SPIRITof GIVING
SPRING 2018
Called to Greatness 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
1-800-766-0078 ext. 7416securities 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.
Thinking of You How often do you think about Benedictine College? The mission of Benedictine College is the education of men and women within a community of faith and scholarship. It’s what gives our daily work focus. Most Benedictine students know this. But what about our alumni and our alumnae? An alumna from the class of 1963 was in my office recently. She had attended the nursing pinning ceremony as a part of commencement. She marveled to me how after 58 years the college still held that specialness she remembered as a new student her freshman year when the Mount Sisters welcomed her to the Benedictine family. Her granddaughter is a current student. This alumna thinks about Benedictine every day. James Nistler is on the cover of this issue. He graduated just two years ago. He and four of his buddies, all Benedictine alumni, have pledged $25,000 to create a scholarship for engineering mission trips and have honored their professor by naming it after him. James was awarded the Young Alumni award and spoke about the incredible friendship with these guys who have this shared experience of community, faith and scholarship. These young men think about Benedictine College every day. A few weeks ago we launched more than 400 graduates into the world. Before they left, many of them chose to donate to the college to begin a scholarship that would help their fellow students who struggle financially to continue their education at Benedictine or face having to transfer out. Lane Fry, a graduating senior, told his class that no one should ever have to leave this place of community, faith and scholarship. More than 75 percent of his fellow graduates gathered for the Champagne Brunch agreed and pledged their support raising almost $20,000. These newly minted alumni think about Benedictine College every day. And please know that we think about you every day and we know you think about us often, too, because we see the results of your generosity to the college. Know also that your contributions are not just providing students with a Benedictine education, you are helping to grow this community of faith and scholarship. And we couldn’t do it without you, nor would we want to.
Kelly J. Vowels ’85 Vice President for Advancement On the cover: James Nistler ’16, Professor Scott Newbolds, PhD, and President Stephen D. Minnis ’82, celebrating the Engineering Missions Endowment named for Dr. Newbolds during the 2018 Commencement Weekend.
Alumnus Makes Lives Better
Mission Trip Fund Engineer Gets Young Alumni Award
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hen James Nistler ’16 accepted the 2018 Young Alumni Award, he didn’t focus on his current job — as a new product design engineer for Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque, N.M. Instead, he thought of Guatemala, and how he can help future Ravens serve those in need worldwide. Nistler told graduating seniors (which included his brother, Steven, of whom he is quite proud) about his work on a center for single mothers in Guatemala. “This new building doubled the number of mothers that could receive employment from the ministry,” said James. “While we were there we got to finish painting and putting on the tin roof, which would cover these mothers, and our favorite part was always playing with the little kids who never cared that we couldn’t speak Spanish!” James graduated summa cum laude from Benedictine College with a double major in Mechanical Engineering and General Engineering. While on campus he was a member of the very first
varsity men’s lacrosse team and participated in intramural athletics, FOCUS, Knights of Columbus and many other college activities. But James especially remembers the Engineering Mission Trips to Guatemala and Ghana which he took with his Raven schoolmates and faculty, and he expressed gratitude for the generosity of Raven donors who made the mission trips possible. “We were only able to go on these trips by the Grace of God,” said James, “because every year we struggled to fund the trip. But every year, someone in the advancement office found a generous donor who stepped up to help us.” It was this generosity that James and his classmates (Nick Suhr ’16, Jackson Baca ’16, Mario Skertchly ’17 and Sean Loew ’16) experienced, along with the selfless guidance of Dr. Scott Newbolds, professor in the Benedictine College department of Physics and Engineering, which inspired the friends to create the Dr. Scott Newbolds Engineering Missions Endowment. To thank him for encouraging students to do the mission trips
and going along with them for the adventures, James surprised Dr. Newbolds with the announcement of the endowment at the brunch. “Thank you for your example of gratitude, community, and service to others,” James told Dr. Newbolds. “Hopefully the establishment of this endowment will make the trip available for many Ravens in the future.” Then James issued a challenge to the graduating seniors. “My challenge to all of you now is, after graduation, to find something you love — whether that is something you are grateful for and want to share, or something you are passionate about — and support that. And, if you can, bring someone with you.” The Young Alumni Award recognizes alumni who are under 35 years old, have distinguished themselves in their community and profession, and who support the values promoted at Benedictine College. To learn more about the Dr. Scott Newbolds Engineering Missions Endowment, please see page 11 of this issue of Spirit of Giving. B
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Scholarship Ball 2018:
Record Night Landon Downing ’18 and Lucy Defilippis ’18
Kevin Kramer ’89, Pamela Schaefer Kramer ’88, President Stephen D. Minnis ’82, Amy Kohake Minnis ’84, Joan Moyer Kemlage ’85 and Thomas Kemlage, D.D.S. ’83
Shawn Connor ’94
Student Hosts Bring Scholarship Ball to New Heights More than 800 alumni and friends of Benedictine College gathered in Overland Park, Saturday, Feb. 24 for the 47th Annual Scholarship Ball. This particular installment saw the Benedictine crowd of alumni and friends soar to new heights in support of students and academic programs. For the first time, the Fund-a-Raven portion of the evening was hosted by a pair of current Benedictine students, seniors Lucy Defilippis and Landon Downing. The pair didn’t disappoint, encouraging the attendees to raise their bid cards to a record sum of $740,000, including a generous $300,000 challenge match. But the Benedictine spirit of generosity didn’t end with the Fund-A-Raven. The college honored two dedicated Raven couples with the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict award: Thomas ’83 and Joan Moyer ’85 Kemlage and Kevin ’89 and Pamela Schaefer ’88 Kramer. The Kramers announced the establishment of the Jan Kramer Catholic Educators Scholarship to benefit
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the children of educators. The scholarship honors Kevin’s mother, a long-time math and science teacher in Catholic schools. Altogether, the college raised over $1 million for the event —the highest total in the history of the Scholarship Ball. Co-chairing the event were Lené Westerman ’85 and Patrick ’94 and Kate McClard ’93 Carr. “The Kemlages and Kramers — all four of whom are alumni — are two couples who truly serve the Church and the college,” said Benedictine College President Stephen D. Minnis. “Both couples are our good friends and we thank them for their unwavering support of the college and their communities.” The Scholarship Ball has long been a highlight of the college year and has grown into one of the most successful fundraising events in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The 48th annual Scholarship Ball will be held February 23, 2019. Save the date now, and join your Benedictine friends in giving from the heart. B
S pirit of G iving
Patrick ’94 and Kate McClard ’93 Carr
Jermaine ’06 and Lindsay Monroe and Abby and Dustin Bartlett
Bill ’82 and Terri Beye ’82 Hendricks
NAIA National Finalist Raven Women’s Soccer Team
Ball Co-Chair Lené Westerman ’85, third from the left, and her guests
Janet and Bob Wholey ’72
Tim ’85 and Kathy Wetzel ’85 Gallagher
Tom ’85 and Carrie Zegunis ’87 Bachkora, and Steve ’85 and Shelly Westerhaus ’87 Buhler
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Dan Fangman ’82 and Dolly Duffy
Hannah ’18 and Rosalynd Voss
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Inspiring Endowments
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LIFE SCIENCES
GENTLEMAN FARMER
LAWLOR-WALKER SCHOLARSHIP
LEONARD J. RONNEBAUM SCHOLARSHIP
olonel Dennis, M.D. ’82 and Carol Walker ’82 Lawlor both received a strong science education at Benedictine College. They established the Lawlor–Walker Family Scholarship in honor of their parents and the sacrifices they made for their education. For Carol’s parents, James and Jeanette Libel Walker, Catholic faith and their nine children were the foundation of their marriage. Four of their children graduated from Benedictine College: Linda Walker Fitzgerald ’81, Carol Walker Lawlor ’82, Mary Walker Martin ’89, and Stephen Walker ’94. Dennis’ parents, James and Anne Sonnenmoser Lawlor, attended St. Benedict’s College and Mount Saint Scholastica College for a year and raised three children. Dennis, a chemistry major, was a member of the Chemistry Club and the Raven Men’s Tennis team. He graduated from medical school, and specialized in pulmonary and critical care medicine. He was a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and the Air National Guard as a Medical Squadron Commander for the 190th Air Refueling Wing in Topeka, Kan. He is a partner of a five physician group of pulmonary and critical care physicians in Olathe, Kan. Carol, a biology major, was a member of the Biology Club and Kappa Mu Epsilon. She received a bachelor’s degree in nursing before working in critical care, medical and surgical care, and home health. Dennis and Carol have three children, Patrick, Margaret and Kelly. The Lawlor-Walker Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing education in the life sciences.
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wo nieces of a gentleman farmer wanted his generous spirit to live on in a named scholarship at Benedictine College for students from Nemaha County. Leonard J. Ronnebaum was born in 1931 to Joseph C. and Emma V. Rottinghaus Ronnebaum and grew up southwest of Seneca. He attended the Pickney Country School and Sts. Peter and Paul School. He worked on the family farm until joining the United States Army. Leonard served during the Korean War, where he was stationed on Hokkaido and Honshu islands in Japan. During his service to his country he was assigned to the C Battery, 77th Field Artillery Regiment. He spent one year and five months overseas before being discharged at the rank of corporal in 1954. After his service to his country, he returned to the family farm where he raised cattle and hogs, as well as various crops. Leonard was very hard-working and generous. “Len was a true friend of my mother since country grade school,” said Jerry Anderson of Anchorage, Alaska, in a memorial. “A fine gentleman.” He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, St. Joseph Society, the Elks Club, Farm Bureau, the STEP Foundation, Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Earl W. Taylor Post #21, and the Seneca Knights of Columbus Council 1769. The Leonard J. Ronnebaum Scholarship was created in his memory by his nieces, Amy Kohake Minnis ’84 and her husband, Stephen D. Minnis ’82; and Renee Kohake Washburn ’87 and her husband, Richard Washburn, from monies they received from Leonard’s estate.
For information on creating an endowed scholarship, please contact Rosemary Wilkerson, Executive Director of Development, 913-360-7417 or rosemaryw@benedictine.edu.
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GREAT CONCESSIONS
FROM THE HEART
T. KEVIN MCNICHOLAS SCHOLARSHIP
JAN KRAMER CATHOLIC EDUCATORS SCHOLARSHIP
he T. Kevin McNicholas Foundation has honored its namesake by creating a scholarship at his alma mater. The mission of the Foundation focuses on the educational needs of young people by preparing them to enter the workforce with character, ethics and leadership skills. Kevin, a Denver native and 1960 economics graduate from St. Benedict’s College, spent more than 40 years at the helm of KM Concessions, Inc. (KM) and Service Systems Associates, Inc. (SSA) operating food and retail concessions for zoos, aquariums and museums across the country. He began his career in 1954 as a high school student running a popcorn stand at the Denver Bears stadium. By 1960, the inaugural year for the Denver Broncos, McNicholas was in charge of the vendors. In 1971, he entered into a “handshake” agreement with the coach and general manager of the Broncos, to provide the press box catering and retail souvenirs at Mile High Stadium. Today his company is ran by his children in 70 locations across the United States. Kevin and his wife, Mary, were married in 1972 in a chapel at St. Benedict’s Abbey. No one else has ever been married there as the monks have an understanding with the Archdiocese to keep weddings in the parish churches. Kevin charmed the monks into sneaking them into an Abbey chapel to be married after Thanksgiving when no one else was around. In 2012, the couple returned to Benedictine College to renew their vows for their 40th anniversary. Kevin continues to lead his life through the motto — “To whom much has been given, much is expected.” The new scholarship will be awarded with preference for Denver-area Catholic high school students or Catholic students from any of the major cities where KM and SSA has a presence.
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e are thrilled to announce tonight the establishment of the Jan Kramer Catholic Educators Scholarship for Benedictine College,” Kevin Kramer told the audience at the 2018 Scholarship Ball. Kevin ’89 and Pam Schaefer ’88 Kramer have long cherished the gift of their Benedictine education. They know first-hand how a teacher, coach or guidance counselor can change the trajectory of a life. Kevin’s parents, Larry and Jan Kramer, dedicated their lives to Catholic education. Kevin’s mother broke ground as a female chemist for Midwest Research Institute in the early 1960s. When her husband took a teaching position at Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita, Kan., she transitioned into education mostly in diocesan schools. She stayed up late grading papers, and arrived early to tutor struggling students; while raising a family, praying the rosary, volunteering in her parish, balancing the checkbook, and driving the carpool. Kevin’s dad was first a Catholic high school teacher and coach, then a principal, and finally the President at Avila University in Kansas City. Both Kevin and Pam have siblings and siblings-in-law who are current or former teachers. “Pam and I, and our daughters, Claire and Libby, have had the great privilege of learning from outstanding, dedicated, selfless teachers who loved their faith. We need more of them and we need to honor the sacrifices they make,” said Kevin. The Jan Kramer Catholic Educators Scholarship will benefit the children of those who work and teach in all schools, but Catholic schools in particular. B
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DR. BOWEN TAKES A BOARD MEMBER ON A BENEDICTINE ADVENTURE
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INTO THE AMAZON
ow did an economics major wind up surrounded by monkeys, pink dolphins, sloths, tree anteaters, fish and birds of all kinds with three Benedictine College professors along the Amazon in Peru on Spring Break 2018? Larry Buessing ’60 was an economics major in college. For decades he has run a highly-successful financial planning firm in Atchison, Kan., and serves as a member of the Benedictine College Board of Directors. What led the businessman on an Amazon adventure was the same thing that led he and his wife Tresa, to give $25,000 to name the chair’s office in Westerman Hall in honor of a retired biology professor. Dan Bowen, PhD, retired professor and long-time chair of the Benedictine College Biology Department, has known Larry and Tresa since Bowen began teaching at Benedictine in 1976. When he (along with Jack Davis and Brother Lawrence Bradford, OSB) began organizing student field research expeditions for the Biology department many years ago, he decided to check with Larry and Tresa to see if they had interest in going along for the ride. “I knew of their love of travel,” said Dr. Bowen. “So I worked on Larry for maybe 10 or 12 years before he finally agreed to go.”
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S pirit of G iving
The persistence eventually yielded results. “I consider Larry to be an extraordinary salesman,” said Dan. “I really enjoyed selling the salesman!” About 20 years ago, Larry and Tresa made their first trip with Dr. Bowen and the biology department, setting off for Australia. They loved the experience so much that they have since signed up for five more excursions to some of the most exotic places in the world: Thailand, Costa Rica, Egypt, Kenya, and, this year, the Amazon rainforest of Peru (Tresa opted to stay home from the Peru trip). AN OLD FRIEND RETURNS TO THE FIELD
Benedictine College began making field trips to Peru in 2006, partnering with Amazonia Expeditions, featured in publications like National Geographic and Outside Magazine. That first couple of trips were joint projects with the faculty and students of Benedictine College and Ottawa University, which gave Dr. Bowen a chance to work with his protégé, Terry Malloy, PhD ’95, whom Dr. Bowen would later recruit to join him on the Benedictine Biology faculty. The Peru trip has been in the rotation for the Biology department ever since. Dr. Bowen retired in 2012, but he’s maintained a close relationship with his former colleagues. Earlier this year, he enjoyed a day in the field with Dr. Malloy, and Ginger Winder, PhD ’04, Benedictine professor of Biology and another of his former students. They were cataloging birds when Dr. Winder suggested that Dr. Bowen join them on the forthcoming Peru trip. “Dan asked what the deposit was for the trip, and I told him it was $200,” said Dr. Malloy. “He reached into his wallet, pulled out the money and said, ‘I’m in!’” HEADING SOUTH FOR SPRING
With Dr. Bowen on board for his first Benedictine Biology field trip in six years, it was an easy decision for Larry to join the adventure. This one turned out to be even a little wilder than what he’d experienced on past trips. “We flew into Lima, and then got on a boat for a threehour river ride to the lodge,” said Larry. “You get up every day for the first bird watching at 6:00 a.m., breakfast is at
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8:00, lunch at 1:00, dinner at 7:00 and I was ready for bed around 8:00 most nights!” “I usually get to play golf with Larry on these trips,” said Dr. Bowen. “There’s no time or place to play golf in the Amazon,” Missing a little golf aside, Dr. Bowen suggests it’s the engagement with the students in an active day that Larry finds most appealing. “Larry really enjoys going on student tours because of his relationship with the college,” said Dr. Bowen. “But the appeal of a student-oriented trip is that it’s more active, with much less down time, than a senior tour would have.” For the students, activities start at 5:00 a.m., and they are typically still going strong at 10:00 p.m. “Overall, I’d say our goal is to see and experience as much as we can of this vastly different ecosystem,” said Dr. Winder. “Our main goal is not formal research. Instead, we’re interested in getting the students into as many different types of habitat in the lowland tropical forest as we can, giving them the opportunities to see and experience as many types of organisms as possible.” AN ECONOMIC SERVICE
The economist in Larry appreciates the tremendous impact the research trips have on the community around Amazonia Expeditions. Researcher activity provides jobs, giving locals the opportunity to serve as guides, sell handmade goods, and improve the environment for visitors. Dr. Bowen has seen a massive improvement in the facilities over the years, from operating with shared bathrooms in small huts to actually having limited electricity to keep the sodas cold, and running water (though you'd never want to drink it.) HONORED FOR ALL-TIME
When visiting the Benedictine College campus, take the time to see the incredible renovations completed on Westerman Hall. When stopping by to visit Dr. Malloy, the successor to Dr. Bowen’s chair position in the Biology Department, notice the name by his office door. It’s named for Dr. Bowen, an honor given by his good friends, Tresa and Larry Buessing—the only Benedictine College board member ever to join the department for a trip to the wild—a halfdozen times! B
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We Are Grateful Ravens
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' Th an k You for C hang i ng My L i fe ! ' Students Send a Simple Message on Grateful Raven Day 2018
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he Offices of Advancement and Alumni Relations share the message of donor generosity with the students from the first week they arrive on campus. Every year, during the spring semester, Grateful Raven Day is held. The students get their chance to say “thank you” for all that’s been done for them. On April 19, Grateful Raven Day 2018, hundreds of students celebrated the generous donors who made their Benedictine College education possible. Many of the students put their thoughts in writing with heartfelt messages to the donors of the college. Others watched the video screen showing donors explaining why they give to Benedictine College. In the videos, Raven football quarterback Schaefer Schuetz, a junior, and senior Molly Tynan interviewed Scholarship Ball guests about why they give. Kate McClard Carr ’93 said her mother attended Mount St. Scholastica College and “The biggest gift she gave to me was a wonderful time at Benedictine College.” Sheila Gartenmayer, wife of Charlie Gartenmayer ’75, Athletic Director and football defensive coordinator, said college “is a connection that lasts your whole life, it's important that people give back.” If a key to happiness is to start with an attitude of gratitude, then Grateful Raven Day was as clear a sign as could be of the happiness of the Benedictine College students. They truly understand the meaning of giving, and the evidence of donor generosity is written on their faces and in their hearts. Every Benedictine College student benefits in one way or another from the generous gifts from the friends and family of the college. Whether from academic, athletic and other merit scholarships, from support for equipment and building improvements, or even from gifts to the Benedictine College Fund in support of all college needs, every student receives a Benedictine College experience for far less than the actual cost to educate them. B
e r A e W l u f e t a r G s n e v a R 10
Engineering
Hope
Michael Klein '18 and James Nistler '16 walk back to their dorm followed by some of the local Ghana children in 2016. They had spent the day cutting rebar and pouring concrete for the village water tower.
Dr. Scott Newbolds, Fr. Damian Kuukole G'17 and Benedictine College students meet with the chief in Lingbinsi, Ghana on the 2016 Engineering Mission Trip. Students designed and helped build a 2,000-gallon water tower that is currently helping locals in the Lingbinsi community to have more time to seek education, be with their family, and invest more time in the church rather than spending much of their time manually pumping water from the local well.
Dr. Scott Newbolds (blue shirt) talks with Mario Skertchly (red shirt) as they make their way back from the Lingbinsi, Ghana well and water tower in 2016. Benedictine College students also spent much of the week playing with the local children who followed them around in groups similar to this. Other students pictured in the group are James Nistler '16, Sydney Wolf '18, Paul Heuser '18, Hanna Torline '17, Maggie Carpenter '18, and Joe Locascio '16.
Dr. Scott Newbolds Engineering Missions Fund
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hen Benedictine College faculty member Dr. Scott Newbolds was invited to lead a student-initiated group of 10 engineering majors on a mission trip to Guatemala during spring break of 2015, he wasn’t looking for accolades or prestige. He simply saw the trip as an opportunity to teach his students how to effectively use engineering solutions to implement projects in the developing world. Today, five of the young men who served on the mission team are grateful for that experience and have pledged a total of $25,000 to fully fund an endowed mission trip program. Engineering alumni Jackson Baca ’16, Owasso, Okla.; Sean Loew ’16, Renton, Wash.; James Nistler ’16, Albuquerque, N.M; Mario Skertchly ’17, Irving, Texas; and Nicholas Suhr ’16, Kansas City, Mo., worked hard as students to raise funds to travel and purchase the equipment necessary to complete their mission projects. Their goal is to provide an annual stipend that the Chair of the Engineering Department may use to match funds raised by future students for mission trip needs. “Dr. Newbolds took the initiative and volunteered to be professor-lead on the first engineering mission trip,” said Loew. “Not only did he assist with the project design and trip planning, which required many hours of his personal time, but he also went on missions with us. Because of his leadership and dedication, the foundation for future trips was laid, and we wanted to honor him for that effort.” The focus of the first trip to Guatemala was to provide a new roof for a building that serves as a workspace for single mothers who are participating in a fair-employment
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program. On site, Benedictine students were able to design and construct a safe and economical roof and truss system, but the main lesson they learned was a sense of service. “The mission trips added another facet to my understanding of engineering by bringing the person back into view,” said Nistler. “And to see that at the heart of every engineering problem is a human need.” Dr. Newbolds helped with the recruiting, design and logistics both abroad and beforehand for the Guatemala mission and the 2016 Ghana trip to mechanize a well and to design and construct a water tower. He also assisted with pre-trip preparations for engineering mission projects in Peru and Nicaragua. There was never a shortage of projects or students willing to help, but raising money proved to be the biggest obstacle. “Regardless of our passion for the work, every year we struggled to find enough funds to go on the trip. Only by the grace of God were we able to make ends meet,” said Nistler. “After graduation, the group of us decided that we wanted to give to others the opportunity to experience what we experienced. We couldn’t have done it without last minute donors supporting our trips.” The Dr. Scott Newbolds Engineering Missions Fund not only honors the professor who led the first engineering mission trips, but will also allow future Benedictine teams to better the world by sharing the love of Christ through engineering education. “I hope the fund will make substantial projects feasible and encourage students to ‘dream big’ with their projects,” said Suhr. B
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Building for Greatness Donors’ 2020 Science Vision Drives Largest Capital Project Ever
Benedictine College is building America's finest small-college science and engineering building thanks to Robert and Shirley Chenoweth, alumni of the college; Dr. Tom Guarr, an alumnus who is a research and development leader; Carol L. Rogers, Mount St. Scholastica College alumna and member of the Benedictine College Board of Directors, and Dr. Fred Sachen, a St. Benedict's College alumnus who received his engineering degree from Kansas State University. For more information, please visit: www.benedictine.edu/westermanhall
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The Servants
obert and Shirley Von Harz Chenoweth have had a long relationship with their Alma Mater, sharing their time, talent and treasure as a Benedictine couple for nearly 55 years. Their gift to support the Westerman Hall renovation and expansion is just one example of a long list of College support. Shirley graduated from Mount St. Scholastica College in 1963 with a degree in sociology. She then married Robert Chenoweth, who also graduated in 1963 with a degree in English from St. Benedict's College. They moved to the Kansas City area where Shirley worked to establish a Mount Alumnae chapter. When her children were young, Shirley volunteered at Queen of the Holy Rosary and St. Ann's parishes. She loved working with children, so Shirley became a certified Montessori teacher. She was hired by Cure of Ars parish to establish a Montessori program. She retired in 1983 to have more time for family and volunteer activities. Bob spent 32 years with Commercial National Bank. He retired in 1999 as Executive Vice President of Banking Operations. Like Shirley, he was also busy volunteering. He served on the Board of Trustees of Villa St. Francis, an Archdiocesan nursing home, for many years. He has been a member of the Friends of St. Benedict’s College and the Knights of Columbus through Ascension Parish. In 2004, he began a second career, serving as the Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries in northeast Kansas. Shirley was a member of the Benedictine College Alumni Board from 2005 – 2008. She then served on the Benedictine College Board of Directors until 2016. Bob and Shirley were recipients of the 2017 Cross of the Order of St. Benedict Award. Over the years, Bob and Shirley have supported the St. John Paul II Student Center, Elizabeth Hall, St. Scholastica Plaza, Amino Center, Ferrell Academic Center, nursing department, Raven Football program, and Angels program at Benedictine College.
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The Researcher
hen Dr. Tom Guarr was 16 years old, his father taught him how to rebuild a car engine. As teenagers, he and his brother built crude burglar alarms with parts scavenged from discarded televisions and radios. His interest in putting electronic circuits together came naturally, as Tom's father was an engineer at Univac in Kansas City, one of the earliest computer companies. However, he fell in love with chemistry as a student at Benedictine College under the tutelage of Dr. Joseph Brom and Fr. Conrad Pillar, OSB. Tom’s gift of $25,000 to name a faculty office on the fourth floor of the renovated Westerman Hall reflects his recognition of their guidance in shaping him for his future career. He also remembers how much he learned and the fun he had with fellow chemistry majors from the class of 1979. “It was an incredible culture,” said Tom. “I want to do my small part to help foster that culture for future Benedictine science students.” Guarr earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry — summa cum laude — from Benedictine College in 1979. He then studied chemistry at the University of Rochester, where he earned a MSc in 1982 and a PhD in 1984. That was followed by postdoctoral research at the California Institute of Technology. He taught at the University of Kentucky from 1986 to 1993 as an assistant and associate professor. During that time, Tom approached the Gentex Corporation for research funding. Today, he is named as an inventor on 68 patents obtained by Gentex relating to electrochromic devices or compounds. Tom serves as Director of Research and Development at the Organic Energy Storage Laboratory at the Michigan State University Bioeconomy Institute-Holland. His current research is focused on using organic materials for electrical energy storage. He is also a cofounder and Chief Scientist of Jolt Energy Storage Technologies, LLC, a startup devoted to the development of organic batteries.
S pirit of G iving
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The Mountie
hen she was a student at Mount St. Scholastica College in the late ’60s, Carol L. Rogers had big dreams for her future. After her first two years as a Mountie, she left Atchison to seek a degree in international finance, a program that wasn’t available to her at the college at that time. Carol has always been someone who can look towards the future and see opportunities. This is exactly why she chose to invest in the Westerman Hall project. “I believe Westerman is a critical element to the future of Benedictine,” said Carol. “The hard sciences are where today’s students will have the greatest opportunities for careers.” Carol, who is the Managing Director and Partner of HighTower St. Louis Wealth Advisors, attended Mount St. Scholastica Academy in as a boarding student from Topeka, Kan. She continued her education at Mount St. Scholastica College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a MBA from Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., and the University of Sofia, Tokyo. She began her career as a partner at Central Research Corporation, an international research and marketing firm. She began her investment advisory career at E.F. Hutton in 1976. As one of E.F. Hutton's leading brokers, Carol became a Vice President and a member of the Chairman's Council. In 1986, she formed Rogers & Company, A Wealth Management Firm, Inc. Carol has provided current scholarships for students from Maur Hill-Mount Academy to attend Benedictine College, as well as supporting the Benedictine College Fund and the Angels Program. She served as a past member of the Board of Governors and the Board of Directors of Benedictine College. Carol serves as the donor advisor for the Rogers & Company Charitable Foundation established in 2006 to provide inner city scholarships.
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The Graduate
r. Fred Sachen kept receiving invitations to Benedictine College alumni events, even though he had not graduated. He attended St. Benedict’s College from 1964-1966 as part of the 3/2 math – engineering program, and graduated from Kansas State University in 1968 with a degree in electrical engineering. He took a job with the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in their Space and Defense Center in Baltimore, Maryland, and he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Draskovich, from Bishop Ward High School, in 1971. They moved to Dallas where he worked for Texas Instruments and Rockwell as a microwave/radar engineer. In 1975, Fred entered medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, graduating in 1979. He completed a residency in Neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, was an assistant professor at KU, and then he started a private neurology practice in Kansas City. Fred retired from the practice, but he still works part-time in an advisory role, supervising neurology residents in the outpatient clinic. On a visit to Benedictine, Fred met former college President Dan Carey ’68 and told him that the College recognized him as an alumnus, but he never received a diploma. After reviewing the situation, Dr. Carey arranged for him to receive his math degree from Benedictine College in 2002. Dr. Carey and Barbara convinced him to walk in the commencement ceremony with his cap and gown along with his cousin, Megan Gann Thieman ’02, who is now a biology teacher and married to alumnus Dr. Brent Thieman ’01. Fred gladly accepted an invitation to attend the 50th reunion of the Class of 1967 and celebrated by donating to the Westerman Hall Science Building project. Fred remembers many of his professors at Benedictine, but his favorite was James Eubanks. He took countless math classes from him, and said he made an inedible mark on his life. “I may have become a doctor, but math and engineering remain my first love. On occasion, I still review my notes and the advanced calculus book from Mr. Eubanks’ class,” said Fred. B
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Donors Elevate College in U.S. News Alumni Giving Brings More than Just Financial Support
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lumni donations not only help fund scholarships and mission trips, but also help build Benedictine College’s reputation in the marketplace through lists like U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges.” Since U.S. News looks at the percentage of alumni who are givers, this truly shows that every donation matters, regardless of size. Thanks to an engaged alumni base, Benedictine College is at 24 percent this year, which may not seem like a lot, but puts Benedictine College at the top in our category and well ahead of other colleges. This demonstrates the commitment of our alumni to the mission of Benedictine College — and that kind of commitment is something prospective students care about. This has helped propel the college into the Top 15 in our Midwest peer group. “We can’t rest on our laurels,” said Benedictine College President Stephen D. Minnis. “Now, more than ever, we are seeing other colleges directly targeting us and attempting to match programs, scholarships and imagery. So let’s build that alumni giving number up. Let’s continue to lead. And let’s continue to keep Benedictine College as the beacon of community, faith and scholarship we all want it to be.” As Benedictine College continues to grow in a very competitive industry, the importance of these rankings has never been more clear. The college has many ways of reaching prospective students, but one of the best is to be sure that our name is on the lists of excellence that are produced by third-party organizations. U.S. News & World Report’s annual “America’s Best Colleges” rankings is probably the most important — another important ranking is The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College. The college has been named on several lists, including the “Hidden Gem” college in Kansas, One of the Top 20 Colleges in America (First Things Magazine), “The Best College in Kansas,” and high-ranking designations for Nursing and Great Books. To make a donation — of any size — to help Benedictine College financially and in its ranking, visit my.Benedictine.edu/give. B
Class Notes JANUARY 5 THROUGH MARCH 28, 2018
Class notes are condensed. Please refer to http://my.benedictine.edu for full stories and photographs. Jerry Lammers ’67 and his wife, Anna Marie, Topeka, Kan., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, Feb. 24, 2018. They are the parents of four children, Andy and Matt Lammers, Katie Lammers Sapp ’92, and Beth Lammers Engroff ’97. Anthony “Tony” Turina ’72, Torrington, Conn., owner of Tony’s Coffee Express, was featured in the newspaper, The Register Citizen, for his long involvement with basketball. The Jan. 16, 2018 issue detailed Tony’s love of the game as a basketball player at Torrington High School, and then at Benedictine College, before taking the reins of head coach at Torrington High School for 17 years. He retired in 2009. Tony continued to help area coaches briefly, but in 2017 the call to be an assistant coach at Forman School in Litchfield became a chance for him to get back on the court. He and his wife, JoAnn, are the parents of two daughters, Caitlin and Beth, and they have two grandchildren. John Keller Jr. ’76, Godfrey, Ill., was named President of the RiverBend Growth Association in March 2018. He had served as the interim president since December 2017. John has been a board member of the RBGA for 16 years. He has 34 years of experience in banking, and most recently served as Regional President of Carrollton Bank in Alton from 1996 to 2016. John and his wife, Cathy, are the parents of two children. Michele A. Westerhaus Buhler ’87, Rossville, Kan., has been selected as the new President of Hayden High School, Topeka, Kan., and officially takes the office in July 2018. For the past 11 years, Shelly has served as Shawnee County Kansas Commission 1st District, and from 2001 to 2006 was Mayor of Rossville. Her husband, Stephen R. Buhler ’85, is an English/ Journalism teacher and the Head Football Coach at Auburn-Washburn USD 437, Topeka. Shelly and Steve are the parents of three children, Matt, Mitchell and Maura. (Photo by: Kelly Johnson Elias ’85.) John Lowe ’88, Egg Harbor Township, N.J., is the new General Manager at The Claridge – A Radisson Hotel in Atlantic City. He was selected in August 2017 for the leadership position. John has an extensive management career in hotels and restaurants, and most recently he was General Manager of the Westin Mount Laurel Hotel in New Jersey. John has also worked as a speaker at the University of Delaware and he has been recognized with numerous Manager of the Year awards, including American Hotel & Lodging Associations’ National Manager of the Year. John and his wife, Maria, are the parents of two children, Rachael and Brandon. Chris Tabor ’93, joined the Chicago Bears football organization as their Special Teams Coordinator Coach in January 2018. He previously worked for the Bears team from 2008-2011 as the assistant special teams coach. Most recently, Chris was the Special Teams Coordinator for the Cleveland Browns
football organization. He and his wife, Nikki Graves Tabor ’94, are the parents of two daughters, Paityn and Lainey. SMSgt John M. Braman, USAF ’94, Kansas City, Mo., retired after 26 years of service with the United States Air Force, March 4, 2018. His most recent assignment was with the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Wing at Rosecrans in St. Joseph, Mo. John and his wife, Kirsten Lipari Braman ’97, are the parents of four children, Matthew, a current freshman at Benedictine College, Anna, Aidan, and Charlie. (Photo: Lt. Col Melanie Engler presents to John a display case of achievements, including medals, rank insignias, and an American flag.) Daniel Ackerman ’95, Topeka, Kan., is an assistant principal at Highland Park High School in Topeka. During the fall 2017 semester he appeared on the A&E cable show, “UndercoverHigh.” The show follows seven young adults, ranging in age from 21 to 26, who attend classes and extra-curricular activities for a semester – learning and reporting to the administration about happenings taking place within the school, such as bullying. Daniel has been employed at Highland Park High School, an inner-city, 850-student school, since 2012. He and his wife, Megan are the parents a two children. (Photo courtesy of A&E.) Angie Pickman ’01, Lawrence, Kan., nationally recognized cut-paper artist and owner of Rural Pearl Studio, was among the artists/crafters/bloggers chosen from each state to decorate an egg and have it featured in the April 2018 issue of Food Network Magazine. The egg, representing Kansas, displays a sunflower. Additional honors for Angie include being selected to design the 2018 Smoky Hill River Festival Print and Festival T-shirt. Throughout her career, Angie has exhibited her artwork at galleries and art fairs across the United States. She does illustration, animation and design work, and also teaches various art classes and workshops. Emilie, was born to David Livingston ’03, Topeka, Kan., and his wife, Theresa Livingston, Jan. 10, 2018. She joins older siblings, Katherine, 7, Isabella, 5, and Joseph, 3, at the family home. Grant Hufford ’05, Merriam, Kan., is the athletic trainer for the Las Vegas 51s, Triple-A team of the New York Mets baseball organization. He served the past 10 seasons as an athletic trainer in the Houston Astros organization, which included three seasons (2015-2017) with Double-A team Corpus Christi
Hooks. In 2015, Grant worked with the Glendale Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League, safeguarding prospects in the Astros, White Sox, Dodgers, Phillies, and Pirates organizations. His initial Astros assignment came at Rookie League Greeneville, Tenn., from 2008-2010. High honors were bestowed to Grant in 2016 with the Texas League Top Athletic Trainer of the Year, and in 2013 he received the California League Athletic Trainer of the Year. Prior to joining the Astros, Grant worked at the Orthopedic Surgery Clinic in Lawrence, Kan., while also serving as the athletic trainer at Baldwin High School. He and his wife, Jennifer Tate Hufford ’05, are the parents of two daughters, Genevieve and Emersyn. (Photo of Grant with Lanny Leroy, Physical Education Program Coordinator, Division of Educational Outreach, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Lanny is a former Director of Athletic Training and Assistant HPER Professor at Benedictine College.) Shelby Walters Peterie ’05, Eudora, Kan., a research geophysicist in Exploration Services at the Kansas Geological Survey, received the fifth annual KGS Outstanding Support Staff Recognition Award in January 2018. Her work involves detection and monitoring of earthquakes in Kansas, and provides technical support for a 15-member industry consortium established to study seismicity trends in the state. In addition, Shelby is part of a team developing tunnel detection technologies funded by a multimillion dollar grant from the U.S. Army. Shelby is married to Matthew Peterie. He is employed in the Olathe School District as the Engineering Academy facilitator and Aerospace and Engineering AP Physics 1 teacher. Laura Hendricks ’08 wed Andrew Kleffman, Jan. 27, 2018, at Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park, Kan. She is an independent educational consultant for Discovery Toys. The couple resides in Olathe, Kan. Andrew Jaeger ’08, Atchison, Kan., is an assistant professor in the Philosophy department at Benedictine College. He and his wife, Catherine Boever Jaeger ’06, are the parents of five children, Mary, 8; Leo, 6; Adelaide, 4; Edith, 2; and Avila, 1. Caroline Christene, born to Whitney Danze Lyssy ’10, and Derek Lyssy ’11, Nov. 5, 2017. She joins big brother, Joseph Timothy, 2, at the family home in Tulsa, Okla. Derek is the Director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, and Whitney is a stay-at-home mom. Carolyn Crosson ’11, Murfreesboro, Tenn., answered “Yes” to Neal Carter’s proposal to be his wife. The couple will exchange wedding vows May 25, 2019, at Sacred Heart Chapel in Fairhope, Ala. Carolyn and Neal are consultants for healthcare companies. Ryan Johnson ’11, Olathe, Kan., began working at the My Catholic Faith Delivered organization as their Client Solutions
Manager in November 2017. He handles national accounts with dioceses, parishes and schools. Ryan previously worked at Mission Matters Group overseeing client services. Human AlMukhtar, ’12, G’14, Buffalo, N.Y., was promoted to Manager - Digital Marketing & Communication at Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc., in January 2018. In his new role, Humam is responsible for North America's digital marketing and communication strategies for the world-class company that serves the dental industry through innovation, education, and quality products. Humam has been an employee of Ivoclar Vivadent since 2014, when he was hired as a Digital Media Specialist; and in 2016 he was promoted to Associate Manager, Digital Media. The innovative dental enterprise is headquartered in Europe with branch offices around the world, including Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. Jennifer DeCoster ’12, wed Josh Zans, Nov. 11, 2017, at St. Charles Borromeo in Kansas City, Mo. The couple resides in Kansas City, Mo. Ellie Therese, was born to James Pivarnik ’12 and Anne Bachkora Pivarnik ’13, July 7, 2017. The family resides in Olathe, Kan. William Michael, was born to Amanda Stadler Andrews ’13 and Thomas Andrews, March 29, 2017. Amanda and Tom were married June 18, 2016, in Kansas City, Kan. She completed her master's degree in Education at Baker University in December 2016. The family moved last summer from Topeka, Kan., to Omaha, Neb., when Tom accepted the job of choir director at St. Barnabas Parish. Carolyn James ’13, Colorado Springs, Colo., wed Roland Le Grand, Allen, Texas, April 27, 2018, at Saint Peter Catholic Church in Greeley, Colo. Carolyn is a painting instructor and works at a middle school. Roland is a 2013 graduate of the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, and is employed as a network engineer at Verizon. Jenna Prather ’13, Norfolk, Neb., joined the Missionary Benedictine Sisters and became a postulant for the order on Jan. 15, 2018. During her first year, she will learn about the community, and will work at the Winnebago-St. Augustine Indian Mission. Before joining the Order, Jenna was employed with Cerner Corporation in their support department; and at Benedictine College, as the administrative assistant for campus ministry. Jenna is the daughter of Dean and Rozanne Prather of Kansas City, Mo. (Photo: left to right, Sr. Inviolata Mukhaabi, OSB and Jenna Prather.)
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John Prost ’13, and his wife, Gina Prost, are missionaries with Saint Paul's Outreach out of Inver Grove Heights, Minn. They are working out of the Kansas City Mission Center. John is the Program Director for the chapters at University of Missouri Kansas City, Johnson County Community College, and Benedictine College, and Gina is a Women's Supervisor. John and Gina were married Feb. 4, 2017, at Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Roeland Park, Kan. The couple resides in Westwood, Kan., with their daughter, Madeline Marie, born Dec. 18, 2017. Case M. Tierney ’13 was promoted to Captain in the United States Marine Corps in December 2017. He is a Company Commander and S-4 Officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, at the Marine Corps Air/Ground Combat Center, TwentyNine Palms, Calif. Case and his wife, Robyn Rogers Tierney ’13, who is a Graphic Arts Designed for a Los Angeles area law firm, live in TwentyNine Palms. Catherine McDonough ’14, Kansas City, Mo., is engaged to Brett Castelli, Kansas City, Mo. The couple will exchange wedding vows June 23, 2018, at Visitation Parish in Kansas City. Catherine is a sales solution consultant for Cerner Corporation and Brett is a research analyst with Tortoise Capital Advisors. Olivia Leno ’15, North Kansas City, Mo., is employed as the seventh grade teacher of French and English at Saint James Middle School in Saint Joseph, Mo. She earned a Master of Arts degree in French Literature from Kansas State University in May 2017. Nick Cairney ’16 wed Emily Korus ’16, Feb. 3, 2018, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fremont, Neb. He is a software engineer for CD2 Learning in Overland Park, Kan., and she is a teacher at St. Patrick’s School in Kansas City, Kan. The couple resides in Mission, Kan. Margaret Kempf ’16, Jefferson City, Mo., relocated to Kansas City, Mo., in May 2017 when she joined HDR Engineering as a bridge engineer. Gabriella Miller ’16, G’17, New York, N.Y., is employed as the Communications Director for The Philos Project, a non-profit company, which encourages Christian engagement in the Middle East through education and advocacy. She previously was employed by the Archdiocese of New York as Campaign Manager. Mary Downey ’17, Clive, Iowa, is a FOCUS missionary at Wichita State University, Wichita, Kan. Her plans are to continue working for FOCUS in 2018-19.
S pirit of G iving
R. Jordan Fry ’17, De Kalb, Mo., is employed as a Staff Accountant with Lint Singleton & Stachowski, Certified Public Accountants PC, in Lee’s Summit, Mo. Danielle Medina ’17, Atchison, Kan., is a Mission Leader with Saint Paul’s Outreach and her first assignment is at Benedictine College. Paul Meihaus ’17, Winter Springs, Fla., is an employee of Fire Door Solutions as a Life Safety Inspector. He travels throughout the East Coast inspecting hospital fire doors to be up to code. Paul has been with the Kansas City-based company since September 2017. He is the father of one daughter, Jennifer. Peter Reimer ’17 and Shannon Biwer ’17, exchanged wedding vows April 6, 2018, at the Church of Saint Mark. They reside in St. Paul, Minn., where Peter is employed as a brick mason and Shannon works as a preschool teacher for the church’s parochial school. Patrick Schmitt ’17, Omaha, Neb., is enrolled in the MBA program at Benedictine College. This summer, he will join the college’s Lacrosse coaching staff as its graduate assistant and recruiter. Patrick previously was employed with FOCUS. Adam James ’18, Kearney, Mo., along with Guiherme “Gui” Gomes ’16, San Paulo, Brazil; and Troy McKerrell ’13, Argyll & Butte, Scotland, are on the active roster of the Major Arena Soccer League, central division team, the Kansas City Comets. Adam, Gui, and Troy all played collegiate soccer for Benedictine College. Adam signed his professional contract with the MASL team in January 2018 as a forward and played in 10 games; Gui signed in 2016 as a forward and has played in 16 games; and Troy signed in 2017 as a defender and has played in two games. Troy is on the professional coaching staff of National Women’s Soccer League head coach Vlatko Andonovski of Seattle Reign FC based in Seattle, Wash. To follow the professional soccer careers of Adam, Gui, and Troy, visit www.kccomets.com.
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. Dr. George Baumgartner, Ph.D. ’45, Atchison, Kan., passed away Feb. 10, 2018. In 1950, he joined the Chemistry department at Mount St. Scholastica College and retired emeritus in 1989 from Benedictine College. During his tenure, George was the Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor of Chemistry, Assistant Dean, Acting Dean and Academic Dean. He supervised the college’s mini-term, summer session, and other special programs. He also edited the College catalog, faculty handbook, and supervised the certification for students for graduation. In 1981, the college awarded George with Administrator of the Year. In 2016, George and his wife, Barbara Stotts Baumgartner ’53, received the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict Award from Benedictine College. Among the survivors are his wife, Barbara, six children, Virginia Baumgartner ’77 and Joan Baumgartner Taylor ’80, David Baumgartner, Thomas Baumgartner, Constance Baumgartner Broski, and Stephen Baumgartner; son-in-law, Dr. Mark Broski ’82, and one sister, Rosina Baumgartner Halpin ’52. Norbert W. Deneke, Ph.D. ’56, Beloit, Kan., passed away Feb. 9, 2018. He attended St. Benedict’s College. Three siblings survive. Bernard “Ben” Frerichs ’62, Everett, Wash., passed away Feb. 8, 2018. One son survives. Patrick McGee ’71, Lakewood, Colo., passed away March 13, 2018. Patrick is survived by his wife, Sylvia Schorn McGee ’72, three children, Timothy McGee, Thomas McGee, and Molly McGee Melone ’05, and five grandchildren. Benedictine College is where he met his wife and his best friends. His loyalty and giving to the college lasted a lifetime. The college bestowed to Patrick the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict in 1991 and the Kansas Monk award in 1996. Memorials are directed to the Patrick and Sylvia Schorn McGee Scholarship at Benedictine College. Janet Marcotte Van Keulen, St. Cloud, Minn., passed away Feb. 14, 2018. Among the survivors are her son, William Van Keulen; daughter, Anita Van Keulen; daughter-in-law, Jolin Van Keulen; and grandson, Alex Van Keulen ’16. Francelia J. “Fran” Matt, Clermont, Iowa, passed away March 19, 2018. Among the survivors are her husband, Arthur Matt; daughter, Kathy Matt Bridge; son-in-law, William Bridge; and grandson, Matt Bridge, a current student 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
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