LORAS Spring 2022 MAGAZINE
IN THIS ISSUE
4-TIME DIII NATIONAL CHAMPION Kassie Parker's Journey to the Top
CONTENT Loras, as a Catholic liberal arts college, creates a community of active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and responsible contributors in diverse professional, social and religious roles. Inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition and rooted in the transformative power of learning, Loras enriches lives and serves humanity. EDITORIAL OFFICE
1450 Alta Vista Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Phone: 563.588.7235
4
Expanding Keane
6
One Mile at a Time
8
Focused on Change
10
Gaining Experience
11
Lessons from Antioch
12
From Intern to the Top
14
40-Year Power Play
Email: marketing@loras.edu
PRESIDENT
PUBLISHER Demeri C. Mullikin
James E. Collins (’84) SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
MANAGING EDITOR
Mary Ellen Carroll, PhD
Robert Waterbury
PROVOST, ACADEMIC DEAN
DESIGN
Donna Heald, PhD
Claire Ehlinger
VICE PRESIDENT for INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
PHOTOGRAPHY
Scott McClure, EdD
Owen Funke (’22)
VICE PRESIDENT for MARKETING and STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
Trent Hanselmann (’18) Loras Athletics Adam Rang (’20)
Demeri C. Mullikin
Bruce Kluckhohn
VICE PRESIDENT for STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, DEAN of STUDENTS
CONTRIBUTORS
Arthur W. Sunleaf, EdD
Brie (Pumilia) Burnett (’15)
VICE PRESIDENT and CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Margaret Tungseth, MBA, CPA
The fourth floor of Keane Hall has undergone a transformation to serve as the new home for athletic training and kinesiology.
Kassie Parker (’21, MA ’23), the USTFCCCA Female Athlete of the Year, has distinguished herself by learning from her past.
With a commitment to civic action, Mallory Gardiner (’22) has used her Loras experience to dramatically shape her future.
A J-Term course provides students interested in health care with hands-on experiences to better understand the field.
Two students share how the Antioch retreats have provided a wealth of lessons as both attendees and directors.
Katie (Wernimont) Thomas (’06) has translated an internship as a Loras student to the rising CEO position.
Emily Adlfinger Mary Ellen Carroll, PhD Alexis Riesberg (’22) Cayla Schneider Chris Steinbach (MBA ’20)
For more than forty years, the Hockey Club has continued to thrive and bring Duhawks together through a simple love of a game.
ON THE COVER
Stay Connected
SPRING 2022 | Volume 68, Issue 1
Kassie Parker (’21, MA ’23) has earned numerous accolades for her success in cross country and track and field, including multiple national championships.
Facul ty & Staff Retirements Andy Auge (’78), PhD Professor of English 35 YEARS
President’s Letter Dear Loras Alumni, Guardians & Friends,
Roman Ciapalo, PhD Professor of Philosophy, Andrew P. Studdert Chair
As we move closer to the end of
of Business Ethics & Crisis
the second semester, we also move
Leadership
toward a return of a more normal
40 YEARS
Debbie Gross, (MA ’08) Coordinator of Faith Development 25 YEARS
Richard Kies Custodian for Maintenance 15 YEARS
Amy Lorenz, PhD Professor of Modern Languages and Culture 31 YEARS
Nancy Noel Custodian for Maintenance 10 YEARS
Debra Schleicher (’84) Associate Professor of Business Administration 2 2 YE ARS
campus experience. I am grateful for all the ways our students, staff, and faculty have made sacrifices throughout the pandemic to keep our campus safe and healthy. There were many lost opportunities and less than ideal circumstances under which we had to learn, teach, live, and work. Nonetheless, as you read this issue, you will note that the College achieved numerous successes, launched new programs, renovated facilities, and developed a new strategic plan. We were fortunate to benefit from each of the government stimulus packages, but I am especially grateful for the ways in which our board of regents, alumni, and friends stepped up and financially supported Loras through these difficult times. We are a blessed campus community to have garnered your support, prayers, and advocacy during the pandemic. I expect that we, and many others, will continue to deal with the ongoing and lingering implications of COVID-19 in the years ahead. To that end, your ongoing support, engagement, and prayers will continue to be needed as we build an even brighter future for Loras and send talented, passionate, and faith-filled Duhawks out into a world that is in desperate need of them. God bless you and your families. Go Duhawks! Pro Deo et Patria,
John Waldmeir, PhD Professor of Religious Studies 25 YEARS
James E. Collins (’84) President
Lee Zhu, PhD Professor of History 22 YEARS
Spring 2022 | LORAS COLLEGE
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Preparing for Kinesiology and Athletic Training The fourth floor of Keane Hall has undergone a transformation
and therapeutic interventions. The lab also includes a life-size
to serve as the new home for athletic training and kinesiology. It
mannequin that is computer programmed to allow students to
includes lab space, offices for faculty and staff, and study space
practice general and emergent medical assessments of a variety
for students. “The athletic training and kinesiology labs have
of injuries and illnesses.
state-of-the-art equipment available to support instruction and
The kinesiology program is the second largest major on
research which further enhances the educational experience in
campus, and one of the fastest growing regarding career
what are already excellent academic programs with exceptional
opportunities. Students who graduate from the program pursue
outcomes for graduates,” Donna Heald, provost, said.
graduate work in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, dietetics, exercise science, chiropractic, and strength
With the updated facilities, the master’s in athletic training (MAT) program looks to continue its growth as the first MAT
and conditioning. It boasts a 96 percent acceptance rate into
degree program in the region.
physical therapy graduate programs post-graduation over the past six years.
Molly Figgins, PhD, ATC, athletic training program director, said, “The newly upgraded facilities offers space and equipment
“The remodel of Keane’s fourth floor allows our faculty to have
for students to learn through a variety of health care teaching
a central location right next to our brand new exercise science
pedagogies, including hands-on skills assessments and mock
lab and classroom to meet the needs of our growing major,”
patient simulation scenarios.”
Elaina Biechler, PhD, associate professor of kinesiology, said.
The new MAT lab offers expansive space for practicing crucial athletic training skills for emergent care, orthopedic evaluation,
Renovations to Keane Hall fourth floor were made possible by the generosity of the Class of 1971 and other supporters.
13 YEARS OF SUCCESS The Loras Media Studies program continued its string of success as it claimed the top honors at the Iowa College Media Association awards ceremony in Des Moines. Loras College Television earned Overall Video Excellence for the thirteenth straight year. Twenty-one students took home sixteen awards out of eleven total categories.
Chemistry Club Earns Top Rating The Loras Chemistry Club earned an Outstanding rating from the American Chemical Society (ACS) for the first time in the club’s history. Outstanding is the highest rating an ACS
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"Receiving this highest award is a tremendous accomplishment, especially when you realize they are competing against large state institutions both in the US and internationally,” Adam Moser, PhD, associate professor of chemistry, said. “Out of approximately 1,000 student chapters, only forty-nine received the Outstanding commendation in 2021. It shows how hard the club and its officers have worked to make the chemistry community at Loras so much richer.” ACS based its ratings on the performance of the organization
student chapter can receive. Of the 1,000
during the 2020-21 academic year. The club previously earned the
student chapters around the world, only 10
Commendable ranking for the previous two years, which placed it in
percent reach that level.
the top 30 percent of student chapters.
New Applied Psychology MASTERS MEETS GROWING INTEREST Beginning in the fall of 2022, Loras College will offer a master of arts in applied psychology. This program will meet the growing interest among CEOs to hire and promote employees that can create psychologically safe work environments. According to a recent article in Forbes Magazine, “a psychologically safe workplace is a more innovative and competitive workplace.” Across numerous studies, Harvard Business Review found that, “psychological safety [in the workplace] allows for moderate risktaking, speaking your mind, creativity, and sticking your neck out without fear of having it cut off — just the types of behavior that lead to market breakthroughs.” With research identifying what characteristics contribute to effective
FACULTY PUBLICATIONS BOOKS:
Andrew Auge (’84), PhD | PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH Contemporary Irish Poetry and the Climate Crisis With Eugene O’Brien
Jacob Kohlhaas, PhD | ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MORAL THEOLOGY Beyond Biology: Rethinking
Parenthood in the the Catholic Tradition Human Families: Identities, Relationships, and Responsibilities With Mary M. Doyle Roche
Erin VanLaningham, PhD | PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH Cultivating Vocation in Literary Studies
With Stephanie L. Johnson
Lee Zhu, PhD | PROFESSOR OF HISTORY Stalinism, Maoism, and Socialism in Higher Education
JOURNAL ARTICLES:
Mary Jo Bowman, et al | BIOLOGY/ "Charged groups on
workplaces, it’s essential that programs educate individuals to create
CHEMISTRY LAB MANAGER
these environments. The Loras College master’s program in applied
pyropheophorbide-based photosensitizers dictate uptake by tumor cells and photodynamic therapy efficacy." J Photochem Photobiol B 227:112375
psychology meets the needs of individuals who want to respond effectively to the changing demands of workplace leadership. “Loras College is pleased to continue the growth of our graduate programs with the addition of the master of arts in applied psychology,” Heidi Nelson, DSc, DPT, director of graduate and continuing education programs, said. “Graduates of this program will help meet the evolving need of businesses and organizations to create positive and person-centered workplace environments. This fully online degree was designed with student’s hectic schedules in mind. Students take only one class at a time, and each class is held in a live virtual format just one night per week for approximately two hours.” Designed for working adults, the master’s program is ideal for individuals wanting to advance their career by deepening their managerial skills or change careers by enhancing their credentials. Courses are seven weeks long and offered one evening a week. Most students will finish the degree in only two years. Applications for fall 2022 opened in early February.
More information is available at loras.edu/applied-psychology.
Brent Daigle, PhD, et al | ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
OF EDUCATION "Constructivist Podcasting Strategies in the 8th Grade Social Studies Classroom: 'StudyCasts' Support Motivation and Learning Outcomes." The Social Studies 112/6 (2021): 310-321
Kathryn DeShaw, PhD, et al | ASSISTANT
PROFESSOR OF KINESIOLOGY "A Qualitative
Analysis of Barriers and Facilitators to Reducing Sedentary Time in Adults with Lower Back Pain." BMC Public Health 21, #215 (2021 ) : 1-11 "Brief Motivational Interviewing Training for Outreach in School Health Programming." American Journal of Health Studies 36/1 (2021) : 58-66
Seungho Shin, PhD, et al | ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
OF FINANCE "Idiosyncratic volatility and interruption mechanisms in South Korean stock markets." International Journal of Emerging Markets (May 2021)
Bryce Taylor, PhD, et al | ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
OF BIOLOGY "Teaching Molecular Biology with the
Historical Accounts in The Eighth Day of Creation." American Biology Teacher 84/1 (2022)
Stay in the game with the Loras Athletics app Get scores, stats, and stream live events all on your mobile device.
Allison Tringale, PhD, et al | ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION "The
era of #MeToo and what managers should do about it." Business Horizons 64/2 (3-4 2021): 307-318
John Waldmeir (’97) | PROFESSOR OF RELIGIOUS
STUDIES "'Story two—there’s always a story two': Mohja Kahf Interrogates Tradition." Muslim World 111/2 (May 2021): 220-233
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Finding Herself One Mile at a Time By Alexis Riesberg (’22) Whether it's becoming a national
4-Time DIII National Champion
champion, the fastest 5,000M female runner in Division III history, or earning the title of United States Track and Field
11-Time All American
and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Women's Cross Country
National Scholar Athlete of the Year Cross Country (USTFCCCA)
National Scholar Athlete of the Year, Kassie Parker (‘21, MA ‘23) is a Loras College celebrity. She holds every school
National Athlete of the Year Cross Country (USTFCCCA)
record from the mile run to 10,000M. Beyond her distinguished achievements in running, Parker’s past has shaped
National Athlete of the Year Indoor Track & Field (USTFCCCA)
who and where she is today.
After years of moving around as a child,
In 2021, Parker tackled one of those
the team that welcomed her and the
challenges when she formally changed her
Iowa. Similarly, it took a few years before
personalized attention in her classes.
last name from Rosenbum. Her previous
she would also find an emotional home
Training under Bob Schultz (MA ’94),
name was associated with unpleasant
with the discovery of running. It was
head cross country coach, she was able
memories while the new one connects to
during Parker’s sophomore year of high
to gain confidence and dream big. “Never
family that provides unconditional love.
school when she thought she might have
would I imagine running these great
what it takes to be a runner.
times or going up against some of the
start and I can redefine who I want to be. That
While running cross country and track
“To me, my new last name, Parker, is a new
best girls in DI.” Parker has raised the bar
person is kind, hard-working, independent,
at Clayton Ridge High School, she was
of DIII running by showing that talent is
and so much more.”
overlooked by college recruiters despite a
not defined by division.
personal best of 20:20 in the 5,000M. Parker decided to pursue her academic
Parker isn’t just a normal studentathlete excelling both in the classroom
With a new name and new outlook, Parker is achieving higher goals than ever before. “To me, going above and beyond is
career at the University of Iowa. “I planned
and on the track. A full-time student
something that is just normal for me now. It
to put running behind me, but something
majoring in kinesiology, she also works
makes me eager for the next challenge.”
in the back of my head told me to keep
at a local grocery store pharmacy. “I work
with it.” She joined the Iowa Running Club
at a job I am passionate about which
where she was able to compete against
sometimes gives me a distraction from
some DIII schools. Shocking herself in
school or running. Having multiple things
a race with her time and place, Parker
I enjoy just makes my days happier and
thought: what if?
less stressful.”
After one year in Iowa City, she
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reassurance on her decision through both
Parker finally settled down in Guttenberg,
She wouldn’t be where she is today
wanted a change, a challenge, but most
if it wasn’t for her past experiences that
importantly, she wanted a place that
taught her how to persevere through
felt like home. Parker transferred to
pain. “I’ve faced challenges big and small,
Loras College as a sophomore with an
so I can feel certain that I will live through
eagerness to hit big goals. She received
them.”
Spring 2022 | LORAS COLLEGE
Challenges don’t scare Kassie Parker. Instead, she is motivated to run through them.
WOMEN WINMENNATIONAL TITLE PLACE FOURTH AT CHAMPIONSHIP
2022 NCAA DIVISION III INDOOR TRACK & FIELD Paced by national champion performances by Kassie Parker
Led by the historic national champion performance by
(‘21, MA ‘23), Alyssa Pfadenhauer (’23), the 4-by-400-meter
Ryan Rogers (’22) in the heptathlon and twelve
relay, and fifteen All-Americans, the women’s track and
All-Americans, the Loras College men's track and field
field team claimed its first indoor national championship
team posted its first podium finish since 1989, finishing
and third overall national title in the last three years.
fourth in the team race.
Women’s Soccer 3rd in Nation The women’s soccer team advanced to the 2021 NCAA Division III Semifinals for the first time, bolstered by the team’s historic undefeated regular season. Payton McDonnell (’23) received AllAmerican distinction by United Soccer Coaches, becoming the Duhawks’ first All-American since 2017.
DUHAWK WRESTLERS CELEBRATE NATIONAL HONORS Jacob Krakow (’22) and Shane Liegel (’23) capped the 2022 season earning All-American honors at the NCAA Division Ill Wrestling National Championship. Krakow finished third at 174 pounds to claim his fourth All-American nod while Liegel earned his third with a fourth-place finish at 184 pounds, helping the Duhawks place eleventh at the championship.
Focused on Change
the civic leaders program has had is the creation and facilitation of an equity and emotional intelligence training. “We had no idea what it was going to look like when I first started. We just started talking about different things that interested us and we put it together. I think it is rare for an undergrad student to
Mallory Gardiner (’22) loves to talk about the reason she chose to come to Loras.
be a part of this from the very beginning. I couldn’t have had this experience anywhere else. It has been so rewarding,” she said. Gardiner has not limited herself to the confines of the Loras campus. Despite
Visiting as part
being a student, she is serving as a liaison
of a Spiritual Life
for the City of Dubuque’s Department of
overnight event, it
Equity and Human Rights and currently
was a conversation
is chairperson of the sub-committee for
during a majors fair that helped set her
Gardiner’s enthusiasm for civic action
course to Loras College.
radiates from her as she speaks. Already
“Dr. Jake Kurczek told me about
involved as a volunteer when she was a
housing rights and food access. Not content with her existing duties on campus and with the city, Gardiner
the Civic Leaders program and the
high school student, it has been her time
is also actively involved in sustainability
opportunity to spend four years learning
at Loras that really showed her how to
efforts across campus. While working
how to engage with the community you
effectively work toward goals.
are in. It is also about how to be a civic
Since she arrived on campus, Gardiner
alongside Bev Wagner, environmental educator through Loras and the Dubuque
professional as well and how you enact
has been a tour de force for civic change.
change through that,” she recalled. “I was
A student in the initial Civic Leaders
is collaborating for informational events
inspired. It was in that moment that I
cohort, she has been involved both on
and sharing ideas on attainable projects
thought, ‘yes, I am going to Loras.’”
and off campus, working toward effective
Loras could explore to improve the
change. The most significant impact
sustainability of campus.
A native of Monticello, Indiana,
A WELL-ROUNDED
LOVE OF LORAS
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency, she
Upon being told she is drinking the Loras koolaid, Madison Brewster (’22) just shrugs and smiles. “From the start, Loras really set itself apart from the rest — from the level of compassion and community, through conversations and their actions. We could
Madison Brewster (’22)
feel the overall culture and environment just walking around campus. I really fell in love with the sense of family right off the bat.”
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Spring 2022 | LORAS COLLEGE
Brewster arrived on campus interested in the medical field. Originally a member of the women’s basketball team, she stepped away to focus on her academics. After taking her prerequisite courses for chemistry, she realized her enthusiasm for math and a strong bond with Adam Moser, PhD, associate professor of chemistry, made majoring in biochemistry a natural fit. “Students like Madison are one of the reasons I became a professor,” Moser said. “She is bright, capable, hardworking, a leader, and a great team member. When I think of a role model for future Duhawks, Madison is one of the students I point to.” Being able to have a more diversified education through the sciences played a
“It is stunning to me to see what Mallory has accomplished as a student at Loras through her civic engagement with the City of Dubuque,” Maggie Baker, Loras service learning coordinator, said.
GAINING EXPERIENCE: J-Term CNA Course
“She has contributed in responsible ways to Dubuque, and her growth and progress have helped us realize the big goals and outcomes we set
Alonso Barahona (’24)
for ourselves in our Civic Action Plan are within reach.” After graduation, Gardiner is planning to work with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps to work with poor and marginalized communities. As she looks toward her new pursuits, she knows the support she received the past four years has helped prepare her for whatever will come. “No matter what you are passionate about, Loras has faculty and staff that are here to help you be an effective change agent. It also has a focus on being balanced between being a student and whatever else it is you want to be. I am such a better person because I chose Loras,” she said.
For three weeks in January, students aspiring for a career in health care have an opportunity to
gives you time and experience in a
certified nursing assistants (CNA) and
nursing home here in Dubuque. It
learn the skills necessary to become
helps you know exactly what the job
state certified as a CNA.
entails. You are prepared before you
The healthcare professional experience class is a joint effort Iowa Community College (NICC)
and methods from the page into
during Loras’ January term. Students
real-world application. Students learn
earn CNA instruction from NICC
using teaching mannequins before
faculty while Ulrike Schultz, director
transitioning over to nursing homes
of health professions advising at
to work with residents. It results in
for our students to gain
of biochemistry, on how Opa1, a mitochondrial protein involved in vision, loses its ability to function, which can result in blindness. “My research has been a big part of my biochemical journey. Fortunately, in selecting that project and working alongside Dr. Kehr, a lot of the foundational knowledge and content I had gone through in my early years at Loras was summarized and made me better equipped to understand the different techniques we use,” she said. When she graduates in the spring, Brewster will be attending medical school at the University of Iowa. She is keeping an open mind about what field she wants to pursue, but, like her time at Loras, she is hoping to learn as much as possible.
While the course utilizes textbooks, the focus is on transforming the tasks
“This is a great opportunity
alongside Andy Kehr, PhD, associate professor
even apply for your first job,” he said.
between Loras College and Northeast
Loras, provides the reflective
Over the past year, she has been actively working
“The course is very hands on and
gain hands-on experience working as
component.
significant role in Brewster’s educational growth.
provided the best experience he could obtain as a pre-health student.
a rapid learning curve that helps the theory make more sense as it is quickly put into practice. Schultz encourages all Loras pre-
experience with direct
health students to take the CNA as
patient care throughout
the lectures, labs, and clinical work
their undergraduate years
are especially valuable. It also serves
and prepare for admission
as a strong guidepost to help them
to health professional
determine if they are pursuing the
schools,” Schultz said. “Many
right field. Health care professionals
health professional schools
also speak to the class to share their
recommend or require direct
experiences and provide insight
patient care experience for
into their fields, whether they are
applications. Most of our
medical doctors, physician assistants,
pre-health students end up
therapists, or nurses.
working in nursing homes,
“The individual growth and
hospitals, and home care
understanding of our students
settings.”
within these three weeks of class is
Nate Roethler (’22) is a pre-
immense. Not only do our pre-health
med student who wanted
students set themselves apart as
to get clinical hours under
competitive applicants to health
his belt before applying to
professional schools, but they also
medical school. After taking
become confident working with
the course, he believes it
patients,” Schultz said.
Spring 2022 | LORAS COLLEGE
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Ethics Matters: COVID,
By Roman Ciapalo, PhD Professor of Philosophy, Andrew P. Studdert Chair of Business Ethics & Crisis Leadership
EXISTENTIALISM, AND EXTREME EXPERIENCES Recently, one of my Facebook friends
the end of it, there is no way out, there is no alternative. And, as far as clouds are concerned, their “silver linings” are
Extreme experiences can only be
sometimes quite obscure or non-existent.
asked everyone to identify at least one
bittersweet, at best, but nevertheless they
aspect of the past year they were grateful
may be tempered by the consolation that
be understood and are aware of their
for. Many thoughtful answers were given,
they force us to face our true hierarchy of
limited value in keeping us from being
including increased resiliency, greater
values and what we really believe about
discouraged by life’s challenges.
appreciation of family ties, greater focus
life’s meaning and purpose.
But we all know how such sayings should
So, did any new doors open when the
on the value of simplicity, and so on, but
Accordingly, perhaps the only value of
one which went unnoticed has been one
the pandemic is that it has prompted us to
of the mainstays of the philosophical
pause to consider the ultimate questions
lining” in that awful virus cloud? Well, the
movement called Existentialism.
in life. What we should begin doing that
existentialists would argue that there is
Although existentialists like Soren Kierkegaard, a Christian, and Jean-Paul
pandemic closed all those other doors? Could we discern any sort of “silver
we haven’t been doing. What we should
at least one new door that opened and
stop doing that we have been accustomed
one portion of that cloud’s lining that was
Sartre, an atheist, differ on some things,
to doing. Ought we look at our job
potentially sparkling. And, perhaps it is
they all seem to agree on the primacy
or career differently? Our family? Our
out of this most horrible of lemons — to
of human existence and free choice.
friends? Our enemies? Our possessions?
invoke yet another platitude — that we
But, another theme of theirs perhaps
Our value system? Our faith?
might make, and perhaps have been
deserves our particular attention: extreme experiences. Kierkegaard argued that certain
We are all familiar with such optimistic expressions as “when one door closes,
making recently, a meaningful lemonade. If the existentialists are right about the
another opens” and “every cloud has
value of extreme experiences, then one
particularly sharp and striking moments
a silver lining.” Well, frankly, I have
question remains: enlightened further as we now are about what truly matters in
in life help us to grasp fundamental truths
never been quite fully convinced of the
about our human nature. These exceptional
usefulness of these offerings of wisdom
life, what will we do with this sharpened
moments in life are capable of bringing into
because it seems to me that sometimes in
awareness when things return to normal
greater focus our true values and beliefs.
life when a door closes, that’s pretty much
again?
Productivity
BEYOND THE
SOCCER PITCH
Since transferring from a junior college in his hometown of Eugene, Oregon, in 2020, Jose Cardenas
Cardenas believes his decision to go with a smaller school has led to more chances to quench his desire
(’23) has put himself in the middle of many significant
to not only learn, but to enrich his education with
areas of campus. He is a diversity, equity, and inclusion
more meaningful experiences.
representative for the Office of the President; diversity chair for student government; and a representative on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Cardenas is just the third person in his extended family to attend
“Loras has definitely provided the opportunity to find out more about myself and things in which I am interested. If I had gone to a larger school, I probably would have gone a different path in order
college. While his decision to move to Dubuque was difficult, his
to feel connected. Here, I feel like I have so many
experience as a first-generation student has fueled his efforts both in
opportunities where I can not only be involved in a
and out of the classroom.
productive way, but I can use moving forward.
Passing on Lessons from Antioch
Each year, Spiritual Life hosts two Antioch retreats aimed at helping students grow in faith, community, and spiritual practices. Each retreat is pulled together under a student director. This year, Jacob Till (’22) served as director in the fall and Grace Henrich (’23) directed the spring retreat. They explain, in their own words, the powerful impact that Antioch Q: When did you first get involved has had on them both as with Antioch? participants and directors. A: I first attended Antioch as a participant
Grace Henrich (’23)
Q: How did you first get involved with Antioch? A: I had heard a lot about it, and I was excited to get to take part. Throughout the retreat, I was struck by the overwhelming sense of community present. It helped me to feel like I had a place at Loras and I truly belonged.
Jacob Till (’22)
my first year at Loras. My Antioch
It was amazing to get to unite with
Q: Did you have any specific goals you wanted to accomplish as director?
experience really helped me continue to
people through a shared belief in Jesus
A: I wanted people to know they are
to not only get more involved in campus
strengthen the friendships I had, while
Christ, and then continue to grow in my
also getting to meet many new Duhawks!
relationship with Him and others after the
Being involved in this retreat helped me
retreat as well.
loved! While life in college is full of
ministry but to see the importance of
experiences we will never forget, I
community and building intentional
wanted this experience to be a time for
relationships with those around me.
students to recall the love and mercy of our heavenly Father. This retreat allowed students to have the space to have intentional and fruitful conversations with old and new friends, which allowed
Q: What has your experience with Antioch taught you about yourself and your faith?
Q: What has your experience with Antioch taught you about yourself and your faith? A: Antioch has shown me the importance of community when building your faith. We are very fortunate at Loras to have that Catholic environment. Faith is not
people to experience the love and mercy
A: If I have learned one thing, it is that we
always something that we can control
that God has for us. To truly be listened to,
have so much love to give to our brothers
ourselves, but we must allow God to work
to be seen completely in all of the good
and sisters and we need to share that love
through us. I know I do not have all the
we possess and burdens we carry, to meet
now. Sometimes we just need to sit, listen,
answers for everything, but I am learning
people who want to know the authentic
and pray that God is giving us what we
to trust that the Holy Spirit will be present
you is what this weekend was all about. It
need at this very moment in time. This
at this retreat and we can do our best to
is a reminder that we are loved and part
retreat once again reminded me that
be instruments for that.
of a community of love here at Loras, but
things do not revolve around “me”. Rather,
we belong to the greatest community of
who can I be for others? How can I love
love as children of God.
others better?
Spring 2022 | LORAS COLLEGE
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from intern to the Top
In January 2023, Katie (Wernimont) Thomas (’06) will ascend to the role of chief executive officer at Honkamp Krueger &
"Katie is
Co., P.C. in Dubuque. Once she assumes the position, it will complete a professional journey that started through an internship while a student at Loras. Thomas began her academic career at the University of Iowa with an idea to follow a pre-med path. Within the first week of her
a great example of a successful alumna returning to campus"
DUHAWK DAY 2022 BY THE NUMBERS
time in Iowa City, the Dubuque native knew it wasn’t the right fit. She felt disconnected at the larger state school. From the overwhelming size to the
accountant and worked her way up to president over the subsequent fifteen years.
lack of connection with faculty and staff,
She is now transitioning into her new role
the experience just fell flat. It probably also
as the person who hired her, Greg Burbach,
didn’t help when, as a pre-med student, she
prepares to retire. When she rises into the
wasn’t able to get into any science classes. “I actually never had a science class throughout my time at U of I. I couldn’t get
Despite her professional duties, Thomas has not forgotten the important role her alma mater has played in her success. She
to do so I just took general classes. One of
remained connected to Loras as an advisor
those was an accounting class and I really
to the certified financial planning program
enjoyed it.”
talking with students about the industry. financial planning students,” Brian
trajectory that would get her into finance.
Kallback (’02), assistant professor of finance,
Ultimately, transferring to Loras College
said. “She serves on our advisory council,
would result in her success in the field.
participates in our Women’s Financial
from holding both her CPA and CFP®. She’s a great example of a successful alumna
John Upstrom, Thomas found her footing as
returning to campus to serve the next generation of Duhawks.” In the end, transferring to Loras was a
a finance major. She would add accounting
pivotal moment for Thomas. She is proud
to her repertoire and started an internship
of her accomplishments that followed her
at Honkamp Krueger that would last two
choice and is confident such a life-changing
years and lead to a full-time position with
experience is still there for current and
the company after her graduation.
future students.
“Loras absolutely pushed me in a good
“Loras is focused on preparing students for
direction for my career. I don’t know if I
the real world, whether it is critical thinking
would be in this position today without the
or problem solving, students are ready
intern program. It forced me to take a leap
to go out into the business world upon
and try something in the field,” she said.
graduation,” she said.
Spring 2022 | LORAS COLLEGE
333
New Donors
to teach students how she’s benefitted
than I had the previous year and a half.” Under the guidance of faculty like Tom
Total Donors
Planning Network, and visits the classroom
advisor felt like I was getting more help
Collins, Deb Pauly, Deb Schliecher (’84), and
2,199
“Katie is a valuable mentor for our
be fortuitous as it set Thomas onto the
“Everyone was very welcoming from the
Total Raised
CEO position, Thomas will also retain her
into any of the classes related to a medical
beginning. Just that first meeting with my
$420,000
role as president.
degree. I didn’t know what I was supposed
That accounting class would prove to
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Thomas started her career as a staff
326
Student Donors
21
Events
THANK YOU!
BECKMAN HALL RENOVATION
Upon completion, Beckman will host additional gathering spaces and a new chapel. Each room will boast new windows, updated heating, and new air conditioning.
2022 GIFT
There will also be upgrades to the laundry
CHALLENGE
rooms and new bathrooms. Through May 31, a challenge gift of
Beckman Hall is undergoing a major
$2,000,000 was generously given by Regent
renovation to upgrade the facilities and
Emeritus Paul (’60) and Fran Breitbach to
provide a better living space for students.
support the renovations. Any gift received
Originally opened in 1961, the hall is home
by that date will be matched to have double
to 240 students.
the impact.
GIVE AT ALUMNI.LORAS.EDU/BHA22
Friendship Leads to New Scholarship Honoring Alumnus Churchill has pledged to establish an
Dr. Robert Churchill (’68) views Patrick Reidy (’79) as more than the Loras College employee he works with on the college’s fundraising efforts. As a development officer since 2018, Reidy meets with alumni, parents, and other supporters of the College and builds relationships with them. His long-term goal is to align their resources and interests with the needs of the College.
endowed scholarship in honor of Reidy, who was diagnosed last year with stage 4 pancreatic carcinoma. Reidy’s older brother, Michael Reidy (’67), has also contributed to the scholarship, which is open to other interested donors. “I started medical school in 1968 and there hasn’t been much progress since then in the treatment of pancreatic cancer,” Churchill said. “I don’t want to make a big deal out of this, but I hope people who know Patrick, particularly his classmates in the Class of 1979, will help raise as much as we can for this scholarship as fast as we can.”
TO SUPPORT THIS SCHOLARSHIP VISIT ALUMNI.LORAS.EDU/REIDY
Katie Keyes (’12), Roanna Block
1982 -83 team
40-YEAR POWER PLAY In the fall of 1981, Kevin Conway (’83)
Despite the modest beginnings, the
Loras Hockey Club Continues to Thrive After 40+ Years including Ripon College, University of
began putting together a new club
club would evolve over the next four
centered on students getting together to
decades to remain one the of longest-
townspeople from Peoria who formed
play hockey. After drumming up interest
running student clubs on campus.
a team. Over time, most of those teams
through some flyers spread around campus and securing a small amount of
Steve Campbell, professor of finance,
Iowa, Knox College, Cornell College, and
disbanded or, in the case of Iowa, grew too
served as the club moderator for its
large to compete with Loras. To continue
funding for gear, the Loras College Hockey
first year. In 1982, the club found a new
playing, competition mostly came from
Club officially formed.
moderator in new faculty member
adult recreational teams from surrounding
Roman Ciapalo, PhD, professor of
cities with a no-checking provision.
“There were some faculty members that felt ice hockey was a little too violent,
philosophy. Growing up a hockey fan in
but we reminded them that, like football
Chicago, Ciapalo was excited to assist the
and unlike rugby, we had plans to wear
students in building the club.
protective equipment,” Matt Bradley (’81),
“It has always been fun to be a part of
Home ice has also shifted in that time. Originally, the Duhawks called the Five Flags Center in Dubuque their home ice until the Mystique Ice Arena opened along
explained. “It was tough to track down
this group,” Ciapalo said. “Over the years,
purple jerseys, so that first year, with the
we have had a few players with limited
budget so tight, we had to wear football
hockey experience, but, if they were
constant has been Ciapalo. Regardless
jerseys or nothing.”
the riverfront. Throughout the life of the club, the one
interested, our players always helped
of the size of the club, Ciapalo was there
them along and made them part of the
in whatever role was needed, from
uniforms helped give the team an edge
team. As long as someone was interested,
scorekeeper to clock operator to water boy.
and may have helped them in winning
the team welcomed them. They are all
some games.
just great people who enjoy playing
persevered over so many years,” Bradley
hockey.”
said. “I give credit to Roman Ciapalo as the
As Bradley recalls, those ragged-looking
“We were definitely a rough-looking crowd, and I am certain we were intimidating for sure,” he said.
Competition was made up of club teams from other schools in the region,
“It is amazing that this club has
glue and secret sauce that has sustained the club’s success over the years. He is extremely dedicated and keeps the alumni informed on Duhawk hockey.”
Anna Francois (’01), Kim Cafaro (’00)
Brian Flaherty (’91), Pat Flaherty (’93), Terry Flaherty (’90)
For his part, Ciapalo stresses that the students’ love of the game and the strong friendships they have formed are the bedrock of the club’s success. “These are men and women who just got along and, to this day, still stay in contact with me and each other. Their enthusiasm and the bonds they form are what make this work year in and year out.” Ciapalo said.
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Spring 2022 | LORAS COLLEGE
DUHAWK SIGHTINGS
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Take Your Next Step Here GRAD UAT E PR OGR AM S
PROF ESSI ON AL AN D CO N TI N U I N G EDU CATI ON
• MS in Applied Analytics
• Certif ied Alcohol & Drug Counselor Certif ication Education
• MA in Applied Psychology • Master of Athletic Training • MS in Biomedical Sciences
• Certif ied Financial Planning Certif ication Education
• MA in Coaching Leadership
• Cybersecurity Bootcamp
• MA in Counseling
• Postbaccalaureate Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Program
• MA in School Counseling
loras.edu/graduate
loras.edu/professional-education
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