SPIRITof GIVING
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SUMMER 2017 1
Called to Greatness EDITOR Tom Hoopes G’10
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Amy Nell
DESIGNER Hayleigh Diebolt
WRITERS Tim Andrews ’88 Steve Johnson G’12 Doug Longstaff G’07 Amy Meara ’99 Rosemary WAYS TOWilkerson GIVE
GIVE BY MAIL CLASS Gifts made NOTES by check should be payable to Kathy Garrison Benedictine College and mailed to: Office of Advancement PHOTOGRAPHERS 1020 North Second Street Kelly Elias ’85 Atchison, KS 66002-1499
Benedictine College Marketing Office
GIVE WAYSBY TOPHONE GIVE 1-800-766-0078 ext. 7416
GIVE BY MAIL
Gifts made by check should be payable to
ONLINE GIVING Benedictine College and mailed to:
Visit http://my.benedictine.edu/bcannualfund. Office of Advancement 1020 North Second Street Atchison, KSSTOCK 66002-1499 GIFTS OF By donating appreciated securities or mutual fund GIVEyou BYcan PHONE shares, provide a lasting contribution while 1-800-766-0078 ext. 7416 receiving tax benefits, such as capital gains tax savings.
ONLINE GIVING
Visit http://my.benedictine.edu/bcannualfund.
REAL ESTATE Your gift provides a convenient way for you to enjoy GIFTS OF STOCK
aBycharitable based on theorcurrent donatingdeduction appreciated securities mutualfair fund shares, market value of your property, and it can reduce the tax you can provide a lasting contribution while receiving size and complexity of your estate. benefits, such as capital gains tax savings.
REAL ESTATE ESTATE PLANNING
Your gift provides a convenient way for you to enjoy a Remember Benedictine in your Will or estate charitable deduction based on gifts the current fair market value plan. We also offer life-income that provide of your property, and it can reduce the size and complexity of income and immediate tax benefits. Please contact your estate. Tim Andrews, ’88 at 913-360-7363 or tandrews@ benedictine.edu. If you already have named ESTATE PLANNING Benedictine College in your estate plan, contact us Remember Benedictine in your Will or estateLegacy plan. We also so we can welcome you into the Benedictine offer life-income gifts that provide income and immediate tax Society. benefits. Please contact Tim Andrews ’88 at 913-360-7363 or tandrews@benedictine.edu. If you already have named Benedictine College in your estate plan, contact us so we can welcome you into the Benedictine Legacy Society.
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ourteen months ago, we broke ground on the renovation and expansion of Westerman Hall. Every day I watch as the transformation takes shape. While the project will not be fully complete until spring of 2019, construction thus far demonstrates that, finally, the building will match the excellence of the instruction our science faculty practice on the inside. For decades, the dedicated science faculty have been patiently waiting for their turn. Now, while they find themselves teaching and working amid construction crews, noise and mayhem, they finally know the end is in sight. I walked through the building this week with Steve Spencer, Assistant Professor of Engineering. Listening to him as we toured the school of engineering addition gave me goosebumps. These faculty and students have studied in makeshift labs, trailers, and crowded hallways. Without the dream and the vision of a new facility, it would be almost impossible for the program to grow and expand. Now it is happening before their eyes. In addition to Westerman Hall, the campus welcomed the new and returning students. The beginning of an academic year is always an exciting time. Faculty fresh from the summer away, beginning freshmen with their anxious yet hopeful faces, and the opportunity to gather as a community to hear from our leader to get the whole party started. I found this year’s welcome speech one of the best of President Minnis’ tenure. As always, he reminded us that “embracing community, faith and scholarship in everything we do brought us to where we are and will continue to be the answer.” After delivering an impassioned speech, he called us to action by inviting us to do three things: embrace the mission, be hospitable and joyful with every guest on campus, and pray for the college. Three pretty easy yet powerful ways each of us can help make Benedictine College stronger than ever. As always, on the following pages you will read about fellow Ravens affecting the lives of our students and broader community. In addition, we have provided a few opportunities for your consideration. I welcome your visit, your email and your phone calls. Every day, please remember Benedictine College. We will never forget you. For Benedictine,
Kelly J. Vowels ’85 Vice President for Advancement
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C l a s s o f Champions 1967 Ravens Reunite after 50 Years
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roving once again that they are a “Class of Champions,” the class of 1967 celebrated their 50th reunion in June by announcing a class gift of $75,000 to be used in the renovation of the old gymnasium in the Haverty Center on the Benedictine College campus. The most memorable event for the students of St. Benedict’s College and Mount St. Scholastica College was the Ravens winning the NAIA National Basketball Championship in a thriller 71-65 against Oklahoma Baptist University in Kansas City. “We went to every basketball game that season,” said David Laughlin ’67. “So, that gym meant a lot to both the SBC and the MSSC students.” David said he was impressed in past years when the Class of 1985 united to celebrate their 25th Reunion by contributing a class gift to renovate the Raven Walk in the center of the campus. “I thought that was a neat deal. I asked if there was a similar project we could help with,” said Dave. He was ready to help when classmate Gary Seib ’67 approached him about organizing their class gift for their 50th reunion.
Benedictine College originally presented the idea of funding arena style chair backs in the Ralph Nolan Gymnasium, but classmate and Raven Basketball player, Jack Dugan ’67, made that gift to honor fellow teammate and friend, Darryl Jones ’68. That was when the proposal to renovate the old gymnasium in the Haverty Center was presented as a class project. “I thought that sounded perfect for our class,” said Dave. Gary thought it sounded perfect as well and got to work. His enthusiasm for the project was evident. Gary made 220 phone calls and sent 150 emails to classmates encouraging them to both attend their 50th reunion and to support the class gift project, which became known as the “Class of Champions” project. “We believed that theme based on the basketball championship would generate enthusiasm for the reunion and the project,” said Gary. “The initial seats project in the new gym fit nicely with the theme, as did the ultimate old gymnasium project which would help attract prospective students and free funds for other projects.” “Our class was overwhelmingly successful,” said Dave. “Out of a
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combined class of less than 200 graduates, we had six medical doctors, eight lawyers, nine religious sisters, 10 PhDs, 25 classmates with master’s degrees, and many more successful professionals in a multitude of careers. Our name was a take-off from the championship team, but we all were a class of champions.” David and Gary noticed that MSSC classmate Eileen Schartz Weiss ’67, was actively corresponding with classmates on social media about the reunion, so they reached out to her for help in writing a letter to the class about the project. When Eileen learned about the proposed project, she was immediately onboard. As a Mountie, Eileen remembered the fun of attending basketball games at St. Benedict’s College. “I was at that championship game. It was important in my life at that time to be there and to celebrate with them,” said Eileen. “It was a bonding experience for all of us at the Mount and St. Benedict’s. We were the champions!” “The Class of '67 has set a good example of giving back,” said Gary. “The table is well set for future classes to do likewise.” B
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Your Name Here Sponsor a new seat in Larry Wilcox Stadium
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ou’re such a big fan of Raven Football they should put your name on a seat. No—literally! O’Malley Field at Larry Wilcox Stadium is highly regarded for providing one of the best football game day experiences in the NAIA. With the seat-back seating, easy access to concessions and the gorgeous views of the Abbey and campus, the stadium has played host to many of the largest Raven gatherings every year for the past 20 seasons. But all great facilities require a little upkeep to maintain, and sometimes enhance, the fan experience. Head Football Coach, Larry Wilcox ’72, has called upon the Raven faithful to help with a new campaign to outfit the stadium with new, comfortable, fan-friendly seats. Those who have been around Raven football for more than a couple decades remember the days of traveling off-campus to Amelia Earhart Stadium for home games. Early in his career Coach Wilcox saw a tremendous opportunity to enhance the life of the college by bringing those events back on campus for the first time in modern Benedictine history. “Students should be able to walk out of their dorms and go to the game,” said Coach Wilcox to the St. Joseph News-Press at the time of the stadium’s opening. “Alummi should be able to come back to the campus where they spent four years.” So Coach Wilcox led the project to raise the funds and, quite literally, build the facility from scratch. Originally planning to install bleachers for fan seating, Coach caught wind of a dealer who had salvaged seating from Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, the former home of the Atlanta Braves MLB team. The price was fair, so he traveled to a remote location in Kentucky to inspect the seats where they had come to rest. “They were in a pasture at a farm,” said Coach Wilcox. “It had rained the day I came to see them. They were covered in mud. It took some imagination to picture it.”
Coach was convinced it would work. He agreed to purchase over 2,000 of the seats, and he and his assistant coaches provided the manual labor to install them — seat by seat, row by row — as each row of fresh concrete was being poured in the summer of 1998. All of this took place while still preparing for the forthcoming football season. By September 12, the seats were ready to host the first game in the new stadium against Friends University. Those seats are now over 50 years old and have nearly outlived their useful lives (the Braves are now two stadiums removed from when they used them). The new seats are designed with modern comfort in mind. They will also feature cup holders and would be decked out in the Raven color scheme. Alumni, fans and friends of Benedictine can be a part of this important stadium enhancement by sponsoring seats. Individual seats can be sponsored for $250, pairs for $450, fourseat packages for $800, or an entire row of 22 seats for $3,500. All sponsorships include name recognition on the actual seats. Coach Wilcox is confident that enough generous fans will be found to keep game day at O’Malley Field in Larry Wilcox Stadium a truly great Benedictine experience. B
To sponsor a seat, please visit. www.Benedictine.edu/stadium-upgrade
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Inspiring Endowments
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A FAMILY EFFORT
HANDS-ON BENEFACTOR
LAWRENCE A. BYRNE SCHOLARSHIP
ENGINEERING PROGRAM FUND
awrence Anthony Byrne was raised in Kansas City, Mo., and named after his father Lawrence Benedict Byrne, a Purple Heart Marine who survived the battle of Iwo Jima. Larry exemplified the same courage, honor and faithfulness as his father. One of 50 first cousins who descended from the union of the Byrne and Effertz families, Larry knew the love and support of his many relatives. His parents, Lawrence and Rose Marie Byrne, had six children including Larry, Mary Therese Ismert, Rosemary R. Stoermann, Edmund S. Byrne, Shawn G. Byrne and Blaise J. Byrne. Majoring in Business Administration and Management, with a minor in Marketing, Larry earned his bachelor’s degree from Benedictine College in 1991. He relocated to Arizona and partnered with his brothers, Shawn and Blaise, in the insurance industry. His track record of trust, integrity and loyalty in the Arizona marketplace made him a much sought-after insurance professional until his untimely death in January 2016. His alma mater always remained important to him. He and his brother-in-law, Mike Ismert, named the Ismert/ Byrne Classroom in the Ferrell Academic Center on the Benedictine College campus in memory of Larry’s father, Lawrence Benedict Byrne, and Mike’s son, Martin E. Ismert, Jr. Larry also memorialized his mother by having a cross from Bethlehem placed above a doorway in the building. The Lawrence A. Byrne Scholarship was established by his brothers, Shawn and Blaise, and his beloved mentor, Larry Buessing ’60.
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he Benedictine College Engineering Program has become the fastest growing major in any academic department. In its ninth year, the department has entered a phase of enormous growth and expansion and no one could be prouder of this fact than benefactor and alumnus Ed Ciarniello ’70. Ed has nearly become a permanent fixture in the department, from installing and repairing equipment in the labs to serving on the Engineering Advisory Committee. He has traveled 10 hours round-trip from his home in Kirkwood, Mo., countless times to help set up engineering labs with more than $30,000 worth of equipment and parts that he himself has donated. “My feelings are that the students should run the machines because it gives them invaluable experience,” said Ed. Driven by his loyalty to Benedictine College, Ed included the engineering department in his estate plan to make sure his legacy continues. He used an outright bequest in his will, a gift of his residence with reserved life estate, and he named Benedictine College the beneficiary of his IRA and life insurance policy to plan for the establishment of an Engineering Program Fund. Upon his death the fund will provide scholarship, research, and travel funds for Benedictine engineering students, a revenue source for acquisition of new equipment or repairs, and funds for professional development for engineering faculty. “The fund will be at the discretion of the department chair,” said Ed. “I want them to use the money where they need it the most.”
S pirit of G iving
For information on creating an endowed scholarship, please contact Rosemary Wilkerson, Executive Director of Development, 913-360-7417 or rosemaryw@benedictine.edu.
GIFT OF A LIFETIME
AN INSPIRING AUNT
LOU ’53 AND SUE MCAVOY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
DR. LUCY M. WOOD SCHOLARSHIP
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ou ’53 and Sue McAvoy’s generosity to Benedictine College has spanned decades and has touched nearly every academic and athletic program on campus, as well as giving to many new buildings, beginning with the Student Union in 1992. However, Lou and Sue also arranged to make the gift of a lifetime by planning to endow a scholarship through a life insurance policy valued at $250,000 that will make Benedictine College the beneficiary. “This is such a wonderful Catholic school and we know it will be here for a long time as a very faith-oriented place for the young,” said Sue. The Lou and Sue McAvoy Endowed Scholarship will benefit students in rural communities from small high schools who have a proven need for financial assistance. Lou graduated from St. Benedict's College with a degree in business administration. He went to work in the insurance industry, eventually establishing his own firm, Louis J. McAvoy and Associates, and later founding Target Insurance Services, Inc. in 1982 with his son, Matt ’81. Lou served on the board of directors of Benedictine College in the 1970s and again in the 1980s. He and his wife, Sue, were honored with the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict in 1983, and he received the Kansas Monk Award in 2009. The Olathe, Kan., couple have four grown children, Monica, Mollie, Michael, and Matthew.
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uring a severe winter in an under-heated school, a young teacher, Lucy M. Wood, became quite ill and was sick for several months. She returned to her parents’ home in Logan, Iowa, to recuperate. Constant questions to the doctor about her illness and recovery prompted him to leave his medical books for her to read. Noting her interest, the doctor suggested she should study medicine. After regaining her health, she enrolled in the Women’s Medical College of Northwestern University in Chicago. Graduating in 1901, Lucy was the first female intern at the Women’s Hospital of Chicago. In 1903, she established a medical practice in Boulder, Colo., where she practiced until 1915. Due to the failing health of her parents, her siblings urged her to return to Logan, where she set up her medical practice. She made house calls first by horse and buggy, then in her 1922 Dodge, and then her 1935 Chevy. In 1939, on the death of her sister-in-law, Ellen, widow of her brother, Edward, Lucy became the guardian of her nephews, Robert and Richard, and assumed the responsibility of raising the young boys. They eventually graduated from St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, Robert in 1949 and Richard in 1951. In recognition of his aunt’s medical career, and in gratitude for her care, St. Benedict’s College alumnus Richard Wood, made plans to create the Dr. Lucy M. Wood Scholarship upon his death. Instructions in his bequest ask that funds be awarded to declared pre-med or medical technology majors within the biology, chemistry or biochemistry departments at Benedictine College. B
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Ravens Come Home A Reunion to Remember Homecoming is Next Chance to Celebrate ‘History of Greatness’ Another fabulous Raven Reunion weekend has come to a close, and it was our largest alumni reunion gathering yet! Thank you to all who came to celebrate faith, friendship, and the education you received while you were a student. A shout out to all the organizers of your celebration classes. Your encouragement to classmates made this gathering wonderful! The Office of Alumni Relations hopes you enjoy being here as much as we enjoy planning of your arrivals and the events which occur all weekend long. It’s truly a labor of love. Class years ending in 8 and 3, be sure to mark your calendars now, June 8-10, 2018 will be a weekend to remember! There are so many great things which happen during these annual gatherings, but one of my favorites is witnessing the pride alumni have for our school. Some have not returned to campus for years. For others it has only been months, but the emotional connection each of us has with Benedictine College is apparent. We are proud Benedictine College alumni—and we should be! We are graduates of a college with a rich history of greatness—thanks to St. Benedict’s College and Mount St.
1977 Class Classofof1977 8
Scholastica College for leading the way. We are graduates of a college intensifying in reputation within the Catholic community and the county. We are graduates of a college proudly declaring that our faith matters to the strength of personal development and education. We are graduates of a college that challenges not only our current students, but our whole community to be “Faithful to the Story!” It is truly awesome. This fall, a great Homecoming is set for the weekend of October 20-22. On Saturday evening, Oct. 21, Thad Nowak, intramural director and faculty memeber, the 1967 basketball team and the 1992 football team will be honored and inducted into the Raven Athletic Hall of Fame! Join us and add another chapter to your Benedictine story. Once a Raven, Always a Raven,
Amy Pulk Meara ’99 Director of Alumni Relations
Class of 1987
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Offeramus Medal recipient, Carolyn (Connor) Watley ’77, and Kansas Monk Award recipients Patric k McBride ’76 and Stephen McBride ’77.
Corky Stueve ’57 and S. Maria Larkin ’51
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Class of 1967
Class of 2012
Class of 1997
Class of 1982
Class of 1972
Class of 1967
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Elmer Fangman ’57, Patrick McBride ’76 and George Baumgartner ’45
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Everyone Loves Thad Faculty Icon to be Honored with Hall Induction
H a l l of F a m
had Nowak will be inducted into the Raven Athletics T Hall of Fame at Homecoming on October 21—a most-
fitting honor for a beloved College treasure who, with his signature trench and fedora, were fixtures on the Benedictine College campus for four decades. Nowak came to Atchison with his wife, Henrietta, in 1950 to teach in the physical education department, serving as department chair. He was also Benedictine College’s first full-time intramurals director, achieving participation rates as high as 92% among the student body. If there was any interest in practically any athletic activity, Nowak was willing to help the students give it a try. To him, physical well-being was a critical part of the educational experience, and led to benefits in all aspects of a student’s life.
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“I feel that if they (the students) would take even the mildest form of exercise, a walk, they would increase their powers of concentration,” Nowak told the Rambler in 1963. A 1964 Rambler article said that Nowak regularly received offers to direct intramurals at other universities, but he said then that he and Henrietta (who earned her English degree as an non-traditional student at Benedictine in 1976), “like the Benedictine way of life and the community, and we have decided that this is where we want to stay.” Nowak made good on that commitment, staying at Benedictine until his retirement in 1986. His tenure spanned enough time for some of his students to become longtime colleagues, including retired Dean of Students, Elmer Fangman ’57, who worked with Nowak for 16 years. “I remember him being very friendly and being very outgoing, reaching out to students, wanting them to get involved. Wanting them to strengthen themselves,” Fangman told the Raven Review. “He became a good friend and a good colleague as an employee of the college. He was a very generous man, always good-natured and always willing to help with whatever needed to be done. He was the kind of person that makes a college experience successful.” Benedictine College President Stephen D. Minnis ’82 reflected in the Raven Review on his friendship with Nowak, which started with Minnis serving as his work-study student in college. “What a wonderful man; kind, caring, hospitable to all,” Minnis said. “He treated everyone the same and with a great deal of respect. He didn’t have to spend time with me, but he did and he taught me many life lessons.” Nowak was named the Benedictine College Teacher of the Year in 1986, and he was honored with inclusion in the
S pirit of G iving
Heritage Room display in St. Elizabeth Hall for his many years of dedicated service. He passed away in 1993. “Thad Nowak was a pillar of Benedictine College,” said Minnis. “There are some people who are just loved by everyone, and he is one of them. I miss him, and I wish he would have still been around when I became president. I would have loved to walk into his office to tell him the news. I'm sure he would have smiled that smile of his and told me to pull up a chair and catch up.” Nowak may be gone, but from now on, anyone who visits the Hall of Fame will see his plaque and reflect with fondness on the man who meant, and still means, so much to the Benedictine family.
Red and Black Turn Silver and Gold Celebrate Raven teams’ 25th and 50th Jubilees Homecoming 2017
Dave Sellinger, Tom Front row : Steve Torline, n, and Greg Bower. Back Custenborder, Tim Dalto Cizek, and Chris Tabor. row : Kraig Taylor, Mike
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ake plans to attend the Benedictine College Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 20-22. Two of the most iconic teams in Raven history will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame that Saturday evening, Oct. 21. The 1967 men’s basketball team will join the Hall while celebrating the 50th anniversary of their NAIA national championship run. Also, the Hall will welcome the 1992 Benedictine College football team as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of a host of “firsts” for Raven athletics. The year 1992 was the first year Benedictine football competed in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, and the Ravens marked their entry with a conference championship that same year. The squad was also the first Raven football team to host (and win) two home playoffs games, and became the first Raven team to make it to the semifinals of the NAIA national championship playoffs. “On paper, you wouldn’t have thought our team would win the conference title, let alone contend for a national title,” said Greg Bower ’93, a captain on the 1992 team. “It was all about determination, hard work and doing the little things every day. We held each other accountable to a standard. “We truly were a family. We saw each other as brothers. There were plenty of guys who didn’t get a ton of playing time who were still as important to the team as Don Brown, Steve Torline or Chris Tabor.” That same family feeling marked the 1967 men’s basketball team. “We were a very tight-knit group,” said Vince DeGreeff ’68. “I’m talking about all 12 of us, not just the seven or eight that played, but all 12 of us.” “It was like brotherhood, a fraternity,” added three-time All-American, Darryl Jones ’68. Both teams also give credit to their predecessors. “It may say ‘1992 Raven Football Team’ on the Hall of Fame plaque" said Bower. "But all the teams and players that came before us are a part of our legacy. We all learned how to be Ravens from some great guys, so many great Ravens. The ’91 team gave us a taste of post-season play with the Steamboat Bowl victory. They taught us how to be Ravens. They were cheering us on our way, and we were just being Faithful to the Story.” The experience of having suffered an early defeat in the 1965 NAIA tournament propelled the Ravens to the highest pedestal in the division two years later. “They can take away everything else of my life and strip it clean,” said co-captain, Jack Dugan ’67. “But I will always be a part of the national championship team at Benedictine College. You’re not going to take that away from me!” The ’92 Ravens shared that they are doing a bit of behind the scenes work as they prepare for their induction ceremony. They are not done giving back to the college by a long shot, so stay tuned! And look for more updates on Homecoming 2017. B
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Transformation Underway Westerman Hall expansion and renovation 12
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s Benedictine College winds down the year long Century of Science celebration, the signature building within that event is beginning to show its new face. Westerman Hall is in the midst of a major renovation and expansion, with every level of the existing 60,000 square feet being remodeled while an additional 40,000 square feet is added. The new brick and limestone faรงade is nearly complete and a new central entrance from the Academic Quad gives the building a more impressive look that matches the other buildings on campus. The west side of the building, now with tall, soaring windows, can be seen from the Memorial Garden and the lower campus and creates an inspiring academic atmosphere. Majors currently utilizing the facility include biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, astronomy, pre-nursing and engineering disciplines (chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical). Scheduled to be completed in spring 2018, the addition will provide more labs for all majors and offices for engineering and math, plus community meeting space for student scientists. The entire project is expected to be finished by spring 2019. With a science vision to be the Catholic, liberal arts college that attracts and develops doctors, engineers, scientists and health care professionals for the 21st century, Benedictine College is truly becoming one of the great Catholic colleges in America.
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Building for Greatness Donors’ 2020 Science Vision Drives Largest Capital Project Ever
The Science and Engineering Building addition and renovation campaign is rising as a symbol of how philanthropy can make exceptional science education at Benedictine College even better. Key donors are helping make the $26 million project possible. Leading donors include Jack ’70 and Kathy Newman from Leawood, Kan.; Blish-Mize Company from Atchison, Kan.; President Stephen D. ’82 and Amy Kohake ’84 Minnis from Atchison, Kan.; and Jim ’76 and Nancy McCann ’76 Lahey from Windermere, Florida. For more information, please visit: www.benedictine.edu/westermanhall
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The Chairman
hile I wish I had taken science courses in Westerman, in truth, I did not,” acknowledged St. Benedict’s College alumnus Jack Newman ’70. Jack, who currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Benedictine College, and his wife Kathy have pledged a gift of $100,000 to support the expansion and renovation of the science and engineering building. “I am well aware of how vital the science and engineering departments and courses are in today’s technology-oriented world, both for all students and especially for those majoring in these disciplines,” said Jack. Jack graduated from St. Benedict's College with a degree in sociology, then obtained a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and finally, after several accounting courses, achieved his CPA certificate. He spent more than 40 years in the healthcare field working progressively for Kansas University Medical Center, KPMG and Cerner Corporation. His career path put him among the science and engineering majors. Kathy Newman graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy and Avila University, and has a bachelor’s degree in special education. She initially taught special needs children at Marillac School in Kansas City, and later served on the first formal Board of Directors of the organization. She also served on the Board of Directors of St. Teresa’s Academy. “I believe the College, which honestly was a decent but not exceptional institution when I attended, is now well on the path to be one of, if not the, greatest Catholic college(s) in America,” said Jack. A New Home for Benedictine Science
With the expanded Science and Engineering Building, Benedictine College will attract even more ambitious students. We will educate leaders in cuttingedge science that can make a difference in the world. We will continue to provide students a faith-based, liberal arts education that will give the world engineers, doctors, scientists and health care professionals who will serve with integrity, excellence and caring.
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The Company
n 1871, three brothers-in-law founded Blish-Mize after making the long journey from Chicago to Atchison, Kansas. David Blish, Edward Mize, and Jack Silliman worked hard to build a respected distributor to outfit wagon trains headed west from the Missouri River. Soon the company was distributing all types of goods to more than 800 hardware stores, lumberyards, and general stores throughout the Midwest. Today, Blish-Mize is still family-owned, which makes them unique among other hardware distributors. It is also what ties them to Benedictine College. The company and the college have been partners for nearly 150 years. John H. Mize, Jr. ’61, Executive Chairman of Blish-Mize Co. and Co-Trustee of the Courtney Turner Charitable Trust; and his son, Jonathan Mize, CEO & President of Blish-Mize Co. have continued that partnership with a pledge of $50,000 to support the renovation of Westerman Hall. “It was the world’s ugliest building. Every time I went up there I would try not to look at it. It just didn’t fit,” said Johnny. “I love the new building. It couldn’t be any better.” Johnny began working for his family’s company in 1961, following his graduation from St. Benedict’s College with a degree in economics. After more than a half-century at the helm, Johnny’s son, Jonathan, succeeded him as president in 2010, and as CEO in 2013. As the fifth-generation family member to lead Blish-Mize Co., Jonathan has witnessed first-hand the college’s positive interaction with the community. “I’m just thankful and excited to see all the growth that has taken place at the college,” said Jonathan. “And that Blish-Mize Co. has been able to give to various capital campaigns, scholarships, and athletic departments over these many years. Forward, always forward, as President Minnis would say!”
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The President
s a student, Stephen D. Minnis ’82, tried to avoid the science building. “I was a political science major, so I had very few classes in the building, but I did take Latin in the auditorium,” said Steve. “Veni, Vidi, Vici in Westerman Auditorium.” As President of Benedictine College, Steve has spent night and day planning, discussing and walking every inch of the building preparing for its expansion and renovation. “Our science vision is to be the Catholic college in America that educates future doctors, scientists, engineers and healthcare professionals for the 21st Century. We couldn’t fulfill that vision in the building that existed,” said Steve. “This is a real demonstration of the college’s commitment to the sciences.” Steve has always been a president who leads by example, so it was very fitting that he and his wife, Amy Kohake Minnis ’84, provided a gift to name a conference room on the engineering floor of the building. After graduating from Benedictine College in 1982, Steve obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from Washburn University in 1985, and a MBA in 1993, from Baker University. He enjoyed a successful career in corporate law before being named President of Benedictine College in 2004. Amy received her Bachelor’s degree from Benedictine College in 1984, and a Master’s in Education from the University of Kansas in 1989. She teaches in the Education Department at Benedictine College and at St. Benedict’s Catholic School in Atchison. “There are no better programs on our campus to embrace the interaction of faith and reason,” said Steve. “This is a small way for us to help the college fulfill its vision of science greatness.”
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The Professor
ather Paschal Pretz, OSB, was a member of the Physics and Astronomy Department for nearly half a century. He taught in every academic year of the college from 1921 to 1966. He taught physics, serving several years as professor and chairman. For another 15 years he worked in the North Campus Science Hall laboratories, keeping equipment in repair and assisting with student experiments. Although, Jim ’76 and Nancy McCann ’76 Lahey, missed having classes taught by Father Paschal, his presence in the labs and his assistance with their experiments was a strong influence on their decision to pledge $12,500 for the physics department in his memory. “Our donation means to us that we are sharing our assets for the present and the future of Benedictine in honor of the past educators who were, fondly and firmly, part of our college history,” said Jim. Jim and Nancy shared the news of their gift with another favorite Benedictine College professor, Dr. Doug Brothers, who not only worked alongside Father Paschal, but also shares their enthusiasm for honoring such a dedicated professional. “This is indeed a substantial commitment, and Father Paschal well deserves this recognition,” said Dr. Brothers. “Only alumni pre-1983 have had the good fortune to get to know him, and he was a critical person for the department as it was being formed in the ’60s.” “Father Paschal’s nephew, Dr. James Pretz '45, still comes to some events at the College, along with some of his family. They will especially appreciate this recognition,” said Dr. Brothers. B
We invite you to be a part of the 2020 Science Vision at Benedictine College. Contact Rosemary Wilkerson at 913.360.7417 or: rosemaryw@benedictine.edu.
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A Record for Students and Generosity
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enedictine College has experienced two decades of enrollment growth. It is a destination college for students from across the country and around the world, and the Benedictine College Fund is here to help make becoming a Raven a reality. In the past fiscal year, the Benedictine College Fund received $1 million in unrestricted gifts from our generous donors just the second time that has ever happened. Combined with the amazing outpouring of love and support at the 46th Annual Scholarship Ball, the Fund was able to help more students than ever. EVERY GIFT was both needed and appreciated, because as the demand for a Benedictine College education continues to grow, so does the need for scholarships. For so many students, the Benedictine College Fund is the difference between realizing their potential at Benedictine or settling for something less. It’s that simple, and it’s that important. In the Spring we asked our donors to tell us why they give to Benedictine. The responses were as diverse as the Raven family, but the most popular reasons from our alumni were variations of, “To give the gift that I was given.” That says so much! Ravens consider their Benedictine education a gift, and they’ve spoken to their love for future Ravens with their amazing generosity. Thank you for making 2016-17 such an amazing year for our students. When you get an opportunity to support the Benedictine College Fund this year, just take a moment to think about the incredible things going on at the College and what it means to our students to be a part of it. Your gift truly makes a difference in the lives of so many Ravens. B
Top Left: Joe Koechner ’94 Top Right: Debbie Betts Bottom Left: Pat Kuckelman Bottom Right: Dr. Matt Ramsey ’98
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S pirit of G iving
The Ravens Are Calling! September 23-October 11, 2017 If you get a call from 913 area code, answer it! It could be a Raven!
100% of gift s fund schola rships and immedia te College nee ds. 100% of call ers are curren t Benedictine College stud ents— no hired pro fessionals. 100% of call ers want to talk to YOU!
So challe nge them !S Song wit h them. A ing the Fight sk them life in yo abou u prayers fo r old dorm. Ask fo t r you and r But first your fam of all, be il y. re the phon e and say ady to pick up “ Ye bright yo ung stud s!” to helping ents be R avens!
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Class Notes March 30 through June 30, 2017
Class notes are condensed. Please refer to http://my.benedictine.edu for full stories and photographs. Joseph A. Fisher, Ph.D. ’49, Newton, Iowa, has authored, “A Catechetical Dictionary for the Catechism of the Catholic Church.” The book is designed as an aid in the study of the Catechism by enabling the reader to foster a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and the Church. The book is available for purchase through Amazon. Most Rev. Bishop Denis J. Madden ’63, auxiliary bishop emeritus of Baltimore, Md., celebrated his golden anniversary of priestly ordination, June 25, 2017, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Matthew “Chic” Downing ’72, Atchison, Kan., was inducted into the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on June 24, 2017. From 1974 through 1991, Chic was the head coach for boys’ basketball at Atchison High School, and among his coaching achievements were four State Championships and Most Career Wins with 255. At Benedictine College, Chic holds the All-Time Leading Scorer record with 2,042 career points. In 2000, he was recognized by his alma mater as an Inductee into the Raven Athletic Hall of Fame. Chic is the father of six children, including daughter, Shauna Downing ’98. Sr. Esther Fangman, O.S.B. ’72, Atchison, Kan., was installed as the new Prioress of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery, July 9, 2017. She has her doctorate in counseling from Idaho State University and was in private practice serving clients in the Kansas City area. Prioress Esther is the sister of Elmer Fangman ’57, former Dean of Students at Benedictine College. Marc Saenz ’72, asked the college to share his new location with the Amigos/classmates, it is: PO Box 5123, Saint Louis, MO 63139-0123. He returned to the area to be closer to his two daughters, Jennifer and Stephanie, and his grandchildren. Marc continues to work for LA based Mountain Gear
were: Bob Wholey, Tom Whitworth, Don Horan, Pat Sly and his wife, Peggy Sly, Leo Miceli, Ron McAdams and his wife, Marie McCullough McAdams, Ed Szubka, Terry Hodges, Dick Matthews, Dennis Baricevic, John Kelly, Bill Buttell†, Tony Drummond, Rick Fritz, Tom Cella, John Steuterman, John Courtney, Bill Layden, Bob Norris, John Fagan, Joan Ketter, Marie Cook, and Mark Wetta and his wife, Barbara Bellows Wetta ’73. Dan Didde ’74, and his wife, Mary Ann Teegarden Didde ’74, Saint Joseph, Mo., and seven members of the class of 1974, joined by Ravens from the classes of 1969, 1973 and 1977 (and a few people who wished they were Ravens) travelled to Europe together in April 2017. We were welcomed to Budapest by a real European Raven who hopped-around on the bow of our ship while we were docked in Passau, Germany. We toured the Benedictine Abbey at Melk, Austria as well. Our group included Mike Nolan and his wife, Anita Didde Nolan ’74, Paul Haerle ’73 and his wife, Kitty Crewse Haerle ’74, Denise Mack Ackerman ’74, Mike Everard and his wife, Barb Heine Everard ’74, Tom Metzger ’74 and his wife, Joan Teegarden Metzger ’77, and Tom Wright ’69 and his wife, MaryKay Hall Wright ’69. Too bad we missed the football team! A mini-reunion by some of the Benedictine College Twin Campus Players from the mid-1970s was held during May 2017, in Gleneden Beach, Oregon. They are (left to right) To Craner ’77 and his wife, Susan Craner; Sandy and Dr. Doug McKenzie, Emeritus Professor of Theatre Arts and Former Chair from 1970-1998); Lynn Champ Browne ’78 and her husband, Brendan Browne ’77, (in front); Dave Parks ’77, Susan Norris Nolin ’78 and her husband, Kurt Nolin ’77, Bob Roddy ’77, and Mary Holleran Orr ’75.
Sportswear, and he annually organizes a variety of gatherings Dr. David Wieliczka ’77, Overland Park, Kan., senior scientist for the 1972 class. and group leader at the Honeywell Nuclear Weapons plant During the 2017 in Kansas City, Mo., was a guest speaker in April 2017 at Alumni Reunion, Benedictine College. His presentation, “Advanced Material several members of Analysis,” was part of the Physics and Astronomy Colloquium the Class of 1972 series. Amigos gathered Friday, June 16, at the Glick Mansion in Atchison, Kan., and Dave Rindom ’78, Lenexa, Kan., Vice-President and Chief Saturday, June 17, at Coach Larry and Janet Wilcox’s home, Administrative Officer at MGP Ingredients, was featured also in Atchison. Class members is this photo are (left to in Kansas City’s Ingram’s Magazine as one of “50 Kansans right) back row: Tom Zygmunt, Sam Ciluffo, Darryl Jones You Should Know.” The May 2017 special edition spotlights ’68, and Marc Saenz, and in the front row: John Wertin, Rich 50 Kansans along with their professional successes and Tedoni, and Chuck Malloy. Other class members attending achievements. Dave joined the Atchison, Kan., company in
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1980, and since then has held various corporate positions including his previous appointment as Vice President of Human Resources from 2000 until December 2015. Dave and his wife, Brenda Rindom, are the parents of two daughters. Bill Friend ’89, Dallas, Texas, earned his master’s degree in business administration from Western Governors University in December 2016. He is a Retail Manager at Walgreen’s in Dallas. Virginia Anne and Bernadette Mae, born to Jacob and Katy Mehl on March 14, 2017, are the granddaughters of Aimee Tonquest Mehl ’90 and Steve Mehl of Tulsa, Okla. Dr. Matthew Ramsey, Ph.D. ’98, G’05, Atchison, Kan., in April 2017 was selected Benedictine College’s Distinguished Educator of the Year. He has been a faculty member at Benedictine since 2007. Matt, an Associate Professor, is Director of Special Education and Chair in the Department of Education, was nominated for the award by his peers, staff, and students. Seamus Smith ’02, Overland Park, Kan., was among the “40 Under Forty” Kansas City business and civic leaders featured in the April 2017 issue of Ingram’s Magazine. An estate and business planning attorney, Seamus is a managing partner of Creative Planning Legal of Leawood, Kan. He is a frequent speaker at wealth-management forums, and has also taught business and tax law for the MBA program at Benedictine College. Seamus and his wife, Holly, are the parents of a daughter, Ally. Rev. Nathan Haverland ’05, in July 2016 relocated to Marysville, Kan., to be the Pastor of St. Gregory Church. He previously worked at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, Kan., for three years. Fr. Paul Clark ’09, Edina, Mo., formerly a seminarian and transitional deacon of the Jefferson City diocese, was ordained to the Holy Priesthood, June 3, 2017. Paul graduated from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis in May 2017. For the past year, Paul had been assisting the pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Columbia Mo.,. His new assignment will be the associate pastor at St. Patrick’s in Rolla, Mo. Greg Doring G’09, Prairie Village, Kan., received the St. Francis Xavier FOCUS Alumni Award for 2017 from the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. The award is granted to alumni who have given continued outstanding service for the New Evangelization after FOCUS. Greg and his wife Adrienne are the parents of four children. Nathan Harkins ’11, Provincetown, Mass., was promoted in May 2017 to Financial Services Representative Supervisor on the Float Team of The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, located in Orleans, Mass. He has been employed at the bank since November 2014, as Teller/Financial Services Representative and most recently as Senior Teller. Chloe Donaldson ’12, Grand Canyon, Ariz., will be giving two speeches at the National Conference for NAI (National Association for Interpretation) this November 13-18. She continues to work for Xanthera South Rim, LLC at the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, and is prepping for a rim-torim hike. Chloe also is planning to fulfill a life-long dream of learning rock climbing.
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Ean L. Henninger ’12, Sequim, Wash., in May 2017 graduated with a Master of Library and Information Studies degree from the University of British Columbia Graduate School of Library, Archival and Information Studies. Following graduation, Ean traveled to Toronto to present his research on “Linguistic Diversity and Public Library Staff ” at the Canadian Association of Information Science. Monica Therese, born to Chris Goedken ’13 and his wife, Molly Dineen Goedken ’13, May 1, 2017. She joins older brother, Dominic, at the family home in Omaha, Neb. Jacob Schmitz ’13, Overland Park, Kan., joined the organization, My Catholic Faith Delivered, in May 2017, as its director of implementation. The organization strives to enrich Catholic faith life by removing barriers to learning and offers an online platform tailored for dioceses, parishes/schools, and homeschooling families. Jake was previously employed by Mission Matters Group as Client Advocate. He and his wife, Emily Enna Schmitz ’12, are the parents of a son, Declan Jacob Schmitz. Brianna Sluder ’15, Atchison, Kan., exchanged wedding vows with Matthew Rich, Aug. 12, 2017, in her hometown of Albuquerque, N.M. The couple will reside in Lincoln, Neb., where Matthew is a law student at the University of Lincoln, and Brianna will work for FOCUS on their Mission Development Team. For the past two-and-a-half years, she was the Executive Assistant to the President of Benedictine College. Catherine “Katie” Wagner ’15, G’16, Atchison, Kan., has joined the ARAMARK staff as the Director of Catering for Benedictine College. Mary Minicky ’16, O'Fallon, Mo., relocated to Atchison, Kan., in October 2016, to be the Social Media and Digital Communications Manager for Mount St. Scholastica Monastery. Mary, a legacy alumna, has had several relatives also attend the Benedictine colleges, including her mother, Kathy McCarthy Minicky ’83, two sisters Anna Minicky ’13 and Katie Minicky, a senior at Benedictine College, her uncle, Michael McCarthy ’84, and her great aunt Bernadette Hieger Riordan ’68.
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. James Purslow ’59, Lafayette, La., passed away May 14, 2017. He played football and baseball at St. Benedict's College. He signed and played minor league baseball with the Chicago Cubs organization. Jim was inducted into the Raven Hall of Fame in 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Purslow, March 20, 2017. Among the survivors are two daughters, sister, Patty Purslow Flynn, brother, Mike Purslow ’62, sister-in-law, Penny Purslow, and nieces, Polly Purslow-Holmes ’84 and Micha Lutz ’93. B
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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
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HOMECOMING 2017
OCT 20-22
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