Koki Adasi The Key
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“History is not merely what was and is now covered with dust, tended with care, perhaps, but nothing more than a relic, a leftover. No. History, properly known, is a key to understanding the present, and a blue-print for the future.� Rev. Daniel C. Nusbaum, Ph.D. December 7, 1982
Dear Alumni, Parents & Friends, Above my office desk hang photographs of some of the great men and women who have visited or studied at the Mount. I occasionally gaze at the images of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Babe Ruth, President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Blessed Stanley Rother, S’63, and pray that today’s students are as inspired as I am by the two saints, a martyr, two United States presidents and numerous professional athletes who have trod our beautiful campus, and that they leave the Mount prepared to lead purpose-driven lives.
PRESIDENT Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D. VP UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Robert Brennan, C’85 VP ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Jack J. Chielli MANAGING EDITOR Donna Klinger EDITOR Nicole Patterson COPY EDITOR Joe Paciella, C’03, MBA’11 WRITERS Donna Klinger Joe Paciella, C’03, MBA’11 Nicole Patterson
As the story of the Mount’s history and the alumni highlighted in this issue illustrate, the Mount’s faculty, staff and administrators are invested in finding and nurturing the excellence in every student. Jay Phillips, C'05, MT'08, our track and field and cross country head coach, shares that every interaction with his professors provided awareness and understanding. Jay is giving back by teaching student-athletes the life-changing rewards of focus, courage, resilience, teamwork and faith. The result: The 2018 men’s outdoor track and field team won its first Northeast Conference track & field title in 21 years and the women’s team placed third.
ALUMNI NEWS TEAM Kim Johnson, MBA’18 Kevin Kalis, C’99 Emily Myers, C’13, MBA’15
We are committed to helping our students find the best version of themselves. The success stories that will become the next 200 years of our history are being written today, and the early results are encouraging. The Mount recently was ranked as the top college for employment in Maryland, according to Zippia, a career guidance organization. Our career center and the entire Mount community are working to provide enhanced career-guidance support as we help students prepare to lead and serve others, as their predecessors have over the past 210 years.
SPECIAL THANKS Jessica J. Whitmore, C'16
I encourage you to turn to the President’s Report on pages 33-44 to learn more about this exciting moment in our history as we stand poised for growth that will help shape our county, state and country.
TIMOTHY E. TRAINOR, PH.D. President
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamie Bissett, C'03 Maranda Buckley Karlie Herbert Mike Miville of MM Visuals DESIGN Laura C. Moyer
PRINTING HBP, Inc. STAY CONNECTED Mount Magazine Mount St. Mary’s University 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road Emmitsburg, MD 21727 301-447-5366 themagazine@msmary.edu www.msmary.edu/magazine Change of address? Email advancementservices@msmary.edu The Office of University Marketing and Communications publishes Mount Magazine two times a year for alumni, parents and friends of Mount St. Mary’s University. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not specifically represent opinions of the magazine staff or the university. Reader responses and alumni contributions are welcome. The Mount reserves the right to refuse or revise comments or contributions for style and length.
Cover Story Koki Adasi, C'04 Senior Vice President Compass Real Estate page 30
Contents Features 11
IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS A Brief History of the Mount
15
MOUNT MEMORIES Looking Back Through the Years
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MOUNT MAKERS Alumni Who Make Us Mount Proud
Mount Magazine Departments 06
MOUNT NEWS
46
ALUMNI NEWS
Special Section
48
REUNION RECAP
33
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CLASS NOTES
PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2018
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“OUR GOAL EVERY YEAR IS GOING TO BE TO COMPETE FOR AN NEC CHAMPIONSHIP…To do that, we’re going to need everybody in this room and everybody in this community,” said Dan Engelstad during a press conference introducing him as the 22nd head coach in the storied history of Mount St. Mary’s men’s basketball. “We’re going to need the alumni. We’re going to need everybody to rally around this…because we’re going to do something special.”
“We’re going to need everybody to rally around this…because we’re going to do something special.”
Dan Engelstad Leads Mount Basketball Into New Era
If the name sounds familiar, that’s because it is. As an assistant coach on Milan Brown’s staff from 2007-10, Engelstad helped coach the Mount to its first ever NCAA Division I Tournament win in 2008. A native of Bethesda, Maryland, he now returns to Knott Arena with the goal of building on the success and legacy of former coaches Jim Phelan, Brown and, most recently, Jamion Christian, C’04. “We are thrilled to have Coach Engelstad return to our Mount community and are looking forward to the bright future of our men’s basketball program,” said Mount St. Mary’s University Director of Athletics Lynne Robinson, C'79, MBA'83. “In addition to his success on the court, Dan has a proven track record of supporting his studentathletes academically.” In 2013, Engelstad took over Division III Southern Vermont, inheriting a team coming off a 1-24 season. In five years, he compiled a 104-34 record, winning two New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) championships, while earning three NECC Coach of the Year awards. “The Mount is extremely fortunate to have found a coach with such a positive
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Photo by: Mason Lipford, C'20
Mount News
attitude and familiarity with not only our region but the university and its culture as well,” said the Mount’s Director of Athletic Development Kevin Robinson Jr., MAT'06. “We’re excited to see how Coach Engelstad’s enthusiasm will energize our fans and continue the tradition of making Knott Arena a tough place for opponents to play.” Since arriving in Emmitsburg, Engelstad has been getting to know his team and recruiting future Mountaineers. He has also hired new assistant coaches Xavier Joyner and Matt Miller as well as elevated Will Holland to associate head coach and Mike Wolf to director of basketball operations. Engelstad’s coaching abilities will, however, be tested early on. While the Mount is only two seasons removed from its most recent NEC title and NCAA Tournament victory, no one from that roster remains after the graduations of Northeast Conference Player of the Year Junior Robinson, C’18, Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year Chris Wray, C’18, and Greg Alexander, C’18. Despite the lack of experience, he’s optimistic about the team that will take the floor this season. “We’re excited about this group,” said Engelstad. “They’re young and talented and can’t wait to get in front of the fans in Knott Arena. They’re hungry and looking forward to many years of growing together.”
Cheer us on! Visit mountathletics.com for game schedules and to grab your tickets!
Thanks to the Mount Community,
Men’s Soccer Returns to Division I IN FRONT OF THE L ARGEST CROWD ever to attend a match at Waldron Family Stadium, the Mount St. Mary’s University men’s soccer team took the field at home on August 24 for the first time in six years. While Bucknell won the sold-out contest 2-0, it was an important next step in the return of the Mount’s program.
sons have an opportunity to play soccer for all four years at the Mount before they graduated in 2015, I’m excited to see my youngest have that experience. This is possible because of President Trainor’s leadership and understanding of the importance of the team. He worked with us in this process and is the main reason Mount men’s soccer is back,” de Aragao said.
“The men’s soccer program has a proud 60-plus year history at the Mount, so its return to Division I is something our community is very excited about,” said Mount St. Mary’s University Director of Athletics Lynne Robinson, C'79, MBA'83. “It’s great for the university, our fans and most importantly, for our current and former soccer team members.”
The program is important not just because of wins, losses, goals or saves. It’s a way to help young adults learn how to work together and understand what it takes to support those around them. “Our college soccer program taught me the benefits of being part of a team, being held accountable and taking unsolicited advice,” explained Link. “The men I played with pushed me both physically and mentally and even today I get inspired by what they’ve achieved off the field. It is important to me that younger generations have the same opportunities.”
One of those former student-athletes who played a large role in helping the program come back was Jeff Link, C’99. “Over the past few years our team of alumni rejected the status quo and focused on one common goal: relaunch our men's soccer program with the strength to capture an NEC Championship,” said Link. Bringing the program back was a giant undertaking— something that wasn’t possible without the work of many in the Mount community. “The amount of alumni support is something we've never seen before,” said the Mount’s Director of Athletic Development Kevin Robinson Jr., MAT'06. “Reinstating the team was a collaborative effort of alumni, parents, coaches and fans. They’re energetic and enthusiastic, and really have gotten behind coach Bryan Cunningham.” Ernani de Aragao, the parent of two 2015 graduates and a freshman who is on the team, agrees. “Coach Cunningham had an excellent recruiting campaign, which included 15 quality freshmen who will form the base of future success. He’s doing things the right way and we’re very fortunate to have him.” “From day one this was about honoring the hard work of all the alumni and friends of soccer who worked tirelessly to bring this program back,” said head men's soccer coach Bryan Cunningham. “Now we turn our focus to laying a new foundation for this program to be relevant for years to come. We want our players to understand the history of Mount soccer, and now help shape its future.”
Giving future generations this type of opportunity is one reason Peter Hobbs, MBA’15, decided to get involved in the program’s revitalization. Hobbs is not your traditional undergraduate student-athlete. In fact, he had no previous relationship to Mount sports before he became a part-time student in the Mount’s MBA program. “As a student, I started attending home basketball games on the weekends. Something I took notice of and respected about the Mount is its commitment to cultivating student-athletes and sports tradition,” said Hobbs. “I saw that and wanted to see and experience more of it. More importantly, I wanted to share those experiences and watch that tradition become an inspiration to my 12-year-old son.” Hobbs’ son plays FC premier soccer in York, Pennsylvania. “He loves the beautiful game. For that reason, I had a wish to see men's soccer begin again at the Mount. For my family, the return of men's soccer at the Mount is providential,” said Hobbs. While it remains to be seen who Cunningham will recruit for the program in future years, he does believe in his current roster. “We have brought in a group of players who we think can help us compete immediately. There are a lot of moving parts to deal with, but we feel confident in our process,” said Cunningham. “We will take one moment at a time and look to improve daily.”
For de Aragao, the return of men’s soccer to Division I is a little bittersweet. “While I would have loved to see my two oldest FALL 2018 MOUNT NEWS
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Mass Celebration in St. Mary’s Chapel
National Shrine Grotto Turns 60 SIXTY YEARS AGO, the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes opened its doors to the public. More than 400,000 people visit the holy shrine annually and seek comfort, healing and conversion. Some pilgrims come because of their faith, while others come out of curiosity. Many seek spiritual and physical healing for themselves or loved ones. No matter their diverse reasons, almost all who come find their hearts and souls strengthened through prayer, the sacraments and the sacred silence of the hallowed National Shrine Grotto. Pilgrims hail from nearly every part of the globe. On any given day the guestbook is filled with visitors from North and South America, Asia and Europe. Pilgrims hear about the National Shrine Grotto from friends and relatives. The number of visitors continues to grow as more and more people spread the devotion to Our Lady that is cultivated on Mary’s Mountain.
Stations of the Cross, Good Friday
Throughout her history, the National Shrine Grotto has been home to men, women and children of all walks of life. Rich, poor, saints and sinners have crossed its threshold. Remembering this holy heritage, the National Shrine Grotto keeps alive the tradition of Msgr. Hugh Phillips, the great restorer of this sacred space, who laid out a plan for its future during his 43-year tenure as chaplain. Many remember the National Shrine Grotto as largely unchanged since the time of Phillips. Faithful to his hope for the National Shrine, expansion and renovation are necessary to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims brought here by the Blessed Mother who stands proudly in gold atop the iconic Campanile. The National Shrine Grotto will proceed into the next 60 years, carrying gladly the tradition of the past and looking forward to a bright future with hope.
JOIN US IN MARCH!
Plan your pilgrimage Reserve your space to visit the Holy Land in March 2019. Contact Dawn Walsh at 301-447-5606 or walsh@msmary.edu. Visit nsgrotto.org/europe-pilgrimages.html for more information.
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Partnerships Bring Computational Science Research Professorship and Facility to Frederick A COMBINATION OF SUPPORT from state government and a local research powerhouse is allowing the Mount to establish an Endowed Professorship in Computational Science and Mathematics that will integrate faculty, undergraduate and graduate research and result in the highly skilled computational scientists that Maryland needs. The university has received $1 million through the Maryland Department of Commerce's Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative and raised an equal amount in matching funds to institute the professorship. The grant will also establish a collaborative technology workspace on the Mount’s Frederick campus to support student and faculty research; fund three undergraduate research fellowships annually; and provide for online laboratory access for student and faculty research. “We envision this program will grow to become a center of innovation and excellence that connects the university, employers, researchers and local communities, yielding the sophisticated computational scientists Frederick County and the state of Maryland need for sustained growth and innovation,” said Mount St. Mary’s University President Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D.
In addition, the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between FNL and the Mount will solidify their partnership by developing a student internship program at FNL; a summer research experience for science, math and computational science faculty members at the laboratory; teacher-in-training opportunities for postdoctoral trainees and other scientists at the laboratory; and a 20 percent reduction in tuition for FNL employees on adult undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs housed and supported at the Frederick campus. “This partnership opens significant doors to Mount students and faculty, while also creating teaching and learning opportunities for employees of the FNL,” said Jennifer L. Staiger, Ph.D., associate provost, graduate, professional and continuing education, who is based at the Frederick campus and was instrumental in the formation of the FNL alliance. The Maryland General Assembly created the Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative during the 2014 legislative session to spur basic and applied research in scientific and technical fields at colleges and universities.
Through an expanded and formalized relationship with Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., the current prime contractor that operates the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, the university and the Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) will work together to identify a researcher with expertise in such areas as bioinformatics, data science analytics and cybersecurity to receive a dual appointment at the Mount and the national laboratory. This professor will teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses at the university and work up to two days a week and/or summers at FNL.
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BESSIE ANDREW is always ready with a warm cookie and a kindhearted greeting for students, faculty and staff who approach the dessert counter in Patriot Hall. When the Mount recently celebrated Bessie’s 55 years of service, social media posts about her remarkable achievement revealed the depth of love for this woman whom some view as a surrogate grandmother. Among the 1,000 or so “likes” on both Facebook and Instagram were dozens of notes of congratulations and gratitude from alumni and current students. Patrick Plastow, C’11, remembers that Bessie saved a special cinnamon roll for him every morning for four years. Paulette Anders, C’92, MBA’98, recalls that Bessie always handed out awesome cookies and Rice Krispie treats. Mark Gatzke, C’16, calls her “the most kind and caring person at the Mount.”
A Fisher Is Called to Serve as Bishop BISHOP MICHAEL W. FISHER, S'90, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington, eyed at least one old friend among the celebrants as he was ordained to the Order of Bishop June 29 during a Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception attended by about 1,000 family and friends of the 1990 graduate of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. Bishop Barry C. Knestout, S’89, the bishop of Richmond, served as a principal co-ordaining bishop at the Mass. Knestout and Fisher are the 51st and 52nd episcopal alumni of the seminary. Fisher noted that he and Knestout “have been friends since the seminary, as a matter of fact he was the first seminarian I ever met.” Other Mounties there to support Fisher 1 0
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Bessie originally planned to stay for a year and then study to become a nurse. She loved the Mount community and never left, deciding to dispense hugs instead of medical care. She has no plans to retire “as long as my feet cooperate.” Bessie’s heartfelt message to the Mount community as she marks this work anniversary is both simple and powerful: “Love you all.”
were the seminary’s rector, Rev. Msgr. Andrew Baker, S.T.D., seminary student Danny Baxter, S'21, newly ordained Rev. Kevin Fields, S'18, and Rev. Mr. Joseph Salser, S'18. In preparing to read the papal mandate appointing Fisher as auxiliary bishop of Washington, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United States, played on the new bishop’s last name, noting that “things have not changed since the time of Jesus. Jesus keeps calling fishers.” In his letter, Pope Francis stated that Fisher is “endowed with outstanding qualities of mind and heart” and encouraged him to “make use of charity, the dean of all virtues that never fails.” “This is a very precious moment for me to be ordained a bishop in Mary’s house,” Fisher said. “I beg Our Lady’s continued prayers and I ask Our Lady of Guadalupe to grant me a heart with a zeal for souls.” If the devotion of his parishioners is any indication, Fisher already possesses a zeal for souls. Busloads of people
from the parishes he served attended the liturgy to personally witness his ordination as bishop. As a seminarian, Fisher served in the Air Force chaplaincy program at bases in North Carolina and Washington state and ministered at St. Ann Parish in Washington. He also ministered and taught parish religious education at several pastoral posts in Hagerstown, Maryland, as well as volunteered at a correctional facility and a center for people with mental disabilities. That work, he said, “gives you a new perspective, a compassionate attitude to help people.”
Catholic Standard photo by Jaclyn Lippelmann
Everybody Loves Bessie: Celebrating 55 Years of Service
Bessie began working at the Mount during her senior year in high school as Coad Science Hall was under construction and nearly a decade before women were admitted. She has performed many tasks through the years, including working in the priests’ kitchen for 37 years, and currently is a baker for ARAMARK, the Mount’s food service provider. “People love and remember Bessie because she is genuine and sincere,” said Director of Dining Services Howard Williams. “Her dedication to our students and the Mount community is exceptional.”
Feature Story
Campus in the 1930s
In Their Footsteps By Donna Klinger
SETTLE INTO ONE OF THE COMFORTABLE CHAIRS IN THE CATHOLIC STUDIES ROOM on the second floor of Phillips Library with books from the Archives that trace Mount St. Mary’s University’s illustrious 210-year history perched on your lap. As you peruse the historic records, let your mind see flashing images and hear the voices of the towering greats, including two saints, a martyr, two United States presidents and a founder, who have walked and left their indelible mark on this bucolic campus.
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Rev. John DuBois
Rev. Simon Gabriel Bruté
The Class of 1880
Babe Ruth
On an unseasonably warm day in October 1808, the 44-year-old Rev. John DuBois removed his coat, rolled up his sleeves and labored with his parishioners and members of the community to lay the foundations of what would become Mount St. Mary's University. Rather than building next to Saint Mary on the Hill, the church that he had erected in the verdant grotto on the mountain to serve a burgeoning Catholic population, DuBois, a refugee from the French revolution and a circuit-riding priest, located the school on the expansive plateau at the base of the hill. The campus continues to be protected by Mary's Mountain from the north and west winds and to bask in brilliant sunshine, dappled by the shadows from the broad belt of trees encircling the area. DuBois, the school’s first president, and his small cadre of faculty, which included the Right Rev. Simon Gabriel Bruté as of 1812, offered a full and rigorous high school and college curriculum to both potential clerics and local boys.
U.S. President William Henry Harrison and a funeral march for the Marquis de Lafayette.
Bruté, known as the “Angel of the Mount,” served as teacher and pastor, as well as spiritual director to the future saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton. Church officials worldwide sought Bruté’s counsel for he was not only lauded for his unselfishness and spirituality, but also his immense erudition. He loved nature, declaring that the “Hills (of Mount St. Mary’s) shall be girded about with joy.” On Sunday afternoons, Mother Seton, seated on her own special rock, taught Christian Doctrine to the children of the Mountain Parish before they all drank from a neighboring spring and rambled at the picturesque grotto. DuBois and Bruté eventually left their beloved mountain home to become bishops of New York and Vincennes, Indiana, but not before establishing the Mount as a university that taught the men who served selflessly to shape the nation and the Church.
A NOBLE TREE
Students during this time included Dr. William Whelan, who served as surgeon general of the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, and renowned artist John La Farge. Students were taught by nationally renowned faculty. Early professors included the Rev. Charles Constantine Pise, who is still the only Catholic priest to serve as chaplain of the U.S. Senate; George Henry Miles, a nationally renowned poet and dramatist; and Henry Dielman, a notable composer who was the first person in the United States to receive a doctorate in music. Among Dielman's many achievements are the inauguration march for 1 2
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The Mount quickly earned a reputation as a producer of bishops. Among early graduates of the seminary were John McCloskey, the first American cardinal; John Hughes, first archbishop of New York; John Purcell, first archbishop of Cincinnati; William Quarter, first bishop of Chicago; George Carroll, first bishop of Covington, Kentucky; Richard Whelan, first bishop of Wheeling, West Virginia; and Francis Gartland, first bishop of Savannah. Today, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary claims 52 episcopal alumni. Early student life revolved around academics and religious development, with few student organizations. The early college limited recreation for students to Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and condoned walking the grounds only. Six professors taught a core curriculum that took seven years to complete and offered no specialization.
President John McCaffrey opened the Jubilee Celebration in 1858 by reflecting on the college’s growth: “The seed they planted then—the seedling, which they nursed and watered with their sweat and tears—is now indeed a noble tree, whose fruits are known, and not unhonored, throughout the world.” Four years later, war came to the college as the Mount community heard the sounds of the Battle of South Mountain. Within a year troops passed through the Mount on their way to Gettysburg. As the war raged on, many students from the South left the college to join the Confederate Army. At least one Confederate soldier haunts the Mount, according to the ghost stories told by the late Rev. Daniel C. Nusbaum, Ph.D., a long-time and well-loved professor and college historian. The soldier, killed at Gettysburg, was buried face down in an old well, preventing him from seeing the star that he and his beloved had agreed to gaze at each night as they thought about each other. The spirit reportedly taps Mounties on the shoulder, begging them to “turn me over.” The Mount’s sturdy and noble tree continued to bear fruit in the 1900s. The crack of Babe Ruth’s mighty bat resounded on Echo Field on two occasions. Tradition holds that he was discovered in a game between his team from a Baltimore industrial school and the Mount. While the roar of the crowd no longer blows the roof off Memorial
Gym, most memorably in 1962 when legendary men’s basketball coach Jim Phelan led the Mount to its first NCAA Division II Championship, the whoosh of the ball cutting through the net can still be heard during the men’s basketball team practices in the converted war surplus steel hangar. For more than 60 years, Memorial Gym has stood as a reminder of the 17 alumni who died in World War I and the 28, including three chaplains, who were killed in World War II. At least 727 Mountaineers joined the armed forces during World War II, 48 of them as chaplains.
Senator Robert Kennedy
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
The buzz of aircraft became a familiar sound during World War II when the college combatted declining enrollment by initiating a CAA-War Training Service School for flying specialists. A Navy V-12 deck officers’ school was established, bringing nearly 400 men to the empty classrooms, overseen by Rev. Carl J. Fives, who served the Mount for more than 60 years as a student, seminarian, faculty member and administrator. In honor of its service to the armed forces training programs, the college received a 3-inch/50-caliber anti-aircraft gun from the USS Detroit—a ship credited with one downed and one assisted downed aircraft during the battle at Pearl Harbor. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, each graduating class painted the gun in its own colors and with its own slogans as part of its departing ritual.
LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES Highlights of the sesquicentennial celebrations in 1958 were visits from Senator Robert Kennedy and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who gave the commencement address. “I personally think that the traditions of the religiously oriented colleges become more and more important,” Eisenhower said. “…the core of the struggle between the free and the despotic world today is that between a religious faith and an atheistic dictatorship. If that is true, then I can see no limits to the possibilities of this type of college, where faith in our God is put at the very cornerstone of all that we hope to achieve—all America, or any one of us individually.” Msgr. Hugh Phillips and the Blessed Mother statue now atop the Campanile
Class of 1968
This consequential year also saw the naming of the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes as a public oratory and national shrine, in the same year that Msgr. Hugh Phillips was tapped as director and Grotto chaplain. After overseeing the restoration of the shrine, Phillips opened it to the public. He also added the Pangborn Memorial Campanile crowned with a 25-foot, gold-leafed bronze figure of the Virgin Mary and other statuary monuments throughout the grounds. In the early 1960s, Blessed Stanley Rother, S’63, the first formally recognized American-born martyr who refused to abandon his faith community in Guatemala, despite death threats and his eventual murder, helped to build the National Shrine Grotto’s rock wall when he was a seminarian. The Mount was “something very influential in [Rother's] own spiritual life," said Rev. Ted Trinko, chaplain at the National Shrine Grotto. FALL 2018 FEATURE STORY
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Saint Teresa of Calcutta
The college expanded in the post-World War II era. Women were admitted to the Mount in 1972, and a women’s basketball team was established within two years. By the late 1970s, a women’s track team competed alongside the storied men’s team, with both sexes coached by the Mount’s remarkable track and field and men’s soccer coach Jim Deegan. Deegan coached for 50 years before retiring in 2006. He remains involved with the track and field program as a volunteer and just completed his 62nd season with the team. Under Deegan’s tutelage, Peter Rono, C'92, won the gold medal in the 1500 meter run at the 1988 Olympics as only a sophomore. Other notable alumni of the 20th century are Rev. Edward Flanagan, C’06, MA’08, founder of Boys Town orphanage in Nebraska; Rory Bourke, C’64, a songwriter in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame; Michael McCafferty, C’64 , an entrepreneur and “Father of CRM”; Dr. Bill Magee Jr., C’66, founder of Operation Smile; Fred Carter, C’69, a professional basketball player; Susan O’Malley, C’83, the first female president of an NBA franchise, the Washington Wizards; and Paul Palmieri, C’92, founder of Millennial Media and managing partner of Grit Capital.
“STEWARDS OF THE MANIFOLD GRACE OF GOD”
When Saint Teresa of Calcutta blessed the Mount with her first of two visits in 1975 to spread her message of prayer and love for Jesus Christ, Archbishop William Lori of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, S’77, then a seminarian, observed: “Mother Teresa mostly talked about the vine and the branches. She told those of us who were preparing to become priests that we should be closely connected to Jesus–that Jesus was the source of our charity, that Jesus would keep us faithful, that Jesus would give us the ability to give of ourselves. Even as callow seminarians, we sensed the wisdom of her holiness.”
The future of Mount St. Mary's University lies within the solid foundations of its past. At the 2018 convocation ceremony to mark the start of the 2018-19 academic year, Vice President for Student Life Bernard Franklin, Ph.D., predicted early greatness for at least one of the students in Knott Arena. “I believe one of you will come to your significance soon after you leave the Mount—and we will all be amazed at your extraordinary work to God and man,” he exalted. A recent example is Nancy Abu-Bonsrah, C’12, who last year became the first African-American woman to earn a residency in neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Other alumni who are leading lives of significance, in both big and small ways, are highlighted on pages 17-32. These extraordinary alumni are ambassadors for the university, evidence of how Mount St. Mary’s faculty, administrators and staff lift students up academically, physically and spiritually, enabling them to contribute to the betterment of society.
As the century closed, Rev. James T. Delaney, a faculty member in psychology and sociology, founded the criminal justice studies program. In 1999, Mount leaders opened a satellite campus in nearby Frederick. The Frederick campus, specializing in graduate and adult undergraduate programs, has outgrown its space several times and continues to add programs to meet the needs of Frederick County employers. 1 4
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The Mount achieved university status in 2004, which began a new era of academic excellence that would usher in the university’s bicentennial in 2008. President Barack Obama came to campus in 2015 to speak at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. In addressing the importance of service, he succinctly described the Mount’s charge to today’s students: “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Much has changed over the last 210 years, but in the spirit of our founder, Rev. John DuBois, the Mount continues to graduate ethical servant leaders. As Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D., the Mount’s 26th president, stated in his inaugural address on October 23, 2017: “Our faculty and staff are motivated to help our students become the best version of themselves and prepare them to lead lives of significance in service to God and others….We are poised to create the success stories that will become the next 200 years of our history.”
Years of MOUNT MEMORIES
“The liberal arts are entrepreneurship: students develop skills and accumulate a diverse body of knowledge that enable them to see the world holistically and create solutions to current and age-old problems.” PETER DORSEY, PH.D., DEAN, COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS Peter Dorsey teaching writing during the first year the Mount’s Freshman Seminar program was fully implemented.
“That’s basketball in its purest, rawest form. That energy and emotion permeated the building and brought everyone together in a cohesive, festive atmosphere. It was unbelievable. Memorial Gym is Mount basketball.” KEVIN ROBINSON JR., MAT'06, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT Memorial Gym in the 1980s.
“The picture was taken in the physics lab of the science building, Coad 216, and I think I’m talking about some Mac computer-based physics lab activities.” DANNY G. MILES JR., PH.D., PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY
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A demonstration of computer-based physics lab activities, 1995-96 academic year. Trudy Conway, Ph.D., from the philosophy department (black sweater, coffee cup), John Dropp, Ph.D., retired biologist (tie, brown cardigan), Michael Towle, Ph.D., from political science department (white pullover). FEATURE STORY FALL 2018
FROM PAST TO PRESENT & BEYOND
Mount Makers Meet a New Generation of Mounties Making History.
Featured in this section HEATH TARBERT, C'98 Assistant Secretary of the Treasury U.S. Department of the Treasury VRUNDA PATEL, C'16 Technical Business Integrity Associate Facebook HUNTER OLD ELK, C'16 Curatorial Assistant Plains Indian Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West DIANE TOMB, C'86 Executive Director National Rental Home Council JAY PHILLIPS, C'05, MT'08 Head Coach: Cross Country, Track & Field Mount St. Mary’s University DEVEDA COLEY, C'93 Principal Spring Ridge Elementary School in Frederick, Maryland RICHARD BOLTE JR., C'79 Chairman & CEO BDP International, Inc. CHRIS MCKENNA, C'17 Intelligence Analyst KeyW Corporation DEANNA DINI, C'12 Assistant Manager of Social Media Tarte Cosmetics
By Nicole Patterson
REBECCA BURKE, M.D., PH.D., FAAP, C'05 Clinical Post-Doctoral Fellow of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and Molecular and Human Genetics Baylor College of Medicine CHLOE CAIN, C'18 Creative Entrepreneur Chloe Cain Creative
Tell us how you're making history. Email us at themagazine@msmary.edu
PATRICK MASTRORILLI, C'18 Cybersecurity Operator MSA Security at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey KOKI ADASI, C'04 Senior Vice President Compass Real Estate
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What is a typical day like for you? What do you enjoy most about your work? I oversee a diverse portfolio of issues in the Treasury Department’s Office of International Affairs and therefore there’s no typical day! I really enjoy meeting with my counterparts from finance ministries and central banks around the world to discuss significant issues of mutual concern—including global growth, debt sustainability, investment levels, economic development and financial stability. What’s your favorite spot on campus? My favorite spot is the Terrace—the oldest part of the Mount where nearly every graduate has lived at some point or another during the last 210 years. I was privileged to live there three out of my four years at the Mount and have many fond memories. How were you involved at the Mount?
The Mount taught me that our lives are largely the product of our choices, which must be aligned with our faith and values in order for us to live lives of significance.
I served as a resident assistant and was the president of several student organizations, including Delta Mu Delta, the national honor society for business administration. These positions enabled me to work with and lead a diverse group of students from a variety of backgrounds. Who were some influential Mount professors or staff who made a lasting impression on you or your education? Charles Beitz Jr., DPA, then chair of the business school, taught me many great lessons of personal and professional leadership. The late President George R. Houston Jr. stressed the importance of thinking big and honing my financial acumen. Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, C'74, provided an example of mission-centered living while exhibiting a stellar sense of humor in good times and bad. We thought you should know…
Heath TARBERT CLASS OF 1998 Studied: Accounting, International Business & Economics Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Department of the Treasury
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As a student, Tarbert won the Bishop Edward P. Allen Memorial Prize for the highest scholastic average after four years. He was awarded the Edward T. Hogan Memorial Prize for Pre-Law Studies and the Msgr. Bernard J. Bradley Memorial Prizes for Accounting and Business Administration. Tarbert also won the Wall Street Journal Student Leadership Award. As an alumnus, he was recognized in 2010 with the Distinguished Young Alumni Award and in 2013 was inducted into the Academic Circle of Excellence Alumni Hall of Fame.
personality in the correct way—and I appreciated all his advice. I’m extremely grateful to Assistant Professor Dr. Josey Chacko for helping me get my job at Amazon. He was wonderful and taught me a lot about business, case studies and how to show and use data effectively. How has the Mount inspired you to live significantly?
Vrunda PATEL CLASS OF 2016 Studied: Business & Economics and Spanish Technical Business Integrity Associate at Facebook, Seattle
What is a typical day like for you? Before I was at Facebook, I was at Amazon for two years in corporate finance and program management. This is my first role at Facebook, and I’m absolutely loving it. I wake up around 7:30 a.m. to get ready and watch the news. It’s important to know what’s going to be talked about on our platform. When I get to work, I put my stuff down at my desk. Facebook has an open workspace; no one has offices—not even Mark Zuckerberg. I usually go to the sixth floor cafeteria and get breakfast. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and snacks are free. I spend a lot of time on data analysis to help our engineers and business and sales teams understand our business—so we make correct decisions to improve the user experience on Facebook. What is a good user experience to you? The best user experience is defined by each individual, but I think it’s one where you get on Facebook and you get to (re) connect with someone and it puts a smile on your face. It’s anything that makes your day a little bit better—finding or seeing some form of information that you wouldn’t have known unless you saw it on Facebook. It’s a seamless experience that you don’t have to think about. What does a technical business integrity associate do? My team works on background research to understand what proactive things Facebook can do to stop bad actors. We research what could be happening on our platform and find systematic ways to get rid of them so we can improve the overall user experience for everybody. Who were some influential Mount professors or staff who made a lasting impression on you or your education? Clare Tauriello, the director of the Career Center, was my SGA advisor for the Class of 2016 and she was a mentor to me. Ken McVearry was good at pointing out how to use my strong
The Mount taught me to think about others first. I learned to be selfless instead of selfish, and I’ve noticed that in all the roles I’ve had, and the companies I’ve worked for, I work on teams that are integrated and tailored to the customer. Amazon was about customer obsession and making sure the end-users were excited and happy about their experience. Both Amazon and Facebook have billions of users, so it’s exciting to make their experience better—but it’s hard. You can’t think about the decisions you make when you get on Facebook. You must think about billions of other people. The Mount’s emphasis on morality in making ethical business decisions was valuable. Every day I ask myself what’s right and wrong. It’s an awesome challenge and a heavy weight, but the Mount gave me a lot of tools to be able to discern the difference between good and bad—especially in a professional setting.
You should be thankful that the Mount teaches you how to be a good person. The Facebooks of the world could use more Mount graduates. What activities or clubs did you participate in during your time at the Mount? I was a student-worker in the Sports Information Office and spent many weekends and spring breaks in the ARCC or on the fields working in the press boxes. The people I worked with were so much fun and have such positive energy—plus we got the best seats in the house. I cherish those moments because they reminded me not to take life so seriously. I was in SGA all four years and was class vice president in 2012 and class president from 2013-16. I was a freshman ambassador and senior year was a student representative for Mount Council. Finally, I led the class ring design in my junior year and was part of the mascot committee to create Emmit S. Burg. Do you have any advice to share with current students? When you step out into the professional world, it doesn’t matter if you went to a school people may not have heard of before. You should be thankful that the Mount teaches you how to be a good person. The Facebooks of the world could use more Mount graduates. Put your best foot forward and don’t let anyone bring you down. FALL 2018 FEATURE STORY
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How has the Mount helped you live significantly? I reflect often on the four years I spent at the Mount as a time of both trial and triumph. It wouldn’t be fair to my mentors if I didn’t mention how much they lifted me up—far more than should have been asked of them. For that, I’ve made it my goal to mentor others in my personal and professional work. Who were some influential Mount professors or staff who made a lasting impression on you or your education? That is difficult to answer because many were invested in my academic and personal growth: President Thomas Powell, Chianti Blackmon, Ken McVearry, Joseph Enste, Dr. Michelle Patterson, Dana Larkin Sauers and Robert Brennan, C'85.
Hunter OLD ELK CLASS OF 2016 Studied: History Curatorial Assistant, Plains Indian Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming
What is a typical day like for you? My job consists of the stewardship and research of Plains Indian museum objects. In my position, I am fortunate to work with pieces where I study and write about Indigenous collections for the use in exhibitions, publications, educational interpretations and social media. What's your favorite part about your job? My favorite part of my job is being able to use platforms like social media and facilitating tribal visits to share collections with descendants of people who owned those objects. We house more than 10,000 collections from well over 150 tribes and bands who lived in the Great Plains region (Central Canada-Texas). I am from the Crow and Yakama Nations, and we have several historic collections from both tribes so there is also a personal connection to my work. I think for my communities, to indigenize scholarship will help reclaim our narratives and impact the future of cultural sustainability. What's your favorite spot on campus? I was a Lower McGowan kid. Those in leadership programs like AMP, CRUX, CSD and OSJ know how much time you spend there. I studied abroad in the Czech Republic and that experience, as well as political science coursework, shaped my global view of the world. I seriously encourage academic travel. 2 0
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How did your experiences at the Mount help you become the professional you are today? I was a member of the Third Century and Native American Scholars Program through the Center for Student Diversity and an AMP student leader through the Office of Campus Activities. Each of those programs took on an experiential leadership model to strengthen students in skills such as verbal and nonverbal communication, programming, financial literacy and peer accountability. I’ve used individual skills from both programs to serve tribal communities and work with Plains Indian Museum collections through programming and scholarship.
I reflect often on the four years I spent at the Mount as a time of both trial and triumph. Making Us Mount Proud... Old Elk uses museum engagement and social media to explore the complexities of historic and contemporary Indigenous culture. She is especially inspired by the lives of Native American women who lived and thrived on the Plains. Her life’s work is dedicated to their multifaceted legacies. She is the 2017 Western States Arts Federation: Emerging Leaders of Color Fellow and has done collaborations with NPR. Her work has been featured in the October 2018 issue of Cowboys and Indians Magazine for “Native Nations Now” exhibition and has upcoming projects with National Geographic Magazine and Filson Clothing Company. She is a collaborator, along with six Crow women, on a forthcoming Zine titled “Apsaalooke Radical” and plans to earn a master’s degree in the next three years.
Follow Hunter on Instagram @plainsindianmuseum.
Diane TOMB CLASS OF 1986 | Studied: Political Science and History | Executive Director, National Rental Home Council
How were you involved at the Mount? I played soccer, was a member of the college Republicans and worked for a member of Parliament in London during my study abroad program junior year. Those experiences taught me skills I use today. As a student on work study, I worked in the bookstore, gym, snack bar and the Rathskeller. Those opportunities taught me the importance of being organized and how to balance and manage multiple tasks. Tell us about the first job you had after you graduated. My first job out of college was at the White House in the Office of the Vice President for then Vice President George Herbert Walker Bush. I am convinced that having the experience of living abroad and being a Mount graduate greatly influenced why I was selected for the position. What is a typical day like for you? Most days are varied. I could be on Capitol Hill or a state capitol meeting with elected officials and staff members regarding issues that affect our members. I could be recruiting new members, or I could be speaking or participating on a panel at an industry event. What do you enjoy most about your work? I love how interesting and diverse my work is daily. I really enjoy that I am still learning every day. Also, I am a policy wonk, so I enjoy influencing public policy that benefits both my members and the communities they serve. How has the Mount helped you live significantly? Personally, I value the friendships and relationships I developed while I was a student. Professionally, being surrounded by colleagues who had a strong faith and led values-based lives had a significant influence on me and the choices I made in my career. I also had the opportunity to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees at the Mount where I observed the commitment of other trustees and the significant impact their contributions made to the future of the Mount and the students it now serves. Making us Mount Proud... An accomplished executive and entrepreneur who founded a D.C.-based public affairs firm in 2003, Tomb served as president and CEO of the National Association of Women Business Owners where she represented members on public policy issues before Congress and at the White House from 2011-13. Prior to that, she served as assistant secretary of public affairs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development and in the White House in both the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations.
I really enjoyed the community that existed at the Mount. I always felt like I was a part of something larger. Tomb has been an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, currently serving as a commissioner on the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Commission on Political Reform. She is also a member of the International Women’s Forum of Washington, D.C., serves on the board of directors of MakeRoom and the development committee at Holy Trinity Church in Washington, D.C. FALL 2018 FEATURE STORY
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Running THE RACE
AFTER JAY PHILLIPS, C'05, MT'08, dedicated seven years to studying at the Mount, culminating with a Master of Arts in theology, he courageously questioned how to live out his purpose—spending many nights on the track under starry skies looking inward and upward. He devoted early mornings in prayer at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception where he often prayed alongside, proposed to and married his wife, Dale Phillips, C'05. “By the time I had graduated, the Mount community put me into a particularly difficult dilemma,” he says. “The Mount had not only given me more than I deserved but also had given me more than I had the capacity to give back.” During his undergraduate days, Phillips majored in theology with an education emphasis and minored in philosophy and Latin. He single-mindedly pursued excellence as an athlete who ran track and field, a gifted student in the honors program and a compassionate resident assistant. 2 2
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He recalls that every interaction with his professors provided awareness and understanding. “They all liked what they did and they poured themselves into their students, athletes and colleagues,” Phillips recalls. Bill Collinge, Ph.D., taught him to love theology. “I still love it and I’m a better person, husband, father, friend and coach because of it.” Rev. Jim Donohue, Ph.D., guided him in how to use theology to love others more and better. David McCarthy, Ph.D., gave him the confidence that he could be successful academically and professionally. John Larrivee, Ph.D., instructed him on how to give life to his prayers. Indrani Mitra, Ph.D., taught him intellectual patience. “I still find that tremendously helpful personally and professionally,” he notes. Phillips’ coaching mentor, Jim Stevenson, C’95, showed him what it means to sacrifice for your team. “When someone invests that much in you, it changes you—causes you to grow, to love and to share that desire with others,” he explains.
Tasked with how to live significantly, he had finally received the answer: “I can give others a love greater than my own. I can strive to give others the love of God. I can try to love my student-athletes, my staff, my colleagues in the way that God loves them. So that’s what I try to do.” As head coach of the Mount’s cross country and track and field teams since 2015 and assistant coach from 2008 to 2014, he teaches students the life-changing rewards of focus, courage, resilience, teamwork and faith. The word Catholic means universal. “I love the challenge of bringing such a diverse group together to strive for common goals,” he says. With nearly 120 members, the track and field team is one of the most diverse groups on campus. Teammates are invited to live, love and work next to people who wouldn’t be in their natural social circles. “Every difference they may see in a teammate has the chance to be viewed from a common foundation, a humanizing
I’ve seen the track mold young men and women into excellent young men and women academically and athletically—it’s a training ground for more than just running fast, jumping high and throwing far.
JUSTIN KIMBLE, C’20
School Record – 60m Dash 2x NEC Champion IC4A All-East 2017 NEC Outdoor Rookie of the Year 2018 NEC Indoor Sprinter of the Year
foundation. They laugh with each other, push each other and cry with each other—succeed and fail with each other; in short, they become real people to each other,” he says of his team members. “The growth from these encounters can’t be underestimated.” As a result of his time at the Mount, he teaches student-athletes to learn from everyone they spend time with—to pay attention, listen and keep taking steps toward their best selves. In 2018, the men’s outdoor track and field team won its first Northeast Conference (NEC) title in 21 years, and Phillips and his staff were voted by colleagues as NEC Coaching Staff of the Year. Throughout his career, as a runner and a coach, Phillips says the track is a meaningful place on campus where he goes to find solace, joy and motivation. “My fastest race was on that track, chasing down two teammates I knew I’d never catch. I’ve cried there, I’ve sweated there, I’ve collapsed there—it’s stained my clothes red.” The Bible mentions many verses about running a race: to build perseverance, to run and not grow weary, to receive an everlasting crown and to win the prize of a higher calling. “I’ve walked the lanes with athletes and friends in great and tough times. I’ve seen the track mold young men and women into excellent young men and women academically and athletically—it’s a training ground for more than just running fast, jumping high and throwing far.”
K AYL A BARNES, C’21
School Record – 200m Dash 3x NEC Champion ECAC All-East 2018 Indoor and Outdoor NEC Rookie of the Year 2018 USATF Junior National Qualifier FALL 2018 FEATURE STORY
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DeVeda COLEY CLASS OF 1993 | Studied: Elementary Education | Principal, Spring Ridge Elementary School in Frederick, Maryland
What do you enjoy most about your work? I am blessed to have the opportunity to be an elementary school principal. I never take my role lightly. I do not see this as a job, but rather my career and God-inspired mission. I have had the great fortune to lead at North Frederick Elementary School for the past eight years. I got to be the principal of some of the best children and to have led, and hopefully inspired, some of the most dedicated, knowledgeable staff as well as worked alongside a supportive community. I love that every day is different and challenging and that my decisions and actions make a difference in the lives of children. What are you looking forward to next? I look forward to my new assignment at Spring Ridge Elementary School and heard that I will again have a supportive community, talented staff and great students. My goal is to be a transformational leader who makes all decisions in the best interest of the children. School administrators make hundreds of daily decisions including personnel matters, appropriate use of budgets, student instruction and discipline, school safety, community outreach, professional development, and the list goes on. No one day for a principal is ever the same—which makes this career so exciting!
Who was one influential Mount professor who made a positive impact on you? I am blessed to have had such a wonderful support system of people who saw my potential and helped me believe I could truly be and do whatever I wanted. Dr. Judy R. Johnstone saw the potential in me and worked with me to finally, after changing my major four times, decide that elementary education was the path for me. In her office during my junior year, I told her I wanted to be a principal. She made sure I had an exceptional student mentor, Becky Kerr, and strategically put me at a school with an influential principal named Steve Martin who ended up being one of my strongest advocates. He supported me during the beginning of my career as a teacher and principal. Johnstone shared her passion for literature and made sure we understood how much educators impact students’ lives; she believed in me from the start. What’s your favorite spot on campus? I used to love going to the RATT. For those who graduated after 1993, this was in the bottom of the student activity center and was our mini night club. We would have a DJ and sometimes invite outside acts to play. Derrick Claiborne, C’93, brought great entertainment—including an emerging comedian named Steve Harvey.
How has the Mount helped you live significantly?
What other memories stand out to you when you look back?
Mount St. Mary’s had an exceptional education program. I was very prepared to be a teacher in Frederick County Public Schools. I was offered an open contract in December of my senior year because of the great instruction I received. The liberal arts classes opened my mind and helped me develop interests, including art, that I would never have explored otherwise.
I met my best friend, Angel (Wrublik) Ranero, C’94, from playing softball. I participated in an awesome fashion show produced by my talented friend Derrick Claiborne, C'93. From joking around and enjoying being a student with my "Mount Crew" that included Tonya Jackson, C’93, Neil Becker, C’93, Sue McNamara, C’93, Dave Zehner, C’93, and Dr. Terri Bell, C’94, to learning to play piano and playing Chops on the same piano with the talented pianist and crew member Samuel Stone, C’93, I have so many great memories of the Mount. I also remember going to my first concert with other African-American Mount students (OSHA) and seeing Salt-N-Pepa and Kid ‘N Play. How else were you involved at the Mount? I played field hockey, which was replaced with lacrosse. I also played softball. Being a student-athlete requires commitment, time management, dedication and discipline. I use every one of these traits in my daily life. We thought you should know… In 2010, Coley was named a “Woman of Excellence”’ by the Frederick AKAs and made the “Top 40 Phenomenal Women” in Frederick. In 2015 she was inducted into the Mount’s Academic Circle of Excellence Alumni Hall of Fame. She’s currently an adjunct professor at the Mount. She's also in her third year of the inaugural doctoral cohort at Hood College.
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Richard BOLTE JR. CLASS OF 1979 | Studied: Business & Finance and Spanish | Chairman & CEO, BDP International, Inc.
In a world that sorely needs ethical leaders, we think the Mount will play an important role in filling that void. What do you enjoy most about your work? It provides a great outlet for my creativity. I like building things and BDP has been a lifelong project. Additionally, getting to make so many friends around the world has been particularly enjoyable. What is a typical day like for you? As the leader of the organization, my day involves making sure people enjoy interacting with our organization. I engage with a wide variety of constituencies, BDP teammates, customers, key partners and suppliers (banks, ocean carriers, truckers and so on) and potentially government agencies that might impact our business. What’s your favorite spot on campus and do you have a story or a memory you’d like to share? For most of my time at the Mount I lived in or near the Terrace— so that would get my vote. Happy hours spent relaxing and listening to music from one room or another is probably my favorite memory. There are many stories I can’t tell! I did participate in an all-night charity softball game and, of course, it rained all night. I think our time slot was somewhere around 2 a.m. or so, and we had a blast sloshing around a muddy field. Lots of laughs! How else were you involved at the Mount? During my time at the Mount, I played just about every club sport offered. Back then there was not as much to do, and team sports were a good way of building bonds with your friends. Our team, Lightning Company, participated in just about everything at the time.
How did those experiences help you become the professional you are today? The power of the Mount community and the strength of its culture are evident to all who spend time there. Understanding how that culture is hugely important and can provide the foundation and strength for any organization is probably the greatest learning. My brothers and I put that to good use and believe that today, our culture at BDP is a competitive strength and creates a uniqueness that separates us from others. The Mount’s culture is the same: It separates us from the rest. There’s only one Mount. How has the Mount helped you live significantly? The Mount has helped me and my family in many ways. All six of my siblings went to the Mount as well (John, C'82, Tim, C'84, Frank, C'87, Mike, C'91, Bill, C'89, and Rob, C'92) and now some of our children have graduated as well. My son, Richard Bolte III, C'08, is a proud graduate. The Mount is part of the fabric of our family. In my case, the Mount helped me come out of my shell. I was quite shy and a bit introverted when I arrived. Learning how to interact with others and the strength of the Mount community taught me the importance of culture and team building. These were important lessons that my brothers and I put to good use during our journey building BDP International, Inc. Is there anything else the Mount community should know? I served two terms on the Board of Trustees and during my tenure I had the opportunity to lead the Academic Affairs Committee. Our family is most proud that the Bolte School of Business, at the Mount, carries our father’s name. He loved the Mount and after his passing we thought this would be an appropriate way to celebrate his life. We are most proud that this contributes to a whole new generation of Mount graduates.
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The Mount taught me how to look at real world issues from all sides and think critically.
Chris MCKENNA CLASS OF 2017 | Studied: Criminal Justice and Sociology | Intelligence Analyst, KeyW Corporation
How has the Mount helped you live significantly?
What aspects of your education challenged you the most?
The Mount gave me the opportunity to conduct research on a topic that has plagued the fire service nationwide: mental health stigma. If I had not been required to do a major research project for my degree, I never would have done the project and I never would have discovered some truly horrifying statistics. Because of the Mount, I was able to make a true difference in my local department as well as on a national level (I believe) as my project pushed NBC to conduct a nationwide study which was released earlier this year.
My favorite part of my education at the Mount was truly the senior project. As challenging as it was at times, completing a project from start to finish and then having to defend my research gave me a huge advantage in my field. The SPARC Festival was probably one of the most nerve-wracking, but exciting, times of my life. I was so excited to share my research with people—but I was also nervous as to how it would be received by the public. The challenging questions I got from people during presentations truly helped prepare me for my career.
How did your professors prepare you for your current job?
What's your favorite spot on campus?
Dr. Layton Field pushed me to do better and have high expectations for myself. During my senior research project, I would go into his office to talk about the project for hours. I told him at the beginning of the project that I wanted to do something bigger and better than any student in the program had ever done, because I needed a challenge and I needed a purpose to push myself. Dr. Field made my time at the Mount easy because he was not just an advisor to me, he was a friend.
My favorite place on campus is the fire pits area outside the apartments on a nice spring or fall evening cooking dinner with friends.
Professor Joe Vince and I only got to know and work with each other toward the end of my time at the Mount. His “Intro to Intelligence Analysis” course was one of the most beneficial classes I’ve ever taken. He taught you what intelligence analysis was, he built your foundation from the ground up and gave examples of poor intelligence products—and showed us how to create proper and complete products. That skill, being able to write a complete product, has given me a huge advantage in my career. Professor Vince, without knowing it, guided me on the path to a wonderful career.
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What’s a good memory you’d like to share? It was the day before graduation and I needed to get a haircut before commencement practice. I went to the local barber in Emmitsburg. I walk in and who do I see sitting in the barber chair getting his hair cut? President Trainor. We smile, say hello, and talk briefly before he leaves. The next day at commencement as I walked across the stage to shake President Trainor’s hand, what do you think we say to each other? We talk about how great each other’s haircuts looked! Just a little more… McKenna was the 2016 President’s Medal recipient and is a proud Eagle Scout. Unfortunately, he is unable to comment on his work as an intelligence analyst—but you can find him volunteering on the weekends at the Vigilant Hose Company in Emmitsburg.
Deanna DINI CLASS OF 2012 | Studied: Communication and Business | Assistant Manager of Social Media at Tarte Cosmetics The World of Fashion and Beauty Deanna Dini, C’12, has an audience of more than 10.5 million people. A typical workday doesn’t exist in the super social, hyper mobile world of Tarte Cosmetics where she produces content, videos, tutorials and analytics for high gloss, 24/7 social media consumption. Navigating the ever-changing landscape of the industry is what keeps her excited to come to work each day as she sculpts and contours the global beauty brand recognized for its cruelty-free and vegan products—values that differentiated the company ahead of competitors and generated a loyal following. She acknowledges studying communication and business at the Mount gave her a lasting foundation for the flexibility and adaptability she applies to her work. “I work with influencers and social media stars and build relationships with them to secure brand-elevating coverage,” she says—and many have become friends outside of work. The relationships she formed and nourished as an undergraduate were paramount to her success at Tarte.
I've made incredible lifelong friends at the Mount and these friends have really shaped me into the person I am today. Tarte Cosmetics Wins In 2018 Tarte's team was named an honoree, alongside other big-name brands such as Adidas, in the 22nd Annual Webby Awards. On any given day, she will find herself handling nonstop product launches, celebrity collections, a never-ending stream of trends, YouTube stars and beauty bloggers driving consumer purchasing. Dini's responsibilities also include forming brand partnerships where she works to create social giveaways and collaborations. “One of the most influential things I’ve learned through all my years of playing sports is teamwork and that you’re only as strong as your weakest link.” As a student-athlete and a member of the soccer team, she says her experience being part of a team has absolutely helped her become the professional she is today. She remembers team practices and mandated early morning workouts on the hills of the National Shrine Grotto. “Looking back,” she says, "those painful workouts taught us perseverance
and the importance of teamwork. And the beauty of the Grotto is incomparable to any other spot on campus; the gold statue of Our Lady is breathtaking.” Natural Beauty Dini says she’s most thankful the Mount brought her to her husband and the love of her life, Mark Burns, C’12, MBA’13. The pair were married by the Mount’s lacrosse chaplain, Rev. Thomas Haan, and recently celebrated the birth of their first child in September. "Aside from my husband, I’ve made incredible lifelong friends at the Mount and these friends have really shaped me into the person I am today.” She also credits favorite professors Byron Stay, Ph.D., and Carl Glover, Ph.D. “They kept learning fun and interactive and reminded us to never take life too seriously. Once I began my professional career, that translated into everyday life, and I try to find reasons to laugh in the office every day—even if it’s laughing at myself.” How does she do it? With the Pack Your Bags Undereye Patches in one hand and the Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in another, she Makes the Magic Happen (the name of an eyeshadow palette in nine pigmented mattes and metallics promising sparkle and shine). “Social media never sleeps! While people might think it’s all fun and glamorous, it’s important to remember that it can take a lot of your personal time and you can easily be consumed with it,” she notes. “Don’t forget to take a breather! Recharge. Put down the phone. And soak in your surroundings.” What could be more refreshing?!
Follow Deanna on Instagram @tartecosmetics.
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What is a typical day like for you? My typical day varies depending on my practice setting. I could be making rounds on inpatients, on call in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or seeing new patient consults in the outpatient medical genetics clinic. What do you love most about your job? What I love most about my job is providing my patients with a diagnosis, many of whom have been searching for an explanation for their medical problems for many years, and helping patients and their families understand complex medical conditions. How has the Mount helped you live significantly?
Rebecca GILBRIDE BURKE,
M.D., PH.D., F.A.A.P. CLASS OF 2005 Studied: Biology and Chemistry Clinical Post-Doctoral Fellow in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine
I believe that the well-rounded liberal arts education I received at the Mount has enhanced my ability to understand and appreciate the needs and viewpoints of my patients. I recall the structure of the program was to teach students where we came from, who we are and ultimately how our thinking may be different from others. This stepwise education process was grounding, and yet incited an interest in me to continue to learn to appreciate how others with a different experience than mine may perceive their circumstances. This has made me a far more compassionate person and certainly a more empathic physician. Who were some influential Mount professors or staff who made a lasting impression on you or your education? Dr. Sue Goliber was my Freshman Seminar professor and she was very influential on my success at the Mount. I admired her accomplishments as a professional and a master educator, of course, but also her ability to find a balance between work and life. The 9/11 attacks happened during my first month of college, and I will never forget how shocked and almost paralyzed we all felt. Dr. Goliber called each of us individually to ensure we knew that Freshman Seminar would still be held that day despite the uncertainty of the moment. She brought us together as a class and that was one of the first times I realized the Mount was more than a university experience but a community and a family. What’s your favorite spot on campus?
I believe that the well-rounded liberal arts education I received at the Mount has enhanced my ability to understand and appreciate the needs and viewpoints of my patients. 2 8
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My favorite spot on campus is the National Shrine Grotto. It is such a peaceful and beautiful place. I loved spending quiet time there, particularly if I had an important decision to make. The setting allowed time for introspection, and I always left with a clear mind and a renewed spirit. How else were you involved at the Mount? I participated with the dance team, was the president of the Science Club and worked for the Mount Annual Fund office. I lived in the “women in science” dorm housing all four years and loved the camaraderie of the supportive environment we created. Living with other women studying science and mathematics was incredibly motivating and inspiring. Making us Mount Proud... She was chosen as one of the Mount’s "40 Women in 40 Years." She and her husband, Patrick Burke, C’05, celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary this summer. They cherish their memories and love reminiscing on the times they shared together at the Mount.
Chloe CAIN CLASS OF 2018 Studied: Communication Graduate Assistant for the Dean of the School of Natural Science & Mathematics at Mount St. Mary's University & Creative Entrepreneur at Chloe Cain Creative What do you enjoy most about your work? I enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life and learning their personal stories. I love using my energy to bring out the best in others and ultimately myself. What is a typical work day like for you? As a former Division I soccer player, the athletic mentality is part of my DNA and it works through me every day. First thing I do in the morning is brush the crust off my pearly whites and head to the gym to work off the chicken from the night before. Then I hit the floor to pray and meditate. From there I rush out the door only to smell the possibilities in the air. I always listen to the morning jams in the car before driving two minutes across Route 15 to work. Once in the office, you can catch me spreading positivity to students and having deep conversations with staff members. These amazing interactions help me create wonderful stories for social media and video. At the end of the day, I walk away feeling truly fulfilled knowing I made someone smile, but my work isn’t over. From 5-9 p.m. I’m usually creating or editing content for my own creative business: Chloe Cain Creative. I also started pursuing my MBA this fall at the Mount’s Frederick campus. How has the Mount helped you live significantly? The Mount has helped me become more fully aware of my authentic power. I have gained the courage to express myself unapologetically in all areas of my life.
Who were some influential Mount professors or staff who made a lasting impression on you or your education? I can name about 30 Mount staff who have been a vessel in my personal story here at the Mount. To make a long list short, here are some who have resonated deeply in my progression: Bob Brennan, C'85, Tirrany Thurmond, Karlie Herbert, Dr. Paula Whetsel-Ribeau, Jamie Brown, Ken McVearry, and Dr. Brian Gilchrist. How else were you involved at the Mount? I was captain of the Mount women's soccer team, a resident assistant and the public relations coordinator for the newfound organization The Voice. I also hosted my own radio show for WTMB and interned in the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Office of Alumni Engagement. What’s your favorite spot on campus? My favorite spot on campus is the Palmieri Center for Entrepreneurship. It’s the place where I discovered my true love for turning my passion into profit!
Follow Chloe on Instagram @justchloecain.
Patrick MASTRORILLI CLASS OF 2018 | Studied: Computer Science and Cybersecurity Cybersecurity Operator working for MSA Security at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey What is a typical day like for you? My typical day involves monitoring and documenting possible cyberattacks against the Port Authority’s systems—as well as stopping cyberattacks from doing damage to the Port Authority’s systems should they gain access. What ways were you involved in the Mount community? During my four years at the Mount, I worked for the campus cable company, Privatel. I provided tech support to help students set up their televisions and
resolve various technical issues. This experience helped me build valuable customer service skills that I use every day. Who were some influential Mount professors or staff who made a lasting impression on you or your education? My most influential professors at the Mount were Dr. Brian Heinold and Scott Weiss. Both professors taught me everything I know about computer science during my time at the Mount. I truly appreciate all the guidance they provided.
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KOKI is the Key 3 0
FEATURE STORY FALL 2018
“HE HAD THE TOUCH,” SAID MOUNT MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH JIM PHELAN. Koki Adasi, C’04, played better than any other scholarship athlete on the team that Saturday afternoon. On January 26, 2002, the nationally televised basketball game against Fairleigh Dickinson captured the Mount’s 6’3”, 190-pound sophomore shooting guard scoring 23 points against the Knights. Adasi played the best game of his Division I career in front of an audience of millions. It didn’t matter who was watching, though, because he’d made a different kind of history: a personal triumph. That afternoon, after initially launching an airball, Adasi aced his shots, swished his three-pointers and sank one basket after the next. His moment in the spotlight was preceded by many tiny efforts few had witnessed. Adasi wasn’t a scholarship player when he arrived at the Mount. In fact, after tryouts his freshman year, he was cut from the team. “It was one of the biggest obstacles I faced in my life,” he shares. Recruited by Assistant Coach Don Anderson, Adasi was raised in Rockville, Maryland, and graduated from Magruder High School. After his acceptance to the Mount, he worked out with the team from August until October and attended tryouts. “Coach Phelan said: ‘Hey Koki, look, I think you’re a great guard, but we have tons of guards already—so it’s more of a numbers game. Right now, there’s no space for you on the team,’” Adasi recounts. Crushed, the 18-year old never knew what it felt like to be cut from a team, much less not be a starter. His lifelong goal to play Division I basketball had been denied. “I’ll never forget the walk back across campus to Bruté. I just sat in my room and I cried. I put in all this effort the last few months and was confident it would happen,” he says. That humbling experience gave rise to the strength within. In that moment, he considered his options: He could cry about it; he could give up playing basketball or he could call Coach Phelan and refuse to take no for an answer. “I need to be a part of the team,” he told the coaching legend, and promised to do whatever it took. The coaches agreed and Adasi was made team manager. “It was a great experience,” Adasi beams. “I had no care in the world because I was part of something that was much larger.” His freshman year he did the team’s laundry and packed their bags; he practiced alongside them every day but never suited up for games. His sophomore year he trained all summer, attended tryouts and made the team. He ended up starting several games that season—and the rest is history.
Adasi’s transition to the residential real estate game wasn’t without difficulty. After his dreams to play professional basketball overseas didn’t come to fruition, he got a job with Clarke Construction Group, LLC, in Bethesda, Maryland, where he used his business degree working in the accounting department. Adasi studied and got his real estate license but continued working at the construction company. A few months later, he showed up at the office to find his computer locked. One breakfast at La’Madeleine later and he was fired. “We know you want to get into real estate full time and we feel that right now is the best time,” the words of his boss echoed in his ears. With less than $100 in his bank account, he stood up from the table, walked back to the office, got his keys and left. He cashed out his 401K of a whopping $800. “I had nothing,” he says. “My first year in real estate, in 2006, I made $7,000.” Adasi had faith it wouldn’t be long before pursuing his passion would start to pay off. Everyone told him if he kept practicing the fundamentals, he would eventually succeed.
Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals. Jim Rohn, American Entrepreneur Today he walks up to his charcoal Tesla Model X in the parking garage. The electric luxury midsize SUV has a feature-filled interior which complements the falcon wing doors that showcase an impressive wingspan. They also accommodate family-friendly seating for his wife and their two children.
Today the 36-year-old Realtor is senior vice president at Compass Real Estate in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and wears a uniform of a different kind—a tailored navy suit jacket he’s dubbed his favorite. Instead of Under Armour sneakers, he sports Italian leather Santoni slip-ons. The street outside his office is lined with stores like Louis Vuitton, Saks Fifth Avenue and Cartier. Inside the gorgeous beaux arts building you’ll find his teammates—the well-dressed professionals of Team Koki. Conference rooms and offices are framed with floor-to-ceiling glass that invites a cool metaphorical transparency. No matter who’s watching, he’s taught them to continue to work hard, practice the fundamentals and love the hustle. FALL 2018 FEATURE STORY
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his struggles and triumphs with her—his very best teammate. Together the pair renovated their home, creating happy memories amid photo albums, a toy Iron Man (without the Audi R8!) and an overwhelming sense that they are both exactly where they belong. As he gives his son a kiss on the forehead, he says: “I want my kids to become happy, positive and fun-loving adults. I want them to be successful and do what they love and what they’re passionate about.” Adasi believes in empowering youth and giving back to the community. The former Mount guard most recently mentored a new Mount basketball player, Collin Nnamene, C’22, a 6’8”, 210-pound freshman forward from St. Albans School. In 2011, Adasi earned the YMCA’s “Philanthropist of the Year” award and served on its board of directors for eight years—becoming a guiding force for the mentoring program. “It’s our responsibility to give back to the community but it’s also a very small thing we can do. If we all chip in and give a small amount, we can make huge strides to give back to people.” Team Koki supports a variety of Washington, D.C. nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering children and youth to graduate from high school and find success in college, career, sports and life. You may have heard Adasi as a guest commentator on NBC Sports where he loves talking about basketball and the Wizards— proving he’s a passionate player and a very passionate fan. In 2019, Adasi will be president of the local real estate association, which is the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS®. With nearly 11,000 members the association is competitively ranked in the top 20 for size in the country. “I plan to be an advocate for the industry, representing Realtors and real estate affiliates, staying informed of what’s happening in the D.C. real estate market, and ensuring that our association has a strong voice.” And he’s been preparing for it mentally and physically. Every Wednesday and Friday morning at 6 a.m. he plays basketball at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C. He also has a home gym where he works out a few times a week. “I’m fortunate to have a home gym and I work out here at the house—so I can chase these kids around,” he says with laughter. Just as he finishes the sentence, Jess walks through the door with Suraya. “Hey, Dada!” she yells. “You’re home,” he calls back to her. Adasi was born in Minnesota and lived there for two years before moving to Rockville. Born to Nigerian parents, he is the middle child of five. His mother is Muslim, and his father is Catholic. “Every day from pre-K through ninth grade, I got up at 4:30 a.m. to assist my father with delivering the newspapers—which taught me a lot about hard work, discipline and leadership. Seeing my parents work incredibly hard has been a huge driving force in the success I’ve seen throughout my career,” he admits with gratitude. Now, sitting on the couch with his arm around his son, Akil, he tells the story of how he met his wife, Jess (Miller) Adasi. In August the couple celebrated seven years of marriage. She’s Jewish; he’s Catholic. At their wedding they hired a string quartet of high school kids to play music for the ceremony and blended Jewish and Nigerian traditions. Inside their house, in a quiet neighborhood, Adasi shares
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He smiles at Jess and gets up to give Suraya a hug as she comes bolting into the living room. He walks by the patio door that overlooks the basketball court in his backyard. It’s easy to imagine him rising before dawn or staying outside past dusk to practice the fundamentals. He’s still got the touch—and the home court advantage—and everything is illuminated in the light of the past.
Learn more! Visit www.kokiisthekey.com to explore more about Koki's story.
President's Report 2018
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Board of Trustees
President’s Council
Chair of the Board
Chairman
Mary D. Kane, C’84
Patrick J. Goles, C'64
Vice Chair of the Board
Vice Chairman
Howard N. Bolte, C’84
Joseph F. Dowd Jr., C'92
Secretary of the Board
Members
Gracelyn A. McDermott, C’93
Koki Adasi, C’04
Treasurer of the Board Robert C. Dondero, C’74 Trustees Anthony J. Agnone, C’75 Johnson I. Agogbua Honorable Jennifer M. Anderson, C’81 Edward M. Caruso, C’86 Kenneth B. Chodnicki, C’82 David P. Conaghan, C’81 Jeremy M. Ellermeyer, C’92 Rev. Msgr. John J. Enzler, C’73 Rev. J. Kevin Farmer, C’87 Patrick J. Goles, C’64 Most Reverend William E. Lori, S.T.D., S’77 Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde Richard P. Miller, C’74 Hugh W. Mohler Jr., C’90 Janice I. Obuchowski Mary Noel Page Paul J. Palmieri, C’92 William S. Roohan, C’81 Brian L. Smith, C’70
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Peter A. Arbes, C'92 Terry Barbeau, P'10 Antonio Conticelli, C'77 Lawrence E. Donato, C'70 John S. Ellis Jr., C'71 Rev. Msgr. James P. Farmer Jr., C'80 Sara Fuss, C’15 George R. Gelles, C'64 John O'Hare Graham, C'82 Peter Hobbs, MBA’15 Susan Janowiak, C'81 Frank G. Lidinsky, C'72 Jeffrey W. Link, C'99 Sara Madgey, C’09 John F. McKee, C'65 Megan E. Molloy, C'00 Carol Phelan-Marsh, C’81 Jason Polun, C’96 Jennifer A. Rose, C'02 Robert T. Rudd, C'75 Charles W. Sherren Jr., C'75 William Tell, C'68 W. Christopher Walsh, C'83
President’s Cabinet
National Alumni Association Officers
President
President
Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D.
Ed Caruso, C’86
Vice President and Chief of Staff
Executive Vice President
Wayne A. Green
Sue Janowiak, C’81
Provost
Vice President
Boyd Creasman, Ph.D.
Jerry Dowd, C’90
Vice President for Business and Finance
Rev. Collin Poston, S’03
William E. Davies Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communications Jack J. Chielli Vice President for Equity and Success Paula M. Whetsel-Ribeau, Ph.D.
Vice President
Chaplain Msgr. Rick Hilgartner Jr., C’90 Parliamentarian Gregory K. Kirby, C’98 Executive Secretary & Director of Alumni Engagement Emily Myers, C’13, MBA’15
Vice President and Seminary Rector Msgr. Andrew R. Baker, S.T.D. Vice President for Student Life Bernard Franklin, Ph.D. Vice President for University Advancement Robert J. Brennan, C'85
National Alumni Association Council Charlotte Barry, C'15 Tim Buck, C'87 Dedie Jones Campbell, C'88 Jack Causa, C'76
Vice President for University Affairs
Michael Connolly, C'75
Pauline A. Engelstätter
Jason Epps, C'05
Chief Transformation Officer
Robert A. Herb, C'78
Dick Hart, C'65 Simon Y. Blackwell Director of Athletics Lynne Robinson, C'79, MBA'83 Director of the National Shrine Grotto
Annie Stocker Kalis, C'00 Rev. Doug Kenney, C'95, S'99 Larry Orendorff, C'65 Elizabeth Plant, C'07 Alex Proffitt, C'13, MBA'15 Rob Weed, C'93
Lori Stewart, MBA'11
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PRESIDENT’S LETTER
The State of the University Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D. | October 2018
AUTHOR JIM COLLINS' FLY WHEEL EFFECT is yielding results at Mount St. Mary’s University. As the Mount moves from a good to a great university, momentum is building from the incredible power generated by continued improvement and delivery of results. At this point in our storied 210-year history, we are on the verge of growth that will impact our state, our country and the Catholic Church. Our momentum is a result of a relentless pursuit of student success and our focus on executing the university’s strategic plan. Last year, the Board of Trustees adopted a strategic plan that builds toward a future that envisions Mount St. Mary’s University as the No. 1 regional university in the Northeast. Since it was adopted, the Mount community has begun implementing the 13 goals and 53 objectives plus many other initiatives to achieve this vision built around our mission of graduating ethical leaders who are inspired by a passion for learning and lead lives of significance in service to God and others. At the heart of our work is student success. It’s the reason the Mount was ranked No. 1 in Maryland, according to Zippia, a career guidance organization that analyzed U.S. Department of Education data to identify colleges with the highest job placement rating 10 years after graduation. This achievement is due to many things, but our excellent undergraduate liberal arts curriculum, which is rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and taught by faculty who are experts, is the main reason. Our faculty achieved significant accomplishments in 2017-18. Patrice Flynn, Ph.D., professor of business and economics, and Jordan Loveridge, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and communication along with Isaac Mills, Ph.D., and Dean of the Division of Education Barbara Marinak, Ph.D., were awarded fellowships or were published in prestigious national journals. Faculty in the Mount’s School of Natural Science and Mathematics received a $1 million grant through the Maryland Department of Commerce's E-Nnovation Initiative to establish an Endowed Professorship in Computational Science and Mathematics.
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Mount students also demonstrated excellence in the classroom and on the fields of competition. Dylan Holden, C’18, was a semi-finalist for the Marshall scholarship and Alex Johnson, C’18, and Saribel Morales-Rivera, C’18, were semi-finalists for Fulbright scholarships. Our NCAA Division I athletics teams met with many successes. The men’s outdoor track and field team won the Northeast Conference Title for the first time in 21 years and Coach Jay Phillips, C'05, MT'08, was named NEC Coach of the Year. Lauren Schwarzmann was honored as NEC Lacrosse Coach of the Year and Jillian Petito, C’19, junior goaltender, was the NEC Defensive Player of the Year. In men’s basketball, Junior Robinson, C’18, was unanimously selected as NEC Player of the Year and Chris Wray, C’18, was named NEC Defensive Player of Year. All of this momentum has contributed to more students and their families becoming interested in the Mount. This fall, the Mount welcomed its second largest freshman class of 549 students and our seminary has grown from 115 seminarians two years ago to 155 today. Our plan is to continue adding popular curricular and co-curricular programs in economically responsible ways. Last year we added majors in cybersecurity, forensic accounting, entrepreneurship and an interdisciplinary program in philosophy, politics and economics. We created new graduate certificate programs at our Frederick campus and specialty offerings in education. The Mount is making renovations to some residence halls and also has plans to improve other buildings. In 2019, we will open a 5,000 square-foot, multi-purpose building intended to help us have more large-scale student events on campus. We have also expanded our student health care through a new partnership with Frederick Regional Health System. We are working to bring together the financing for a major renovation and expansion of the Knott Academic Center that will add classrooms, offices, conference rooms, labs and other spaces. We have also had initial success in raising funds for expanding the Coad Science Building.
Our Seminary became the first in the country with an accredited English as a Second Language program. And as many of you know, Blessed Stanley Rother, a 1963 graduate of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and first U.S.-born martyr, was declared “blessed” on September 23, 2017, taking the next step toward becoming a saint. Lastly, the Mount’s National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes celebrated its 60th anniversary in September. It is a great honor to serve as the 26th president of Mount St. Mary’s University. I am confident that the Mount leadership team will continue to ignite the Flywheel Effect that is producing the momentum leading to the Mount’s greatness. In "Good to Great," Jim Collins writes, "Good to great comes about by a cumulative process—step by step, action by action, decision by decision, turn by turn of the flywheel—that adds up to sustained and spectacular results.”
The Mount maintains a list of "victories," or continued improvements. Thus far, the Mount’s 2018 victory list is 35 percent larger than the one for 2017—and about a quarter of the year remains. These successes are the result of the continued support of alumni, faculty, staff, students and parents, and our state and local communities. Thanks to your support, an increasing number of our graduates will lead purpose-driven lives that will shape their communities, our state and our nation for many, many years.
TIMOTHY E. TRAINOR, PH.D. President
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Student Success Is at the Heart of Everything We Do Two Vice Presidents Dedicated to Student Success, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Bernard Franklin, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Life Bernard Franklin, Ph.D., previously served as special assistant to the president and assistant vice president for student life at Kansas State University. In May he visited the Mount and met with President Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D., the Mount's leadership team and the Inclusive Excellence Committee on ways to create a safe and inclusive environment in which all students can pursue their dreams. Through his experiences and his story, including a friendship with Coretta Scott King, Franklin shared a message of building a healing and collaborative learning community.
“I am here because someone saw the desire to learn in my eyes; they saw a dream, and they also saw Jesus—and they didn’t brush me aside. I am here because I see a dream in you, a desire to make something of yourself.” Convocation speech, August 20, 2018
“He demonstrates a strong understanding of our Catholic identity and the values and beliefs central to the Catholic vision of the individual and society,” says President Trainor. “I saw an opportunity to further our commitment to the success of all students and our community by hiring Dr. Franklin as part of the leadership team.” Franklin brings an energetic and collaborative approach to student development. He is considered a national thought leader in the emerging work of cultivating and sustaining a culture of calm and excellence in high-pressured youth learning environments. He also possesses considerable experience in supporting students of color and first-generation students from underrepresented populations at the Mount. CONNECT
301-447-7407
b.franklin@msmary.edu
Paula Whetsel-Ribeau, Ph.D. Vice President for Equity and Success Paula Whetsel-Ribeau, Ph.D., previously served as associate provost for student engagement and success at the Mount. This spring several students shared stories about feeling marginalized and this mobilized our community to improve the Mount for all our students. Part of the response was a Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, created this past April under the leadership of the Mount Inclusive Excellence Committee, with input from students, faculty, coaches and employees. One of the plan’s action items is to develop a university-wide organizational structure with a clearly defined leadership role to support diversity and inclusion programs and support improved educational outcomes for all students.
“My personal and professional responsibility to the student is to provide a safe emotional and intellectual space for their holistic development. Our belief in their success empowers them to reach their full potential.”
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“Paula’s belief in diversity, equity and inclusion as institutional values has been the foundation of her work here at the Mount,” says President Trainor. “This new role will allow her to provide a voice for those values at the Cabinet level and help the Mount provide even greater focus on our strategic priority of student success.” Whetsel-Ribeau will continue to lead initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion and success for the campus community including students, faculty and staff while she expands on her work as the director of the Center for Student Engagement and Success and the chair of the Mount Inclusive Excellence Committee. CONNECT
301-4 47-5256
whetsel-ribeau@msmary.edu
Keelty Towers Renovation Leads Host of
Campus Improvements BUILT IN 1978, Keelty Towers has been home to thousands of Mount St. Mary’s students through its four decades of use. While many of the friendships made there have been long lasting, the building itself has not weathered time quite as well. “Improving our facilities and grounds is a key component to making the Mount more attractive to prospective students, providing our current students with a safe and comfortable environment, and giving our alumni a place they can feel proud of,” said Mount St. Mary’s University President Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D. “While we have a beautiful campus, the age of some of our buildings has made it necessary to prioritize these renovations.” Understanding that renovating Keelty Towers was one of these priorities, Trainor, along with the Mount’s Vice President for Business and Finance William E. Davies, led the effort to reallocate university funding and earmarked $1.5 million required for the project to occur. “The Keelty Towers renovation, along with other enhancements to our campus, could not have been possible without the tireless work of our staff and the generosity of our donors,” said Davies. “We’ve worked hard to build a solid financial plan for the Mount’s future and are looking forward to additional improvements to come.” When a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 15 reopened the towers, visitors found new furniture and appliances such as refrigerators and stoves, as well as new kitchen cabinets and countertops, showers, bathroom vanities, windows and flooring throughout the main living areas.
The improvements, however, won’t stop with Keelty, as Rooney and Horning Towers are also scheduled for upgrades. The Mount's Board of Trustees recently asked if the renovations for the remaining two apartment towers can be accelerated so they both are completed next summer. The university is evaluating the feasibility of this proposal. Another important project that’s currently underway is increasing energy efficiency across campus. Through a partnership with Johnson Controls, Inc., the Mount is improving its heating, cooling, lighting and water usage with an initial investment of $7 million–funds that will be recouped through energy savings during the next 20 years. Other enhancements in energy efficiency can be found in the Coad Science Building and Phillips Library. A new boiler, chiller and emergency power system, along with a renovated air handling system were installed in Coad, while the library received new windows along with a revised entryway and a new elevator, which greatly improved the building’s accessibility. In 2019, the university plans to add a multi-purpose facility that will provide gathering spaces for student activities, larger internal and external groups, and potentially student study spaces. The Mount’s focus on maintenance and renovation is another example of how university leadership is aiming to provide students with the best academic, athletic, social and spiritual experience possible.
FALL 2018 PRESIDENT'S REPORT
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REUNION GIVING
$1,096,906
The Mount lives out its mission to graduate ethical leaders who lead lives of significance in service to God and others through your giving. Your gifts to the university strengthen the Mount community and allow us to invest in our number one priority: student success. The following report provides a philanthropic overview of several of our most notable achievements over the last year.
$527,367 2018
2017
Overall University Giving
$123,452 $66,841 2018 2017
Annual Fund Giving
2018 vs 2017 REUNION GIVING
108% in Overall University Giving
85% in Gifts to the Annual Fund 4 0
PRESIDENT'S REPORT FALL 2018
ONE MOUNT ONE DAY 24-hour giving challenge
SENIOR CLASS GIFT
861 ALUMNI, PARENTS, STUDENTS AND FRIENDS MADE A GIFT
82%
$128,716
with 312 students contributing to the 2018 senior class gift
raised in 24 hours, with an average gift of $149
ATHLETICS
As we look to explore other avenues of revenue, we have been able to bring new businesses (including Mount alumni-owned establishments) into a partnership with Mount Athletics. For the fourth consecutive year, we have increased the number of athletic donors.
916
$91,256
$572,000
donors to Mount Athletics Record-breaking!
raised from corporate sponsorships
total raised from corporate sponsorships
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ONE SPORT?
Men's Rugby
$28,519
$17,609
raised by alumni donors
raised on One Mount One Day
FALL 2018 PRESIDENT'S REPORT
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Why I Give to the Mount:
A Love Story “I THINK IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT WE BOTH LOVE MOUNT ST. MARY’S,” says Tony Conticelli, C’77. “The Mount is our alma mater and we love it,” adds Barbara Conticelli, C’78. The couple first met at the Mount and recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. But it was more than four decades ago when Tony first discovered his love for the Mount. He was a high school student at Allentown Central Catholic who played football. The team doctor, Domenic Michael Falco, C’53, was a Mount grad. One Saturday afternoon he invited a small group of students and their parents to visit Mount St. Mary’s College. “I fell in love right away,” he reminisces. “My parents did, too.” Soon after his high school graduation he fell in love again— this time meeting the love of his life at the Mount. “I met Barbara early on, but she never paid any attention to me,” he jokes. One of Barbara’s roommates, who is still a close friend, was celebrating her 19th birthday and Tony got invited to the party. “Probably because they needed to pay for the beer,” he quips. While Barbara was cleaning up, he formulated a plan to talk to her: He’d casually bump into her and offer to help take out the trash. “So I took the trash out for Barbara—the very first time, of many, that I’ve done so,” he says with joy and gentleness. While it was a quick meeting, the two were destined to cross paths again.
“A big part of what I am and who I am and what I do I attribute to the formation that I received at the Mount.” TONY CONTICELLI, C'77 The two soon met again in downtown Emmitsburg and Barbara didn’t have a ride home. “I had a buddy who had a really nice car and we gave her a ride home—and that was the beginning,” he says. The beautiful blue Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, only a year or two old, carried them safely back to the Mount. Barbara laughs and adds: “The funny thing was there wasn’t enough room in the car, so I had to sit in the back and needless to say….” she pauses as her husband finishes her sentence, “…That was all she wrote!” Their life together grew from there—as the Mount became the foundation for their shared acts of service to God and others. They both studied education and history during their time at the Mount. Tony, a self-described kid from Allentown, Pennsylvania, was the first male Conticelli and the second Conticelli to graduate from a four-year college. “The Mount was a big deal for me and my family. A big part of what I am and who I am and what I do I attribute to the formation that I received at the Mount. The professors, the teachers, the administrators—those people were my role models and they never gave up on me.” After graduation the two married and became teachers. Tony taught at Waynesboro Senior High School for three years. 4 2
PRESIDENT'S REPORT FALL 2018
Tony and Barbara celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary
Barbara taught for two-and-a-half years at Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg. They shared their love and started a family and changed careers. For the next 18 years, Tony worked in medical sales and has now had a successful 20-year career in the financial services industry. “I’ve been a jack-of-all-trades,” Tony says. “But my Mount education helped both of us do just about anything we wanted to do.” After raising their two children, Barbara had a 20year career working as a paralegal at a law firm until she became very interested in her faith. She earned her master's in theology and now teaches Right of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) at her church. “I’ve run the gamut of careers but I feel the Mount gave us a good, solid base and a well-rounded education so we were able to pretty much go in a lot of different directions,” she says. Ultimately the pair say they love the Mount and want others to have the same opportunities they had. They have given their time, talent and treasure to support the Mount—becoming ambassadors and personally sponsoring students to attend the Mount. Friends and neighbors call Tony “Mr. Mount St. Mary’s” and through the years, the pair have supported dozens of students to receive that Mount education they say has made such a difference in their lives. Currently, two individuals have been blessed by the Conticelli’s kindness and are undergraduate students at the Mount: Jesse Zurovchak, C'21, who is currently on a semester abroad in Prague and Teresa Dominguez, C'21. “We give because we have been blessed by the Mount,” Tony says. His firm, Merrill Lynch, is part of the Bank of America corporation and matches many of their gifts which helps to double their investment to the Mount’s current and future success. Tony is currently reading about the Mount’s long-term influence in a book called "Dagger John," the story of Most Rev. John Hughes, an 1826 Mount St. Mary's Seminary graduate who founded Fordham University and became archbishop of New York. It mentions such Mount luminaries as Rev. John DuBois, Rev. Simon Gabriel Bruté, Rev. John B. Purcell and Rev. John McCaffrey. The contributions these Mount grads made to building the Catholic Church in America was significant. “I think it goes without saying that we both love Mount St. Mary’s,” Barbara says sweetly. In fact, the two have also purchased a plot and plan to be buried on Mary’s Mountain—and will spend eternity together at the place they love.
Your gift to the Mount offers students the opportunity to thrive.
Kevin Durbin, C'21 CYBERSECURIT Y AND COMPUTER SCIENCE “Attending the Mount would not have been possible for me if it hadn’t been for the scholarship funds I received. In the short time I’ve been at the Mount, I have had the opportunity to participate in the new cybersecurity program and was offered a co-op with the National Security Agency. Outside of the classroom, I am able to further my skills on the pitch as a member of the men’s rugby team. Everything I have done as a student and an athlete at the Mount would not have been possible without the scholarships. My family and I are very thankful that I was given this opportunity.”
Mercedes Y. Fuentes, C'19 BIOLOGY “Receiving scholarship money has truly helped me on my journey to get an education— an education that will help me become a first-generation college graduate in America. Being able to receive scholarship money has also helped me toward my ultimate goal to become a pathologist. The fact that my journey went through the Mount means that I have undergone one of the best educational experiences, both on an individual and a group scale. The tight community and family that the Mount brings has made my journey here both informative and fun! I'm truly grateful to have had the chance to meet some wonderful people who I can now call family.”
FALL 2018 PRESIDENT'S REPORT
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ALUMNI NEWS FALL 2018
Be a Part of
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Make your gift to the Annual Fund and share the Mount experience with even more deserving students.
How will you make Mount history? 1808 ONLINE
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Double your gift & Double Your Impact Make your gift go twice as far with a company match. Visit msmary.edu/matching to learn if your company matches and how to give today. FALL 2018 ALUMNI NEWS
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Alumni News NAA President’s Letter DEAR MOUNT ALUMNI, I can’t believe it’s been a year since I first introduced myself to you as your National Alumni Association (NAA) President. During my first year, the NAA updated our constitution and bylaws. As a highlight, St. Joseph’s College alumnae will automatically become members of the NAA as the school begins a multi-year transition to merge their alumnae association. We’ve also added and restructured some of our existing alumni chapters to better serve our alumni in different areas. As we continue to roll out our strategic plan initiatives, we hope to engage more of our alumni populations by increasing our event offerings and volunteer opportunities. This year is an election year and the Office of Alumni Engagement will be reaching out to all alumni with voting information and instructions on how to run for a council seat. The NAA Council is a great opportunity for Mounties of all ages and backgrounds to get involved as we continue to move the Mount forward! Meeting even more of our alumni, parents and students through chapter and on-campus events has truly been a pleasure and I love our common Mount bond. One of the most memorable moments from this summer’s Alumni Banquet at Reunion was presenting the Golden Mountaineer medal with a platinum ribbon to James Henderson, C'48, who celebrated his 70th reunion! I look forward to welcoming many of you back to campus next year on June 7-9, 2019, to celebrate your respective reunion. I know it may be hard to believe, but Winter Homecoming is right around the corner! I am excited to cheer on both the men’s and women’s basketball teams with you as they take on St. Francis Brooklyn and LIU Brooklyn, respectively. Winter Homecoming is also when we induct our newest members into the Mount’s Athletic Hall of Fame and present the Distinguished Young Alumni Award. We need your help to identify our future recipients. Please nominate your fellow alumni for any of our prestigious awards: Bruté, Athletic Hall of Fame and Distinguished Young Alumni. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis and are welcomed all year long. Surely we all know of a Mountie worthy of one of these important awards. As always, I encourage you to reach out to me and get involved, send me ideas for alumni events, share a story, anything. My personal contact information is listed below. I hope to see you on campus or at a chapter event in the near future!
ED CARUSO, C'86 President National Alumni Association emc@caruso-insurance.com 4 6
ALUMNI NEWS FALL 2018
Alumni Awards The Simon Bruté Medal The Simon Bruté Medal is the highest honor conferred upon an alumnus/a by the National Alumni Association who distinguishes himself/ herself through commitment to career, community, the university or service to fellow citizens.
Father Fives Scholarship Each candidate for the Rev. Carl J. Fives Scholarship is selected based on financial need, service to the Mount and service in his or her local community. One of the six scholarships will be awarded to a Mount legacy student. Recipients must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. *denotes legacy
Bishop Walsh Award Established in 1999, this award, named in honor and memory of the Most Reverend James E. Walsh, Prep Class of 1906 and College Class of 1910, is presented by the National Alumni Association (NAA) to an alumnus/a who has rendered outstanding service to Mount St. Mary’s College and seminary and his/her community. It is the intent of the NAA that the award is presented in conjunction with a chapter or regional alumni event.
Captain Stephen J. Bury, C'72
Thomas J. Harrington III, C’78
Rev. Brian Patrick Nolan, S'01, and Patrick Mastrorilli, P'18, P'22
Bryanna Youtzy*, C’19
Clarke Hooper, C’19
Josue Amaya, C’19
Kielce Gussie, C’19
Shannon McQuin, C’19
Shea Rowell, C’19
Carlisle, PA Majors: Accounting and Philosophy
Huntingtown, MD Major: Elementary Education Minor: Psychology
Washington, D.C. Majors: Criminal Justice and Sociology
Middleburg, FL Major: Theology
Mount Airy, MD Major: Occupational Therapy
Broad Run, VA Majors: English and Music Minor: French
Connecticut Scholarship The Connecticut Scholarship is funded by the Connecticut Chapter and awarded to one Connecticut area student each year.
Emma Weinheimer, C'22
Honorary National Alumni Association Member
George B. Delaplaine
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Class of 1993 Silver Anniversary Social
Reunion Weekend 2018
Golden Mountaineer Medal
Reunion weekend was a success! HUNDREDS OF ALUMNI CAME BACK TO CAMPUS, stayed in college dorms and enjoyed a weekend of activities with friends and fellow Mount alumni. Classes ending with 3 and 8 celebrated special reunions. The class of 1968 celebrated their 50th anniversary and received Golden Mountaineer medals at Friday evening Mass. James Henderson, C'48, received a special honor celebrating his platinum anniversary at Friday night’s alumni banquet. The Bruté medal was presented to Capt. Stephen J. Bury, C’72, and Thomas J. Harrington III, C’78. George B. Delaplaine was given an honorary membership to the Mount’s National Alumni Association to recognize his ongoing commitment to the Mount’s future. Saturday started with the Elizabeth DiNunzio Memorial 5K, the President's Mount Briefing and the Annual Reunion Festival on Founder's Plaza. Many classes celebrated their respective milestones with class socials and the night ended with dueling pianos and a pizza food truck. The weekend culminated on Sunday with the Alumni Mass and National Alumni Association meeting.
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ALUMNI NEWS FALL 2018
Mount Legacy Family
Class of 1993 Alumnae
Members of the Class of 1968
Class of 2013
Class of 2003
See more reunion photos on the Mount's Flickr page! @Mount St. Mary’s University
Cornhole Tournament
Reunion Festival
SAVE THE DATE!
Reunion 2019: June 7-9 We look forward to welcoming even more of our Mount alumni back home next year! Watch your mailboxes for special information from the Office of Alumni Engagement. For class years ending in 4 or 9: If you are interested in being on your reunion committee, please email the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@msmary.edu. FALL 2018 ALUMNI NEWS
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Class Notes See what your fellow alumni are doing! Stories are listed by class year, in ascending order to most recent and alphabetically by last name.
Robert Diegelmann, Ph.D., C'65
ROBERT DIEGELMANN, PH.D., C'65 Robert Diegelmann, Ph.D., C'65, was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors in April of 2018. He is a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He recently celebrated 47 years of working full-time at the university. DR. FRANCIS “FRANK” DELMONICO, C'66 Senior Surgeon Dr. Francis “Frank” Delmonico, C’66, who joined the MGH Transplant Service in 1974, was recently appointed to the World Health Organization Task Force on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation.
Dr. Francis “Frank” Delmonico, C’66
"We Are Starving" by Danny McDermott, Ed.D., C'80
Delmonico is one of two individuals appointed from the United States to the WHO Task Force with the other 30 members derived from the six WHO regions throughout the world. Delmonico was invited to address the 3,000 attendees of 27th Annual International Congress of the Transplant Society in Madrid, Spain. Delmonico’s dedication to the cause of justice and human rights in the context of donation and transplant is known worldwide. DANNY MCDERMOTT, ED.D., C'80 Danny McDermott, Ed.D., C'80, has written “We Are Starving,” his first nonfiction novel based on his experience teaching at Harriet Tubman School in Chicago, Illinois. In his novel, McDermott discusses how he created the Peaceful Warrior chess program despite being ridiculed by other staff members of the school. “We Are Starving” is an inspirational, real-life story about how one teacher transformed Harriet Tubman Elementary School from an inner-city school into the home of a champion chess program.
Submit your news! Email us at themagazine@msmary.edu to share your news with the alumni community. The Mount reserves the right to refuse or revise submissions for style and length. Information about future events are not included. 5 0
MOUNT MAGAZINE FALL 2018
REV. EDWARD SETON FITTIN, O.S.B., C'86 Rev. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B., C’86, celebrated his 25-year anniversary as a priest in June. He was appointed monastery prior of St. Mary’s Abbey in April. The prior is second in rank to the abbot and assists him with day-to-day operations of the monastery and stands in for the abbot in his absence. COL. THOMAS P. SULLIVAN, C'93, MBA'96 Col. Thomas P. Sullivan, C'93, MBA'96, was awarded a master's in military strategic studies (MSS) from the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on July 27, 2018. Sullivan has more than 25 years of service in the United States Army Reserve. He is currently assigned as the deputy chief of staff G 3/5 of the 84th Training Command at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Sullivan works for AXA Advisors in his civilian capacity and is the Republican and Conservative Party candidate for New York State Senate, District 15. Sullivan is pictured with his wife Debbie (Ruane) Sullivan, C’93, sons Sean and Jack, and daughter Grace.
Rev. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B., C’86
Col. Thomas P. Sullivan, C’93, MBA’96, and family
KHARY CAUTHEN, C'94 Khary Cauthen, C'94, is now the vice president of federal government affairs at Cheniere Energy, Inc. FRANK X. POWERS, C'94 Frank X. Powers, C’94, was recently honored as one of the PharmaVOICE 100. As managing partner of Elevate Healthcare, one of his greatest passions is constantly elevating the creative bar in health care advertising. This is Powers’ second PharmaVOICE 100 honor, as he first earned a spot on the 2011 list. Powers earned a Bachelor of Science in business and finance from the Mount and serves on the Bolte School of Business Dean’s Council.
Khary Cauthen, C'94
Frank X. Powers, C’94
MOUNTIES GATHER IN OCEAN CITY This group of Mounties gathered for their annual Ocean City, New Jersey, weekend in July. In attendance from left to right: Tim Malcarney, C’96, Marnie Malcarney, C’96, Mike O’Rourke, C’79, Bob Breen, C’96, Chris Rogers, C’96, Tim O’Grady, C’96, Matt Kolster, C’97, Larry Hooper, C’96, James Maher, C’96, Matthew Reuter, C’96, Dan Rodgers, C’96, and kids! In attendance, but not pictured, Chris Sipes, C’96.
Mounties in Ocean City, NJ
LT. COL. MATTHEW J. MCGRAW, C'00, MBA'14 Matthew J. McGraw, C'00, MBA'14, was recently promoted to lieutenant colonel with the United States Army on June 13, 2018. He continues to serve in active duty for our nation at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and resides in Pinehurst, North Carolina, with his wife, Kimberly, and their four children. Pictured from left to right: Lt. Col. Matthew J. McGraw, C’00, MBA’14, Morgan McGraw (6), TJ McGraw (13), Mark McGraw (1), Taylor McGraw (11) and Kimberly McGraw.
Lt. Col. Matthew J. McGraw, C’00, MBA’14, and family SUMMER 2018 CLASS NOTES
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KATIE LYNN STAAB, PH.D., C'03 Katie Lynn Staab, Ph.D., C'03, assistant professor of biology and a Charles A. Boehlke, Jr. Engaged Faculty Fellow at McDaniel College, was the 2018 recipient of the Ira G. Zepp Distinguished Teaching Award. The honor is given to a professor whose innovative teaching and mentoring inspires a zest for learning across diverse disciplines. She is one of the youngest recipients in the award's history. Katie Lynn Staab, Ph.D., C'03
Peter J. Rowland, C’07
Staab focuses her studies on physiology, development and evolution of connective tissues and patterns of evolutionary diversification within musculoskeletal traits in fishes. She is widely published and earned a Bachelor of Science in biology at the Mount and a doctorate in biological sciences with postdoctoral work at The George Washington University. PETER J. ROWLAND, C'07 Peter J. Rowland, C’07, recently joined the law firm of HunterMaclean, as part of the firm’s business litigation group. Rowland will advise clients in complex litigation matters involving environmental, oil and gas, transportation, and occupational and safety law. Rowland earned a Bachelor of Arts in 2007 from Mount St. Mary’s University, where he double-majored in criminal justice and Spanish. Before attending law school, he served as an active duty officer in the U.S. Army. He is a current member of the National Guard and serves as an officer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Rowland is licensed to practice in Florida and Virginia. REV. EDMUND MCCULLOUGH, C'09 Rev. Edmund McCullough, O.P., C'09, was ordained on May 20, 2017, to the Dominican Order (Order of Preachers).
Rev. Edmund McCullough, C'09
Dr. Alexis Salerno, C’11
DR. ALEXIS SALERNO, C'11 Dr. Alexis Salerno, C’11, recently won the University of Maryland Department of Emergency Medicine’s Residency Research Award for her research project titled “TEE Training of Emergency Physicians Through an E-Learning System: The Impact of an Interactive Online Education Module I’m Teaching Emergency Physicians Trans Esophageal Echocardiography.” This cuttingedge emergency medicine research is aimed at improving resuscitation of patients in cardiac arrest. Salerno (middle) received her award from the chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Brian Browne, on her left. On her right is internationally renowned researcher Dr. Barbra Backus, from the Netherlands, who was the featured speaker at grand rounds and served on the selection committee for the Resident Research Forum. ARIEL (DURAN) MENDEZ, C'12 Ariel (Duran) Mendez, C’12, recently wrote and published her first children’s picture book titled “Fear and a Friend” which was inspired by her studies abroad while attending the Mount. Children’s literature has always been a passion of hers and she is very excited for the transition and adventure into the literary world. DR. TIMOTHY COX, C'13 Dr. Timothy Cox, C’13, has graduated from medical school and is entering his first year at the University of Kansas School of Medicine–Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Via Christi Hospitals.
Ariel (Duran) Mendez, C’12 5 2
CLASS NOTES SUMMER 2018
JULIETTE M. WALLACE, C'15 Juliette M. Wallace, C’15, was recently promoted on July 1, 2018, to senior associate of Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, Inc. in Hagerstown, Maryland. She provides tax and accounting services to clients in a variety of industries. She graduated from the Mount with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. CHRIS CAMPBELL, C'16 Chris Campbell, C’16, was named First Year Teacher of the Year at Centreville High School in Fairfax County, Virginia. He was nominated and won Region IV First Year Teacher and was named a finalist for Fairfax County First Year Teacher of the Year.
Juliette M. Wallace, C’15
Chris played baseball at the Mount and was NEC second team all-conference and holds the all-time best ERA record in recent school history. THE CALABRESE FAMILY The Calabrese family celebrates the graduation of Henley Allen, C’18. She is the granddaughter of Bob Calabrese, C’68, making her the third generation of Calabrese Mount graduates. Pictured is Bob Calabrese, C’68, Henley Allen, C'18, and Kerri Calabrese Allen, C’93. Congratulations to three generations of Mount Proud alumni as they share their enduring Mountie spirit.
Chris Campbell, C’16
Catch up with classmates at events at the Mount! Spend time with old friends and meet more Mounties! Check the event calendar on page 58 for upcoming events at the Mount. The Calabrese Family
Births JOANNE (TRACEY) BERG, C'95, AND HUSBAND ROBERT Joanne (Tracey) Berg, C’95, and husband Robert welcomed their fourth child to their family! Ella Grace, born March 3, 2017, joins twins big sister and brother Makena (9), Logan (9) and big brother, Luke (7).
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Weddings JAMION CHRISTIAN, C'04, AND ALLIE (VADAS) CHRISTIAN, C'10 Jamion Christian, C’04, and Allie (Vadas) Christian, C’10, were married May 5, 2018 in Walkersville, Maryland. Pictured alumni and employees include: Diane (Loiello) Palmieri, C’83, Oliver Brown, C’13, MBA’15, Donna Brazil, Ph.D., Chris Hamilton, MS’18, Trish (Youngblood) Robinson, C’04, Kevin Robinson Jr., MAT’06, Will Holland, C’10, Sasha (Alegbeleye) Whitney, C’09, Paul Palmieri, C’92, President Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D., Ashley LoDato, C’10, Amanda Buckel, C’10, MBA’14, Jeff Null, C’02, Nick Whitney, C’07, Liz Moir, MBA’17, Justine Miller, C’13, MBA’15, Allie (Vadas) Christian, C’10; Jamion Christian, C’04, Morgan Williams, C’18, Koki Adasi, C’04, Brian Carroll, C’05, Mike Fabean, C’92, Mary (Smith) Fabean, C’92, Katie (Donovan) Sciandra, C’10, Kristin Collins, C’13, MBA’15, Erin Leddy, C’13, MBA’15, Jason Epps, C’05, Markus Mitchell, C’08, Shawn Atupem, C’11, Sam Atupem, C’09, MBA’15, Gavin Coco, C’07, Mike Sanders, C’07, Mary (Dunn) Atupem, C’11, Kayla (Miller) Atupem, C’10, M.Ed.'15, Jennifer (Sansevero) Wivell, C’04, Lisa (Curreri) Coppola, C’10, Jessica Burke, C’08, Maria Lutz Drader, C’06, Chris Ricci, C’09, Kelli (Seger) Sondberg, C’09, Mary (Dillon) Marvray, C’05, Esmond Marvray, C’02, Jessica Lilly, C’03, Katie Schmidt, ’07, Bob Brennan, C’85, Heidi (Blattel) Brennan, C’85.
JOHN ROMANO, C'14, AND BRIDGET (MCGANN) ROMANO, C'14 John Romano, C’14, and Bridget (McGann) Romano, C’14, were married on July 28, 2018, in Parker, Colorado. Pictured alumni and employees include: John Romano, C’14, Bridget (McGann) Romano, C’14, Mary McAuliffe, C’14, Hannah Gutcher, C’14, Mary MacAdam, C’14, MBA’16, Shelby Lyles, C’15, Gabe (Little) Birnie, C’14, Nick Kolega, C’14, Michael Paulus, MBA’15, Ian Schultz, C’12, Katie (Muir) Schultz, C’14, Lindsay Diaz, C’14, Tyler Anderson, C’14, Erin (Smith) Anderson, C’13, John Looney, C’15, Sarah Crue, C’15, Shannon Greene, C’15, Annie Battista, C’14, Chrys Mulligan, C’14, Rev. Jim Donohue and Rev. Matt Hoelscher, S’14.
TIM NICKAS, C'12, AND DANIELLE (GRACE) NICKAS, C'14, MBA'16 Tim Nickas, C’12, and Danielle (Grace) Nickas, C'14, MBA'16, were married August 4, 2018, in Vineland, New Jersey. Pictured alumni, employees and current students from back to front: Paul DuBois, Sharon DuBois, Maddie Midles, C’13, MAT’16, Josh Poole, C’17, DJ Workcuff, C’18, James Stevenson, C’95, Tom FitzSimons, C’11, MBA’13, Zach O’Grady, C’15, Bobby Rudd, MBA’15, Alex Proffitt, C’13, MBA’15, Shane Pierce, C’14, Alexis Watson, C’18, Coach Jim Deegan, Alison (Kopreski) Filion, C’07, Jamie Everett, Andrea Keller, Chrissy Berenato, MBA’18, Maria McIntyre, C’15, MBA’17, Dale Phillips, C’05, Jay Phillips, C’05, MT’08, Henry Zerella, C’74, Mary Bogdan, C’14, Giuliana (Cofone) Moniger, C’14, Kaisha (Sutton) Huguley, C’12, Quinton Huguley, C’12, Mary MacAdam, C’14, MBA’16, Kara (Kopreski ) Monahan, C’02, Brian Sagendorf, C’19, MaryAnn Grace, C’20, Jenna Panconi, C’15, Sloane Stathis, C’14, Emily Myers, C’13, MBA’15, Amy (Agoliati) Rich, C’14, Lily O’Beirne, C’14, MBA’16, Kelly Kresky, Jessica (Szczawinski) Greenwell, C’14, Brigid (Sheehan) O’Grady, C’14. 5 4
CLASS NOTES SUMMER 2018
NOAH MILLER C'12, AND LAUREN (SAVAGE) MILLER, C'12 Noah Miller C’12 and Lauren (Savage) Miller, C’12 were married August 11, 2018, in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
TYLER ANDERSON, C'14, AND ERIN (SMITH) ANDERSON, C'13 Tyler Anderson, C’14, and Erin (Smith) Anderson, C’13, were married on October 27, 2017, at the Chapel of St. Mary on the Hill. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Jim Donohue. Pictured alumni include: Jack Schwartz, C’14, Ben Rush, C’09, Melissa Rush, C’09, Vince Montana, C’13, MC Robinson, C’13, Will Morgan, C’13, Ian Schultz, C’12, Katie Schultz, C’14, John Romano, C’14, Bridget (McGann) Romano, C’14, Harrison Barton, C’15, Chys Mulligan, C’14, Mollie Walsh Beigel, C’14, Adam Salam, C’14, Maris Beigel, C’14, and Drew Carrick, C’13, MBA’14.
ERIN MCKAVITT MAHONY, C'12, AND TOM MAHONY, C'12 Erin McKavitt Mahony, C’12, married Tom Mahony, C’12, in Annapolis, Maryland, on July 8, 2017. Pictured alumni include: Noah Miller, C’12, Paul O’Connor, C’13, Lauren Savage Miller, C’12, Jenn Ball Cline, C’12, David Cline, C’12, Heather Kokoski Price, C’12, Bob Price, C’12, Brenna McDonnell, C’11, Lauren O’Connor, C’13, Ann Czapski Coughlin, C’12, Chris Coughlin, C’13, Michele Zampelli Mahony, C’82, John Haney, C’12, Bobby Paulshock, C’12, Mark Mahony, C’81, Eileen Mahony, C’82, Raven Andrews, C’12, Julia Walker, C’12, Mark Linn, C’11, Brian Walker, C’12, Kristen Bianco, C’11, Laura Crane, C’12, and Rob Bianco, C’12.
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In Memoriam May 1, 2018 to August 31, 2018 Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. May their souls and all the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
THOMAS B. SCHMIDT, C'43 June 08, 2018 JOHN GEORGE GREEN, C'51 July 15, 2018 PAUL KINIRY, C'53 July 30, 2018 PAUL X. MULLEN, C'53 May 22, 2018 ERNESTO ARILL, PH.D., C'57 July 27, 2018 THOMAS J. MADIGAN JR., PH.D., C'62 June 12, 2018 JAMES EDWARD SULLIVAN, C'63 May 09, 2018 PETER A. JOHNSTON, C'67 June 11, 2018 EUGENE J. MARINELLI, C'68 July 04, 2018 JAMES P. SULLIVAN, C'83 May 22, 2018
ERRORS AND OMISSIONS Mr. Patrick S. Hanigan, C’07, was erroneously listed in Mount Magazine’s summer 2018 edition of In Memoriam. We regret the error.
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CLASS NOTES SUMMER 2018
Pietá at the National Shrine Grotto
C. Gregory Kallmyer, C'72 May 26, 1950 – May 13, 2018 C. Gregory Kallmyer, C’72, passed away May 13, 2018. Being a part of the Mount community was very important to Gregg. He participated in varsity track and field and continued his commitment to the Mount as a member of the President's Council, Board of Trustees, Pre-Law Advisory Board and the Advancement Committee. He loved giving back to the Mount and to his community. Gregg was a truly unique soul. He was always willing to lend a hand whenever needed and loved to make people laugh. He was genuine, kind, reliable and extremely humble. Friends and family always said that you couldn’t help but love him for who he was and that his smile lit up a room. Gregg was a brilliant and remarkable person. He was the vice president of UBS Financial Services and took pride in his position and appearance. Embodying the Mount’s values, he believed in academic excellence and educating one’s self to advance the understanding of our world and the human connection while maintaining the desire to learn. He was a hard worker and extremely caring to everyone. Gregg was always improving and he strengthened those around him by embracing them for who they were and encouraging them to never give up. He worked tirelessly to help students grow and believe in themselves. Gregg and his wife, Patricia, “Patty,” established the C. Gregory & Patricia Kallmyer Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2016 to benefit current Mount students. The scholarship is awarded to a student who is in his or her sophomore year and has completed his or her full freshman year at the Mount. The recipient is someone who has demonstrated strong academic achievement in college and has earned a 3.0-3.5 cumulative GPA. The scholarship focuses on students who are from Western Maryland and show they are committed, actively engaged members of the Mount community.
The Kallmyer family continues to embrace all those who have a passion for helping others and giving back to the Mount community. They encourage everyone to follow their dreams, never give up and continue improving themselves. There is always something new to learn and Gregg was always ready to rise to a challenge. “Gregg always believed in the power of higher education and the magic of Mount St. Mary’s,” said his widow, Patty.
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Save the Date Homecoming Winter 2019 SATURDAY, JANUARY 26
Calendar of Events Thursday, October 18
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Delaware Chapter Happy Hour
Men's Basketball Alumni Game
Friday, October 19, 2018
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Men's Rugby Alumni Golf Tournament
Hall of Fame Brunch
Baseball Alumni Golf Tournament Coach Deegan’s Birthday Dinner
Winter Homecoming
Seminary Family Weekend
Featured events include the induction of the newest Athletic Hall of Fame members, men's and women's basketball games and the Alumni Winter Homecoming Social.
Saturday, October 20, 2018 20th Annual Mount St. Mary's Men's Lacrosse Matty Cup Men's Rugby Alumni Game Baseball Alumni Game
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Friday, October 26, 2018
Baltimore Chapter Winterfest
Men's Soccer Alumni Golf Tournament
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Academic Circle of Excellence
Baltimore Chapter Rugby Social
Saturday, November 17, 2018 Boathouse Row
Saturday, December 1, 2018 Catholic Clash at Loyola
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MOUNT MAGAZINE FALL 2018
Learn more! Visit www.alumni.msmary.edu for more events in your area.
Join the 1808 Legacy Society Live Significantly
ROBERT W. BREAM, C'75, MBA'86, has built a life and a legacy of significance. As a young man, he lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Gettysburg High School. While his story includes overcoming a multitude of obstacles and challenges along the way, his personal commitment to the Mount is rooted in gratitude. When other influential individuals in the young man’s life didn’t recognize or nurture his potential, the Mount offered him the encouragement and opportunity necessary to change his life—and that was the genesis of Bream's ongoing allegiance to the Mount. His desire to succeed began early. At the age of 14 he started picking cherries in the orchards of Adams County, Pennsylvania, delivering flowers and working in grocery stores—a humble beginning that fostered a steadfast work ethic which lasted until his early retirement at age 59. When Bream graduated from the Mount in 1975 with a degree in finance, he went to work in the financial services industry and served as assistant general manager of the Pennsylvania Employees Credit Union from 1976 to 1986. While he worked he also continued his education at the Mount and earned a Master of Business Administration in 1986, graduating with honors. He then served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Jax Navy Credit Union from 1986 to 1991. Bream was also President and Chief Executive Officer of United Airlines Credit Union from 1991 to 2002 and most recently served as President of North America Card Services and Group Executive Vice President of Fidelity National Information Services, (FIS). Now retired, he says an ethical and honest life in the financial services industry has been personally and professionally fulfilling and that the Mount’s vote of academic self-confidence propelled his own tenacity and grit to achieve the kind of success he wished for as a young man. Along the way he has mentored employees and co-workers, four of whom are now CEOs of their own companies. He and his wife, Susan, currently reside in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and are proud to have raised two daughters. From an early age, Bream instilled in them the confidence that they could achieve their dreams. Julie Fagan writes the popular health and lifestyle blog “Peanut Butter Fingers” and lives with her husband and their two children in Charlotte, North Carolina. Leslie Chafin has a successful career with Mondelez International and she and her husband welcomed their first child in September.
Robert W. Bream, C’75, MBA’86, and wife Susan
An estate gift to Mount St. Mary’s University is easy to arrange, will not alter your current lifestyle in any way and can easily be modified to address your changing needs. You are invited to join Robert W. Bream, C'75, MBA'86, and his wife Susan, in caring for the Mount now and in the future.
Learn more Patrick McAuliffe Jr., C’81, MBA’84 Director of Gift Planning 301-447-5435 mcauliffe@msmary.edu
Bream felt it appropriate to recognize the role the Mount has played in his life and through estate planning and a living endowment program, he has graciously given back to the Mount so others can receive the same access to opportunity and purpose. FALL 2018 MOUNT MAGAZINE
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NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
GETTYSBURG, PA PERMIT NO. 28
16300 OLD EMMITSBURG ROAD EMMITSBURG, MD 21727
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