WINTER 2015 MAGAZINE
RED never fades
It’s been over 40 years since intercollegiate athletics began at Saint Ben’s. We’ve come a long way.
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INSIDE
• Nursing department begins renovation p. 4 • The nation’s most outdoorsy campuses p. 7 • Carol Howe-Veenstra leaves a lasting legacy p. 14
IN THIS ISSUE
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College of Saint Benedict Magazine is published three times a year by the office of Institutional Advancement. EDITOR Tammy Moore CONTRIBUTORS George Dornbach (SJU ’18) Laura Fox ’15 Corey Hickner-Johnson ’07 Kristin Sawyer Lyman ’00 Sara Mohs Tommy O’Laughlin (SJU ’13) Leah Rado Greg Skoog (SJU ’89) Emily Stamp Courtney Sullivan
COVER PHOTO This photo, circa 1970s Blazer softball, proves that uniforms may change, but the spirit of Blazer athletics lives on. CONTACT College of Saint Benedict Magazine Institutional Advancement 37 South College Avenue St. Joseph, MN 56374-2099 For address changes, please call 1-800-648-3468, ext. 1 or email csbalumnae@csbsju.edu
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Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer
FEATURES 10 18 20
Making the Team Sporting the Piano Sounds Like Home
DEPARTMENTS 1 2 4 26 27 34 37
Message from the President Worth 1,000 Words News I’m a Bennie Class Notes Bennie Connection Generosity
The mission of the College of Saint Benedict is to provide for women the very best residential liberal arts education in the Catholic university tradition. The college fosters integrated learning, exceptional leadership for change and wisdom for a lifetime.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Confidence DEVELOpING
I was very fortunate to have a number of opportunities to see Blazer athletics in action during the fall. Over the course of many competitions, I learned a great deal about volleyball and soccer, and I look forward to a robust education in basketball and hockey throughout the winter. (A special thank you to Carol HoweVeenstra and all of her coaches who taught me!) In addition to the many technical lessons though, the most important lesson for me was witnessing the power of athletics for young women off the field and court. You see, while our Blazers are fierce competitors (soccer, volleyball and dance were nationally ranked, the CSB cross-country team finished in the top four in eight of the nine races it competed in this season, and Blazer golf took fifth at the MIAC championship), Blazer athletics is about far more than wins and losses.
These are young women who have trained hard to be successful in their chosen athletic program and who use the confidence built through athletics to bolster their successful performance in the classroom and in myriad leadership activities. A recent article in The Atlantic cites research showing “Success, it turns out, correlates just as closely with confidence as it does with competence.” Our student-athletes learn to be confident on the court and this confidence carries over into all they do. Our student-athletes had an average GPA of 3.4 in 2013-2014, with our tennis team having an average GPA of 3.6. These are young women who have trained hard to be successful in their chosen athletic program and who use the confidence built through athletics to bolster their successful performance in the classroom and in myriad leadership activities. The same article shares, “Girls who play team sports are more likely to graduate from college, find a job and be employed in male-
dominated industries.” As we think about educating women for the second century of CSB and to compete globally, developing confidence is a top priority. Blazer athletics is one key component in that strategy. Our programs build young women’s confidence during their time at CSB and for a lifetime beyond our campus. As you review this edition of our magazine, know that our development of student-athletes is an important part of our mission to ensure young women have both the competence and confidence to take advantage of every opportunity before them.
Mary Dana Hinton College of Saint Benedict President
WORTH 1,000 WORDS WORTH 1,000 WORDS
10,001 Lakes
Allison Steen ’16 takes a break from kayaking on Lake Brienz in Switzerland to enjoy the view of Iseltwald. “I paddled by a small castle, little lake homes, and farms in the most charming, stunning countryside I had ever seen. From Minnesota of 10,000 lakes, this experience felt a little like home away from home.”
PHOTO BY KADRIAN HILL ’16
NEWS NEWS
heart rate and vocalizations of the manikins and monitors in the room. Faculty members will also be able to observe multiple simulations going on at the same time. • Two interactive classrooms, where faculty members can circulate throughout the room observing high-impact problem solving activities such as a patient and family scenario. • A large contextual-learning/practice laboratory where students can move between group problem solving and handson psychomotor skill practice. It will be an ideal space for faculty to observe multiple students during practice simulations.
CSB Embarks on Nursing Department Renovation In medical terms, the nursing facility at the College of Saint Benedict was close to flatlining. Built in 1973, the area
on the fourth floor of the Main Building was designed long before sweeping changes came to the medical field, in terms of both pedagogy and technology.
But building on the tradition of excellence and leadership we’ve established in nursing, that facility will be changing for the 21st century. This spring, CSB will begin renovating and expanding the nursing facility. The $2.5 million renovation is made possible, in part, through a $700,000 gift by Guy and Barbara Schoenecker; a $500,000 grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation; and other donations. The Schoeneckers gave an additional $500,000 to endow the nursing program, to accompany a previous commitment of $500,000 by CSB alumna Sharon Ridgeway ’81; both gifts will ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. The renovated facility will be known as the Schoenecker Nursing Education Center, in recognition of their generous lead gift. “The donations and grant recognize the transformational potential of this renovation project and the college’s role in providing high quality health care in the region,” 4 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
says President Mary Dana Hinton. “The renovation will not only transform the physical space in which we teach nursing at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, but also enhance the quality of instruction we are able to provide our nursing students.” The goal is to help future nurses meet current and emerging health care demands by creating a realistic work environment. It is expected to be completed by the end of fall semester, 2015, with the department being temporarily housed in Richarda Hall while the renovations take place. “This renovation finally allows us to create a simulated learning space that is up-to-date,” explains Carie Braun, professor of nursing and chair of the department. The redesigned area will include: • Six simulation rooms, which are small, flexible spaces that will look like actual patient care settings. (The old setting resembled more of a hospital ward.) The rooms will be equipped with ceilingmounted cameras and microphones, so students can record and analyze their experiences. • A simulation control center where faculty members can control the blood pressure,
• A fully functional nurses’ station — the hub of any hospital unit. Students will prepare for entering the simulation rooms to provide care. At this station, students and faculty can create a setting for interdisciplinary collaboration. • A seminar space for small group meetings (up to 18 students) to conduct business, discussions and presentations. The nursing major, which began in 1971, serves 162 CSB and SJU students a year (54 seniors, 54 juniors, 54 sophomores) and employs 17 full-time faculty. Over 2,000 alumnae/i serve in the health industry around the world. The National Council Licensure Examination passage rates for CSB and SJU students consistently exceed the national average. Individually, nursing is the fourth-largest major at CSB; one in five CSB students come to the college seeking nursing as a major. “We continue to educate nurses within a liberal arts environment and in the Benedictine tradition of serving the needs of our community,” says Hinton. The Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict, who founded the college in 1913, have a history of serving central Minnesota’s health care needs as the founders of the region’s first hospital in 1886. The hospital expanded into what is known today as St. Cloud Hospital, one of several hospitals and clinics within the CentraCare Health System. The renovation will allow CSB/SJU to sustain the Sisters’ legacy to serve the health care needs of the St. Cloud region and beyond.
CSB and SJU Named to President’s Service Honor Roll
Both Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s were recently named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
It is the fourth consecutive year both schools have been named to the honor roll, which was released Dec. 8 in Washington, D.C. A total of 766 higher education institutions were named to the honor roll. The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll began in 2006 after thousands of college students
A Different Kind of Winter Getaway
traveled to the Gulf Coast to support relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The honor roll highlights the role colleges and universities play in solving community challenges. In 2013-14, 273 CSB students and 201 SJU students completed a service-learning project. The 474 total students completed 9,394 hours of service.
CSB/SJU students offer their talents, experience new cultures during winter Alternative Break Experience (ABE) trips. The trips, offered through CSB Campus Ministry, allow students to participate in domestic and international serviceoriented trips. Winter ABE participants volunteered at Chimbote, Peru (Friends of Chimbote); Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic (Fundacion Mahatma Gandhi); and San Francisco (Faithful Foods).
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NEWS NEWS
100K in a Day (and then some!)
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In November 2013, the Saint Ben’s annual giving team set a goal to raise as much money as possible in 24 hours to support scholarships at Saint Ben’s. With the help of alumnae, parents, friends, faculty, staff and students, the 2014 event was even better.
On Nov. 12, 2014, alumnae, parents, friends, staff, faculty and students made up 848 generous donors who contributed $285,376.02. Thanks to the contributions of 11 donors, who provided $125,000 in matching dollar grants, every dollar was matched until the grants were exhausted 18 hours into the challenge. “We are grateful and overwhelmed by the support we received during the $100K in a Day challenge,” says Maggie Weber Utsch ’00, director of annual giving. “Every gift was instrumental in helping us achieve the largest single day of online giving in Saint Ben’s history. The best part is that current and future Bennies will witness the extraordinary example of what is possible when this community rallies together.”
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CSB/SJU Easily Captures Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge Call it a love for the great outdoors or a determined Minnesota work ethic, but it’s what drove the CSB/SJU community above nine other colleges to take the top title in the Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge, which ended Nov. 22.
CSB/SJU totaled 162,880 activity points to easily outdistance second-place Michigan Tech University, which had 48,910 activity points. Ten schools competed in the eightweek challenge. CSB/SJU will receive a prize package including a scholarship for an outdoor program assistant, a custom gear library and an outdoor campus festival.
During the competition, participants — students, faculty, staff, alumnae/i, parents and friends of CSB/SJU — could selfreport their outdoor activities through an interactive website. The challenge aimed to reverse a drop in participation in outdoor activities among young Americans.
This gear pack, valued at around $10,000, is just part of the first-place prize. Pictured are: 15 North Face technical backpacks, 20 North Face sleeping bags, 11 North Face tents, 20 camping pillows from Keeper Sports, 20 sleeping pads from Keeper Sports, 5 LED 10-day lanterns from UST Brands, 7 Black Diamond headlamps, 48 CamelBak water bottles, and 48 REI Nalgene water bottles.
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NEWS NEWS
Leave Their Mark on the Volleyball Program BY | LEAH RADO
This year, the College of Saint Benedict volleyball team graduates its largest class in the history of the program. Kelly Davenport, Taya Kockelman, Victoria Nass, Callie Neumann, Lexi Rinde, Bailey Rykken and Sophie Stangl all spent four seasons with the CSB volleyball team and Head Coach Nicole Hess, and helped the Blazers put up some impressive numbers. From 2011 to 2014 — the four years the Blazers’ seven seniors took the court — CSB went 92-36 overall and 36-8 in the MIAC and made four trips to the NCAA Division III National Tournament. 8 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
Between the seven seniors, the group achieved these additional milestones: • 21 straight weeks ranked in the AVCA Division III poll (Oct.23, 2012, through Nov. 11, 2014) • 8 MIAC Athletes of the Week • 7 All-MIAC First Team selections • 7 wins against top-25 teams • 6 — the highest AVCA Division III ranking for CSB since 1997 • 5 All-Central Region honorees • 5 All-American athletes • 4 season finishes in the top four in the MIAC conference • 1 appearance in the NCAA Sweet 16
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the BY | GREG SKOOG (SJU ’89)
A MONUMENTAL SHIFT HAS COME ABOUT IN AMERICAN WOMEN’S SPORTS IN THE LAST CENTURY radual changes in women’s physical education and amateur sports during the 1940s and ’50s were accelerated by the feminist movement of the 1960s. But the landmark moment for women’s sports came with the passage of Title IX of the Federal Education Amendments of 1972, which banned gender discrimination in educational settings and effectively guaranteed women’s legal right to an equitable share of athletic opportunities and resources.
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Title IX opened the floodgates and, in the ensuing decades, resulted in a fundamental shift in women’s and girls’ sports that’s evident on playing fields, in the media and here at the College of Saint Benedict.
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W.A.A. For decades at CSB, the Women’s Athletic Association (W.A.A.) was a key part of student life. If Saint Ben’s was going to develop young women — body, mind and soul — then the W.A.A. was charged with the “body” part: “The W.A.A.’s main objective is to offer a program of sports and recreational activities so varied and attractive that it will interest every girl in school…. One evening each week the W.A.A. will sponsor a Play Night in the gym, and every night after study hour there will be figureimprovement classes.” - The Benet, October 1942
The student-run W.A.A. tracked points for participation and pursued “the best recent theory of leisure”: “The best recent theory of leisure emphasizes the advisability of selecting such activities as will have a strong carry-over value for adult life. The policy of the W.A.A. is in full agreement with this theory. Its further aim is to develop in future teachers, mothers, and social workers the ability to direct the leisure time of others.” - 1946-47 Bulletin of the College of Saint Benedict
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INTRAMURALS It wasn’t until 1972 that Saint Ben’s put an actual intramural sports program in place with the arrival of new Recreation Director Carol Agnes. Basketball, the first intramural sport, was established during the 1972-73 academic year, along with a jogging club. (Because, as an article in The Torch explained, “It’s amazing how much healthy vigor one can accumulate by the marvelous exercise of running.”)
INTERCOLLEGIATE The 1973-74 academic year brought the introduction of Saint Ben’s first intercollegiate teams — basketball and volleyball — but also poignantly demonstrated the teams we didn’t have. That year, Toni St. Pierre ’77 (who had already become a pioneering advocate for women’s sports in high school by filing and winning a landmark federal court case that allowed her to race with the Eisenhower High School boys’ cross country team, since there was no girls’ team) became the first woman to run with the Saint John’s cross country team. At the time, Toni acknowledged that there were drawbacks to participating on the Saint John’s team: “Saint John’s is a whole different school from Saint Ben’s. It’s a whole different college technically. And even though I can run with their team, I’m not officially on it. I’m just put as ‘independent’.”
BLAZER TEAMS AND THEIR BEGINNINGS Volleyball Basketball Swimming Tennis Softball Cross country Soccer Track & field Golf Hockey Nordic skiing*
1973 1973-74 1974-75 1975-76 1975 1983 1983 1987-88 1987-88 1997 1999
*returned to club status 2011
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BACKING THE BLAZERS Fielding a successful college team takes commitment, determination, hard work and sacrifice. And not just from the players. From the beginning, Saint Ben’s administrators, alumnae and friends have worked to make sure student-athletes have the facilities and equipment they need to compete and win. In the early years of volleyball that meant playing home matches in the old gym in what is now Murray Hall. By all accounts, it was less than ideal. In a 1976 interview, then-Gustavus Adolphus coach Gretchen Koehler declared, “In the future, I would find it difficult to justify scheduling contests in volleyball with Saint Ben’s at the Saint Ben’s home court if the home court continues to be the same facility.” That all changed in February 1985, when the last game of the 1984-85 Blazer volleyball season was played in the brandnew Claire Lynch Hall. “Claire Lynch Hall clearly was a message that the women of today need legitimate athletic facilities — not just recreational facilities,” says Athletic Director Carol Howe-Veenstra. The construction of Claire Lynch Hall is also a testament to the commitment and ingenuity of S. Emmanuel Renner ’49, who was president at the time, for finding a way to get it done without distracting from the building of the also-much-needed Clemens Library. Facilities are a visible statement of commitment to developing a great program. They’re the key to recruiting and retention when it comes to studentathletes. “Years ago we were in the mix — we were at least in the top half of the MIAC with regard to our facilities,” explains Carol. “Now we have areas where we’re playing catch up. There will always be competition for resources, but the college has plans for facility development.” “In my second year coaching volleyball,” Carol remembers, “we qualified for the NCAA tournament. And that was back before the NCAA provided for travel expenses. I remember talking with (then CSB President) S. Colman (O’Connell ’49), and asking her, ‘Is this the sort of
thing where you want us to be good … but not so good that it costs us money?’ And S. Colman told me very clearly: ‘You win. We’ll figure out the money.’ That was exactly the message I needed to hear.”
SEASONS OF SUCCESS Since joining the MIAC, Saint Ben’s has won a combined 28 conference championships in five sports. We’ve also sent all of the following teams and individuals to compete as Blazers at their respective NCAA tournaments: Volleyball 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Basketball 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 Swimming & Diving 1997 (individual qualifiers) 1988, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002 Tennis (individual qualifiers) 1987, 1988, 1989, 1993, 2005, 2006 Softball 1993, 1994 Cross country 1994, 1997 (individual qualifiers) 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2004, 2005 Soccer 1990, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2007, 2011, 2013 Track & field (individual qualifiers) 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012 Golf (individual qualifiers) 1998, 2009, 2010 Winter 2015 | 13
in a
GOING OUT
OF GLORY BY | LEAH RADO
“ IT’S KIND OF FUN TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE.”
hose simple words are written on one of several plaques that adorn Carol Howe-Veenstra’s office in the CSB athletic department. They are words to which Carol can relate.
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From lifting the volleyball program into the NCAA playoffs in her second year of coaching to stretching the available money to make room for one more varsity sport for female athletes, Carol has achieved the impossible many times. And now, after 30 years with Blazer athletics, she’s taking one more seemingly impossible leap: she’s stepping aside. Carol, who came to CSB in 1985 and served as the head volleyball coach for 15 years and the school’s athletic director for the last 28 years, is retiring June 19. Leaving won’t be easy for Carol, who is 14 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
rooted firmly in the sports community in both St. Cloud and Minnesota. “I love my job. I still loved coaching when I chose to step out,” Carol explains. “I want to leave while I still enjoy work every day. That’s what’s always been important to me; that I leave when things are going well.”
COACHING SUCCESS It’s easy to look back at Carol’s coaching career and mark her success by numbers — by wins and losses (366-150), All-Americans (10) and all-conference athletes (14). From 1985-99, she guided the Blazers to 11 trips to the NCAA Division III National Tournament, including seven trips to the Sweet 16. She earned MIAC Coach of the Year honors in 1989 and 1997, and was named the NCAA Central Region Coach of the Year in 1986 and 1990.
CELEBRATE LIKE A CHAMPION Mark your calendar and make plans now to join us on campus to celebrate and thank Carol for her years of service.
12-2 PM SUNDAY, MAY 17 Gorecki Center, second floor Find out more and register at www.csbsju.edu/csb-alumnae/brunch
RAISING THE BAR
SET FOR THE FUTURE
During her tenure at Saint Ben’s, Carol has preached more than just success on the court. Her passion lies in making sure that women — especially Blazer athletes — have every possible opportunity to play the sport they love, and to excel at it.
Carol played an integral role in adding both golf and track and field as varsity sports in 1987. And in 1997, with support from administration, she put together resources to add a varsity hockey program.
“Carol has very high standards,” says Mary Geller, CSB vice president for student development. “Her staff works hard because she expects the absolute best in terms of performance and character. “I think it’s the high expectations that have really led the Blazers to be not only winners in the MIAC, but if you look at the quality and characteristics of our student-athletes both academically and personally, these are well-developed, confident young women.” Noted Blazer fan S. Lois Wedl ’53 agrees. “Walk like a champion. Carol instilled that quality and belief. When students graduate, they believe they can succeed and they have confidence they can overcome.”
“Carol has been the foundation and the driving force in CSB athletics,” says LuAnn Reif, professor of nursing at CSB/SJU for 33 years and the CSB athletic department’s faculty athletic representative for 30. “She has committed herself to establishing a vision and support of excellence for the department. As importantly, Carol has also been the champion for the development of women athletes. Through her leadership, she has touched thousands of students and has inspired many to the ongoing pursuit of excellence.” Carol has been recognized both locally and nationally for her work, culminating, in 2011, with being named the Administrator of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators — an award that spans all divisions of college athletics.
“There are few moments in life when you get to work alongside a legend,” observes President Mary Dana Hinton. “But I know that when the histories are written and Saint Ben’s looks back at the end of its second century, Carol’s impact will be at the forefront. She is, truly, a legend.” “It’s difficult to summarize what a person has meant to you professionally and personally,” ponders Blazer basketball coach Mike Durbin, who is entering his 29th year with the program. “Carol has been a friend and mentor to me. Selfishly I’m sad, but I couldn’t be happier for Carol, because 30 years is a long time, and she’s accomplished so much. She has left the department in a position of strength on so many fronts.” “I think [Carol leaving] is both a challenge and an opportunity,” agrees Geller. “It’s an exciting time in women’s athletics. We have a lot to offer the next athletic director coming in. They’ll be inheriting a phenomenal coaching staff and some great plans for new facilities. It’s easy to sell Saint Ben’s.”
“WALK LIKE A CHAMPION. CAROL INSTILLED THAT QUALITY AND BELIEF. WHEN STUDENTS GRADUATE, THEY BELIEVE THEY CAN SUCCEED AND THEY HAVE CONFIDENCE THEY CAN OVERCOME.” Winter 2015 | 15
BY | COREY HICKNER-JOHNSON ’07
hen I visited CSB for the first time, I had my deposit in at another school. I only visited to appease my father, whose father had been a Johnnie. Originally a Michigander, I knew little about Minnesota and less about CSB. When I found out that cross country and track coach Robin BalderLanoue ’91 was meeting me and my parents for lunch during my on-campus visit, I was surprised. My high school times were better than average, but I was no superstar. Though I’d been emailing with coaches at other schools, none of them met with me during my on-campus visits. From my very first encounter with Blazer athletics, I felt special.
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I expected that lunch to be like other adult conversations where I smiled quietly while the grown-ups chatted about the weather and sometimes about the trajectory of my future. But there was none of that at my first lunch with Robin. Robin wanted to know my favorite distances, what I wanted to study and if I liked Cheerio M&M bars (which I soon learned were a scrumptious treat that I have never found anywhere else besides 16 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
CSB). She wanted to know about me, and she expected me to know about myself. This was a new experience. I wanted more of it. So, I became a Blazer. I could never have imagined in 2003 how much my decision to be a Blazer would foreground my identity and how much it would contribute to my self-making as a woman. I learned invaluable skills and life lessons as a Blazer. First of all, I learned that what I do and who I am matters. I remember CSB Athletic Director Carol Howe-Veenstra at all of our conference cross country races in St. Paul, her blue eyes brightening the soggy autumn Como golf course. Somehow, she always knew my name, and for some reason, she had no problem hugging sweaty post-race Blazers. Knowing that the athletic director of my entire college knew my name — and wanted to hug me — meant the world to me. Robin reinforced my belief in myself. She taught us Blazers to always do our best. At the same time, she was always there when we couldn’t do our best due to injury or stress. Robin was my greatest cheerleader. Even now, when I’m having a bad day, I sometimes think of her — wearing a
“As much as I learned to listen to my body, I also learned to listen to my heart. I developed lifelong friendships with amazing and inspiring women with whom I still chat weekly — even though we live far apart.” full-body rain suit in 30 degree weather, shouting encouragement every 400 meters. In a world where young women are under constant pressure to be all and do all, Blazer athletics taught me that my best effort was always more effective and more genuine than trying to be perfect. Robin and Carol were excellent role models and teachers. I learned how to be a leader during my time as a Blazer. I was the captain of the cross country team with several other seniors. We learned to delegate tasks and to collaborate on projects. With school and track and cross country, we also learned how to manage our time well. At Robin’s prompting, I became a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. I had no idea what a committee was or what to do at a committee meeting. But I quickly learned. After graduation I became a teacher and, shortly after, the chair of my school’s professional development committee.
Blazer athletics also gave me a way to find solace in this rat race of a life: the run. I still run fairly regularly. Especially when I need to really think or decompress, running is my go-to move. It’s lonelier now, of course, without my teammates, but I have acquired two very nice dogs in their absence. There is something about those backwoods
As women, we are bombarded by cultural prescriptions about our bodies — to be thin, to be graceful.... Blazer athletics taught me to care for my body and to be kind to my body. Of course the 800m was not so kind, but Robin always encouraged ice bathing, stretching and weeks off in between seasons. I learned to listen to my body, to understand when I am stressed, and to use exercise as a way to alleviate some of the pressures of modern womanhood. As much as I learned to listen to my body, I also learned to listen to my heart. I developed lifelong friendships with amazing and inspiring women with whom I still chat weekly — even though we live far apart. In March, eight years after graduation, we are gathering to celebrate a birthday. Blazer athletics taught me to see women as teammates and confidants, not as competitors. (Unless, of course, they’re from a competing team!) In our society,
trails at CSB/SJU — those desolate country roads, those lakes and spaces of prairie — that I can never forget. I find myself back there sometimes, my mind adrift in reverie. And I remember pounding my feet on a leaf-carpet trail with a pack of Blazers. I remember sun through pine trees and the smell of earth. I remember my heart beating nearly through my ribs, trying to make a sub-80-second interval with my teammates. That is where I go when life gets tough. Blazer athletics has given me a space in my heart from where I draw my strength.
Emily Cook-Lundgren ’06 and Corey Hickner-Johnson ’07 both proudly ran in Blazer red.
women are quick to judge one another. Blazer athletics taught me to connect with other women and use our collective energy for something greater. Corey Hickner-Johnson ’07 ran cross country, indoor track and outdoor track for Saint Ben’s from her arrival in 2003 through her graduation in 2007.
I’m not sure who I would be without my Blazer experience. Right now, I am working on a Ph.D. I don’t know if I would have had the courage to even try something like this without intimately knowing daily dedication, stamina and the self-care it takes to cross a faraway finish line. If I had never been a Blazer, I think I would have always been a little bit lost in this world. Blazer athletics gave me a stronghold — in myself and in my teammates.
I’m forever a Blazer.
Sporting the Piano For Amy Grinsteiner and Ed Turley of the CSB/SJU music department, one burning question led to the area’s first multi-activity piano festival and competition: How do you inspire kids and young adults to stick with the piano?
BY | COURTNEY SULLIVAN
Throughout their careers, they noticed a recurring pattern of kids losing interest in the piano as they got older — often transitioning their time and focus to sports or other competitive endeavors.
“It’s easy to understand why that happens,” says Amy, assistant professor of music. “Sports offer regular competition and peer interaction. You practice, you compete, and that structure repeats itself over and over throughout the season. You’re getting consistent feedback and the opportunity to showcase what you’ve practiced and worked on. On the other hand, learning the piano is largely a solo activity with only your teacher or parents available for feedback.” Determined to make headway against this trend, Amy coupled that competitive insight with her own reflections on what inspired her to stay loyal to the piano in her youth. As she reflected on her career as a pianist and educator, one part of that answer became abundantly clear — Dennis Alexander. Dennis Alexander is one of North America’s most prolific and popular composers of educational piano music for students at all levels. He has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York and taught piano and piano pedagogy at the University of Montana for 24 years. Upon his retirement from that position, he taught privately and served on the faculties of
Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge. Luckily for Amy, she was one of his private students for nine years. “I didn’t know it at the time, but he was my spark,” reflects Amy. “I went to see him do a workshop in my 20s and it all connected for me. As I watched him work with the teachers, I realized that he is the reason I’m a musician — because I was exposed to that kind of teaching for so long.” It was then that the idea for the Dennis Alexander Piano Festival and Competition was born. Amy partnered with Ed Turley, professor of music, and thanks to a grant they received from the Central Minnesota Arts Board, with additional support from Alfred Music Publishing, they set to work creating an event geared solely toward the piano and youth of all ages. “Our goal was to inspire kids,” Ed says. “Or at least renew or expand their interest in the piano by exposing them to peers at various skill levels and giving them the opportunity to meet an internationally renowned composer. This meant we needed to go beyond the traditional recital format and create something really special.” After nearly a year of planning, they succeeded in that goal on Oct. 18, 2014. The event included a competitive component, with three skill levels and monetary awards presented to first-, second- and third-place performers. In addition, the competition winners got to perform during the final recital at the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater on the SJU campus. But the unique part of this fullday event came from the festival. While the competition was in full swing, a duet workshop and eight repertoire workshops were held concurrently. In the duet workshop, the students learned one part of a duet from a pre-approved list and came ready to be partnered with a CSB or SJU student from the Piano Pedagogy class. The teams rehearsed their duets during the workshop in preparation for an informal performance for the other students, piano teachers and parents. Christina Tourino, CSB/SJU associate professor of English, enjoyed watching her 9-year-old son, Felix, participate in the festival and interact with college students. “Having an opportunity to play a duet with a college student that he had never met
really forced Felix to up his game,” says Christina. “Felix had played duets with me and his teacher, but here he was in a roomful of people trying to do that. So he’s no longer thinking ‘this is some weird thing my mom likes to do’ but realizing that music is a public language with a use. Felix’s partner, Jake Marsnik ’15, took him seriously as a musician and admired his effort. They laughed a lot and had a good time. In 20 minutes, Felix got to see how music can connect you to another person. I think that will stick with him.” This was also an incredible pedagogical opportunity for CSB/SJU students. “They didn’t know which duet their partner would come prepared to play, so they had to learn all of them,” says Ed. “And depending on how prepared their student was, many of them had to respond and interact constructively in the moment. It was hands-on learning at its best.” Last but not least, the repertoire workshops, led by Ed and Fr. Bob Koopmann, CSB/SJU professor of piano, offered participants the chance to bring any piece of music “as is” and receive practice tips, musical suggestions and encouragement. “The repertoire workshops were outstanding,” Christina recalls. “Ed and Fr. Koopmann connected with all the students, no matter where they were in the practice process. They never let the students forget that the whole point is to share joy in music.” To highlight the festival, Dennis Alexander conducted a one hour performance and composition demonstration for the 56 registered participants and more than 60 teachers and parents, playing some of his favorite compositions and speaking about the process of writing music. “The students saw firsthand what can be accomplished through practice and dedication,” says Amy. “It was incredibly rewarding to see young kids energized by Dennis, as I once was, and excited about continuing their piano studies.” By providing young adults with more opportunities to showcase their work, compete and mingle with their peers, Amy and Ed proved that a sports model mixed with an inspiring figure can produce ideal results — more kids sticking with the piano. Winter 2015 | 19
20 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
SOUNDS LIKE HOME
As fingers danced in precision, 21 strings vibrated in exactly the same way they have for thousands of years. The haunting sounds that resulted were China in its purest form. But the room itself couldn’t have been much farther from China. It was the Escher Auditorium on the campus of the College of Saint Benedict, and it was packed with people from across the nation and around the world. They’d come to celebrate the inauguration of new president Mary Dana Hinton. But at the end of the day, much of the conversation centered on the young woman and the instrument she played. The woman is Fan Li ’17 from Datong in China’s Shanxi province. The instrument is the guzheng — a plucked zither that came to prominence in China around the third century BC.
BY | LAURA FOX ’15 Winter 2015 | 21
SOUNDS LIKE HOME
“I was afraid American universities wouldn’t accept me,” she remembers. “But I made the decision to apply anyway. I worked hard on my application and believed it would be fine.” 22 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
PAINFUL PRACTICE Fan has been playing the ancient instrument since she was seven years old and saw a character play one on her favorite TV program. Her mother arranged music lessons and so began a musical affair that continues 12 years later. Early lessons were difficult, especially learning to pluck across the instrument’s 21 metal-nylon strings. “When I first learned to play, I could not use picks,” Fan recalls. “I could only use my fingers to play the strings, and I got really bad blisters.” Different playing techniques require precise positions, conditioned by years of practice. Fan learned by placing a ping pong ball in the palm of her hand. Once technique was learned, practice became less painful. “It was difficult to control the picks. You move your hand up and down, up and down. I need to keep my hand shaped correctly to play quickly and freely,” says Fan. Fan initially practiced five hours a week and received weekly lessons, but her practice regimen increased as the music became more complex. By the age of 12, the China Nationalities Orchestra Society certified her proficiency with the highest ranking in her instrument bracket.
PICKING THE RIGHT PATH As she approached her senior year in high school, Fan hadn’t settled on her post-graduation plans. But the idea of studying in the United States piqued her curiosity. So Fan began reading college guidebooks and searching the Internet for different schools that appealed to her. She wanted a school that not only offered strong academics but also promoted community living — a decision her parents supported completely. A high school teacher helped her apply to five colleges/universities in the United States: the University of Iowa, the University of Washington-Seattle, the University of California-Santa Barbara, the University of Oregon and the College of Saint Benedict. Fan wasn’t yet fluent in English and the task of writing multiple essay questions and a personal statement for her applications was intimidating. Add that to the fact that her options were becoming more and more limited as application deadlines approached. It was a stressful time for Fan. “I was afraid American universities wouldn’t accept me,” she remembers. “But I made the decision to apply anyway. I worked hard on my application and believed it would be fine.” Agonizing weeks later, that hard work paid off when she received her acceptance letter from Saint Ben’s. So, in August 2013, Fan arrived at Saint Ben’s towing a dozen suitcases and duffle bags. One of her suitcases contained her guzheng, neatly packaged with bubble wrap and secured with sweaters. That guzheng was her only connection with her home, thousands of miles away.
Winter 2015 | 23
SOUNDS LIKE HOME Fan Li ’17
24 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
“There are many cultures blending in America,” she concludes. “And if we want to live peacefully with others, we need to understand other cultures and find common ground. Music is a good carrier of culture and can serve as a bridge between here and my home.”
FAR FROM HOME Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s work hard to create a welcoming and helpful environment for international students (see below). But diving straight into college in another country is a tough transition. Think back to the academic challenges you faced your first year in college. Now think about facing those classes in a language you haven’t yet mastered and a culture that confuses even its own citizens from time to time. A first-year seminar (FYS) is a requirement for all incoming students. The yearlong course aims to improve students’ critical thinking and writing skills, both of which intimidated Fan Li. She disliked writing and was hesitant about expressing herself in English. Neither FYS nor the public speaking course she took her first year were her favorite courses. But, looking back, she considers both fundamental for international students. She gained confidence, learned to write effectively and improved her speaking skills. “I improved my writing and speaking skills through discussion and essays, and I improved my listening skills by trying to understand what the professors were talking about. The FYS is a really useful class for every international student,” says Fan. Her original four-year plan was to pursue a degree in chemistry. But taking an entry-level economics course set her on a different path. Microeconomics and macroeconomics now replace chemistry courses and labs. Fan most enjoys the variety of application questions and problem solving skills that come with economics.
“Some of the professors are really strict. In my Intro to Econ course, we did the homework before we learned the chapters and there were a lot of quizzes and three exams. This learning method helped us learn and remember the important principles of economics,” says Fan. “Although,” she repeats, “some of the professors are strict. Really strict.” Right now her eyes are on an MBA, but she’s not sure what opportunities lie ahead. As a sophomore, she has plenty of time to figure that out.
STRIKING A CHORD Some days are harder than others, but Fan continues to find comfort in her music. She practices about three hours a week. She believes music speaks to all who listen, whether her audience is in China or St. Joseph. For that reason, Fan continually strives to improve her skills in the hopes her music can teach others about Chinese traditions and connect her new home with her old one. “As international students, we have the responsibility to express our country’s culture to others,” reflects Fan. “The guzheng is a new instrument in America. But I know that anyone who listens can understand my music because I share my feelings through the guzheng. I continually give performances in different styles so people will come to know more musical styles.” “There are many cultures blending in America,” she concludes. “And if we want to live peacefully with others, we need to understand other cultures and find common ground. Music is a good carrier of culture and can serve as a bridge between here and my home.”
REACHING AROUND THE WORLD INTERNATIONAL ADMISSION AT CSB/SJU CSB and SJU attract students from around the world each year. Most are degree-seeking students, but some arrive as short-term exchange students. Today, there are approximately 200 international students at CSB/SJU, with a fairly equal mix of men and women. Alex Schleper, CSB/SJU director of international admission, says CSB/SJU admission finds students and students find them in different ways. “Many students become interested by doing an Internet search, looking in college guidebooks or through word-of-mouth from other international students,” he explains. Once a new student engages with CSB/ SJU, the admission office is in contact right up until the moment they arrive on
campus. The goal is to provide a steady flow of information via email throughout the process. Admission also tries to connect with personal calls from students, staff and/or alums for international students who have been admitted. “Whichever way we get international students’ names initially, we try our best to connect with them as frequently and as personally as possible in order to build a relationship whereby they feel they are getting the information and attention they need to make a good decision,” says Alex. In 2012, the International Admission Office developed a three-year travel plan to maximize CSB/SJU’s presence in certain countries. Each year, the plan is reviewed and updated to ensure the colleges
maintain strong enrollment numbers from our biggest markets in China, the Bahamas and Vietnam, as well as exploring other possible markets. Beyond those key markets though, Alex says CSB/SJU admission gets inquiries from students all over the world. “Our international students are attracted to the great academic opportunities and programs, small classes, access to the professors, the friendly community, the strong support systems (in the residence halls and among the staff), the great Bennie/Johnnie alum network, the global spirit and opportunities, and the chance to get involved in a wide variety of activities and leadership development.”
Winter 2015 | 25
I’M A BENNIE I’M A BENNIE
Kayla Altendorf
’12
Finding the Value in Pennycress
With corn and soybeans as the dominant crops on Minnesota’s farmland, many fields lay barren during the winter. This can lead to soil erosion and water pollution. Kayla Altendorf ’12, a graduate student in the Department of Agronomy and plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota, wants to help. “I’m initiating a multi-faceted breeding program for field pennycress,” she says of her project, which is part of the Forever Green Initiative. pennycress can be used as a cover crop (grown in the off season to protect the soil and reduce nutrient loss) and a biofuel feedstock. Major at CSB: Environmental studies, minor in Hispanic studies First-year residence hall: Regina Favorite course / professor at CSB: Environmental science with Gordon Brown. It’s where I was initially exposed to my current area of research. Favorite Bennie memory: participating in and eventually facilitating two sessions of Collegebound, the pre-orientation wilderness trip for first-years led by the peer Resource program. Little-known talent: Knot tying. I did a semester with the National Outdoor Leadership School when I was a sophomore at Saint Ben’s, and I learned quite a bit about securing shelters, boats, clotheslines, etc. Latest great adventure: I want to say graduate school in general, because re-inventing myself academically has been quite the adventure so far. If I had to be more specific I would say traveling to Long Beach, Calif., for the Agronomy Society of America Annual Meetings in November to present a poster on my research.
26 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
My hero: My mother. She has an impressive amount of dedication and compassion, which is something I can only hope to emulate as a professional and a mother someday.
Describe the journey of your interest in the environment — where did this begin and how did it evolve? I knew as a senior in high school that I wanted to study the environment and so I chose Saint Ben’s for the environmental studies major. I always had an interest in it and I was able to really thrive at Saint Ben’s where I was given an opportunity to study it from many different angles including ethics, theology, geography and ecology. What is one piece of advice you would give to current students? Take advantage of the endless opportunities (educational, work-related or travel) you have at a liberal arts college for two reasons: 1) You never know where you’ll end up and it’s best to experience and gain skills in a variety of areas while you can. 2) A diverse educational and professional background will indeed set you apart in the future. What is one thing you would like everyone to know about the environment/agriculture? One thing that has really amazed me so far in my career is just how much science, how many people and the sheer number of years it takes to improve and release new crop varieties. I used to take this for granted when I purchased produce (or seeds, for that matter). It’s important to remember that produce you buy from the store, farmers market, roadside stand, etc., has been bred or improved in some way (unless you’re foraging). I would argue that our ability to improve and domesticate new species is a necessary component for diversifying and improving the sustainability of agriculture.
CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES
1983
MILESTONES 1962 1968
1969
1971
Rita Beyer Corrigan’s pastel works were exhibited at the Robert Trail Library in Rosemount, Minn., Sept. through Oct. 2014. Mary Ann Kennedy Sullivan, a long-time social service worker in the Twin Cities, was recognized in Oct. ’14 by Catholic Charities USA with the national Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award for her contributions to children’s social services. Diana Lam, head of school of the Conservatory Lab Charter School, was named a Barr Fellow in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to greater Boston, Mass. Fellows are selected for their outstanding contribution to Boston and their potential to drive positive change for years to come. S. Nancy Bauer received the Canonical Mission, authorizing her to teach in the name of the Church, in Aug. ’14.
Shelia Cunningham McComb is self-employed as a program manager professional, employment and training consultant.
2000
1984
Judy Zimmer was the keynote speaker at the Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship luncheon, Nov. ’14.
2002
1985
Barb Houle, Ph.D. was featured in the Austin (Minn.) Daily Herald for her work in providing music and books to patients in hospitals in Swaziland, Africa. Barb is a psychology professor at Riverland Community College in Owatonna, Minn. and co-founder of the Read to Recovery program.
1991
Jodi Regan is an OB/GYN physician at the Kettering Health Network in Kettering, Ohio.
1993
Brenda Treml is an attorney and co-founder at pathways Immigration Law LLp in Chicago, Ill.
’75 1976
Terry Rawlings was a featured artist at the 2014 Millstream Arts Festival in St. Joseph, Minn.
ERIN MILLER ROSS
’00
completed the 2014 Ironman Coeur d’Alene on Sunday, June 29 in Idaho. The Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a 26.2-mile marathon run. The race has a 17-hour time limit to complete the event. Ross’s official finish time was 15:32:01.
Liz Deziel, vice president and managing director of private banking at The private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank, is one of 50 honorees announced for the 2014 Top Women in Finance program which recognizes women who are making outstanding contributions to their professions and communities in Minnesota.
’03
KATE RITGER
recently published a book, “Benedictine Living: Reflections for prayer and Meditation.” This collection of reflections offers Benedictine and scriptural wisdom, organized by themes from the Rule of Saint Benedict and includes thoughtful questions and appropriate action suggestions. Ritger is an oblate of Saint Benedict’s Monastery and caretaker of the Common Ground Garden in St. Joseph, Minn. The book is available in the CSB/SJU Bookstores.
Heather Ford-Helgeson is a UX manager at the Nerdery in Bloomington, Minn.
PAMELA R. EDINGTON, ED.D. has been named the fifth president of Duchess Community College in poughkeepsie, NY.
Wendy Schug Assal is the director of women’s programs at Breaking Free in St. paul, Minn.
Jennifer Coe Fulton was installed as the priest-in-charge at St. John of the Cross Episcopal Church, Bristol, Ind. in Nov. ’14.
1995
Anna Rau is a service support team specialist/receptionist at HNi.
2004
Meghan Shepherd is a project consultant at Healthcare Management Resources, Inc. in Minnesota.
2006
Claire Hoolihan Philippe graduated from A.T. Still University — Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine with a doctorate of osteopathic medicine in May ’13. She is currently a resident physician in family medicine at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, Ill.
2007
Crystal Rausch Friske earned an associate of applied science-occupational therapist assistant degree, from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Shell Lake, Wis. in 2014. Corey Hickner-Johnson is a doctoral candidate in English at the University of Iowa, where she has also worked as a graduate instructor in rhetoric since July ’13.
2008
Nritya Ramani is a social worker and counselor with the American psychological Association Division 52: International psychology. Jessica Faucher is working toward her master’s in library and information science, with focus on archives, at St. Catherine’s University. In addition to working full time at the Walker Art Center, she is an intern with Susan Wakefield, corporate archivist at General Mills, Inc., in concurrence with her studies. She is one of the first interns invited into the archives of General Mills, Inc.
’81
BARBARA FARLEY,
president of Illinois College, conferred an honorary degree on president Jimmy Carter in Oct. ’14.
BC
For complete news and notes from classmates and to post your notes, go to BenniesConnect: www.csbalum.csbsju.edu or email us at csbalumnae@csbsju.edu. Winter 2015 | 27
CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES
CASSIE RAEHSLER
2009
Ashley Hendricks Kaplan earned her master’s of education in reading and literacy education from Benedictine University in Ill. She is now the secondary reading specialist at Fairmont Junior/Senior High School in Fairmont, Minn.
2010
Melissa Marquardt Ludescher completed her doctor of physical therapy degree at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, June ’14.
Shannon Stadelman Effertz is an associate application analyst at Securian Financial Group in St. paul, Minn. She is also founder/owner of Bomerae Head Wear Company. Taneisha Dean recently qualified as a certified public accountant (CpA) in Nassau, Bahamas.
2013
Anna Schumacher is an operations and talent development manager at Groundswell, Inc. in Washington, D.C.
’09
2011
Stacey Zimmerman Seviola was promoted to senior accountant with Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, pLLp in Oct. ’14.
2008
Delaney Lundeen completed her master of arts in nutrition/dietetics at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Mo., Dec. ’13.
Sophia Gossman Walsh was one of 10 women presented with an Innovation and Leadership in a Not-for-profit or Government Agency award in Nov. ’14, at Iowa’s 2014 Women of Innovation Awards. An environmental health specialist with the Cerro Gordo County Department of public Health, Walsh has focused on the distribution of arsenic in groundwater. Walsh and her team have studied concentrations through 3-D modeling and mapping.
2012
Erin Przybilla Koshiol won the outstanding teacher award at Belgrade/Brooten/Elrosa, which allowed her to participate in a trip to paris in summer ’14.
Leah Koshmrl is a program supervisor at pacific Quest in Hilo, Hawaii.
was named the Class A girls soccer Coach of the Year by the Minnesota State High School Soccer Coaches Association in Oct. ’14. She is currently the head coach at Sartell-St. Stephen High School in Minn.
Aimee Hein started graduate school in Sept. ’14 at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry to work on a master’s in theological studies.
Joan Van Grinsven Doss is the new assistant planning and zoning administrator and assistant emergency management director for Brown County, Minn.
Brenna Horn is currently serving with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) Northwest at Memorial Hospital Home Care Services in Yakima, Wash. Megan Coleman is serving with the peace Corps in Nicaragua. Anna Yockers is serving with the peace Corps in Nicaragua.
2014
Erin Brown is currently serving with Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Andahuaylillas, peru.
Susana Gonzalez is serving with the peace Corps in Nicaragua.
Black Violin
LIVE HAPPY
2014 FINE ARTS SERIES 2015
Join us for a spectacular show! • Chipper Lowell: Where Comedy & • Black Violin Magic Collide Saturday, March 28 Friday, Feb. 20 Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU • Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas • GREAT Theatre’s production of with the CSB/SJU Orchestra Babe, The Sheep Pig Friday, April 10 Multiple days/times – Escher Auditorium, CSB go to www.csbsju.edu/fine-arts • Two Men Talking Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU Saturday, April 18
Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas with the CSB/SJU Orchestra
Cherish the Ladies
• Cherish the Ladies Gorecki Family Theater, CSB Saturday, March 14 • Matt Haimovitz Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU Saturday, April 25 Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU
For the complete schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.csbsju.edu/fine-arts.
BE CREATIVE
PUSH PLAY
MARRIAGES 1983 1992 2000 2004
Marie Larsen to Jack Christiansen, March ’13 Katherine Fruth to Justin Trafton, May ’14 Erin Miller to Ryan Ross, Sept. ’13 Amy Pauling to Patrick Shay, Nov. ’14 Emily Svendsen to Todd Lachinski, Nov. ’05
2005 2006
Brooke Baxley to Eric LaTour, June ’14 Beth Dingman to Nick Schneider, Aug. ’14 Kelly May to Mike Brahn, July ’14
2007
Susanna Schroeder to Christopher Orcutt ’10, Feb. ’14 Christine Jasken to Daniel Cook, Sept. ’14
2008
Kathleen McClellan to Christopher Welle ’08, Aug. ’13 Jenna Barthelemy to Duane Koski, Aug. ’14 Melissa Kampa to Chad Schnettler, Oct. ’14
2009
Samantha Schmidt to Stephen Foertsch ’09, Aug. ’14
ALISHA THOMPSON TO THOMAS LAWRENCE, SEPT. ’14
’07
Stephanie Rothstein to Grady Homuth, Sept. ’14 Jennifer Mike to Jacob Rhein, Sept. ’13 Britta Kolb to Alex Coughlin, Aug. ’14 Emilee Parsons to Jeff Schnobrich ’09, May ’14 Jennifer Ranallo to Nicholas Schwalbach, Aug. ’14 Stephanie Blanda to Kyle Brown, July ’14
’11
Anna Roach to Michael Orts ’09, July ’14 Alison Roeder to Joe Mailander ’08, Nov. ’14
2010
Megan Sinner to Kevin Brueske ’10, June ’14 Lauren Merz to Gregory Sanger, Nov. ’13 Allison Schallock to Chris Stefonowicz, July ’13 Leslie Van Cleve to Keir Stiegler ’09, Oct. ’14 Amy Hogerton to Jason Stading ’05, Sept. ’14 Annalese Henderson to Matthew Bartholomew ’10, Nov. ’14
2011
Laura Andersen to Nicholas Alonzi ’11, June ’14
2012
Libby Russell to Nathan Feist, Aug. ’14
’08
NRITYA RAMANI TO BHARAT SINGH, AUG. ’14
Samantha Lloyd to Nathan King ’13, Aug. ’13
Kelley Knapek to Dalton Buysse ’12, Nov. ’14
Joan Van Grinsven to Robert Alan Doss ’13, Oct. ’14
Victoria Ly to Joseph Brinkman, Sept. ’14 Kayla Becker to Paul Johnson ’11, Aug. ’14 Sara Lang to Dusty Raygor ’11, Oct. ’14
’11
Kirsten Peterson to Andrew de St. Aubin ’13, July ’14
Katy Torchia to Ryan Noack ’10, Aug. ’14
2013
ANNA BURGASON TO ANDREW DIRKSEN ’05, NOV. ’14
Brenna Miland to Joseph Pekarna ’13, Sept. ’14
2014
Megan Voss to Mitch Schulte ’14, Sept. ’14 Emily Kight to Russell Klever, Oct. ’14
Keep the connections alive at facebook.com/SaintBensAlums
KATHERINE WINDSCHITL TO MATTHEW BROLSMA ’11, AUG. ’14 Winter 2015 | 29
CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES
BIRTHS
’01
KARINE NELSON LEWANDOWSKI & THOMAS LEWANDOWSKI ’01, GIRL, ELIZABETH, SEPT. ’14 1993
Beth Wegscheid Gaetz & Matthew Gaetz, girl, Annalies, June ’14
2000
Jennifer Hemmesch Ring & Mark Ring, boy, Bennett James, June ’14 Cara Baenen Gosse & Jeffrey Gosse, girl, Emma, Aug. ’14 Amy Pfannenstein Hiltner & Craig Hiltner, girl, Gabrielle, Dec. ’14
2001
Alison Bormann & Brian Bell, boy, Luke, Sept. ’13
’99
ANNE ROHE HOLMBERG & JEFF HOLMBERG, GIRL, LUCY KATHRYN, JAN. ’12 AND BOY, RYAN, OCT. ’14 Dawn Bauerly-Pieper & Corey Pieper, boy, Dawson, Aug. ’14
2002
Kathleen Penkala Massmann & Ron Massmann, boy, James, Oct. ’14
Larissa Omann Mrozek & Kyle Mrozek ’01, girl, Veronica, Nov. ’14
Jessica Weber Horning & Mark Horning ’02, boy, Isaac, April ’14
Mesa Ulwelling Roth & Justin Roth, girl, Adelyn, Feb. ’14
Megan Qvale Stepaniak & Daniel Stepaniak ’01, boy, Benjamin, July ’14
Who’s your
BENNIE
FICIARY?
When you make a planned gift, you change the lives of countless young women
Contact Bill Hickey, director of gift planning,
and leave a legacy that will last generations. Help us touch the world with our rich
at whickey@csbsju.edu or 320-363-5480
tradition of values and academic excellence ... one deserving Bennie at a time.
for more information.
’03 ’05
EMILY KASSEKERT UTECH & BRENT UTECH, GIRL, ALLISON, JAN. ’14 (SHOWN WITH SIBLINGS NATHAN AND BENJAMIN) Tamara Hoese Retka & Noah Retka ’06, girl, Eleanor, Nov. ’14 Kari Bruns Moore & John Moore ’05, boy, Willem, Mar. ’14
2007
Amanda Kack Flannery & Lance Flannery ’06, boy, Jacob, Aug. ’14 Jennifer Gray Leppanen & Nathaniel Leppanen ’07, girl, Ava, Sept. ’14 Nora Kain Tholl & Tyler Tholl ’08, girl, Ada, Oct. ’14 Jennifer Fasnacht & Joshua Pope ’06, boy, Elijah, Oct. ’14 Sarah Haberman Hartman & Jacob Hartman ’07, girl, Grace, Oct. ’14
2008
Hillary Thoma Sass & Joe Sass ’08, girl, Hadley, June ’14 Sara Murphy Bierwerth & Scott Bierwerth, girl, Layla, Sept. ’14 Brenna Mehle Bonach & Daniel Bonach, girl, Sophie, Sept. ’14 Jennifer Kohout Bjork & Eric Bjork, girl, Adrianna, Sept. ’14
KATIE HOLLOWAY SOWIEJA & BENJAMIN SOWIEJA ’03, BOY, EMMETT, MAY ’14 2003
2004
Heidi Schmitz Goodreau & Ben Goodreau, girl, Stella, May ’14
Sara Matthies Skroch & Steven Skroch, girl, Addison, Sept. ’14
Yvette Anez & Dean Robinson, girl, paisley, Sept. ’14
Janet Fiedler Barthel & William Barthel, girl, Isabel, Sept. ’14
Kate Johnson Doubler & Luke Doubler ’03, boy, Jacob, Oct. ’14
Jessica Guentzel Himmerick & Rob Himmerick ’05, boy, James, April ’14
Karolanne Hoffman Foley & Andrew Foley, boy, Nolan, May ’14
Sarah Milner Kuhns & Nick Kuhns, girl, Jacqueline, Sept. ’14
2005
Melissa Petterssen Kaiser & Eddie Kaiser ’03, girl, Katherine, May ’14
Kim Matteson Evander & Justin Evander ’07, girl, Evelyn, Nov. ’14
2009
Natasha Hetrick Ward & John Ward, boy, Rockford, June ’14
2006
Patty Allen Capkin & Sean Capkin, girl, Lily, May ’14 Kathryn Anderson Blomdahl & David Blomdahl ’06, twins, Emily (girl), Matthew (boy), April ’10
Anna Lynch Sandquist & Ryan Sandquist ’08, girl, pearl, Sept. ’14 Dana Scheppmann Wieme & Alex Wieme ’09, boy, Jack, Aug. ’14 Marie DeMars Zimmerman & Nathan zimmerman, boy, Brock, May ’14
Lisa Wolff Wittig & Jonathan Wittig, girl, Caroline, June ’14
Laura Burgett Burtzel & Rick Burtzel, girl, Melody, Feb. ’14
Laura Guetter & Matthew Novak ’03, boy, Xavier, May ’14
Alexandra Nedelcu Ross & Jeff Ross ’07, girl, Charlotte, Sept. ’14
Anna Zauhar Deibele & Cole Deibele ’04, boy, Easton, Oct. ’14
Anne Yager Pogatchnik & Jeffrey pogatchnik, boy, Luke, Sept. ’14
Lana Kayser Ruley & Benjamin Ruley, boy, Tyler, Oct. ’14
Chelsey Knabe Novotny & Trent Novotny ’09, boy, Brody, Sept. ’14
Amanda Fuller Groethe & Carey Groethe, girl, Madelynn, Oct. ’14
2011
Courtney Christenson Opsahl & Luke Opsahl ’11, girl, Lena, Aug. ’14 Heidi Kjolhaug Hunter & Kris Hunter, girl, Sydney, Aug. ’14
2013
Takai Bethel & Mario Curry, girl, Marai, July ’14
Winter 2015 | 31
CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES
DEATHS
FRIENDLY FACES & PLACES ARE ONLY
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1939
Mary Mahoney Roeder, Nov. ’14 S. Kathryn Zimmer, Sept. ’14
1940 1941
Martha Tembrock Bergen, Oct. ’14 Catherine Pribyl Lupori, Oct. ’14 Mary Zimmer Maudal, Nov. ’14
1942 1943
Mary Reilly Merickel, Sept. ’14 Dolores Diepolder Rosberg, Nov. ’14 Marie Galama Schaefer, Sept. ’14 Betty Antony Traynor, Oct. ’14
1944 1945 1946 1949 1952
Evelyn Bunkers Davis, Nov. ’14 Rosemary Gauer Menard, Oct. ’14 Rosemary Muggli Blaser, Apr. ’13 Patricia Wahl Bitzan, Sept. ’14 Edgar Harthman (SJU ’52), spouse of Elizabeth Boyer Harthman, Oct. ’14
1955
Robert Lee Corless, spouse of Ann Monteski Corless, Nov. ’14
1957 1962
Mary Forster Massicott, Oct. ’14 Kathleen Schmit, Nov. ’14 Patricia Jackson Larson, Oct. ’14
1963
FACEBOOK.COM/SAINTBENSALUMS
If the walls of Tommy and Corona could talk… Help us find our next generation of legend-makers. Please refer high school students who would make great Bennies and Johnnies to www.csbsjurefer.com. Help us reach our goal of 100 referrals by midnight on March 20!
S. Marold (Leona) Kornovich, Oct. ’14
1968
Lynda Schneider Meierhenry, Oct. ’14
1969
Michael Lyons, spouse of Mary Igel Lyons, Oct. ’14
1976
Mitch Anderson, spouse of Suzanne Schmidt Anderson, Oct. ’14
1977
Juliet Barringer, Dec. ’14 Candy Chaffin Rinowski, Oct. ’14
1985 1986 1987
Lori Helmer, Nov. ’14 John Kinney (SJU ’15), son of Deborah Gerster Kinney, Aug. ’14 Olivia Franklin, daughter of Susanna Vessel Franklin, Nov. ’14 Michelle (Shelly) Fling, Sept. ’14
1988 1991 1992
Yvonne Schwalbe, Dec. ’14 Florence McKinney, June ’13 Nicholas Wuolu, son of Lorie Warren Wuolu, Sept. ’14 Stephanie McLeod-Galloway, Oct. ’14
2000
Luke Lietha, son of Lavon Lietha-Hormann, Oct. ’14
2003
Michael Gehrz, spouse of Bridget Beuckens Gehrz, ’14
2004
Hunter Heyrman, son of Tara Schoolmeesters Heyrman, Oct. ’14
2012
Hanna Kaufman, Sept. ’14
Shop. Earn.
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU! Who’s got more than 21,000 friends willing to offer advice, lend a helping hand and keep them up-to-date on their beloved college home? You! That’s who. Your Saint Ben’s connections never have to fade away — keep them growing strong and find us online today!
DONATE. THE CHANGE IN YOUR POCKET CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. Many of your favorite retailers (Target, Best Buy, Kohl’s, etc.) offer rebates for online purchases that often go unclaimed. iMyne bridges that gap, allowing you to shop online as usual and earn automatic cash-back. A portion of your rebate can also be donated to your alma mater when you choose to support the College of Saint Benedict. It’s secure, it’s simple and it’s free. Start iMyning today at WWW.IMYNE.COM/CSB.
www.facebook.com/SaintBensAlums Search “CSB/SJU Alums” group www.csbalum.csbsju.edu or email csbalumnae@csbsju.edu
BENNIE CONNECTION BENNIE CONNECTION
INSPIRING
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1. There aren’t many schools that reach out to newlyaccepted students with a handwritten note from alums. pictured here are Anna Martin ’12, Luke Hendrickson ’12, Laura Tiffany ’12, Stephanie Hartje ’06 and Kelci Reiner ’12 — just a few of the 60 CSB/SJU alums who signed 800 cards at alum-owned Sisyphus Brewery in Minneapolis on Nov. 18. 2. Check out these Bennies and Johnnies celebrating Bennie Day on Oct. 2 at Shakopee Area Catholic School. There are 13 CSB/SJU alums on their staff. Back left to right: Bruce Doyle SJU ’79, Laura pritchard Wermerskirchen ’79, Maria Schommer Thorstad ’03, Nick Dittrich SJU ’01, Courtney Bush ’03, Ben Loonan SJU ’09, Scott Breimhorst SJU ’95. Front left to right: Julie Dawson Larsen ’03, Jenna Odenthal Heimer ’12, Joan pfaffinger Fering ’83, Katie McLoone Marsh ’98, Lynn Hammers Mabee ’80, Kati Hoen Mousel ’02.
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3. St. Cloud-area Bennies gathered at zaffiro’s for lunch to celebrate Bennie Day on Oct. 2. Good food, great conversation and Bennie trivia were enjoyed by all. 4. The Young Alum Community (YAC) enjoyed a beautiful 15-mile ride on the Cedar Lake Trail and Greenway in Minneapolis followed by socializing and games at alum-owned Sisyphus Brewery during the Bike2Brew event on Oct. 18. 5. Homecoming spirit abounded during the annual Young Alum Community (YAC) Homecoming Breakfast at the Laplayette in St. Joseph on Oct. 4. pictured are Sarah Walch ’14 and Sam Imholte ’14. 6. Kate Westlund ’10, Laura Huiras ziegler ’10, Grace Shields Mevissen ’11 and Carrie Vandelac ’11 pose for a festive photo at the first annual friends’ Bennie Blast, hosted by Ashley Ver Burg Soukup ’10 and Rebecca peichel ’10.
34 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
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8. CSB Dance Team alumnae got together for brunch on Oct. 4 to celebrate Homecoming. From back left to right: Briana Abrahamson ’13, Constance Berger Huseth ’14, Allyson Kohler ’13, Marissa Rinowski ’14, Molly Reger ’14, Becka Gross ’12. Front left to right: Lauren Kelleher ’13, Kate Claeys ’13, Courtney Kelley ’13, Kelsey Novak ’14.
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9. Twin Cities’ Bennies descended on psycho Suzi’s in Minneapolis for happy hour on Oct. 2 to celebrate Bennie Day. pictured from back left: Naomi Do ’15, Kimberly Anderson Keating ’08, Anika Chowdhury ’14, Samantha Exsted ’14, Gaby Galeano ’14. Front left: Mai Duong ’15, Thelma Gonzalez ’13, Sophie Kem ’13, Constance Berger Huseth ’14.
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VIBRANT
7. The CSB alumnae who work at St. Michael Catholic School in St. Michael, Minn. showed us their Bennie pride on Bennie Day. Front left to right: Anna Deutsch Tangen ’02, Heidi Fleischacker Gallus ’97, Rebecca Wieland Aschenbeck ’04, Christine Schneider ’13, Rachel Michaelis ’14; Back left to right: Molly Kilian Lindenfelser ’94, Angie Marek Breen ’93, Nicole Carstens Suchla ’98, Gina Olson ’06, Jennifer Sand Haller ’90, Joanna padden ’02.
Making a recurring gift shouldn’t have to be.
Keeping our annual giving program strong is a big deal. This critical program supports scholarships, which make it possible for the next generation of Bennies to change the world. No one knows that better than our Saint Ben’s Sustainers. Our Sustainers understand the need for steady streams of income that keep our annual giving program strong. They provide the security of reliable support through recurring gifts. This allows us to plan more effectively, administer the fund more efficiently and, ultimately, impact the lives of more students.
Becoming a Saint Ben’s Sustainer and making a recurring gift is more convenient than ever. Simply choose the frequency (monthly, quarterly or annually) and the vehicle (electronic funds transfer or credit card). When you do, you’ll join an elite group of stewards that give us a stronger foundation to build tomorrow’s dreams on. That’s certainly a big deal.
BECOME A SAINT BEN’S SUSTAINER. Learn more and enroll at givecsb.com.
GENEROSITY GENEROSITY
A Family Affair pHOTO BY TEAGEN pHOTOGRApHY
BY | SARA MOHS
Dave, Libbie ’12, Emily ’14, Madeleine ’17 and Susan
Dave and Susan Roberts don’t have any other family members living in Minnesota. But when their daughters Elizabeth (Libbie) ’12, Emily ’14 and Madeleine ’17 began attending Saint Ben’s, they felt like they became part of a new family that gave them a rich sense of belonging. The friendships and connections that grew out of their Saint Ben’s experiences also provided the family with a wellspring of opportunities to grow individually and as a family. “We’ve made friendships at Saint Ben’s that will last a lifetime,” says Susan. “And being able to attend the girls’ sporting events and Johnnie football games has always been a family affair that we’ll treasure.” It’s also the reflection of their own family values in the school’s Benedictine values that made the Roberts feel so at home. “Many of the Benedictine values are consistent with how we’ve tried to raise our daughters. The value of hard work has always been stressed in our family, along with the importance of moderation — though those were sometimes met with dismay,” jokes Dave. “The strong Bennie/Johnnie connection and loyalty among alums also demonstrates the family commitment that we’ve always felt at Saint Ben’s.”
That Bennie/Johnnie connection was one of the key selling points for the Roberts and their daughters. Dave loved the advantages of an all-girl campus, while the girls loved the opportunity for co-ed classes on both campuses. And everyone loved the warm atmosphere that infused each experience. “Saint Ben’s offered an environment that nurtured our daughters academically and personally. From studying abroad and participating in sports to receiving hot cider from the Benedictine sisters as they were waiting for the bus on a cold day, our daughters have experienced the very best liberal arts Benedictine education available,” explains Susan. Because the entire Roberts family feels so passionate about — and connected to — the CSB community, Dave and Susan took to heart a talk given by President Hinton last fall. “We were extremely impressed with her vision and commitment to the college,” recalls Dave. “She stressed CSB’s need to increase funding of endowments as well as annual scholarship giving.” Based on President Hinton’s comments, the couple decided to make a significant multiyear donation to fund both an endowed scholarship as well as a scholarship that would help meet immediate needs. In doing so, they established the Libbie ’12, Emily ’14 and Madeleine ’17 Roberts Annual Scholarship
and the Libbie ’12, Emily ’14 and Madeleine ’17 Roberts Endowed Scholarship. Dave and Susan hope the scholarships will give other girls the same meaningful experiences and career preparation that their daughters received. Libbie graduated with a degree in management and received a job offer from Best Buy during her final semester of school. Emily graduated with a communications degree and received an internship with Target after her junior year, which led to a full-time job offer prior to her senior year. Madeleine is currently enrolled with a major in communications. “Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s opens the doors to a wide network of alums and business connections,” says Dave. “I work at Medtronic and see firsthand the quality of the women and men that these schools produce. We love knowing that these scholarships will give other young women the same opportunity for academic excellence and exciting possibilities.” And, of course, with those opportunities come a connection to something even bigger: a feeling of family. If you’d like to learn more about how you can make a Saint Ben’s experience possible for current and future Bennies, contact the office of the vice president of institutional advancement at 320-363-5307.
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memories
Illuminated
2015
Reunion
Class years ending in 0 or 5 • June 26-28
Your reunion is coming. Shine your light on the good times!
It’s time to gather and remind ourselves of all the best parts of being a Bennie. This summer, class years ending in 0 and 5 will get together on campus. There will be updates and awards and back-to-class sessions — and of course laughter and stories to share. Make plans to come back and join us as we light up the campus the way only Bennies can!
www.csbreunion.com