Summer Fall 17

SUMMER/FALL 2017

THE MAGAZINE OF AQUINAS COLLEGE

MEET AQUINAS’ EIGHTH PRESIDENT KEVIN G. QUINN, PH.D.

VOLUME 16 :: ISSUE 2 :: SUMMER/FALL 2017 Aquinas Magazine is the flagship publication of Aquinas College. This magazine reflects the heart of the College as expressed through its Catholic heritage and distinctive Dominican tradition.

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IN THIS ISSUE

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WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY AND AQUINAS PARTNER IN NEW ENGINEERING MAJOR

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NEW SCIENCE BUILDING NAMED FOR TRAILBLAZER SR. AQUINAS WEBER, O.P. ALUMNA PROVIDES DENTISTRY ON WHEELS WITH MOBILE CARE CHICAGO COLLEGE WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT DR. KEVIN QUINN MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM WINS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

ENGINEERING PARTNERSHIP ONE OF MANY NEW PROGRAMS FOR ‘17-‘18 Carl Apple

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Beginning this fall, Aquinas College students are now able to select engineering as their career goal and earn a bachelor’s degree through Western Michigan University’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

A new partnership between Aquinas and WMU means that Aquinas students can spend their first two years earning an associate of arts degree from Aquinas and then continue seamlessly on to earn a bachelor’s degree in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering through a WMU program based at the university in Kalamazoo. The program is the first of several engineering majors already planned as future degree offerings.

“This innovative partnership will help students reap the benefits of an Aquinas liberal arts education while also taking advantage of the resources, technology and engineering faculty that WMU has to offer,” said Dr. Juan Olivarez, president of Aquinas College (now chancellor and president emeritus).

Students may apply for acceptance in the engineering program at the end of their sophomore year. General education and engineering prerequisites will be taught by Aquinas faculty, while WMU faculty will teach engineering courses.

Graduates of WMU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences enjoy an overall 92 percent success rate after graduation and go on to graduate school or employment at some of the nation’s top companies. Industrial engineering has been recognized as one of the nation’s top five highest-paying college majors.

“That strength and the fact that both institutions share a commitment to ensuring all students graduate with a broad-based liberal arts background made this partnership a natural fit.”

Former WMU president John M. Dunn, Dr. Olivarez, as well as officials at both schools have been working for two years to put the program in place at Aquinas. Students will also be able to take advantage of the fact that WMU offers an accelerated master’s degree in the discipline, allowing undergraduates to begin taking graduate courses during their junior and senior years.

Once the industrial and entrepreneurial engineering program is underway at Aquinas, officials at both schools plan to turn their attention to a civil engineering degree program that is nearly ready to roll out at the College.

ADDITIONAL NEW PROGRAMS FOR 2017-18 MAJOR IN HEALTH SCIENCE (BIOLOGY AND HEALTH SCIENCE DEPARTMENT) The Biology Department has been renamed as the Department of Biology and Health Sciences. Students take the liberal arts core along with biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry and mathematics courses tailored to equip them for postgraduate training in allied health fields like physician assistant (PA), physical therapy (PT), podiatry and public health. The creation of the health science major is responsive to national and regional trends which project a significant increase in demand for physician assistants (PAs) and others in the allied health fields by 2024. The College will also better serve the West Michigan community, with its booming medical corridor, MSU’s College of Human Medicine and large public and private medical research institutes and hospitals.

MAJOR AND MINOR IN DATA ANALYTICS (MATH DEPARTMENT) This major prepares students for the process of reviewing sets of raw data, preparing it for analysis using mathematical and statistical techniques combined with programming and software applications to spot trends and other behaviors, then presenting the analysis.

MAJOR IN CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST (PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT) Graduates will be able to help educate children in developmentally appropriate terminology about medical procedures, diagnoses and treatment. These professionals remain with the child, using therapeutic play and

counseling techniques to reduce fear and pain from difficult procedures, while working with the family to support their needs and advocate for their wishes.

MAJOR IN THEATRE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE (THEATRE DEPARTMENT) This major is intended to help graduates discover and bridge empathy gaps that exist within communities. Theatre members become activists of sorts as they work within a community to find lively and dynamic ways to help the disenfranchised tell their stories.

CONCENTRATION IN GEOSPATIAL TECHNIQUES (GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT) This concentration will provide students a theoretical and applied understanding of geospatial technologies, preparing them for entry level positions in GIS, cartography and remote sensing, equipping them to continue studies in geospatial technologies at the graduate level.

MINOR IN MARKETING (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) This minor provides students with a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts of marketing for companies and nonprofit organizations.

MINOR IN RECREATION (KINESIOLOGY DEPARTMENT) Designed to prepare students to assume leadership roles in public or private recreation departments or agencies. This minor will create an opportunity for students to be more marketable in a variety of directions depending on their field of interest.

AWARDS GALA Established in 2000, the annual Aquinas College Awards Gala celebrates distinguished alumni, faculty and staff who have made all the difference in the world to their companies, communities and Aquinas College.

A truly impressive slate of Saints will be honored on September 21 at AQ’s Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

To read their full bios and watch videos from the event, visit aquinas.edu/awardsgala.

TERRENCE M. BOCIAN ‘70

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME Aquinas College Athletics recognizes Terry Bocian for 43 years of service to Aquinas, including 38 years as the athletic director. Bocian was the first Aquinas athletic department member in the history of the College to have his number (#13) retired. He was the first Michigan college coach to record 1,000 victories in a single sport in a career, with a final baseball coaching record of 1,079 wins. Bocian influenced thousands of student athletes and coaches, and transformed the Aquinas College Athletic Department.

THE BURNS FAMILY

OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD The Alumni Association Leadership Council celebrates the legacy of Florence Hogan Burns ‘31 and Louis Burns, and their eleven children who attended Aquinas College. For over seven decades, the Burns family has served this institution as Board of Trustee members, committee volunteers, generous donors and more.

PAULA T. MEEHAN ‘75

THE PAULA MEEHAN SPIRIT OF AQUINAS AWARD The “Paula T. Meehan Spirit of Aquinas Award” was created to honor Paula Meehan for 42 years of service to Aquinas College. As an alumna herself, Paula brought to her work a passion and commitment that is extremely vital in the workplace. The College’s campus has been dramatically impacted by her spirit and energy over these past 42 years. She will always be a shining example of the Spirit of Aquinas.

ROBERT J. WHITE ’71

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD The Aquinas College Alumni Association Leadership Council recognizes the longstanding service of alumnus, Bob White. White serves on the Aquinas College Finance, Audit and Investment Committees. He is also a dedicated volunteer in the community as a Trustee of the Dominican Sisters Charitable Trust, the Kent Hospital Finance Authority, and the Lake Michigan Credit Union Board.

SR. ANNABEL BOLLMAN, O.P.† (1898-1985)

AQUINAS COLLEGE HALL OF FAME

The Aquinas College Historical Commission honors the legacy of Sister Annabel Bollman, a professor of biology from 1956-1973, for her care and stewardship of campus grounds.

She was the first to label campus trees. She also initiated the development of a botanical map of campus to prevent destruction of rare species and restored the Holmdene gardens.

Sister Annabel’s work helped fulfill our Catholic mission of teaching students about our obligation to care for creation.

GARY G. KONOW ‘82, PH.D.†

CONTEMPORARY WRITERS SERIES LAUNCHES 21ST SEASON For more than 20 years CWS has contributed to West Michigan’s literary community by bringing widely acclaimed authors to Aquinas College for lunchtime seminars and evening presentations. Our evening programs are free and open to the public thanks to poet Linda Nemec Foster ‘72 and her husband, Dr. Tony Foster ‘73, the program founders, who had the foresight to begin an endowment.

AQUINAS COLLEGE HALL OF FAME

The Aquinas College Historical Commission honors the legacy of Dr. Gary Konow for his influence on the Theatre Department at Aquinas College. He directed theater productions at Aquinas College from 1967 until the Carriage House theater was closed.

He was instrumental in bringing theater back to Aquinas with the construction of the Performing Arts Center in collaboration with Circle Theatre and Catholic Secondary Schools.

RONALD O. AND MIRIAM PEDERSON

AQUINAS COLLEGE HALL OF FAME The Aquinas College Historical Commission honors the legacy of emeriti professors, Ron and Miriam Pederson, for their contributions to the Art and English Departments, and faculty leadership of the Ireland Study Away program.

Together, they revolutionized interdisciplinary teaching demonstrating to students the importance of teamwork, collaboration and communication.

MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN - POET WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 Maria Mazziotti Gillan is the author of 22 books, including What Blooms in Winter, The Girls in the Chartreuse Jackets, Ancestors’ Song, The Silence in an Empty House, Writing Poetry to Save Your Life: How to Find the Courage to Tell Your Stories, and The Place I Call Home. She is professor of English at Binghamton University-SUNY.

SR. MARIE CELESTE STANG, O.P.† (1892-1955) AQUINAS COLLEGE HALL OF FAME

The Aquinas College Historical Commission honors the legacy of Sister Marie Celeste Stang who served as an associate professor of zoology and geography, dean of women (1936-1955), and chair of the division of natural sciences. She was a “zealous religious educator,” who “labored incessantly over the spiritual growth of all Aquinites.”

Please join us in celebrating Aquinas College’s exemplary Saints.

Tickets are $65 each for open seating. Table sponsorships are available for $850 and include 10 reserved seats. Visit aquinas.edu/homecoming or call 616-632-2805 for more information and to register.

For information on awards criteria and how to nominate a Saint, visit aquinas.edu/awardsgala.

LESLIE PIETRZYK - FICTION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 Leslie Pietrzyk is the author of the novels, Pears on a Willow Tree and A Year and a Day and the linked story collection, This Angel on My Chest. Pietrzyk is a member of the core fiction faculty at the Converse low-residency MFA program and teaches in the MA Program in Writing at Johns Hopkins University.

All CWS events beging at 7:30 p.m. in the Wege Center Ballroom, are free and open to the public. aquinas.edu/CW

$58 MILLION CAMPAIGN TOUTS COMPREHENSIVE, REINVENTIVE CHANGES Ric Underhile

CONTRIBUTING TO MORE

In 2014, following a comprehensive feasibility study, Aquinas College determined to take on an ambitious fundraising campaign. Driven by confidence, generous evidence of alumni support and respect among key community leaders, the College began to lay the groundwork to change Aquinas from a hidden gem to a vital center for Catholic higher education.

Representing the largest investment in the history of the College, Aquinas’ $58 million Contributing to More campaign includes new science facilities, increasing the amount of scholarship support available to students, improving the campus’ natural environment, restoring select historical buildings and gardens, supporting faculty research and scholarship and improving our virtual infrastructure.

The centerpiece of the campaign is a $32 million expansion and renovation of the Albertus Magnus Hall of Science. Plans call for construction of a new LEED Silver Certified building to be adjoined to the current facility with a renovation of that building to follow. Upgrades include new, modern, flexible laboratories, faculty and student research labs, collaborative student spaces and a three-story glass atrium. Groundbreaking of the new facility is planned for this fall.

“Contributing to More stands for our core mission of developing students who make a difference at home, in their careers, their communities, and throughout the world,” said Dr. Kevin Quinn, president of Aquinas College. “As we’ve outlined our plan for growth and transformation, it’s been clear that our supporters share our vision and commitment to create a vibrant, ethical workforce.”

Over the past few years, the College has improved the athletic and recreational facilities, updated residence halls, made numerous upgrades to make the College more sustainable, installed a new entrance from Fulton Street and unveiled the St. Thomas Aquinas Entry Court complete with a commissioned sculpture.

As a part of the campaign, supporters of the College have also already fully funded the $4 million Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel, scheduled to open in fall 2017.

More than anything, the Contributing to More campaign is focused on impact. In this magazine and online, you will be given the opportunity to learn about the impact of students, faculty, staff and alumni of the College on the community—locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Learn more at aquinas.edu/contributing-to-more

Sr. Aquinas Weber, O.P. ‘58

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TRAILBLAZER

“ Today, students need to be trained in the sciences more than ever.”

NEW SCIENCE BUILDING NAMED FOR SR. AQUINAS WEBER, O.P. Gary Eberle

This fall, at the request of an anonymous donor and longtime friend of Sister Aquinas, the addition to Albertus Magnus Hall of Science will bear the name Sister Aquinas Weber Hall.

The lead donor for the new science building project did not want his own name on the building. Instead, he wished the new addition to bear the name of a woman he has known and admired for many years, and who, in many ways, has made Aquinas College what it is today.

With typical humility, Sister Aquinas says,

“I don’t need my name on a building. It’s more important what I’ve done here.”

For over 70 years, Sister Aquinas has been influential in the development of Aquinas College and West Michigan. Currently Chancellor Emerita, she has held an important role in fundraising for the College for many decades, developing professional and personal relationships with the Grand Rapids business community for the benefit of the College. Her philosophy is that “relationships are the foundation of fundraising. That has always been true and it remains true.” Sister takes a genuine interest in the families, children and even grandchildren of the people she associates with for the College.

“People ask me if I ever get tired of ‘begging’ on behalf of the College,” says Sister Aquinas. “I am never ‘begging,’ I am ‘selling’ a great product, an Aquinas College education. I am selling the teachers and the students. Our science students are accepted into graduate and medical schools, and are respected in area businesses. I am promoting the caliber of our teachers because the quality of our faculty is why our students succeed.”

Sister Aquinas Weber was born Lucille Weber and grew up on a farm in Kingsley, Michigan. The fifth of 11 children, young Lucille looked up to and competed with her older brothers. “If the boys were stilt-walking, I tried it, too. If the boys were climbing trees, I climbed as well. When my mother would say ‘I don’t know if you are ever going to grow up to be a girl,’ I laughed it off. I was having fun.”

Sister Aquinas did well in her classes under the tutelage of the Dominican Sisters who taught at the small parish school. The Sisters were tremendous role models for her, impressing upon her with the idea that women could learn and teach hard subjects, even the sciences.

After graduating from high school in 1940, she decided she needed to see more of the world. One of her school friends had left Kingsley to work at Parke-Davis pharmaceuticals in Detroit.

Large quantities of penicillin were needed for the war effort, and Parke-Davis was hiring. At first, she worked in the chemistry laboratory labeling medicine bottles, but, after two years in the lab, she found she needed more intellectual stimulation. She began thinking more seriously of getting a college education and

someday teaching. She was also open to considering a vocation to religious life.

After a visit to Marywood, the motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, she entered the Congregation and found that her intellectual and spiritual lives finally came together. At first, she found religious life a bit restricting, but she soon fell into the rhythm of religious life and thrived. Eventually she completed her novitiate training and earned her degree at Aquinas College.

She was named Sister Mary Aquinas in 1945 upon professing vows as a Dominican Sister of Grand Rapids. Interestingly, she did not choose the name “Aquinas” herself.

“I proposed three names and got none of them,” says Sister Aquinas. “The name was chosen by the prioress and governing council, after a sister in the congregation who had been a great educator.” Perhaps the name was prophetic, with her spending so much of her career at the College named after the great doctor of the Church.

Within ten years, Sister Aquinas’ leadership abilities were recognized, and she went on to become a principal at schools in Bay City and Detroit. In the early 1960s, the Sisters called her back to Marywood to serve as directress of Student Sisters, and then, in 1966, as prioress. It was a turbulent time in religious life as the Sisters struggled to enact the reforms of the Vatican II, but Sister Aquinas skillfully steered the community through changes big and small, revitalizing the Congregation and engaging it through the many changes that ensued.

After her term as prioress ended, she began graduate studies in sociology, and then, in 1973, she was called by Dr. Norbert Hruby, president of Aquinas College, to become director of what was then known as the Neighborhood Project, later Eastown Neighborhood Association and Eastown Business Association. In this new role, Sister Aquinas engaged area bankers and business leaders in revitalizing the struggling Eastown business district.

This neighborhood stabilization program became a model for quality urban renewal, and her experience there led directly to her being asked to be the first woman to serve on the board of trustees of Old Kent Bank (now Fifth Third).

Meanwhile, she was serving on many other boards, including the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the Aquinas College Board of Trustees and the Greater Grand Rapids Housing Authority. She also helped found Hospice of Greater Grand Rapids with Rabbi Albert Lewis and others.

In the 1980s, she directed Aquinas College’s Emeritus College, before becoming vice president for development. She was named chancellor of the College in 1983 and currently holds the title chancellor emerita. Sister Aquinas still comes to the office several days a week and maintains her many ties in the business and social network she has fostered over several decades.

She is modest about her accomplishments and the naming of the new science addition after her, but she remains acutely aware of the needs of the present and future as the College prepares to build this exciting new addition. She wants to do whatever it takes to enhance learning—including lending her name. “Today, students need to be trained in the sciences more than ever,” Sister Aquinas says. “We need facilities that are up to date to meet the needs of the times.”

SUMMER/FALL 10

FROM CHEM STUDENT TO CEO, TED THOMPSON’S ROOTS RUN DEEP Sandra Mitchell, ‘91 When Darrell “Ted” Thompson arrived to Aquinas College in the late 1940s, it was at a time when the entire Robinson Road campus consisted only of Holmdene and its Carriage House.

shift, and said, “It sure would be nice if we could write the patient’s name on their x-ray.” (According to X-Rite lore, x-ray tape you can write on = X-Rite.)

It was the Carriage House that held Thompson’s interest while at AQ, because that was the location of the chemistry lab. Thompson was at Aquinas to study the sciences, and that he did. His education, combined with his ingenuity and determination, launched a long and remarkable career for one of AQ’s most distinguished alums.

On Christmas Eve 1958, Thompson filed the original articles of incorporation for X-Rite.

Though Thompson had explored other colleges in the Grand Rapids area, AQ appealed to him in a way the others did not.

“Aquinas is definitely a one-of-kind school,” said Thompson.

“When I came to Aquinas, it was an interesting thing. I had never known a Catholic before. I had never seen a Sister in a habit. It was quite a shock to me back then. Everyone I met at Aquinas was wonderful. They were much more generous than the people I had been going around with. I was attracted to the Catholic religion because of it, and was baptized as a Catholic in my senior year.”

Following Thompson’s graduation from Aquinas in 1952, world events and his status as a Navy reservist called him to duty. He was deployed to the Korean War three weeks after completing his degree. Before his deployment, Thompson had a steady girlfriend in fellow alumni Rita Rieder.

Thompson recalls that his relationship with Rieder was quite serious when he left for active duty. But, it wasn’t meant to be.

When Thompson returned from service, Rieder had married another. Little did Thompson know that he and Rieder would reconnect much later in life.

Following his return home from the war and receiving the news about Rieder, Thompson went on to date a woman by the name of Duane Agnes Bockheim ‘78. Also an Aquinas alum, Duane Bockheim worked as a registered nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids (now known as Mercy Health Saint Mary’s).

Thompson’s partnership with Duane Bockheim transformed him into a husband and father, and also inspired one of his most important inventions.

After his wartime duty, Thompson served as an engineer at Lear Siegler, Inc. (LSI). The company, a well-known aviation technology and aerospace research and development corporation, had a big contract with NASA when Thompson came on board.

While at LSI, Thompson created several inventions, and in his role he contributed heavily to the creation of a new solid state physics department that developed the electro luminescent cockpit displays for NASA’s Apollo spacecraft and lunar lander.

After LSI’s contract with NASA expired in the late 1950s, Thompson, along with six other LSI engineers, founded a new company based in West Michigan in which innovation was the name of the game.

The new venture coined its name—X-Rite—after inventing a firstof-its-kind x-ray marking tape. The marking tape was inspired when Thompson’s wife arrived home from working a nursing

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A decade later, X-Rite’s business had grown to the point that Thompson agreed to dedicate his full attention to the company.

In addition to serving as CEO, Thompson took up the reigns for new product development, a role no one likely would have been able to keep him from.

Throughout his years at the helm of X-Rite, Thompson went on to invent a silver recovery system for x-ray equipment, a shrink-wrapping device and a densitometer—all significant contributions to health care and other industries.

More than 40 years and many inventions later, in 1999, Thompson announced he was stepping down as X-Rite’s CEO. Thompson did, however, remain actively involved with X-Rite as board chairman for another dozen years. At the time of Thompson’s retirement in 2001, the company had 1,200 employees, served 97 countries and earned more than $150 million per year in sales.

In 2006, Duane Bockheim passed away after a long battle with kidney failure. But, as life has a way of marching on and delivering new and unexpected gifts, Thompson reconnected with his former girlfriend, Rita Rieder. After widowed, Rieder rekindled her relationship with Thompson and the two later married. Between them they have four sons, six granddaughters and five grandsons.

Even throughout his years leading a multi-million dollar company, his immersion in his own product research and invention, and being a husband and father, Thompson remained committed to his Aquinas College roots. Thompson has stayed connected with Aquinas classmates and with the College itself, steadily and generously contributing to the College and its students.

In addition to sizeable donations to various Aquinas capital projects and programs, Thompson developed the Darrell T. Thompson Fellowship, a fund for AQ students advancing their knowledge in the sciences during the summer.

“When Aquinas needs something, I help out,” said Thompson.

“I’m very supportive of the science department…I’ve done what I can to emphasize more of the sciences. If you don’t have a science background, it can be hard to find a job because technology is taking over.”

Though Thompson is technically retired, he has yet to stop working. He finds time to help others in their dream of starting their own businesses.

And of course, Thompson continues inventing. With a 6,000-square-foot home laboratory, he recently invented a heart and lung machine that infuses organs and keeps them alive, which is a lot like Thompson and his relationship with Aquinas College. Thompson infuses Aquinas with his generosity, and the College and its students keep going strong.

“Aquinas is definitely a one-of-kind school.”

AQUINAS’ OWN FATHER OF INVENTION

Ted Thompson ‘52

SARA HAVILAND

BRIAN MATZKE

Adam Liberacki ‘12

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CONNECTIONS

“ I wanted to show students that Quality Assurance was a good option for the future.”

ALUMNUS KEEPS AQUINAS CONNECTIONS STRONG AT AMWAY Miranda Burel ‘17

A community constantly changes as people move and grow. A vital part of Aquinas’ values, community is about reaching out, working together, and creating something meaningful.

Science has always been a group effort for Adam Liberacki ‘12. As a child, he would turn up at science fairs toting wild experiments created with the help of his parents, both scientists themselves.

“Inevitably we would showcase some kind of gooey green goop, a functional diorama of the solar system, or in one case a very smelly botany experiment gone wrong,” he said.

It is no wonder that Liberacki found Aquinas. Drawn in by the abundant trees on campus, small class sizes and the Dominican pillars, Liberacki knew he would soon call AQ home.

As a freshman, he filled his schedule with as many science classes as possible. Within his biology major, he gravitated to ecology, zoology and botany, and spent two years as the botany lab’s teaching assistant. When he wasn’t doing schoolwork, his time was riddled with extracurriculars.

Liberacki participated in classic science clubs like Tri-Beta (National Biology Honors Society) and the American Chemical Society. But he deems himself “a rogue biology major,” having held leadership positions in the AQ Programming Board (AQPB), serving as a barista in the Moose Cafe and welcoming new students as an orientation leader.

Often working with others on projects, Aquinas helped Liberacki cultivate his cooperative personality. “The small class sizes encourage students and professors to work closely together. Everyone gets to know each other on a personal level,” he said. “This collaborative spirit is what’s helped me to build connections in my career and helped me to succeed.”

Liberacki graduated in May 2012 and by July had joined the extensive community of AQ alumni at Amway. Working as a microbiology quality assurance lab technician, Liberacki spent his first year getting the lab and manufacturing facility up and running. Now he is an associate scientist, working to deliver safe, quality products free from any packaging, chemical or microbial defects. His current project is evaluating rapid allergen detection technology for Amway’s manufacturing lines. The lab tests for contaminants like E. coli or salmonella in all the raw materials and equipment used, as well as the finished product.

“My job is used to keep people safe in their everyday lives,” Liberacki says. “When you are in the store and see something like a gluten-free label, that means that someone like me has confirmed the absence of wheat in that product. We’ve already put it through rigorous testing to ensure its safety.”

Liberacki also participated in Take a Saint to Work Day, organized through the AQAdvantage Center, during which current students job shadow throughout the community.

“I wanted to show students that quality assurance was a good option for the future,” he said. “I was also able to tap into the network of AQ alumni who work at Amway to provide a greater experience for the student and showcase various career paths during their visit. It’s because of this type of community and willingness to serve others that I love working at Amway and I loved being at Aquinas.”

Success is possible when communities support their members.

Adam Liberacki found this to be true and continues to nourish a strong community foundation in order to establish connections and create long-lasting change.

“ My job is used to keep people safe everyday.”

Liberacki

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DENTISTRY ON WHEELS

AQ ALUMNA A RESOURCE TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES IN CHICAGO Lauren Fay Carlson ‘12

“ I’ve always wanted to work in public health…something that gives back to the community,” “I’ve always wanted to work in public health…something that gives back to the community,” said Kathleen (Pollock) Lucking ‘09. Earning her bachelor’s degree at Aquinas and graduating to Detroit Mercy Dental School in 2013, Pollock studied biology and chemistry, and ultimately dentistry. Now working for Mobile Care Chicago, Pollock applies her passion for health by providing free mobile dental services to patients who cannot afford regular care, contributing a much needed service to community members.

Mobile Care Chicago is a 15-year-old nonprofit with a mission to “deliver no-cost medical and preventative care, education, and support to low-income children and families within their native communities aboard mobile medical clinics,” according to their website. Initially focused on asthma care for children in low-income families, the nonprofit expanded to include dental services three years ago. “That was something that was in very high demand,” said Pollock.

“Access to care is a huge issue in the city of Chicago,” she adds. Many of the families that Pollock treats are either uninsured or have Medicaid, and cannot afford regular dental treatments. By offering free comprehensive care services including cleaning and extractions, Pollock and her team help to prevent major dental problems before they occur. This care, which many might consider standard, is “really helpful for these families,” she said.

In addition to the price tag, Mobile Care’s services have one other attractive feature: they are mobile. Practicing out of an RV equipped with three fully operational dentist’s chairs and all of the necessary tools, Pollock can offer top-rate care in virtually any location. “[We have] basically all of the amenities that you would have in a dentist’s office except we’re on wheels,” she said.

After working for one year at a rigorous, corporate practice, Pollock enjoys the daily change of scenery and the ability to care for patients of all walks of life in various neighborhoods throughout the city. “It’s always an adventure,” says Pollock, who admits that her Google calendar dictates where she will be at any hour of the day. Working independently but also partnering with local churches, as well as the Archdiocese of Chicago, after-school programs, health fairs, day camps and community organizations, the Mobile Care RV is never short on patients.

Pollock also enjoys interacting with her patients, many of whom have never before been in a dentist’s chair. “They’re very honest….and very very blunt and funny…which is always a joy,” she said. Working with children on a daily basis has also allowed her to be herself, showing off her skill, and her personality. “It was kind of a natural fit,” said Pollock. “They laugh at my bad jokes.” Treating patients from infancy to age 21 with the majority under age 13, she is constantly in awe of— and entertained by—her patients.

Looking back, Pollock is grateful that she decided to pivot from a pre-med track toward dentistry during her sophomore year at Aquinas. For her, the decision allowed her to explore her passion for health and science, without the risk of life and death on a daily basis. “The fun part about being a dentist is that you get the opportunity to do a lot of the same training as medicine but you’re still involved with holistic health care… with none of the anxiety,” she said.

Highly involved in a variety of programs like Habitat for Humanity, Community Action Volunteers Association (CAVA), church outreach and various professional organizations, Pollock was able to explore the best fit as she navigated her next step. She even held a research internship at the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids. Most of all, Pollock is thankful for the small class sizes that allowed her to form personal relationships with her professors. “That’s really what was amazing about being in our school,” she said.

Pairing a dedication for public health with a passion for science, Pollock navigated a winding path of undergraduate and graduate studies and her first corporate job to find the perfect position. Working as a dentist in a nontraditional practice, Pollock is pursuing a dynamic career in the heart of Chicago. “I feel good every day that I go to work,” she said. “[I’m] giving back and being able to provide a service to a community that needs it the most.”

SUMMER/FALL 16

NEW CHAPEL: PRAYER AND WORSHIP IN THE CENTER OF CAMPUS Carl Apple

CAMPAIGN ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom wrapped up construction this summer and is the first building in Aquinas’ 131-year history to be constructed specifically as a chapel on campus.

Designed in the Dominican tradition by architects who specialize in sacred spaces, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom is purposely located in the heart of campus. The Chapel will seat 270, and its doors will be open daily for students, faculty, staff and the community.

“The presence and location of this new chapel—in the center of campus—is emblematic of the Dominican call to come together in community, prayer and worship,” said Sister Maureen Geary, O.P., Prioress of the Dominican Sisters—Grand Rapids. “May this gathering place serve campus life well, and may it be foundational to preparing students to serve the world.”

The Aquinas community exceeded the chapel’s $4 million fundraising goal. The honorary Chapel Campaign co-chairs are Mark and Elizabeth Murray, Joan Secchia and Most Reverend David Walkowiak. The Chapel Campaign Committee co-chairs are Larry ’63 and Marion Burns ’65, Tom ’74 and Jan Czerney and Marcie ’97 and Brian Hillary ’97.

The name, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, references a 15th century Italian fresco by Dominican friar Fra Angelico, “The Virgin and Child with Saints Dominic and Thomas Aquinas.”

“I was pleased that Aquinas chose to honor Mary as Seat of Wisdom,” said Mark Murray. “It affirms the community’s priority for pursuing wisdom in a noisy and distracted era of nearly unlimited information. The identification of Wisdom as Christ also affirms an important truth.”

CAMPAIGN FUNDS HELP RESTORE HISTORIC BROOKBY ESTATE GARDENS Carl Apple Since early last summer, the gardens and grounds of Brookby Estate have been enjoying a much-needed restoration. In collaboration with Kent Garden Club and landscaping firm Katerberg VerHage, Aquinas College has restored the path from Fisk Lake to and around the estate’s historic Chinese Garden, which was restored to its original plan, along with renovation of the Pool Fountain Garden. In addition to hosting events for the college, Brookby Manor and Gardens will serve as a venue for environmental, history, and arts study for the college and surrounding schools.

The Chinese Garden is so named for the Chinese theme that can be seen throughout the interior of the manor house. The garden was designed by the Olmsted Brothers with acclaimed landscape artist Percival Gallagher at the helm of the project that was completed in the early 1930s by John W. Blodgett Sr. and his wife, Minnie. The house was designed by Walker & Gillette Architects of New York and built by Owen-Ames-Kimball of Grand

Rapids. Brookby Estate was built by John W. Blodgett Sr. and stayed in the Blodgett family for decades, until Edith Blodgett sold it in the early 1990s. Following Mrs. Blodgett’s death, the estate had several owners, eventually being purchased by Sam Janene Cummings, who later entrusted it to Aquinas. It now serves as the home to President and Mrs. Quinn.

This past November, Aquinas science faculty, biology students, volunteers from Kent Garden Club, AQ grounds crew and staff from Katerberg VerHage planted 7,000 tulips in the garden which were featured at a community event in April. Following the blooming, removal and storage of the tulips, more than 1,700 varieties of flowers and plants have been added, completing the restoration of the Chinese Garden and Pool Fountain Garden.

These projects are made possible through generous funding from the Edith Blodgett Legacy Fund of the Brookby Foundation.

AQ WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT KEVIN G. QUINN, PH.D. Dan Treul ‘09

DR. QUINN KNOWS SUPPLY AND DEMAND. FROM TALKING PRO SPORTS TO RISING TUITION COSTS IN THE UNITED STATES, ECONOMIC THEORY FLOWS NATURALLY IN AND OUT OF CONVERSATION WITH THE ECONOMIST-TURNEDADMINISTRATOR, RECENTLY APPOINTED THE EIGHTH PRESIDENT OF AQUINAS COLLEGE. AND FROM QUINN’S VANTAGE POINT, DEMAND FOR THE AQUINAS EXPERIENCE IS BOTH STRONG AND UNDERSTANDABLE.

19 AQUINAS

“There’s a lot of stuff written about how a college education doesn’t work out anymore,” Quinn says. “But I can tell you as an economist unequivocally that if you go to a school—especially a good school that has that deep, enriching transformational experience like Aquinas—there are different parts of the human condition that are open to you that are not otherwise.”

That difference was apparent to Quinn and his wife, Terry, the moment they set foot on campus. “It just felt like home when I walked on campus,” Quinn says.

For Quinn, who comes to Aquinas after serving as founding dean of the Donald J. Schneider School of Business and Economics at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, that sense of community makes all the difference. “In what seems to be an impossibly quickly changing world,” he says, “remembering what it is that doesn’t change and what holds us together is maybe more important than it ever was.”

Bringing people together—and onto the Aquinas campus—has emerged as one of Quinn’s most important priorities as he assumes the presidency.

“You have to get people on the campus,” said Quinn. “You must get people on the campus. Those values, the thing that makes it special, it just seeps from the walls. I don’t know how else to say it. It’s critical.”

THE DOMINICAN DIFFERENCE “Why it matters” is something Quinn has spent a lot of time considering.

“The Dominicans have been around for 800 years,” said Quinn.

“What else has been around 800 years? Not a lot. And the reason why they’ve been around is because the values matter.”

Helping make sense of a changing world is a task for which Catholic institutions like Aquinas are uniquely qualified, according to Quinn.

“I think that Catholic colleges and universities have to play an essential role in being a forum for ideas,” he said. “It’s important to be a place where different ideas can be discussed civilly, productively and constructively.”

Quinn assumes the presidency as American higher education grapples with difficult questions regarding free speech, academic freedom and political controversy—challenges he believes represent an opportunity for Aquinas. Quinn views the College as a moderating force for constructive debate.

“We live in a very polarized political society,” Quinn says. “yet, having people get exposed to views that are maybe a little bit different than theirs is an absolutely important role for Catholic colleges. I think it’s really important to remember that the strength of the Catholic Church is due in no small part to the fact that there have been these Catholic colleges and universities where different points of view can be discussed.”

PRESSING CHALLENGES Navigating a volatile political environment is hardly the only challenge facing Aquinas as Quinn prepares to embark on this new journey, however.

“Most important is the question of access and affordability,” Quinn said. “How do we take this thing that is inherently expensive and labor-intensive and create that experience in such a way that it is reachable for a majority of people?”

Quinn points to the legacy of the Dominican Sisters and their commitment to education for people of all backgrounds.

While Quinn says he intends to raise the national profile of Aquinas College, he also acknowledges the challenges unique to the region.

“In terms of raw numbers, look at the demographics,” he said.

“There are fewer young people in Michigan than there have been in a while, so we need to make sure that our financial structure and our organizational structure is ready for that change and can weather and thrive in that change.” Quinn cites expanding graduate programs, event services and conferencing as examples of ways the College can better diversify its revenue streams.

A TRANSFORMATIONAL ENVIRONMENT “The thing that drew us here,” said Quinn at the April press conference announcing his appointment, was “the unique tripartite mission of Aquinas College that combines the Dominican Catholic values, the liberal arts experience and career readiness.”

Quinn, who earned his doctorate in energy and environmental economics from the University of Illinois-Chicago, believes the liberal arts experience is an essential component of preparing students for success in today’s economy.

“With the industrial revolution, the nature of work changed,” said Quinn. “What we’re seeing now is that the pace of change and what it means to be employed is accelerating dramatically.

We can bank on the fact that someone who is graduating from college now will probably be engaged in work during the span of their professional activity in a field that doesn’t exist right now.”

It is the purpose of the liberal arts, he said, to ensure that students are “prepared given how the world is changing, so that they remain relevant in the labor market.”

“We need to be making the point that your life is going to be different [after graduating],” said Quinn.

There is a responsibility to tomorrow’s leaders, he said, to apply “the transformational power of an environment like Aquinas.”

“ A place like Aquinas must be graduating people who know how to live life in a free society, and eventually become leaders in that society.”

ACHIEVING THE MISSION “The faculty and staff I’ve met at Aquinas are amazing,” says Quinn. “Their level of dedication and purpose in what they do is clear, and that is amazing to me.”

Quinn says he appreciates the College’s focus on strategic planning under outgoing President Dr. Olivarez and notes that effort will continue. “In particular,” he said, “as a college, you have to figure out what you want to be and what you don’t want to be.”

SUMMER/FALL 20

17 AQUINAS

“I think that there has to be a really great discussion about what Aquinas has been, what it is now, and how does that inform the direction that we’re going. We need to dare to dream big about what that is, and then it’s about figuring out the ways you can get there.”

Students, faculty and staff will be central to that effort.

A FAMILY AFFAIR That commitment to communication and collaboration doesn’t surprise Quinn’s wife, Terry. The two have been married for 33 years and together for more than 35.

“I know him pretty well,” she laughed. “He never ceases to amaze me with his capacity to learn. He is incredibly open to ideas, he listens and he loves to communicate.”

Terry, who met her husband while the two attended Loyola University, describes a collaborative relationship in which she and her husband frequently share ideas. She said she hopes to spend the first few months “getting to know the area and the College, and organizations and resources I can find to support Kevin and Aquinas.”

With an MBA from the University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh, and a background in business operations and human resources, Terry describes herself as “team-oriented,” and looks forward to making connections on campus. “I love to listen, I love to talk to people,” she said. A lifelong architecture and history enthusiast, Terry said she hopes to be “an ambassador for the history of Aquinas and the campus and Brookby House.”

Like her husband, Terry also views the College as critical to preparing students for a changing future, and points to the importance of the liberal arts. “I am most definitely a product of that,” she said. “Being at a smaller liberal arts college, for a lot of people, that gives you the confidence to be able to experiment, try different courses, follow a passion that maybe you never realized you had, and actually use it.”

Her background in human resources is evident as she talks about the role of Aquinas in shaping career preparedness. “No longer do you see people entering the workforce and spending years in the same organization, or even career path,” she said.

“So it’s even more important to get that same kind of liberal arts foundation. There’s a lot you can draw on.”

Terry said she plans to “hit the ground running” to communicate that difference.

“One of the big areas we’ve talked about—and one of Kevin’s priorities—is really to be able to communicate the Aquinas value proposition even more than it is already being communicated,” said Terry. “To be out in the Grand Rapids community and elsewhere to increase enrollment, increase awareness and share the story about what Aquinas can bring to students looking for that sort of experience.”

“You’re going to be seeing a lot of Terry and me in the coming months,” said Kevin. “I believe in the power of community and the power of personal relationships. We plan to be very active in the community.”

A NEW CHAPTER As Quinn arrives on campus, Aquinas College faces an unprecedented opportunity. Campus is expanding rapidly, new programs are in the works and a $58 million comprehensive campaign is underway. At the same time, the College must grapple with significant challenges. In particular, shifting demographics have strained enrollment, and recruitment and retention demand critical attention.

Ensuring the College’s future relevance is top of mind for Quinn.

“We have to make sure that the experience is relevant for the 21st century,” said Quinn. “One of the great things about liberal arts education is that it has endured for a long, long time. But we have to be careful to recognize what is permanent, and distinguish that from what is transient. We need to make sure we’re not just doing things because that’s the way we’ve been doing them.”

“I want to make sure that the faculty, staff and students feel that the institution is really looking out for them, and that they are a part of something that’s really special and worth doing,” he said.

“ We must keep the promise our heritage provides.”

The trophy case at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center might be getting a little crowded this summer. It’s now home to some new trophies for the men’s hockey team, including the biggest prize of them all, the National Championship.

As the clock ticked down to zero in the final period of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 3 championship game last March, the only thing drowning out the sighs of relief were the joyous yells of the newly crowned champions. “When the clock hit zero it was pretty surreal,” said Associate Head Coach Mark VanVliet. “[I was in] disbelief for a few moments as it had to sink in a little, followed by relief as you realize that the journey you’ve been on since September is finally over.”

The players jumped the bench boards and coaches celebrated, as the stress of a one-goal game against their biggest rivals turned to surreal exuberance and overwhelming elation. “It was pure joy,” said senior alternate captain Graham Gates. “The closest I can relate it to was Christmas day as a kid. Pure joy to be able to accomplish something like that after coming so close the year before and with how hard our team worked off and on the ice.”

MEN’S HOCKEY

CLIMBS

THE

MOUNTAIN Doug Seites ‘10

The year before, the Saints found themselves in a similar situation; playing for the ACHA title. But in their first trip to the title game, the Saints came up short against Oakland University. The team was determined to avoid this result a second time, leaving no doubt as the season went on that they were a serious contender. “The feeling was anything less than a national championship was going to be a failure, and after last year we knew what it would take to make it back and win it,” said senior captain Justen Caudill. Added Gates, “we all wanted it more for each other than we did ourselves. That’s why we were able to succeed and win it all.”

The Saints finished the season with a final record of 34-5-1, winning their final 14 games of the season on the way to the title. The decisive streak started with a little foreshadowing, and a bit of revenge. The Saints took on league rivals Calvin on the road, just one day after losing at home to the Knights. A 4-2 victory over their hosts started a dominant winning streak that finished with a 4-3 win over Calvin in the final game of the season.

On the road to nationals, the Saints claimed conference and regional titles, winning the Michigan Collegiate Hockey Conference (MCHC) Vezina Cup Tournament and ACHA North Regional. The Saints entered the National Tournament in Columbus, Ohio ranked third in their pool (a group of four teams), but made a statement early by downing #2 seed Tampa 5-1 in the opening game. After trailing 2-0 to #1 seed Iowa State the next day, the Saints rallied to defeat the Cyclones 4-3, and a 6-1 win over Fairfield assured the Saints would once again advance to the ACHA D3 Semi-Finals. There, after trailing early against Brynn Athyn, the Saints used a three-goal third period to advance to the rubber-match with Calvin for the national title.

Bill Warren opened the game with a goal just three minutes in to give the Saints a 1-0 lead. The lead grew to 3-0 after Warren and Zach Lloyd added goals in the second period. But the Knights fought back, scoring backto-back goals to cut the lead to just one. The eventual game-winning goal was netted by Zach Grover at the 13 -minute mark of the third, with the Knights scoring with just three minutes to go to make things interesting. But as it had all season long, the defense held strong and kept the Knights at bay. Led by tournament MVP Sean

Schmeiser in goal, the Saints turned back the Knights and, after what felt like the longest three minutes in hockey history, the horn sounded and the Saints were champions.

The 2017 National Title is the realization of the goals and hard work of many student-athletes, coaches, staff and alumni.

“Remember, the men’s hockey program is just five years old, said VanVliet. “Our seniors have gone through the sometimes painful building process. I believe that they wouldn’t have reached the top if they hadn’t gone through that process. As the Apostle Paul wrote, ‘If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives–he will receive a reward.’” Added Caudill, “The years I spent here meant something. We were able to take a team from the beginning and build it into a team that only understands achieving the very best.”

“Personally, I couldn’t be more proud to have played for Aquinas,” said Gates. “It was an opportunity to play a game I love and meet some people who changed my life, and it helped me grow as a person. The reason the program has done so well has some to do with the level of talent we recruit, but has much more to do with the character of the people we recruit.”

“This past season was a tremendous culmination for our group,” said head coach Jordan Permoda. “I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to coach these young men. Those upperclassmen that have since graduated were given a great opportunity by Aquinas and they earned something that they will never forget. They will forever be Saints and forever be National Champions.”

WINTER/SPRING 24

2017 Athletics Honors BAKER/BROGGER WINNERS ANNOUNCED The Joseph Baker and Sister Helen Louise Brogger Awards are given annually to senior student athletes who meet the three requirements established by the Alumni Association Leadership Council: academic strength, service to others and athletic involvement and success.

JOSEPH BAKER AWARD NICHOLAS TARSA ‘17 - Tarsa is a graduate of Traverse City Central High School and was a four-year member of the Aquinas College men’s cross country and track & field teams. A four-time National Association Intercollegiate Athletics Academic (NAIA) All-American, Tarsa was honored with the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference’s (WHAC) “Champion of Character Award” following the 2014 and 2015 cross country seasons. Tarsa and his teammates captured three WHAC Championships in cross country and qualified for the National Championships in all four of his seasons.

“I am always in awe of Nicholas,” said Coach Mike Wojciakowski. “His effectiveness in balancing academics, athletics and campus involvement is second to none.”

While at Aquinas, Tarsa majored in business administration and music with a piano performance emphasis while maintaining a 3.976 GPA. Tarsa was active as a student ambassador for two years and acted as the building manager for the Art & Music Center for the past three years.

Additionally, he was the senate chair this year and also maintained roles as budget director and class representative. Tarsa also was the student representative on the Presidential Search Committee this past year.

Tarsa has been a member of the dean’s list all four years and is a finalist for both the Monsignor Bukowski Outstanding Graduate Award and the Outstanding Senior Award. Nicholas is the son of Nathan and Tammy Tarsa.

SISTER HELEN LOUISE BROGGER AWARD SYDNEY ANDERSON ‘17 - Sydney is a graduate of Churchill High

School in Livonia, Mich. and was a four-year member of the Aquinas College women’s cross country and track & field teams. Anderson is a five-time NAIA All American and recently helped the Saints to a sixth place finish at the 2017 NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships in Johnson City, Tennessee. Anderson, who was crowned a conference champion in track & field four times, is a part of three school record relays and has received the WHAC’s “Champion of Character Award” in both cross country and track & field.

“Sydney has been at the heart and soul of our resurgence in women’s cross country and the middle distance events in track & field,” said Coach Mike Wojciakowski. “Her leadership, vision and competitive nature have proven vital for the team’s success.”

While at Aquinas, Anderson majored in learning disabilities and elementary education and maintained a 3.971 GPA. She has volunteered with the William C. Abney’s Academy Math Camp, the Elves and More Bicycle Program and the RunGR Bridge Run. Anderson has worked at Mayfair Christian Daycare for the past two years and recently held an internship at St. Stephen Catholic School. She also was a member of the Special Education Club and helped clean up outside the Women’s Health Center. Anderson is the daughter of Joe and Linda Anderson.

26 AQUINAS

2017 NAIA ALL-AMERICANS MEN’S BASKETBALL JAKE BULLOCK ‘17

DANCE ALI ALDERMAN ‘19 KASSIDY BOLDT ‘19 LUCY DINSMORE ‘20 MARIAH FULTON ‘20

2017 DAKTRONICS NAIA SCHOLAR ATHLETES MEN’S BASKETBALL RYAN SCHALL ‘17

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S LACROSSE

KATIE THEUT ‘18

DAN DIEDERICH ‘19 MATT MULCAHY ‘17

CHEERLEADING

WOMEN’S LACROSSE ANNA CURCURU ‘20

TRACK & FIELD SYDNEY ANDERSON ‘17 INDOOR 4X800 METER RELAY, INDOOR DMR, OUTDOOR 4X800 METER RELAY (NATIONAL CHAMPIONS) TORI DESIRA ‘17 INDOOR 60 METER HURDLES, INDOOR 4X400 METER RELAY ANALIS FLOYD ‘19 INDOOR 4X400 METER RELAY, INDOOR DMR KAITLIN GRIGG ‘19 INDOOR 4X800 METER RELAY ALEX KING ‘17 INDOOR 60 METER HURDLES KATHY MIDDAUGH ‘17 INDOOR 5000 METERS ALEXIS MILLER ‘19 INDOOR 4X800 METER RELAY, INDOOR DMR, OUTDOOR 4X800 METER RELAY (NATIONAL CHAMPIONS) JANIE NOAH ‘19 INDOOR 4X800 METER RELAY MOLLY PEREGRINE ‘18 INDOOR 4X800 METER RELAY, INDOOR DMR ANNA REPESH ‘20 INDOOR DMR ADRI SIGAFOOSE ‘18 INDOOR 4X800 METER RELAY, INDOOR DMR, INDOOR 1,000 METERS (NATIONAL CHAMPION), INDOOR 4X400 METER RELAY, OUTDOOR 4X800 METER RELAY (NATIONAL CHAMPION), OUTDOOR 1500 METERS, OUTDOOR 800 METERS COURTNEY TRUSS ‘18 INDOOR 4X400 METER RELAY ABBY HEILER ‘17 MARATHON MELISSA WINCHESTER ‘19 OUTDOOR 4X800 METER RELAY (NATIONAL CHAMPIONS) CURTIS BELL ‘18 INDOOR POLE VAULT (NATIONAL CHAMPION), OUTDOOR POLE VAULT SCOTT BERZLEY ‘19 INDOOR POLE VAULT NATE MCKEOWN ‘20 INDOOR HIGH JUMP (NATIONAL CHAMPION)

KATIE HAAN ‘18

DANCE TORI MASHOUR ‘18

MEN’S GOLF DOMINIC FUSCO ‘18

WOMEN’S GOLF PEYTON FREDERICKSON ‘17

MEN’S LACROSSE MATT MULCAHY ‘17 PAUL SOMMERVILLE ‘18

WOMEN’S LACROSSE ALYSSA CHARTIER ‘17 COLLEEN VINCENT ‘17

SOFTBALL ANN HARDIN ‘17 ANNA KENNY ‘17 BROOKE SENKBEIL ‘18

MEN’S TENNIS WILL BUURMA ‘18

WOMEN’S TENNIS REBECCA HURTH ‘17

MEN’S TRACK & FIELD NICHOLAS TARSA ‘17 CLAY WEIDENHAMER ‘16

WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD SYDNEY ANDERSON ‘17 MEGHAN DASSANCE ‘18 MEGAN HUETTNER ‘17 ANGELA MAURER ‘18 MELISSA NELSON ‘17 ASHLEE SANTIAGO ‘18 ADRI SIGAFOOSE ‘18

FACULTY AND STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS LEWIS BUTLER (Economics) wrote an “Ease of Doing Business Report” for the Grand Rapids Chamber with Dr. Todd Yarbrough. Two economics students, Lindsey Friend and Danny Ciaravino, contributed to the report.

DANIEL CRUIKSHANKS, PH.D. (Psychology and Counseling) and biology major Kacie Gee presented their research “What Promotes Quality of Life Among the Elderly?” at the Annual Conference of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts & Letters on Friday March 10, 2017.

Dr. Cruikshanks and his partner, Dr. Stephanie T. Burns (WMU Coordinator Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program) were invited to present their latest research “Why Aren’t Ethical Decision-making Models Making an Impact on Independently Licensed Counselors?” at the Annual Spring Conference of the Ohio Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors in Columbus, Ohio in April 2017.

JASON DUNCAN, PH.D. published a book review of “Robert F. Kennedy and Our Times” in University Bookman in the Spring 2017 issue. The review was also posted by RealClear books in May 2017.

Professor Duncan presented a paper, “The Privileges of the Humblest Individual: Martin Van Buren and Religious Minorities in the United States, 1812-1840,” at the Henry Institute Symposium on Religion and Public Life at Calvin College in Grand Rapids in April 2017.

Professor Duncan served as chair and commentator in the panel, “Midwestern Politics in the Progressive Era,” Third Annual Midwestern History Conference in Grand Rapids in June 2017.

THANKS TO DR. JUAN AND MARY OLIVAREZ FOR YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE! For six years, President and First Lady Olivarez have brought energy, ideas and passion to the College. As Dr. Olivarez transitions to his new role as chancellor and president emeritus, working on the college’s $58 million Contributing to More campaign, we wish them all the best in the years ahead. Thank you!

Left: President Olivarez welcomes guest; President and First Lady Olivarez with family. Backyard Bash at Brookby. Summer, 2017. Above: Inauguration. Fall, 2011; Move-in Day. Fall, 2011; President and First Lady Olivarez. Exam Cram Breakfast, 2015; Homecoming. Fall, 2014; President and First Lady Olivarez.

Brookby Ball, Christmas 2015.

GRETCHEN RUMOHR-VOSKUIL, PH.D. (English) presented two peer-reviewed panels: “Revisiting the Parent/Professor Divide: Advocacy and English Educators” and “From Advocacy to Activism: Using Young Adult Literature as Vehicle for Civic Engagement” (the latter co-presented with Aquinas colleague, Dr. Briana Asmus (Education/English as a Second Language).

JESSICA VAGLICA (Student Accounts Manager) was recently nominated and accepted for the board as the 4-Year Private Representative for Michigan Association of Student Financial Services Administrators (MASFSA).

Make It Home for Homecoming 2017 Make it home September 21-23 for Homecoming weekend to meet our new President Kevin Quinn, Ph.D. and to reunite with old classmates. This year, we will kick off the festivities with the science building groundbreaking on Thursday morning. The Alumni Golf Outing will be held on Friday morning at Thornapple Pointe Country Club. Individual golfers and foursomes welcome.

Friday evening, we will celebrate our distinguished alumni and friends at the Awards Gala in Sturrus Sport & Fitness Center. A full day of reunions and events will take place on Saturday, including an All Class Reunion Bloody Mary Brunch, and Concerts and Food Trucks in the main stage tent and the Golden Saints Social. Find out more by visiting aquinas.edu/homecoming.

ALUMNI NEWS JIM CHERVENKA ‘70 received the 2016 Distinguished Merit Award from the American Association of Community Theatre.

Jim has been part of the Grand Rapids community theatre scene since 1975.

work regarding diversity and inclusion in the environmental movement at West Michigan Environmental Action Council.

Anne Marie also recently took a new job with the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

NICHOLAS J. COOPER ‘08 was ordained to holy priesthood for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord on May 13, 2017.

TRISHA CHARBONNEAU-IVEY ‘03 was named associate director at Michigan Health Improvement Alliance, Inc. in June 2017.

JENNIFER DE LONGPRE ‘10 published a medical case about a Large Arachnoid Cyst in The New England Journal of Medicine in June 2017. Jennifer specializes in internal medicine in Wyoming, Mich.

DOMENICK D’ERCOLE ‘88 earned a trip to the Leaders Conference with MetLife in 2016. This was Domenick’s 14th year in a row of making this sales accomplishment.

ANGIE DRESSANDER (BURDICK) ‘01 was named the 2017 MACUL Technology Using Teacher of the Year. Angie is a first grade teacher at St. Stephen School in Grand Rapids.

LINDA NEMEC FOSTER ‘72 and her husband DR. TONY FOSTER ‘73 were honored for their outstanding commitment to the Contemporary Writers Series during the conclusion of the program’s 20th anniversary season. Linda has two poetry collections forthcoming from Cervena Barva Press (Boston) and Wayne State University Press (Detroit).

KARIN GARGARO ‘11 received a Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University College of Pharmacy in May 2016. She also married Phillip Weber in October 2016.

EMILY JANE GARLAND ‘17 received the Aquinas International Business senior award. Emily has accepted a position with Advantage Marketing Solutions out of Foxboro Massachusetts. Emily will be working in analytics, insights, intelligence (ai2) department.

STEVEN GEERLING ‘96 was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Grand Rapids, Mich. on June 3, 2017. As his first appointment, he will serve as a parochial vicar of St. John Vianney Parish in Wyoming.

MELISSA GUZMANN ‘05 was promoted to director, Corporate Banking for BMO Capital Markets in December 2016. Also in December, she and her husband, Peter, welcomed their son, Charlie, to the family. Charlie joins big brother, Jack, and big sister, Madison, at home in Houston, TX. ANNE MARIE HERTL ’11 received the George Heartwell Community Engagement Award at the 2nd Annual Breakfast of Conservation Champions presented by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. The event took place on May 23, 2016 at the Fredrik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and honored environmental leaders. Hertl was presented the award by former Mayor Heartwell and current Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. Hertl received the award in recognition of her 30 AQUINAS

LOREN JOHNSON ‘16, a former basketball player at AQ is playing professionally in China for the Zhenjiang Chouzhou Basketball Club in Yiwu, Zhenjiang, China.

JOHN M. LAMERATO ‘75 retired from the City of Grosse Pointe Farms as their controller/treasurer on June 30, 2017.

This ends a 42 year career in municipal government. John has served the cities of Ferndale, Port Huron, Troy and Grosse Pointe Farms.

JEREMY ’05 and AMY MARSHALL (O’NEIL) ‘08 welcomed baby girl, Elliana Catherine Marshall on November 8, 2016.

Big brother Owen is extremely proud.

PAULA MEEHAN ‘75 retired from Aquinas College after 42 years in June 2017.

ANGELA PEAVY ‘10 received an Emmy Award for Michigan television production in the category “Commercial—Single Spot.” Angela is sales and marketing manager for the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.

JOHN ROGERS ‘81 was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. John has been in the Auxiliary since 2001.

HELENA SIGNORE ‘99 published a bilingual children’s book for first Communion called, “I AM: The Mystery of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist for Children.” Helena received her teaching certificate from Aquinas College. This is her 17th year teaching second grade at Holy Trinity School in Comstock Park, Mich.

KEIKO TANAKA ‘90 was promoted to full professor in both the Department of Community and Leadership Development, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (2016), and in the Department of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences (2017) at the University of Kentucky. Elected to be president of the Rural Sociological Society (2018-2019).

BROTHER JAMES PETER TRARES ‘10, O.P. was ordained a Catholic priest on Saturday, May 20, at St. Pius V Catholic Church in St. Louis, MO, by Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis. His first assignment will be teaching and campus ministry at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.

Aquinas is printed on 100% recycled paper using soy-based inks and wind power.

Please recycle.

THE MAGAZINE OF AQUINAS COLLEGE SUMMER/FALL 2017 VOL. 16 NO. 2 EXECUTIVE EDITOR CARL APPLE

FSC and WIND ENERGY LOGOS BLCK AND WHITE

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

MANAGING EDITOR & PHOTOGRAPHY MANAGER LAUREN FAY CARLSON ‘12

Using 100% post consumer paper compared to 100% virgin fiber, we are saving:

ASSOCIATE EDITOR KURT DENISON CREATIVE DIRECTOR PHILIP MITRI CONTRIBUTING WRITERS LAUREN FAY CARLSON ‘12 GARY EBERLE PROFESSOR EMERITUS

68 TREES

6,671 LBS OF WASTE

65,204 GAL. OF WATER

21,882 LBS OF CO2

SANDRA MITCHELL ‘91 DOUG SEITES ‘10 DANIEL TREUL ‘09 MIKE WOJCIAKOWSKI ‘97

SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR

PROOFREADERS BRIGID AVERY ‘01 JOANN FOX LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER ADAM BIRD PHOTOGRAPHERS KRIS BIRD

(Equivalent to 705 days of water consumption)

(Emissions of 3 cars per year)

AUTUMN JOHNSON BRI LUGINBILL BRAD SCOTT ANDY VISOCKIS JOSH WEILAND ‘15

56 MMBTU

(Equivalent to using 274,296 60W light bulbs for one hour)

ALUMNI

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Make it Home HOMECOMING WEEKEND September 21-23, 2017 aquinas.edu/homecoming SCIENCE BUILDING GROUNDBREAKING Thursday, September 21, 10 A.M., Albertus Hall

WINTER/SPRING 31

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32 AQUINAS