MOUNT MERCY
Magazine MOUNT MERCY UNIVERSITY | SPRING 2015
HE DESERVED TO FINISH STORY ON PAGE 11
EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY................................... PAGE 3 DREAMING OF A FIELD TO CALL THEIR OWN ������ PAGE 5 SHAPING MINDS UNDER A SERENGETI SKY......... PAGE 9
WWW.MTMERCY.EDU
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
THEY DESERVE TO FINISH.
As I considered the stories for this edition of the Mount Mercy Magazine, the themes of selfless service, compassion and mercy immediately came to mind. They always do when I think of what our students and alumni are accomplishing around the world! But if a picture is worth a thousand words, I urge you to take a look at page 12 of our magazine. You will see the embodiment of compassion and mercy. Tyler Keith ’15 is helping a faster —but now downed—competitor cross the finish line during the NAIA Men’s Cross Country National Championship race. When the fallen runner’s coach thanked Tyler for helping his athlete accomplish his goal, Tyler simply replied, “No problem. He deserved to finish.” He deserved to finish. Then I thought of Kellie Lala ’89 and the great work she is doing to support a school in Africa (page 9). She is helping children get an education, to reach a finish line some didn’t know existed. They deserve to finish. There is another group of young people that deserves to finish, and they are right here in the Cedar Rapids community. You may think that I mean Mount Mercy athletes and, of course, I do. Our outstanding student-athletes deserve a home field advantage. Watching our athletes compete with spirit and determination drives me to enthusiastically complete our new Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex. Their stories and the latest plans for the complex can be found on pages 5 & 6.
However, Mount Mercy University is currently poised to help an even larger group of young people in Cedar Rapids realize their potential. When completed, The Plaster Athletic Complex will be home not only to Mount Mercy studentathletes, but also to the youth of this community —children who will learn the values of perseverance, sportsmanship and teamwork with Mustang student-athletes and coaches as their mentors. The benefits of involving children in extracurricular activities, especially athletics, do not end with the skills and values acquired on the field. Research has found a direct correlation between a young student’s involvement in team sports and his or her academic outcomes. High school students involved in team sports have been shown to have higher than expected 12th grade GPAs and are more likely to be attending college full-time at age 21 than nonparticipants. The Plaster Athletic Complex will make it possible for us to serve even more young people in this community—connecting them to positive activities and introducing them to role models like Tyler. Many children in our community do not have a home field advantage for themselves, shut out either by geography, costs or commitment. We can change that. They deserve to finish. Right now, we have an empty lot where The Plaster Athletic Complex will stand, and our Home Field Advantage fundraising campaign is well underway. My hope is that you—faithful friends, donors and alumni—will support the University’s wonderful partnership with the community. They deserve to finish. Gratefully,
LAURIE M. HAMEN President
Table of Contents
UPCOMING EVENTS
President’s Letter.................................................................................. Page 1
Presenting Tracy Tunwall and Dr. Kristopher Keuseman, “Sustainability” in Higher Education: A Marriage of Necessity and Mission 7:00 p.m. | Flaherty Community Room, Basile Hall
Expanding Opportunity......................................................................... Page 3 Dreaming of a Field to Call Their Own................................................. Page 5 Shaping Minds Under a Serengeti Sky................................................ Page 9 He Deserved to Finish......................................................................... Page 11 Fall Sports Honors & Awards..............................................................Page 13 Finding Clarity in Loss......................................................................... Page 14 Class Notes Available Online | MAGAZINE.MTMERCY.EDU
Apr. 12 – Holocaust Memorial Service 7:00 p.m. | Chapel of Mercy, Busse Center
Apr. 15 – Wellness Fair 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Sisters of Mercy University Center Commons
Apr. 19-May 1 – Senior Thesis Exhibit #1 Apr. 19 – Reception from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Janalyn Hanson White Gallery
Apr. 23 – Multicultural Fair
WANT TO OBTAIN YOUR
MASTER’S DEGREE BUT UNSURE OF WHERE TO BEGIN?
MOUNT MERCY UNIVERSITY OFFERS SIX GRADUATE PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO FIT YOU! Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Master of Arts in Education Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy Master of Business Administration Master of Science in Nursing Master of Strategic Leadership
3:00-5:45 p.m. | Sisters of Mercy University Center Commons
Apr. 24-26 – Spring Drama Production The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Friday & Saturday performance at 7:30 p.m. Sunday performance at 2:30 p.m. McAuley Theater
Apr. 29 – Scholarship Festival 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. | Betty Cherry Heritage Hall and Sisters of Mercy University Center Commons
Apr. 30 – Jazz, Java and Jive Featuring Jazz Connection and student soloists 7:00 p.m. | Betty Cherry Heritage Hall
May 3-May 17 – Senior Thesis Exhibit #2 To learn more, visit WWW.MTMERCY.EDU/GRADUATE
May 3 – Reception from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Janalyn Hanson White Gallery
May 5 – EULENSPIEGEL Puppet Theater
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – NELSON MANDELA Ongoing support from our alumni, parents and friends helps Mount Mercy University equip our students with the power to change the world.
YOUR GIFT TO MOUNT MERCY TRULY MATTERS – IT TRANSFORMS LIVES. Visit WWW.MTMERCY.EDU/MAKE-GIFT to make your gift today.
1 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | SPRING 2015
Apr. 9 – Faculty Forum
Thank you for investing in Mount Mercy students!
Presenting Stories and Cuentos 5:00 p.m. | McAuley Theater
May 7 – Spring Concert Featuring the Mount Mercy Choirs, Band and Handbell Ensemble 7:30 p.m. | Chapel of Mercy, Busse Center
May 15-17 – Commencement Weekend All events are open to the public and most are free of charge. Seating is limited. For the latest event information and updates, visit www.mtmercy.edu/calendar. Weather can affect some events so please visit often for updates!
SPRING 2015 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | 2
Expanding Opportunity Mount Mercy adds scholarships, academic programs and services By MADISON COATES ’18 In the last year, new programs, scholarships and admission agreements have been implemented at Mount Mercy University —all focused on a few specific goals: making a Mount Mercy degree more affordable, accessible and applicable to emerging workplace trends.
These new initiatives have resulted in three new scholarships, two new admission agreements with Kirkwood Community College, new services and programs for specific student groups, and new academic programs.
LEFT: Student-veterans Tonya Harman ’15 and Michael Proudfit ’15 use the Veteran’s Lounge to study between classes. ABOVE: Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich and Mount Mercy President Laurie Hamen sealed the new veteran and international agreements with a handshake. The respective mascots followed suit.
Catherine McAuley Scholarship The Catherine McAuley Scholarship, which was created in the
confusing for students and families. Many families have no idea
fall of 2014, provides free tuition for Iowa high school seniors
how affordable a college education really can be,” Crumley said.
whose family income is $45,000 or less annually.
“The Catherine McAuley scholarship helps remove those hurdles.
“The Sisters of Mercy main purpose was to help educate families and the underserved. With this scholarship, we are continuing on this legacy,” Dr. Terri Crumley, dean of admissions, stated. “What better way than to make high-quality education affordable!” The scholarship is helping to open new doors for many students who didn’t believe attending a private college was achievable. “The world of college admissions and financial aid is very
I want students to understand it’s not the ‘latest gimmick’ from colleges, but a program that is truly opening the doors to a college education.” “Students and families are very excited about this scholarship,” continued Crumley. “In fact, in at least two cases, both students and parents broke into tears over the realization that this scholarship program enables them to afford Mount Mercy and all the benefits a private education gives them.”
WWW.MTMERCY.EDU/FREE-TUITION
Student-Veteran Scholarships & Admission Agreement affordable bachelor’s degree.
New Academic Majors & Degrees
“There are a lot of students coming back from their deployment that want
ADDED 2013-2015
The second partnership with Kirkwood assists veterans in obtaining an
an education,” Crumley said. “Many of them will begin at Kirkwood, but they want to finish their four-year degree. This agreement gives them that opportunity.” The agreement guarantees traditional admission at Mount Mercy for any veteran who has completed an associate degree at Kirkwood. Studentveterans will also have the chance to receive a renewable $1,000 scholarship. Mount Mercy also offers Veterans Free Lunch Fridays every week to current student-veterans; a veteran’s lounge, located on the first floor of Warde Hall; and Veterans Peer Advisor Travis Arment puts together helpful
International Student Scholarships & Admission Agreement
information including benefits and other opportunities for vets in the surrounding area.
UNDERGRADUATE Actuarial Science Chemistry Biochemistry Forensic Science Science Marketing Management Operations Management International Management Sustainability/Corporate Social Responsibility Sports Management
ACCELERATED
Mount Mercy University has a mission to serve the needs of
“We have a mission to serve the people in our area. We want to
people in the surrounding community. To do this, Mount Mercy,
provide new ways for students to get an education,” Crumley said.
“We think it’s important to provide these extra benefits to our veterans,”
Along with guaranteed admission, international students
Mercy and that we appreciate the sacrifice they have made for our country.”
ONLINE
WWW.MTMERCY.EDU/VETERANS
Human Resource Management
along with Kirkwood Community College, signed two new guaranteed admission agreements on Nov. 14. The first ensures international students graduating from Kirkwood with an associate degree will be guaranteed admission into Mount Mercy’s traditional undergraduate program.
WWW.MTMERCY.EDU/SCHOLARSHIPS
3 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | SPRING 2015
who transfer from Kirkwood will also be eligible for generous scholarships and may qualify for a residential grant of $3,500
Crumley stated. “We want them to know they are welcome here at Mount
Healthcare Administration Healthcare Leadership
Business Administration RN-to-BSN – Coming Fall 2015
to aid in on-campus living.
“ALL OF THESE COMBINED EFFORTS ARE MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR MORE STUDENTS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO RECEIVE A MERCY EDUCATION,” SAID CRUMLEY. “IT’S EXACTLY WHAT THE SISTERS OF MERCY WANTED WHEN THIS INSTITUTION WAS FOUNDED.”
GRADUATE Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Master of Strategic Leadership
SPRING 2015 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | 4
DREAMING OF
A FIELD TO CALL THEIR OWN By KELLI SANDERS
Marco Fichtner ’17 is a double major in management and marketing with a minor in public relations. If that plate doesn’t sound full enough, he’s also midfielder #23 for the Mount Mercy Mustangs men’s soccer team. Soccer has been a part of Fichtner’s life since his childhood days in Bühl near the Black Forest hills in Germany. He started playing at the age of five. “It’s just something I’ve always done in my life,” he said when reflecting on the sport. He can’t imagine life without the game. “Our team is like a clock and everybody has a part to play in it. Without one part, the clock doesn’t tick anymore. Teamwork is all about little pieces getting together for the greater good.”
That ticking-teamwork is what keeps the sophomore motivated through game season. “When the season ends, I often feel like I didn’t work as hard as I wanted to—missed opportunities I guess. I ask myself what I can do to make the next one more successful.”
MARCO FICHTNER ’17 MAJORS: Management & Marketing MINOR: Public Relations HOMETOWN: Bühl, Germany
Self-reflection goes a long way to helping Fichtner and his teammates reinforce their footwork. But, the Stangs still face one huge hurdle: no field to call their own. In Germany, Fichtner played in front of home crowds in the hundreds. Now his games draw approximately 75 supporters.
THE ROBERT W. PLASTER
ATHLETIC COMPLEX
Although he knows his fellow students and Mount Mercy alumni have nothing but pride in their hearts, he understands the challenge involved in traveling to watch soccer games. “Fans don’t always have the time or transportation to fully support us.” The Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex is critical in Fichtner’s eyes. With a Mustang soccer field just down the hill from main campus, students will be able to stack the stands in droves to cheer on the team.
OVERVIEW
“It’s different when you play in front of a crowd, especially a crowd you can relate to. It’s what you miss the most when you’re on the field. You think about the fans.”
TENTATIVE PROJECT COMPLETION DATE: Fall 2017
Another benefit to The Plaster Athletic Complex will be the ease of scheduling. Without a home field, the team must be transported across town for practice and home competition—cutting into studies and student life. “We can’t practice in the spring because of expense,” Fichtner said. “If we have our own field, we can go there and shoot anytime.” The combination of a re-energized fan base and the additional, convenient practice time opens the door for monumental success. “Come to a basketball game and see what the atmosphere is like,” Fichtner encouraged. “Other schools say they don’t like to play in Hennessey because our fans are so loud.” He looks forward to the same passion at Plaster Athletic Complex soccer games.
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Fichtner wants donors to understand their tremendous impact. “This complex is something that will be there forever.You can’t take a home field away. The people are going to see what they’ve donated to—and they’re going to love it.”
AMOUNT RAISED:
$10.6 million
AMOUNT NEEDED
BY DEC. 31, 2015, TO FULFILL HALL-PERRINE CHALLENGE GRANT:
$1.4
TOTAL AMOUNT
MORE
NEEDED FOR PROJECT:
$15 million
million
SPRING 2015 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | 6
THE ROBERT W. PLASTER
ATHLETIC COMPLEX
Men’s Soccer Women’s Soccer Men’s Track & Field Women’s Track & Field Baseball Softball
BEFORE
WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR
AFTER
6 ATHLETIC TEAMS:
THE
COMMUNITY
IMPACT
SOFTBALL FIELD made possible by:
THE LAVERN T. AND AUDREY BUSSE FOUNDATION
Through new community partnerships and the expansion of existing Mount Mercy programs like Good Sport Day and athletic camps, The Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex will allow us to expose the youth in our community to new opportunities. Opportunities to explore their athletic interests and talents. Opportunities to build relationships with positive role
Learn more about The Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex and Home Field Advantage fundraising campaign at
WWW.MTMERCY.EDU/HOMEFIELD
7 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | SPRING 2015
models. Opportunities to envision themselves pursuing a college degree.
Join us in this effort. WWW.MTMERCY.EDU/HOMEFIELD
SPRING 2015 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | 8
SHAPING MINDS UNDER A SERENGETI SKY BY KELLI SANDERS
Ten years ago KELLIE LALA ’89 embarked on an African safari through the plains of the Serengeti, something she’d always wanted to do—and unbeknownst at the time—something that would change her life forever.
Modest Hello Bayo, a local man from the village of Karatu, led the small group of camera-clad tourists that day. Lala, an avid traveler who loves to immerse herself in world cultures, didn’t hesitate to visit with her guide. “I said to him, ‘Tell me what you do when you’re not guiding; tell me about your life and your family.’ He said, ‘I just started a school a year ago in my personal home. I believe education is the key to a successful future, and I want to educate the children of my home village.’”
9 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | SPRING 2015
As a boy Bayo had yearned for knowledge, but in a culture that based school-readiness on characteristics like height, he was deemed too short to attend school. “He wasn’t going to let that deter him,” said Lala. “His friend would sneak him into the classroom; he would crawl through a window. He was such a determined little boy.” Bayo carried that determination into adulthood. He and his wife Lightness opened a school in their home in 2004. Seventeen 5-year-olds made up the first class. Only a year later, the school had grown to 75 children and nine boarding students —all educated in a small building the Bayos had constructed to accommodate their growing student population.
Lala smiled, “Bayo said when they first got the water heaters installed, he would hear the kids in the showers, and they’d say, ‘Thank you, Kellie Lala!’ They love saying my name because it has a ring to it.”
Intrigued by her guide’s ardent passion for education, Lala asked Over the years, Tumaini has grown to educate children from to see this home-turned-school. He obliged and there, down a road preschool through 7th grade. They are now in Tanzania, stood the fledgling Tumaini the top school in their district with 717 Junior School, largely supported by Bayo’s “I REMEMBER A LITTLE BOY HAD A students and 252 boarders—including job as a safari guide. What she saw inside moved her to tears. TEENY-TINY PENCIL, NO MORE THAN orphaned children and those with nomadic families. Tumaini has blossomed from a AN INCH, AND HE WAS GRIPPING small building to a four-tiered facility with a “I remember a little boy had a teeny-tiny pencil, no more than an inch, and he was IT IN HIS LITTLE HAND,” LALA library, computer lab and dormitories. Lala’s gripping it in his little hand,” Lala recalled. RECALLED. “I THOUGHT, GOSH, IN fundraising efforts have helped turn Bayo’s “I thought, gosh, in the United States we’d dream to educate Africa’s children into a THE UNITED STATES WE’D HAVE have thrown that pencil away long before flourishing reality. now. How precious even a pencil is to THROWN THAT PENCIL AWAY LONG In 2011, Tumaini celebrated their first those children.” BEFORE NOW. HOW PRECIOUS EVEN graduating class with Lala in attendance to School is a privilege in Africa, and the A PENCIL IS TO THOSE CHILDREN.” cheer them on. Those graduates are nearly children were genuinely thankful to simply adults now. Many have gone on to high be in the classroom. However, Lala, a senior school. Some have not. Next year Bayo account manager for KZIA and KGYM in Cedar Rapids, wanted hopes to open a secondary school to give more children a to help the Tumaini students have the tools they needed to excel chance to graduate through 12th grade. in the classroom and become successful adults. Lala, a member of the Mount Mercy Alumni Board and 2009 “They, by our standards, live in poverty, but they’re always happy Misericordiae Award winner, returned to Africa in September and smiling. They are so grateful for every little thing. They really 2014 to speak at Tumaini’s graduation. This time, she took touched my heart, and I realized I can help these people.” a piece of Mount Mercy University with her. Each of the 54 graduates received a Mount Mercy bag filled with trinkets, She couldn’t move to Africa to volunteer, but she could raise including a key chain engraved with inspirational scripture. funds at home. Since that serendipitous meeting ten years ago, she has raised well over $50,000 for Tumaini’s children. Through her church and network of friends, Lala has organized a bi-annual soy candle sale, a benefit concert and dessert reception, and an annual art sale and silent auction—all to benefit Tumaini’s mission to “mold the child’s mind in feeling, willing and thinking.” Those dollars have supported a variety of resources and projects at Tumaini from textbooks to buildings. In 2013, Lala’s Tumaini fund purchased three solar water heaters so boarding students could bathe in hot water.
“My long-term goal is to semi-retire there and live there several months out of each year,” Lala said. “I really want to be a part of the work at the Tumaini Junior School on a more permanent basis.” In the meantime, she’ll continue to do what she considers God’s calling—raising money for Africa’s young learners. Lala’s third annual Arts for Africa fundraiser will feature a silent auction and art show with a portion of proceeds going to the children of the Tumaini Junior School. The event will take place April 25 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Noelridge Christian Church in Cedar Rapids.
SPRING 2015 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | 10
HE DESERVED TO
FINISH As he neared the finish line at the 2014 NAIA Men’s Cross Country Championships, Cameron Woodberry of Wayland Baptist University (Texas) collapsed. “I was struggling to make it,” the sophomore said. “I had fallen once already, then I started struggling again. I just shut down.” But out of nowhere, Woodberry got assistance he never expected. Mount Mercy senior Tyler Keith ’15 stopped running his national championship race in order to come to Woodberry’s aid. “I was maybe 150 meters from the finish line and I saw a downed runner,” said Keith. “It caught me off guard. I thought he had tripped and thought maybe he could get up on his own.” But he couldn’t. “The only thing going through my mind when it happened was ‘I’ve got to finish,’” Woodberry said. Thanks to Keith, as well as Adrian Castillo of EmbryRiddle University (Ariz.), he did. Keith draped Woodberry’s left arm around his neck and the two continued the race together. As the two exhausted runners were a few yards from the finish line, Castillo grabbed Woodberry’s other arm and the three of them finished the race together. “There’s nothing worse than training all year long and not being able to finish the biggest race of the year,” said Keith, the Midwest Collegiate Conference Harrier of the Year. Keith was overwhelmed by the response to his selfless act, which was featured on the NAIA website and went viral on YouTube. “It spread like wildfire,” he said. Keith went to nationals hoping to break school records, not create headlines. “At first, I was embarrassed by all the attention,” said Keith. “Helping another athlete shouldn’t have been such a big deal, but it was. For me, it was never a decision to help him out, it was a reflex.” For those who know Keith, what he did at the NAIA national meet was no surprise. “Simply put, that’s the kind of guy that Tyler is,” said Mount Mercy Cross Country Coach Ryan Scheckel ’01. According to Scheckel, it was evident from day one that Keith wasn’t your typical recruit. “As soon as he stepped on campus four years ago, I could tell he was special. I’ve never coached a more mature and team-oriented student-athlete.”
11 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | SPRING 2015
BY JASON FURLER ’95
Written with assistance from Kevin Lewis (Director of Marketing and Media Relations, Wayland Baptist University)
“WITHOUT THEIR HELP I DOUBT I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FINISH. I DON’T KNOW TOO MANY PEOPLE WHO WOULD STOP TO HELP OUT ANOTHER ATHLETE.” CAMERON WOODBERRY Fallen runner assisted by Tyler Keith ’15
At track meets during his freshman year, he was everywhere. Cheering on his teammates, running from one side of the track to the other giving encouragement. “At one point,” Scheckel said, “I asked him to stop so he would have energy left for his own races.” Ask anyone who knows Keith, he is exactly who he appears to be. “Tyler would do anything for anybody,” said teammate Erik Ryan ’16. It didn’t surprise us to see what he did at nationals. It’s just who he is.” Scheckel admits that he didn’t realize exactly what Keith did until several days later. “I figured he may have helped someone to their feet, not carry them over the finish line.” He also points out that it wasn’t the first time Keith did something admirable at a national meet. At nationals in Oregon at the end of Keith’s freshman season, three purses were stolen from a Mount Mercy team van. “Tyler felt terrible for his teammates and bought them each flowers,” Scheckel said. While it’s obvious that Keith brought a lot to Mount Mercy, it’s evident that this first-generation college graduate gained just as much. “My time at Mount Mercy allowed me to realize my own independence,” Keith said. “Family reunions have been fun because they’re always eager to hear stories about ‘the best years of my life.’”
TOP: Tyler Keith ’15 competes during the 2014-15 cross country season. BOTTOM: Mount Mercy senior Tyler Keith helps Cameron Woodberry of Wayland Baptist (Texas) finish the 8K race at the NAIA Men’s Cross Country Championships in Lawrence, Kan. Woodberry fell just short of the finish line and was assisted by Keith. Photo by Robert J. Lopez of Embry-Riddle.
“Looking back, I’m genuinely proud of my accomplishments and my development as a student, but more importantly, as a person. Instead of waiting for something good to happen to me, I chose to make something good happen.” Woodberry and his coach, Brian Whitlock, can attest to that. At nationals, Whitlock said, “I ran to the finish line and shook Tyler’s hand and thanked him.” His response was, “No problem. He deserved to finish.” SPRING 2015 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | 12
“GOD PLACED IT IN MY SPIRIT TO WRITE THIS BOOK TO SHARE WITH OTHERS WHO WILL NEED BASIC KNOWLEDGE AS TO WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHAT TO DO AFTER A LOVED ONE DIES.” GLORIA DIXON ’85
FALL SPORTS HONORS & AWARDS: MEN’S GOLF: The Mount Mercy men’s golf team, which is on pace for the best single-season scoring average in school history, will take a No. 16 ranking into the spring schedule. The Mustangs won two tournaments in the fall and will attempt to make the national tournament for the second time ever. VOLLEYBALL: Mustang volleyball finished third in the MCC in 2014 and hosted a postseason match for the first time since 2006.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY:
TYLER KEITH (NAIA national qualifier, NAIA Scholar-Athlete, MCC Harrier of the Year, firstteam all-MCC) | EVAN BOWMAN (NAIA national qualifier, first-team all-MCC) | COLTON BLAY (honorable mention all-MCC)
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY:
LIZ MOSBACH (NAIA All-American, NAIA Scholar-Athlete, MCC Harrier of the Year, firstteam all-MCC) | MOLLY PRUETT (NAIA national qualifier, first-team all-MCC) | LINDSAY BRUNSON (NAIA national qualifier, honorable mention all-MCC) | DANA EWAN (NAIA Scholar-Athlete, honorable mention all-MCC) | KATIE HOFFERT (honorable mention all-MCC) | ALLISON SCOTT (NAIA Scholar-Athlete)
MEN’S SOCCER:
KEVON FARQUHARSON (second-team NSCAA All-Midwest Region, first-team all-MCC) | MILOS DRACA (first-team all-MCC) | GOAR KEMPF-HEITLINGER (honorable mention all-MCC) | JORDAN TORQUATO (honorable mention all-MCC) | MARCO FICHTNER (honorable mention all-MCC) | MARKO GOVEDARICA (honorable mention all-MCC) | MOHAMED HAMED (honorable mention all-MCC)
WOMEN’S SOCCER:
DANIELLE HERDLISKA (honorable mention all-MCC) | TAYLOR EAKER (NAIA Scholar-Athlete) | MEGAN KONCHAR (NAIA Scholar-Athlete) | NICOLE MORROW (NAIA Scholar-Athlete)
VOLLEYBALL:
LESLIE HOFFMANN (first-team all-MCC) | MEGAN PAUSTIAN (honorable mention all-MCC) | ABBIE PEREZ (NAIA Scholar-Athlete, honorable mention all-MCC) | KARA OAKLEY (NAIA Scholar-Athlete)
13 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | SPRING 2015
Finding Clarity in Loss Alumna’s book helps others navigate the passing of a loved one By SARA BAUGHMAN In January 2014, Charles Dixon passed away after a twenty -year bout with leukemia leaving his wife of 46 years to navigate the many details that follow the death of a loved one.
“God placed it in my spirit to write this book to share with others who will need basic knowledge as to what to expect and what to do after a loved one dies,” said Dixon.
A CPA by training, organization comes second nature to Gloria Dixon ’85, and she was prepared to handle most of what she encountered in the days and weeks after Charles’ passing. However, when dealing with grief, Dixon quickly realized tackling tasks like finding a marriage certificate, obtaining Social Security survivor benefits, or locating a spouse’s pension can make even the most organized person feel overwhelmed.
“Losing a loved one is difficult enough without having to deal with all the things that you must go through to carry out final wishes, resolve an estate, or make the necessary changes to move forward. The more prepared you are, the better, the easier it is.”
“When my husband died, I was operating on emotional autopilot,” said Dixon. “No one had ever told me what I needed to do in the first hours, days or weeks after the death of a loved one. I realized that I was on my own.” In the days and weeks following her husband’s death, Dixon committed to keeping a detailed list of her experience and action items that she felt needed to be completed in a timely manner—everything from funeral arrangements and ceremonies to financial accounts and computer logins.
After Death is available, in traditional book format, at the Mount Mercy Campus Store, African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids and at River Lights Bookstore in Dubuque as well as in a digital format at Amazon, BarnesAndNoble.com and through social media, www.facebook.com/DixonAfterDeath.
Class notes available online! MAGAZINE.MTMERCY.EDU
“You want to be rational, but you’re so caught up in that emotion,” said Dixon.
Visit the Class Notes section of our online magazine to stay updated on recent news from your Mount Mercy classmates!
After chronicling the first days after Charles’ death, Dixon had enough information and advice to compile a book she hopes will help others: After Death: When you lose a loved one do you know what to do?
To submit an update, send an email to alumni@mtmercy.edu.
SPRING 2015 | MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE | 14
OFFICERS OF THE INSTITUTION
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1330 Elmhurst Drive NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402-4797 www.mtmercy.edu CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
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Need to change your contact information? Visit www.mtmercy.edu/update
Madison Coates ’18 Jason Furler ’95 Sports Information Director Lisa Lafler ’93 Assistant Vice President for Communications & Marketing Kelli Sanders Multimedia Marketing Manager CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Clarity Guerra
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