives for 13 out of 29 Ireland classes have committed themselves to building an Ireland alumni network. The Ireland Alumni Reunion was celebrated with Irish music from Fohnmoor along with Irish fare and beverages. The Ireland Alumni Committee also established the

Ireland alums share fond memories.

Gertrude Horgan Ireland Alumni Scholarship to honor Miss Horgan, the Aquinas instructor who began the program in 1972.

The scholarship will provide financial assistance for Aquinas students to study in Ireland as well as help students from Tully Cross come to Aquinas.

Ireland Alumni Committee members pose with President Knopke after establishing the Horgan Scholarship.

They are (l-r) Sr. Alice Wittenbach, O.P., Ph.D.; Ron Pederson; Patricia ThomeWoodhouse ’88; Lanae Gill ’01; and, Joelle Kwiatkowski ’02.

Spring 2003 – Development

Campus News – Spring 2003

New Corporate Relations Director Brings Energy, Experience to Aquinas Ali Erhan, Ph.D., joined the Aquinas Development Department last fall as its director of Corporate Relations. He’s new to his current position but he’s no stranger to the College. He has been an adjunct faculty member for the last nine years teaching business and economics courses.

Erhan spent 13 years in corporate banking and investments in West Michigan.

Erhan began his career as a foreign currency trader for

Ali Erhan, Ph.D.

Barclays Bank International in Great Britain while he attended graduate classes at London School of Economics as a Fullbright scholar. He came to the United States, where he completed his

master degree in Applied Economics at Western Michigan University. He began his doctoral coursework at Michigan State University and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Istanbul in International Economics and Finance.

Erhan plans to use his extensive community connections and professional relationships to enhance Aquinas’ recognition among West Michigan businesses.

He hopes to tap both alumni and College benefactors to lend a hand as team members to reach this very meaningful goal. You can reach Ali Erhan at 616- 459-8281, ext. 4410, or via e-mail at

Reprinted with permission. Copyright Grand Rapids Magazine, December 2002, Gemini Publications. (Tamber Moore, lower left)

erhanali@aquinas.edu

Future Community Leaders Identified at Aquinas

Sophomore Joe McCarthy in his 1959 Aquinas yearbook picture.

McCarthy Scholarship The memory of Joe W. McCarthy ’63 is celebrated each year through the awarding of the Joe McCarthy

Memorial Scholarship to student athletes on the Aquinas Golf Team. Joe died in 1994 and a group of Joe’s classmates established a scholarship fund in 1995.

Each year an appeal is sent to Joe’s

54

classmates and his scholarship fund is nearing $30,000. As a part of the 2002 Homecoming Event a golf outing and dinner were held to honor Joe and memories of his life with us.

Each year, Grand Rapids Magazine, a local community publication, highlights future leaders with a special segment, “20 Under 40.”

This year, four of those on its list have ties with Aquinas. These young people, according to Grand Rapids Magazine, were selected not only for their work but also “for their idealism and creative influence on the new GR.” The publication calls them “energetic, forward-thinking, creative and generous” persons who are building the Grand Rapids of the future.

Among those on the list: Tamber Moore (pictured on magazine cover above; seated left) is a former administrative assistant in the Woodrick Institute and is now the Community Outreach manager at The Delta Strategy.

She’s working on community

initiatives to reduce poverty and is “passionate” about healing racism in Grand Rapids.

Brigid Avery ’01 (pictured right), an admissions representative at Aquinas, was identified as a “woman of character” who “walks the talk.” Avery, the magazine states, is on a “mission to increase diversity” at Aquinas College and in the greater Grand Rapids community. She developed a summer program for Detroit public high school students called “Detroit Rewarding Youth Achievement,” inviting them to experience college life at Aquinas. This year, the number of incoming freshmen of color increased six percent.

Liz Keegan ’98 (pictured right, sitting on floor), a partner in program management in the Community Leadership Institute at Aquinas, organizes dialogues on contemporary issues and spends her time promoting diversity.

Grand Rapids Magazine characterized Keegan as “one of these incredibly bright and dedicated young leaders who is breaking the mold or helping to break the mold of traditional leadership.”

Steve Robbins (pictured right, seated left) is the director of Woodrick Institute for the Study of Racism and Diversity at Aquinas College. Robbins works to heal racism and promote diversity through workshops he developed to foster community sensitivity in those areas. In the article,

Brigid Avery

President Harry Knopke described Robbins as creative and passionate about what he does and with a “broad perspective on the community ... and what a community means.”

Steve Robbins (lower left) and Liz Keegan (lower right)

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Spring 2003 – Campus News

Aquinas Takes Lead In Developing New Deacons For Diocese

By Tonya Schafer ’02 Contributing Writer

When his father died at 63, Denny Williams ’64 made a vow.

Upon retirement, he would

Deacon candidate Denny Williams

commit himself to service of the faith that had been a source of strength for so many years.

Last year, Williams retired from his position as Chairman of the Williams Group, the successful business he started years ago, and enrolled in the Diaconate Formation Program offered by the Diocese of Grand Rapids.

The Grand Rapids man joined 23 others from around West Michigan whose desire to serve has led them to become deacons.

These lay members of the Catholic Church conduct outreach and assist in the celebration of Mass, and form an integral part of the faith community, according to Deacon Mike Dordan, the program’s director.

“When we understand that the primary role of the deacon is service to the marginalized, the needy, those overlooked or avoided by the majority, we can recognize that there is a lot of

Development – Spring 2003

room for deacons in our diocese,” Dordan said.

Last fall, Williams and the other deacon candidates, some accompanied by spouses who also registered for courses, enrolled in the Academic Formation component of the Diaconate Program conducted by Aquinas College.

They take classes in subjects ranging from Liturgy, Scripture, Introductory Theological Methodology, to Christian Morality, each of which is what “anyone preparing for a serious ministry in the church needs,” said Sister Amata Fabbro, O.P., chair of the College’s Theology Department, who directed the design of the curriculum. Full-time Aquinas faculty members and diocesan priests who have adjunct faculty appointments teach the courses.

Courses can be taken for Aquinas College credit or continuing education units.

Tuition is $900 per course, half of which is sponsored by the diocese and the other half assumed by the student.

The diocese had sponsored a Diaconate-training program in the 1970s that continued through

the early 1990s when interest subsided. Several years later, Bishop Robert Rose created a committee to evaluate reinstituting the program in light of the changing demographics of the diocese, including the increasing numbers of Catholics living in the diocese and the decreasing numbers of priests available for traditional ministries. Aquinas participated in the planning effort because the diocese has had a long and favorable working relationship with the College and looks to it for substantive educational offerings.

The College’s formal involvement began in September 2002.

This academic program was instituted with the help of a major grant from Camille Cebelak, a prominent diocesan laywoman and Catholic leader.

Future plans include curricula for a three-year discernment program and a three-year post-deaconate special study program.

Williams expressed gratitude for the program’s revival. “If it is God’s will that I be ordained a deacon, I will serve at the pleasure of my bishop in whatever capacity he should choose.”

Grants for New Initiatives

By Steven de Polo Grants Associate Director

When new projects at Aquinas are too experimental to be included in the general fund budget, that’s when I step in. As the grants officer, I help the faculty identify grant opportunities. But, applying for a grant is as much an art as it is a science. There needs to be a balance between the vision of our professors with the interests of our alumni and donors.

On my first day, Mike McDaniel, associate professor of mathematics, pulled me aside in the Academic Building. He told me how he wanted to help girls become more confident in math. I did some research and found several foundations interested in reversing math inequity for young women while numerous technology companies are desperate to

Steven de Polo

digitally, process it onto a CD in a multi-track format, and download recording tools from the Internet As you can see, obtaining grants can be an adventure. Please let us know if you would like to help with the Math Camp for Girls or if you have information about other grant opportunities. Contact me at 616-459-8281, ext. 4507 or via email at depolste@aquinas.edu.

AQ Remembers Stella Ferris with Named Scholarship

By Bill Weitzel Director of Planned Giving

Deacon candidates immersed in academic component of Diaconate Formation Program for Diocese.

Stella Ferris ’88

10

hire female employees. Working with former camp directors and female civic leaders, McDaniel and I drafted a proposal for a two-week summer Math Camp for Girls.

The camp will enroll 24 seventh and eighth grade girls, utilizing female math majors as counselors.

After several presentations, we received $2,000 from the Nokomis Foundation and $5,000 from the Michigan Women’s Foundation. We are waiting for answers from a number of other potential donors.

In mid-Februar y, Aquinas College also received word of an $8,000 grant to support the Music Department from the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation.

The monies include $5,000 to help upgrade the recording studio in the Art and Music Center and $3,000 to purchase new materials for the Woodhouse Library. When completed, the Studio will allow students to record live music

Estelita “Stella” Ferris touched everyone she met, especially her friends, students and family. Stella, who served as Aquinas’ multicultural director from 1989 until 2002, had a life-long love of travel adventure and was very involved in the College’s service-learning trips to Haiti, Mexico and Appalachia to serve others in need.

55

Stella died on January 26, 2002.

Recently, a group of her friends and co-workers established a memorial scholarship that would provide financial assistance to minority students who demonstrate caring and consideration towards service learning projects.

Her pursuit for justice, knowledge and peace was exemplified in her courage and support for the disadvantaged.

Trustee Profiles

Spring 2003 –

Kate Wolters, Chairperson, Aquinas College Board ofTrustees

– Spring 2003

Profile: Kate Wolters ’78, Alumna, Trustee, Friend

by Michelle A. Bottrall ’90, Contributing Writer

Kate Pew Wolters ’78: chair of the Aquinas Board of Trustees, executive director of the Steelcase Foundation and a champion in the State Senate for those with disabilities. An incredible woman. Some have called her unstoppable, formidable, and even remarkable. But she prefers Kate, “just plain” Kate.

Well, “just plain” Kate is anything but that to the people who know her.

She was born in 1957 with diastrophic dwarfism; she stands only threefoot-six-inches tall, her hands, feet and legs are deformed and she suffers daily pain from osteoarthritis. She gets around with the help of a rolling walker that does double duty as a chair. And yet, despite her disablements, she has an unbelievable list of accomplishments under her name. She has served for 11 years as a trustee of Aquinas College, the last three as chairwoman.

Wolters is a member of numerous boards. They include the Steelcase Foundation, Founders Trust Personal Bank, the Disability Funders Network, Indian Trails Camp, Michigan State University, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund. She also is the president of the Kate and Richard Wolters Foundation. In addition, she received a presidential appointment to the National Council on Disability, not once, but twice. Her list of accomplishments can be intimidating.

Yet, soon after talking to her, you find yourself forgetting that she is small, or disabled or even so accomplished.

Instead, her wry sense of humor and directness win you over. And, when you leave, you’ll remember Kate, the woman.

Wolters’ maternal grandfather, Walter Idema, started Steelcase with Peter Martin Wege, the father of our lead benefactor, and David Hunting. Kate, herself, is part owner of the furniture company and was asked recently to be on the board at Steelcase.

When asked if her disabilities have held her back, she responds, “I don’t know if it’s a woman thing or a disability thing or that I’m just being stupid. And I can be stupid. But I do think I have to try extra hard.”

Aquinas College was the first school Kate attended that was not strictly for people with disabilities. She says she was thrown into this institution, learning about philosophy, psychology and all those things that she “didn’t have a freakin’ clue about.” Early on, she was placed on academic probation, but quickly learned how to study and went on to earn a master’s degree in social work at Michigan State University.

Wolters says that her time at Aquinas College led her to one of the biggest events in her life. Although her parents only lived five minutes

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Attendees at the First Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

Campus Life Director Jessie Grant presents inaugural MLK Community Service Award to Sharon Smith ’80, Aquinas’ director of Career and Counseling Services.

New MLK Program Bridges Ties Between AQ and Grand Rapids

By Jessie Grant, Director of Campus Life

Aquinas College continues to build closer ties with the Grand Rapids community. The latest evidence of that effort came on January 14 with the introduction of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

Developed in conjunction with the Aquinas College Office of Multicultural Affairs, the MLK celebration program ties into the Dominican tradition of hospitality and social justice. This year, 80 guests listened to the inspiring wor ds of Dr. Fannie Brown, executive director of the Coming Together Project, a national clearing house created to bring people together to address race relations in their communities. Her words invoked the audience to

reflect on Dr. King and to act on injustices they see in their daily lives.

In honor of Dr. King’s legacy, the Office of Multicultural Affairs created an award to recognize individuals for their community service. The inaugural award went to Sharon Smith ’80, director of Career and Counseling Services at Aquinas. She was honored for her numerous social justice contributions to both Aquinas and Grand Rapids communities and for providing continual support to those in need. Smith said that she knows the needs first hand and is compelled to repay what “many people did for me.”

Awele Makeba Performs on Campus On January 23, Aquinas College welcomed Awele Makeba to campus for a performance of her one-woman stage play “Rage is not a 1-Day Thing.” Makeba, an internationally known actor, playwright, storyteller, awardwinning recording artist and educator, is a “truth-teller” and an artist for social change.

The performance, sponsored by the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Study Center, tells the story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott as it was experienced by four influential African-American women. The

Awele Makeba and Dr. HaworthHoeppner, director of the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Study Center.

story is told primarily through the voice of 15-year-old Claudette Colvin, who would not give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus nine months before Rosa Parks’ arrest for the same act.

“Rage” examines the impact of exclusion, hatred and violence under segregation and helps audiences to understand racism’s legacy and continuing influence. The play is based on oral histories, interviews, court transcripts, memoirs and biographies.

9

Spring 2003 – Campus News

Trustee Profiles – Spring 2003

A New Major: Sustainable Business

raise the bottom line for these companies,” he predicted.

“This is a cutting edge kind of program,” he added. “I think it fits with the goals of this college and will give Aquinas a higher profile in this community. It’s an opportunity for Aquinas to reconnect with the business component of West Michigan.”

When exploring the concept, Balog met with community leaders; perspective program

By Laura Bennett-Kimble ’95 Contributing Writer

Can industry lessen its impact on the environment and still make a profit? Yes, it can, according to Matthew Tueth, Ph.D., coordinator of Aquinas College’s newest undergraduate degree program, the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Business.

While the principles of sustainable business—balancing economic growth with responsible environmental practices—have been around for more than a dozen years, formal education is hard to find. Provost and Dean of Faculty C. Edward Balog, Ph.D., came up with the concept for the program

… balancing economic growth with responsible environmental practices.

-Principles of sustainable business

last summer, when he began looking into combining business education with the sciences to create something new. Little did he know that he was also helping to create something unusual.

“I don’t know of another undergraduate program that addresses the principles of sustainable business the way that we’re doing,” Tueth said. In fact, even graduate programs in this expanding field are rare, with the University of Michigan, Cornell University, and

Dr. Matt Tueth, coordinator of new degree program.

Yale University offering the only comparable programs nationwide, according to Tueth.

Multidisciplinary in nature, the new major integrates science, business, and environmental studies. “It grows directly out of our mission to provide a liberal arts education with a global perspective dedicated to the common good,“ Balog said.

Aquinas already offers two environmental majors and six business programs. Consequently 15 of the classes required for the new program are already in place, Tueth said. New classes are industrial ecology, sustainable energy systems, environmental business management, environmental regulatory compliance, environmental economics and policy, and an internship.

Graduates of the program will be familiar with the principles of sustainable business and able to help their employers not only be environmentally conscious, but also profitable, according to Tueth.

“What’s going to get [future graduates] hired is their ability to

8

What’s going to get [future graduates] hired is their ability to raise the bottom line for these companies.”

away, Wolters’ chose to live on campus. She found that faculty and students were very accepting, but because she was still unable to do simple things, like dressing herself, she had to have a personal attendant 24 hours a day. It wasn’t until a few years later that she decided to be totally independent.

“I wanted to go on a date,” she said. “How was I going to do that when someone had to follow me around all the time?”

Kate went to Mary Free Bed as an outpatient, where they taught her to dress and cook for herself and do all the things that were necessary for her to become an independent woman. For the first time, Kate was, literally, on her own.

It was this independence that led to her meeting Richard Wolters, a local hardware store owner, whom she later married.

They were married for 14 1/2 years

- Coordinator of new program Dr. Matt Teuth

donors; representatives from companies including Dow Chemical, General Motors and Steelcase; and faculty from the schools of Business and Science, and he received encouragement from all sides. Industry representatives expressed interest in hiring graduates of the program.

Aquinas received a $25,000 donation to help with start-up costs. And serious discussions regarding scholarships are already taking place.

For more information on the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Business, visit www.aquinas.edu.

until Richard died last year after a very long, brave fight with complications of Hepatitis C. “When you have a disability, it’s a natural thought process that your life will be different in every way including relationships. I didn’t think that I’d have a relationship or get married, especially to someone as caring as Richard was.”

Besides being in the final term of her tenure as chair of the Aquinas College Board of Trustees, these days find Kate learning how to deal with the grief of losing her husband.

“I’ve got to believe I’m going to miss Richard forever. I’m not at the point where I cry every day, but I still cry. I try to keep busy.... some might think I’m too busy but I have plenty of time even in the middle of meetings to grieve. I believe that if you put it off, it will come back, but if you go through it, you go through to the other side.”

AQ Trustee Marty Allen Receives Notre Dame Honor

Martin J. Allen, Jr.

Martin J. Allen, Jr., member and former chair of the Aquinas College Board of Trustees, was recognized with a prestigious honor from the University of Notre Dame Alumni Association last fall.

Allen received the Harvey G. Foster Award during halftime at the Notre Dame–Michigan football game on September 14.

The Foster Award is given annually to a Notre Dame graduate distinguished for athletic

57

She lives in the beautiful house that they built together on the Thor napple River. Richard’s workshop is in the back, every tool exactly where he left it. And although the house might seem big for her alone, there are just too many happy memories there to let it go, she said.

They designed every detail of the home to make things easier for her. The counters in the kitchen are lower, making the coffee pot easier to reach; the tub is sunken into the floor, making it easier for her to get in and out; and, her mattresses are close to the floor.

And, the doorway? It’s huge, at least eight feet tall and made entirely of heavy wood. When you visit, you can’t help but be struck by the image of this tiny woman in the doorway. And yet, she fills it entirely with warmth, reputation and success. “Just plain” Kate?

Never.

endeavors and community service. Allen graduated from Notre Dame in 1958 and is past president of the ND Club of Grand Rapids.

Allen has also been honored with commendations from the President of the United States and the Governor of Michigan for his exceptional volunteer services in the fields of education, human services, community development and in the arts and cultural activities.

Allen and his wife, Susan, have two sons and a daughter.

His son, Stephen, is a 1990 Aquinas graduate.

Spring 2003 – Trustee Profiles

Campus News – Spring 2003

Peter Wege Receives Michigan Environmental Award The Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) presented Peter M. Wege, Aquinas College Trustee Emeritus, with the Helen and William Milliken Distinguished Service Award at an Oct. 16 reception in Lansing. The MEC Award, its most prestigious, was given to Wege for his lifelong and steadfast commitment to environmental causes.

Wege was cited for his continuing dedication to environmental and educational philanthropy. The Wege Founda-

tion, which he founded in 1967, has dedicated millions of dollars to environmental research and advocacy organizations.

Wege’s highly regarded contributions to understanding the positive relationship between business and ecology are represented in his 1998 book, Economicology: The Eleventh Commandment.

Lana Pollack, president of the Michigan Environmental Council, described Wege as “a visionary and a legend.” She said his creativity and unwavering dedication to the

Peter Wege with MEC award

environment have inspired and aided generations of activists and business leaders.

Honorary Doctorates to Be Awarded to Trustees at 2003 Commencement John C. Canepa is being honored with an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree for his lifelong service on numerous educational, cultural, community and business-related boards.

Canepa is a consulting principal for Crowe Chizek and Company LLP, working primarily with financial institutions.

He was appointed president of Old Kent Financial when it was formed in 1972 and served as its

Kay Donnelly Trustee Emerita (Board 1987- 2000)

Katherine (Kay) S. Donnelly will be honored Saturday, May 10, with an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, for her lifetime

John C. Canepa Trustee Emeritus (Board 1982-1994)

Chairman/CEO from 1982 until his retirement in 1996. During that of service to professional and community organizations as well as to Aquinas College.

Born in Grand Rapids, Katherine Shields married John Fenlon Donnelly. She is a founding member of the Holland League of Women Voters, helped to establish Hospice of Holland and has served on boards of the Holland Area Arts Council and the Holland Community Foundation.

She currently serves on the advisory council for the Snite

58

time, the corporation achieved 22 years of record earnings and dividends and its assets grew from $800 million to over $15 billion.

Prior to Grand Rapids, Canepa worked at banks in New York and Ohio. His banking career spans over 40 years.

He received his B.A. in economics from Harvard University in 1953 and later earned his M.B.A. from New York University.

John and his wife, Marie, have four children and 11 grandchildren.

Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame.

Before the sale of Donnelly Corporation to Magna International in October of 2002, Katherine Donnelly served as the chair of the corporation’s Donations Committee and is a former member of the Board of Directors.

She earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan where she did graduate work in sociology.

Donnelly has three children and seven grandchildren.

in molecular biotechnology from Wayne State University. The research technician is currently working on projects involving protein microarray technology, which she said allows the researchers to “look at many different gene profiles and compare them to tumor tissue.”

Scollon, an assistant research scientist who began working with the Institute as an intern, said, “I came in with a strong science background. I’m very happy with the knowledge I gained at Aquinas.

The lab work gave me the basic

skills I needed, so I was at least comfortable when I started here.”

The Institute was a new world Scollon thought. “I’ve probably been working with people from at least 10 countries,” she noted. “I have definitely learned a lot about cancer research here. And beyond the science itself, I’ve grown so much; I’ve been exposed to so many cultures, which helped me mature and learn about myself and the world—and want to know more about it.”

When discussing the Aquinas students involved with the

Institute, Aquinas Professor of Biology James Doyle, who teaches genetics and micro-biology, was full of praise. “All of these students are very self-directed and highly motivated,” Doyle said. The students did much of the work themselves to attain their positions at the Institute.

In summing up the opportunity available at the VARI, perhaps Mynsberge, who is currently working with yeast genetics at the Institute, stated it best: “It’s a great learning experience.”

Nursing Students Get Presidential Treatment on Ethics Third-year students in the College’s nursing program are getting some presidential treatment. President Harry Knopke is teaching a medical ethics class to a group of 10 students this spring semester. Dr. Knopke was associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Alabama’s medical college and a professor of Behavioral and Community Medicine throughout his 20 years there. Medical Ethics was one of his areas of teaching and research during his tenure at Alabama.

The students here comprise the first group moving through the nursing program established in collaboration with the University of Detroit-Mercy and Saint Mary’s Mercy Medical Center.

Aquinas and UD-M each have responsibility for half of the baccalaureate curriculum. Aquinas is providing the traditional foundational arts and science courses, including Knopke’s

President Knopke lectures nursing students on medical ethics.

medical ethics course. UD-M is directing the advanced science and clinical course work that makes use of Saint Mary’s clinical facilities.

The program began with a group of eight students in 2000 and has grown to an enrollment of 53 this year. This collaboration is unique among nursing programs nationwide and will be featured in the fall 2003 issue of Aquinas magazine.

7

Campus News

Spring 2003 –

Trustee Profiles – Spring 2003

Aquinas Strengthening Links to Medical Research Center

By Laura Bennett-Kimble ’95 Contributing Writer

The billion-dollar Michigan Life Sciences Corridor, begun in 1999 and funded from the state’s

by two interns, seniors Holli Charbonneau and Ashley Mynsberge, as well as two Aquinas graduates, Sarah Scollon ’02 and Emily (Schultz ’97) Eugster, both fulltime employees.

Aquinas’ interns and graduates have found the Institute an exciting, rewarding place to work.

Charbonneau is involved in a number of projects, and several relate to prostate cancer research.

“I love the work because it allows me to continually think about science, particularly in the summer” (when she isn’t in school), she said. “It’s definitely a wonderful experience. We’re doing important things here—someday the work

Trustee Lori Bush passes the 20-mile mark at the New York marathon.

AQ Trustee Setting a Steady Pace Imagine moving along for three hours and 54 minutes, knowing you’ve only gone 26.2 miles. Now, picture 32,000 others going the same way! What you

Charbonneau: “We’re doing important things here.”

Charbonneau (l) and Mynsberge (m) talk with James Doyle, Aquinas professor of biology.

settlement with the tobacco companies, includes the state of Michigan, state universities, and, as the hub of the west anchor, the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI).

When it opened its doors, the VARI quickly established itself as a premier medical research facility with the primary goal of learning more about cancer in order to improve human health. As the Institute’s first director, Aquinas Trustee Dr. Luis Tomatis created opportunities for area college science majors by establishing internship positions that would provide real-life work experience.

Aquinas College is currently represented at the Institute

6

have is a marathon. And if it were November, you’d be in New York.

That’s where Aquinas Trustee Lori Bush of Holland was last November 3rd. The New York Marathon was her third major race.

Her best marathon time was 3:43 at the Bayshore marathon in Traverse City in May 2002. She admits being disappointed with her Big Apple finish of 3:54. Still, she finished 7,941 out of 31,835 runners, which put her in the front quarter of the pack at 1,297 of 10,210 female runners. She was willing to concede, however, that the incredible excitement that accompanied participation in the event made up any shortfall in her performance.

The winning time for men was 2:13 while the fastest finisher among women competitors was about 2:23.

What’s next? Lori has set her sights on the Boston Marathon in April.

We’ll let you know how she does.

2003 Board Meetings Tuesday, March 18 Noon to 4 p.m.

Lacks Center, Room 141

Tuesday, May 27 Noon to 4 p.m.

Jarecki Center Piazza/ Lacks Center Room 141

John Cummiskey Remembered

Mynsberge: “It’s a great learning experience.”

we’re doing could lead to the cure of a disease.” Unlike classroom lab work, she said, “This is real.”

And it builds upon experience gained at school. “Aquinas gave me the background in biology and helped me realize that I was interested in pursuing the sciences,” said Eugster, who earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Aquinas and then a master’s degree

John W. Cummiskey, Aquinas Board Trustee Emeritus, died on November 11, 2002. He served on the Board for 12 years beginning in 1985. He chaired the Academic and Faculty Affairs Committee of the Board and remained an active member of the committee until his death. He received the Aquinas Reflection Award in 1994.

Cummiskey, a founding member of the Grand Rapids law firm Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, P.L.C., was a vigorous advocate of legal aid for the poor. He was former president of the State Bar of

Michigan and a member of the American Bar Association Board of Governors.

His dedication to ensuring access to justice for all earned him many honors including the National Legal Aid and Defender Association’s Arthur Van Briesen Award, the State Bar of Michigan’s Robert P. Hudson Award and a Special Presidential Honor from the State Bar of Michigan. In 1982, the State Bar created the John W. Cummiskey Award, given annually to a Michigan lawyer for exemplary pro bono service.

His wife, Eleanor E. Cummiskey, and four children survive him.

59

John W. Cummiskey

The deadline for

– Spring 2003

1948 Muriel (Karp) Ross was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in October 2002 for her extraordinary career in medical research. She and her husband, Bernard, reside in New Mexico where she is still involved with scientific concerns.

1950 Rev. Maurice Schepers, O.P., is continuing his ministry in Aruba, Tanzania.

1963 John Nowak, a retired Lieutenant General (three-star) from the U.S. Air Force, is the president and CEO of LOGTEC, Inc. He was named 2002 Entrepreneur of the Year in the southern Ohio and Kentucky region. He and his wife, Maureen, have five children and 10 grandchildren.

1964

submitting class notes for the

Dennis Williams was formally called

by Bishop Robert J. Rose to prepare for ordination as a deacon of the Church.

He and his wife, Sue, along with their children, are members of Saint Thomas Parish in Grand Rapids.

1966

fall Aquinas magazine is June 1, 2003. ______

Robert Schaner and his wife, Carol, have retired to Florida after 30 years of owning their own business in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Sr. Mary Ann Barrett, O.P., moved to Albuquerque and is presently the Campus Ministry director at the Newman Center/ Parish at the University of New Mexico.

1968

alumni@aquinas.edu (616) 459-8281, ext. 4501

John Longcore and Jim Brunson ’71 completed their third backpacking trip together in Aug. 2002 on the Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior.

1970 Thomas Tithof, most recently an elementary principal, retired after 30 years of serving Chesaning Schools. He lives in Montrose, Mich., with his wife, Pat, and daughter, Kelsey.

1971 Jim Brunson recently graduated from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle

60

Barracks, Penn., with a master of strategic studies degree. He currently serves as the State Judge Advocate and is a Full Colonel for the Michigan National Guard. He and John Longcore ‘68 completed their third backpacking trip together on the Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior in Aug. 2002.

Juan Olivarez, Ph.D., president of Grand Rapids Community College, was named in January to the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) board by President George W. Bush. The NIFL goal is to ensure that all Americans with literacy needs have access to services that can help them.

1979 Nanette Bowler was named by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to head the newly titled Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS). Bowler is a longtime advocate for child welfare in Grand Rapids, as well as the state of Michigan. The OCFS will focus on the needs of families, especially those of children.

Georgia (Goscinski) Ellwanger, a senior contact analyst with the Michigan Family Independence Agency, retired after 32 years with the State of Michigan.

1980 Sharon Smith, director of Career and Counseling Services at Aquinas College, received the first annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award. Multicultural Affairs of Aquinas College will present the award each year to a person who has contributed to the goals of social justice.

1986 Robert T. Gallagher received the 2002 Vatican II Award for Distinguished Service in Liturgy for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Gallagher is also the chairperson of the Archdiocese Liturgical Commission as well as the director of liturgy and music at St. John Vianney Parish in Brookfield, Wis. Dave Robach is a home mortgage consultant at Exchange Financial Corporation in Grand Rapids.

In a special ceremony this past December I had the pleasure of presenting a diploma to Clement Chiwaya, certifying his completion of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree with a double major in community leadership and political science. We arranged this ceremony because Clement would be returning to his home country, Malawi, shortly after Christmas and would not be able to return to participate in our traditional commencement activities in May. For those of you who haven’t had the good fortune to know Clement during his undergraduate career at Aquinas, our story on page 18 describes him, his work, and the impact he has had on Aquinas College. Clement’s success story, written at our supportive, yet academically rigorous, campus, is one of courage, dedication, determination and hard work, one that also beautifully describes how the campus environment is enriched in different ways by all those who enroll as students.

Those of us who teach, study, and work at Aquinas College see this interrelationship between current students and the campus every day. Its effects are also consistently demonstrated in alumni of the College. As you will see on pages 40-42, our first inductees into the College’s Hall of Fame, whether for college-wide or athletic accomplishments, as well as those individuals receiving the Outstanding Alumni awards, continue to model the values of the College.

Patricia Bissonette Dignan ’63, for example, recently retired as principal of Detroit’s Renaissance High School, the highest academically performing minority high school in the country. Her Aquinas education in the early 60s, she reported, was more rigorous than the two graduate programs she later completed. And, at that time, “Aquinas was diverse even before it was fashionable. Aquinas saw not race, not color, not gender as a passport to equality, but they saw God’s handiwork in each of us and every human being.”

John Kurzynowski ’65, a national leader in amateur golf, was playing in a high school tournament when then-Aquinas Athletic Director Ray Null and Head Golf Coach Dick McCormick recruited him. Rather than attending a Division I school, John was able to enroll at Aquinas when awarded a scholarship established by Trustee Peter Wege. John achieved academic and athletic success at Aquinas, the latter including his becoming the first small-college golfer to win the NCAA national championship.

One of John’s many mentors, Trustee Peter Wege, joined Monsignor Bukowski and the late Jerry Byrne ’48 as a first inductee into the College’s Hall of Fame. In his acceptance remarks, Peter stated, “My life is Aquinas … We’ve been a family here.” That sentiment, in a nutshell, describes what Aquinas is all about, a community of faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends who relate to one another as if we were part of a large and extended family. It is what enabled Clement Chiwaya ’03, arguably our most remote member, to succeed, and what supports us all as we contribute our respective skills, talents and abilities to fulfilling the Aquinas mission.

President’s Message

Class Notes

Spring 2003 –

President Harry J. Knopke

“… the campus environment is enriched in different ways by all those who enroll as students. ”

5

Spring 2003 –

Class Notes – Spring 2003

1987

Editor’s Note What an exciting time at Aquinas!

Planning is underway for the Grand Opening celebrations for the new Aquinas College Performing Arts Center set to take place July 29– August 2. This facility will soon take our students to new heights in their college experience. It will expose future college students to the Aquinas environment and will throw down a new welcome mat to members of the community at large.The theatre represents a tremendous opportunity for others to see for themselves what Aquinas is all about. Most of you already know!

As the third edition of Aquinas magazine nears completion, I reflect proudly on the feature articles we’ve

presented in our first three magazines.

It is with my thanks to those within the Aquinas community worldwide who take their Dominican education to heart and practice daily the tenets of what service to others is truly all about. They are passionate about making a difference in the world around them … in their workplace, within their families and in their communities. My task is made easier when stories that reflect the Aquinas tradition are brought to my attention.

I don’t think a week goes by without hearing about what alumni are doing to better the lives of those around them. We are a proud, but humble community. Still, these are the stories that need to be told, shared

with others. For faculty and staff, it validates that their efforts are having a positive impact on the lives of the students, both here and now and beyond Aquinas.

Please, let us know what you’re doing.

I’m responding to your timely forwarding of the first issue of Aquinas (spring 2002). It is very impressive indeed—I have yet to read the whole issue. But I want to congratulate you and all the staff. I am somewhat aware of the tremendous effort required to publish such a work.

The format is—I think suitably informal but with a solid dignity that is appropriate.

I especially like the cover! The leafy campus must have been a tempting subject, but instead you chose to reflect a vision of what college is ultimately about!

Best wishes on a happy and successful future for the magazine. Keep it fresh and simple and show forth the beauty of the Dominican life.

Thanks again, Marcel Black Highland Lakes, N.J.

Lloyd (Brown ‘55 -2002 Hall of Fame inductee) would have been so “proud” to be honored

by Aquinas College in such a beautiful way. He loved Aquinas College, his teammates, classmates, nuns and priests who

4

1988 Jeffrey Coon and his wife, Linda, reside in Sarasota, Fla. where he is a homehealth physical therapist.

1989 Jeanne Czarnopys serves as the current vice president of Investment Advisors at Fifth Third Bank in Grand Rapids.

1990

Editor Marty Fahey

were always so supportive of him, recognized and valued his character and talents. He considered Aquinas his other family.

Lloyd left a beautiful legacy to his family by being a loving husband and devoted father. Aquinas College has extended his legacy beyond his family and community. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts—for every kind word that was spoken in the beautiful induction ceremony celebrating his life.

He made us proud in life and Aquinas has made us proud by cherishing and honoring him so that his legacy will continue for generations to come.

Thank you so very much for everything.

The family of Lloyd Brown ‘55 Joy (Brown ‘62) Baker, daughter

was promoted to associate professor in 2000. She resides in Oregon with her husband, Scott, and their two children.

1992

Robert Tubman was named marketing director of Volkswagon Bank USA in Rochester Hills, Mich.

Letters to the Editor As part of the St. James School (Grand Rapids) family, we want to thank you for your participation in making Tee-Off For Kids a financial success.

Your contribution was an essential part of that success.

We hope to provide tuition grants to 15 students with the funds raised. We look forward to your continued support.

God Bless you, Mary Beth Rothenthaler Tee-Off For Kids Committee Member

Melvene Tardy, formerly director of Alumni & Parent Relations at Aquinas College, has transferred into the Human Resources department as assistant director.

Ralph E. Johnson completed his M.B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1992 and went on to engineer a welfare reform program in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Currently, Johnson oversees various departments at McKinsey and Company, an international consulting firm.

Steven J. Laurent joined the law firm of Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, P.L.C., in Grand Rapids. He will practice in the area of business and corporate law.

Theresa (Knizacky) Shoop is currently teaching mathematics at Ludington High School. She and her husband, John, with their four children, just moved into a log home that they built themselves.

Amy (Hughes) Haborak earned her M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees in school psychology from Georgia State University. She works as a school psychologist and lives with her husband, Chris, and their son, Jackson, in Peachtree City, Ga. Rich Cook, CEO of X-Rite in Grandville, Mich., has joined the Board of Trustees of Aquinas College.

1993 Colleen Lamoreaux-Tate, coach of East Grand Rapids High School Women’s Basketball, led the team to a runner-up finish in the 2002 state finals.

Daniel Moore became an associate director for Verizon Wireless in Atlanta, Ga., following completion of his M.B.A. at Franklin University and earning his project management certification from Villanova University.

1994 Deborah (Schoenborn) Headworth’s life story entitled “I Obey” has been published in a new book: Amazing Grace For Those Who Suffer by Jeff Cavins and Matthew Pinto.

The book includes photographs of her sculptures. She has told her story on television and has been approached about publishing audiotapes.

commercial litigation. She currently resides in Lansing, Mich.

1997 Rebecca Drenovsky received her Ph.D. in plant biology from the University of California-Davis. She is now working as a postdoctoral researcher, collaborating with a professor specializing in soil microbial ecology.

Brian Hillary has joined the School of Education at Aquinas College as an adjunct professor, teaching education technology.

1998 Patrick Krueger recently received a grant from the National Science Foundation to support his dissertation research examining whether race/ethic and sex differences in investment in health result from unequal access to social, cultural, and economic capital.

He is currently a doctoral candidate in the Department of Sociology at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

1999 David Acevedo is working toward a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Kentucky. He and his wife, Sharon (Kukla) ’00, reside in Lexington.

Brian Vicary, graduate of the master of management program, was promoted to assistant vice president of Independent Bank South Michigan in Leslie, Mich. He is also a newly appointed board member for the Leslie Economic Development Committee.

2000 Tom Walch was promoted to manager of National Information Systems at BDO Seidman, LLP. He and his wife, Jeanne (Osbourne) ’90, have recently welcomed the birth of their second son, Colin.

Beth Willis moved to Naples, Fla., where she works as an account executive with FLS-DCI, a Republican consulting company.

1991 Rebecca (Marsh) McCannell, who teaches at Western Oregon University,

Crystal Smith was recently selected as the first teacher to receive free books for her classroom in a contest sponsored

by The Grand Rapids Press. Her languagerich reading talents benefit the students of her fourth-grade class at the new Coit Arts and Science Academy.

Colleen (Willett) Heibeck joined the Lansing (Mich.) firm of Howard & Howard Attorneys, P.C. in Dec. 2002.

Her practice is concentrated in corporate, tax, creditors rights, commercial finance, nonprofit, estate planning and

61

Sharon (Kukla) Acevedo is pursuing her master’s in public administration at the University of Kentucky. She and her husband, David Acevedo ’99, live in Lexington.

2001 Lisa Bush is pursuing her M.A. in comparative politics at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.

Crystal Laska has joined Aquinas as coordinator of Alumni & Parent Relations.

Spring 2003 – Class Notes

Maria (Lupita) Garza-Grande is pursuing her master’s in library science, specializing in special collections, at Indiana University.

Eric Messing, a local community theater actor, has taken over Northview High School drama productions. He will direct the extracurricular drama program and serve as advisor to the drama club.

He has also joined Grand Rapids’ Circle Theatre, which will move to the new theatre at Aquinas campus next summer, as its marketing director.

Lauren (Tetzler) and Robert Thormeier relocated to Kansas City, Mo. Lauren is pursuing a master’s of social work while Robert is a manager for Volume Services America, working at Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums.

2002 Sharon Killebrew is the new director of United Methodist Community House, a 100-year-old ministry in downtown Grand Rapids. The program provides services and programs for children, adults, seniors and families. Killebrew is also currently working towards a master’s degree in management at Aquinas.

Joelle Kwiatkowski is the director of Alumni & Parent Relations at Aquinas.

William Lemanski is a claims representative for Auto-Owners Insurance in Taylor, Michigan.

Births ’79 Jean (Bugai) Henning, a granddaughter, Isabelle Grace Beckwith, Sept. 2001 ’88 Jill (Johnson) and John Tewsley, a girl, Maxine Eleanor, Nov. 2001 ’89 Tracy and Vinit Asar, a girl, Karina Fe, Dec. 2002 ’90 Theresa (Knizacky) and John Shoop, a girl, Audra, 2002 ’90 Jeanne (Osbourne) and Tom Walch, a boy, Colin Patrick, Sept.

2002 ’93 Kelly (Conneely) and Spencer Coyle, triplet boys, Benjamin Patrick, Jack Michael, and Andrew Walter, May 2002 ’95 Kelly (Chenier) and James Doyle, a boy, Quinlan James, Sept. 2002

’98 Susan Samples-Gavan and Joe Gavan, a boy, Jack Edward, Nov. 2002 ’99 Summer (Brady) and Mark Spetoskey ’00, a girl, Ryleigh Jean, March 1999, and a boy, Jackson Anthony, Nov. 2001 ’99 Darcy (Polega) and Greg Kampfschulte, a boy, Ryan Gregory, Dec. 2002

Marriages ’88 Linda Trentman to Jeffrey Coon, Oct. 2002 ’93 Valerie Holtrop (M.M. ’98) to John Woosley, Sept. 2002 ’95 Joan Gibson to Stephen Majewski, Sept. 2002 ’98 Holly Butryn to Andrew Williams ’00, Aug. 2002 ’99 David Acevedo to Sharon Kukla ’00 to , Nov. 2000 ’99 Megan Elliott to Mike Goodrich, May 2000 ’00 Steve Langan to Jennifer Galletly ’02, Aug. 2002 ’00 Jason Hill to Lindsay Simmons, June 2002 ’00 Bernard Varnesdeel to Ronda Bolitho ’02, Oct. 2002 ’01 Amy Granderson to Shannon Irish, Aug. 2001 ’01 Jason Loepp to Heather Bledsoe, Feb. 2002 ’01 Crystal Lubbers to Christopher Laska, Aug. 2001 ’01 Valerie Mossman to Jacson Celestin, Aug. 2002 ’01 Missy Rabidue to Justin Orlik, Dec. 2002 ’01 Lauren Tetzler to Robert Thormeier, June 2002

Deaths ’50 William Westhoff, July 2002 ’54 John Thoreson, brother of Sr. Karen Thoreson, O.P. ’56 Leo Barth, brother of Sr. Paschal Barth, Aug. 2002 ’59 Eldred Martin, mother of Sr. June Martin, O.P. ’59 Sr. Bernice Botwonski, O.P. ’61 Charles Salon, father of Carolyn Salon Hauenstein ’64 Paul Beckman, brother of Sr. Maria Garetti Beckman, O.P. ’64 John Bryan, brother of Sr. Thomas Estelle Bryan, O.P.

62

’65 Fred Harvey, Sr., father of Errol Harvey, March 2002 ’68 Florence Falta, mother of Sr. Dorothy Jonaitis, O.P. ’69 Philip C. Nunn, Oct. 2002 ’70 Mary Meistas ’71, sister of Joyce (Meistas) Gillis, Aug. 2002 ’71 Mary Meistas, sister of Annette (Meistas) Termin, Aug. 2002 ’72 Wayne Postma, Aug. 2002 ’73 Kenneth E. Sikkenga, May 2002 ’77 Mary “Betty” Hier, Dec. 2002 ’77 William H. Jones ’79 Sam Afendoulis, father of Stathi Afendoulis, March 2002 ’79 Jane M. (Boot) Osowski, wife of Mark Osowski, Oct. 2002 ’87 Janet Kwiatkowski, mother of Paula M. Annis ’88 Charles R. Lundy, March 2002 ’92 Wilford Bill C. Saliers, father of Timothy Saliers, Jan. 2003

WIN A NEW TV!!

www. aquinas.edu/alumni

JUST BY REGISTERING AT THE AQUINAS ALUMNI WEB SITE. The first 100 new registrants to the Alumni Web site will be entered in a drawing for a new TV. And that’s not all. Members will also have access to Aquinas’ current happenings, surveys and news from all your old friends.

So hurry and check it out now!

www.aquinas.edu/alumni Winner will be announced in the next Aquinas magazine.

AQUINAS SPRING 2003

VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1

CONTENTS President’s Message

page 5

Campus News Student Internships at VARI NEW Sustainable Business Major Diaconate Formation Program

page 6 page 8 page 10

Student News Clement Chiwaya: A Success Story Spectrum Scholarship Competition AQ Club Night

page 18 page 22 page 23

Deans’ News

page 24

Faculty News Faculty-Student Advising “Sacred Time”– Gary Eberle Book

page 26 page 28

Athletics Sanel Fazlic: Student-Athlete Feature Cross Country Wins WHAC Title Bocian Chairs NAIA Region

page 30 page 31 page 32

Admissions Campus Days AQ and You Program

page 34 page 35

Alumni News Muriel Ross ’48: Women’s Hall of Fame Mary Heuvelhorst ’37: Busy Retirement Homecoming 2002 Hall of Fame Domestic Problems: Band Plays Final Notes

page 37 page 38 page 39 page 40 page 46

Development Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Update

page 50

Trustee News Profiles: Kate Wolters ’78 Peter Wege: MEC Award

page 56 page 58

Class Notes

page 54

3

VARI internship Pg. 6

AQ Club Night Pg. 23

Eberle’s new book Pg. 28

AQ andYou program Pg. 35

Domestic Problems Pg. 46

Cover: President Knopke hooding Clement Chiwaya during special graduation ceremony in December.

(Photo by Mark Schmidbauer)

– Spring 2003

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Attention, AQ Alumni!

Here’s your chance to really leave your mark at Aquinas College.

The Alumni Walk 2003 is in full swing and we need YOU to make this a success. Each brick costs $125 and can be paid at one time or over a two-year period for $62.50 each year. Proceeds from this campaign will go to the Alumni Association of Aquinas College for future events, programs and scholarships.

Please complete the form below and send it to: Alumni Office Aquinas College 1607 Robinson Rd SE Grand Rapids MI 49506-1799 Visit our Web site for online information… www.aquinas.edu/alumni For answers to questions or to place an order over the phone, please call…

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