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THE MAGAZINE OF ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY
SECRET
LIVES
See what these Rockhurst faculty members are up to when class is over.
LEADING THE WAY
“I’ve learned so much in my career, but my passion for leadership blossomed during my time at Rockhurst. It’s there that I learned to lead with faith and allow hard work, persistence and heart to guide my path. Those lessons never left me, and continue to inspire me to help CommunityAmerica’s members and employees thrive, and live their lives to the fullest.”
LISA GINTER, ’87 CEO, CommunityAmerica Credit Union
SUMMER 2017
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS LEADING THE WAY
Lisa Ginter, ’87 KING
PHICAL ROCK REPORT LY
THE MAGAZINE OF ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY
Student Research
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Faculty Kudos
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Athletics News
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I BELIEVE Students in the Helzberg MBA programs step away from their comfort zones to write statements of personal beliefs.
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SECRET LIVES When class ends, these Rockhurst faculty members find time for their own extracurricular activities.
FOR ALUMNI Class Notes
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Alumni Q&A
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Career Center
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From the Chapters
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Alumni Awards
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In Memoriam
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IN CLOSING Bob Crossley, ’67
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TIME AND PLACE Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017
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FROM CRISIS TO CURE Doug Lindsay, ’16, refused to let his rare illness get the best of him. Instead, he found a cure and a surgeon. On the Cover Randy Schwering, Ph.D., associate professor of management, shoots nature and wildlife photography in his spare time.
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
Do You See
Voices?
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hen I am told that someone is hearing voices, two immediate scenarios come to mind. I can conclude that I am in the presence of a mystic-saint or I might suggest getting some professional help. So, when I came across the expression of “seeing voices,” I thought it was downright inconceivable. At least that was the case until 25 years ago, when I was exposed to members of the deaf community while working in a legal clinic at Gallaudet University during my law school studies. In the deaf community, where sign and gestures are essential to communication, you see voices. The late Oliver Sacks, a neurologist and prolific author whose works were captured in several films, expressed this beautifully and thoughtfully in his book Seeing Voices. I have been thinking more and more about the notion of “seeing voices” as I reflect upon the recent conversations on our campuses, in our communities and throughout our nation. There is no denying that voices are being raised on all sides of the issues and topics of concern. In some cases, the voices have turned into shouting at one another, screaming past one another, and sometimes refusing to allow another voice to even be recognized.
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Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., President, Rockhurst University
we uphold academic freedom, the protection of free speech, and the sight of multiple positions and ideologies on campus as essential to our identity as a Jesuit and Catholic university, we can expect to experience discomfort when such voices are heard and seen. However, the allowance of these expressions is not an endorsement of the ideology or opinion. Instead, these voices need to be heard, seen and engaged.
At Rockhurst, I frequently tell our community that we must do everything we can to make sure that students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors are safe. However, we cannot and should not be about assuring people’s comfort. In fact, the opposite must be true. A constitutive part of our responsibility as a Catholic, Jesuit university is to allow and even encourage discomfort in order that a transformation of the mind and heart takes place. Allowing different and distinctive voices to be heard and seen will facilitate this process we know as a transformative Jesuit education.
Firstly, opposite opinions are ripe with opportunities for us to demonstrate respect and to uphold the human dignity we share. No matter what anyone says or does, there is no denying that each of us is the work of the hands of God. Secondly, encounters with vitriolic speech invite us to reconsider and fortify our existing positions and arguments. Thirdly, the experiences challenge us to address the core issues of racism, violence, exclusivity and all forms of intolerance that we see and hear. I believe this is part of what St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, meant in the Spiritual Exercises when he wrote that “love ought to manifest itself in deeds rather than words.”
Expression of ideas with violence can never be tolerated. However, speech and ideas, even those abhorrent to just about everyone, may need to be seen and heard. If we claim
Voices need to be seen and heard on the Rockhurst University campus. This is how we “talk the talk” and “walk the walk” for everyone to hear and see.
WINTER 2018
ROCK REPORT
Rockhurst University Welcomes the Truman Library Institute S uffice to say, Harry S. Truman was no stranger to the Rockhurst University campus.
The 33rd president was known to attend the University’s commencement exercises from time to time, visit with University leaders and, as a captain during World War I, led Battery D composed largely of Rockhurst students. So it seemed befitting that when the Truman Library Institute, the nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, decided to relocate as part of its strategic plan, it chose a spot on the University campus. In August, the institute opened the doors to its new space at 5151 Troost Ave., inside the University’s parking garage, with an open house event that included a talk with students about Truman’s own leadership style. Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Sly James, ’80, said he was happy to welcome the institute to its new location and the ensuing partnership, adding that the location, next to his undergraduate alma mater, seemed like a great spot.
Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Sly James, ’80 (Center), and Rockhurst University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., joined students for an opening event at the Truman Library Institute.
“It’s natural and it’s great that Truman and his legacy would be, in some way, associated with Rockhurst. The things that he stood for are the things that Rockhurst stands for,” he said. “Service, engagement in the community, making hard decisions for the right reasons and doing the right thing at the right time for the right people.” Truman’s presidential library will remain in Truman’s hometown of Independence, Missouri, but the new proximity to Rockhurst and other institutions of higher learning in the area opens new opportunities for programming and collaboration in the future, according to the institute’s leaders.
Letters to the Editor I found the summer 2017 RU magazine’s portrayal of millennials profoundly distasteful, short-sighted and an embarrassment to the intellectual acumen of the University and Jesuit schools at large. I would respectfully advise the editor of the alumni magazine to consider the kind of journalism she seeks to promote, and the degree to which this issue reflects the core Ignatian precepts that RU sincerely seeks to instill. — Frank Kane, ’14
Just wanted to send a quick note on a great summer magazine. I think the staff continues to raise the bar. Congrats! It made me feel good to be an alumnus. — Frank Pikus, ’91 I just received and read my summer 2017 RU magazine. Great work, easy to read, all over the place (that’s good), good photos, great graphics. I enjoyed it. Thanks to you and your staff. — Butch Wagner ’59
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THE MAGAZINE OF ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY
SECRET
LIVES
See what these Rockhurst faculty members are up to when class is over.
THE MAGAZINE OF ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY WINTER 2018
Caroline Kennedy
Leadership Series Brings Caroline Kennedy to Kansas City
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he Rockhurst University Leaders Council and CommunityAmerica Credit Union will present Caroline Kennedy, former United States Ambassador to Japan and best-selling author, as the featured guest of the 2018 Rockhurst University Leadership Series luncheon. The sixth annual luncheon is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Kansas City Marriott Muehlebach Tower Downtown.
Staff Jeremiah Barber, ’16 EMBA Alicia Douglas Katherine Frohoff, ’09 EMBA Estuardo Garcia Jennifer Knobel Courtney Lee Tim Linn Michelle Smith Melissa Thompson Angela Verhulst
Kennedy’s speech, titled “Leadership: Why It Matters,” will draw from her own experience as a public servant and the examples she saw around her as a member of the Kennedy American political dynasty.
Editor Katherine Frohoff
Over the course of a wide-ranging career, Kennedy has been the author or editor of 11 New York Times best-selling books on subjects from poetry to civics and law. In 2013, she was named U.S. ambassador to Japan. As ambassador, Kennedy was instrumental in arranging the return of land on the island of Okinawa to the Japanese government, the largest land transfer since 1972.
Design JJB Creative Design
Also during the luncheon, the University will present its Rashford-Lyon Award for Leadership and Ethics to Patricia Cleary Miller, Ph.D., professor emerita of English.
More information on the event and individual ticket sales are available at rockhurst.edu/leadershipseries.
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RU, the magazine of Rockhurst University, is published by the Office of Public Relations and Marketing.
WINTER 2018
Contributing Writers Bob Crossley, ’67; Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J.; Estuardo Garcia; Tim Linn; Julia Mangan, senior; Michelle Smith Photography Catholic Charities, John Dodderidge, Estuardo Garcia, Kabance Studios, Mark McDonald, Denny Medley, Earl Richardson, Dan Videtich, Liz Zayat, MS, OTR/L Send letters to: Katherine Frohoff Rockhurst University 1100 Rockhurst Road Kansas City, MO 64110-2561 or katherine.frohoff@rockhurst.edu
Printed on recycled paper.
ROCK REPORT
Tea Story: How Science and Tea Make a Brew-tiful Combination L eena Nabulsi patiently waits until her beaker filled with water reaches the optimal temperature for brewing tea. Depending on the instructions from the four different tea brands the senior is using for her experiment, the 250 milliliters of water needs to reach about 165 degrees to 180 degrees Fahrenheit for a perfect cup.
“What had already been written wasn’t very helpful and not reflective of what you would find in a mug,” Nabulsi said. “The researchers would use 10 milliliters of water and three grams of tea. If you went to Starbucks, you would get a mug with about 250 milliliters of water and a three-gram teabag.”
“That is the temperature where the water will extract most of the molecules from the tea,” Nabulsi said.
Nabulsi asked Paula Morehouse, Ph.D., chemistry lecturer at Rockhurst University, if she could devise an experiment to naturally decaffeinate tea that would better simulate real consumer drinking habits. Morehouse agreed and allowed Nabulsi to use this experiment to fulfill her undergraduate research credit.
But Nabulsi wasn’t looking to extract just any molecule. She was only looking for the one that helps humans wake up in the morning: caffeine. Leena Nabulsi, senior
Nabulsi said the industrial decaffeination process strips away caffeine from the tea leaves, but may also strip away many of the health and wellness benefits of tea. She started reading about a home process where one would steep tea for 30 seconds to remove the caffeine, but retain all of the nutrients.
Although her research isn’t complete, initial findings showed that steeping tea in a separate container for 30 seconds before steeping the tea for a normal amount of time in water you will drink removes about the same amount of caffeine as industrial decaffeination.
The findings from the papers she read were inconclusive, but also misleading.
Rockhurst University Rises in 2018 U.S. News Rankings
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ockhurst University continues to prove its place among the best institutions in the region, according to the latest rankings from U.S. News and World Report. Among Midwest regional universities in U.S. News’ 2018 Best Colleges list, Rockhurst moved up four spots to claim the No. 11 spot, the highest-ranked institution in the Kansas City area. The University also earned a spot on the Best Values list, again leading the Kansas City area at No. 12.
The Helzberg School of Management also earned accolades from U.S. News, even compared to much larger institutions — its undergraduate management program was listed at No. 11 on a national ranking of similar programs, tied with the University of Notre Dame. The undergraduate quantitative analysis program, one of a growing offering of tech-centered programming, cracked the top 10 with a No. 9 ranking nationally, tied with the University of Texas-Austin.
“This is great news for our students, our faculty and our alumni,” said Doug Dunham, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs. “I believe these rankings reflect the incredible work the University community continues each day, in the spirit of our Jesuit core value of “magis,” to collectively strive for more.
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FACULTY KUDOS James Dockins, Ed.D., assistant professor of management, Kelly Phipps, Ph.D., associate professor of management, and Michael Stellern, Ph.D., professor of economics, authored a case study titled “The Turnaround at Truman Medical Center,” which was published in The Business Case Journal. Meredith Harold, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, presented a poster titled “Demystifying research: accessing and understanding evidence for clinical practice” at the American SpeechLanguage Hearing Association’s annual conference.
For more faculty news, visit rockhurst.edu/facultykudos.
Rick Janet, Ph.D., professor of history, is the author of In Missouri’s Wilds: St. Mary’s of the Barrens and the American Catholic Church, 1818 to the Present, which was published by Truman State University Press. Glenna Mahoney, D.N.P., associate professor at Research College of Nursing, and Susan Chrisman, Ph.D., professor at Research College of Nursing, presented a poster at the 21st Annual Midwest Regional Nursing Educators conference: Innovations, Quality and Safety in Nursing Education and Practice. The abstract is titled “Developing Evidence-Based Competency Assessment.”
Research Reveals Treasure Trove of Information About Collection S
ometimes, Loren Whittaker, Ph.D., would just sit in front of one of the works in the Van Ackeren Collection of Religious Art. Call it a stakeout.
That’s because Whittaker has been something like a detective for the collection, one of only 10 permanent art collections on display at Jesuit universities in the U.S., trying to piece together the individual histories of the collection’s objects as part of her dissertation at the University of Kansas. It was a project that began when she came to the Greenlease Gallery to research a 1410 work by Andrea di Bartolo. “And Anne (Austin Pearce, MFA, associate professor of art and gallery director), in a moment of inspiration, took me by the arm and said ‘you should research this collection,’” she said, smiling. Though the Van Ackeren Collection, a series of gifts from longtime University benefactors Robert and Virginia Greenlease starting in 1967, was purchased with the help of Ralph Coe, then a curator at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the amount of information known about each work could fit on its gallery placard.
Loren Whittaker, Ph.D.
“Each painting and sculpture had some incredible mystery about it.” —Loren Whittaker, Ph.D.
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Six years and thousands of frequent-flyer miles later, Whittaker’s dissertation fills in a lot of the details. By traveling to many of the places throughout Europe where these artists lived, she was able determine how each object was made, by whom, and why. “It took a phenomenal number of hours just looking at each work, to peel back the onion, so to speak, of each individual detail and then to compare those details with securely attributed works — for instance, making sure that the dimple on the left cheek matched the one overseas,” Whittaker said. “Each painting and sculpture had some incredible mystery about it.” Whittaker said she hopes to turn the information into a book in the near future and to inspire others to continue researching the collection she called a “jewel” among its peers.
ROCK REPORT
It’s All About the Data F or most of his life, Dave Lingerfelt, MBA, clinical assistant professor in the Helzberg School of Management, has somehow been involved in health care. Growing up, many of his family members were in the health care industry, but after a summer volunteering in a hospital, Lingerfelt knew patient care wasn’t his calling. What did interest him was how numbers could tell a story to help make things better.
“I found I was always that guy that focused more and more on the numbers,” Lingerfelt said about his time working for Cerner. “I was always looking at performance metrics. As I started to get access to more and more data, I started looking at many performance measures and started looking at things like length of stay, or a patient’s percentage of readmission.”
Dave Lingerfelt, MBA
“I was always looking at performance metrics. As I started to get access When he’s not thinking about data, Lingerfelt likes to spend time to more and more data, with his wife, Cindy, and his 7-year-old daughter, Claire, in their Parkville, Missouri, home. He also enjoys trail running and talking I started looking at many to fellow faculty members Martin Stack, Ph.D., Rich Wagner, Ph.D., and Jim Dockins, Ed.D., about craft beers. performance measures Lingerfelt hopes to continue to expand the University’s health care and started looking at data program as the field evolves with new technological advances. things like length of stay, “Rockhurst has afforded me the ability to expand intellectually,” he said. “I can say that in my entire career in health care I’ve never or a patient’s percentage been bored. There is always something new to learn. I love the fact of readmission.” that I’m constantly learning new things.” That mindset and experience made him a perfect fit for the Helzberg School’s growing data science program. After nine years at Cerner, Lingerfelt made the transition to teaching, starting first at Johnson County Community College before arriving at Rockhurst.
—Dave Lingerfelt, MBA
HEARD ON CAMPUS “A salesperson has to have the right attitude. It’s about building a relationship and it’s about finding a win-win for both sides, not trying to run somebody over.” — Barnett Helzberg, former president and CEO of Helzberg Diamonds, speaking during the Helzberg School of Management’s Business Leadership and Ethics Day about selling the right way.
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Freshman Powers Past Physical Challenge in First Year of Softball Occupational therapy student Rachel Pearson (Right) and a translator in Ecuador.
Caring Partnership Surpasses Decade
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t started as just one stop on a longer trip. But since 2007, making the trip to Ecuador’s Damien House has become a rich tradition for students in Rockhurst University’s occupational and physical therapy programs. During one visit, a group of occupational therapy students was introduced to Damien House founder Sister Annie Credidio, who insisted that they come back. So they did. Damien House is a facility dedicated to caring for those with Hansen’s disease, a condition affecting the nervous system better known as leprosy.
During a weeklong stay in Ecuador each year, students carrying luggage stuffed with supplies staff the onsite clinic at Damien House and provide one-on-one care to hundreds of patients. According to Liz Zayat, MS, OTR/L, clinical assistant professor of occupational therapy, it’s a clinical experience of a completely different variety for the students. Kate Edell, ’11, said even years after her own experience at the Damien House, the people and the practice there continue to shape her career. “I am currently the supervisor in my department, and I work in a hospital setting,” she said. “I am drawn to medically complex patients, and I’m sure a part of this can be attributed to my time in Ecuador. Even more important, I have a true passion for service and volunteerism.”
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Kiri Evans, freshman
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n softball, females use their lower body strength to swing and hit the ball. However, freshman Kiri Evans of Belleville, Illinois, has modified this technique to better improve her game. Evans was born in China with a club foot. After one surgery there and a few in Saint Louis following her adoption, she has learned to take note of where she struggles and work harder on those areas. “I just have to be more conscious of the fact that I cannot get lazy at any time,” Evans said. “I’m still working on using my muscles correctly because my foot naturally wants to point in.” With the help of coaches, Evans has learned to make some changes to the typical softball techniques so that they work for her. “I worked with my hitting coach for a while and he tried teaching me like he would teach any other girl but then we realized that wasn’t going to work. He helped me work around it and develop my own personal swing.” Evans is currently getting ready for her first collegiate softball season. Throughout the fall semester, she worked with the coaches in individualized hitting and catching practices in preparation for the spring season. For her first year, Evans is excited to soak up the experience of playing college softball and play with a great group of women. Without letting her challenges define her, Evans plans on getting stronger and improving her game every day and she says she knows she can rely on her coaches each step of the way.
ROCK REPORT
Family is First for Basketball Recruit
Freshman Curtis Lewis II (Seated) gathered his family, including his mother, Kimberlyn Jones, ’16 EMBA, in his grandfather’s hospital room for his signing with Rockhurst Hawks basketball.
“It wasn’t really planned to be this big thing, but I wanted everyone who had a big influence in my life to be there.” – Curtis Lewis II
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urtis Lewis II has a lot to be proud of.
The former Pembroke Hill basketball standout earned an athletic scholarship to Rockhurst University, and has been making the most of the academic opportunity since beginning in August as a freshman business major.
at Research Medical Center, where with a Rockhurst banner he converted a bedside tray table into a makeshift signing table, a moment that caught the attention of local media. For Lewis, it was important to share that moment with the people who made it possible.
And Lewis said he is proud of what he’s accomplished, but added he also appreciates what his family has done to get him here. He improved on the court because of coaching from his father, a college quarterback, and grandmother, a basketball hall-of-famer at Kentucky State University. His mother, who earned her executive MBA from Rockhurst in 2016, is an important influence, too, and his grandfather is a constant source of encouragement.
“I had my uncle on FaceTime, too,” he said. “It wasn’t really planned to be this big thing, but I wanted everyone who had a big influence in my life to be there.”
So when it came time to sign his letter of intent, Lewis made it into a family affair. His grandfather in the hospital, Lewis said he invited all of his family members to his room
“He knows everybody,” Lewis said. “I invited him to my graduation and sent him and his family birthday and Christmas cards.”
Lewis said he’s excited and motivated to play at Rockhurst, but what really drew him to the University was the academics and the opportunity that provides. Meeting the Rockhurst men’s head basketball coach, Drew Diener, sealed the deal. And it wasn’t long before Diener, too, was part of the family.
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Senior Strength Powers Men’s Soccer Return to Final Four
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or the fourth time in five seasons, the Rockhurst University men’s soccer team found itself in the Final Four in the NCAA Division II tournament. And though the result wasn’t what they hoped for, ending in a heartbreaking penalty-kick loss in Kansas City’s Swope Park Soccer Village against Florida’s Lynn University, there is still plenty to be proud of. “There are never words that can make you feel better for a loss like that,” said Giorgio Antongirolami, assistant head coach. “I told the players to be proud of the last four years, proud of what they’ve done in setting a high standard for this program.”
Rockhurst senior forward Kaleb Jackson (Left) attempts to outmaneuver Lynn University senior defender Niklas Tasky during the NCAA Division II semifinal match.
With a core of players who have developed together since they were freshmen, the Hawks won their third consecutive Great Lakes Valley Conference regular season title with a 13-1-2 record. They then earned a No. 2 in the Midwest Region for the NCAA Division II tournament and won a pair of 1-0 matches to earn their fifth Midwest Region title and a return ticket to the national semifinals, notching their 752nd victory and becoming the winningest men’s soccer program in NCAA’s Division II along the way.
for working so hard not only for their own success, but for that of the program as a whole.
A total of 10 Hawks earned All-GLVC honors and two, seniors Kaleb Jackson and Adam Michel, were named to the United Soccer Coaches All-America team. Head coach Tony Tocco praised the team’s leaders, especially the seniors,
“You always look forward to next year, and we’ve got some good returning people,” he said. “I’ve heard people say we might have to rebuild next year. Maybe we can surprise them.”
“They keep Rockhurst on the forefront of soccer on a national level,” he said. “When people play Rockhurst, they know they’re going to see a great game.” Losing some of those leaders means looking to new players to step up, but Tocco said he believes that’s one of the true strengths of the program.
Soccer Coach Now Winningest in NCAA N
Coach Tony Tocco (Left) is honored by Sporting Kansas City
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ow in his 47th year of being head coach, Tony Tocco is the winningest men’s soccer coach in the NCAA. Of the program’s 752 wins, he has been at the helm for 696 of them. He said a lot of his success can be traced back to the talented groups of players that have called Rockhurst their home. He also attributes a lot of his success to his many assistant coaches over the years who have taught him new things and made him a better coach. “Everybody has really worked hard to achieve this level of success and nobody cares who gets the credit,” Tocco said.
“That’s a great deal. As long as I find the right people to help me become a better coach, then I can find the right students to help them become better players. In the end, everything becomes better.” Not only has the program’s success been noted in the world of collegiate sports, the professional sports world has also appreciated the work Tocco has done. In September, Sporting Kansas City honored him as a Local Legends honoree. Tocco was presented with a plaque and a Local Legends jersey during halftime of the match between Sporting Kansas City and the Los Angeles Galaxy.
ROCK REPORT
Volleyball Earns First-Ever Final Four Berth in Memorable Season
Rockhurst volleyball head coach Tracy Rietzke talks to his players during a match.
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ompete. For every point, compete.
That was what head volleyball coach Tracy Rietzke remembers telling his players going into their first-ever NCAA Final Four match, against the winner of eight of the last nine Division II championships. Throughout their season, the Hawks’ grit had been their virtue — it had helped them through tough losses and powered them to their biggest victories. “They accomplished a lot and they really worked for it,” Rietzke said. “About halfway through the season they got a lot more confident.” One turnaround, he said, was October’s Midwest Region Volleyball Crossover in Aurora, Illinois, in which the Hawks took on top teams from three different conferences — and came out on top.
“They accomplished a lot and they really worked for it. About halfway through the season they got a lot more confident.”
The team picked up the GLVC West Division title on the way to the NCAA Division II tournament, which would have them facing some familiar opponents — including Lewis University, who had bested the Hawks in the final round of the GLVC tournament.
– Tracy Rietzke, head volleyball coach
“They were actually down in the fourth set against Lewis in the NCAA Midwest Regional,” Rietzke said. “I was really proud of how they handled that moment — they battled back and beat a great team on their home court.” Though they fell in the program-first NCAA semifinal match, Rietzke said the team should be proud of themselves. They ended the year with a 32-8 record, NCAA Division II all-tournament honors for seniors Grace Carter and Anne Hellwege — who also set a school record for digs, and five all-conference nods. Rietzke, who moved to No. 5 on the list of all-time winningest NCAA coaches with his 1,200th win, said the team will lose some of its senior leadership, but added he hopes the experiences this season create some momentum going forward.
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I Believe
HELZBERG MBA STUDENTS DARE TO WRITE IT ALL DOWN
BY KATHERINE FROHOFF, ’09 EMBA
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s family extremely important to you? How about faith? What about health, friendship or service? That’s five right there, so you can’t add any more of the values listed on the cards stacked before you. No one said it would be easy. It’s all part of the values-card sort that students in the Helzberg School of Management executive MBA program are asked to perform and, for Paul Twenter, ’17 EMBA, it was great preparation for the ultimate reflection exercise required of every Rockhurst MBA and executive MBA student — writing a personal credo. Twenter, associate vice president and financial management consultant who leads the decision analytics group at HNTB, said that although his credo has been helpful in his professional life, it has been especially beneficial in his personal life. For example, part of his credo deals with success, which led him to contemplate how to help others achieve success. “What is it that I do with the money I make and the knowledge God has given me?” asks Twenter. “I sit on the board of a nonprofit for people with disabilities and serve as a trustee for multiple charitable trusts.”
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Just what is a credo and what does it have to do with business school? Turner White, MBA, ELYexecutive assistant professor of management, teaches World Views and Ethical Principles in V I T A E CR AKINGBusiness in the executive MBA program. He doesn’t ask students to start with writing a credo. SPE They work up to it, first drafting an in-depth worldview paper. Continued on page 14
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Continued from page 12
For help in this endeavor, White takes what may seem like a counterintuitive approach for an MBA class. He crosses the campus to the College of Arts and Sciences and calls on his colleague Brendan Sweetman, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, to help provide perspective on the nature of reality, the nature of the human person and moral and political beliefs. “The ordinary person who goes into business is morally good,” Sweetman said, “but there’s a risk they could be corrupted by the business environment and leave their ethics at the door. We wondered how we could get them to focus on their morally good values and apply them.” After completing the worldview paper, students then move on to writing the much briefer credo, which White describes as the public face of the intensely personal worldview. The word “credo” comes from the Latin for “I believe,” said White. “This is about the internal light that drives executives to make good decisions.” And, if you can come to understand executives’ worldviews, White said, you can begin to understand why they negotiate the way they do and argue for the positions they do. That holds true for Cindy Kirtley, ’17 EMBA. Kirtley, director of benefits and wellness at Smithfield Foods, said that she’s now better able to look at leaders she admires and analyze what makes them great. She also said the process helped her look inward in a beneficial way. “What I realized is that I lead my family the same way I lead my people at work and I never would have put those two together,” Kirtley said. “I’m a stepmom LLY we did made me realize some of my of four and some of the personality PHICAwork ETHICA HILOSO ING P LLY and where I might weak SPEApoints SPEAKbe coming on too strong. It helped me soften my KING approach not only at work but also at home.”
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In the Helzberg MBA capstone course, Randy Schwering, Ph.D., associate professor of management, says he gives students great leeway in developing their credos. “I have seen everything from operatically performed songs, amazing videos, haiku poems, wrenching stories of family hardship or military service to stories of immigration to the U.S. and the sense of obligation students feel to honor their parents’ sacrifices,” Schwering said. “They all describe how these experiences have informed their conceptions of the leader’s role and the ways in which critical values inform their approach to leadership.”
“This is about the internal light that drives executives to make good decisions.” —Turner White, MBA, executive assistant professor of management
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FEATURES Janet Cunningham, ’16 MBA, director of content marketing for DST Systems Inc., said she found it helpful to build her credo on a metaphor. As a runner, she envisioned the leader she wanted to be and equated it with being a pacer in a race. “What motivates me is that I want to see that I’m influencing actions and changing things, so that’s where I started,” Cunningham said. “If you’re going to run a race on your own, it’s a totally different scenario. But I’ve found when there are people depending on you, and looking up to you, it makes you a lot better. I try to be that way as a leader.”
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One of the most famous examples of an effective credo, said the Helzberg School’s White, is the one held by Johnson & Johnson during the highly publicized Tylenol LY in 1982. Several years prior to the incident, CEO James E. Ecase cyanide EATIV CRpoisoning AKING his leadership team to take the nice, framed piece on the wall Burke had SPEchallenged and internalize it, as White puts it. The result was an exemplary example of crisis management that is credited with restoring confidence in the company. Torre Nigro, ’81, ’99 EMBA, president of Broker Source — a company he founded — takes a similar approach with his credo. Titled “Torre’s Credo for Leadership,” a framed version hangs prominently on the wall of his office and photocopies sit below it for visitors to take with them. In addition to serving as a front-and-center reminder of what is most important to him, Nigro said he wanted to be able to easily share the credo with employees so they know exactly where he stands. “I’m a visual individual, so I decided to do it as a document I could walk someone through,” he said. When a new staff member comes on board, Nigro moves through the credo in a clockwise fashion explaining its major components starting with “#1 Do This to Support Family.” He says he tells employees to take care of family issues first and that he will never question that. He demonstrates this in his own life by letting others know that when he leaves the office his family time begins, even leaving his cell phone in the car when he arrives at home. He ends with the final point on the circular chart, “Produce Leaders/Grow People,” saying that it’s his practice to be sure someone is ready to take his place before he leaves a position. Ann Moses, who does broker development at Broker Source, said she appreciated learning about Nigro’s credo when she began her job. “I thought it was nice to know where his priorities were and I felt like I knew right away he would be an excellent supervisor and boss,” Moses said. “It made me respect him more.” Nigro said the best thing about the credo assignment was the requirement they write it down. “Here I am 17 years later still referring to it. When I retire, I’ll probably bring it home and put it on the mantel.”
HOW TO WRITE YOUR OWN CREDO Reflect on the values that are most important to you. Narrow them down. Narrow them down some more. Use your top three to five guiding values as inspiration. Start by writing about a defining moment in your life — a fork in the road where you could have gone either way. Why did you make the decision you did? Don’t be afraid of looking at a blank piece of paper. Use the experience to reflect on how your guiding values have influenced your decision-making. Allow your credo to reflect your personal style. If an illustration or a poem suits you better than bullet points or paragraphs, experiment with your format. Revise your credo until it reflects your sincerely held deepest beliefs. For more information about MBA programs at Rockhurst, visit rockhurst.edu/helzberg.
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The SECRET LIVES of Faculty BY ESTUARDO GARCIA
A
fter all the papers are graded. After all the test scores are submitted, our faculty turn off the lights to their classrooms, shut the doors to their offices and start working on their other areas of expertise.
THE BRAWLER Christina Wills, Ph.D., finishes lacing up her skates. She puts on her kneepads and secures her helmet before wheeling onto the rink. During the day, her students and coworkers know her as a mild-mannered associate professor of biology. But at night, the roller derby world knows her as Unnatural Selection, one of the blockers for the Black Eye Susans. “My friends think I’m crazy,” Wills said about her sport. “They think it’s a good way to get hurt for no good reason, but my students think it’s pretty cool.”
scoring points. If you’re a jammer, you’re lucky to be able to score points by successfully navigating the blockade and lapping your opponents. If you’re unlucky, you may feel what it’s like to have Wills shoulder shove you to the ground. And in derby, you spend a lot of time falling to the ground. “I’ve had concussions, a bone bruise on my elbow, two torn ligaments and a dislocated bone in my ankle,” Wills said. “I think the worst was my first Rink of Fire (season championship). I was sore for three or four days. It took me a lot to get over it.”
Aside from the physicality of the sport, Wills said she loves the people and loves how derby challenges the idea of what it means to be feminine. “You have this stereotypical idea of femininity where you are nicely dressed, pretty and are quiet, but not every woman falls into that model. Roller derby encourages us to express ourselves and embraces every form of femininity. If you want to be sparkly and wear a tutu, you go for it. If you don’t want to shave and want to be very aggressive, we encourage that too.”
Wills was first introduced to the Kansas City Roller Warriors after attending an event at Municipal Auditorium. She quickly fell in love with the idea of the sport because it combined two of her loves from youth: artistic roller skating and taekwondo. “I enjoy getting to hit and being hit,” Wills said with a chuckle. As an inside blocker, it’s her job to keep her opponent’s jammer from Christina Wills, Ph.D. (Far right) competes under the name Unnatural Selection in roller derby.
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FEATURES
Steve Brown, Ph.D., buys and sells vintage guitars.
THE COLLECTOR For about two hours every week, Steve Brown, Ph.D., professor of psychology, gathers in his basement with his band mates to record a couple of tracks for an upcoming album. While Brown mostly plays with a Fender precision bass for recording, he keeps a personal collection of about 10 guitars he uses for various projects.
company Vintaxe has been responsible for buying and selling hundreds of vintage guitars over the years. Brown said his collection of vintage guitars started when he inherited a 1955 Gibson L5 from a friend of his father’s. When eBay’s website launched, Brown was able to seek out guitars he had always coveted as a youth.
“They’re like golf clubs,” Brown said. “They each have a specific function or they produce a specific sound that you need.”
“I looked for the things that I wanted when I was 18, but couldn’t afford at the time,” Brown said. “Then it switched to what was cool when I was young. Before I knew it, I had 70 guitars in my collection.”
While his personal guitar collection barely crests the double digits, his
What Brown was looking for was the type of cheaper quirky guitars with
a Japanese aesthetic that you could find in a Boys’ Life magazine. When his basement began to fill up with guitars, he decided to sell a few and soon found there was a market for these types of guitars from other nostalgic guitar enthusiasts. What was once a hobby became a business between Brown and his son. Brown looks for and purchases the guitars while his son markets, ships and keeps the books. “I was going to start a business when I retire from teaching, but this was something my son and I had a common interest in and I decided not to wait,” Brown said. Continued on page 18
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“There’s an art to it. When the dancer invites you into their world and then leads you to beauty, then it becomes a mesmerizing experience.” —Rev. Brian Frain, S.J.
The Rev. Brian Frain, S.J., an Irish dance instructor, started a group at Rockhurst.
Continued from page 17
THE DANCER The Rev. Brian Frain, S.J., assistant professor of education, loves Irish dance. “There’s an art to it,” Fr. Frain said. “When the dancer invites you into their world and then leads you to beauty, then it becomes a mesmerizing experience.” Fr. Frain found his love of the dance when he was a 6-year-old boy in Philadelphia. He said there was something about the way the movements and music had to be precisely coordinated, but most importantly, he liked the attention. “I used to perform in front of a bay window in my house,” Fr. Frain said. “I liked it because people would stop and look at me. I was never afraid to perform in front of people.”
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Fr. Frain quickly picked up the skill and by his early teenage years, he was able to start teaching it at his aunt’s dance academy while also competing. As he progressed, he moved around to various dance schools before he decided to start his own in Philadelphia. In 1989 he became officially licensed to teach Irish dance under the An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, the Irish dancing commission in Dublin, Ireland, and he opened his own studio.
Although his duties as a Jesuit wouldn’t allow him to start his own dance studio again, he never lost the fire in his feet and his passion for teaching. Wherever he went, Fr. Frain found a way to teach Irish dance. While stationed in Myanmar he was able to teach Ceili dancing to the locals and a few moves to some Korean business owners. While in Rochester, New York, he co-founded Dunleavy Irish Dance with Amy Coppola.
Although he had a passion for the dance, Fr. Frain felt a calling for something higher and, in 1992, he joined the Society of Jesus.
Now that he’s been back in the States and has found a position at Rockhurst, he has brought that dance passion to campus by helping to start an Irish dance club and assisting at a local Irish dance academy.
“That was the biggest sacrifice when I became a Jesuit,” he said. “I had families and friends, a whole network of people that I knew and loved through Irish dancing.”
FEATURES
THE PHOTOGRAPHER Randy Schwering, Ph.D., associate professor of management, believes that some of what you learn from Jesuit teachings can be applied to photography. When he’s out at his home in Lakeview, Kansas, he takes time to be mindful of his surroundings. He listens to the sound of the wind blowing through the grass, the songs of the birds in the trees, and the sounds of the water as it gently crashes onto the shore. It’s at times like this he says he can really find God in all things and see how all things in nature are interconnected. It’s also at these times when he picks up his camera, finds his subject, and begins to shoot. “I believe in the value of living with a sense of gratitude and striving for mindfulness,” Schwering said. “Photography is an exercise in being awake and mindful of your surroundings. It is a form of meditation for me.” Schwering grew up with photography in his household. His father was an accomplished amateur photographer in the days of film. Schwering dabbled with film, but he said his interest didn’t really take off until he made the switch to digital because it was more cost effective. Throughout the years, Schwering has traveled to take nature and wildlife photos. One of his favorites was capturing the migration of Sandhill Cranes as the birds stop in Nebraska. That moment was so inspiring for him, he also wrote a poem to commemorate the event and composed some music to accompany it.
Randy Schwering, Ph.D., enjoys shooting nature and wildlife photographs, such as this one.
Right now, photography is primarily a passion project for Schwering and it’s one he puts to good use. While he has sold prints of his work, he didn’t keep the money as profit. Instead, he donates it to organizations that help with things he cares about, like conservation. He’s been able to bring these ideas into the classroom. “My ethics and corporate social responsibility courses emphasize sustainability and discerning business responsibilities to the natural environment,” Schwering said. “I have used some of my work in such courses.”
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“HOPE is the belief that something positive can happen. That’s my definition of hope; it prepares you to see opportunities and to be grateful. And when you face a problem, assume it’s solvable. That’s the kind of hope it takes to motivate you to tackle big challenges.” —Doug Lindsay, ’16
Doug Lindsay, ’16, during his junior year at Rockhurst University.
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FEATURES
FOR ALUMNUS,
From Crisis Comes a Cure BY TIM LINN
N
ever underestimate the power of hope, says Doug Lindsay, ’16.
When Lindsay talks about hope, he’s not talking strictly about “come what may” optimism. Lindsay’s hope is, tellingly, rooted in the scientific tradition. “Hope is the belief that something positive can happen,” he said. “That’s my definition of hope; it prepares you to see opportunities and to be grateful. And when you face a problem, assume it’s solvable. That’s the kind of hope it takes to motivate you to tackle big challenges.” That was a guiding principle for almost two decades as he searched for a way to treat a condition that had not just affected his life — it all but put it on hold completely. Getting better would employ his liberal arts education, some help from the Rockhurst community, and, of course, ample hope. It started in 1999 — Lindsay, a St. Louis native, was a junior at Rockhurst University, studying biology with a summer biochemistry internship at the University of Kansas. One day, Lindsay said he suddenly felt his heart racing and was exhausted. He thought he had mono, but, as he says, he “just never got better.” The affect was debilitating — Lindsay could walk about 50 feet at a time, or stand for the length of a commercial break, before his heart rate would skyrocket. Further exertion carried serious risks. He dropped out of school, and was bed bound for 22 hours of each day. Whatever the condition was, his mother was also struggling with it, leaving Lindsay to take care of her as well. “I’d lost anything resembling a normal life,” he said. “I was at home taking care of my mom, and my job was to survive.”
(Top): Doug Lindsay, ’16, and Matt Krentz, ’99, during an interview for St. Louis’ Riverfront Times in 2010. (Bottom): Rockhurst University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., shakes hands with Lindsay during the University’s 2016 commencement ceremony.
Continued on page 22
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Continued from page 21
Lindsay said he used the scientific method. His hypothesis was that there was something wrong with his autonomic nervous system — which, basically, controls many of the body’s most basic, involuntary functions. “I started reading journal articles and talking to doctors, but they told me that problems like I was describing didn’t exist,” he said. Study of autonomic nervous system disorders like Lindsay’s is scattered among a number of different disciplines within medicine. Through far-flung literature and correspondences, a picture started to emerge of his condition. But finding the clues was one thing — putting them together in a way that could convince other doctors and specialists that Lindsay’s case was worth paying attention to was another. For help, Lindsay relied on friends and faculty like Joe Cirincione, Ph.D., a former professor of English and current mission and ministry office assistant, who had had Lindsay in a communication course. Lindsay said Cirincione taught him that writing effectively was a learnable skill, so he began poring through course materials and going back to the source. “I thought we were just having conversations, but I think he was learning how to be more persuasive,” Cirincione said. Matt Krentz, ’99, was an acquaintance of Lindsay at Rockhurst who also answered the call — first just to talk, then for almost everything else. “Doug trusted me when it came to crunch time. I think at one point, I was his power of attorney,” Krentz said. “We ended up at Rockhurst for a reason — this was critical thinking and problem-solving. You also go back to those core values and helping somebody who needs help.” Others in a core group of Lindsay’s friends and classmates tell similar stories of being de facto advisors, support staff and logistics experts. Zach Jones, ’01, said it was a lot of responsibility for a bunch of 20-somethings, with long odds for success. But there was no question about saying yes.
(Top) Doug Lindsay and Matt Krentz on their way to a meeting with experts. (Bottom) Slides made from Lindsay’s own adrenal gland show the relative size of the organ.
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“It didn’t matter if he was right or wrong, or if this was going to work or not,” Jones said. “It was about supporting your friend.” In 2002, Lindsay was invited to present at the American Autonomic Society’s annual conference, a breakthrough. It would open doors at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where Lindsay became the collaborator
FEATURES
“It kept hitting me that this is
A PRODUCT OF OUR EDUCATION.
He learned how to learn, solve problems and discern.”
— Joe Cirincione, Ph.D.
of renowned autonomic researcher the late H. Cecil Coghlan, M.D. Over a number of years, they built a team of experts and a hypothesis: that the problem was in Lindsay’s adrenal medulla, the small inner part of the adrenal gland. There was a catch — they would have to get through the outer cortex to fix it, which carried serious risks. “The bad tissue was holding the good tissue hostage,” he said. “They basically told me dividing the two was impossible.” Again, he followed a trail of breadcrumbs, gathering medical journal articles from as far back as the 1920s and as far away as Japan to discover that such a surgery wasn’t impossible — it just was extremely rare. In 2010, more than a decade after he was first forced to drop out of school, Lindsay underwent the first of two operations in the hopes of getting his life back. Recovering would take two more years, and on the other side, Lindsay realized how much he had lost. “Even when I got my health back, the big challenge was that learning to walk again didn’t fix everything,” he said.
Doug Lindsay addresses the graduating class at his alma mater, DeSmet Jesuit High School in St. Louis, in 2017.
He has made up for lost time. Lindsay now gives keynote speeches and runs problem-solving workshops, hoping to complete what he calls his “hero’s journey” arc by passing along his knowledge to others. He was invited to share his story at Stanford Medicine X, a TED Talk-like event, and to give the commencement address at his alma mater, DeSmet Jesuit High School in St. Louis. He made a feature-length film, Ruff Cases. One of the most important moments in his recovery, he said, was finishing his degree at Rockhurst, which he did in May 2016. Cirincione, who as an assistant dean happened to be shaking graduates’ hands that day, said the moment says a lot about Lindsay, but also about the friends who helped along the way. “It kept hitting me that this is a product of our education,” he said. “He learned how to learn, how to solve problems and discern. But those around him had also absorbed a sense of community, they really saw caring for someone as part of that. That’s exactly what our core values are about.”
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Erin Herrmann, ’07, and future Hawk Hazel Trent, daughter of Justin Trent, ’07, ’10 DPT, and Lauren (Abel) Trent, ’14 MOT, E. Hawk at Family 24greet RockWINTER 2018and Alumni Weekend in September
FOR ALUMNI
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
Stay Connected
’61 James Stedman co-authored an article titled “Scientific Realism, Psychological Realism, and Aristotelian-Thomistic Realism,” which appeared in the Journal of Mind and Behavior.
’68 Larry Rues, M.D., retired after 43 years as a family physician at Goppert Family Care and a faculty member at the Research Family Medical Residency program. He remains on the board of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and continues as vice-chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians’ delegation to the American Medical Association House of Delegates. He also serves on the Rockhurst University Leaders Council. He looks forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and his wife, Jane, professor emerita of occupational therapy at Rockhurst University.
’74 Jerry Grimaud, of Lawrence Fabric and Metal Structures Inc., has been awarded an Honored Life Membership in Industrial Fabrics Association International. This distinction is bestowed by special request, solely at the discretion of the IFAI board of directors. Grimaud started working at Lawrence in 1979. Throughout his time in the industry, he has served on numerous trade association boards, including the Lightweight Structures Association, the Fabric Graphics Association and the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association.
’77 The Rev. Paul Hartley has recently been reassigned to St. Mary’s Church in Glasgow, Missouri. He has the mission parish of St. Joseph’s in Slater.
You’re part of the Rockhurst University community. That means you belong to an organization that’s changing the world one leader at a time. Don’t miss out on news meant for you. Go to rockhurst.edu/update and update your information today. Be sure to share your email address to receive the latest University and alumni news.
’79 Keith Gehling was inducted into the 2017 St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame class.
’81 Patti Shine DeWalt graduated in June with a Master of Arts degree in marketing from Webster University. She graduated with honors and was inducted into Delta Mu Delta Honor Society.
’83 Hector Barreto, chairman of the Latino Coalition and board member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, was inducted into the Van Horn High School Hall of Honor.
’85 Amber (Cozort) Redburn was awarded the 2017-18 Unsung Heroes MSTA Award at the Missouri State Teachers Association Convention. The award is given to a person who makes a substantive, yet unrecognized, contribution to MSTA.
’87 Gigi Lombrano, ’87, owner of Gigi Lombrano Interiors, received four awards for her designs from the ASID MO-East Chapter (American Society of Interior Designers) Pinnacle Awards Competition. She received three first-place honors and a second place for her designs submitted in four different categories.
The editorial staff reserves the right to edit for content, accuracy and length, and cannot guarantee that items received will appear in the magazine. Publication of an item does not constitute endorsement by Rockhurst University.
Connect with Rockhurst University through your favorite social networks. ROCKHURST.EDU
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Submit a Class Note
We’d love to hear from you. Submit a class note online at rockhurst.edu/classnotes.
’88, ’92 MBA
’02
Rich Shaw, vice president for voice and collaboration at AT&T, was a speaker at Summit 2017, hosted by AT&T Business in Dallas in September 2017. Additional speakers at the premier event included former President George W. Bush and journalist Anderson Cooper.
Robert O’Connor and his wife, Lisa, welcomed their youngest daughter, Frances Jane O’Connor, born March 28, 2017. She joins big sister, 4-year-old Harriet Kay O’Connor. The family lives in Kansas City, Missouri.
’88 MBA Timothy Barefield joined Kotter International as managing director. He will be responsible for accelerating business growth and developing deep relationships with executive clients.
’03
’97 Edward Nik-Khah co-authored a book titled The Knowledge We Have Lost In Information: The History of Information in Modern Economics. Nik-Khah is a professor of economics at Roanoke College. Keith Allen (Kotansky) has written a book on quantum concepts and medical imaging technologies. It is available on the Nova Science and Amazon websites. The book includes information about cancer and brain mapping protocols that can help improve the standards of medical care for many Americans.
’00 Audrey Masoner co-authored a book called Mayor Sly and the Magic Bow Tie with Aja James, daughter of Sly James, ’80, mayor of Kanas City, Missouri.
Derek Fraley was named president and CEO of Systematic Savings Bank. His previous positions include assistant treasurer of UMB Finanical, treasurer of Guaranty Bank, and vice president of commercial banking for Bancorp South.
’04 John Holton, managing partner of The Holton Law Firm, was nominated and selected as one of the 100 best trial lawyers in the state of Tennessee. John manages a large personal injury practice and primarily focuses on medical malpractice and product liability litigation. Lindsey Holton is a teacher at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School, where their children Jack and Avery attend.
’00, ’02 DPT Rachel (Ellebracht) McGraw graduated in August 2017 with her post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. McGraw is a full-time faculty member at Penn Valley Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, where she is the Coordinator of Clinical Education. She continues her practice at The University of Kansas Health Systems and Ability KC. She and her husband, Casey McGraw, ’00, live in the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City with their two children.
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’05 Anna Hennes and her husband, John, have welcomed a baby girl, Josie Colleen Hennes, on Aug. 17, 2017. She joined big brothers Owen and Ethan.
Q&A
FOR ALUMNI
WITH LAURA RUES, ’10, ND
LAURA RUES IS A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR AT KANSAS CITY INTEGRATIVE HEALTH. SHE HAS A FOCUS IN WOMEN’S HEALTH AND FERTILITY. Q: What does a naturopathic doctor do? A: A naturopathic doctor combines the basic understanding of science with modern therapies, ancient traditions, nutrition and lifestyle intervention. For chronic diseases, I look at every system in the body, not simply an overview of a patient’s primary concern. This holistic approach looks to understand the cause and triggers of the disease and aims to fix these underlying problems, instead of putting on a “Band-Aid” to cover up symptoms. To treat, I use supplementation, lifestyle modification, nutritional recommendations, botanicals, acupuncture and sometimes recommendations for pharmacology to help a patient reach their health goals. Q: What is the most fulfilling part of being a naturopathic doctor? Laura Rues, ’10, ND
“The ability to think in a systematic way allows me to address the science behind a patient’s individual disease processes.” —Laura Rues, ’10, ND
A: Patient care. I get to help people every single day and this is my passion. I work mostly with women’s health and fertility and it is absolute joy for me to get a patient call with that positive pregnancy test or for them to come in nine months later so I can meet their newborn baby. Q: How did your experience at Rockhurst influence your work? A: I received my undergraduate degrees in biology and psychology from Rockhurst, and I was blessed to have professors who provided me with a foundation in science and critical thinking. The ability to think in a systematic way allows me to address the science behind a patient’s individual disease processes. Q: What advice do you have for anyone wanting to pursue a more holistic health approach? A: In the medical world, we joke about “Dr. Google.” I do like when my patients are well informed, but instead of Googling your health, reach out to someone who is a licensed naturopathic doctor and has appropriate training. A great source is www.naturopathic.org.
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Connect with Rockhurst University through your favorite social networks. ’07, ’08 MBA Ferd Niemann IV was named one of Ingram’s magazine’s “40 under 40” in the April 2017 issue. He was also quoted in a Catholic Key article about Catholic Challenge Sports, a recreational league sponsored by the Diocese of Kansas City- St. Joseph.
’10, ’15 MBA Aaron Lockee and Marijana Kotlaja, ’17, were married June 10, 2017, at St. George Serbian Church.
’10 Alexandra Lewis has earned her MBA and completed the Christie’s Education program in London, England.
’11 Elaine Chen was recognized in March 2017 by U.S. News and World Report for her work in the field of school psychology. Since the publication of the article, she has been recognized by the National Association of School Psychology and San Diego State University.
’13 M.ED. Denesha Snell has been named director of programs for Show Me KC Schools, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families in the Kansas City Public School district find the right school for their child.
’14 Danielle Sather works at the Mid-Continent Public Library and won the Gale Cengage Learning Financial Development Award. Sather was featured in the September/October 2017 issue of American Libraries Magazine, which highlights the 2017 American Library Association award winners for leadership and excellence in the profession.
’11 Carolyn Sobczyk married Brandon Ricke on Oct. 21, 2017, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Rockhurst University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., officiated the ceremony. The wedding party included Rockhurst alumni Kate Bacon Little, ’11, Jennie Nguyen, ’11, Jamie Cordia, ’11, Emily (Hosman) Revenaugh, ’11, Andrea Sobczyk, ’13, and Joseph Sobczyk, ’16, ’17 MBA. Carolyn works in public relations and Brandon is an emergency medicine resident at the University of Kansas Health Systems. The couple resides in Mission, Kansas.
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1950 RETRO ROCKHURST In 2017, the Greenlease Library celebrated its 50th anniversary. But before the library had its own space, it was housed on the third floor of Conway Hall.
5
FOR ALUMNI
CAREER CENTER
TIPS
on planning for retirement FROM BOB PAREDES, ’96
1 SAVE FOR YOUR FUTURE.
If possible, elect to contribute the maximum amount possible to your company’s 401(k) plan through salary deferral. At the very least, contribute enough to take advantage of any company match that may be available.
2 DIVERSIFY YOUR INVESTMENTS.
Even if you aren’t an investment expert, make sure the asset allocation of your 401(k) or IRA portfolio contains a variety of asset classes (equities, fixed income, cash), sub-asset classes (large, mid and small capitalized companies), styles (growth and value), and both domestic and international exposure. Utilizing diversification results in risk reduction to the portfolio as the positive performance of some investments offsets the negative performance of others.
3 TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS.
As you approach your retirement, begin to reduce the risk in your portfolio by moving out of more volatile investments like equities and into more conservative positions like fixed income or cash. This “taking money off the table” ensures that your money is there when you need it and that your portfolio does not suffer a loss as you begin to draw from it.
4 DETERMINE WHAT YOUR CASH
NEEDS WILL BE IN RETIREMENT.
Begin to assess what your monthly needs will be upon retiring. Knowing what you require will enable you to best develop a plan for the most tax-advantaged method of withdrawal from the sources of funds available to you.
5 BEGIN WORKING WITH A FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL.
A financial professional can assist you by running scenarios utilizing software that would illustrate whether your current rate of saving would meet your cash needs in retirement. If your probability of success is unlikely, you can increase the amount being saved or put off retirement. Scenarios could also recommend the proper order for utilizing your various retirement assets.
MEET THE EXPERT
Bob Paredes, ’96, is a vice president and senior trust advisor at UMB Bank, where he counsels clients on a variety of tax, business and estate planning matters. He holds a J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law and a master’s in tax law from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.
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’14 MBA Dr. Benjamin Roth has joined the family medicine team at Altru Health System. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree, with an emphasis on health care leadership before completing his family medicine residency at Altru.
’16 MBA Matthew Schull, CFP®, was named a senior adviser with Capital Investment Management in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The firm recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new Lee’s Summit office.
UPCOMING
EVENTS FEB. 6
(KANSAS CITY)
Conversation With an Alumnus Author Garrett Griffin, ’13 M.Ed., returns to campus to discuss his book, Racism in Kansas City: A Short History.
FEB. 8
’17 Kelsey Holland is currently working as a third-grade teacher at Wolf Springs Elementary School in the Blue Valley School District.
HAWK HANGOUT
(KANSAS CITY)
Alumni Night at the Ballgame Don’t miss this popular annual event that includes dinner and men’s and women’s basketball.
MARCH 25 (ST. LOUIS)
Palm Sunday Mass and Brunch Plan to attend this annual tradition for St. Louis alumni, parents and friends.
APRIL 5
(KANSAS CITY)
Rockhurst University Leadership Series Caroline Kennedy, former United States ambassador to Japan, presents “Leadership: Why It Matters.” For more information, visit alumni.rockhurst.edu.
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A group of Rockhurst University alumni celebrate after completing their early morning workout with the November Project’s Kansas City tribe at the Liberty Memorial. (From left) Meredith Larson, ’16; Phil Bennett, ’11, ’16 MBA; Brent Blazek, ’17 MBA, Allison Rank, ’08 Send your Hawk Hangout pictures to alumni@rockhurst.edu and you may see one in a future issue.
FOR ALUMNI
FROM THE CHAPTERS
After you leave the Rockhurst University campus, you remain a Hawk for life. Connect with Hawks in your hometown by checking the calendar at rockhurst.edu/alumni. Looking to organize a Rockhurst gathering where you live? Contact Katie Bolton at katie.bolton@rockhurst.edu.
Rockhurst Day at the Winery Rockhurst Night at Starlight Theatre Rachel Walker, ’15 (Left), and friend Ashely Mata, along with other Rockhurst alumni, families and friends, enjoyed an evening at Starlight Theatre on June 9, 2017, which included a pre-show dinner and performance of The Little Mermaid.
On Oct. 22, 2017, St. Louis-area alumni and friends gathered for an afternoon enjoying wine and conversation at Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta, Missouri. (From left) Mike Wallner, Bill Newbold, ’86, Laura Wallner, Allison Wallner, ’16, Erik Petersen, ’09, and Jackey Petersen.
Denver Alumni Day of Service Business of Beer On Oct. 17, 2017, Kansas City-area alumni got a taste for the business of beer from brewing industry expert Martin Stack, Ph.D., professor of management, and Richard Wagner, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics, at Boulevard Brewing Company. (From left) Michael Carmona, ’11, ’13 MBA, Ernesto Marquez, ’13, Edwin Locke Jr., Brian Dao, ’09, ’11 MBA.
On Nov. 11, 2017, alumni gathered in Denver to serve more than 300 people at the Lunch in the Park service event in partnership with Christ in the City. (From left) Meghan Lang, ’14, Carolyn Albrecht, ’13, Steven Schultz, ’00, and his daughter Catherine, Erin (Lang) Hayden, ’12, and Courtney Crotty, ’13.
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Alumni Awards Honor Five Exemplary Hawks
(Left, from left) Ed McKee, ’67, Chandra Clark, ’11 M.Ed., Rich Teahan, ’57, Denny Rabbitt, ’64 (Right, from left) The Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., Danny Duggan, ’14
T
hroughout fall 2017, Rockhurst University recognized five outstanding alumni for their contributions to their alma mater and their communities. At the annual alumni awards luncheon Sept. 30, 2017, the University presented four awards. Denny Rabbitt, ’64, and Ed McKee, ’67, received the Xavier Medal of Honor for those who personify the Jesuit value of service to others in their communities. Rabbitt was a member of the 1964 NAIA Hawks championship basketball team. McKee was a member of the Hawks basketball team and spent his career in sports media relations, helping to introduce the world to talents such as Larry Bird at Indiana State University. Both have been longtime supporters of the University and athletic programs in their communities. Rich Teahan, ’57, received the St. Ignatius Award, recognizing his significant accomplishments in his field of endeavor. Teahan served as an Army second lieutenant after graduating from Rockhurst, and was a freshman basketball coach and evening division instructor into the 1970s. He spent more than 50 years at Southwest Steel in Bonner Springs, Kansas, whose projects included
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the fence at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the exterior fence at the White House. Teahan has volunteered time with a number of organizations, such as the Rockhurst University Board of Regents and Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit honor society. The weekend’s Faber Young Alumni Award winner, Chandra Clark, ’11 M.Ed., is the current manager of external partnerships and post-secondary programming for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City. Driven by a passion for serving the underserved in the Kansas City area, Clark has been honored for her work by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Cerner Corporation. The other Faber Young Alumni Award, designated for a St. Louis area alumnus or alumna, was presented to Danny Duggan, ’14, as part of the Magis Award program in August. As a student, Duggan was driven by a desire to serve, a passion that has carried into his career as human resources director at Amigos for Christ, where he supports an organization helping communities in Nicaragua with basic needs such as access to clean water.
FOR ALUMNI
In Memoriam James T. Kehoe Jr., ’44 – July 19 Lawrence W. McManus, ’47 – Sept. 7 Patrick J. Clune Sr., ’48 – May 4 James A. Lehaney Jr., ’48 – June 21 Virgil V. Bruno, ’49 – June 28 Robert E. Clune, ’49 – Oct. 24 John R. Gilker, ’50 – Aug. 20 Lt. Col. Theodore J. Heller, ’50 – April 4 Gerald R. McLaughlin, ’50 – June 3 William J. Gilwee Jr., ’51 – Sept. 11 Frank A. Toplikar, ’51 – Aug. 25 John T. Graham, M.D., ’52 – May 14 Thomas J. Herron, ’52 – Aug. 25 Robert G. Barr, ’53 – Aug. 24 Raymond F. Hoefer, ’53 – May 2 Raymond C. Lawhon, ’53 – Sept. 27 Kevin F. Collins, ’55 – July 19 Jerry E. Symmonds, ’55 – Oct. 4 Roger J. Daldrup, M.D., ’56 – June 27 William J. Dalton, ’56 – Aug. 24 James F. Lillig, M.D., ’56 – May 11 James F. Gleeson, ’57 – May 12 Peter T. Dougherty, ’58 – Aug. 9 Paul F. Bannister, ’59 – June 18 Gerard J. Meiners, ’59 – July 20
Thomas P. O'Sullivan III, ’59 – June 19
John M. Connealy, ’73 – July 26
Arthur J. Hopfinger, ’60 – July 15
Gary A. Bock, ’75 – April 17
William F. Steffen, ’74 – Aug. 19
Lawrence B. Hughes, ’60 – July 16
Jill M. Schuetz, ’76 – Nov. 7
Sean P. Maguire, ’60 – Nov. 2
Mary A. Bisbee, ’77 – May 16
Philip A. Morris, ’62 – Sept. 14 David S. Podrebarac, ’62 – Aug. 25 William J. Raynor, ’63 – June 2 Harold J. Sellmeyer, ’64, ’90 MBA – Sept. 20 Eugene P. Watkins, ’64 – April 11 William M. McKinley, ’65 – June 4 Dan J. Holmes, ’67 – Sept. 23 Charles E. Allen, ’69 – Aug. 4 Marilyn Dorton, ‘69 – Aug. 8 Gary D. Grable, ’69 – May 18 Gary B. Kloster, ’69 – Oct. 9 Richard J. Linehan, ’69 – Sept. 10 Robert G. Prosser, ’70 – June 20 Stan H. Shippert, ’70 – April 10 Bobby G. Wise, ’70 – April 2 Thomas G. Holmes, ’71 – July 2 Louis J. Krumm, ’72 – Sept. 28 William T. Anderson, ’73 – June 8
Susan K. Kuntz, ’77 – Oct. 1 Edmond P. Ryan, ’77 – Aug. 3 Robert S. Allen, ’78 – June 16 Forrest W. Burgett Jr., ’78 – May 3 Robert D. Noyes, ’78 – April 21
John E. Craig, ’65 – April 12 Ray V. Weatherbee, ’65 – May 22
Robert J. Jaime, ’77 – May 9
Francis A. Uzomah, ’81, ’85 MBA – Sept. 22 Steven R. Brown, ’82 MBA – June 3 James R. Esser, ’82 – June 19 William B. Morton, ’90 – April 9 Phillip H. Schuley, ’91 EMBA – May 24 Linda R. Lambright, ’99 MBA – Sept. 21 Kirk F. Heinz, ’00 MBA – July 28 Matthew E. Wilson, ’03 MBA – April 26 Matthew R. McCullough, ’07 – April 14 Joseph S. Brokaw, ’12 – Oct. 30 Kerry Blankenship, ’14 – Oct. 7
Faculty Memory “One of the most impactful memories I have of James Daley, Ph.D., was his passion for working with undergraduate students. I specifically recall the way he mentored a student team in preparation for a trip to Latin America. He inspired me to be a better teacher and mentor.” – Richard Graham, ’11 EMBA, associate
dean of the Helzberg School of Management
James Daley, Ph.D., former dean of the Helzberg School of Management, died Sept. 2, 2017.
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?
WHERE ARE THEY NOW
CATCHING UP WITH FORMER ATHLETES
Recent Graduate Volunteers in Houston for a Year
W
hen Michael Lydon-Lorson, ’17, started college, he envisioned himself going to law school or into the major leagues after graduation. But after signing on with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps instead, he found himself in Houston facing down Hurricane Harvey and the 33 trillion gallons of water it dropped along its path. In August 2017, just days after starting his assignment working along with Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston at the St. Frances Cabrini Center for Immigration Legal Assistance, the rain started falling. Harvey was upon them. “It wouldn’t stop raining for four or five days,” LydonLorson said. About a third of the city flooded. All public transportation stopped and that’s when you started seeing people going out in boats.”
Michael Lydon-Lorson, ’17
“These were the nicest people and they were forced out of their homes. They’ve lost everything and don’t know what to do next.” —Michael Lydon-Lorson, ’17
Thankfully, the JVC residence was spared from any flooding and left a house full of Jesuit Volunteers ready to help with any relief efforts as soon as it was safe. For the next week, the JVs and Catholic Charities worked at different locations, including the Houston Convention Center, trying to get the bare essentials to victims of the flooding. He said it was difficult to hear the stories of undocumented immigrants who are flood victims, but not eligible for FEMA assistance. “These were the nicest people and they were forced out of their homes,” he said. “They’ve lost everything and don’t know what to do next.” After a hectic week, Lydon-Lorson was able to return to fulfill his one-year role at the immigration services, helping to translate as immigrants navigate through the United States’ complex immigration system. “Everything you do here is as a team,” he said. “Learning how to work in a team and depend and trust the people you work with is something I learned at Rockhurst. Baseball also taught me a sense of discipline and work ethic that I was able to bring into the real world.”
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FOR ALUMNI
EVERYDAY LEADERS Simple Need Pushes Alumna’s Career in New Directions
O
f all the titles that Holly Godfrey, ’02, expected to hold after graduating from Rockhurst University, “business owner” was not one of them.
But things worked out in unexpected ways that led Godfrey, a communication sciences and disorders alumna, to found her global business, Catalyst. Working as a rehabilitation manager at Kansas City’s Truman Medical Center, helping trauma and intensive care patients regain speech, Godfrey said she wanted to buy high-quality, ethically made versions of the scrubs she spent so much time in. “And I realized, basically, that the thing I was looking for didn’t exist,” she said. Godfrey asked on a fair trade-focused page on Facebook. No luck there. But she continued gathering info. Each piece along the way was a dot, and Godfrey said she hoped once she connected those dots, she’d be able to step aside. “But as I started meeting people, I realized that I was going to be the person who was spearheading the whole thing,” she said.
She worked through a Wisconsinbased organization to connect with a cooperative textile facility in India for production. She offered a small run of scrubs made by the cooperative through Facebook and word of mouth. They sold out in less than 48 hours. Catalyst was then accepted into the Betablox startup incubator program in Kansas City, and in 2015 launched a website for the brand. Today, Catalyst scrubs are sold in 48 states and worldwide, providing additional opportunities for the women in those communities to earn a living wage.
Holly Godfrey, ’02
“I realized that I was going to be the Godfrey has since become a part-time person who was therapist at Truman Medical Center spearheading the to give herself time to run Catalyst. whole thing.” She also consults for other new small businesses on the side. As someone who said her past self would likely get a “good laugh” out of that news, Godfrey said she now sees how her two worlds are not as different as they seem.
—Holly Godfrey, ’02
“The goal as a speech therapist is to help people connect and communicate,” she said. “Running Catalyst requires that ability to connect, too, and I guess that’s been my strength all along.”
HIRE A HAWK rockhurst.edu/hireahawk
Looking for the perfect addition to your team? Contact Rockhurst University’s Career Services to connect with RU alumni and students looking to start their careers and secure internships.
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IN CLOSING
“Thoughts on ’67 Turning 50” BY BOB CROSSLEY, ’67
Bob Crossley addressed his classmates at the Sept. 29, 2017, Golden Hawks reunion, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Rockhurst College class of 1967. Following are excerpts from his speech.
I
imagine that one thing most of us have in common is that anticipating this reunion has forced us to reflect on the passage of time and what time means and how we process change. Sometimes it feels to me like our days at Rockhurst happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, but then I’ll have a memory jolt that is as sharp and intense as if I were just here yesterday. In my mind’s eye, I see Gary Schilmoeller setting up his ironing board on Friday nights in the basement of Xavier-Loyola for guys who had dates and were willing to pay for a freshly ironed shirt. I hear Rich Friedrich on a pizza run in his car shouting to whoever was sitting in the front passenger seat to “hit the KUDL button” (KUDL being then the best rock radio station in KC). I remember with sadness my pal Mike Riley introducing me to The Lord of the Rings and helping me discover my inner hobbit. I can see some guys gliding down the walkway to Corcoran Hall on those toys newly imported from California: skateboards; and I see other guys storming the fieldhouse to cheer on Big Ed and the Hawks. I see the tiny but formidable figure of Reva Servoss who had survived the Nazis and in the same year we arrived as freshmen began her career in the chemistry department, one of the very few women faculty at the College. I think back to late afternoons hanging out in the Rock Room, where dormers and dayhops found common ground, arguing politics and philosophy over coffee. On Saturday nights, we would head out in twos or threes or sixes to the Plaza Theater to see Sean Connery in Goldfinger, to the Uptown for the Beatles’ Hard Day’s Night, or to the Rockhill Theater where I was utterly baffled by my first foreign-language, subtitled movie. Or groups would set out on that magical half-hour walk to cross the state
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line for watery 3.2 beer. But, on a serious note, I haven’t yet mentioned the elephant in the room that must be acknowledged. Hovering over us like a thundercloud as we graduated was the War. Vietnam dramatically changed our lives and it cost or shortened the lives of some of our classmates who might otherwise have been with us tonight. One last return to my theme of time and change: Rockhurst changed me more deeply and lastingly than any of my previous schooling and certainly more than my graduate school did. It was here that I started to become my own person, so I’ll conclude with a brief story about personal change and invite you to conjure up from your memories your own stories about how experiences at Rockhurst transformed you. My significant moment was a modest one but it mattered to me. It didn’t happen in a classroom and it goes back to December 1963 when as freshmen we were all getting ready to go our separate ways for the Christmas vacation. I came down to the rec room of Xavier-Loyola and found that some of my new college friends were throwing me a surprise 18th birthday party. I was overwhelmed. It was the first time in my life that I had had a birthday party. Going to college had been a hard transition for me and I often felt way out of my depth but on that night, I realized I had found a community and there was a place for me in it. I have thought about that night many times as the launch of a new life. I still had a long way to go to develop the social skills and the center of gravity of a mature adult but on that day, I was for the first time genuinely, unreservedly happy to be at Rockhurst and to have lucked into such caring, raucously good-natured friends. Did I ever properly say thank you? Can I ever thank you and this institution enough? Bob Crossley, ’67, a Rockhurst English major and classics minor, lives in Boston with his wife, Monica McAlpine. Retired from the University of Massachusetts Boston, he is the author of Olaf Stapledon: Speaking for the Future (1994), Imagining Mars (2011) and many essays and chapters in books for both scholarly and general audiences.
TIME AND PLACE
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13, 2017 Four-year-old Hudson Borton receives a custom-made prosthetic arm, a project led in part by Mandi Sonnenberg, Ed.D. (Far right), associate professor of education, at Kansas City’s STEAM Studio.
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
1100 Rockhurst Road Kansas City, MO 64110-2561
The Black Student Union hosted a campus solidarity event in October featuring informal discussions about racial intolerance.
Kansas City, M0. Permit No. 782