WINTER/SPRING 2017
WINTER/SPRING THE MAGAZINE OF 2017 AQUINAS COLLEGE THE MAGAZINE OF AQUINAS COLLEGE
ART & COMMUNITY
ISABELLE PIOTROWSKI ‘19 DUAL MAJOR: ART AND BUSINESS MEMBER OF THE WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM
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VOLUME 16 :: ISSUE 1 :: WINTER/SPRING 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.
IN THIS ISSUE
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AQ THEATRE: A VEHICLE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
8
MAKING MUSIC ACCESSIBLE
9
EXPLORING FAITH THROUGH VOCAL MUSIC
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The world is constantly changing. And Aquinas College has changed along with it. New technology, new programs, new sports, new buildings, new partnerships—in some ways it’s a completely different place than the college I graduated from in 1971. But there are elements of Aquinas that will not change. Our values are still woven throughout a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic faith and Dominican spirit. Our goal has always been to provide a place where students can explore the world, learning where they fit in and how they can help change it for the better. One of the many ways that our alumni have made an impact in our community throughout the years is through the arts. So many of our students take the opportunity to be involved in art, music, theatre or creative writing, either as a part of their academic program or as an extracurricular activity. It’s one of the things that makes our graduates special and makes our campus and surrounding community so vibrant. Our alumni have gone on to use their gifts, not only to make music, create sculptures or perform on a stage, but also to design sets, curate art or manage the business of a theatre. In this issue, you’ll read about some of the amazing things that our students, faculty and alumni are doing in the fine arts. Such unique stories include: our theatre department using art to engage with the community, a recent alumna who started her own gallery and choral performers utilizing their voices to express their faith. Aquinas is also known for producing especially strong writers, in and outside of the creative arts. Part of that credit goes to the AQ Writing Center. Established in 2011, the program provides students with one-on-one writing consultations with faculty, staff, alumni and fellow students. In the past five years, consultations have gone up from 226 to 751. That’s a rise of 194 percent! Also, students who visit the Writing Center are 50 percent less likely to drop out of Aquinas. The Writing Center is emblematic of how the College works to provide our students with the tools they need to succeed on campus and beyond. As I retire as president this June, I find myself reflecting on the past five years with pride, thankful that I was able to serve this College that I love. I will continue to serve the College as many of us do and I ask that you continue to stay involved with Aquinas as well. Attend an athletic event, visit a theatre performance, mentor a recent grad or volunteer on campus. Just like so many of you, I’ll always be a Saint! See you around campus! Juan R. Olivarez ’71, Ph.D.
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CERASUS STUDIO BREAKS STEREOTYPE OF THE STARVING ARTIST
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MAKING THE TOP 20: NATE LAREAU, AQUINAS AND ARTPRIZE
Social Change AQ THEATRE A VEHICLE FOR
Sandra Erskine Mitchell ‘91
Scene 1 : Setting the Stage New to Aquinas’ Fine Arts Programs this spring is the major, Theatre for Social Change. This makes Aquinas one of only a few colleges in the nation to offer this unique major. The Theatre for Social Change curriculum is intended to help graduates discover and bridge gaps (racial, cultural, gender-based, etc.) that exist within communities. Theatre members become activists as they work with a community to find lively and dynamic ways to help the disenfranchised tell their stories. Productions may include little-understood or divisive topics, such as mental health issues, gender differences, addiction or sexual assault. Theatre thus becomes the platform for the personalized telling of stories among specific demographics that rarely have their perspectives defined in mainstream culture. 5 AQUINAS
Scene 2: History In 2003, Aquinas College came together with Circle Theatre and the League of Catholic High Schools to bring the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center to life, allowing for a variety of performance, teaching and technical training opportunities. “This kind of collaborative forethought is singular in the nation,” said Randy Wyatt, Theatre Program Director and Associate Professor of Theatre, whose career includes directing more than 60 productions and writing scripts that have been published and produced around the world. “There are other schools in the Midwest with a Theatre for Social Change major emphasis, but Aquinas’ program is the first of its kind because of its collaborative community structure. and technical training opportunities.
RANDY: This kind of collaborative forethought is singular in the nation.
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Scene 3: Community Engagement “Theatre for social change offers a vibrant future for small collegiate programs,” Wyatt continued. “There’s lot of buzz in academic circles for this...but Aquinas has been ahead of the game when it comes to theatre for social change, as we began integrating it into the program’s curriculum in the early 2000s.” AQ’s theatre program brings together high school and college students to work in a world-class facility, sideby-side with theatre professionals from the community and guest artists from across the nation. “This is how we give back to the community—it’s circular,” Wyatt said. “Theatre for Social Change is part of the Aquinas theatre program’s evolution.”
Scene 4: The future Zöe Gipson ‘16, a senior, double majoring in English and communication with a theatre emphasis, just missed the new social change major. However, because Wyatt has woven theatre for social change throughout his teachings, Gipson feels she’s already received an excellent education in the subject, as well as a great deal of experience. “It’s exciting to see this major come to Aquinas,” Gipson said. “The level of theatre we’re doing here is much higher than at most schools, and even at many community theatres in many cities. You don’t have to go to Broadway, Hollywood or Chicago to get the kind of experience that’s available right here at AQ.”
With a passion for mentoring kids, Wyatt believes that college is the time where each student discovers what’s going to motivate them individually. “I love being part of [students’] lives when they figure out what they want to do, and how they can change the world that’s specifically suited for them,” said Wyatt. “By the time students leave, they’re thinking about how to create theatrical art that impacts the world they are living in.”
RANDY: This is how we give back to the community—it’s circular. Theatre for Social Change is part of the Aquinas theatre program’s evolution.
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ZÖE:
The level of theatre we’re doing here is much higher than at most schools, and even at many community theatres in many cities. You don’t have to go to Broadway, Hollywood or Chicago to get the kind of experience that’s available right here at AQ.
fin
Mary Webster ’17 On Nov. 12, 2016, the seventh annual Music for the Soul concert was performed by the Aquinas Music Department with help from certified music therapists. The performance was attended by parents of differently-abled children, staff from the Diocese of Grand Rapids and community members. The event has changed structure and form over the years: from two concerts to one, updated time slots, even the inclusion of a now-annual musical petting zoo, but the heart of the event has remained the same: an event in which anyone, of any cognitive ability, can enjoy music together, in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Barbara McCargar, head of the Aquinas Music Department, had the idea for a concert focused on reaching individuals affected by special needs when attending the Grand Rapids Symphony in 2010. A few months later, she witnessed the talent and power of a deaf percussionist, and with that, McCargar’s mind was settled.
This was an event that had the POTENTIAL to mean so much to individual families and the Grand Rapids community. It
NEEDED to be started as soon as possible,
said McCargar.
Over time, Music for the Soul has become a highly anticipated event for the art department, friends and family. Aquinas alumni have also been extensively involved, as current and past students not only perform, but offer direction as ushers, and a welcoming, friendly smile to event attendees. Easily, one of the most popular events by the Aquinas Music Department, McCargar reiterates that anyone and everyone is welcome to attend or volunteer. “Every year is a bit different, but it’s always a unique, wonderful event.” WINTER/SPRING 9
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Qui bene cantat bis orat.
HE WHO SINGS, PRAYS TWICE - ST. AUGUSTINE Lauren Fay Carlson ‘12 “I’m in almost every choir,” said Olivia Vargas ‘18. A third-year student and liturgical music major, Vargas is the only student in the program who utilizes her voice as her primary instrument. Passionate about exploring her faith through singing, Vargas is part of the majority of the on-campus singing groups, as well as off-campus churches and organizations. Studying to become a music director, Vargas has made a commitment to music and faith, looking to guide others in their own musical and faith journeys. A Detroit native, Vargas was originally attracted to Aquinas’ business program, and entered the College as a dual major in music and business. However, after just one semester, “I fell in love with music and less with business,” said Vargas, realizing a passion that had been rooted in singing in her home church’s choir. “I really enjoy the messages that are coming from the music,” she said. After joining choir in high school, becoming part of her church’s youth group and eventually writing her own Christian music, Vargas sought a deeper understanding of worship through music. These experiences “really propelled me into discovering this faith on my own,” said Vargas. “I just wanted to know more.” So, when faced with switching her major to focus solely on music, the decision was a nobrainer. What came next was the hard part. As part of the liturgical music major, students are required to designate a primary instrument. “It was a very difficult decision,” said Vargas, who noted that most students choose piano or organ. “For me to be a voice emphasis is really not normal,” she said. Again, Vargas followed her heart, and became the only vocal musician in the program, choosing to continue to hone her piano and eventually her organ skills as well. In the meantime, she began joining choir groups with fellow vocalists. Vargas soon became a vital part of AQ College Chorus, AQ Collegiate Singers, AQ Women’s Chorus and the Bukowski Chapel Choir, in addition to singing in her own contemporary Christian band, Islands of Mercy. She also serves as the choral librarian for Dr. Mark Webb, associate professor of music, who also directs her in three of her four choirs. “Olivia stands out for a few reasons,” said Dr. Webb. “First is her natural talent – she is a gifted musician–exceptional voice, good piano skills, composes beautiful songs. She is a tireless worker, and basically lives at the AMC, practicing (piano and voice) and studying.” This work ethic, paired with her passion for exploring faith through music, allows Vargas to be involved in so many groups, even holding an internship at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Grand Rapids. Despite this experience, Vargas noted, “I have so much to learn.”
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Mark Webb, Ph.D., associate professor of music
[These experiences] really propelled me into discovering this faith on my own,” said Vargas. “I just wanted to know more. With a music program deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, “Being at Aquinas makes it quite easy to incorporate faith and worship in choir,” said Dr. Webb. “Most of the music that we learn has sacred texts, which we can discuss quite freely.” Looking forward to finishing her degree and serving others’ faith journeys through music, Vargas is confident in a vocational choice that combines the two. “I wouldn’t be able to do music without God,” she said.
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PASSING ON A LITERARY LEGACY: THE SAMPLER
AQUINAS COLLEGE AWARDED $2.5 MILLION GRANT TO TRAIN ESL TEACHERS
Patricia Schlutt ‘16
Carl Apple
In spring 2017, the 29th edition of the Sampler will
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Aquinas
appear on bookshelves, desks in the library, The
College $2,523,712 to address the shortage of English as a
Moose Cafe’ and tables in the Academic Building.
Second Language (ESL) and Bilingual teachers in Michigan.
The publication is Aquinas College’s way to celebrate outstanding student art and writing.
The college was awarded a five-year professional development grant through the U.S. Department of Education. The grant
Lambda Iota Tau, the former Honors Society for English
program is in partnership with the Grand Rapids Public Schools,
and Writing students, is involved in jurying the pieces
Kelloggsville Public Schools, Kentwood Public Schools, Kent
that are submitted to the Sampler. These pieces are
Intermediate School District, Wyoming Public Schools, the
juried by faculty and LIT members, and then passed
Diocese of Grand Rapids’ Office of Catholic Schools, Godfrey-
on to judges who select the “top ten” finalists for the
Lee Public Schools and Godwin Heights Public Schools.
Academy of American Poets Prize.
“[Working on the Sampler] is one of the most meaningful activities I have been engaged in as a teacher at Aquinas.” - Dail Whiting
Associate Professor of Art and Gallery Director Dana Freeman organizes a collection of student art to appear in the Sampler, and frequently utilizes art from senior students’ bachelor of fine arts exhibits. A collaboration between students, faculty and student leaders from a variety of departments. Associate Professor of English Pamela Dail Whiting said that the diversity of those who fund and labor on the publication “speak to the significance of the Sampler to Aquinas College.” Those Departments include Admissions, Art, English and student senate. It has been a long road to the full-color, sturdy-spined publication it is today. The Sampler originated in the 1960’s under the leadership of Sister Marybride Ryan. Other faculty members who have coordinated the Sampler include Sister Jean Milhaupt, O.P., Professor Miriam Pederson, Professor Pamela Dail-Whiting and
The grant provides resources necessary for developing and implementing a series of professional development courses for pre-service teachers, paraprofessionals and in-service teachers. Upon successful completion of the full course sequence, participants will be eligible for Michigan Department of Education ESL/Bilingual teaching endorsements.
“Aquinas college has always been focused on responding to the needs in the community as an educational institution,” - Olivarez “Aquinas college has always been focused on responding to the needs in the community as an educational institution,” said Juan R. Olivarez ’71, Ph.D., president of Aquinas College. “The work of our School of Education faculty is a fine example of our commitment to collaboration and community impact.” The college will receive the grant funding in increments of $425,000-549,000 per year for five years. According to the Michigan Department of Education, there are currently 88,000 students in need of ESL education, but only 300 ESL and bilingual programs available to serve these students.
Professor Gary Eberle. In December 2016, Dail-Whiting retired and the publication has been taken over by Eberle. “[Working on the Sampler] is one of the most meaningful activities I have been engaged in as a teacher at Aquinas,” said Dail Whiting. WINTER/SPRING 12
FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IAN BORTON, PH.D. (Communication) wrote a book chapter titled “Transforming Marital Conflict through Restorative Justice” in “Transforming Conflict through Communication in Personal, Family, and Working Relationships” in November 2016. Dr. Borton was awarded Top Panel for the Peace and Conflict Division of the National Communication Association and was elected secretary of the same. KEVIN CANTLEY (Accounting) was named to the Professional Ethics Task Force of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) in September 2016. DANIEL CRUIKSHANKS, PH.D. (Psychology and Counseling) and his partner, Dr. Stephanie Burns (Western Michigan University), co-wrote chapter in the newly published book “Sexual Misconduct in the Education and Human Services Sector.” Their chapter, “Sexual Boundary Violations in Counselor Training and Supervision,” presents an empirically based discussion of the problem of sexual boundary crossings in clinical supervisory relationships. STEPHAN DAVIS, PH.D. (Theology) presented a paper titled “Were the Pharisees the Bad Guys?” at the West Michigan Academic Consortium at Calvin College in November 2016. BRIAN DIVITA (Management & Business Administration) served as an editing reviewer for a graduate level textbook entitled Organizational Behavior (BUS610) for Bridgepoint Education Publishing, Textbook Division, San Diego, California. JASON DUNCAN, PH.D. (History) wrote an article titled “How Hamilton Defended the Rights of Catholics in a Young America” in America: The National Catholic Review in October 2016. Dr. Duncan presented a paper titled “Pope Martin I: New York Catholics and their Alliance with Martin Van Buren, 1812-1830,” Researching New York: Conference on New York State History, Albany, NY, in November 2016.
BETHANY KILCREASE, PH.D. (History) wrote a book titled “The Great Church Crisis and the End of English Erastianism, 18981906” which was published by Routledge in December 2016. SHELLI ROTTSCHAFER, PH.D. (World Languages - Spanish) wrote a review of the text “Engagements with Narrative” by Janine Utell (2016) which was published in the September 2016 issue of CHOICE: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries. Dr. Rottschafer’s review of Montserrat Ordóñez’s “De pile en pile (Ekdysis) - Poems, sombras, versiones” was published in the September 2016 edition of Letras Femeninas, A Journal of Women and Gender Studies in Hispanic Literature and Culture, of the Asociación Internacional de Literatura y Cultura Feminina Hispanica. Dr. Rottschafer’s review of Jayson Gonzales Sae-Saue’s “Southwest Asia: the transpacific geographies of Chicana/o literature” was published in the January 2017 issue of CHOICE: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries. Dr. Rottschafer’s article “The Effects of Institutionalized Discrimination: Does Social Citizenship Create a Right to Stay? Perspectives from the Short Story ‘La Operación’” (2003) by Luis J. Rodríguez and the 2011 Film “A Better Life,” will be published in a future issue of Border-Lines, a Journal out of the Latino Research Center at the University of Nevada, Reno. Dr. Rottschafer and several of her Chican@ Literature and Latin@ Independent Study students presented at The Conference of the Americas and the Great Lakes History Conference in October 2016. Their project was titled: The Chican@ Diaspora Voices their Rights: Creativity, Expression, and Bilingual Poetry. CARMEN RUIZ-SÁNCHEZ, PH.D. (World Languages Spanish) was awarded the MIWLA Charles H Ahnert Instructional Grant in September 2016 to incorporate the teaching of translation memory software in her SH415 class (Spanish Translation).
MICHELLE DEROSE, PH.D. (English) wrote a poem titled “Waiting for Exaltation” which appeared in the November 2016 issue of ONTHEBUS (issue 21-22).
Dr. Ruiz-Sánchez published a paper titled “Seseo, ceceo, and distinción in Andalusian Spanish: Free Variation or Sociolinguistic Variation?” in the peer-reviewed journal Linguistics Vanguard in October 2016.
GARY EBERLE (English) served as the keynote speaker for a four-day conference on “Silence” at Vanier College, Montreal, Québec in February 2017.
Dr. Ruiz-Sánchez presented her paper “Making Grammar Real: A Fusion of Grammar and Culture” at the Michigan World Language Association Conference in November 2016.
Professor Eberle presented a paper titled “Datalatry: the irrational worship of data in higher education assessment” at the 30th Annual School of the Visual Arts Conference on Liberal Arts and the Education of Artists in New York City on October 13, 2016. KATHARINA HÄUSLER-GROSS, PH.D. (World Languages German) was awarded the Charles H. Ahnert Instructional Grant from the Michigan World Language Association for her project, “Creating Integrated Performance Assessments (IPA’s) for a Unit on Global Issues and Challenges” in November 2016. SUSAN HOJNACKI, PH.D. (World Languages - German) presented a session entitled, “The State of Research in Computer-Assisted Language Learning” at the annual American Council for Teachers of Foreign Languages Conference in Boston, MA in November 2016.
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GRETCHEN RUMOHR-VOSKUIL, PH.D. (English) and Dr. Rottschafer have each been awarded an Economicology Curricular Grant. The two colleagues collaborated to promote sustainability curriculum within their respective Inquiry and Expression courses. Dr. Rumohr-Voskuil conducted four presentations at at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, titled “Teachers as Writers: Practices and Possibilities”; “Starting Off Right: First Literature Choices in the High School English Classroom”; Culturally Diverse Young Adult Literature: Voices of Advocacy and Community”; and “Bridging the Parent/Professor Divide: Active Advocacy as English Educators,” respectively.
Let’s Talk Craft
UNIQUE ACCESS TO CONTEMPORARY WRITERS SERIES AUTHORS Patricia Schlutt ‘16
Anne-Marie Oomen is a poet, playwright, memoirist and fiction writer, who has published books including “Love, Sex, and 4-H,” “Pulling Down the Barn” and “Uncoded Woman.” A visiting author in the Contemporary Writers Series, Oomen hosted a reading and “craft talk” as part of the series’ lunchtime lectures, in which students are afforded special access to the author ahead of the evening reading. On November 16, 2016, the Loutit Room filled with students, staff and community members anticipating the craft talk. Oomen soon began walking around the room meeting with students, setting the tone for a personal, interactive experience. When it was time to begin, she returned to the front of the room and talked about growing up on a farm in Hart, MI. Oomen read from her 2004 book “Pulling Down the Barn.” She communicated that she felt everyone in the room had something important to say, and she wanted to help them say it. After reading, Oomen passed out paper and encouraged the audience to engage in a writing exercise that challenged them to think about the power of a single moment. She called these powerful memories “moments that ‘opened up.’” She added that these “heightened moments” of memory have encouraged her to write memoirs and can tell us unexpected things about ourselves. Oomen first read for the Contemporary Writers Series in the fall of 2010. She calls herself a “teaching writer,” instead of a “writing teacher,” a statement that illustrates her openness to learn from her rural Michigan roots, her relationships and her world. During this rare experience with Oomen and other visiting authors, students, faculty and staff can get a bit closer to the writer, learning more about their process, their craft and their unique perspective. Upcoming writers in the Contemporary Writers Series include Naomi Shihab Nye on April 19, 2017. All CWS events begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Wege Center Ballroom and are free and open to the public. For more information, visit aquinas.edu/cw.
SARA HAVILAND
BRIAN MATZKE
PAMELA DAIL WHITING
JOHN PINHEIRO
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15 AQUINAS
Cerasus Studio Breaking the Stereotype of the Starving Artist Dan Treul ‘09 Callie Cherry ‘16 understands why the starving artist stereotype persists. That doesn’t mean she accepts it. “I was working as the assistant curator for ArtPrize at Cathedral Square and I was seeing adult artists struggling. I was seeing the [art] students I was in contact with struggling,” says Cherry, owner of Cerasus Studio in Grand Rapids. “I saw that there was a severe need for artists to have more resources to connect with each other, to have educational experiences after [college].” The impression was reinforced during an internship with local nonprofit Avenue for the Arts, which Cherry says convinced her that many local art students were graduating without the business skills necessary to thrive in the professional art world. “I’ve seen so many students who work really hard at their studies, and they’re so talented, and when they graduate they’re not able to use it as much,” she says. “But I really want people to continue that passion after graduating, and be able to continue creating.” So in August, with the ink barely dry on her Aquinas diploma, Cherry threw open the doors at Cerasus Studio—a gallery in the heart of South Division’s Avenue of the Arts. In the six months since, Cherry says, “it’s kind of evolved,” but the mission remains the same: showcase local student artists’ work, and empower them with the entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive as creative professionals. The original idea — pairing local art students with professional artists for collaborative exhibitions and mentorship — has blossomed into an ambitious vision for artistic expression, economic renaissance and community building. “Cerasus,” the botanical name for a tart cherry tree, is a playful nod to the entrepreneur’s surname as well as a fitting descriptor for the studio’s organic growth. The gallery’s opening collaborative exhibition paired Aquinas art student Caroline Cook ‘17 and professional artist and Aquinas alumna Lesley Albert ‘14.
Cerasus Studio has been turning heads ever since. “There’s this perception that you don’t make quality work until you’re a professional artist and you’re 30 or 40,” Cherry says. “So it’s really nice to see people make those realizations and watch those gears turn when they walk into the gallery. “The opening was exhilarating and it took away all doubt. Now, when I’m having an off day and I’m struggling to envision the future of Cerasus Studio, I think back to that night and remember that at the core, that’s all I want to do. I want people to have those thoughts, those conversations, that they shared with me about how the artists communicated with each other and with the guests.” Despite the success, the path to entrepreneurship was an unexpected one. “A year ago I would have never thought I would be in this position,” says Cherry, who graduated with a dual major in art history and history and doesn’t describe herself as an artist. “I thought I’d be in grad school and working with nonprofit institutions. I never thought I’d be my own boss, especially when I graduated college.
“LIVING ON DIVISION YOU CAN’T REALLY HELP BUT BE SURROUNDED BY THAT. HOMELESSNESS, GENTRIFICATION AND RACISM—THESE ARE ALL WORDS THAT I HEAR EVERY SINGLE DAY OF MY LIFE, AND BEING A PARTICIPANT IN THAT DISCUSSION IS A REALLY IMPORTANT PART OF BEING A BUSINESS OWNER.” - Callie Cherry ‘16 “It’s very hard to start a business with zero capital,” she laughs, “and I’ve been very grateful to have a lot of support from other businesses.” Nurturing that kind of close-knit community is at the heart of Cherry’s work. “If you are visible and if you are trying to make an impact, people are going to want to connect with you. People are going to want to work with you. All of these small organizations and small businesses, they’re just waiting for the right people to partner with.” In November, Cherry guest lectured on curatorial practice at Kendall College, and students displayed their work in a special exhibition at the gallery. In January, she taught artists how to install, display and price their art, partnering with Artists Creating Together, a nonprofit providing art classes and educational resources to differently-abled people (the project will culminate in a February exhibition at the gallery). And Cerasus Studio maintains a close relationship with Dwelling Place, the nonprofit at the forefront of efforts to revitalize and rebrand the South Division neighborhood. WINTER/SPRING 17
Cherry, who occupies a live-work space owned by Dwelling Place, says the transformative change sought by her business extends to the neighborhood, as well. “Living on Division you can’t really help but be surrounded by that. Homelessness, gentrification, and racism— these are all words that I hear every single day of my life, and being a participant in that discussion is a really important part of being a business owner.” It’s yet another challenge against which Cherry remains undaunted. Breaking down barriers is nothing new at Cerasus Studio—nor is it for the surrounding artists, business owners, and residents. It’s a shared, intrepid spirit that
Cherry attributes to the neighborhood’s creativity. “It’s a great creative community,” she says. “Everyone supports each other. It’s a family of people who think in new ways and are innovative.” For Cherry, who describes her gallery’s curatorial intent as more than “just putting art on the wall and making it look pretty,” what’s most important is the message. “People think of artists and they think of starving artists, you know?” She says. “People who are struggling. I’m trying to do away with that stereotype by showing people that you can be successful as an artist. You can be an entrepreneur. These are business people just like anyone else.”
THE GRAND AWARDS
Mary Webster ’17
Twenty years ago, in October of 1997, Aquinas alumna Cindy Goldman ‘01 created the Grand Awards alongside a committee of community members and local theatre volunteers. Noddea Skidmore, Community Circle Theatre’s current director of audience development, shared what it means to be a recipient of one of the few, prestigious awards. “The Grand Awards are, and have always been about celebrating theatre and community. They also serve as the platform/fundraiser for annually awarding combined theatre scholarships to students pursuing theatre at the collegiate level,” explained Skidmore. The awards also celebrate choreographers, sound designers and lighting designers. AQ senior Kendra McInerney ‘17, won a Grand Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in the production “Enchanted April.” “I eat, sleep, and breathe theatre on a regular basis, but I still couldn’t have been more surprised or honored to have won,” said McInerney, who received a second nomination for lead actress for her work on “Bethany.” Aquinas College had 15 nominees in the collegiate sector and because of this has been recognized for the inequitable artistic value Aquinas has been able to contribute to its community. “Our community is what makes each performance utterly magical, and it’s what sets us, and our actors apart,” said Skidmore.
2015-2016 AQ NOMINEES AT THE GRAND AWARDS Outstanding Supporting Actress In A College Production Jackie Skorka ‘18 as Caroline in “Enchanted April” Jessi Towell ‘17 as Costanza in “Enchanted April” Kendra McInerney ‘17 as Mrs. Graves in “Enchanted April” Dara Kammeraad ‘17 as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Winner: Kendra McInerney as Mrs. Graves in “Enchanted April” Outstanding Supporting Actor In A College Production Aaron Skorka ‘18 as Mellersh in “Enchanted April” Winner: Aaron Skorka as Mellersh in “Enchanted April” Outstanding Lead Actress In A College Production Kendra McInerney as Crystal in “Bethany” Zöe Gipson ‘16 as Lotty in “Enchanted April” Winner: Zöe Gipson as Lotty in “Enchanted April” Outstanding Lead Actor In A College Production Eric Hand ‘18 as Gary in “Bethany” Nathan Schall ‘16 as Leaf Coneybear in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Austin Unseld as William Barfee in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Outstanding Direction Of A College Production Carrie McNulty for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Randy Wyatt for “Bethany” Winner: Carrie McNulty for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Outstanding College Production “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” “Bethany” “Enchanted April” Winner: “Enchanted April” Pictured from top: Kendra McInerney, Zöe Gipson, Aaron Skorka
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ARTPRIZE,
NATE LAREAU
AND MAKING
THE TOP 20 Sandra Erskine Mitchell ‘91
19 AQUINAS
Out of the nearly 1,500 artists who exhibited their work during ArtPrize, the Grand Rapids-held international art competition, a slew of artists have ties to the Aquinas Art Department as alumi or faculty members—and in some cases, both. In its eighth year, artists from around the world competed for more than a halfmillion dollars in prizes, with 50 percent of the awards decided by public vote and the other 50 percent by a jury of art experts.
In previous years, faculty and students have participated in ArtPrize by curating, publishing and exhibiting, and have included winning artists in the categories of overall winner in 2010 (“Cavalry” by Chris LaPorte ‘96), Top 10 in 2012 (“City Band” by Chris LaPorte), TimeBased in 2014 (“Your Move?” by Robert Shangle ‘90) and final five in 2014 in the time-based category (“Urban Tumbleweed” by Nathan Lareau ‘05). This year, alum and faculty member Nate Lareau’s “Ditch Lily Drawing,” displayed at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, placed in the competition’s Top 20. Meijer Gardens’ ArtPrize artists were part of the Garden’s fall exhibition, “Almost Home: Grand Rapids in Focus,” that ran through the end of 2016. The exhibition invited artists to reflect on their experiences with Grand Rapids as the conceptual foundation of new work. Lareau’s winning installation made use of Michigan’s omnipresent daylily, often referred to regionally as “ditch lily.” Lareau’s piece is representative of his rural upbringing as well as of the backyard of his Grand Rapids’ Heritage Hill residence. According to Lareau, the ditch lily’s stalk and antler-like form lent itself to his sculptural drawing. “It’s a stunning piece,” said Joseph Becherer, Meijer Gardens curator and AQ art history professor. “Artists help non-artists see things in new ways. Nate did that in poetic terms. He used leftovers, remnants, and through his composition transformed them into something greater. What we throw away can be meaningful and beautiful.”
Nathan Lareau ‘05
In addition to Lareau’s winning installation, Joyce Recker ‘88, and art professors Kurt Kaiser and Ron Pederson (with alumnus Ben Pederson ‘03) also had ArtPrize entries at Meijer Gardens. “This is a testimony to how strong and important the Art Department is at Aquinas,” Becherer said, referring to the number of Aquinas artists participating at ArtPrize year after year.
“AQUINAS HAS A STRONG, VIBRANT ARTS DEPARTMENT. THE ARTS HAVE A LONG, RICH HISTORY IN THE TRADITION OF THE DOMINICANS. IN ITS OWN BEAUTIFUL WAY, THE AQUINAS ART DEPARTMENT HAS CARRIED THAT INTO THE 21ST CENTURY.” - Joseph Becherer Recker, whose piece “Seeking Stillness” appeared at Meijer Gardens, echoes Becherer’s thoughts regarding the Aquinas Art Department. “There’s great collaboration among artists and instructors. It’s a small department with small classes, and you can really grow as an artist in that context,” said Recker. Nate Lareau reiterates Becherer’s and Recker’s thoughts on AQ’s Art Department. “It says something about the education Aquinas artists receive from the faculty that inspires them to follow through in careers in visual arts,” he said. “Being part of this exhibit at Meijer Gardens and a part of ArtPrize with my professors and fellow alumni is what’s most meaningful to me—it’s my place in that.” Student, Bailey Gulch ‘19, received the most likes in the Aquinas Alumni & Friends Facebook Art Prize Competition earning her $1,500 from the Alumni Association. Her photograph titled ‘Luminous’ captured a breathtaking sunset against the Lake Michigan waves. Ten students, faculty and alumni submitted their work to be judged on social media for the grand prize.
Joyce Recker ‘88 WINTER/SPRING 21
P
rocess & ractice
DEDICATED TO ATHLETICS AND THE ARTS Doug Seites ‘10
A
thletics and the arts are worlds that don’t often collide in college. Or at least, that is a common belief. But this isn’t the case at Aquinas College, where many student-athletes work hard to find the time to balance time on the field or court with time in the studio or concert hall. Many talented Saints are able to show off their skills in a variety of ways at Aquinas, thriving despite the unique challenges that being an athlete in the arts can bring. For freshman Walter Tomlin ‘20, teamwork is what connects his experiences in athletics and the arts. Walter is a technical theatre major, working with lights, sound systems, stage management and set building. He is also a member of the men’s bowling team. Walter began bowling because it gave him a chance to do his own thing. But now that he is on a team at Aquinas, he has come to value the teamwork aspect. “I love bowling at AQ,” says Tomlin. “It’s great being part of something bigger.” Though having only finished his first semester at Aquinas, Tomlin already has noticed some similarities between being on the bowling team and working on a stage crew. “It’s all teamwork, lots of teamwork. Communication is key; without it you won’t succeed to the best you can.”
22 AQUINAS
Bowling and theatre bring different challenges and different experiences, too. Tomlin enjoys these differences. “In bowling people are watching you and can see you when you’re playing well. But in set design, people see your work, but not you. I love to see the look on someone’s face when they see something I built and it’s a great piece.” With bowling practices and competitions on top of academics, along with the extra time needed to help build sets and set up plays, some days can be daunting. But that’s something that Tomlin relishes. “Being involved in both theatre and bowling keeps me very, very busy. But I’m a non-stop person, it keeps me in the groove.” For freshman basketball player Simon Vernon ‘20, practice makes perfect, both on and off the court. Simon is a music and psychology major, and a guard on the men’s basketball team. He started playing piano at age 10 and hopes to have a career in music therapy in the future, using music to help others rehabilitate from physical ailments and addictions. Simon sings in the Aquinas Choir, and recently performed a solo of his own original song at the Aquinas Student Showcase. After coming from a homeschool basketball league, Simon is learning a lot of basketball knowledge from his coaches and teammates while adjusting to a different level of play. He knows that he needs to put in the hours to make his team and himself better, and knows it’s a tough balancing act. “It’s a challenge to balance music and basketball,” said Vernon.
“YOU HAVE TO KEEP PRACTICING, YOU CAN’T STOP OR YOU WILL START SLIPPING. THERE IS A LOT OF DEDICATION AND BALANCE NEEDED TO DO BOTH.” Vernon puts in individual time practicing both. Three hour basketball practices with the team means he has to make time to practice his music outside of class as well. “It comes down to believing in myself and that I can do it. I can’t do it without the confidence in the abilities I was given. There are a lot of differences in performing music and playing basketball, but both need trust and reliance on each other to put in practice and play well as a group.”
WINTER/SPRING 22
P
rocess & ractice
Sophomore Isabelle Piotrowski ‘19 sees a lot of similarities between art and hockey. Art and a lot of things, actually. A member of the women’s hockey team at Aquinas, Piotrowski is a dual major in art and business with a minor in art history. She hopes to someday be a museum curator or a fashion or interior designer. Isabelle has taken art history and drawing classes at Aquinas and is currently taking a sculpture course. She is looking forward to taking an upcoming ceramics course. “I’m more of a 3D art person than the 2D drawing type of art.” While in her business classes, Piotrowski draws from her artistic interests and experience designing costumes for high school plays with her mother. “A lot of the things I do in business stem from my background in design and art,” says Piotrowski. “I love coming up with and visualizing ideas and plans. Art comes in many forms. Business ideas can be artistic, and I try to be artistic while I am thinking of ideas.” Isabelle is in her second season as a member of the women’s hockey team. During the team’s inaugural season last year, she was named “Rookie of the Year” and led the team with 28 goals. A creative player, she sees a lot of similarities between her time on the ice and in the classroom.
“EVERYTHING HAS TO DO WITH ART. IT’S EVERYWHERE. THE PROCESS IS THE FINAL PRODUCT. YOU CAN’T JUST CREATE SOMETHING, EVERYTHING COMES FROM SOMETHING ELSE. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A PROCESS, WHETHER DURING PRACTICE ON THE ICE, OR WHEN YOU ARE CREATING ART.” 23 AQUINAS
FALL SUPER SAINTS NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athletes Women’s Cross Country Sydney Anderson ‘17, Megan Huettner ‘17, Angela Maurer ‘18, Ashlee Santiago ‘18 and Adri Sigafoose ‘17
NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athletes Men’s Cross Country
Stephen Pfahler ‘18 and Nicholas Tarsa ‘17
NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athletes Volleyball
Katlyn Agren ‘17, Micaela Hazen ‘17, Michaela Ryan ‘17 and Brooke Wieland ‘17
NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athletes Women‘s Soccer
April Crowe ‘19, Erica Erway ‘17, Hannah Jablonski ‘17, Leeann Latsch ‘17, Julia Mauro-Vetter ‘17, Mariah Otolski ‘18 and Colleen Vincent ‘17
NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete Men‘s Soccer
Peter Brandenburg ‘17 and Chris Grote ‘17
NAIA Women‘s Cross Country All Americans
Melissa Winchester ‘19 and Kathy Middaugh ‘17
FALL 2016 SPORTS WRAP-UP
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
WOMEN’S SOCCER
VOLLEYBALL
• 2016 WHAC Championship • 6th WHAC title in the last eight years • 4th place finish at 2016 NAIA National Championships (Second Consecutive Podium Finish) • Ranked in NAIA Top Five for 17 Consecutive Polls • Fastest Team Time (90:28) at NAIA National Championships
• 10-6-3 Overall Record, 6-3-1 WHAC Record • 4th place finish in the WHAC • Recorded eight shutouts and allowed only 1.1 goals per game • Signature victory: A come from behind win over Lawrence Tech (October 29) to clinch home field in the first round of tournament
• 17-14 Overall Record, 7-9 WHAC Record • 8th place finish in the WHAC • Season long six match win streak between August 26 and September 7 • Signature Victory: Straight set win over Davenport on October 26
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
MEN’S SOCCER
• 4th Place Finish at 2016 WHAC Championship • 17th Consecutive Trip to the NAIA National Championships • 22nd place finish at 2016 NAIA National Championships • Ranked in the NAIA Top 25 for 160 consecutive weeks dating from to 8/22/00-11/6/16
• 6-10-3 Overall Record, 5-7 WHAC Record • 8th place finish in the WHAC • Saints tied school record with 14 saves on October 19 vs. Davenport • Signature victory: A 4-2 victory on Homecoming over Marygrove
WINTER/SPRING 25
26 AQUINAS
Stacy Spitler
In a classroom where vocabulary words are found on virtually every wall and surface, the words that come to mind when observing Sister Lucia Zapata’s ‘73, O.P. art class at St. Anthony Padua Catholic School are: ingenuity, diligence, curiosity and excitement. This Aquinas Saint earned her bachelor of arts from Aquinas in 1973 and a master of arts in education at Wayne State in 1997. Today, Dominican Sister Lucia Zapata is making a difference in the world as an art teacher. This year, she is teaching at East Leonard Elementary and St. Anthony through Shared Time, a program of Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), that provides art, music, PE, computer and language classes for schools who otherwise might not have resources to offer these courses.
Sister Lucia is part of initiatives to develop specialized lessons in partnership with organizations like the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Grand Rapids Symphony. “As a musician and studier of liturgy, I’m extra excited about the symphony.” Ask her current fifth grade class: clearly they are enthusiastic, too. “Collaboration with colleagues and the community is encouraged as we strive to integrate concepts across disciplines,” says Sister Lucia. “My students don’t just color; every lesson encourages deeper thinking.” “Sister Lucia loves children and sharing her passion for art with her students. She brings into her lessons a wide combination of the different disciplines,” said Esther Kuiper, Adult Ed/Shared Time Director at GRPS. According to Maggie Malone, director of fine arts for Grand Rapids Public Schools, “Sister Lucia has an attitude of service that helps students achieve their goals.” She continued, “The arts are risky because whatever the subject, you put yourself out there, artistically or musically, and you risk exposure to opinions of others about your work. Your emotions and your gifts go into that work; that can be hard. Sister Lucia teaches how to make art better in a manner that is confidence boosting and interesting.” Sister Lucia’s students agree: “I really like how it involves math and that you can get to different unique points by following simple directions,” described a fifth grader working on a string art project. Another said, “I play the trumpet, I just learned that music is an art.” Through Shared Time, Sister Lucia and other instructors like her are bringing programs like art to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity, and sharing lessons that embolden students to think deeply, ask questions and enjoy learning experiences. WINTER/SPRING 26
AQUINAS COLLEGE FINANCIAL STATEMENT The College Financial Statement provides you a report on the College’s assets, liabilities, net assets, and other financial activities through year end June 30, 2016. This Statement includes endowment revenue (all fundraising activities that are facilitated by the Aquinas College Foundation). Due to market fluctuations, the endowment has had a slight decrease from $44,539,595.00 to $43,625,820.00 over the past year. The Statement illustrates the College’s commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship. Aquinas College is proud of its strategic stability and appreciative of all those on campus and in the community who make us strong and viable.
FISCAL YEARS 2015 AND 2016 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
ASSETS 2015/2016
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
$39,579/$3,419,953 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
OFFICERS DONALD BURNS ‘64, PH.D. CHAIR
$6,058,687/$9,644,576 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE $9,809,804/$9,151,509 OTHER ASSETS
MATT WEY, M.M. ‘11 VICE CHAIR
$37,098,869/$36,896,603 INVESTMENTS FOR LONG-TERM PURPOSES
MARCIE HILLARY ‘97 SECRETARY
$48,918,931/$47,928,072 LAND, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT
MICHAEL LOWN ‘86 TREASURER
$101,925,870/$107,040,713 TOTAL ASSETS
TRUSTEES DENNIS ECHELBARGER ‘64 SISTER MAUREEN GEARY, O.P. KIMBERLY HANRAHAN ‘85 RICK HEUVELMAN ‘79 BILL MANNS MICHAEL PRICE ‘84 JIM RABAUT SISTER BARBARA REID ‘75, O.P. THOMAS WELCH, JR. ROBERT C. WOODHOUSE, JR. ‘77, M.M. ‘92
LIABILITIES 2015/2016 $3,546,321/$3,127,639 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE $27,592,569/$26,348,762 BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE $1,586,723/$1,349,367 OTHER LIABILITIES $32,725,613/$30,825,768 TOTAL LIABILITIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES 2015/2016 $39,704,638/$43,609,691 TOTAL REVENUES, GAINS AND OTHER SUPPORT $36,883,902/$36,595,003 TOTAL EXPENSES $2,820,736/$7,014,688 INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS $66,379,521/$69,200,257 NET ASSETS - BEGINNING OF YEAR $69,200,257/$76,214,945 NET ASSETS - END OF YEAR
NET ASSETS 2015/2016 $69,200,257/$76,214,945 TOTAL NET ASSETS $101,925,870/$107,040,713 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
AQUINAS COLLEGE ENDOWMENTS 2015/2016 $44,539,595/$43,625,820 NET ASSETS 28 AQUINAS
MAKE A PLANNED GIFT AND LEAVE A LEGACY Planned gifts provide creative and flexible strategies for estate and charitable planning. The greatest benefit is the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting the mission of Aquinas College. Planned giving allows you to leave a lasting investment that benefits our students and sustains the community. Whatever inspires you, whatever drives you – you can make a difference by supporting Aquinas College with a bequest directed at any purpose, program or scholarship. Options for planned giving include bequests, trusts and other life income plans. The IRA Charitable Rollover provision allows individuals who have reached age 70½ to donate up to $100,000 to charitable organizations directly from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA), without treating the distribution as taxable income. Regardless of the method you choose, you may designate your gift to the programs that matter the most to you, leaving your legacy at Aquinas College. If you’ve already made a planned gift, please share your plans with us. If you’re considering or would like more information, we’d be happy to help you. Please contact a member of our Planned Giving Team at (616) 632-2809 or email plannedgifts@aquinas.edu.
AQUINAS COLLEGE 2016 FOUNDATION REPORT The Aquinas College Foundation Report is one important component of the College’s Financial Statement. The Foundation Report includes an update on the endowment and other funds entrusted to the Foundation.
TOTAL GIVING FOR FISCAL YEAR END JUNE 30, 2016 WAS $11,256,436.
CAPITAL
81%
$9,094,420
Includes historical preservation of the campus, teaching and learning environments.
ENDOWMENT
3%
Includes scholarships and support to College-wide programs promoting the Institution’s mission.
$379,388
RESTRICTED
Includes programs, scholarships and efforts to increase funding to the College.
4%
$476,241 Allows the College’s leadership and board members to guide investments in ways that most broadly benefit the College.
UNRESTRICTED
11%
$1,205,116
Includes the nationally recognized Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center, both at Aquinas.
INSTITUTE
1%
$101,271
FOUNDATION BOARD
PRESIDENT JUAN R. OLIVAREZ ‘71, PH.D. CO-CHAIRS DENISE CHRISTY ‘82 JOHN JACKOBOICE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRISH CASTIGLIONE ‘92
DIRECTORS MICKI BENZ SAM CUMMINGS ANDY HOLTGREIVE ‘94 NAZAR MASSOUH ‘95 FATHER MARK PRZYBYSZ ‘83 GILBERT SEGOVIA LISA WURST ‘85
TREASURER STELLA SOROVIGAS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY DEB O’DONNELL
WINTER/SPRING 29
HOMECOMING 2016 REVIEW by Brigid Avery ‘01 Homecoming 2016 was yet again a home run, underscored by “The Ninth Inning,” a celebration of Terry Bocian’s 43 years of service to the College as coach and athletic director. Over 400 guests honored Coach Bo at the event. Other highlights included live music accented by AQ’s own Conrad Shock ‘17 and a Kids Zone hosted by the College Chorus as a fundraiser for their upcoming concert tour in Italy. Aquinas successfully executed a Zero Waste Event, meaning that 95.1% of trash generated that day was diverted to recycling, compost or TerraCycle; only 7.1 pounds of trash found its way to the landfill. See you next September!
ALUMNI NEWS DANIELLE ALEXANDER ‘13 opened Bombadil Books in September 2015, a used bookstore offering repair services, events, and workshops at 315 Division Ave S. in Grand Rapids. CURTIS R. BURDETTE ‘04 was hired as General Manager at Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, MI. MADELEINE BURNS ‘15 will be traveling to Casablanca, Morocco in July 2017 for a six month long job as an Admissions and PR Coordinator at George Washington Academy. BRYAN CAREY ‘10 was recently hired as the National Sales Account Manager at Sports Addix in Lowell, Mi. CHERRY (FYFE) CHRISTENSEN ‘96 published two titles, “The Fearful Heart” and “A Secret Angel,” with Eskape Press. SUSAN CLARK-PRAGASPATHY M.ED ‘98 moved home to Michigan last fall and started a new business as a professional fine artist and oil painter after years of training in traditional classical realist methods. CLARE M. CONWAY ‘13 graduated from the Heider College of Business with a Master of Business Administration in Information Technology from Creighton University in May 2016. SCOTT I. DAVID ‘98 was recently named the Northern Regional Vice President for the Lighthouse Insurance Group. Scott lives in Traverse City with his wife Dr. Rose David ‘98 and their three children.
NANCY (VOSS) HOPKINS ‘78 was promoted to Volunteer Services Manager at the Grand Rapids Symphony. JULIE KENDRICK (JOHNSON) ‘10 was recently promoted to Recovery Program Coordinator at Mel Trotter Ministries. TOM KUSLIKIS ‘05 was recently promoted to the role of VP of Accounting and Finance at University of Michigan Credit Union in Ann Arbor, MI. MARY KATE (CALDWELL) NORMAN ‘10 was recently promoted to Senior Purchasing Specialist at Parker Hannifin Aerospace (Hydraulic Systems Division) in Kalamazoo, MI. ANGELA PEAVEY ‘10 Marketing Manager for the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, just won “Best Branded Content— Nonprofit” for a promo video she created last summer from the Communicator Awards. TIM PRIEST ‘98 was recently promoted from Collections Manager to Asset Manager at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. NICK RUDOFSKI ‘15 was promoted to establish the Sustainable Energy Fund’s second office in Harrisburg, PA. RYAN SCHMALL ‘95 was recently hired as the Director of Talent Acquisition at Signature HealthCARE, LLC.
PAT DEBRUCE ‘80 is studying for a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of New England.
AMY SHERMAN ‘94 took a job with the MLive Media Group as “Michigan’s Best” reporter, searching the state for the best food and drink Michigan has to offer. She is also the host of the statewide radio show “Behind the Mitten with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez.”
STACEY (PHELPS) DUCKETT ‘00 was promoted to Vice President, Inbound Sales and Retention with Suddenlink Communications/Altice in May 2016.
MICHAEL SWEENEY ‘74, an accounting professor at Hillsdale College, recently received the 2016 Michigan Association of CPA’s (MICPA) Accounting Teaching Excellence Award.
KENNETH DUTKIEWICZ ‘71 Ken has recently retired from a 39-year career with Steelcase working in training, sales and marketing. His most recent assignments were for two years each in Hong Kong and Munich.
LAUREN SYTEK ‘13, biology major, was matched to her first choice of orthodontic residencies, the University of Michigan.
MARK DORIAN DYEHOUSE ‘80 retired from Steelcase after 34 years as a Graphic Artist and Senior Writer. BRYAN ESLER, ‘08 Left Mindutopia in December 2015, and is now running Bryan Esler Photo full-time. Bryan specializes in capturing events, theatre, architecture and corporate promotion photos. TERESA HALL (BUIOCCHI) ‘11 graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in May 2016 with honors. She matched into an orthopedic residency, which she will complete at Metro Health Hospital. She starts in July 2017. 30 AQUINAS
REBECCA (LODEWYK) VANDENBROECK ‘10 was hired as a Senior Associate Scientist at Zoetis in downtown Kalamazoo in December 2015. BETH ANN WILLS ‘90 is celebrating her 15th year as an Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant a.k.a. Beauty by Beth. ANGELICA ZAHRT ‘12 opened her own accounting business, A to Z Accounting Services, LLC in Grand Rapids in January 2016. Zahrt received her MBA from Davenport University in June 2015.
Aquinas is printed on 100% recycled paper using soy-based inks and wind power. Please recycle.
THE MAGAZINE OF AQUINAS COLLEGE WINTER/SPRING 2017 VOL. 16 NO. 1 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
COMMUNICATION MANAGER
CREATIVE DIRECTOR PHILIP MITRI CONTRIBUTING WRITERS LAUREN FAY CARLSON ‘12 SANDRA MITCHELL ‘91
68 TREES
6,671 LBS OF WASTE
65,204 GAL. OF WATER
21,882 LBS OF CO2
PATRICIA SCHLUTT ‘16 DOUG SEITES ‘10 STACY SPITLER
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, DOMINICAN SISTERS—GRAND RAPIDS
DANIEL TREUL ‘09 MARY WEBSTER ‘17 MIKE WOJCIAKOWSKI ‘97
SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR
PROOFREADERS BRIGID AVERY ‘01
(Equivalent to 705 days of water consumption)
(Emissions of 3 cars per year)
JOANN FOX LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER ADAM BIRD PHOTOGRAPHERS KRIS BIRD AUTUMN JOHNSON ANDY VISOCKIS
Aquinas is published twice a year by the Aquinas College Marketing and Communication Office. Copyright ©2017 by Aquinas College. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the individual authors and subjects and do not necessarily reflect the views of Aquinas College. No portion of this magazine may be reprinted without express written consent of the executive editor. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Aquinas College Foundation, 1700 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
56 MMBTU
(Equivalent to using 274,296 60W light bulbs for one hour)
HOMECOMING 2017: SEPTEMBER 22-24 For a full list of activities, please visit aquinas.edu/homecoming WINTER/SPRING 31
1700 FULTON ST. E GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506
32 AQUINAS