SPIRITof GIVING
FALL 2018
Called to Greatness Building Our Future EDITOR Tom Hoopes G’10
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Amy Nell
DESIGNER Hayleigh Diebolt
WRITERS Steve Johnson G’12 Doug Longstaff G’07 Rosemary Wilkerson
CLASS WAYS TONOTES GIVE Kathy Garrison GIVE BY MAIL Gifts made by check should be payable to PHOTOGRAPHERS Benedictine College and mailed to: Kelly Elias ’85 Office of Advancement Benedictine College Marketing Office 1020 North Second Street Atchison, KS 66002-1499
WAYS TO GIVE
GIVE GIVE BY BY PHONE MAIL Gifts made by check should be payable to 1-800-766-0078 ext. 7416 Benedictine College and mailed to: Office of Advancement ONLINE GIVING 1020 North Second Street Visit http://my.benedictine.edu/bcannualfund. Atchison, KS 66002-1499
GIVE BY GIFTS OFPHONE STOCK
800-766-0078 ext. 7416 securities or mutual fund By donating appreciated shares, you can provide a lasting contribution while ONLINE receiving tax GIVING benefits, such as capital gains tax Visit http://my.benedictine.edu/bcannualfund. savings.
GIFTS OF STOCK REAL ESTATE By donating appreciated securities or mutual fund shares,
Your giftprovide providesa alasting convenient way for while you toreceiving enjoy tax you can contribution abenefits, charitable deduction current fair such as capitalbased gainson taxthe savings. market value of your property, and it can reduce the size and complexity REAL ESTATEof your estate. Your gift provides a convenient way for you to enjoy a charitable deduction based on the current fair market value ESTATE PLANNING of your property, and it can reduce the size and complexity of Remember Benedictine in your Will or estate your estate. plan. We also offer life-income gifts that provide income and immediate tax benefits. Please contact ESTATE PLANNING Tim Andrews, ’88 at 913-360-7363 or tandrews@ Remember Benedictine in yourhave Willnamed or estate plan. We also benedictine.edu. If you already offer life-income giftsinthat provide and immediate tax Benedictine College your estate income plan, contact us benefits. Please contact Tim Andrews ’88 at 913-360-7363 so we can welcome you into the Benedictine Legacy or tandrews@benedictine.edu. If you already have named Society. Benedictine College in your estate plan, contact us so we can welcome you into the Benedictine Legacy Society.
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ust when you thought things couldn’t get much better at Benedictine College, the whole landscape ahead of us has opened up to a world of opportunity. The vision for the future is big and bold and will allow Ravens everywhere to be a significant part of this extraordinary opportunity. Over the Homecoming weekend we welcomed over 150 benefactors, alumni, and parents to provide ideas and feedback on a vision that will transform culture in America. Through presentations and strategic small group conversations, these Ravens were able to share ideas and begin dreaming and planning a bright future for the college with our eye on the Bicentennial celebration in 2058. Meanwhile, the Office of Advancement has been searching for even more opportunities to connect the greater Benedictine community to our amazing students and top-notch faculty. President Steve Minnis challenged us to create a program and a framework where Ravens help Ravens. In coming up with a plan, we reminded ourselves that there is not a Raven on the planet who wouldn’t answer ‘yes’ if asked for help. It’s in our very nature as Ravens. So there now exists two exciting ways to get involved and help move this college forward, always forward. We need your help in creating of a new strategic plan to follow up Benedictine 2020: A Vision for Greatness, and we need your experience and expertise in the area of Alumni and Career Services. On the following pages you will be introduced to these opportunities with more details to come. However, if you want to volunteer your time and join us, please don’t hesitate to let us know now. And as always, there are four ways you immediately can help. One, send us students. Two, pray for the college. (An easy way is to pray the Memorare each day for the college we all love.) Three, become a mentor or provide jobs and/or internships for our students and for alumni in transition. And last but not least, financially support Benedictine College in a way that makes sense for you and your family. With each of us doing our part we will discover that we are transforming culture in America - one Raven at a time.
Kelly J. Vowels ’85 Vice President for Advancement
Front cover: Michael '63 and Mary Alice easterday.
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rateful H G A e
Go to Joseph Fund
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ike ’63 and Mary Alice Easterday have a special place in their hearts for the men and women who have dedicated long careers in service of Benedictine College. In 2001 they gave Benedictine the Heritage Room in Elizabeth Hall, celebrating the legacy of dozens of long-tenured Raven faculty and staff. And now, Mike and Mary Alice have continued their dedication to honoring those faithful servants of the college by making a $2 million gift to create the Go to Joseph Fund. The Go to Joseph Fund is named in thanks for the many blessings attributed to Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. The fund will support mission activity, serving the materially and spiritually poor and a scholarship for students demonstrating merit and a core value impact on the Benedictine community. In addition, this fund supports situations of extraordinary success or need in the college community. Michael J. Easterday graduated with honors in business administration from St. Benedict’s College in 1963. He received his master’s in accounting from the University of Kansas a year later. He married Mary Alice (Shea) while in school. They have four children and 12 grandchildren, including Benedictine College
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sophomore, Jacob Pavlyak. Jacob’s sister, Sarah, plans to follow Jacob to Benedictine as a freshman next year. Mike is a charter member of Benedictine College’s Board of Directors, continuing as a Director Emeritus today. He served on the SBC Alumni Association from 1966-1970 and from 1973-1975 he was chairman of the Board of Governors. In 1979, he received the Kansas Monk Award and in 1989, along with Mary Alice, received the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict award. Mike also served as a Co-Chairman of the Freshman (now Elizabeth) Hall renovation and other committees for the college over the years. President Stephen Minnis ’82 recognized Mike and Mary Alice at the historic 160th Anniversary Legacy Event on October 26 (see page 3). “I want us to recognize and thank the only living Board member from the original Board of Directors of the newly-formed Benedictine College in 1971—Mike Easterday,” said Minnis. “As a thank you for the education he received here, as well as a thank you for the lifetime of service given to the college from so many, Mike and Mary Alice have committed to creating an endowment called the Go To Joseph Fund for the betterment of the school,” continued Minnis. “Thank you, Mike, for your inspirational service to the college!” B
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his academic year at Benedictine College is a celebration of 160 years of educating men and women within a community of faith and scholarship. This Homecoming, the college hosted an historic gathering of Benedictine leaders from its past, present and future, to reminisce on the accomplishments that have made Benedictine great, and charter a course for advancing the college’s vision to transform the world. In its 150th anniversary year of 2008, the college hosted a Legacy Board meeting of all current and past members of the college Board of Directors. Through the work of that gathering, the college entered a period of unprecedented growth and success. For the 160th Anniversary Legacy Event, the invitee list was expanded to include not only past and current board members, but also members of President’s Circle, the top 100 donors to the college, and other invited leaders in the college community. President Stephen Minnis ’82 and the President’s Cabinet led the attendees through a litany of excellence in achievement over the past 10 years since the 150th anniversary. Included in these accomplishments was unprecedented growth in attendance, from 1,352 students to 1,921 in 2018; improvement of every classroom on campus and the construction of new academic, recreational and residential space; extraordinary growth in the academic profile of incoming students. The President also recognized the tremendous financial contributions of many of the individuals in attendance who have made these 10 years of growth possible. After the celebration of the past was complete, President Minnis invited the attendees to actively participate in building the plan to fulfill the second part of the college Vision Statement, “to educate Benedictine Leaders who will transform the world.� “For 160 years, we have looked internally to better the college. But until now, we have not looked externally to ask, ‘To what end?’,� said Minnis. “What kind of force for good in the world can Benedictine College be by building one of the great Catholic Colleges in America?�
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The 150 participants in the room spent the afternoon session forming the building blocks for the plan to lead Benedictine into its Bicentennial Celebration in 2058. From continued improvement in all aspects of campus life, to connecting Benedictine alumni in the life of current students, to renewed enthusiasm for building an endowment that will sustain the financial well-being of the college, the attendees passionately submitted their ideas for moving the institution forward, and committed to being a part of the plan for making those ideas a reality in the life of the college.
President Minnis ended the Legacy Event with a call that goes out to all Ravens in attendance, and all who are dedicated to advancing its timeless mission. “When we call on you to be on committees to move the college forward, please say yes. When we ask you to financially support us to move the college forward, please say yes. When we ask you to pray for the college, please say yes,” Minnis said. “Because of your sacrifice and dedication, Benedictine College is not only still here, it is poised to become one of the great Catholic Colleges in America.” B
Benedictine College Rewinds the Clock
Benedictine College celebrated Homecoming the weekend of October 26-28. The highlight of the weekend was the induction of Larry Wilcox ’72, head coach of the Ravens football team since 1979. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Coach Wilcox coming to campus as a student.
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In
Dr. King’s Shadow
A Call to Greatness on ‘I Have a Dream’ Anniversary
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he Opening School Mass and Convocation for the 2018-2019 school year fell this year on the 55th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream Speech.” Benedictine’s Convocation speaker was Dr. Jacqueline C. Rivers, Executive Director of the Seymour Institute, Doctoral Fellow in the Multidisciplinary Program in Inequality and Social Policy of the J. F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard and a Graduate Research Fellow of the National Science Foundation. The day is always inspiring for Benedictine College freshmen. It is the culmination of activities that began with Raven Orientation Camp, continued with Beanie Week, removing their beanies. The 2018 Convocation speaker was introduced by senior DeMaria Walters, one of two Benedictine College students to serve as the first Martin Luther King Summer Scholars, a joint internship project of Benedictine College and the Seymour Institute on Black Church and Policy Studies in Boston, Mass. (see page 7.) Dr. Rivers spoke on King’s philosophy and efforts during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, as well as on heroic women portrayed in the Marvel Studios film “Black Panther,” and on the works of Catholic social activist, Dorothy Day. “If each of you as you begin your college career, or continue your college career, will follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther King, Jr., embracing the privilege and responsibility that comes with a college education,
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working hard to grow intellectually, working hard to resist injustice, working hard to serve the needy, you won’t have to do it alone,” Rivers told the gathered freshmen. “You will always have Jesus with you. He will strengthen you as he did Dr. King. He will never leave you alone.” Dr. Rivers was joined on the trip by her husband, Rev. Eugene F. Rivers, III, who was presented with the college’s Mother Teresa-inspired “Do Something Beautiful for God” award for his work as a political advisor on faith-based initiatives and his efforts towards the elimination of gang violence. The Reverend Joseph C. Tatro ’92, concelebrated the Convocation Mass, and offered the first challenge of the year to the incoming students. “Greatness has begun,” said Fr. Tatro. “Greatness starts with a choice…to be a part of this great institution and our great faith. The call is to be great, and I invite you today to make a decision to be great.” Before inviting the freshmen to remove their beanies and join into full community with the rest of their Raven family, President Stephen D. Minnis ’82, remarked on the legacy of the college’s sponsoring religious communities, who founded the college 160 years ago. “In order to make this heritage our own, we must follow the lead of those who have gone before us,” he said. “We are called to transform the world through our commitment to excellence in the Benedictine tradition. Each and every one of us has been given a priceless gift, preserved over the centuries---and it is up to us to live up to that great legacy.” B
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the
Raven Radetics
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Family of the Year Filled the Field
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or many parents and families of new Benedictine College students, the annual Family Weekend each fall semester is the first chance to make a visit to campus to see their loved ones deeply involved in Raven student life. This year, the weekend honored a family who has made more trips to campus than most. On Sept. 22, Benedictine College honored the Radetic family as the Family of the Year at halftime of the Raven football team’s 49-19 victory over MidAmerica Nazarene University on O’Malley Field at Larry Wilcox Stadium. In all, 19 members of the Radetic family were on hand for the celebration. “Each year, the College honors a family that has truly lived out the Benedictine mission through their involvement on the campus and their commitment to building a fruitful and supportive community in the Benedictine tradition. The Radetic Family has always been very supportive of the college, the Church and the community,” said Benedictine President Stephen D. Minnis ’82. And the Radetic support for the Raven community extends to nearly every aspect of Benedictine College life. Whether the Scholarship Ball, Raven Athletics, support for student scholarships and so many other areas, they’ve been a part of it all. The connection with Benedictine College started with Albert and Betty Radetic, a faithful Catholic couple in St. Louis who wanted to see their children educated in a strong, Catholic environment. In all, five of the seven Radetic children graduated from Benedictine College. Michael Radetic became the first Benedictine graduate in his family in 1972. Not long after, his brother, Mark, became a Raven, graduating in 1976, Matthew Radetic’s time at Benedictine overlapped with Mark’s. Matthew graduated in 1978 and was a standout baseball player for the Ravens. Mary Kaye became the next Radetic sibling to walk with a Benedictine degree, graduating in 1987. She married her Raven classmate, James Lauterwasser. Mary Kaye and James’ son, Kyle, is currently a junior at Benedictine. Martin "Marty" is the final sibling to graduate from Benedictine College in 1993, earning a degree in Accounting. A cousin to the Radetic siblings, Mary Radetic Feierabend, graduated from Benedictine in 1982, and married Rick Feierabend, also a 1982 graduate. Sadly, Betty Radetic passed away earlier this year. But Albert, now 93, proudly made the trip. The family knows Betty would have been proud of this honor. B
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Rivers of Encouragement Student helps mentor inner-city Boston youth
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ost college students experience it at one or more occasions in their academic career. It’s that one class in that general education subject that probably isn’t in their major. The professor posts the requirement that everyone in the class must attend some particular event on campus or risk pulling a failing grade. That was exactly the case three years ago for Benedictine senior DeMaria Walters. “To tell you the truth, I don’t even remember what class it was,” remembers DeMaria. “All I know is that the younger me was the last person who would sign up to go listen to a speaker. But we had to do it.” That annoying requirement ended up being an appointment that would ultimately set DeMaria on a path to places he never dreamed he’d be, including giving up a month of his last summer as a student to teach disadvantaged youth in a city he’d never seen. DeMaria is a starting defensive back on the Raven football team and Vice President of the Black Student Union. A native of Oklahoma City, he came to Benedictine because of a strong bond he and his family formed with assistant coach George Papageorgiou when DeMaria was looking to transfer from Langston University, a historically black college in Oklahoma. Dr. Jacqueline Rivers, Executive Director of the Seymour Institute on Black Church and Policy Studies, and her husband, Reverend Eugene F. Rivers, III, came to speak on campus at the invitation of Dr. Joe Wurtz ’99, Dean of Students. (for more on the Rivers, see the convocation story on page 5 of this issue). DeMaria listened with interest, and made it a point to stay after the talk was done to meet the Rivers. “Reverend Rivers encouraged me and my friends to start a Black Student Union on campus,” said DeMaria. “Dean Wurtz told us there had been one in the past, and he was very supportive in encouraging us to start it up again. It’s an inclusive group. Everyone is welcome. Our goals are to promote brotherhood, sisterhood and togetherness.”
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DeMaria kept in contact with Dr. and Reverend Rivers, keeping them informed of his work in the community. DeMaria and others recognized a real need for youth mentorship in Atchison. Their dedication to their work led to an incredible invitation from the Rivers—a chance to spend a month in Boston, mentoring and teaching youth in the inner city. The invitation went to DeMaria, as well as Isaiah McBride ’18 and Tyler Shepard ’19 (Tyler was unable to participate, due to the death of his father). The program, called, “Martin Luther King Summer Scholars,” made possible by generous donations to Benedictine College. DeMaria and Isaiah were the first scholars in the partnership between Benedictine and the Seymour Institute. “We had two days of training. And then we were teaching Math, English, and Language arts to kids from the fourth through eighth grades,” said DeMaria. The Ravens used innovative methods to teach traditional principles. For example, once the students understood the formula for calculating a perimeter, they were taken to a local park, divided into teams, and coached to work together to calculate the perimeter of that park. “We asked them to concentrate on measuring green space,” said DeMaria. “There is a correlation between green space in neighborhood parks and childhood obesity. They really don’t have very much green space at all.” Next, the campers were taken
on a train to a park in the Boston suburbs, and they measured the greenspace there. The contrast was startling to the children— they literally had never seen such a thing. As a final project, the students built scale models of what they would want in a park for their own neighborhood, and they presented their work to the mayor of Boston. “One kid’s model was an eyeopener,” said DeMaria. “He divided his park into different sections for laser tag, paintball, whatever. And he also placed what he called a ‘bulletproof dome’ over his park. That says a lot about what these kids have seen.” In the evenings, the Benedictine students studied scholarly journals on important current topics, and then participated in thought-provoking mentoring sessions with Dr. and Reverend Rivers. And they were treated to special trips with the campers on the weekends, including an unforgettable adventure at Six Flags! Isaiah has since moved on to graduate school, and DeMaria will graduate in December after his final semester of Raven football. While he’s still not entirely sure where he will go after graduation, his experience in Boston has helped define what he wants to do. “I know I’m going to be involved in mentoring youth,” said DeMaria. “I’ve actually thought a little bit about teaching.” It just goes to show that Benedictine College professors know what they’re doing when they ask you to do something out of your comfort zone. B
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Inspiring Endowments
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HONORARY RAVEN
A LISTENING HEART
LOU HOLTZ SCHOLARSHIP
EILEEN DERSHIMER SCHOLARSHIP
n 2017, Lou and Beth Holtz created a scholarship at Benedictine College to share their commitment to Catholic education and to support Benedictine College students. Recently, the couple doubled the scholarship by making a gift of $25,000. Lou Holtz is best known for coaching the University of Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988, but he also took four different programs to top 20 finishes, guided teams to 22 postseason bowl games and been named national coach of the year. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Lou has been a television analyst for CBS Sports and the ESPN cable network and is the author of five books. In a letter addressed to President Stephen Minnis, Lou writes: “The primary purpose of this letter is to tell you how impressed I am with Benedictine College and your mission to help young people make good choices. Due to the fact that I spoke at your commencement, you gave me an honorary degree, and I believe in your mission, I wanted to do this for my university. “I am proud that I started the fund for your grotto and for the prayers that you and those at St. Benedict’s Abbey offer for my wife, so I wanted to help Benedictine College.” Lou received an honorary degree in 2007, and delivered the commencement address. He was also the keynote speaker for the 2012 Convocation. Lou and Beth were the first donors to the construction of Mary’s Grotto in the center of the Benedictine College campus.
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oris “Eileen” Dershimer was born in 1927 in Beaver County, Pennsylvania to Harold and Thelma Dershimer. She had two brothers, Harold Jr. and Keith “Sonny.” At 6 months old, Eileen contracted meningitis and it took her hearing. She was fitted with a hearing aid when she was older, but she could not get used to it. She learned to read lips, but did not use sign language. Her family never treated her as someone with a handicap. When she was 8 years old, her family moved to Tulsa, Okla. After high school, Eileen attended Mount St. Scholastica College and was a member of the Class of 1950. She travelled a lot with her mother throughout the United States. In later years she had the opportunity to travel to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Paris, Alaska and Hawaii. While visiting in Austria and Switzerland, Eileen visited the set of the Sound of Music and had fun tobogganing. Eileen enjoyed many things in her free time such as playing cards, crocheting blankets and attending Mass. Eileen was truly passionate about the time she shared with her family and friends. She shared countless birthdays and holiday events with her many nieces and nephews. Even the children of her childhood friend considered her their “Aunt Eileen.” The Eileen Dershimer Scholarship is a gift from Eileen's estate, and is awarded to a full-time student at Benedictine College.
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For information on creating an endowed scholarship, please contact Rosemary Wilkerson, Executive Director of Development, 913-360-7417 or rosemaryw@benedictine.edu.
LOVE SONG
REMEMBERING JUDY
LANDWEHR-BAKER
FRANK ’65 AND JUDY SIMONICH SCHOLARSHIP
CATHOLIC EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
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ichard E. “Rick” and Mary T. “Terri” Baker created a fund to benefit Catholic families who choose to send their children to Benedictine College. The scholarship honors their parents, Mary and Roger Landwehr and Barbara and Richard Baker, Sr. Mary Landwehr was a lifelong music teacher, teaching both in the Catholic grade school and private lessons. Roger Landwehr was a civil engineer in Des Moines, Iowa. Terri is the youngest daughter of their seven children. Barbara Baker was a wife and mother while her children were in school, and later a caseworker in Independence, Missouri. Richard (Dick) Baker, Sr., worked in sheet metal layout in Kansas City, Missouri. Rick is their oldest of eight children. Both sets of parents were committed to Catholic education and enrolled their children in Catholic grade and high schools. They made many sacrifices to form their children in the Catholic faith. Rick and Terri met in the choral group at Benedictine College. Terri graduated from Benedictine with a bachelor’s of science degree in biology in 1975. She worked as a medical technologist in the Kansas City area. Rick graduated from Benedictine in 1974 with a bachelor’s of arts degree in history and philosophy. He was a finish carpenter working on new homes. Like their parents, the couple ensured that their five children graduated from Catholic grade and high schools. The Landwehr-Baker Catholic Education Scholarship is awarded with preference for students who attended Catholic grade and high schools, or homeschool students from Catholic backgrounds.
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rank Simonich established the Frank ’65 and Judy Simonich Scholarship in memory of his late wife Judith E. (Reardon) Simonich, who passed away in 2015. Judy was educated in the Catholic schools of Kansas City, Kansas; St. Thomas Elementary, St. Benedict Elementary, Bishop Ward High School, and St. Margaret School of Nursing. She retired from Colgate-Palmolive in 2003 with 27 years of service. Judy was a very active member of Holy Family Parish as a choir member, CYO volleyball coach, CYO and AAU basketball scorekeeper, Camp Fire Girls leader, member of the Holy Family Social Club, and a member and past President of the Holy Family Altar Society. Her deepest love and focus was her family, her three daughters, and six grandchildren. Frank was a member of the St. Benedict’s College Class of 1965, graduating with a degree in economics. He also was a member of the Raven Men’s Basketball team. After 36 years in the insurance industry, he retired as managing partner of the Century Group, LLC. He has been a supporter of the Benedictine College Fund, Raven Basketball program, and Scholarship Ball. He also coached basketball at Bishop Ward high school, and helped recruit several players to Benedictine College. The Frank ’65 and Judy Simonich Scholarship is awarded with primary consideration for a graduate of Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas. Secondary considerations shall be given to students from Wyandotte County, Kansas. B
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ONE EYE ON THE
STARS
Alumnus’ passion gives Astronomy a boost
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n 1956, when he was nine, Ron Rizzo, PhD ’69, received a gift from his mom and dad that would help set the course for one of his life’s great passions. “It was a 30-power telescope, probably not good for much more than looking at birds,” said Ron. “But I loved that telescope. I kept it until about 10 years ago. It piqued my interest in astronomy.” That interest led to a life of star-gazing for Ron. And just months before he returns to the campus of Benedictine College in June 2019 to celebrate his 50-year reunion with his classmates, Ron and his wife, Linda, had the pleasure of visiting Benedictine on October 14-15 to present the college with a gift of a professional 12-inch telescope for use in the Daglen Observatory. Ron, who grew up in Chicago, chose to attend St. Benedict’s College for the scholarship he received and for the chance to study chemistry. After graduation, Ron went on to earn his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He conducted his doctoral research at the Johnson Space Center near Houston, Texas, in the era when the center was in the middle of the Skylab missions and beginning the
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Space Shuttle program. “Our advisor rewarded his PhD students by letting us get into full ‘bunny suits,’ as they were called, and enter the area where we could examine over 1,200 pounds of lunar rocks and core samples from the lunar missions,” recalls Ron. As Ron progressed in his remarkable 40-year career, his passion for space never subsided. In 1995, he scratched his astronomical itch by acquiring a new LX200-ACF telescope by Meade Instruments. After years of enjoying his telescope, Ron felt the time had come to pass it on to a place that could use it more frequently than he has recently. When he learned of the Daglen Observatory at his alma mater (made possible through the generous gifts of Joe ’69 and Frankee Wright ’69 Daglen), he decided his telescope would go to Benedictine College. “Joe Daglen and I were classmates,” said Ron. “I know this is the right place for it.” For Benedictine to acquire a similar telescope and all the accessories would easily be upwards of $5,000. “What’s great about this 12-inch telescope that is different than the ones already in the observatory,” said Ryan Maderak, PhD ’03, “is not only that it gives us the option of having more people view at the same time, but it’s also portable, and can be moved to other locations for viewings.” While visiting with Benedictine College President Stephen D. Minnis, ’82, Ron complemented the college on the many improvements made in the past 50 years that make Benedictine so appealing to prospective students. He said he learned that it was the generosity of alumni and friends that fueled the college’s growth. Through their gift to the Daglen Observatory, Ron and Linda did exactly that. B
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Helping Ravens Fly
Retooling the shop to connect students and alumni for success
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enedictine College is pleased to announce an exciting new administrative change in the Office of Advancement. In order to take advantage of natural and developing synergies between Alumni Relations and Career Services, the Director of Career Services position has been moved to Advancement. Both of these areas are now overseen by Tim Andrews ’88, Executive Director of Alumni and Career Services. He continues in his role as Executive Director of Planned Giving. Career Services is an area that has grown more and more important in the minds of prospective students and their parents. The cost of college education continues to rise, and students are looking for assurance that the academic programs they select are ones that will put them on the path of gainful employment. At the same time, alumni want
to be involved in the life of the campus and our students, but haven’t always known the best ways to go about it. Alumni in position to influence hiring would love to bring qualified Ravens into their organizations for internships, full employment or just offer career advice. Bringing Alumni Relations and Career Services under one banner creates one organization to connect alumni, current students and employers in the greater community life of the college for the mutual benefit of all. “We had a great opportunity to bring in some very experienced professionals in the hiring process,” said Andrews. “By planning for this change, we can quickly move forward to better serve our students as they transition to the workplace and engage alumni to help with the process.” Benedictine recently hired Joanne Kobe Huey ’88 for the position of Director of Alumni
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Relations. Megan Klebba was hired as the new Director of Career Services. Learn more about Joanne and Megan on the following pages. “We are always researching best practices among the leading institutions and this merger has been done with great success,” said Kelly Vowels, Vice President for Advancement. “It just made sense for Benedictine College to adopt this model, given our community of Ravens who have been looking for more and better ways to be involved and engaged with their alma mater. If you have ideas about how you can help Benedictine College students make the transition to successful career life through internships, job opportunities or in other ways, give Megan a call. To talk about how you can become more involved in the Raven alumni community, call Joanne at 800-766-0078, ext. 7675. B
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A Passion for Ravens
New Alumni Relations Director has a special love for Benedictine
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sk Joanne Kobe Huey ’88 why she would take a diversion from her successful and fulfilling finance career in Kansas City to return to her alma mater as the new Director of Alumni Relations, she’ll sum up all the reasons in just five words. “Benedictine is in my soul.” And while Benedictine College has become a permanent part of Joanne, it’s just as true that she’s never stopped being an active part of Benedictine. Whether at football games, alumni events and reunions, or during her annual women’s weekend trips to Atchison, Joanne has long been an active and loyal Raven. Her work has paid off already. Over the years, her women’s weekends gatherings of alumnae and friends have introduced the Benedictine community to four “next generation” Ravens to date: Rachel Zook Linton ’17, Shannon Groe Splane ’17, Marianna Brown ’17, and Joanne’s own daughter, Lizzy Huey ’17. A Kansas City, Kansas, native and Bishop Ward graduate, Joanne was the second of three Kobe sisters to graduate from Benedictine College, joining big sister, Therese Kobe Linman ’84 (who married Raven football standout, Olaf Linman ’82), and younger sister, Kathryn Kobe Holmes ’89. Her three children have all graduated from college. Lizzy graduated from Benedictine College with a double major in Exercise Science and Strength and Conditioning, and works in corporate wellness. Christopher was a basketball manager for Bill Self ’s Kansas Jayhawks, worked as a graduate assistant under basketball hall-of-famer, Chris Mullin, at St. John’s University in New York and is now their Director of Basketball Operations. Youngest son, Andrew, earned his degree in finance from the University of Central Missouri and works in banking. Joanne served as Associate Vice President for Oppenheimer & Co Inc., in Kansas City. She later held finance leadership positions with Ameritas Investment Corp and George K. Baum. Her passion lies in her service to the community. She’s the chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission of Wyandotte County/Kansas City Kansas, a committee on which she’s served for 20 years. She also volunteers for major events for Resurrection Catholic School, and she’s a past board chair of Community Housing of Wyandotte County. Ultimately, the chance to serve the alumni community Joanne loves so much was too good of an opportunity to pass up. “A couple of us used to joke, saying, ‘Let’s quit our jobs and go work for Benedictine,” Joanne said. “This opportunity came up, and I thought, you know what? I’m going to take a risk and see where this leads.” Where it’s led is to the place where she can share her vision and passion for her school, and use her gifts in the mission of connecting students, alumni, and the greater Raven community as a whole.
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“I’d like for career services to be among the first things that alumni think of when they think about giving back to Benedictine.” -Megan Klebba
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Raven Job Hunter
New position focuses on student success after college
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egan Klebba, the new Director of Career Services at Benedictine College, fondly remembers her four years at Maur Hill-Mount Academy. The bonds she formed in Atchison were a strong factor in Megan’s decision to come on board as a member of the leadership team in the Student Success Center. “I was really looking for that community that I know Benedictine has,” said Megan, “both from being a Junior Raven at Maur Hill-Mount Academy, and from the Raven alumni that make up so much of my circle of friends and family.” A well-worn trail has been traveled countless times between Linn, Mo., and Atchison, Kan., for the family of John and Celeste Leary ’49 Klebba. It started with Celeste’s time at Mount St. Scholastica College, and continued when all eight of John and Celeste’s children attended Maur Hill-Mount Academy. Their son, Pete Klebba ’83 (Megan’s uncle), went on to graduate from Benedictine College. Megan’s cousins, Dan ’08 and Matt ’13 Van Dyke, and sister-in-law, Emilee Hernandez Klebba ’12, are also Raven graduates. Megan found her heart for student success when she worked as a writing consultant in college. “I had thought about a career in education,” Megan said. “Then I started helping students in writing resumes and papers. I realized there was a real need for students to develop these skills. Many really had no concept of what it takes to be successful and make their education work for them. That’s when I knew I wanted to help students in higher education.” Megan graduated from the University of Dayton before earning her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt. She served as an advisor at Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities in Nashville, Tenn., as well as at Miami of Ohio and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. A large part of what Megan will be doing for Benedictine students is helping foster relationships with alumni in the community. “I’d like for career services to be among the first things that alumni think of when they think about giving back to Benedictine,” says Megan. “They are a huge part of our community, and one of the ways they can give back is to give career insights to students, as well as provide opportunities for students in the form of internships, jobs and connections to others they know in their industries.” While having spent just a few months on campus, Megan is already building trust with students that will help them to be successful in all they do. Her work is vital in transforming today’s students into the engaged alumni of tomorrow. B
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An ‘Untaxing’ Way to Give IRA Accounts Provide Amazing Opportunity
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wo great examples of how donors can take advantage of IRAs are featured in this issue’s “Building for Greatness” story about Westerman Hall renovations. One is the story of Bob ’72 and Janet Wholey, who will be fulfilling their $100,000 pledge towards the Westerman Hall renovation by using a direct transfer from their IRA account. Another is the story of Charlie SanPetro ’62, who arranged with his financial advisor to transfer $100,000 a year for five years from his IRA, also in support of the Westerman Hall renovation. Benedictine College donors support the college because our unique mission educates students who are transforming the world through community, faith and scholarship. That won’t change with the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — but the new tax law will influence the landscape of charitable giving and you may need to change your planning accordingly. While the tax changes’ main headline is the dramatic increase in the standard deduction to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for couples filing jointly, there are ways to make this new law work for you. Even if an individual or couple is no longer able to itemize, the IRS allows for gifts of up to $100,000 per account holder directly from an IRA. It’s an incredibly tax-efficient way to
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give, because while the gift transfer does not incur a tax deduction, it does not count towards adjusted gross income, which lowers tax liability. While anyone can give through an IRA, this method is particularly helpful for those age 70 ½ or older, who are required to take a required minimum distribution every year. The simple direct transfer ensures the charity receives the full amount of your gift, without tax liability — as opposed to the heavy tax burden experienced by heirs receiving IRA balances. In addition to IRA transfers, gifts of stock and other appreciated assets remains an attractive method to support the mission of Benedictine College and still avoid capital gains taxes. Charitable gift annuities still allow for a substantial tax deduction and pays you income for life and rates continue to be competitive. For more information on how you can make your investments work for the future of Benedictine college, please contact: Tim Andrews ’88 Executive Director of Planned Giving TAndrews@benedictine.edu (800) 766-0078, ext. 7363
S pirit of G iving
Cheers for
CHEER C
andlelight, tiramisu and fashion provided a unique evening in which Benedictine College alumni cheerleaders and Raven Cheer families and friends celebrated with the student athletes. The annual Cheers for Cheer event hosted on October 13, provided the venue for the Raven Cheer team to debut their new recruitment video and model Under Armour sportswear available with the Raven Cheer logo. More than 70 guests enjoyed the Italian dinner, sampling specialty cocktails and a runway show with senior and junior Cheer athletes modeling everything from stadium tanks and fleece hoodies to men’s and women’s polo shirts. Senior Cheer Co-Captain Danica Gall of St. Joseph, Mo., thanked Raven Cheer supporters who contributed more than $25,000 last year to establish an endowed program fund for the team. This fund provides an annual stipend for equipment, uniforms and competition travel expenses. Danica also encouraged guests to attend one of the teams Spring competitions including the Benedictine Challenge hosted on campus February 3, 2019. “See why we put so many hours of practice in each week,” said Danica, “As a cheerleader, we never have an off season.” The Cheers for Cheer fundraiser was sponsored by O’Malley Beverage, Inc., and 360 Vodka. B
www.benedictine.edu
Benedictine College
48TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP BALL
2.23.2019 O verland P ark
convention center 6000 COLLEGE BOULEVARD OVERLAND PARK KS 66211 www . benedictine . edu /
scholarship-ball
Class Notes JULY 1 THROUGH OCTOBER 10, 2018
Class notes are condensed. Please refer to http://my.benedictine.edu for full stories and photographs. Etta Green Cox ’70, Pittsburgh, Pa., a jazz vocalist and actress has appeared on Broadway, in local productions, co-hosted a television talk show and starred in several television movies and films since 1980. Janet Garrison Burns ’74, Newnan, Ga., is the illustrator for the children’s book, Lilly and Billy Visit the Farm: Newnan, A Storybook Town. The book, completed in March 2018, was commissioned and sponsored by the ChildrenConnect Museum and the Newnan-Coweta Art Association, along with representatives of the Carnegie Library. Stephen R. Schmidt, PhD ’78, has written a chapter, “The Raney® catalyst legacy in hydrogenation,” that appears in S. David Jackson’s book, Hydrogenation: Catalysts and Processes, published in September 2018. Stephen is a Research Fellow at W.R. Grace Co. in Columbia, Md., and resides with his family in Silver Spring, Md. Kevin O’Malley ’79, G’97, Lawrence, Kan., President of O’Malley Beverage of Kansas, along with his team, share the news that the whole distributor earned the Anheuser-Busch Ambassador of Excellence Gold – Top Performer Award for the company’s performance in 2017. The O’Malley organization is one of seven teams out of 450 to attain the Gold Level achievement. The local AnheuserBusch wholesale operation has been in business since September 2005, and covers six counties in northeast Kansas. E. Jacqueline Isenhower ’87, Payson, Ariz., is the Adult Education Program Director for Gila County Education Services. Dr. Dennis Welsh ’88, Lincoln, Neb., received Peru State College’s 2018 Teaching Excellence Award at their May commencement. He teaches chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology at the college. Dennis and his wife Heidi are the parents of three children, Charlotte, Lucas and Stephanie. Marty Kobza ’90, G’96, is the Superintendent of the Superior (Neb.) Public Schools. His wife, Nicke Charbonneau Kobza, attended Benedictine College, class of 1995. They are the parents of five children and the grandparents of two grandchildren. Col. James Schreffler ’91, Branson, Mo., was selected to command the 1107th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group of the Missouri Army National Guard, March 3, 2018. Jim is an associate professor of military science at College of the Ozarks. He has served in the military more than 26 years, with assignments of two deployment tours. His wife, Julie Lester Schreffler ’91, is the English department chairperson and teacher of 10th through 12th grade English at Branson High School. Jim and Julie are the parents of three children, and the grandparents of one granddaughter. Fr. Joseph C. Taphorn ’93, Omaha, Neb., was named rector of the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity in St. Paul, Minn., effective Jan. 1, 2019, for a six-year term. He remains a priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha. Wendell Snodgrass ’97, G’04, is the Vice President for Institutional Advancement for the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. For the past three years, Wendell was the Vice President for Institutional
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Advancement at Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wis. He and his wife, Jaime, are the parents of one son, Wyatt. Diane Stutey, PhD ’97, Colorado Springs, Colo., is an assistant professor of Counseling and Human Services in the College of Education department at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs. Jody Madden ’00, and his wife, Cassie, had a son, Andrew Patrick, born Sept. 26, 2018. He joins siblings, Kolbe, Clare, Rebecca, Emily, Katherine, Corbin, Blaise, Kiara, and Owen, at the family home in Topeka, Kan. Jody is the Director of Faith Formation at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego. Heather Reynoldson Wahlmeier ’05, and her husband, John Wahlmeier ’06, had twin sons, Lucas James and Kieran Thomas, born Sept. 21, 2018. The family resides in Topeka, Kan. Fr. Bryan Amthor ’07, is the Chaplain at St. Pius X High School in Kansas City, Mo., Chaplain at St. George Catholic Church in Odessa, Mo., and Parish Administrator at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Oak Grove, Mo. Daniel Robertson ’10, and his wife, Elizabeth Thomas Robertson ’10, had a daughter, Anastasia Gabrielle, born Nov. 10, 2017. She joins older siblings Benjamin, Lily, and Connor at the family home in Blue Springs, Mo. Ethan Hausmann ’11, wed Taylor Concannon, July 7, 2018, at St. John's United Methodist Church in Kansas City. Ethan is an attorney with Mears Hausmann, P.A., where he focuses on estate planning and various areas of law. The couple resides in Atchison, Kan. Matthew Minnis ’11, and his wife, Mary Katherine Pecha Minnis ’13, had a son, Joseph Douglas, born Sept. 25, 2018. The family resides in Dallas, Texas, where Matt is a Senior Financial Planning Analyst at American Airlines, and MK is an Accounting Senior Associate at Neiman Marcus. Chloe Donaldson ’12, Flagstaff, Ariz., is teaching high school English at BASIS Ed, where she also is the speech and debate coach. Charisse Deschenes G'12, Sequim, Wash., is the Assistant City Manager in the City of Sequim. She joined the Washington City/ County Management Association’s NW Women’s Leadership Academy, Sept. 28, 2018, and will participate through June 2019. Her husband, Scott Deschenes G'12, is the District General Manager for Des Moines (Wash.) Pool Metropolitan Park District. Matthew Pesely ’12, and his wife, Meghan Gray Pesely ’12, had a son, Jonathan Alan, born May 22, 2018, and he joins older sister, Loretta, at the family home in Bremerton, Wash. Matthew is an ER nurse at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma. Gary Schamburg Jr. ’12, St. Louis, Mo., and Cara VonderBruegge, are engaged and will exchange marriage vows July 20, 2019. He is employed by AT&T, and she in employed by YPO as an events manager. Stacey Scholten ’12, Dell Rapids, S.D., was selected for a Fulbright Scholarship in 2013, and for three years taught English in South Korea. She returned to the U.S., and taught fourth grade at a private elementary school in Rapid City, S.D., for two years. This past summer, Stacey was awarded a Korean Government Scholarship to obtain a Master’s degree in Library and Information Services, a threeyear program, through Dongseo University in Seoul.
S pirit of G iving
Rev. Mr. Andrew Kleine ’13, was ordained to the transitional diaconate of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, May 12, 2018, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Mo. He is a senior at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis.
Alek Mitchell ’17, Eagle Lake, Minn., is a FOCUS Missionary at Minnesota State University-Mankato. Among his duties, Alek helps students grow in their faith and teach others to do the same. He will receive his MBA degree from Benedictine College this fall.
Marissa Lueger Huerter ’13, and her husband, Ryan Huerter, had a daughter, Alivia Colette, born Aug. 31, 2018. The family currently resides in Lenexa, Kan.
Austin Geenens ’18, Atchison, Kan., wed Sarah-Marie Herrera ’18, Glendale, Ariz., May 19, 2018, at St. Joseph Parish in Leavenworth, Kan. The couple resides in Phoenix, Ariz., where Sarah is a third grade teacher at St. John Vianney Catholic School and Austin works as a corporate accountant for Freeport-McMoRan.
Rebecca Maples Martin ’13, Jefferson City, Mo., city editor at the Jefferson City News Tribune, received the Missouri Press Association’s 2018 William E. James/Missouri Outstanding Young Journalist award for daily newspapers in the state. Rev. Bernard J. Denson, OSB ’14, was ordained as a priest July 21, 2018, at St. Bernard Abbey, Cullman, Ala. He is now working toward his license in sacred theology, specializing in the historical development of dogmatic theology, at Sant’Anselmo in Rome.
Jeremiah Hodapp ’18, wed Emily Rose Schwent, Dec. 30, 2017, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Bloomsdale, Mo. The couple resides in St. Joseph, Mo. Lauren Holm ’18, Zumbrota, Minn., is employed with NET Ministries. While a student at Benedictine College she worked in the College Ministry office, and was an intern this past summer.
Annie Artigues ’15, wed Paul Seaton ’16, Oct. 28, 2017. They are expecting their first baby in November 2018. The couple resides in Kansas City, Kan.
MariAnna Martin ’18, wed Jack White, Sept. 15, 2018, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Colo. The couple resides in Westminster, Colo.
Cody Coleman ’15, Blue Springs, Mo., wed Elizabeth Hemann ’14, Highland, Ill., June 16, 2018, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Atchison, Kan. The couple resides at Benedictine College in Atchison, where Liz is a Residence Hall Director and Cody is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Cerner in Kansas City, Kan.
Susan Wrinn ’18, wed Garrit Flax, June 2, 2018, in Wichita, Kan. Susan is a database administrator for the Diocese of Dodge City in Kansas.
Katherine Lind ’15, Olathe, Kan., accepted the proposal of marriage from Joseph Asher, Atchison, Kan., Sept. 30, 2018. The couple will exchange vows next summer. Katie is a seventh and eighth grade Social Studies teacher at Cure of Ars School. Joe is a 2015 graduate of University of Dayton, and in May 2019 plans to graduate from the University of Kansas School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine degree. Christopher Bartz ’16, G’18, Arlington, Texas, was a guest speaker at his alma mater, Oct. 5, 2018, in the Mathematics and Computer Science class of Dr. Don Bagert. Also, in October, Christopher accepted a job with Google, Inc., in New York City, as a customer solutions engineer. Sister Felicity Heither, O.P. (Andrea) ’16, Savage, Minn., took first vows with the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, Tenn., July 28, 2018. She is studying at Aquinas College in Nashville to prepare for her teaching apostolate. Diane Gorrell Holly ’16, Atchison, Kan., is the Director of Student Activities at Benedictine College. She is married to August Holly ’15, a Sales Representative for Chris Taylor State Farm Agency, Atchison. They are the proud parents of Elizabeth Rose, future Raven, Class of 2040. Nicola Ptak Schreffler '16, and her husband, Anthony Schreffler '17, had a daughter, Lucy Rose, born March 27, 2018. Anthony graduated from Johnson County’s Law Enforcement Academy in April 2018, and served as a deputy for the department. The family recently moved from Overland Park, Kan., to Fort Rucker, Ala., where Anthony is attending U.S. Army flight school. Michael Duchesne ’16, G’18, wed Lucy Defilippis ’18, in Portland, Ore., July 14, 2018. They reside in Atchison, Kan., at Benedictine College, where both are employed. He is the Residence Director for Turner Hall and she is the Social Media Specialist in the Marketing and Communications office.
www.benedictine.edu
Augustine Harmon ’18, wed Gabriela Trossen ’19, Sept. 8, 2018, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Kansas City, Mo. The couple resides in Atchison where Gabriela is currently in her last year of Elementary Education at Benedictine College. Augustine is a mechanical engineer at JKMI LLC in Faucett, Mo.
FAMILY DIRECTED MEMORIALS:
Memorials for the following may be sent to Benedictine College, Attn: James Kew, Office of Advancement, 1020 North Second Street, Atchison, KS 66002.
David A. Moran '90, Wilmington, Del., passed away July 31, 2018. He was a member of the Ravens basketball team at Benedictine College. He is survived by two sons, Jacob and Luke, his father, William Moran; his mother, Colleen McNeil; and three siblings. Memorials are directed to the Education Department and the Men’s Basketball program. Ida Richardson, Atchison, Kan., passed away Sept. 11, 2018. Among the survivors are five children, including Joan Richardson Lynch '79 and George Richardson '73. Mary Jane Thum, Atchison, Kan., passed away Oct. 7, 2018. Among the survivors are three daughters, including Ellie Thum Folsom ’76, son-in-law, Rick Folsom, and grandson, Chad Folsom, head coach of women’s basketball at Benedictine College. B
We want to hear from you! Please send updates of Education, Career, Birth/ Adoption, Engagement/Marriage or Death to alumni@benedictine.edu 18
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID KCMO 6412 BENEDICTINE COLLEGE OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT 1020 North Second Street Atchison, KS 66002 913-360-7414 www.benedictine.edu/giving
What do you think of our Spirit of Giving? Send your comments, suggestions and story ideas to bcadvancement@benedictine.edu.
2018 Alumni and Friends Christmas Parties THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 Chicago, IL Area
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 Denver, CO Area **
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 St. Louis, MO Area
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 Kansas City, MO Area
WWW.BENEDICTINE.EDU/JINGLEMINGLEALUMNI
Parties combined with admissions ** Come celebrate the Christmas season with President Stephen D. Minnis and fellow Ravens!