Connections, Summer 2019

Connections Holy Cross College Alumni & Friends

D I S C I P L E O N E C O M M O N TA B L E

SUMMER 2019

Dear Friends, After a full, productive semester and lively commencement here at the College, we welcome the summer months. I am so pleased to have now seen three classes graduate since I began here as president, and to witness these men and women continue to change our world as they go forward as the scholars, citizens, leaders, and disciples we have taken such pride in educating.

In the coming pages, I think you’ll be heartened by the good work being done by our community; by the students especially, but also the alumni, faculty and staff who lead with such dedicated example.

Among the things that distinctively set Holy Cross College and our Catholic mission apart from the rest is our commitment to the common good—the work of modern-day disciples—whose actions we as Christ’s people know is inherent to our mission of carrying out the message of the Gospel.

SUMMER 2019 Connections, Holy Cross College’s official magazine, is published twice yearly.

E D I TO R

Monica Garvey Leyes

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Debra Handel, Handel Design

P H OTO G R A P H E R S / P H OTO CO U R T E S I E S

Lizzet Aleman ‘19; Tyler Braidic; Matt Cashore; Ashley Denson ‘20; Monica Garvey Leyes; TJ Mannen; Peter Ringenberg; Riley Trott ‘20

POSTMASTER: PLEASE SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: COLLEGE RELATIONS Holy Cross College P.O. Box 308 | Notre Dame, IN | 46556 Copyright 2019 Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, IN 46556 Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission.

The opinions expressed are those of the authors or their subjects and are not necessarily shared by the College or editor.

SEND YOUR UPDATES TO: COLLEGE RELATIONS Holy Cross College | PO Box 308 | Notre Dame, IN 46556 Email: collegerelations@hcc-nd.edu Webform: Collegerelations.hcc-nd.edu/class-notes

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HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

From the sophomore who wakes up every Friday before dawn to share coffee and conversation with someone who slept outdoors the night before, to the chef who mentors young men and women with developmental disabilities in the dining hall, to the award winning alumni teaching honors English and ENL down the street-- there is much good, important work being done by our students, our alumni, and our faculty.

I’m proud to share their stories here.

In Holy Cross,

Rev. David T. Tyson, C.S.C.

4-5

52nd Commencement

26

Family Meal

by Alexis Petersen ‘19 A recent graduate and longtime Connections contributor reports on a day in the life of Siegfried Dining Hall and the man behind it all, Chef Brent Gregory.

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Certainly Saints

by Monica Garvey Leyes Students at work for the common good. How one college-wide seminar makes a world of difference.

29 A Year of Fine Arts Jenae Longenecker The transformative power of art and its role in the Moreau College Initiative.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES

11 Parents Weekend 12 Faculty and Student Updates 14 The Saint Simeon Society 16 Donor Recognition Event 18 Day of Giving 20 Board of Trustees 22 Spring Athletics 28 Admissions Looks Ahead 30 Class Notes 32 The Competency to See and the Courage to Act

by Randy Ebright ‘09 34 The Gateway Experience

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John L. Allen Comes to Campus

by Teresa Breckler ‘21 Discussing the Perennial Misunderstandings between Rome and the United States.

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Commencement Holy Cross College honored its 52nd graduating class at 2pm on May 18th in the Pfeil Center’s McKenna Arena.

Ashley Adamczyk ‘19 addressed her classmates in an inaugural valedictory speech, sharing reflections on the perseverance and growth she and her fellow students had experienced during their years at Holy Cross College.

Reverend David T. Tyson, C.S.C., President of the College, along with members of the Board of Trustees and other members of leadership conferred the College’s honorary degrees.

Valedictorian Ashley Adamczyk ‘19

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HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

K.J. Martijn Cremers addresses the College’s 52nd graduating class.

Arthur J. Decio receives an honorary degree from Rev. David T. Tyson, C.S.C.

Honorary Doctorates were awarded to Arthur J. Decio, past chairman and trustee emeritus of Holy Cross College. Mr. Decio is the former chairman, president, and CEO of Skyline Corporation, a leading US producer of manufactured housing. Decio was honored for his philanthropic and civic engagement in the community, and his devotion to Catholic higher education in particular.

Carl Loesch, Secretary for Catholic Education for the Fort Wayne-South Bend diocese was also recognized for his dedication to Catholic education. Mr. Loesch served for ten years as principal at Marian High School in Mishawaka, Indiana.

K.J. Martijn Cremers, Martin J. Gillen Dean of the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business received an Honorary

Doctorate. Cremers’ charge to the Class of 2019 used the painting The Great Wave off Kanagawa

by Katsushika Hokusai as an analogy for life after college. Cremers used it to highlight the importance of contributing to human flourishing and the common good, cooperating in solidarity, focusing on those with the greatest needs, and competing internally to be the best version of oneself, “by the grace of God and with the help of others.”

Graduates made their way to the stage to receive maroon “Stoles of Gratitude,” from Senior Vice President Michael Griffin and Vice President for Finance Monica Markovich. After being handed their diplomas from Father Tyson, graduates were also given a scrolled print of the painting described in Dean Cremers’ speech.

Well done, Class of 2019!

Carl Loesch also received an honorary degree from the College.

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE hcc-nd.edu

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Certainly Saints Holy Cross Students at Work for the Common Good

by Monica Garvey Leyes

On Friday mornings, the students rise well before the dawn and, in the brittle cold, make their way to Our Lady of the Road Drop in Center on the city’s south side. Over the sealed off entryway facing Main Street hangs a changeable letter sign that has shared the same information for months, if not years: OUR LADY OF THE ROAD LAUNDROMAT CAFÉ FRI SAT & SUN 8-11:30 FOOD CO-OP 6

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

On the side of the building, a mural of the Virgin Mary

mugs and sugar bowls. In the far corner, a bread station with

overlooks the pot holed parking lot, her arms raised in

peanut butter, jam, rows of cereal. Bread from a local bakery,

blessing over a cityscape of citizens and pilgrims.

and lots of it. Yesterday’s pastries are part of the territory of

This is where the guests wait. Groups huddle along the

American homeless shelters.

building or just outside the side entrance, their breath and

These opening duties take them half an hour. After the

cigarette smoke rising over their heads. Some of them shout

pots have filled with coffee and the water has begun to

at one another, tones too crass for the hour of day, which for

simmer, they gather in a circle in the dining room, the voices

them has begun far earlier than those who make their way

from outside growing impatient, the occasional pounding

past them inside. Those who rise to alarm clocks and turn

on metal as the minute hand draws closer to eight. At

on their own lights to begin a day in a place they might feel

the head of the circle is Emma, petite as she is efficient,

needed. Those with cars. Those who will choose when to eat,

authoritative, and kind. A member of the Saint Peter Claver

and what. Who will shower, who will put on clothes clean

Catholic Worker’s womens‘ house of hospitality, a home-like

and purchased and appropriate for the elements.

arrangement for a smaller number of guests, Emma also

The workers enter ahead of the guests to open the center and brew the coffee: four industrial sized pots bigger than some of the women who fill them. Someone lights the gas stovetop, a ten burner, and boils water for a hundred hardboiled eggs, oatmeal measured by the quart.

coordinates hospitality at Our Lady of the Road. Beside her, Br. John Sebastian Gutierrez, C.S.C., and Grace, a graduate student at Notre Dame. A few of the members who make up the circle have seen their fair share of “the road,” but have become a permanent part of the community, assisting the guests. Nearly half of those in the circle are Holy Cross

The dining room has been left clean and set for coffee

College students. Emma asks that they volunteer for jobs:

service. Tables and booths are tidily arranged with clean

Shower duty, bread station duty, laundry duty. She asks for (continued on next page.)

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CERTAINLY SAINTS (continued from previous page.) coffee “shepherds,” and for someone to take on the dishes. Someone to pray in the chapel, a simple brick upper room. Chapel duty means monitoring the space, surely, but also praying for those resting or serving in the busy fluorescent-lit dining room below.

Br. Sebastian reads a psalm, intentions are offered, and the group huddles together and place their hands atop one another’s.

Our Lady of the Road, invokes one of the regulars. Pray for us, the others say.

The door opens and the guests pour in, and with them, the frigid air.

Women pushing babies bundled in strollers, men in fingerless gloves.

They spread out at the tables and turn their coffee cups upright and sit in their coats. Some make their way into the lounge off the laundry area to doze on the couches.

A few of those pouring the coffee and scrubbing dishes are students enrolled in the Common Good seminar, a service-learning course directed by theology professor Maria Surat, part of the College’s core

Some students, like Michael Bright ‘21, remain involved in the community outreach after the course has been completed. “The Common Good Seminar connected me to both the Holy Cross and greater communities by giving me the chance to use my skills and education in a way that brings about real social justice. I feel a deeper connection with the message of the Gospel and know that the work we do here allows me to serve Christ.”

A first-generation student, Michael comes from a farming community in Michigan where he has worked in the past planting and harvesting seed corn. Since beginning at Holy Cross, he has grown increasingly involved with the Catholic Worker community. In addition to cleaning and working in the kitchen at Our Lady of the Road, Michael spends much of his time in the dining room chatting with the guests.

curriculum. The seminar and practicum allow students to explore how they can contribute to the good of the community while working with youth, serving the poor and homeless, caring for the elderly, assisting local farmers and food cooperatives and more. Students choose to work in the South Bend community at the Catholic Worker houses of hospitality, the Juvenile Justice Center, the Robinson Community Learning Center’s Literacy Corps or Take Ten, (a conflict resolution program), La Casa de Amistad, Dujarie House, the Sanctuary at St. Paul’s, or the Common Goods Co-operative Grocery.

Behind the kitchen in the center is the space that serves as the Common Goods Co-op, (formerly Monroe Park Grocery Co-op), in which theology professor Shawn Storer and his wife, Stephanie, along with other members of the Holy Cross College community are greatly involved. In the winter months, the space is filled with bins of dried beans and grains, coffee beans from local roasters. A large cooler holds organic eggs and winter vegetables. In springtime and summer, members can choose from a wider selection of fresh and locally grown produce. Members of the co-op work together to provide “healthy food produced as locally and ethically as is possible to the community in a neighborhood that would otherwise be considered a ‘food desert,’” as Storer puts it. “In its planning and purchasing, Common Goods is trying to cultivate an economy of honesty - one in which people, animals, soil, fertility, and local community matter and are respected.” The organizers and members of the Common Goods Co-Op consider questions of social and ecological justice, resist

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HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

“There has never been a time that I’ve felt like an outsider here. I feel a real connection to the guests, even if some have taken longer to get to know than others. One of the guests I know best now was also once the most distant, but after sharing coffee with him the past few months and talking to him, he’s a good friend. He’s shared with me a lot of the challenges he’s facing, and I do what I can to help him out. He helps me too.”

– Michael Bright ‘21

throwaway culture and emphasize local options with less packaging while reaching out and addressing the needs of those in need within the county, while resisting unfair labor practices and injustices.

“Here people are working together to make healthy food available at affordable prices to the local community, and to source the food and other goods as locally as possible, all while educating our members about the benefits of good nutrition and the practice of healthy eating.”

The students spend about two and a half hours at Our Lady of the Road, allowing themselves enough time to make their way back to campus for the seminar, roundtable discussions of the works of writers like Dorothy Day, Martin Luther King, Jacques Maritain, Thomas Merton, Gustavo Gutierrez, Gregory Boyle, and others.

Some attend Professor Maria Surat’s class, others Gabe Griggs, C.S.C. Through discussion and reflection of their experiences and the readings, students explore, as Surat says, “their vocations—how their particular gifts, skills, and passions can contribute to the good of

the classrooms are no exception. The day is unseasonably warm, and through the barred windows, cracked for ventilation, men's voices drift up from the yard below. At the head of the table Dr. Shelia McCarthy and her assistant, Ms. Jenae Longenecker go over the upcoming assignments on the syllabus. They too have risen before dawn to make the hourlong commute to the Westville Correctional Facility to teach the same community-based learning course required of all students. The students have brought with them, in clear plastic bags, printed materials, folders and loose-leaf paper. They begin by sharing with McCarthy the results of their career assessments, jobs ranging from park rangers to chief financial officers. McCarthy reminds them that there will be career counselors at graduation, less than four months away, and, before settling into the discussion, makes mentions the podcast about the opioid epidemic in Austin, Indiana, that Ms. Longenecker has successfully downloaded for them to listen to in the computer lab where they write their papers.

their local community and the world.” They

The course being taught in the Westville classroom focuses particularly

examine the difference between kinship and

on Aristotle’s philosophy of virtue, specifically the way that humans

service work, compassion and marginalization

are formed by habitus—repeated action that becomes habit, and how

and what Catholic Social Tradition and the

Thomas Aquinas relied on that understanding to develop his notion of

preferential option for the poor means in

the common good through the contemplation of service of the

society today.

divine. “This course argues that caritas, explored through the service-

Some 45 miles to the west, another group of Holy Cross students sit around an older table

learning component, provides an amelioration of that which undermines the common good,” McCarthy’s syllabus states.

in a much different classroom. Initially created

The students flip back and forth through the hundreds of pages of

as a mental facility back in the mid 40s and

photocopied material to read aloud and follow passages and questions

converted into a medium level security prison

steeped in thoughtful silence.

in the late 70s, few updates have been made to the buildings that make up the Westville Correctional Facility where these men live, and (continued on next page.)

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE hcc-nd.edu

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CERTAINLY SAINTS

Photo courtesy of Ramon D.L. AA‘19

Photo courtesy of Jerred K. ‘19

(continued from previous page.)

“How does your joy intersect with the world’s needs?”

“How is our liberation tied up in one another’s?”

The men discuss the writing of Stanley Hauerwas, of Martha Nussbaum, Jean Vanier, Cornel West. They laugh as they struggle to decipher the highest roman numerals in the texts and assist one another in finding the

and strategies for furthering measures of sustainable gardening, hoping to maximize the gardens’ production. Some had worked together to draw up prototypes of highly efficient, mobilized urban aquaponic farms.

Another researches why some houses of hospitality thrive and others fail, his desire to help those in need driven by the rule of Saint Benedict.

right passages when they are lost in the depths

Through service learning, reading, discussion,

of the material. Along with McCarthy, the men

and writing, every student enrolled at Holy

break down definitions and interpretations of

Cross has found themselves doing the work

what the common good is, what it means,

necessary to make meaningful change in a

what part they have in it.

broken world. The core curriculum at Holy Cross

Here too, beyond the reflection and classroom

known around campus as the “Big Four.”

discussions and intellectual growth, much

College breaks itself into what are commonly While the Common Good Seminar is listed

is being done by these men for the good of

in the course catalogue as that which forms

society. This past year, students in Moreau

leaders, the course’s vision and success truly

College Initiative were instrumental in the

encompasses all of those identities, forming

facility being granted the “Great Harvest Award,”

students as scholars, disciples, and involved

from the Commissioner’s office in recognition of

and concerned citizens. Be it painting with the

the most amount of produce raised by a facility

residents of Dujarie House up the parkway,

in the state. Inmates in five complexes across

serving coffee at the drop-in center on the

Westville grew from seed donated by

south side of town, tending to a garden in a

non-for-profit Harvest Now, produce that was

yard surrounded by razor wire, or working

given, all 17,832 pounds of it, to six different

with youth at the JJC or La Casa De Amistad,

food pantries in the area. The director of the

the overarching nature of the Common Good

General Service Complex, Kenny Watts, said

Seminar continues to thrive, connecting us as

he expects to double the size of the Moreau

one human family.

College Initiative gardens this summer.

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The men in McCarthy’s class offer feedback

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

Holy Cross College welcomed parents from around the country to campus this past February 15th to 17th.

The weekend commenced with the Honors Convocation, held in the Saint Joseph Chapel, followed by an opening reception in the Vincent Atrium. On Saturday, parents and students enjoyed seeing the new Saint Joseph Art Gallery and were able to listen to faculty give talks about everything from the power of storytelling to zeal in the workplace.

Alumni also returned to campus to share their experiences and offer their lessons in success.

2019 Senior Award recipients: Nathan Miller, Madison Tomblin, Peter Fonseca and Katherine O‘Neill

PARENTS WEEKEND 2019

Faculty & Staff speakers

Professor Jessica Hughes, Professor Maria Surat, Terron Phillips ‘14, and Andrew Polaniecki

Mike Novitzki ‘ 13 shared

Avonni Ward ’18, shared

Juan Constantino ’16,

his experiences in sales and management and how his time at Holy Cross College led him to become the Director of Business Development at KLM Engineering.

how her psychology major and liberal arts education led her to work with Press Ganey for a year following her graduation. She is currently enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business at the University

spoke about how his time at the College led him to his career at La Casa De Amistad, where he serves currently as the organization‘s development coordinator.

of Notre Dame.

This year also offered a Gateway Gathering for students and parents to mingle and chat during a reception held in the upper Vincent Atrium.

Professor Angelo Martinez’s painting class

Over at the Pfeil Center’s McKenna Arena, parents and students cheered on both the men’s and women’s basketball teams on their home court.

Guests also enjoyed a painting class with Creative Arts Department chair Angelo Martinez. Father Tyson celebrated Mass on Saturday evening, after which parents and students explored South Bend or participated in trivia here on campus. Guests started their Sunday with Zumba led

by Carlos Centellas, First Generation Student Coordinator, and shared a farewell breakfast in Siegfried Dining Hall.

Thanks to all who made this Parents Weekend so memorable!

by Adam DeBeck, Director of Alumni, Parent, and Community Engagement

Teresa Breckler ‘21 and family

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FA C U LT Y & S T U D E N T U P D AT E S “WHAT I LIKE MOST ABOUT TEACHING THIS COURSE IS WITNESSING HOW STUDENTS’ EYES AND HEARTS ARE EXPANDED BY THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE.” — PAOLA BERNARDINI, PH.D.

Global Perspectives Professor Delivers Talk at Conference in Rome

Christian-Muslim Encounter course at

Paola Bernardini, Ph.D., who teaches

philosophy from the Pontifical

College President and Chairman Attend Leadership Council in Rome

in the Global Perspectives Program

University of St. Thomas Aquinas, as

Reverend David T. Tyson, C.S.C.,

at Holy Cross College, presented a

well as a Master in Education from

President of Holy Cross College,

“TED-style talk” at an international

the Harvard Graduate School of

along with College Board Chairman

conference in Rome. The conference,

Education. She has been the recipient

David P. Bender, attended the annual

“Celebrating the 10th anniversary of

of the Russell Berrie Fellowship in

International Business Leaders

the John Paul II Center for Interreligious

Interreligious Studies and Associate

Advisory Council in Rome on May 5,

Dialogue and the Russell Berrie

Director for Research of Contending

2019. Bender also serves as chair for

Fellowship in Interreligious Studies”

Modernities, a global research and

the Center for Ethics and Culture at the

featured interfaith leaders from around

education initiative at the University of

University of Notre Dame.

Notre Dame. Bernardini has published

Hosted by the Pontifical University of

the globe. To date, the program has graduated 95 fellows from 33 countries.

Holy Cross College for the past four years.

Dr. Bernardini holds a Ph.D. in

articles in numerous international

the Holy Cross Foundation, or Santa

journals, including the Journal of

Croce, leaders of Catholic higher

The conference’s theme was “Education

Church and State, Lex Naturalis, the

education met to discuss their goals

for Action: the Urgency of Interreligious

Ave Maria Law Review, and the

in providing exceptional education

Leadership for the Common Good,” and

Journal of Islamic State Practices in

and preparation for the ministry of the

was held on May 7th at the Pontifical

International Law. She is the author

Church. Other college and university

University of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

of a book on Martha Nussbaum’s

leaders in attendance met with Church

It focused on the “power of interfaith

political philosophy.

leaders such as Cardinal James Michael

leadership in bringing about positive change and highlighted examples of inspiring initiatives taking place from grassroots activism to leading

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Holy Cross College Delta Epsilon Sigma Fellowship Scholarship Winners

Thomas Brophy ‘19, Maria Barrera ‘20, and Carley Klott ‘19.

The application for the Russell Berrie Fellowship in Interreligious Studies at the Angelicum is open to those

and influencing policymakers in both

students who have gained a BA at Holy

secular and religious institutions.”

Cross and want to continue pursuing a

Dr. Bernardini, whose research involves

more in depth study of other religions.

Harvey, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross Foundation prides itself on its mission of “Training future leaders to serve the universal church.”

interreligious dialogue and human

Chartered by John Paul II in 1984 as

rights, global justice, pluralism and

a pontifical athenaeum, Santa Croce

interfaith coexistence, has taught the

was elevated to a pontifical university

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

FA C U LT Y & S T U D E N T U P D AT E S by a grant from Pope John Paul II in 1998. The University is open to priests, seminarians, religious and lay people, both men and women, from dioceses around the world.

Father Tyson and Chairman of the Board David Bender

Delta Epsilon Sigma Members Earn Fellowship, Scholarship The Holy Cross College Delta Epsilon Sigma chapter had an outstanding year. Maria Barrera ’20, a Biology and Psychology major and English minor, was one of 13 students in the country to receive a $1,200 scholarship toward her final year at the College.

Carley Klott ‘19 was awarded a $1,200 fellowship for her graduate studies. Klott will pursue her M.Ed. in Art Therapy at Wayne State University in the fall.

In February, Thomas Brophy ‘19, a history major and theology minor was awarded $500 from the Delta Epsilon Sigma society for his scholarly research paper, “Lessons Unlearned: The Impact of the American Civil War on the Franco-Prussian War. ” The paper is to be included in the forthcoming bi-annual journal from the Society.

Established in 1939, the Delta Epsilon Sigma scholastic honor society was established for students of Catholic universities and colleges in the United States. Students must be in the top twenty percent of their class to be members.

Holy Cross College is one of the 119 colleges and universities that belong to Delta Epsilon Sigma.

Holy Cross College Professor Presents as a Partner at International Scientific Conference Associate Professor of Psychology Cosette Fox, Ph.D. was part of the scientific committee of the 7th International Scientific Conference at the University of BielskoBiala in Poland. The conference, which focused on psychology and education was entitled “Teacher and Student in the Perspective of Social Transformations,” and was part of a conference cycle called “Teacher and Student in the Pedagogical Theory and Practice— Contexts of Changes.”

Fox spoke on “The Relationship between Growth Mindset, Grit and Academic Achievement in Elementary Children” on March 25th. Her paper discussed the relationship of how children fare academically and how this relates to

their passion and perseverance and their perspective of their intelligence.

She was also the guest lecturer for an intensive four-hour class at the University of Bielsko-Biala called “How Much Brain do We Really Need?”

“These kinds of opportunities are so enriching for us as faculty and ultimately for our students,” said Fox. “One of the many things I like about Holy Cross is that the College encourages both local and international collaborations. In 2017, our Dean of Faculty, Dr. David Lutz, hosted on our campus a conference that was a collaboration with the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin in Poland.

Drawing faculty from Ukraine, Poland, Kenya, and South Africa, that conference is what led to my collaboration with the University of Bielsko-Biala.”

Holy Cross College, along with the University of Silesia in Katowice, the University of Ostrava, Bond University, University of Hradec Králové, Lviv University, and University of South Bohemia were partners in the conference.

Fox published two scientific articles based on her ongoing research projects at Holy Cross College in the University of Bielsko-Biala’s journal, Pedagogical Contexts. One of those articles was based on Fox’s presentation at the conference in Poland and was coauthored by Professor Felicia Reid Metoyer and two Holy Cross College students, Lucy Campos ‘21 and Maria Barrera ‘20.

“WE ARE PROUD OF AND PLEASED WITH THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUR DES CHAPTER MEMBERS THIS YEAR. THESE STUDENTS ARE DEDICATED SCHOLARS AND QUITE WORTHY OF THIS RECOGNITION FROM THE SOCIETY.” — DAVID LUTZ, DEAN OF FACULTY AT THE COLLEGE. HOLY CROSS COLLEGE hcc-nd.edu

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H O LY C R O S S D E V E LO P M E N T

Introducing Holy Cross’ newest giving society...

The Saint Simeon Society “NOW, MASTER, YOU MAY LET YOUR SERVANT GO IN PEACE, ACCORDING

SOCIETY

TO YOUR WORD, FOR MY EYES HAVE

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE at Notre Dame, Indiana

PREPARED IN THE SIGHT OF ALL THE

The Saint Simeon Society, established in May, recognizes those men and women who have made Holy Cross College a meaningful part of their legacy.

Over the years, the College has been fortunate to have many benefactors who, because of their devotion to the College and its mission, share their loyalty with the establishment of a planned gift, pushing the College to higher levels of achievement. These gifts are established through various means that you can explore on our website pages.

Planned gifts become a lasting legacy and are symbolic of the donors’ values and aspirations, immeasurably benefiting the College and its mission of forming our students as scholars, citizens, leaders, and disciples. Gifts strengthen programs, activities, and curricula, allowing the College to build on its traditions of teaching, faith, and service. Other gifts provide enhancements to the physical campus. The primary value of all planned gifts is that they allow you, as a donor, to make a statement of support that will provide new foundations for the future.

SEEN YOUR SALVATION, WHICH YOU PEOPLES: A LIGHT FOR REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, AND GLORY FOR YOUR PEOPLE ISRAEL.” — Luke 2:29-32

Saint Simeon is known for having been visited by the Holy Spirit who revealed to him that he would not see death until he had met the Lord’s Messiah. He is known for his faith and awaiting the fulfillment of this prophecy. Saint Simeon, “the receiver of God” met the baby Jesus and his Holy Family at the temple in Jerusalem at the Presentation.

The Society has been named for him in honor of his lifelong devotion to finding Christ.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

I N A P P R E C I AT I O N

To become a member of the Saint Simeon Society, you may inform the College in writing of your gift (and enclose a copy of the pertinent documentation, if you so wish).

We are available to assist you with this process. Bequests, charitable lead trusts, and naming the College as the beneficiary of your life insurance plan, retirement account, or other assets will qualify you for membership in the Saint Simeon Society.

Holy Cross College wishes to recognize and thank those who support our mission through planned gifts. Members receive: • Invitations to exclusive Saint Simeon Society events • A memento emblematic of their membership • The College’s Annual Report • News and communication from the Office of Planned Giving.

Please call JudeAnne Wilson Hastings, at 574.239.8372, or e-mail us at plannedgiving@hcc-nd.edu,for more information.

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HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

H O LY C R O S S D E V E LO P M E N T

BUILDING FOR THE

FUTURE SHAPING THE

SCHOLARS, CITIZENS, LEADERS, AND DISCIPLES

OF TOMORROW Through your planned gift you have the ability support future Holy Cross Saints and leave a lasting legacy at Holy Cross College.

Your planned gift could endow a scholarship for students just like Maria and Shaima who are able to attend Holy Cross only with scholarship support.

JUAN DIEGO SCHOLARSHIP

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Maria Barrera ‘20 is a psychology and biology major and English minor. “Appropriately, this indicates the synopsis of my activity as a junior at Holy Cross,” she says. “I am involved in a little bit of everything.”

Enrolled in classes at Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s, and Holy Cross College, Maria truly understands the benefits of the tri-campus community and the College’s part in it. Maria is a member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma and Psi Chi honors societies. A recent grant through Psi Chi will allow her to attend the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference where she will present her findings on “The Relationship between Implicit Theories and Stress Regulation.” Maria is at work finishing an article on the studies for publication with Dr. Alexandrou, a biology professor at the College.

Shaima Musleh, ’21, is a Biology major with a minor in Psychology.

During the second semester of her sophomore year, Shaima stayed busy taking 18 credit hours, tutoring chemistry and calculus students here at the College, as well as volunteering at the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Arts and Culture.

A first generation student, Maria is solidifying a club geared toward raising awareness, promoting support, and networking with others. “Being a first generation student makes you keenly aware that the experience of an undergraduate education is a privilege. With that in mind, I hope to leave a lasting impression on Holy Cross College.”

After graduating, Shaima intends to attend medical school, with her sights set on the University of Chicago, hopefully working in clinical psychiatry, helping refugees and children who have suffered trauma.

“By investing in scholarships, you’re investing in the whole community, and sharing in the common good of our society. I believe my education is something that will give of itself again and again through generations to come.”

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE hcc-nd.edu

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H O LY C R O S S D E V E LO P M E N T

April 12, 2019

Donor Recognition Event “For making these experiences possible, thank you. Thank you for letting Holy Cross College be a place I can always call home.“ – Kara Tarala ‘21

O

n April 12, some 60 donors returned to campus to participate in a day honoring their generosity and commitment to Holy Cross College. Donors enjoyed lunch with administration, faculty, and staff in Siegfried Dining Hall.

Following lunch guests attended an afternoon filled with faculty and student presentations, each of which highlighted how Holy Cross continues to form the scholars, citizens, leaders, and disciples of tomorrow. Reverend David T. Tyson, C.S.C. celebrated Mass for all of those who so generously shared their time, talent, and spirit with the College and its students.

The College’s Driscoll Society members also enjoyed dinner together, in celebration and recognition of their generous examples. After dinner, Father Tyson provided an update about the College, and donors heard from Kara Tarala ’21, who shared with them how their gifts made a direct difference in her life.

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HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

H O LY C R O S S D E V E LO P M E N T

Donors enjoyed talks from Felicia Reid-Metoyer, Director of Student Teaching, Andrew Polaniecki, Director of Campus Ministry, Dr. Michael Hartmann, Associate Professor of Business, and Assistant Professor and chair of the Creative Arts Department, Angelo Ray Martínez.

Karen Eckrich ’19, Bruno Souza ’19, and Brianna Gonzalez ’19 shared with donors how greatly their liberal arts education had changed them during their time at Holy Cross College.

The College honored in a special way Driscoll Society member Shelia A. O’Shaugnessy for her generosity to the College and her dedication to its mission.

O’Shaugnessy, a resident of Holy Cross Village and dedicated supporter of the College, was recognized at dinner for her longtime support of Catholic higher education and her generous contribution to the College’s Ascend Campaign.

Brother Kenneth Haders, C.S.C., Trustee, and Tom Novitzki, alumni parent, enjoy dinner in the Pfeil Board Room.

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE hcc-nd.edu

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H O LY C R O S S D E V E LO P M E N T

We broke records on our 3rd annual Day of Giving With your support on April 21 we had…….

THANK YO

U

606 DONORS

223

FIRST-TIME DONORS

186

More than

STUDENT DONORS

600 70

SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

AMBASSADORS

#MyHCC is AMAZING #MYHCC is PROUD #MYHCC is FAMILY

IN

24

HOURS

18

We raised $49,618 and Unlocked $40,000 in challenge gifts for a grand total of

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

#MYHCC is GENEROUS

$89,618

H O LY C R O S S D E V E LO P M E N T

Thank you so much for your donation to our 3rd annual Day of Giving! I am so blessed to be a student at Holy Cross.

—Lucy Campos ’21

Thank you so much for your donation!

We are so proud to see the amount of people that came together to celebrate our 3rd annual Day of Giving! Ya’all are awesome!

—Dillion Begley ’20

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE hcc-nd.edu

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H O LY C R O S S B O A R D O F T R U S T E E S

New Era, New Faces Holy Cross College welcomes new Board of Trustee members

All seven of the new members joined Father Tyson, Chairman of the Board David P. Bender and other members of leadership on campus in the days after Commencement for meetings, meals, and prayer.

“These men and women, whose expertise in business, investment, law, healthcare, government and non-profit administration will greatly fortify and further the direction of the College, truly share in our vision. Already, they have brought to the table the kind of leadership and faith that heightens our intentionally Catholic mission of forming students as scholars, citizens, leaders, and disciples.”

— Reverend David T. Tyson, C.S.C.

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Thomas A. Ayers

Calvin Colbert

Brother William E. Dygert, C.S.C.

Timothy Joseph Shea

Brother Robert E. Lavelle, C.S.C.

Kathleen Texido

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

John Gschwind

H O LY C R O S S B O A R D O F T R U S T E E S Thomas A. Ayers of Glen Rock, New Jersey is a longtime partner at Deloitte, where he specializes as a firm-designated private equity, hedge fund, mutual fund, and investment partnership specialist. He has 35 years of experience with the big four company, with more than 20 spent as a partner.

For more than a decade, Ayers and his wife have served as coordinators for the Pre-Cana program at Saint Catharine Church. Their son Steven is an alumnus of Holy Cross College’s Gateway Program.

transition, integration and business transformation in the technology sector. Additionally, he is currently the Chief Transformation Management Officer for Acoustic L.P. and was most recently Chief of Staff for Getronics Global Services, a $1.4 billion dollar provider of workplace, cloud, and applications development based out of London and Amsterdam.

Calvin Colbert of Dallas, Texas is a Senior Vice President at Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a premier outplacement and executive coaching consultancy based in Chicago, IL. His industry expertise includes more than a decade in healthcare industry, as well as significant time in the association management and professional services arenas. Colbert worked in corporate affairs and program management with VHA, Inc. (now Vizient,) and The Conference Board.

Brother Robert E. Lavelle, C.S.C., of Gates Mills, Ohio, is a member of the Midwest province. Lavelle served for a decade as a teacher, counselor, and administrator for Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron. After retiring in 2017 from his position for over thirty years as head of the Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, Lavelle became the Assistant Provincial and Vicar of the Midwest Province. He serves on numerous boards, among them the Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward’s University, Gilmour Academy, and the Metanoia Project of Cleveland.

Brother William E. Dygert, C.S.C., Ph.D. recently retired as the Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. During his educational career, he has taught English in high school and college as well as teacher education and administration courses at the graduate level.

He has also served as a middle school president, as a high school assistant principal and principal, and for the past twenty-seven years as a Catholic school superintendent.

Brother Dygert holds a BA in English, three masters degrees, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton in Ohio. He served a term as a consultant to the USCCB Committee on Education, and taught a graduate course on Board Management in the University of Notre Dame’s ACE Remick Leadership Program.

Kathleen Texido of Atherton, California, is an alumna of the University of Notre Dame. She has served as a senior business advisor and has extensive experience in financial management. Ms. Texido has worked as a senior accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers and as the CFO for Ascent Technology. Her volunteer work over the past 20 years has spanned many organizations, most significantly Atherton’s Sacred Heart Schools and St. Raymond Parish. An active supporter of the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education, Ms. Texido hosts events for ACE in her community and home. She is a devoted supporter of the underserved through the Boys and Girls Club, Rebuilding Together and the St. Francis Center. Her daughter, Megan, and son, William are both alums of the Gateway Program.

John Gschwind of Redding, Connecticut serves as the vice president, legal, general counsel and corporate secretary for the electrical products and solutions distributor Rexel USA, Inc., which includes its Gexpro, Gexpro Services, Platt Electric Supply and Rexel business units. He is a member of the Advisory Board and Executive Advisory Committee for the deNicola Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame and is a member of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, Connecticut.

Timothy Joseph Shea of Austin, Texas is the President of TJS Consulting, LLC. TJS Consulting provides management consulting services to private equity firms focused on

Thomas C. Sopko, Esq. recently retired from the Board of Trustees.

In his 18 years of serving, Mr. Sopko helped lead the College in development, finance, and provided legal counsel. His generosity and guidance were recognized during the spring Board meeting.

The College thanks him for his many years of devoted service.

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE hcc-nd.edu

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AT H L E T I C S U P D AT E S

by Tyler Braidic, Sports Information Director

Holy Cross College Winter Sports Conclude

Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams ended their seasons in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference post season tournament semifinals.

Women’s basketball finished the year 16-16 overall and 12-8 CCAC play. They earned a #6 seed in the conference tournament and faced #3 seed St. Xavier University on February 20. The Saints defeated the Cougars to advance to the semifinal to take on Cardinal Stritch University. Holy Cross fell to the Wolves 80-63, ending the Saints’ season. Seniors Keysha Streater ‘19 and Jessica Norris ‘19 were named to the CCAC All-Conference Second Team. The Saints also had Madison Tomblin ‘19, Kaelyn Barlow ‘20, Alex Forster ‘20, Jessica Norris, Cameron Schultheis ‘21, and Keysha Streater named to the CCAC All-Academic Team, while Tomblin was tabbed a Daktronics-NAIA ScholarAthlete. Streater capped off her four year career at Holy Cross College by becoming the program’s all-time scoring leader with 1,803 career points.

She also ranks first with career field goals made (733) and field goal percentage (58.4%). Jessica Norris leaves Holy Cross first in career 3-pt field goals made with 302 and career 3-pt field goal percentage 37%. Women’s basketball returns six players for the 2019-2020 season.

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Men’s basketball ended this year with the best record in program history. The Saints finished 21-11 overall and 13-6 in conference play. They earned a #2 seed in the conference tournament and hosted Cardinal Stritch University on February 19. Men’s basketball defeated the Wolves 82-68 to advance to the semifinal. Holy Cross fell to Governors State University on February 21. Men’s basketball had three student-athletes recognized by the CCAC; sophomore Stormi Cook ‘21 made All-Conference First Team, senior Bryce Crosen ‘19 was named All-Conference Second Team, and junior Robby Jimenez ‘20 received All-Conference Honorable Mention. Seniors Nate Miller ‘19 and Bryce Crosen were awarded to the CCAC All-Academic team, and Miller was named a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete.

Crosen leaves the school as the all-time scoring leader with 1,110 career points. He also ranks first with 454 career field goals made. Miller leaves Holy Cross first with 370 career assists and a tie for first with playing in 125 games. The Holy Cross defense gave up only 65.3 points per game, which was second-best in the nation. They also ranked third in the nation with pulling down 29.6 defensive rebounds per game.

AT H L E T I C S U P D AT E S The men’s and women’s tennis program began their spring season on Saturday, February 23 when they hosted Albion College at the Eck Tennis Pavilion located on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. The men’s team defeated the Britons 9-0, while women’s tennis fell 7-2. Freshman Dominic Gibson ‘22, from Midland, Texas, was named the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the Week for the period ending March 24.

SPRING

ATHLETICS

Last season’s Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach of the Year, T.J. Mannen, guided the Saints to another National Tournament run. The Saints opened their spring season down in Alabama in the Lawrence Tech Invite, where they placed 4th as a team, behind Carter Silva ‘23’s 11th place individual finish. For his scores in Alabama, Silva was tabbed the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Men’s Golfer of the Week honor for the week ending March 17. During the week of April 14-17, Alex Meagher ‘19 placed in 9th in the

IWU Invite and finished in 3rd place in the Battle of Blackthorn. For his efforts, Meagher was named CCAC Men’s Golfer of the week. Alex Meagher took home 1st place in the CCAC post-season tournament, while Blake Vise ‘19 finished in 2nd place. Behind Meagher and Vise, the Saints won the CCAC post-season tournament and qualified for the NAIA National Tournament. The team competed at Las Sendas Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona on May 21st. The tournament consisted of 30 teams from across the country with a 156-player field.

Men’s golf finished in a tie for 29th place in the National Tournament with Blake Vise leading the Saints to a 107th place finish. Blake Vise and Alex Meagher were named to the NAIA Ping North All Region.

The women’s golf team also competed in the Lawrence Tech Invite in Alabama.

Abby Clark ‘19 had a top-30 finish coming in 28th place. Women’s golf followed that up in a 6th place team finish in the Taylor Invite. Madison Pool ‘22 placed 18th, and Abby Clark finished in 20th.

Congratulations on a great season, Saints!

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE hcc-nd.edu

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Rome is from Mars, America from Venus: John Allen Jr. Comes to Holy Cross College

by Teresa Breckler ’21 Students, faculty, and guests gathered in the Pfeil Center this past March to hear John L. Allen, Jr., founder and editor of Crux, an independent, international Catholic news agency give a lecture about the misunderstandings between Rome and the United States.

Widely regarded as the best single source of information on Vatican affairs in the English language, Allen has reported extensively on the abuse crisis and Pope Francis’ response. In addition to his work for Crux, Allen serves as a senior Vatican analyst for CNN. He is the author of eleven books about the Vatican and Catholic affairs, including “Opus Dei: An Objective Look Behind the Myths and Reality of the Most Controversial Force in the Catholic Church "and “The Future Church: How Ten Trends Are Revolutionizing the Catholic Church.” He has published two biographies of Pope Benedict XVI. Before joining Crux Catholic Media in 2014, Allen served as a Senior Correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter for 16 years. His articles have appeared in The Boston Globe, The New York Times, CNN, NPR, The Tablet, Jesus, Second Opinion, The Nation, the Miami Herald, and The Irish Examiner.

A native of Kansas, John Allen grew up in Hays, a city with a population of about 20,000 people and home to the Fort Hays State, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy. A small enough college town, but with a population twenty times greater than the city-state in Rome for which he is known as being the leading expert.

Allen holds a master’s degree in religious studies from the University of Kansas. He has honorary doctorates from the University of St. Michael’s College in Toronto, Ontario; Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, and the University of Dallas, Texas.

True to his midwestern values, the first words to come forth from the acclaimed international journalist were “thank you.”

Holy Cross College, Allen said, is important on the Catholic landscape for fostering and transmitting the “Catholic intellectual.” Continuing

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HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

past these kind opening words, Allen’s speech

highly concerned if a solution was

focused on the cultural divide between Rome

found that quickly. In their minds,

and the United States. His talk was entitled “Rome

greater problems are likely to come

is from Mars, America from Venus: The Cultural

out of it.”

Gap between the Vatican and Main Street USA”.

According to Allen, who in turn referenced Harvard political scientist Joseph Nye, the United States is the world’s most influential “hard power.”

From a secular point of view, the world looks to the United States as the second largest economic

The concepts surrounding the law also differ. In the United States, with its Puritanical roots, the speed limit is meant to be just that. In Italy, Allen joked, the speed limit is merely a suggestion.

power in the world with the foremost military.

I listened to Allen with curiosity and then

On the other hand, the Vatican, Allen pointed

surprised understanding. His points about the

out, is the world’s most important “soft power.”

differing cultures made sense. He had clearly

It the smallest nation in the world, yet wherever

delineated the various origins and given concise

its leader goes, bottlenecked crowds scramble to

examples of the modern-day dilemmas within

“HOLY CROSS COLLEGE,

see him.

and between different cultures.

IS IMPORTANT ON THE

Allen stated that the world is best served when

I understand that there are legitimate gaps in

it’s most important hard power and soft power can understand one another. We know well that at present, there is not a mutual understanding, in part driven by different cultures with “perennial misunderstandings” on perspective, concepts of time and concepts of law. The United States, as a hard power, is used to its opinion and needs to be listened to with great attention, and quickly.

cultures and thus in communication, but I still

FOR FOSTERING

look to my pontiff and the Church hierarchy

AND TRANSMITTING

with trust for guidance. I struggle with and

THE “CATHOLIC

am confused by seemingly conflicting reports

INTELLECTUAL.”

or years of silence to direct questions, such as that over Amoris Laetitia. However, Allen gave

— J OHN ALLEN JR.

excellent illustrations of these difficulties in communication during his talk, broadening my

When it comes to Catholicism and the US,

horizon and allowing me to understand better

Allen pointed out that only six percent of the

the misunderstandings between Rome and the

world’s Catholics live here. He illustrated the

United States.

misunderstanding as such: “If there is a problem

CATHOLIC LANDSCAPE

Tuesday morning that does not have a solution

John Allen is a gracious and gifted speaker

proposed by Tuesday afternoon the response is

who the students, faculty, and guests were

that you are either incompetent, in denial, or part

grateful to hear. He called us to consider both

of the problem. In Italy, however, which is part

the “superpowers” of the world, despite their

of the Mediterranean culture, people would be

different ways of working.

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE hcc-nd.edu

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by Alexis Petersen ’19

“I don’t use the word ‘staff‘, ” Chef Brent

hours of consecutive classes. Didn’t she

Gregory tells us as we venture outside

agree? Lizzet smiles and nods.

for the last leg of our tour. The camera’s shutter flickers as Lizzet Aleman ‘19 snaps a photo of our conversation. It’s one of the first days in April that have sloughed the bite of winter, and the first time I don’t regret wearing a dress to school. Gregory smiles. “We’re a family.”

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

At 8 o’clock in the morning, the dining hall is mostly empty. Sandwiched between two resident halls, one would think locating a full breakfast with no layovers in walking distance of a morning class would be a college students’ every wish. When our photographer, Lizzet, arrives from her nearby dorm with a sleepy smile and

of passage for college students. What sets Holy Cross apart is the familiar conduct of the people who serve over 400 meals every day, a welcome survivor of the transition. Gregory, a vet of the dining services at Notre Dame, seeks to continue this trend. He finally greets us at one of the many communal tables in the dining room. After our introductions, I try to spur our interview with the usual: personal history, experience but Gregory shies away from his own particulars. Instead, he focuses on the group angle. “I could get into why each person I get to work with is special,” he says, “but that could get really lengthy.”

freshly showered hair, I remember that

A graduate of Ivy Tech, Gregory has

no amount of convenience can placate

been working in restaurants since his

an overworked senior’s plain desire

teen years. Since then, he’s accumulated

to rest.

an impressive resume with a great deal

While Lizzet and I wait for our spokesperson, Executive Chef Brent Gregory, to find a free moment between his morning rounds, we chat a bit about our memories in the dining hall.

Holy Cross in 2017 underwent major administrative changes, the result of which included transferring culinary services from Sodexo to Notre Dame.

We both remembered the pre-

26

Unremarkable dining seems to be a rite

of experience, most notably: Executive Sous Chef at the Morris Inn, and Head Chef at Legends of Notre Dame. Despite his demonstrable success, Gregory prefers to stay humble. “It’s refreshing to work with a group of people who embrace their mission. Everybody in this kitchen knows who they’re serving on day-to-day basis, and they sincerely care about the students.”

transition food with varying degrees of

Community is central to the operation

sentimentality. It wasn’t steak at Ruth’s

of the college, and the dining hall is no

Chris, but it was satisfactory after a few

exception.

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

A Day in the Life

Chef Brent

As Gregory leads us into the kitchen to familiarize us with the people and processes that bring the dining hall alive, the rapport is palpable. Many of the Sodexo staff remained after the transition, to the joy of the students who know them. Gregory marvels in particular at the connection between staff and students, citing the gratitude students show to the people who serve them. Seeing familiar faces is as much of a staple as anything served on a plate, solidifying the ever-present family dynamic shared by everyone involved.

In that regard, Holy Cross is anomalous; all the fundraising in the world couldn’t buy the kind of intersectional friendship it fosters, joining faculty, staff, students, and alumni alike.

Consequently, the menu has expanded to satisfy more palates, which Gregory credits to crowdsourcing opinions and his background in restaurants. “This has been a great opportunity to round out my experience portfolio. But it’s definitely a group effort,” he says.

A recent survey conducted by Dining Services revealed student satisfaction at service alone was ranked nearly 9 points on a 10-point scale.

Students are not the only beneficiaries of the staff’s commitment to service.

There are a few unfamiliar faces among

the sinks and countertops as we continue our tour, and Gregory is quick to inform us of their special purpose here: in collaboration with South Bend School Corporation, local students with developmental disabilities are selected to work, hands-on, with some of the staff. Cooks Cindy and Fran are on-call this morning, mentoring a

It’s almost time for me to depart for class, but I ask Gregory the one message he’d like to send out into the world.

“Follow your passion.”

And so he has.

young man who is serving as Cook’s Assistant for the day. Students may also share responsibilities with Mimi, who oversees the dining area. The real-world experience students receive is meant to aid in their professional development, but the relationships they build with the dining team remain with them despite their career path.

Finally, we make it out the back door, where the long avenue to the northern facade of Vincent Hall is still shadowed behind barely-green maple trees.

Chef Gregory seems to have taken the edict of being “family” to heart. Marc Poklinkowski, manager at parent Notre Dame Dining Services, shared later that Gregory offers free at-home chef experiences for different charity auctions. The community is family at the dining hall, and family is the driving passion.

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE hcc-nd.edu

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H O LY C R O S S A D M I S S I O N S

Admissions Looks Ahead

by Terron Phillips ’14, Director of Recruitment & Retention The Office of Admissions at Holy Cross College has had an exciting 2018-2019 recruiting cycle thus far. Moves within the enrollment division to build stronger collaboration between Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Life have proven to be fruitful in helping unify the outgoing message from the college to prospective students and families; that Holy Cross College is dedicated to forming scholars, citizens, leaders, and disciples for the common good. With this message, the admissions staff hit the road to recruit a diverse and highly talented class of students intending to enroll this August.

Along with informing prospective students, families, and guidance counselors of the College’s rich Catholic tradition, the admissions staff was excited to share the many new tri-campus social and academic opportunities, including articulation agreements with the Notre Dame Naval ROTC Program, select graduate business programs at the Mendoza College of Business, and a 4+1 master’s program in Data Science at Saint Mary’s College.

Our admissions staff visited approximately 300 high schools across the county, and attended approximately 130 college fairs, meeting hundreds of students interested in making Holy Cross their college choice.

Such outreach efforts, combined with increased campus visit opportunities, and personal interaction with prospective students have positioned

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HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

the Office of Admissions to enroll a larger class than that of the 2017-18 recruitment cycle. As admission and yield rates have risen throughout the 2018-19 recruitment cycle, the academic seriousness and preparedness of students applying to Holy Cross continues to guide admissions’ decisionmaking. Recent reports project that the 2019 class grade point average, standardized test score (SAT or ACT), and class ranking averages will mirror the high marks reported of 2018’s incoming group.

For a second year, on-campus interviews were offered to admitted students nominated for one of the College’s distinguished Signature Scholarships. During Signature Scholarship interview days, Holy Cross faculty, staff, and students met with a diverse group of some of this year’s most impressive incoming students. Upon review of a student’s application for admission, applicants can be nominated for one of three signature scholarships. Those nominated for the Moreau Scholarship (namesake: Blessed Basil Moreau) are students whose academic record demonstrates excellence and achievement in challenging coursework throughout high school. Students who are nominated for the Andre Scholarship (namesake: Saint Andre` Bessette, C.S.C.) are those students that truly reflect the mission of the College, and who seek to contribute their skills and talents to the service of others. Our newest Signature Scholarship, the Anchor Award is reserved for prospective Holy Cross student athletes who reflect the character and dedication to our mission that we’ve come to expect from all Holy Cross students.

In addition to Signature Scholarship interview days, the Office of Admissions offered a wide variety of campus visit experiences to students at various stages in the admissions process including Admitted Student Days, Preview Days, overnight stays with current students, and daily campus tour opportunities. These enrollment projections are very exciting for Holy Cross!

H O LY C R O S S A D M I S S I O N S

Q&A

with Holy Cross College Admissions Counselor

Jonathan Hake ’17

What about your job might students be surprised to learn?

What is it that has made Holy Cross College a place of life long learning for you?

We travel a lot. I’ve driven eight hours before for just one trip. We’ve put more than 10,000 miles on a rental car in under two months.

Also, we like to call every student who has applied. Sometimes this means staying till after 10pm due to applicants being from different time zones.

The community. The order of Holy Cross.

The tri campus. All three of these communities have helped me grow in spirit, socially and academically.

You are also alumni, which gives you some excellent perspective for recruitment. What are some key lessons you learned as a student that have informed your approach to speaking about Holy Cross with perspective students?

Be flexible. Be creative and engaging.

The students at this college are all different, so keep an open mind. I think my best experiences here happened randomly.

You are often eating ice cream in the most interesting places, and always when there is no other ice cream in sight. If Holy Cross were to have a signature ice cream flavor, what would it be?

While my palate for ice cream is highly refined, I would have to suggest for this an old classic: Neapolitan. It has a little something for everyone. Every flavor tastes great on it’s own, but is even better when mixed together.

What are a few changes you’ve noticed here from your time as a student to your time working here now?

We have the O’Connor Commons green, where students gather to have snowball fights, play frisbee and study in hammocks or on the lawn. I see even more Holy Cross pride. We have stronger academics and many more new opportunities like studying abroad in Ireland, Italy, Poland, and England. Students take more advantage of the tri-campus than before, many of them attending lectures, joining clubs and sports at Saint Mary’s and Notre Dame in addition to being members of our clubs and teams here at Holy Cross.

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H O LY C R O S S A LU M N I

ALUMNI ANNOUNCEMENTS CLASS NOTES

Marie-Louise Bridgeman ’12 is working at the

Thomas Golden ’73 retired after 43 years of teaching.

lecturer in the McCombs School of Business.

He served the past three decades at Marian Catholic

Humberto Delgado ’12 graduated from the

High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Josh Anthony Kelly ’76 was appointed to the

University of Texas at Austin as a career coach and

University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business with a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration

Arlington Cemetery Advisory Board in September

in May.

of last year after concluding 14 years as Chair of the

Tyler Kanczuzewski ’12 completed his MBA at

US Advisory Committee on National Cemeteries and Memorials.

Kevin M. Hennessy, ’02 writes, “After nearly a decade of working as a clinical pharmacist at the Coatesville, VA medical center, I left to open up my own pharmacy, the Compounding Pharmacist, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. We specialize in custom prescriptions tailored to the patient’s medical needs.”

Don Vincent ’03 became the owner and publisher of The Daily Line, a newsletter reporting on policy and politics in Chicago, Cook County, and Springfield, Illinois. He and his wife welcomed a daughter in April.

Everett Fritz ’04 and his wife Katrina live in Denver with their three children. In 2010, Everett completed

Grand Valley State University, with an emphasis in Sustainability.

Robert Campos ’13 started a new role in sales with Adams Remco last fall. He is staying busy outside of work serving as a goalkeeper coach at Elkhart Central High School and Middlebury Magic Academy.

Victoria Lord ’14 has enrolled in the Program for Inclusive Education at the University of Notre Dame.

After graduating next year, she hopes to use her skills in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Thomas J. Lyons III ’14 is an associate at Barnes and Thornburg in their corporate department.

his MA in Theology from the Augustine Institute. He

Macauley Hill ’15 was in the top 10 advisors for

is the author of two books and is a popular public

Northwestern Mutual in the state of Indiana. His

speaker.

achievement was celebrated this past February in a

Ruth Winters Yarberry ’04 and her husband Ed

ceremony at the Conrad in downtown Indianapolis.

opened an Irish Catholic online boutique called the

Robert Lulgjuraj ’15 is in his final year the University

Three Irish Sisters.

of Detroit Mercy Law School. He has recently accepted

Ryan Ayala ’11 earned his Master’s in Education and Curriculum from the University of Mary.

Katie Gallaway ’11, of Fort Wayne, was named Northwest Allen County Schools Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020.

Claire Lochmondy Landgraf ‘11, of Rochester, Minnesota, opened Finery Bridal Chic, a boutique

a position working for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, assigned to the Felony Trials Division.

Bridget McCullough ’15 earned her M.Ed. and Ed.S. in School Psychology with highest distinction from Valparaiso University.

Michael Franz, Jr. ’16 is the new mascot for the Baltimore Ravens, “Poe.”

specializing in carefully curated and customizable

Patrick Phelan ’16 graduated from the University

gowns and accessories.

of Notre Dame’s Echo Graduate Service program in the summer of 2018, and walked at the University’s commencement in May.

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H O LY C R O S S A LU M N I

teaching at Harrison Elementary School and is

MARRIAGES

happy to have made South Bend her home.

Matt Humm ’10 and his wife Kayley were married in December of 2018.

Alyssa R. Davis ’18 recently became a marketing

DiJavante Albert ’12 married Jennifer Langlois on May 25th.

Sierra Covington ’17 is in her second year of

assistant at First People’s Credit Union in Ridgeley, West Virginia.

Veronica Ramirez ’18 will begin the Masters in Divinity program at the University of Notre Dame this fall.

Ashley Adamcyzk, ’19 is working as an administrative support professional with First Source Bank.

Paul Gilsdorf, ’19 started graduate school at Harvard University and is pursuing a Master’s of

Andrew Salazar ’15 will marry Saint Mary’s College alumna Kylie O’ Brien on October 12 of this year.

Kari Barnes ’16 and Clayton Webb ‘15 will marry on July 12.

Shelby Nelson ’16 and Trey Solomon ’17 will marry this year.

Aoife Rose Carey ’17 married PJ Faccenda III on June 28th, 2018 in Carton House, Maynooth, Ireland.

Kylie Day ’17 became engaged to Jared Ordner in December, 2018. Their wedding will be this year in Zionsville, Indiana.

Liberal Arts in Finance. He is currently the Senior Learning Designer for TAL Education Group located in Beijing, China.

Duffy Hastings, ’19 has been admitted to Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida.

BIRTHS Bob Koch ’02 married his wife, Belle in 2017. His fellow Holy Cross College classmate Brent Jones served as a groomsmen. He and Belle welcomed daughter, Kylie in 2018.

Sharon Kailin Gray ’10 and her husband Michael welcomed a baby girl, Alice Clementine Gray on April 1, 2019. Alice joins siblings John Paul, Evelyn, and Magnus.

Steve Jaffee, ’11 and his wife Liz recently welcomed their first child, Oliver Stanley Jaffee.

Amanda Ayala ’12 and her husband Ryan ’11 welcomed their second child, Zelie Catherine, on January 22, 2019.

Andrew Weiss ’12 and his wife Danielle welcomed their first son, Titus Joseph Weiss, on August 4, 2018.

Yama Kader ‘13 and his wife, Shelbi ’13 welcomed their first child this past March.

Jose Misael Cortes Barajas ’14 and his wife recently welcomed their first child.

Matthew Jozwiack ’14 and his wife Jacqueline welcomed daughter Caroline on February 14th.

Karina Moore ’17 and Drew Moore ‘15 welcomed Cameron Thomas Moore on May 27th.

Emily (Wack) ’17 and Adam Vizard ‘16 welcomed Jane Therese on September 25, 2018.

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H O LY C R O S S A LU M N I S P OT L I G H T

The Competency to See and the Courage to Act: Holy Cross College’s Impact on My Teaching Philosophy

by Randy Ebright ‘09 Twelve years ago, as a sophomore at Holy Cross, I sat in the front row of Brother Phillip Smith’s “Transformative Teaching in a Diverse World” course as he explained to us that, “The definition of ‘vocation’ is discovering where your individual skills and aspirations meet the needs of your community.” Still contemplating whether the educational field was one I should pursue a career in, this insight gave me both the reassurance that not only was teaching a profession I felt compelled to venture into, but also the inspiration that fulfilling such a role as an educator could be transformative.

As I come to the end of my ninth year as a high school English teacher in the South Bend Community School Corporation, I continue to reflect upon the part Holy Cross College has had on that vocation: providing for my students an education that will give them the competency to see and the courage to act.

Establishing community amongst people is not only a mission of Holy Cross College, but the cornerstone of my classroom. I strive to balance both the emphasis on standardized testing and the importance of community amongst my students. As many of my administrators have remarked, my curriculum and instruction is rigidly structured. Routinely posted, incorporated and referred to during my class are the Indiana Department of Education’s Academic Standards as well as lesson-specific content and language objectives. However, due to the intrinsically collaborative and Socratic Seminar-based style of my class (a hallmark of many, many courses I took at Holy Cross), students are able to explore, participate, interact and grow in ways that are immeasurable and empowering, regardless of what standardized assessment is used.

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H O LY C R O S S A LU M N I S P OT L I G H T Yes, we read, write, listen and speak. However, we also perform and sharpen those academic skills as a community. Encouraging students to perform roles in the stories we read, peer edit each other’s literary analysis essays, or work in small groups to analyze the allegorical meanings of Dr. Suess’ works have all been in attempt for students to realize that the most impactful learning and meaningful classroom experiences come from connecting with others. Each year, I witness these classes transform into more deeply creative and supportive communities as the school year progresses.

But fostering community is not the only way Holy Cross has influenced my teaching philosophy.

Through our studies of Sophocles, Shakespeare, Harper Lee, and even Dr. Seuss, cultivating students’ competency to see the world, and our society, through the lenses of these authors and their works whilst fostering their courage to act continues to be one of my greatest responsibilities as an educator. Studying the themes of civil disobedience (Sophocles’ Antigone), the corruptness of power and manipulation (Shakespeare), racism (To Kill a Mockingbird) and social injustices (Dr. Seuss), students not only become increasingly aware of the issues and challenges in our society, but also their ability, and even responsibility, to promote equality and compassion while opposing inequality and injustice. Embracing the competency to see and courage to act was one of the most important lessons and missions I gained from my time at Holy Cross. It is also the challenge and responsibility I offer my students so that they may be made more aware of, and instrumental in their communities.

While the perspectives and experiences I gained during my time at Holy Cross College have influenced my teaching style and philosophy, so have my students. Serving in a highly diverse school and community, students often share with me their experiences, perspectives, and struggles, allowing me to be more aware of my community and the varying challenges they face daily. Discrimination, poverty, and exclusion are a few of the adversities that my students have experienced and share with me. Learning from my students and knowing the challenges they face helps me view our community more holistically. It encourages me to act as an educator should: as an advocate for them and the community we share.

Holy Cross College’s mission remains at the heart of what I do, and it is one I hope to pass on to my students.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Randy Ebright ‘09 was named Teacher of the Year for John Adams High School in 2013 and 2019 and was awarded the South Bend Community School Corporation Teacher of the Year Runner Up in 2019. He earned his master’s in Secondary Education from Indiana University South Bend in 2012, and completed his International Baccalaureate training in 2014.

He and his wife, Kamella ’07, are the parents of two daughters.

I had the pleasure of joining Mr. Ebright’s English 10 course, in which he and his students discussed Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. Together, they tied the story to Joseph Campbell’s “monomyth,” to everything from Tolkien’s The Hobbit to the cartoon sitcom “Rick and Morty.”

As the class made their way through the first chunk of the novel, Mr. Ebright posed to his students’ the question, “What keeps the old man going?” Students mumbled, flipped through pages, waited for an answer. “Well, I’m not sure I know,” Ebright said, “But I think that’s what makes this story all the more fun to discuss.”

In June, the U.S. News and World Report ranked Adams High School as 44th in the state and in the top 12 percent nationally.

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GATEWAY E X P E R I E N C E

by Emily David, Gateway Program Coordinator

“I WAS SO GRATEFUL TO SPEND A YEAR AT HOLY CROSS BECAUSE OF THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY THAT RUNS THROUGH THE CAMPUS. EVERYWHERE I WENT I SAW A FAMILIAR FACE, AND I KNEW THAT I WAS SURROUNDED BY GENUINELY GOOD PEOPLE.” — Billy Scannell, Gateway 6.0, reflecting on his first year Billy was one of 76 freshmen in the sixth cohort of the Holy Cross College - University of Notre Dame Gateway Program. He has been accepted to Notre Dame as an International Economics major. He plans to focus on Spanish and pursue a supplementary major in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics (ACMS).

The Gateway Program began in 2013 as a collaboration between Holy Cross and Notre Dame. Each year, Notre Dame’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions invites select students from its applicant pool to enroll at Holy Cross for their freshman year with a guaranteed transfer agreement to Notre Dame for their sophomore year. Students take a coordinated program of courses both at Holy Cross and Notre Dame and participate in student life on

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HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

both campuses. These students are

many other Holy Cross students, they

who went through the program and

expected to meet rigorous academic

have taken advantage of countless

transferred to Notre Dame.

expectations, including a 3.5 GPA.

opportunities at Notre Dame, including

Dr. David Lutz, Dean of Faculty at Holy Cross, remarked, “I have had the pleasure of teaching Introductory Philosophy to members of each Gateway cohort since the program began. A number of Gateway parents have told me they are glad their daughters or sons went to Notre Dame by way of a Gateway year at Holy Cross.”

Marching Band, ROTC, Mock Trial, mission trips, theatre productions, and Student International Business Council.

Gateway students also organized a monthly “fellowship Mass” in the Saint Joseph Chapel, to which they invited the larger Holy Cross College

In April, the students’ successful completion of the program was celebrated at the annual Gateway Recognition Ceremony. Gathered in the Saint Joseph Chapel, students listened to reflections from Father Tyson, Senior Vice President Michael

community, visiting prospective

Griffin, and myself. We welcomed Dr.

Gateway students, and Gateway alums.

Christine Maziar, Senior Associate

From the start of the academic year,

Provost at Notre Dame, who addressed the students as they looked ahead to

The majority of the 2018-2019 Gateway

the Gateway first years interacted with

students will transfer into Notre Dame’s

past Gateway students at events such

College of Arts and Letters, followed

as an opening Mass at Holy Cross,

Throughout this spring semester, the

by the Mendoza College of Business,

followed by a candlelit walkover to

freshmen and sophomores who were

the College of Engineering, and the

pray at the Grotto at Notre Dame. In

part of Gateway eagerly helped recruit

College of Science. This summer,

December, they enjoyed “Majors Night,”

the incoming Gateway “7.0s.” Next

many of them are studying abroad in China, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, and South Africa. Others are taking part in internships, research, and service immersions across the country through Notre Dame’s Summer Service Learning Program (SSLP) with the Center for Social Concerns.

when former students came over to Holy Cross to answer questions about their majors and other programs at Notre Dame.

fall, we will welcome 76 new Gateway students to Holy Cross in the program’s seventh year.

At Holy Cross, Gateway students have been involved in golf and tennis, intermural sports, Campus Ministry, Student Government Association, and the “Back the Bend” service project.

They have worked in the Writing Center and with Campus Dining. Along with

At the College’s Parents Weekend in February, Father Tyson hosted a reception for the freshmen Gateway students and their parents, along with their parents, juniors at Notre Dame who were part of the fourth Gateway cohort. Parents Weekend aligned with Notre Dame’s Junior Parents Weekend, so it was a great opportunity to begin this tradition, where the families of freshmen met parents and students

joining the Notre Dame class of 2022.

Mary Mueller, who plans to major in Theology, expressed her gratitude for the Holy Cross community, “The people I have met here are truly unique and inspiring in that they take their individual gifts and elevate them for the good of others around them. Holy Cross exemplifies what it means to have a faith-filled community that is open, passionate, personal, and authentic.”

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Moreau College Initiative celebrates a

Year of the Fine Arts at Westville Correctional Facility

by Jenae Longenecker, Americorps Member

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On the evening of April 26, the Moreau College Initiative (MCI) celebrated the opening of Reframing Incarceration: Selected Works from the Westville Correctional Facility at the Notre Dame Center for Arts and Culture on W. Washington St. in downtown South Bend. The exhibit highlighted photographs, drawings, and paintings created by students enrolled at Holy Cross College through the Moreau College Initiative (MCI), a rigorous college-in-prison program located 45 miles west of South Bend at the Westville Correctional Facility.

MCI currently offers college courses to over 50 men incarcerated at Westville. The courses carry Holy Cross College credit and are taught by faculty from both Holy Cross and the University of Notre Dame.

At the May 2019 commencement ceremony, MCI conferred its 50th Associate of Arts degree and 10th Bachelor of Arts degree since the program’s inception in 2013. MCI offers degrees in liberal studies, with concentrations in business, social science, and the humanities. Following the College’s core curriculum, students at Westville engage the pillars of a Holy Cross education, becoming scholars, citizens, leaders, and disciples. As the program has grown over the last several years, MCI faculty have taught courses in theology, philosophy, mathematics, business, history, economics, and more. MCI has even been able to offer biology, chemistry, and physics courses with lab components—an unprecedented development in college-in-prison education.

This year brought another first for the college: due to the generous contribution of an anonymous donor, MCI was able to offer a series of studio art courses during the 2018-19 academic year. Beginning in the summer of 2018, students studied Photography I, exploring the mechanisms of digital cameras and the elements of photographic composition. When fall arrived, MCI students could be found engrossed in Two-Dimensional Design and Watercolor. Finally, in the spring of 2019, MCI offered Painting I. Throughout the year, MCI staff and volunteers were amazed by the careful, diligent work accomplished in these courses and were eager to share the beauty created at Westville with the broader South Bend community.

Thanks to the creative work of 24 student-artists and four deeply engaged art faculty, the course series culminated in a spring exhibition featuring more than 50 works of art.

The crowd of 165 who gathered for the opening reception of Reframing Incarceration included members of the Holy Cross and Notre Dame communities as well as friends and family members of current MCI students, eager to see the work that their sons, husbands, and fathers had created.

Visitors to the gallery were greeted by a large yellow wall featuring the show’s logo. They were invited to write messages on the wall to current MCI students, offering affirmation and feedback on their works of art.

The gallery itself presented visitors with a wide variety of work, from bucolic watercolor scenes to intricate geometric sketches, bold self-portraits to challenging commentary on systems of mass incarceration. While the show itself was not curated to reflect a particular statement or agenda, the students’ work spoke for itself, asserting the identity of each artist as something other than “offender” or “criminal.”

During the reception, artwork was available for purchase, with all proceeds to benefit the ongoing work of the Moreau College Initiative at Westville Correctional Facility.

After those gathered enjoyed refreshments and perused the gallery, MCI Director Alesha Seroczynski, Ph.D., thanked the program’s many supporters, from the Frame Factory who offered discounted framing services and After Ours who provided music during the reception to Thyme of Grace catering and the graduate student volunteers staffing the merchandise table.

Following Seroczynski’s comments, recently-released MCI graduate Noel offered remarks expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to pursue a college education while in prison and sharing his excitement about seeing the artwork created by his former classmates and friends.

Zachary Norman, then a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Notre Dame, initially dreamed up the idea of bringing a photography class to the students at Westville. “No one thought we could do it,” Seroczynski recalls. “If you’re in this work, you know that bringing tubes of paint, digital (continued on next page.)

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Year of the Fine Arts

(continued from previous page.)

cameras, and easels into a correctional facility is nearly impossible.” And yet, when Seroczynski broached the idea with facility administrators, they were receptive. “We really appreciate the incredible support offered by the superintendent and his staff at Westville, as well as the senior officials with the Indiana Department of Corrections. Without them our work would be virtually impossible,” Seroczynski added.

Four years ago, Norman and Seroczynski submitted a grant proposal for one photography class and a small art show. The grant funds were awarded elsewhere, however, and the pair resigned themselves to the reality that the time had not yet come for a photography class at Westville.

It was not until two years later, when Seroczynski met with an anonymous donor who had supported other areas of MCI’s work that the idea truly got off the ground. The donor enthusiastically agreed not only to fund the art courses, but suggested that they culminate in a public exhibition and reception. It was this donor’s generous support that enabled MCI to hire faculty, order art supplies, frame and exhibit the artwork, and invite the public to join in two public events in the gallery.

Norman taught an introductory course in digital photography to the students at Westville. Norman’s approach to teaching included both technical instruction as well as an introduction to artistic interpretation and critique. Norman’s course particularly emphasized the themes of identity and time. In his faculty statement for the exhibit catalog, Norman writes that “Photographs produce an opening in time and allow us to revisit a moment despite its having passed.”

In the context of a prison, time is often tightly controlled. Each and every student’s location must be accounted for at all times, and the daily routine of an MCI student depends on a long list of variables beyond his control.

“Time served,”“time wasted,”“time until release,”—these concepts fill the

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HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

minds of MCI students long before the deadlines, timetables, and routines of a college curriculum.

In an upcoming chapter titled “Becoming Vulnerable with the Vulnerable: A Pedagogy of Hope for Incarcerated Students of the Liberal Arts,” Seroczynski observes that MCI students “seem to be obsessed with time—how much they have left on their bit, how much you can give them on any given day, how timely your arrival was (or was not). The identity of incarcerated persons becomes enmeshed with both visible and invisible elements of time. As they consider the trail of lost opportunities and soiled relationships that will follow them for the rest of their lives, they feel vulnerable or ‘outed’ from the rest of society. Time is truly lost.”

As Seroczynski notes, the theme of identity holds a unique place in the minds of those who are incarcerated. With words like “convict,”“felon,”“inmate,” “offender,” and “criminal” filling the air around them, it is often challenging for MCI students to truly think of themselves as students. Last names and

In the Notre Dame Center for Arts and Culture’s Crossroads Gallery, work from each of the four studio art courses fills its own corner.

“offender numbers” identify these men in the Department of Corrections, and thus it is quite an adjustment to become known by one’s ideas, writing, speech, and artwork.

In the midst of these realities, Norman challenged his photography students to capture discrete moments during their period of incarceration, looking for “ways in which the camera could invert some of the expropriations the incarcerated endure.”

Students learned the techniques necessary to operate digital single-lens reflex cameras, but more importantly, they learned to analyze and critique their own work and that of others. One of Norman’s priorities for the course was to invite students to “develop an understanding of how images operate within a (continued on next page.)

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Year of the Fine Arts

(continued from previous page.)

context, narrative and sequence,” and

Challenged to incorporate the written

visible to those leaving the prison—

to “build a foundation for examining

word into their artwork, students used

something that MCI staff, faculty and

photographic images in our culture.”

markers to overlay the photographs

volunteers see every day but which the

with written reflections on their

students never see. Fr. Martin invited

experiences of incarceration.

his students to look ahead to the year

Photography student Nate reflected on his experience in the course, saying “Having never taken a formal art class

In the fall, Rev. Martin Lam Nguyen,

before or ever considered myself to

C.S.C., Associate Professor of painting

have any ‘artistic’ abilities, I wasn’t sure

and drawing at Notre Dame, instructed

what I was getting myself into when I

the watercolor course. Students began

first signed up for photography class.”

the course painting natural imagery

Despite his hesitation at the start, Nate

including birds, learning how to sketch

quickly began to thrive in the course.

outlines based on photographs,

“What I enjoyed most about the class

and quickly learning to blend paint

was learning about the history and

and water.

philosophy surrounding photography and how time and place can play a significant role in how a photograph is interpreted,” he said.

40

While students’ work began with simple, natural beauty, the semester culminated with an exploration of something much grittier, drawing again

2028 and paint these landscapes outside the prison, incorporating images of the things they have relied on as they endure the challenge of incarceration. The resulting student work indicates that prayer, intellectual pursuits, and creativity are critical pieces of the success and endurance of these student artists.

Pondering the presence of his students’ work in the gallery, Fr. Martin reflects that “these works give us a glimpse of the present moment when the artist is fully in his creative engagement. I was

Norman chose to showcase his

on the theme of time. For their final

students’ final projects in Reframing

assignment, Fr. Martin invited each

Incarceration. For this assignment,

student to create an image of

Norman’s students took black

“Westville – looking back from 2028.”

Concurrent with Fr. Martin’s watercolor

and white photographs featuring

Fr. Martin took photographs outside

course, Thom Andreae, Adjunct

themselves and the prison

the facility, of the cornfields, country

Professor of design at Holy Cross

environment in which they live.

roads and fast food restaurants

College, taught Two-Dimensional

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

privileged to witness it, and you now too see.”

Design. Andreae’s work with

from the two-dimensional design

Another MCI student, Gerry, painted

South Bend Reentry had familiarized

course to be featured on a canvas

himself with his eyes closed, contented.

him with the dynamics of the

tote bag, available for sale to those

His artist statement centers around this

correctional environment, and

who attended the show’s opening

self-reflection, saying “Now is a crucial

teaching at Westville built on this

reception.

time in my life. A time for me to stop,

experience. Andreae’s course offered an introduction to the fundamental concepts and organizing principles

Following the reception, MCI volunteer and Notre Dame graduate student Kate

take a deep breath and get refocused on the good things life has to offer.”

Perl took her tote bag to the prison for

Reflecting on the trajectory of her

Ramon to autograph. “It was at that

painting course, Tomasula noted that

moment that I felt like an artist,” he

“Teaching art in the program was

reflected. “I thank not only the event’s

very rewarding; a few students came

attendants, supporters, and donors for

to the class with very developed

the experience of being a part of such

technical skills and most everyone

a showcase, but more importantly, I am

else quickly learned the fundamentals

truly grateful for the college’s initiative

of representational painting. That

work which adds significant variety to

in bringing these courses to MCI.”

was the easy part, though. The class

the Reframing Incarceration exhibit.

Maria Tomasula, the Michael P. Grace

The theme of identity played out in

Professor of Painting at the University

of two-dimensional art. His students explored different drawing and painting techniques. Assignments included a geometric “zentangle,” color theory exercises, and a thumbprintinspired design. Students took Andreae’s instructions in many different directions, creating a diverse body of

Andreae’s course as well. He reflects that “The Moreau College Initiative provides an opportunity for students to discover something good about themselves. It gives them, and us, a

of Notre Dame, taught Painting in Acrylics I in the spring semester.

Tomasula’s course included four painting assignments: a black-andwhite still life; a full-color still life; a

chance to prove to the world that

self-portrait; and finally, a project of

they too are valued and worthy of

the students’ own choosing. It was

contributing to our global society. My

assignment #3, the self-portrait,

hope is that our art students discover

which Tomasula chose to highlight in

a talent that they themselves did not

Reframing Incarceration. For many of

know they had; and that they learn the

the students, this was only the third

Arts can be a vehicle for self-expression,

painting they had ever created.

even while in the confine of prison walls.”

really got interesting when students took their skills and used them to create meaningful compositions to reflect something about their ideas, feelings, and experiences. Because these students bring the fullness of their intelligence and emotions to what they want to communicate, and because they’ve had such a variety of experiences and come from a wide array of backgrounds, the richness of ideas they brought to their art-making in class was moving and phenomenal. I thought the paintings in the exhibition were fantastic, each one very different,

Here again, the subject matter invited

but each one highly effective in its own,

an exploration of identity: MCI student

singular way.”

One of Andreae’s students, Ramon,

Heath painted himself as a Roman

reflected on having his work featured in

emperor with his head embossed on

Reframing Incarceration. “It was hard to

a coin; while Marcos chose to portray

believe that the art world, let alone the

himself in front of the Mexican flag,

communities of the greater Michiana

a sign of his heritage. “I want this

area, would be interested in our work,”

painting to highlight that immigrants

he said. And yet, to Ramon surprise,

have participated in building this

nearly 400 visitors came to see the

nation and that we continue to fight

exhibit. To his particular delight, MCI

for a better future,” he wrote in the

staff selected one of Ramon’s works

accompanying artist statement.

To complement the studio art course offerings, MCI also offered two art history courses in 2018-19. These courses provided an opportunity for students to see how others, artists of the past and present, have chosen to represent their own experiences of the world and to respond to these works.

(continued on next page.)

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Year of the Fine Arts

(continued from previous page.)

In the fall, scholar-poet Sade LaNay taught a course in Asian Art History; and in the spring, Erika Doss, Professor of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame, taught a course in American Art of the 20th21st Centuries. Using her book by the same title, Doss invited students to ask questions like “What does it mean to ‘be’ an American? What does it mean to be ‘free’? Who speaks for America: who has voice, or authority?” To answer these questions, the course explored American art from the 1890s to the present, “examining a range of painting, sculpture, photography, graphic arts, commercial art, performance art, installation, street art, video, digital, New Media, and Social Practice art within cultural, economic, political, social, and theoretical contexts.”

Two final events concluded MCI’s “Year of the Fine Arts.” On Monday evening, May 13, MCI Director Alesha Seroczynski presented a public lecture in the gallery space. Ellen Kyes, J.D., Director of the Take Ten conflict resolution program and MCI faculty member, joined her in offering remarks about the MCI program.

Surrounded by the work of MCI students, visitors heard Seroczynski describe much of what is written here—the background of how Reframing Incarceration came to be, the gifted faculty members who taught each art course, and the unique role that art courses play in MCI students’ opportunities to claim agency over their time and identity while incarcerated.

Kyes drew on the theme of identity as well, giving the audience a taste of what her Public Speaking course at Westville includes. She described the transformation she sees in each new class of students, year after year, as they transform from nervous to confident, stumbling to professional in their speech styles. Words are important, Kyes reminded her audience in the gallery. “The ways that we describe one another convey what we believe one another to be capable of,” she said. It is for this reason that Kyes challenged the audience to look around the gallery and describe the men enrolled in MCI not as inmates, prisoners, or felons but as people, students, and artists.

“THE MOREAU COLLEGE INITIATIVE PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO DISCOVER SOMETHING GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES. IT GIVES THEM, AND US, A CHANCE TO PROVE TO THE WORLD THAT THEY TOO ARE VALUED AND WORTHY OF CONTRIBUTING TO OUR GLOBAL SOCIETY.” — Thom Andreae, Adjunct Professor of Design, Holy Cross College

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HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SUMMER 2019

The final event showcasing MCI student artwork this year was the annual MCI commencement celebration on May 23 at Westville Correctional Facility. In full regalia, members of the HCC and Notre Dame faculties conferred degrees on MCI’s class of 2019. Family members of graduates attended the festivities to celebrate this major achievement in the lives of their loved ones. During the post-commencement reception, students in Maria Tomasula’s painting course displayed their final projects.

When given the opportunity to reflect on the art courses he has taken this year, MCI student Eric G. expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to “unlock a talent which I had suppressed for many years.” Eric, who proved a skilled watercolorist in Fr. Martin’s course, reflects on the way that the art curriculum fit into MCI’s broader work, saying “It has been through [the art faculty’s] instruction combined with what I have been taught in my other Holy Cross classes—philosophy, theology, and service learning—that has lifted my artistic talent to a new level. The education that Holy Cross has blessed me with has opened my mind in new ways which has allowed me to express myself through my paintings more deeply. My artistic ability has progressed from creating an image on paper that is aesthetically pleasing to creating a work of art that tells a story that conveys and elicits emotion.”

Through a rigorous liberal arts curriculum offered by both Holy Cross College and the University of Notre Dame, the Moreau College Initiative provides an opportunity for incarcerated men to transform into readers, writers, scholars, and this year—artists. It is with gratitude that MCI looks back over this year of creativity, and with excitement that the program looks ahead to its largest-ever class of incoming students, recruited from four correctional facilities across the state of Indiana, who will begin classes in August 2019.

MCI welcomes interested faculty to reach out regarding teaching opportunities. The program also continues to seek volunteers to offer tutoring services, oversee study halls, provide remote internship opportunities as well as seek sponsors for courses, guest lectures, and special events. Please contact Alesha Seroczynski at aseroczynski@hcc-nd.edu for further information. For those who were unable to visit the gallery, full catalogs and other items from Reframing Incarceration are available for sale in the MCI office.

Holy Cross College and Notre Dame faculty wait outside of the Westville Correctional Facility the morning of the ceremony

This material is based upon work supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service through the AmeriCorps program. Opinions or points of view expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of, or a position that is endorsed by, the Corporation or the AmeriCorps group.

Paintings on display at MCI Commencement

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