Benedictine College Fund Newsletter
Fall 2009
SPIRITof GIVING Cornerstone Society Is Key, Says Buessing
Features
All-Around SBC Student Becomes All-Around BC Benefactor
Engineering the Future School launches four new applied science degrees
3 Record Numbers, Record Needs Success means Benedictine College Fund Faces Largest Challenge Ever
5 Light the Night nets $17,000 gift BC soccer has set, reached, and scored many goals
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It’s fitting that one of the first members of the new Cornerstone Society is himself a cornerstone of the Benedictine College community. In the late 1950’s, Larry Buessing of Axtell, Kansas, was enjoying the spirit of the St. Benedict’s College campus as a student in the Knights of Columbus, the Phi Beta Lambda Business Club and the Chess Club. He was also known as the campus barber, whenever a young man in Freshman Hall needed a quick trim before the weekend. “At one time I was concerned that the college wouldn’t be in existence, which would have been a devastating blow to alumni, to the town and to the Catholic community,” explained Buessing. “Now that BC is thriving, it makes me want to give even more to see what can be accomplished.” Benedictine College presented Buessing and his wife, Tresa, with a keepsake medallion for joining the Cornerstone Society, just a small reminder of how much he means to the college and how much the college means to him. The Cornerstone Society recognizes unrestricted annual giving of gifts of at least $1,500 to the Benedictine College Fund. For Buessing, this is an “all around” fund that allows the college the flexibility to meet new challenges. The annual fund provides scholarships to needy students, enhances academic programs and improves campus equipment and resources. Since graduating in 1960, Buessing has remained close to the campus he loves.
“Now that BC is thriving, it makes me want to give even more to see what can be accomplished.” -Larry Buessing, ’60 In 1973, when he and his family moved to Atchison, he purchased a home near his alma mater. Buessing has maintained his presence on campus by serving the college in numerous ways, from his work in leadership roles for the Alumni Association, Raven Athletics and the BC Board of Directors, to simple things like donating equipment or time driving his Gator with eight bucket carts to entertain children of alumni during Reunion Weekend. He has worked tirelessly helping with golf tournaments, hosting special alumni events and even donated his green Cadillac to be used by the Admission Office when they visited high schools to recruit students. He invites others to join him in the Cornerstone Society.
Benedictine College
Fall 2009
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A Message
from the Vice President of Advancement Kelly J. Vowels
Accreditation ’09: What We Learned As I sit to write this message to you the campus community is in the throes of getting ready to welcome the team from the Higher Learning Commission. This agency validates what we do in educating our students and holds us accountable to very high standards. Without their approval we would not be able to grant degrees. This is the third such visit that I have participated in during my 20+ years with the institution. Our preparation for the visit helped us look in the mirror. The process made two things clear. First, the college is in its strongest position ever, we have a lot to be proud of: enrollment is the highest in the history of the college; academically we were recognized for the third year in a row by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Colleges; physically, our campus has never looked so beautiful. But second, it’s clear that there is still much to be done: resources are stretched to their limit; faculty salaries are below where we would like them to be; families hit by the financial crisis are hoping the college will help them a little more; our student health center is understaffed with the growing enrollment. Your gifts to the Benedictine College Fund allow us to place resources where they are most immediately needed or where the opportunity is greatest. A significant force in our success is the commitment of our extended Benedictine family. Please consider an unrestricted gift to the Benedictine College Fund and help us follow the year’s theme: “forward, always forward, everywhere forward!”
A Grotto for Mary
Dunns and Westermans keep faith fires burning
On Sept. 8, William and Jean Dunn, along with Jane Westerman, and her daughter, Lené, ’85, joined hundreds of people for the dedication and blessing of Mary’s Grotto. Archbishop Joseph Naumann blessed the shrine with water from the original grotto in Lourdes, France. Speakers included the Archbishop and President Stephen D. Minnis.
At the close of the ceremony, the Dunn family and the Westerman family lit three special candles — a blue candle for Mary and in remembrance of Mary Dunn, plus gold candles for the Dunn and Westerman families, to burn in perpetuity in the grotto.
“My entire family who were present appreciated the opportunity to be there,” said William Dunn. Mary’s Grotto is named not only for Mary, the Mother of Jesus, but also in remembrance of William and Jean Dunn’s daughter, Mary, who lived almost 40 years with Down syndrome before she passed away last year. The family’s contributions made the grotto possible. Jane Westerman also played a key role in the project. “I loved every second being up there with my mom,” said Lené. “She was beaming and loved all of the students. It is definitely a very special place.”
Seated left to right: Lene & Jane Westerman and Jean & Bill Dunn Sr.
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Benedictine College
Engineering the Future
Fall 2009
3 School launches four new applied science degrees
“I am very excited to help build the engineering program at Benedictine College, which is a great, truly Catholic institution.” -Dr. Darrin Muggli
Department Chair Dr. Doug Brothers and Dr. Darrin Muggli
In the 21st century, engineering is more important than ever. With the launch of four new degrees, Benedictine College is poised to take a significant place in chemical, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering. For a long time, Benedictine College has been “one of the best kept secrets in the Midwest,” said Dr. Doug Brothers, professor and chairman of the physics and astronomy department. The new engineering program is one example of inspiring scholarship that is helping change that. Senior Matthew Weaver sees the potential of the engineering program firsthand. “The overall effectiveness of the program is great,” said Weaver, a double major in mathematics and chemistry. “I think it will definitely entice more people into looking at BC as another branch of science to study.” It already has, said Dr. Darrin Muggli, director of the engineering program. “In the second year of the program,” he said, “we have 24 freshmen — and seven students enrolled in sophomore engineering courses.” Dr. Muggli has 20 years of experience in chemical engineering research and higher education. He has been awarded $4 million in research grants and two patents over the past 10 years. He is a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Society of Engineering Education, his work has been featured in professional journals and conferences.
The new opportunities were made possible through a partnership with the University of North Dakota, which offers the accredited degrees to students through an 80-20 approach. Students receive the bulk of their engineering instruction at Benedictine College, and get supplemental help from UND. “I am very excited to help build the engineering program at Benedictine College, which is a great, truly Catholic institution,” Dr. Muggli said. Dr. Brothers said the engineering program Muggli directs will help round out the school’s curriculum. “We are developing a high quality program that builds on our strengths in the sciences and mathematics,” he said. “Engineers need more liberal arts, and liberal arts students need more sciences,” said Dr. Brothers. “I know employers are seeking engineers who are not only competent in engineering, but also have the communication and interpersonal skills that are the hallmark of a liberal arts education.”
Benedictine College
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Three Who Built Today’s Success At the Feb. 27, 2010 Scholarship Ball, President Stephen D. Minnis will present the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict award to honor the key contributions of husband and wife Jim, ’60, and Katie O’Brien of Leawood, Kan., and Darryl Jones, ’68, of Hurst, Texas. O’Brien is the Chairman of the Board of Benedictine College, and also one of the longest serving board members. He served as co-chair of the Faithful to the Story capital campaign, and along with wife, Katie have hosted numerous alumni events.
Fall 2009 Cross of the Order Honors O’Briens and Jones several roles at the college over the years, as a recruiter, coach, and associate director of the development office. “Jim and Darryl are ambassadors for us,” President Minnis said. “They allow us to put Benedictine College’s best foot forward with people who can help the college reach its mission.” The Cross of the Order of St. Benedict recognizes an invaluable contribution to Benedictine College’s mission of building a dynamic community of thriving faith and inspiring scholarship.
Jones, a current Benedictine College board member, is a key player in the college’s continued success. He has filled
We invite you to attend the 2010 Scholarship Ball and join us in honoring Jim & Katie O’Brien and Darryl Jones.
Their Legacy
Giving society honored
Benedictine College formally dedicated its Legacy Apartment housing complex with a blessing ceremony on Sept. 26. The college also unveiled the wall honoring members of the Legacy Society. “The Legacy Wall is really a very small way to show our appreciation,” said Tim Andrews, ’88, Director of Planned Giving. “It’s inspiring to see what the Legacy Society has done. The college couldn’t be expanding and improving without them.” Legacy Hall honors the Legacy Society, whose names are featured on a wall in the building. Included in the Legacy Society are those who have named Benedictine in their wills, trusts, life insurance policies, annuities, or retirement plans — or established a permanently endowed scholarship at a minimum level of $25,000.
Legacy Society dedication guests include (L to R): Terri, Joseph and Art ’51 Catrambone, who posed for a photo in front of the Legacy Donor Wall.
To join the Legacy Society and be recognized on the wall please contact Tim Andrews, Director of Planned Giving, at 913-360-7363 or email him at tandrews@benedictine.edu.
Benedictine College
Fall 2009
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‘Forward, Always Forward’ Despite New Needs
Minnis sets high goal for tough year
Tough economic times have meant that donations to The Benedictine College Fund have been steadily decreasing for three years in a row, even as the school’s needs mount higher than ever.
OSB, he said, “spent his whole life moving forward.” He founded 11 Benedictine Abbeys and 152 parishes. His impact was felt throughout the country, all the way to Atchison.
Record enrollment has meant that, despite the decreasing gifts, the BC Fund goal has had to be increased to $1.5 million.
Minnis said his favorite quote from Abbot Wimmer is: “Forward, always forward, everywhere forward! We must not be held back by debts, bad years or by difficulties of the times. Man’s adversity is God’s opportunity.”
It is in this context that President Minnis and the Benedictine College cabinet have chosen a theme for the 2009-2010 school year: “Forward, always forward, everywhere forward.”
“We here at Benedictine College know the truth of those words more than most,” said Minnis. “We were founded in the teeth of the Civil War, endured despite the Great Depression, and built in the face of World War II. From the very beginning, Benedictine College has lived in the crucible where man’s adversity becomes God’s opportunity.” Today, tough economic times are causing many schools of Benedictine College’s size in Kansas and Missouri to reduce services to students. But Minnis hopes that the Benedictine College community will step up once again.
“Last year was our 150th anniversary year,” Minnis told faculty and staff at the beginning of the school year. “This year, our theme will be the words of a great Benedictine pioneer.” Abbot Boniface Wimmer,
Record Numbers, Record Needs
“Instead of giving up in tough economic times,” said Minnis, “We can give more, and turn adversity into opportunity as we build one of the great Catholic colleges in America.”
Success means Benedictine College Fund Faces Largest Challenge Ever
428 Freshmen in the first class to top 400
505 New students, the most ever (includes transfers, international)
1,430 Student body, our largest enrollment in history
9+ out of 10 Student retention above 90% surpasses national average
Benedictine College
Light the Night nets $17,000 gift
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BC soccer has set, reached, and scored many goals
During the annual Alumni matches held on campus on Aug. 22, the soccer programs reached another goal with a key assist coming from their own alumni. In front of numerous members of the extended Raven soccer family, the Benedictine Raven Soccer Boosters presented Rob Herringer, men’s head coach, and Lincoln Roblee, women’s head coach, with a check for $17,000. The gift wrapped up an 18-month fundraising campaign that brought lights to the BC Soccer Complex, allowing the Ravens to showcase one of the premier soccer specific playing surfaces in the Midwest. “Very few soccer programs in the country receive the kind of support we get from our alumni,” said Coach Herringer. The $17,000 gift was the second substantial donation to the project that the Soccer Boosters gave to the “Light the Night” campaign. The alumni group gave the campaign a strong start in the spring of 2008 when they contributed a check for $20,000.
Fall 2009
President. “Benedictine College has played a big role in a lot of our lives. Giving to this project doesn’t just help enhance the soccer complex it also further enriches the strong community feel on campus. Soccer games have always been eventful at Benedictine; now with the games later in the evening even more fans will be able to enjoy them.” Over the last 15 years, the Benedictine Raven Soccer Boosters have been a very key part in helping to improve the soccer facilities on campus.
“Giving to this project doesn’t just help enhance the soccer complex it also further enriches the strong community feel on campus.” -Dennis Ayer, ’77
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“We’re very proud of the school and the soccer programs,” said Dennis Ayer, Soccer Boosters
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Benedictine College
Fall 2009
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Papal Blessings for Benedictine College
Pope’s represtentative praises school
Six bishops opened the school year at our Sept. 1 all-school Mass and Convocation, led by Archbishop Pietro Sambi - the pope’s U.S. representative. “I am very happy to bring each of you the blessing of our Pope Benedict XVI,” he said. He spoke of the importance of Catholic education and said, “Today, we pray in thanksgiving for one institution in particular: Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.” To read the transcript of Archbisbop Pietro Sambi’s speech go to: www.benedictine.edu/news.
Why we need your gift to the Benedictine College Fund... 1 gift of $50 ($50) Provides students with one more book in the library.
Ways to support the Benedictine College Fund: GIVE BY MAIL
Gifts made by check should be payable to Benedictine College and mailed to:
Benedictine College Office of Advancement 1020 North Second Street Atchison, KS 66002-1499
2 gifts of $350 ($700) Provides the Student Health Center with physicians assistants for one week. 20 gifts of $50 ($1000) Provides our graduating seniors with diplomas.
7 gifts of $150 ($1050) Provides a projector for a classroom.
50 gifts of $25 each ($1250) Provides 50 senior comprehensive tests.
100 gifts of $30 each ($3000) Provides the production for one play.
10 gifts of $100 ($10,000) Provides 25 Discovery grants (avg. $400 each).
50 gifts of $300 ($15,000) Provides repairs to a sidewalk. These are just a few examples of how your unrestricted gift to the Benedictine College Fund allows the College to direct resources each year to the most pressing issues and current opportunities in fulfilling its educational mission. *Amounts are approximate and averaged.
ONLINE GIVING
You may make a gift securely online using your debit or credit card. Visit www.bcconnect.org/bcannualfund.
GIFTS OF STOCK
By donating appreciated securities or mutual fund shares, you can provide a lasting contribution while receiving tax benefits, such as capital gains tax savings.
REAL ESTATE
Your gift provides a convenient way for you to enjoy a charitable deduction based on the current fair market value of your property, and it can reduce the size and complexity of your estate.
ESTATE PLANNING
Remember Benedictine in your will or estate plan. The official legal bequest language for Benedictine College is: “I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give devise and bequeath to Benedictine College [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.” Our federal tax ID# is 48-07777079. If you already have named Benedictine College in your estate plan, please contact us so we can welcome you to the Benedictine Legacy Society. We also offer life-income gifts that provide income and immediate tax benefits. For more information, please contact Tim Andrews, Director of Planned Giving, at 913-360-7363 or tandrews@benedictine.edu.
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID KCMO 2257
Our students are depending on you.
Benedictine College Office of Advancement Benedictine College 1020 North Second Street Office of Advancement 1020 North Second Street Atchison, KS 66002 Atchison, Kansas 66002 913-360-7414 www.benedictine.edu/giving
WE NEED YOU... Save the Date 27 February
2010
to become a member of our
39 Annual Scholarship Ball thCornerstone Society! Benedictine College is proud to announce our new annual giving society.
inside for details B e n e d i contSee i n e c llege how you canobecome a member today. Giving from the Heart