The Legacy of CBU BUCCANEERS
We are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with Publishing Concepts LP (PCI) to produce an Oral History of Christian Brothers University publication. This project presents an opportunity to collect stories and memories that breathe life into the CBU experience and bring alumni together across generations. What memory will you contribute?
As you walk down memory lane, consider these ideas:
• What made you choose CBU?
• Did a CBU professor or staff member profoundly impact your life?
• Have CBU connections developed into lifelong friendships?
• How has CBU impacted your career success, relationships, and/or life after graduation?
• Were you on campus during a historic moment?
• Are there multiple CBU graduates in your family?
• Did you play a sport or join a fraternity, sorority, or club?
Visit the site to order yours or find out more!
cbu.edu/buccaneers-the-legacy-of-cbu
Do you have updates about promotions, marriages, children, milestones, accomplishments and more?
Share them with the CBU Alumni Office by filling out the form at cbu.edu/class-notes.
Dear Alumni and Friends of Christian Brothers University,
As I reflect on the past year, I am deeply inspired by the overwhelming support from our alumni, friends, and community stakeholders. This collective commitment has been instrumental in propelling Christian Brothers University forward, allowing us to make great strides in advancing our mission. Your generosity and engagement have positioned CBU to continue growing and evolving, and for that, I extend my heartfelt thanks.
Since joining CBU as the Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations in June 2023, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an incredible team, dedicated to ensuring our alumni and supporters remain an integral part of the University’s ongoing success. Together, we are committed to fostering stronger relationships, providing meaningful opportunities for involvement, and securing the resources needed to support the University’s vision.
In the last year, we have focused on expanding communication, developing new initiatives, and creating opportunities for alumni to connect with one another and with the broader CBU community.
From the relaunch of the Bell Tower magazine to exciting new events and programs, these efforts reflect our dedication to strengthening the bonds that unite us all.
Your role in this journey cannot be overstated. The support we receive from alumni and friends like you plays a crucial part in shaping CBU’s future. As we look ahead, I am confident that, together, we will continue to build on the momentum we’ve gained and create a lasting impact for generations to come.
I invite you to remain connected with CBU—whether through attending an event, volunteering, or contributing philanthropically. Your engagement is essential to the University’s future, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do for Christian Brothers University. I look forward to working alongside you to advance our mission and shape an even brighter future together.
Ryan Flickinger Vice President for Advancement & Alumni Relations
Guided by Faith &Unity
Brother Chris’s Inspiring Return to Lead CBU
Christian Brothers University proudly announced on May 2, 2024, that Brother Chris Englert (‘77) had been chosen to serve as Interim President. In its announcement, CBU described Brother Chris as “beloved among CBU alumni, faculty, and staff” and lauded his lifelong dedication to the De La Salle Christian Brothers and their mission of education and service. His deep connection to CBU and the Lasallian tradition has shaped him into a leader whose heart is firmly anchored in the values of community, faith, and education.
“When I got the call to consider coming to CBU, I was on sabbatical in St. Louis,” Brother Chris shared. “I was at a retreat center, wearing jeans and hoodies every day — without any meetings whatsoever,” he added, laughing at the simplicity of the moment. The unexpected call, however, stirred something profound within him.
Brother Chris’s journey with the Christian Brothers began in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended La Salle High School. After graduating, he entered the postulancy in Glencoe, Missouri, and took his first vows in 1974. His first real taste of Memphis came soon after, when he arrived as a young scholasticate at Christian Brothers College, earning a BA in Humanities in 1977. Those years helped plant the seeds of his lifelong connection to the University and its people.
When his well-earned sabbatical was interrupted, Brother Chris had just completed four years as an auxiliary Provincial for the Christian Brothers Midwest District, a role that placed him at the heart of the Lasallian mission, overseeing ministries in seven states. “I traveled to schools and Christian Brothers communities across the world, from Rome to Egypt, Singapore, and the Philippines,” he explained. “It gave me the opportunity to see how the Lasallian mission fits within different cultures and religions.”
However, what endeared Brother Chris to the Memphis community most was his three-decade tenure as Principal and President of Christian Brothers High School. His leadership there became a hallmark of his career, and his service on the CBU Board of Trustees from 2011 to 2023 further deepened his relationship with the university he now leads.
Reflecting on the call to return to CBU as its interim leader, Brother Chris said it made him revisit the vows he took so many years ago. “The very first vow we recite as Christian Brothers is the vow of association — together and by association. St. John Baptist de La Salle never envisioned the Lasallian mission as something a Brother does alone. It’s something we do as a team. We’re all in this together.”
And it’s that spirit of unity, of being “in this together,” that makes Brother Chris’s leadership during this crucial time so vital.
Like many colleges and universities nationwide, CBU faces enrollment and financial challenges. The steady decline in first-time freshman enrollment since COVID and fewer students living on campus have compelled the University to make cuts and be more strategic with its course offerings. Despite significant progress last year, especially in fundraising, the University still has more work to do to achieve long-term sustainability while ensuring that students receive a first-class education.
In the face of these challenges, Brother Chris’s unwavering dedication and clear vision couldn’t have come at a more critical time. His leadership, steeped in Lasallian values, is not just about balancing budgets or solving problems — it’s about rallying the entire CBU community around a shared mission, with a deep belief that the future of the University is one that will flourish through unity, faith, and resilience.
Brother Chris’s journey, from a young man discovering his path among the Christian Brothers to leading a community he holds so dear, is a testament to his spirit. His story is one of hope, perseverance, and the unshakable belief that no challenge is too great when faced together. And with him at the helm, CBU is not only poised to overcome its current obstacles but to rise stronger than ever.
Christian Brothers University hosted a vibrant and unforgettable Alumni Weekend 2024, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and alumni for a weekend of celebration, service, and camaraderie. The event kicked off in style with the inaugural President’s Reception, hosted by Brother Chris at the scenic Old Dominick Distillery. Alumni and guests enjoyed food, fun, and breathtaking views from the rooftop patio while bestowing several honors on our alumni. Ms. Carolyn Henry (’92) was presented with the Distinguished Alumna Award, and the Golden Graduates from the Class of 1974 were celebrated with a special pinning ceremony.
Saturday began on a meaningful note with an Alumni Service Opportunity, where volunteers joined the De La Salle Christian Brothers to beautify their residence on campus. This was followed by a Mass, emphasizing the values of community and service that are central to CBU.
The weekend festivities culminated in the muchanticipated World of Beers celebration! Five local breweries set up shop on campus, offering a wide variety of craft beer samples, while One & Only BBQ kept the crowd energized with delicious food. The event was made even more special with the presentation of the Distinguished Young Alumna Award to Dr. Cameron Volpe Fili (’13), shining a spotlight on one of CBU’s brightest stars.
Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, games, music, and laughter filled the campus as alumni reconnected with old friends and made new memories. Special musical performances from CBU alumni Joseph Ferrante (’20) and The Michael Brothers (’09, ’11) added to the lively atmosphere, with The Michael Brothers closing out the evening in style on the Overton Park Shell on Wheels.
“It’s such a great opportunity for us to reconnect,” said Kristen Crone (’11, ’15), Alumni Board member. “I especially loved hearing the alumni bands that we used to watch back in college.”
CBU’s Alumni Weekend wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts of volunteers, staff, and sponsors, including First Horizon Foundation, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and One & Only BBQ, among many others.
To everyone who attended, thank you for making Alumni Weekend 2024 one for the books. We can’t wait to do it again next year.
ALUMNI WEEKEND 2024: A Memorable Celebration of Connection and Community
Dr. Cameron Volpe Fili (second from left) and the National Alumni Board
In the meantime, check out the event photos—let’s continue building lifelong connections and Buccaneer memories!
Carolyn Henry celebrates her award with Brother Chris
Alumni Volunteers help clean up Brothers’ residence on campus
The Michael Brothers take the stage to perform on the World of Beers Overton Park Shell on Wheels.
SEPTEMBER OF SERVICE
Christian Brothers University wrapped up its annual “September of Service” with an impressive 505 hours of volunteer work, completed by 125 participants. This year’s “7 Days of Good Deeds” initiative saw students, alumni, faculty, and staff coming together for nine impactful events across the Memphis area.
Volunteers contributed their time to a variety of causes, including beautifying a local park with Memphis City Beautiful, assisting the Refugee Empowerment Program with after-school activities, and sorting food for over 200 families at the Mid-South Food Bank. Other projects included cleaning and preparing trails at Overton Park, planting trees at the Lichterman Nature Center, and preparing a site for an outdoor mural with Paint Memphis. CBU’s campus also received some extra care, with participants cleaning the windows of Lambert Hall and Stritch Chapel.
This week of service reflects CBU’s ongoing commitment to fostering community engagement and promoting social responsibility in the Memphis area.
Embracing the Call
by Brother Christian Camacho
On Sunday, July 28, 2024, I looked over the Church at the National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese to see the Brothers of the Midwest District accept me as a Postulant and receive the official title of “Brother.” After spending three years living with the Brothers, I felt as if I had known these men for my whole life, achieving goals in life with them cheering me on. At times, when the going got tough, I relied on their insight and spirit to uplift me and keep going forward to build God’s holy kingdom.
The Brothers have been a consistent and pure presence in my life since I decided to take the first step in discerning what the Lord is asking of me. When I think of what it is like to live with the Brothers and share a community with them, I think of the Book of Samuel where Eli told Samuel to lay in his bed and say “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” and the Lord spoke to Samuel. I feel that the Lord encourages me each and every day through the Brothers and their encouragement of my vocation. I knew I wanted to become a Brother when I saw the importance of a Lasallian Education that helped me when I felt hopeless. I have been a part of organizations to have my voice heard to inspire generations on what it means to be a Gen-Z in such a polarizing world.
None of that would have been possible if it wasn’t for the influence of the Lasallian mission playing its part in my heart. Over time, I felt connected to the mission on a deep spiritual level, and I took the first step to becoming a Brother. I was a Lasallian Volunteer, and even at its closure, the Lord strengthened me and kept my Vocation alive to the core of my spirituality. I lived at CBU (also known as the Temple of Tolerance) as an Aspirant, which means I lived with the Brothers as a layman and partook in all Brothers’ activities. I spent my first year being involved with Campus Ministry, and the one thing I learned from that is that everyone should try their best to be a part of Campus Ministry in their capacity. The ability to connect with students and wear the many hats that are needed is truly a special ability. One day, you’re teaching students to pray; the next, you’re opening the food pantry for them and then you’re discussing their grievances as they deal with the death of a friend. These spaces are where Jesus wants us to be, the spaces where those entrusted to our care did not know that they needed us to be.
As I concluded my first year at CBU, I moved to CBHS and was welcomed with open arms as the Brothers asked me to sign their residency book — which dates back to the 1960s, when the community was first established at their new location on Walnut Grove. I never knew that writing my name would be the closure I needed to have my confidence strengthened in being called “Brother.”
As I look to continue my eighth year in Education, I start each day by saying “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” And through my ministerial activities, I hear the Lord in the voices of the students entrusted to my care.
Brother Christian with the Brothers Community (L-R): Br. Alan Parham (’94), Br. Tom Sullivan, Br. Christian Camacho, Br. Dylan Perry (’10), Br. Patrick Conway, Br. Chris Englert (’77), Br. Matthew Kotek (’15 and ’20), and Br. David Poos (’76)
BUCCANEER
Check-in
Dr. Mitchell’s Second Cohort of Aspiring Teachers
Dr. Cynthia Alexander Mitchell and the CBU Education Department hosted a graduation celebration for our second Aspiring Teachers cohort. This program is a true celebration of the very ideals that CBU was founded on. The participants are current Teaching Assistants in Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Through the collaboration between CBU and MSCS, these Teaching Assistants work to gain licensure so that they can move into teaching positions within the district. Every member of the first cohort had secured teaching positions within MSCS schools before they completed the program. We anticipate the same success for the second cohort!
Four Honors students recently presented their project solutions to a panel of judges during the Honors Lasallian Advocacy Colloquium. The Lasallian Advocacy Project is a year-long project through the Honors Program. Students identify a problem in our world today and come up with a solution that can be implemented within the CBU Community to promote change. The purpose of the project is to support students in becoming Lasallian Leaders who play an active role in addressing issues within our city and ultimately our world. The presentation of projects and plans for a solution of a societal problem is part of the criteria for the Honors Lasallian Diploma.
• Aryany Perez (History ’25): 1st Place Winner receiving $500 towards project solution!
Post-Secondary Counseling For Mixed Status Families
Project Problem: Inaccessible federal funding for First Generation & Immigrant Students
Project Solution: Holistic post-secondary counseling sessions for students & families
• Rachel Johnson (Psychology ’27): 2nd Place Winner receiving $300 towards project solution!
Reframing Campus Accessibility: Marketing a Lasallian Commitment to Inclusive Education
Project Problem: Accessibility of CBU resources for students
Project Solution: Increased marketing of counseling center, defined crisis intervention process, creating a promotional video for STARS, and educational workshops/updated flyers of CBU resources
• Tristan Henthorn (Biology ’25): 3rd Place Winner receiving $200 towards project solution!
The Premedical Pathway
Project Problem: Connection, Community, and Support for Pre-Med student
Project Solution: Create and implement a new registered student organization that fosters connection, resources, and training for students seeking medical school.
Tennessee Society of CPAs Scholarship Awards 2024
The TSCPA Scholarship Committee awarded 108 students with a scholarship this year. Three students from Christian Brothers University were given awards, totaling $5,000:
• J. Nathan Li (’24) | Memphis Chapter Award • $ 2,500
• Rowan Shackelford (’25) | Educational & Memorial Foundation General Scholarship Award • $ 1,000
• Benjamin Brocato (’25) | Educational & Memorial Foundation General Scholarship Award • $ 1,500
Mortgage Bankers Association of Memphis, Whit Agee Scholarship: Lucia Montes (Finance ’25)
Lucia Montes, a rising senior majoring in Finance and double minoring in Banking and International Business, was the recipient of the $1,000 Whit Agee Scholarship awarded by the Mortgage Bankers Association of Memphis. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Lucia graduated from Memphis Business Academy High and has maintained a position on the Dean’s list every semester at CBU. Beyond academics, Lucia contributes to her community by volunteering at both her church and school’s food pantries.
Her enthusiasm for Finance is fueled by the diverse learning opportunities the field offers. From comprehending personal finance and investment strategies to analyzing data and contributing to economic growth through sound financial decisions, she is motivated by the multifaceted nature of her chosen discipline. Looking ahead, Lucia envisions graduating with Honors in the Spring of 2025 and possibly exploring a career in banking, mortgage lending, or investing.
Lucia summarizes her CBU experiences as follows: “I am grateful for the opportunities CBU has given me, such as getting an education and living experiences such as this one. My favorite things so far have been the relationships I’ve built with my professors and classmates. Not to mention the ratio of students to professors, which grants us more individual attention and support. I hope to be able to give back as much.”
ANNUAL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AWARDS:
Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key
The KEY is an award which was established nationally in 1912 and at the University in 1964. This award is presented annually by the faculty of the School of Business to the graduate(s) with the highest grade point average.
2024 Recipient: Areli Cortes (’24)
R. Michael Cain Award
This award is presented by TSCPA to a student aspiring to become a CPA, with a particular emphasis on academic achievement and leadership characteristics.
2024 Recipient: J. Nathan Li (’24)
Moroni-Whaley Award
This award is presented by the School of Business faculty to the graduate who has merited this recognition for achievements, both academic and non-academic, especially during his/her final year.
2024 Recipient: Areli Cortes (’24)
School of Business Faculty Achievement Award
This award is presented to the business graduate who, in the opinion of the faculty of the School of Business, has demonstrated outstanding academic progress.
2024 Recipient: Adegboyega Salawu (’24)
James O. Parker Service Award
This award, named in honor of Professor James O. Parker for his many years of loyal and dedicated service to the university, is presented by the School of Business faculty to the business graduate who has demonstrated outstanding service to their fellow students, to the school, and to the community while progressing in the study and practice of business.
2024 Recipient: Susana Ramirez Lopez (’24)
Outstanding Master of Accountancy Graduate
This award is presented by the program administrators to the outstanding graduate(s) in this discipline.
2024 Recipient: Benjamin Brocato (’25)
Outstanding Master of Business Administration Graduate
This award is presented by the program administrators to the outstanding graduate(s) in this discipline.
2024 Recipient: Ahmad Alsaffar (’19 ,’24)
On Campus
What are you listening to?
Bruno Mars
Sonia Chavelas | Bus. Admin. ’24
Lil Wayne
Aidan Archibald | Psychology ’24
Queen
Vivan Rushing | Nursing ’28
The Weeknd
Collin Boyd | Creative Writing ’25
Oasis
Monnie Owens | Junior
Lizzie Berchie
Laylah Bass | Sophomore Gospel
Valerie Williams | Staff
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
In March, the Christian Brothers University Chemical Engineering students Andrew LeBorious, Berket Mesele, Calah Jackson, and Natalia Di Pasquale attended the AIChE Conference hosted at Auburn University where they participated in the Cookie Class and ChemE Jeopardy. This conference represents a new beginning for our AIChE Chapter as they begin prep work to compete in the ChemE Cube Competition next year.
CBU Finance Students Presented with $4,522 Performance Award
Students in the Investments Lab (FIN 340-L) and Portfolio Lab (FIN 440-L) outperformed the S&P500 Market Index in 2023 and were awarded a $4,522 Performance award by the Tennessee Valley Authority Investment Challenge Program (TVAICP). As part of the TVAICP, Finance students oversee and manage a $500,000 portfolio of real money for the TVA under the faculty oversight of Dr. Huiyang Li and Dr. Bjoern Claassen. Students are charged with outperforming the S&P500 and adhering to the guidelines provided by the TVA. CBU is part of a group of universities in the Midsouth that participates and competes in the TVAICP program. Students are thrilled about their achievement and hope to continue the outperformance for 2024.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
In March, Dr. Eric Welch took Christian Brothers University Electrical Engineering students Jacob Bollinger, Jodie Shusta, Jassir Henriquez, Jair Sanchez Rebollar, Viktoriia Grigoreva, Brian Luckett, Adam Moore, and Abdala Jabase to the IEEE SoutheastCon where they participated in the Robot Competition and the Software & Circuit Design Competition!
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
In April, Dr. Eric Welch took Christian Brothers University Mechanical and Electrical Engineering students Joseph Sandoz, Banks Caughman, Gemma Crowe, Carolina Cano Moreno, Ian Donan, Luis Villatoro, Andreas Demetriades, and Luis Martinez-Carbajal to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aero Competition in Lakeland, FL where they remote flew their plane that they designed and built in our own lab! This is a collaborative student project between the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering students the Gadomksi School of Engineering recently started participating in.
CIVIL ENGINEERING
During the first week of April, Dr. Andrew Assadollahi and Dr. Sam Hodges took the Civil Engineering and Construction Management students to the Mid-South ASCE Symposium Conference hosted at University of Tennessee at Martin where they competed against the following universities in these competitions: University Arkansas, Arkansas State University, Harding University, University Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Memphis, University of Tennessee at Martin, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Tennessee Tech University, Tennessee State University, Bryan College, Lipscomb University, and Vanderbilt University. They competed in the Steel Bridge, Concrete Canoe, Balsa Wood Bridge, and T-Shirt competitions!
They placed in the following competitions:
• T-Shirt Competition: 1st Place
• Steel Bridge Competition: 3rd Place
• Construction Speed: 2nd Place
• Cost Estimation: 1st Place
• Construction Economy: 2nd Place
• Overall (National Qualifier)
During the first week of June, the Steel Bridge Team competed nationally at Louisiana Tech University against 45 other nationally-ranking teams.
The Department of Physics and Natural Science and the School of Sciences hosted a viewing party for the almost total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, in the Plough Courtyard. The school provided eclipse glasses and the department provided a telescope for close-up viewing. The CBU Honors Program supplied snacks and drinks for the attendees. The weather was perfect and all were able to witness 98% of the sun covered by our moon at the eclipse peak.
CBU Student Wins Walt & Susan Patterson Award
Chris Warner (Computer Science & Mathematics ‘24) won the Walt and Susan Patterson prize for his project: “Predictable Games: How Two Rational Players Settle on Stable Strategies” at the Mathematical Association of America Southeastern Conference in March.
What are you reading?
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Jordan Long | MBA
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Xavier Caldwell ’27
The Bible and Dataclysm
Rachel Johnson, Psychology/Education
Dune by Frank Herbert
Archer McMenamin, Business ’28
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
Noah McGeary, Mechanical Engineering
The Shining by Stephen King
Michelle Shumpert, Natural Science
What are you watching?
Gravity Falls
Naveen Nair | Psychology ’26
Presumed Innocent
Dan Harper | Admissions
Hell’s Paradise
Keina Taylor | Creative Writing
One Tree Hill
Emily Schooler | Nursing ’26
Selling Sunset
Shirley Castillo | Bus. Admin. ’27
Attack on Titan
On Campus
Dany Mendoza | Civil Engineering
Distinguished Alumni Awards
PIVOTAL MOMENTS
Distinguished Alumna Award CAROLYN HENRY
Carolyn Henry (’92) was honored as CBU’s Distinguished Alumna at this year’s Alumni Weekend President’s Reception for her remarkable contributions to finance, film, and philanthropy, reflecting her dedication, creativity, and resilience.
LEAVE TO SERVE
Born in Clarksdale, MS, Henry faced early adversity, losing several close family members in a short time. Despite these challenges, she remained determined. After moving to Memphis in 1985, a mock interview with Dr. Inetta Rogers at the Memphis Urban League led to her first position at First Tennessee Bank, launching her successful finance career.
ENTER TO LEARN
While working full-time, she pursued her academic ambitions by taking evening classes at CBU and obtained her bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1992. She continued her education following her CBU graduation and received an MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2006.
With over 30 years in finance, Henry has worked with major organizations, including the IRS, Nations Bank, Trammell Crow, ServiceMaster, and FedEx Services. Since January 2021, she has been the CFO and shareholder of BLP Film Studios, where she helped establish a multi-acre film studio in Memphis to support the local economy. Her creative projects include producing and writing the drama series The City of Crosses, available on several streaming platforms, and executive-producing films like Hidden Orchard Mysteries and Lethal Love Affair. Several documentaries and feature films are slated for release in 2025.
In addition to her professional success, Henry is dedicated to community service. She serves on CBU’s Business Advisory Board, is a trustee of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s Circle of Friends, and volunteers with various local nonprofits, including Habitat for Humanity and FedEx Cares.
Christian Brothers University honors its distinguished graduates each year. These honors — the Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Distinguished Young Alumnus Award — recognize graduates who have achieved a notable level of success in life, made significant contributions to his or her profession, supported the efforts of CBU, and contributed to society through public service and/or church activities.
ENTER TO LEARN
Distinguished Young Alumna Award DR. CAMERON VOLPE FILI
Dr. Cameron Volpe Fili (’13) received the Distinguished Young Alumna Award at the Alumni Weekend World of Beers event. She was recognized for her work in veterinary and laboratory animal medicine and her volunteer efforts in animal welfare, community theater, and church choirs.
As a CBU student, Dr. Fili earned the Plough Scholarship, covering full tuition for four years. Graduating with honors in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, she went on to the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she graduated as salutatorian in 2017. She completed a residency in Laboratory Animal Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and became board-certified by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. Since 2020, she has worked as a veterinary medical officer at the FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research, overseeing large animal research and training government investigators in animal care.
FAMILY FOUNDATION
Dr. Fili continues a family legacy at CBU, which began with her grandfather, John McCabe (Class of 1960), and includes her parents, Lauren McCabe Volpe and Paul Volpe (both Class of 1984), her uncle, Rick McCabe (Class of 1984), and her brother, Jason Volpe (Class of 2010). Her parents also received the Distinguished Young Alumnus/a Award in 1993. Dr. Fili met her husband, Jonathan Fili, at CBU, where he graduated in 2013 with a degree in Engineering Physics.
LEAVE TO SERVE
Dr. Fili’s dedication to animal welfare began at CBU, with internships at Walnut Grove Animal Clinic and UTHSC’s veterinary labs. Her volunteer work has since expanded to the Homeless Animal Relief Project, Biomedical Research Awareness Day, and the Laboratory Animal Welfare Training Exchange Conference.
She also has a passion for music and theater. Dr. Fili sang in CBU’s Stritch Chapel choir and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church choir. After returning to Memphis for her residency, she and her husband led the music at Stritch Chapel. Since moving to Little Rock, they have been involved in community theater, with Dr. Fili stage-managing productions like Sweeney Todd and Chicago and performing as Mrs. Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
FROM THE
emembering Jack Schenkel
It’s impossible to talk about women’s soccer at Christian Brothers University without talking about Jack Schenkel.
Young John Edward “Jack” Schenkel had seen a lot of soccer played in his neighborhood while growing up in Toledo, Ohio, but he had never played much himself. It wasn’t until many years later when he got involved with church youth groups, his sons’ sports teams, and the Boy Scouts that he realized his love for the beautiful game. He came to CBU in 1986 to serve as an assistant coach for the men’s team. At the time, soccer was a very successful program at CBU, but it was only offered as a men’s sport.
Six years into Schenkel’s tenure, that would all change. In 1992, due to a generous donation made by local
grocer and philanthropist Jerry Seessel, CBU announced the addition of a women’s soccer team to its athletic programs — and Schenkel was named as its first head coach. When asked about his first season for the Fall 1992 issue of the Bell Tower, he commented that his players “are heroes, not only for the school but for themselves.”
Shauna Walker (’99), one of his former players, recalled how Schenkel went the extra mile to make her feel welcomed when she moved from Ohio to play at CBU. “He made sure I felt like part of his family. He set me up with an awesome freshman roommate, Megan Grover Criner, and made sure I got connected at CBU before school even started.” But his goal of connection didn’t end there. Coach Schenkel realized that he, Shauna, and Brother Michael McGinnis, CBU’s President at the time, all shared the same birthday. During Shauna’s collegiate career, he ensured that the three of them shared a nice dinner each year to celebrate their birthdays.
Wendy Percoski (’98), another former player, said Schenkel was always more concerned about the person instead of the player. He cared about imparting life lessons and giving his players the tools to grow into better adults. This is evident when you learn that he not only traveled across the country for the signing days and high school graduations of his future players, but he also later traveled to the weddings, major milestones, and even standing lunches with many of his former players.
During his time at CBU, Coach Schenkel led his team to the Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference (TCAC) Championship in 1994, when the Lady Bucs defeated Covenant College in a 5-4 victory. TCAC would cease operations as a conference during the 1995-1996 academic year, making Schenkel’s 1994 team the only women’s soccer team in CBU
ARCHIVES
history to be TCAC Champions. In the spring of 1994, he also coached men’s soccer at Houston High School, leading them to a State Championship. He also continued his work with Olympic Development teams. After leaving CBU following the 1997 season, he went on to coach at Saint Benedict at Auburndale Catholic High School until 2014.
Coach Jack Schenkel passed away on November 27, 2023 in Nashville, where he and his wife, Lorna, had moved to be closer to their grandchildren in his retirement. During his career, he coached and taught hundreds of young men and women. One of his players even made it to the Olympics. His family said it wasn’t as much the game of soccer that drove his passion; it was the young people he coached. The impact he had in the lives of his players, often being a second dad when they needed one, is what Coach Schenkel proudly counted as his most important achievement. He never met a stranger, and he made CBU feel like home to so many. He is greatly missed.
The Brother I. Leo O’Donnell Archives has digitized many moving image and sound recordings from its collections. This digitization project was funded under a Federal Grant through the National Historical Publications & Records Commission, distributed through the Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board.
Highlights of the digitized audiovisual material include:
• Homecoming 1965 and 1966, which include footage of the floats from those years
• Brothers in Concert Tercentenary Concert, including the Tercentenary Concert, which has audio of the
Brothers in attendance singing “Honneur a Toi” in honor of St. John Baptist de La Salle
• CBC Choral Club’s 1951 performance of Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan (with assistance from St. Agnes Academy, Holy Names High School, and St. Thomas High School), which was the starting point of the establishment of Buccaneers as the CBC/CBU mascot.
• CBU Basketball games from 1995 and 1996
According to US. News & World Report...
Christian Brothers University Recognized among the Best Colleges in the Nation
Christian Brothers University continues to rank among the nation’s best, securing top spots in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, including Best Regional Universities in the South, Best Value Schools, and Top Performers in Social Mobility. These rankings evaluate nearly 1,500 colleges based on key academic measures, emphasizing social mobility and student outcomes.
CBU’s consistent recognition reflects its commitment to academic excellence, Lasallian heritage, and transformative education – inspiring all to Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.
Rooted in faith, service, and community, CBU fosters an inclusive environment that attracts students from the Mid-South and globally.
The University ranked among the nation’s best in the following categories:
• Best Regional Universities in the South
• Best Value Schools in the South
• Top Performers on Social Mobility in the South
The Lasallian tradition, combined with academic excellence, prepares students from diverse backgrounds for success. Whether from the Southern region or abroad, students benefit from a close-knit community grounded in service and responsibility.
CBU’s reputation for transformative education is reinforced by accolades such as:
• “College of Distinction” 2024-2025 with special recognition in business, education, engineering, nursing, and career development
• Ranked in the top 20 U.S. Colleges for Economic Diversity by The New York Times Magazine
• Included in The Princeton Review’s 2024 Best Regional (Southeast) Colleges
• Ranked in Forbes 2023 Top Colleges
With its reputation for value and social mobility, CBU remains a top choice for students seeking leadershiporiented education. Prospective students can explore how CBU compares in the U.S. News’ Best Colleges rankings.
FACULTY SP OTLIGHT Dr. Bevalee Vitali 2024 Teaching Excellence Award
Recipient
CBU is proud to announce that Dr. Bevalee Vitali, Associate Professor of Management and Marketing, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award, an honor bestowed by the National Alumni Board. With 22 years of dedicated service to CBU, Dr. Vitali has played a pivotal role in shaping the University’s academic and leadership programs. Here’s what makes her a standout leader at CBU!
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP
Dr. Vitali’s most notable achievement is the establishment and administration of the Master of Arts in Executive Leadership program, which has gained recognition from prestigious organizations, including the Council of Independent Colleges and Women as Global Leaders. Throughout her career at CBU, she has held several key positions, serving as MBA Director, Director of the Center for Ethical Leadership, and currently as the Director of the Institute for Leadership Development.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
Beyond her academic roles, Dr. Vitali manages corporate, nonprofit, and governmental talent development initiatives for the University. Her leadership
development program, LeadingUp, received a top ten LEAD award from HR.com, highlighting her expertise in leadership education.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Dr. Vitali’s impact extends beyond the university campus as she actively contributes to the Mid-South region through leadership labs and management curriculum development. She also holds board memberships with the County Ethics Commission and NEXUS and currently serves as board chair for Literacy Mid-South.
TEACHING EXCELLENCE
Dr. Vitali’s impact on students is profound. One student remarked on her “genuine desire to teach” and her ability to convey the significance of the material for both personal and professional development. Her excellence in teaching, leadership, and community service makes her a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Teaching Excellence Award.
FORWARD ANNUAL FUND
The CBU Forward Annual Fund touches every corner of our campus, from scholarhips to social services for students. When you make a gift to CBU Forward, 100% of your donation goes to support students in every step of their journey as they Enter to Learn and Leave to Serve.
RYAN FLICKINGER Vice President
ryan.flickinger@cbu.edu (901) 321-3278
JOSEPH PRESTON Major Gifts Officer
jpreston@cbu.edu (901) 321-3509
AMY WARE Assistant Vice President aware1@cbu.edu (901) 321-3331
KAITLIN MCFARLAND Alumni Relations Manager
kmcfarla@cbu.edu (901) 321-3277
COURTNEY COOK Director of Scholarships & Grants
ccook9@cbu.edu (901) 321-4213
MARGARET MCDONALD Development Officer
mmcdon11@cbu.edu (901) 321-3542
MORGAN E. MANN Director of Annual Giving mmann@cbu.edu (901) 321-3543 Edited by
LISA MAYNE Manager of Advancement Services
lmayne@cbu.edu (901) 321-3276
Cory Dugan
Stefani Everson-Phillips
Tricia Warren
CLASS NOTES
1965
Joseph Cronin and his wife, Mary Ann, had their first date on February 14, 1963, at a CBUsponsored dance. He graduated in 1965 with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He and Mary Ann are retired and live in Hayes, Virginia.
1968
Although retired, Jack Kenney, DDS, MS, was recently recruited by Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry to assume a role with its postgraduate faculty as an assistant professor. Jack will teach pediatric specialty postgrad dentists and work with the Forensic Institute for Research and Education (FIRE) Institute at Middle Tennessee State University to implement a combined MS in Forensic Science with a concentration in Forensic Odontology in the two schools. Jack and his wife, Ying, also enjoy traveling and visiting with friends.
1969
Stephen Jaeger is retired and lives in Pflugerville, Texas. Before retiring, he owned SEC Engineering and worked for the Railroad Commission of Texas for 21 years. He earned a graduate degree in architecture and a PhD in architectural engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. Steve is researching gas fuels, does energy consulting, and enjoys rebuilding old motorcycles in his spare time.
1976
Chau Nguyen is enjoying retirement and lives in Huntington Beach, California. Chau received a BSEE from CBU in 1976 and married Lee Nguyen. They have two children, Angela, an associate professor at Cal State Fullerton, and Bert, an attorney in San Francisco.
1992
Lisa Splan Bracken was promoted to Director of IT Financial management at Huntsman International LLC. She has worked
with Huntsman for 15 years and is based in the global headquarters in Woodlands, Texas. Lisa and her husband, Earl, live in Spring, Texas.
1993
Shawna Engel (also MBA ’00) was appointed to the Board of Directors at Slingshot Memphis. Slingshot Memphis is a philanthropic fundraising service whose mission is to offer Memphians, regardless of social or economic circumstances, equitable opportunities for personal and economic success.
Shawna serves as Vice President of Business Development for Financial Federal Bank, a Memphis-based community bank providing expertise in Private Banking, Mortgage Banking, and Commercial Banking. She has worked in nonprofit fundraising and development, primarily for higher educational institutions; and has successfully managed multiple large-scale capital / project campaigns.
1995
Judge Rob Philyaw (also MBA ’97) was elected president of the Tennessee Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (TCFCJ) by its members from across the state. TCJFCJ is the official conference of Tennessee judges with jurisdiction over juvenile court. As a part of his new role, Rob will host the 2025 Joint Conference of the Judges’ Council and the Tennessee Juvenile Court Services Association in Chattanooga next August. He was named one of 150 Notable Alumni in celebration of the CBU’s 150th Anniversary in 2022, and obtained his JD degree from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis where he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Tennessee Journal of Practice & Procedure and where he received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence and the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award. Rob has been married to pediatrician Dr. Kathy Philyaw for 35 years. They have two children, Ben and Katie.
1996
Eric Ellis (also MBA ’01) was named as the President of the Memphis World Trade Club for 2024. Eric is currently the Regional Vice President for ContainerPort Group and has over a decade of experience working with intermodal and domestic trucking.
2000
Raquel Williams Dennie published her debut novel under the pen name Kelis Rowe. Raquel’s novel Finding Jupiter (Crown, May 31, 2022) is a literary Young Adult summer romance about star-crossed Memphis teens. It examines paternal conditional love and absence and how it affects how young people show up in life and love. It includes journal pages of art and blackout poetry from classic novels, including The Great Gatsby and Their Eyes Were Watching God. More about Finding Jupiter (kelisrowe.com)
Raquel entered her unique novel into a Twitter contest, which attracted dozens of literary agents. She ultimately sold it in a seven-way auction at Big 5 Publishing. Raquel received a two-book mid-six-figure deal, a UK Commonwealth deal, and a translation deal in Brazil.
She met her husband, Billy Dennie, at CBU and lives in Leander, Texas.
2001
L. Angela Webb was named president of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. She is the associate vice president for campus safety at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. Angela recently earned her master’s in operations management from the University of Arkansas.
2002
Analice Sowell (also MAT ‘05) started a new job in July of 2024 as a Training Manager in Environmental Health & Safety at St. Jude. She moved to St. Jude after a 13-year teaching career at Memphis University School.
2004
Dr. LaTia Watson received her doctorate in Public Administration in May of 2024 from Walden University. Her capstone project, Strategies for Financial Stability of Nonprofit Organization Supplemental Education Programs in Rural Tennessee, is published in the ProQuest database. LaTia is also a member of the Greek Sorority Sigma Gamma, Rho, and other organizations, including Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Golden Key International Honour Society.
2007
Kyle Markway started a new job as physical therapist at Peak Sport and Spine. This year he was also named head wresting coach at Helias High School. Kyle, his wife Jess and their two sons live in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Jay McDonald married Jennifer Rivers on September 21, 2024. Jay works as a senior portfolio analyst at TD Capital Management and Jennifer is an elementary school teacher at Farmington Elementary in Germantown, Tennessee.
2009
Andrew Assadollahi, PhD, PE, is having a big 2024! He is celebrating ten years as an educator at CBU in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department and became Dean of the Gadomski School of Engineering after serving as interim Dean, Chair of the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, and Associate Professor.
Herff College of Engineering highlighted Andrew for their 60 for 60 Series, celebrating 60 years of successful alums. He earned his Master’s (‘10) and PhD (‘13) at Herff. ABET recognized him for his significant contribution to its organization and technical education worldwide. Andrew serves as a program evaluator for ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science,
computing, engineering, and engineering technology. Andrew also became a first-time dad to a baby girl when he and his wife Christie, PhD, EI (’18) welcomed their daughter, Eileen, this year.
Kelly Crow, CPA, was installed as the 2024-2025 Chair of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA) this past summer. She’s a tax partner at Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck PLC in Memphis. Kelly has been an Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) Leadership Academy Graduate, a Council Member of AICPA, and a State Board Member of TSCPA since 2017.
2010
Dennis Guy was recently promoted to the rank of Commander of the MASSACHUSETTS (SSN 798), US Navy, Norfolk, Virginia.
Kaci Murley became the new Executive Director of Overton Park Conservancy in August of 2024. Kaci has served as the Conservancy’s Deputy Executive Director since 2019. She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership & Public Service from Lipscomb University. She serves on the Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s board of directors and the Overton Park Shell’s professionals board and is an advisory committee member for Leadership Tennessee.
2011
Nicholas Blankenship was promoted to the rank of Commander in the US Navy at Futures and Concept Division, the Joint Staff J7, Suffolk, Virginia.
Gabby Salinas will represent District 96 in the Tennessee House of Representatives when the 2025 legislative session begins. She won the Democratic primary for the district and faced no Republican or Independent opponents in the November 2024 election. Gabby is a pharmaceutical scientist who has also served as chair of the Shelby County Democratic Party. She also has sat on the boards of several local healthcare-focused organizations.
2012
Katie George Hooser (MBA) is among the Memphis Business Journal’s 2024 Superwoman in
Business honorees and the Women Who Lead in General Business. She has been with IMC Logistics for almost 17 years and is currently the Chief Marketing Officer.
2013
Mark Galinato was named Manager of Plant and Reliability Engineering at Forge Biologics (Columbus, OH) in January 2024.
Alex Shipp is starting a new position as Finance Director at PDI Technologies in the greater Atlanta area.
2014
James Bell (MBA) was named the new president and CEO of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce in September 2024. He, his wife Hedieh, and their two children will move to the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma community. James also served as Vice President for economic development at the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce, where he collaborated closely with community partners to support the growth of established businesses, helped launch startups, and successfully recruited dozens of early-stage technology companies to the area.
Julia Kueter Sleeper (also MAT ‘18) was recognized by the Arkansas Department of Education as a highimpact teacher for multiple years of student growth. This honor is only given to 50 teachers in Arkansas. Julia is employed by the Paragould School District. She is a member of the Greek sorority Alpha Xi Delta. While at CBU, she was involved in the Honors Program, Phi Alpha Theta, and Campus Ministry.
2016
Brent McGlaughlin and wife, McCarley, welcomed Keeton Patrick on October 6, 2024. Big brothers, Denton and Cayson, are also excited to have him home.
2018
Jeremy Calhoun (MBA) started a new position as Information Technology Project Manager for International Paper’s Delivery Management Center of Excellence. This role will allow Jeremy to use his technical skills and ability in Project Management with business
partners. Jeremy is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and community leader in Memphis. He is the founder and president of STS Enterprise Corporation.
Ali Crisp successfully defended her thesis this summer at Louisiana State University and was awarded her Ph.D. degree in astronomy at the summer commencement ceremony. The title of her thesis is “Constraining Giant Planet Occurrence Rates with the MultiBand Imaging Survey for HighAlpha Planets (MISHAPS) Observations of 47 Tucanae”. Ali has accepted a post-doctoral position at The Ohio State University. She will be working on two projects involving the NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope with Dr. Scott Gaudi. Both projects involve exoplanets, planets that exist outside of our solar system.
Megan Hutton graduated with a BA in English from CBU and moved to Tampa, Florida. She pursued and earned her MA in English at the University of Florida and then moved to Morgantown, West Virginia, where she earned her PhD in English from West Virginia University. She moved back to Memphis and is currently finishing up coursework remotely and teaching college composition courses online.
Halley McKinney works as a psychiatric RN and is working on her doctorate in UTHSC’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program. Halley is a member of the Greek Sorority Theta Tau.
2020
Ashley Bulluck, CPSM, is the new Marketing Co-Chair for the Greater Memphis Chamber Young Professionals Council (YPC). She is also a Marketing Specialist at Turner Construction Company in Memphis. Ashley joined the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society at CBU.
Megan Morrison works as a Counselor at Memphis Recovery Centers, a long-term rehab facility for those with alcoholism and drug addiction. She earned her BA in psychology from CBU in 2021 and recently received an MS in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from U of M in 2023.
Conor Samson (also MBA ‘23) was promoted to Senior Analyst, Business Transformation at Buckman! Conor will drive the organization’s strategic transformation agenda in this exciting new role across all regions and business units.
Cherina Spencer is an associate Data Analyst at Federal Express. She recently received her Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Memphis.
George Stuppy married Jennifer Bond on April 6, 2024. George is an assistant vice president at Independent Bank. He and Jennifer live in the Memphis metropolitan area.
2023
Virginia (Abby) Munzel (also MEd ’24) married Tanner Munzel (BBA ’21) in August 2023. They met at CBU in August of 2019. Abby is an elementary school teacher at St. Michael Academy in Nolensville, Tennessee.
2024
Susana Ramirez Lopez accepted a full-time offer to be an audit staff member with EY in the Memphis office! Susana graduated this past May with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a BBA with a concentration on International Business. She was Summa Cum Laude and President, & VP of Professional Development for Delta Sigma Pi.
2021
Lea Gray, EI completed her MS in Human Centered Design and Engineering (‘23) at the University of Michigan. She is an Account Associate for Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions in metro Detroit.
We want to hear what’s happening with you. Send us your Class Notes at cbu.edu/class-notes
IN MEMORIAM
1950s
Raymond Bujarski (’51) | November 28, 2023, Wichita, KS
Anthony Daddono (’55) | December 4, 2023, Waukegan, IL
Elmo Gallagher (’57) | May 11, 2024, Oviedo, FL
William Gunn (’58) | June 12, 2024, New York, NY
Davie Lloyd (’59) | July 2, 2024, Eads, TN
Joseph (Joe) John Sparagna (‘59) | June 17, Sonora, CA
1960s
Wayne Hoffman (’60) | November 11, 2023, Santa Barbara, CA
Carl Gustafson (‘61) | April 4, 2024, Yorktown, VA
Frank Joe Vernon (‘62) | June 30, 2024, Elba, NY
Ronald Williams (’62) | July 27, 2024, Northport, AL
Thomas Zahnen (’62) | May 16, 2024, Daytona Beach, FL
Walter Bobo (’63) | August 11, 2024, Sugarland, TX
Harry George Soldan, Jr. (’63) | March 24, 2024, Memphis, TN
Carlos Espinosa (’64) | May 24, 2024, Memphis, TN
Joseph Mayeaux (’64) | September 16, 2024, Jackson, MS
Otto Wilson Clifton, Jr. (’65) | March 3, 2024, Germantown TN
Samuel B. Chism, Jr. (‘66) | August 22, 2024, Phoenix, AZ
Francis Wapole (’66) | February 23, 2024, Lakewood Ranch, FL
Daniel Sullivan (’67) | April 17, 2024, Columbia, MD
George Arthur Sereika (’68) | January 31, 2024, St. Augustine, FL
Herbert Kraehmer (’69) | March 25, 2024, Sevierville, TN
Charles S. Pinzino (’69) | January 21, 2024, Gladstone, MO
1970s
Joel David Delpha (’71) | March 30, 2024, St Louis, MO
Richard D. Luther (’73) | December 25, 2023, Aurora, IL
Jay Marsh (’73) | December 28, 2023, Spring, TX
Henry Haeger (’78) | September 26, 2024, Carrollton, TX
Paula June Hickey Collins (’78) | December 26, 2023
1980s
Ellen Sue Anderson Kline (’82) | April 2, 2024, Anacortes, WA
James Felton Pugh (‘83) | March 2, 2024, Germantown, TN
Richard Kriz (’84) | November 8, 2024, Memphis, TN
Kenneth Simonis (‘85) | September 18, 2024, Gatlinburg, TN
Alan Jankowski (’86) | August 26, 2024, Memphis, TN
Coleen Doris Tarbell Willis (’86) | February 18, 2024, Rockaway Beach, OR
1990s
William T Bledsoe III (’90) | January 5, 2024, Memphis, TN
Patrick Henri Bolton (‘90) | September 18, 2024
Terry Cox (’91) | November 5, 2023, Fairfield Bay, AR
Jeff E. Curry (’92) | June 11, 2024, Memphis, TN
Dennis James Farrar (’93) | February 4, Memphis, TN
Leigh Ann Mills Riedel (‘90) | May 14, 2024,
James Rober Taylor (’94) | February 21, 2024, Memphis, TN
Karen Turner Williams (’97) | January 16, Lakeland, TN
Cherry Young (’97) | April 11, 2024, Memphis, TN
Marguerite Long (’98) | June 26, 2024, Renton, WA
Frank Nahlen (’98) | December 5, 2023, Hot Springs, AR
2000s
Franklin Norval Smith (’05) | February 6, 2024, Nashville, TN
Faculty/Staff & Friends 2023-24
Laura Geis Ackerman (Sister of Dr. Scott Geis, SoA) | July 26, 2024, Mendham, NJ
James Anthony Alsobrook (former student) | March 28, 2024, Chattanooga, TN
Elizabeth Barnett (Friend) | March 5, 2024, Memphis, TN
Earnest Barton (past Parent) | November 15, 2023, Saltillo, TN
Richard David (Dick) Campbell (former student) | February 23, 2024, Hot Springs, AR
Margaret Ellen Cardwell (former staff, Director of Library) | March 13, 2024, Memphis, TN
Irene Collins (former Faculty & Staff) | May 21, 2024, Southaven, MS
Lucia Gilliland (Friend) | August 1, 2024, Memphis, TN
Barbara Grebon (former Adjunct Faculty) | November 27, 2023, Germantown, TN
Timothy Owen Holcomb (former student) | June 20, 2024, Lebanon, TN
Brother Roman Jarosz (CBHS) | May 29, 2024, Memphis, TN
Michael Sean June (former faculty, Associate Professor, GSoE) | December 22, 2023, Lexington, KY
Amber Monique Lockhart (former student, Buccaneer basketball player) | March 14, 2024, Atlanta, GA
Scott McDaniel (Parent) | April 3, 2024, Piperton, TN
James McGehee (Parent) | June 3, 2024, Memphis, TN
Ned Nelson (Parent) | August 30, 2024, Germantown, TN
Felix Saino (Friend) | April 1, 2024, Columbia, MD
John Schafer (former Faculty & Staff) | November 22, 2023, Memphis, TN
Estelle Sheahan (Friend) | December 27, 2023, Collierville, TN
James (Jim) Straight (former faculty, GSoE) | January 27, 2024, Los Alamos, NM
Richard Trippeer (former Trustee) | December 2, 2023, Memphis, TN
Christopher Michale Vinson (Brother of Veronica Vinson, SoS) | December 22, 2023, Holly Springs, MS
William Edward Wade (friend) | February 29, 2024, Sycamore Township, OH
James Sturla (Jim, Jimmy) Werkhoven (former student) | July 22, 2024, Memphis, TN
Career Closet
Since 2013, the CBU Career Closet has been a tremendous resource for all students. Gentlyused (or in some cases, brand new) professional clothing items have been generously donated by alumni, employers, and other friends of the University to stock the Career Closet with dress shirts, pants, suits, ties, belts, blouses, dresses, skirts, shoes, and more. All items are free for students to take, to assist them in building their professional wardrobe for interview opportunities, internships, and full-time jobs.
Donations to the Career Closet are accepted in Career Services (Buckman Hall, Suite 207) year-round during regular business hours (8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday thru Friday).
CBU
NOVEMBER 12
ESTATE PLANNING 101 WITH JAY HEALY
November 7 | 5:30 - 6:30 pm
INNOVATION LAB RIBBON CUTTING November 12 | 5:00 - 7:00 pm ALUMNI TRIVIA NIGHT April 11
CAREER SERVICES WORKSHOP FOR ALUMNI January 30 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm HOMECOMING February 8 Women’s Game • 1:00 pm Men’s Game • 3:00pm
Photo courtesy of Mauricio Ramirez Photography
