Spring Hill College Alumni Magazine Spring 2023

SPRING HILL’S FUTURE

Guided By History Maker

Dr. Mary H. Van Brunt

INSIDE:

A CAREER SHAPED BY A STUDENT SERVICE TRIP

ALUMNA DONOR SHARES THE GIFT OF THE HILL

EXPANDING ACADEMIC PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS COMMUNITY NEEDS

'72 CLASS

Following a 50-year “rain delay,” members of the SHC 1972 Class walked the Avenue of the Oaks during Homecoming. Fifty years prior, inclement weather prevented their graduating class from participating in this long-standing Spring Hill College tradition.

Dear Alumni and Friends:

I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome to Spring Hill College! I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the College and to work alongside you in preparing our students to make a positive impact on our world.

My promise to you is that each day I will devote all my energy and experience to honoring the rich traditions at Spring Hill, while working to expand the impact we have in the Mobile regional community and across the globe.

In this issue, you are able to read specific examples of the academic excellence that is at the heart of Spring Hill College, as well as the programs that help develop our students to be active leaders in the service of others.You will also find examples of how our alumni and donors are able to share the Spring Hill experience with students.

As part of my new role, I look forward to meeting you soon and learning more about you in person. My hope is that we can match your passion with meaningful and rewarding ways to be part of our success at Spring Hill College and to be part of our exciting future.

In closing, I want to thank Joe Lee for his guidance and help in making this a smooth leadership transition. I also want to thank the entire Spring Hill community for their insight and enthusiasm.

In His Service,

SPRINGHILL

President

Mary H. Van Brunt, PhD

Vice President for Advancement

Racheal Banks, PhD

Assistant Vice President for Advancement Operations

Acting Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement

Ann Eleece Kouns, MPA

Director of Development

Brittany Ramsey

Director of Advancement Communications

Paul Taylor

Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement & Individual Giving

Zachary Doll

Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Campaigns

Ellie Milwee ‘21

Assistant Director of Donor Engagement & Copy Editor

Elizabeth Mack

Major Gift Officers

Dan Mellett

Catherine Vulevich

Contributing Writers

William Newell ‘23

Paul Taylor

Photography

Corey Jenkins

Seth Laubinger ‘02

Riley Navarre ‘19

Comments should be addressed to: Spring Hill College Magazine

4000 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36608-1791

(251) 380-4000

To update your address or mailing preferences,

Mary H. Van Brunt, PhD President Spring Hill College

TABLE OF CONTENTS

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges Rankings recently ranked Spring Hill College number seven among regional colleges in the South. The College was also ranked number 12 in best value and among the 100 top performers in social mobility. The College has continued to earn impressive rankings from Forbes magazine and niche.com for its nursing and business programs. The College has earned these distinctions because of its commitment to preparing students through curriculum advancements, career development, and the value of its Jesuit, Catholic liberal arts degree.

Spring Hill College

alumna Tyloria Tims Crenshaw ‘85 was named director of marketing and communications for the College. She earned her bachelor’s in communications from Spring Hill in 1985 with a minor in political science.

Erica White joined Spring Hill as the coordinator for the TRIO Student Support Services. White, who previously worked in social services, earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of South Alabama and her master’s degree from the University of Mobile in higher education leadership & policy.

Congratulations to Dr. James Larriviere, associate professor of economics, for being named Lagniappe's 2022 Nappie Award Winner for Best Local College Professor.

Rebecca Robinson was recently named the director following several months serving as interim. She started at the College in 2014.

Spring Hill's own Nicole Larriviere, MA, assistant professor and internship coordinator in the division of business, participated in a panel discussion hosted by AlabamaWorks! and the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier this year, Nolan Kotila was named Spring Hill's new sports information director. Kotila graduated from the University of South Alabama, where he worked in USA’s athletic department in digital communications.

Pope Francis has named a U.S. Jesuit and Spring Hill College alumnus, Fr. Mark A. Lewis, S.J. ‘62, Gregorian University in Rome. Lewis received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and philosophy from Spring Hill and also served on the faculty and as an assistant to the president.

Spring Hill alumnus Matt LeMond ‘07, local entrepreneur and owner of both O'Daly's and Post Wine Bar, announced in November that his company will be taking over management of the bar and grill at Spring Hill’s Golf Course. SHC students have been working with LeMond on a business and marketing plan for the reorganized restaurant.

Congratulations to three women of Spring Hill College who were selected as Focus 40/40 Awards Honorees. Dr. Stephanie Gapud, assistant professor in the division of business; Stacy Wellborn, instructor in the division of business; Alumna Jill Chenoweth '88; president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Alabama. Focus celebrates amazing women over forty who have made a mark professionally and impacted their community.

Congratulations to Coby N. Harrison, MD ‘18 and Jennifer Moore Perry, CAP, OP, PM ‘05 for being recognized as members of the Mobile Bay 2023 Class of 40 Under 40. The Spring Hill alumna were among those honored as the top individuals younger than age 40 who demonstrate leadership, professional excellence and a commitment to the Mobile Bay area community.

Spring Hill College's plans to construct a new state-of-the-art health science and innovation center on Spring Hill College’s campus are rapidly moving forward, following an announcement in December of $35 million in federal funding.

“This project is part of our efforts to address current and future workforce shortages in

of Spring Hill graduates,” explained Mary H. Van Brunt, PhD., president of Spring Hill College. “We are deeply appreciative of the advocacy of Senator Richard Shelby and his staff in responding to SHC’s request for funding.”

According to Van Brunt, this investment in Spring Hill College is an acknowledgment of our successful academic programs and the tremendous positive impact alumni make in their home communities.

MARY VAN BRUNT Looks Towards The Future While

Making History On The Hill

If you have any connection to Spring Hill College, or even just live in the greater Mobile community, the College’s new president wants to meet you.

“I’m a relationship leader,” said Mary H. Van Brunt, PhD, president of Spring Hill College. “I believe in the power of strong relationships with our campus community as well as the Mobile community, the Jesuit community and alumni.”

She sees those personal links as essential to achieving her top goal for Spring Hill: growth.

“It’s building those relationships — and then building strong teams that have different perspectives — that can solve the complex problems that we have in higher education,” explained Van Brunt, who with her appointment has the distinction of being the first woman serving as president at Spring Hill.

Wherever she travels, Van Brunt wants to meet alumni and friends of the College. “I want to know what they are passionate about,” she said. “I also want to share where Spring Hill is headed. Most importantly, I want to find ways to build on their passion and work together to grow Spring Hill College.”

“We owe it to our alumni to make it easy for them to stay continually engaged with their alma mater,” she said. “I am committed to creating opportunities for our alumni and friends to connect and to nurture these important relationships.”

Van Brunt said her selection as the first woman among Spring Hill’s 39 presidents shouldn’t have been a surprise. “One of the things about Spring Hill is being on the forefront of change,” she said. “Spring Hill has an amazing history that speaks to the traditions of Jesuit-based education. For example, we were the first college in the state of Alabama to desegregate, leading the way for other colleges and universities throughout the nation to follow our example.”

Van Brunt fully understands the Jesuit educational mission. She is a lifelong practicing Catholic who comes to Spring Hill from Gwynedd Mercy University near Philadelphia, where she was provost and vice president for academic affairs.

She was also the founding dean of the School of Business, Arts and Media at Cabrini University. She

"Since 1830, Spring Hill has experienced an amazing history that speaks to the traditions of Jesuitbased education."

earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Ursinus College, a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from St. Joseph’s University and a doctorate in economics from Lehigh University.

All five of those institutions are in eastern Pennsylvania. Gwynedd Mercy, Cabrini and St. Joseph’s are Catholic, and St. Joseph’s is a Jesuit university.

“I feel strongly about the Jesuit holistic approach of mind, body, spirit for the students,” Van Brunt said. “It is so needed today. It’s not just about preparing you to get the job. It’s preparing you for life, and for your next career and your next career after that.”

Van Brunt began her career in the banking, securities and pharmaceutical industries and was an award-winning economics professor. “I’m data driven, so I do a financial analysis for pretty much everything,” she said. “I want to know the risks.”

"At the same time, I had a liberal arts background. Because of that, I was able to change careers very easily, because I learned how to think critically. All of those so-called ‘soft skills’ I think are most important.”

She considers the Jesuit educational tradition more relevant these days than ever. “Today, young students really struggle with so much anxiety. They're extremely career focused and on such a linear path.”

One of the first Spring Hill students she met during her interview process was fretting about the preparedness for the first real-world job. “I shared with them, ‘Whatever job you start with, you'll build skills,’” she said. “’And then when you go to the next job, you’ll take those skills with you.You don’t have to be able to do it all right now, you’ll build your skills over time.’”

Van Brunt said the faculty, staff and everyone else at Spring Hill must understand the College’s mission and work together to carry it out.

Once while preparing for an accreditation visit at another institution, she asked an employee how their job related to the university’s mission. In return, she got a blank stare. “I said, ‘No, we all should to be able to answer that!’”

Van Brunt and her husband, Chris, enjoy spending time with their dog, Stella, and their six adult children. She likes swimming, kayaking and traveling abroad. She loves music, especially country music.

She reads avidly — everything from political thrillers to business books.

One favorite book in the latter category is Be Our Guest, from The Walt Disney Company. It explores, as the subtitle says, “perfecting the art of customer service.”

According to Van Brunt, applying the principles found in the book at Spring Hill leads to the questions, "What is the student experience? And are we looking at everything through that lens?”

For example, she said, “Sometimes an email or text is no substitute for face-to-face help. Do office hours need to be adjusted so it’s easier for students to see a professor without having to cut a class? Online learning offers flexibility, but many students learn better with in-person teaching — what’s the best way to balance the two modes?”

She wants to keep students and their parents informed as the College works through such issues. “I’m a strong believer in openness and communication,” she said. “By doing so, you build trust among the community.”

Asked what famous person she admires the most, she said she’d like to travel back in time to meet Jesus.

“I think about it a little bit differently,” she said. “I always wonder, if I was there during Jesus’ time, listening to Him talking, before people really knew who He was, would I believe?”

GOLDEN BADGER DINNER

One of the signature events during Homecoming each year is the Golden Badger Dinner - an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the class members who graduated from Spring Hill College 50 years prior. This year, the Class of 1972 made its way to the event in the Byrne Memorial Library after walking down The Avenue of The Oaks, a missed opportunity for them back in 1972. The special dinner was accompanied by a memories slideshow coordinated by Dr. Dan Reimer featuring the ‘72 class during their time on The Hill, and an original musical performance by Larry Ackels’ nephew, Thomas Ackels, that paid homage to the class.

Also at the Golden Badger Dinner, members of the class were asked to support the 1972 Class Fund as a way to honor their Spring Hill education and experiences.

To date, the class has raised $95,250. If you are interested in making a donation to the Class of 1972 Fund, contact Zachary Doll in Spring Hill College’s or (251) 639-1719.

EVENTS FROM 1972

Landmark gender equity law Title IX was passed, banning sex discrimination in all federally-funded educational programs.

“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack dominates radio airplay.

Spring Hill College inducts Happy Mahfouz into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Olympic Games are overshadowed by the murder of 11 athletes. Jack Nicklaus wins the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links. The Rolling Stones perform in Mobile.

Volkswagen Beetle sales exceeded those of the Ford Model-T when the 15,007,034th VW Beetle was produced.

NASA’s Apollo 17 mission marks the last moon landing.

NURTURING A Connected Student Community

College campuses around the country are charged with youthful electricity. Quentin Breckenridge, Spring Hill's new director of Center of Student Involvement (CSI), felt called to elevate his campus community in his own years at school. "When I was an undergrad, I was inspired by one of my hall directors to become an RA and then pursue a master’s degree in student affairs," Breckenridge reflected.

Breckenridge's passion for student projects led him to different universities around the country until ultimately coming to The Hill, which proved to be a perfect fit. Breckenridge reminisced, "When I first arrived, I was blown away with the beauty of Spring Hill's campus. More deeply, I realized the amount of potential that rests here at Spring Hill."

Quentin Breckenridge, known affectionately by students as “Mr. Q,” shares his high energy and passion to ignite Spring Hill's student body.

Over the course of his career in student engagement, Breckenridge has encountered both positive and negative situations on campuses. At Benedictine College, Breckenridge served as a resident manager where he made deep connections with students at the vibrant Catholic college located in Kansas. However, Breckenridge also suffered the heartbreak of losing Lincoln College's community when the historic university closed in 2022. These situations gave Breckenridge a powerful understanding of the high stakes collegiate leaders face when guiding institutions. His experiences also give him perspective of the great potential that exists at Spring Hill College.

Breckenridge has worked tirelessly to tap into the school's potential by connecting with Spring Hill's crown jewel: the vibrant student community. "One of my missions has been to strengthen student life by developing new clubs and organizations on campus. So, this past spring has given me that opportunity to step into a leadership role in both student and institutional development."

Mr. Q, as he is commonly referred to by students, has big plans to impact the school community, but he has also been touched by the school community himself. "Moving from the Midwest to the South, I quickly realized I needed to have genuine passion in an area like this. It was a big transition for me."

Spring Hill College is fueled by the various passions and personalities of its community members, and Mr. Q's desire to create an inclusive and diverse environment for students of all backgrounds speaks to the tune of the school's Jesuit mission. Breckenridge noted, "We make a strong effort to be open to all

of our students, regardless of their background. So whether it's our international students, our students of color or different nationalities, we want to make sure that our space is open for those students to come in and have important conversations or even just to say hello."

Breckenridge's passion has struck a chord with students on campus. "A fond memory of mine is when two students stopped me outside of my office and told me, 'Mr. Q! You're bringing so much to our campus that wasn't here.' As I was experiencing the transition to this new community, those interactions meant so much to me," said Breckenridge. He also noted that he worked with both students to eventually found a new club of their own.

One immediate change

Mr. Q brought to the CSI department was the makeover of the CSI's office. What was once a simple administrative room has now become a visually stimulating and vibrant hub for students to build relationships and unwind. Breckenridge said, "In the first few months

we wanted to get students in this office and change the culture of this office, even the physical aspect. I wanted our office space to have meaning to it." Those changes include a neon "Hill Yeah" sign, a small desk to open up a more welcoming space and a green wall with green artificial foliage. The changes made to the area have made it a popular spot for current and prospective students alike.

"I realized the amount of potential that rests here at Spring Hill."

Spring Hill College’s English as a Second Language Program gives students like Kaitlyn Bernard an opportunity to serve members of Mobile’s Spanish-speaking community by removing language barriers. Bernard is a junior majoring in secondary education and Spanish.

Teacher & Student Learning Through the Service of Others

AS SPRING HILL STUDENTS RETURN TO THEIR DORMS AND THE FINAL CLASSES OF THE DAY ARE DISMISSED, THE CAMPUS WELCOMES COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO SEEK TO BETTER THEIR LIVES WITH A LIFE-CHANGING EDUCATION.

For 15 years, Spring Hill College has offered ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for adults seeking to learn or improve their English. However, the College has recently professional feedback.

The ESL program is staffed by students with a passion for education and who seek to

reforms made within the program, "Before, ESL was only oriented towards serving our community's needs. But, we have begun transitioning the ESL program into more of a teaching laboratory and a job development program for the college students."

focus on professional development has brought new life to the classrooms. Irizarry

run class is a huge accomplishment. Our students-teachers are 19-20 years old teaching a group of adults, and that's really cool to watch."

Irizarry described the holistic approach of the program, which invites attendees into the Spring Hill family, quite literally. "We serve about 120 adult community members, but we also serve their children, because when they come for classes twice a week, we provide free childcare," she said. The families attend not only for an education, but also, a good time. Irizarry said, "It's a very multigenerational environment, and it's really fun and lively!"

Generous donations to the program have enabled students to now receive Teaching

professionalized teaching core," said Irizarry.

Dr. Cynthia Torres, an English and Spanish professor on The Hill, works with students

working with student-teachers, the families attending receive a better education and a lively experience.

Rachel Younce had a lifechanging experience as a Spring Hill student during an ISIP trip. Today, as a campus minister, she helps open doors for students through retreats, immersion and other justice projects.

A Call Answered After Immersion Experience

IN 2012, RACHEL YOUNCE VISITED SPRING HILL COLLEGE’S CAMPUS

FOR THE FIRST TIME AS A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR, IMMEDIATELY FEELING A SENSE OF CLOSENESS AND UNDERSTANDING THAT IT WAS GOD’S PLAN FOR HER TO CONTINUE HER EDUCATION HERE.

During her sophomore year at Spring Hill, Younce was introduced to the International Service Immersion Program (ISIP). Through an ISIP trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica, her faith deepened and her path towards a career of service began to take form.

“It was during this time that my faith grew profoundly,” Younce, now serving as one of Spring Hill's full-time campus ministers, explained. “I had this moment where I felt such a closeness to God and His presence. That’s when I realized there's something special about these trips.”

Younce joined Spring Hill's ISIP trips both years as an upperclassman following her initial transformative experience. Younce recalled, "I went to Punta Gorda, Belize, my junior year and then to Nicaragua my senior year. After that, I knew my career path would involve service."

Now certain of her calling, Younce then ventured halfway around the globe to join Sarah's holding me back. I had everything to gain and nothing to lose, so I went there for six months. I had no idea who was going to be in the volunteer area," Younce said, "I was really taking a leap of faith going into that, but it was something that I felt passionate about."

Younce's passion, faith, and trust in God's plan for her life would ultimately lead her back to Spring Hill College, where her love of service blossomed. In 2022, Younce was hired as a fulltime campus minister with a focus on retreats, immersion and other justice projects. "When this position opened up, I told myself, 'I have to do this,'" said Younce.

Her hope is that the retreats and service projects in Campus Ministry will expose students on The Hill to new experiences. These opportunities have the potential to broaden their perspective and invite them into a deeper relationship with God and the world around them.

ISIP trips are built on the value of community. "We want to create relationships with the people we are visiting, get to know their family members, and get to know the people in the partner organizations. We're not just serving them, we're working alongside them. We have so much to learn from them," said Younce.

ISIP trips and other retreats challenge Spring Hill College students to grow in mind, body and spirit. Because Younce was so impacted by these trips herself, she deeply understands the students, Younce said, "I feel blessed to be in a position to help create these avenues for students to engage and to help open their eyes to possibly different vocational opportunities and service opportunities."

SPRING HILL CELEBRATES Outstanding Athletes

standouts were inducted into the Spring Hill College Athletics Hall of Fame while three championship teams were recognized.

The 2022 Hall of Fame induction class includes basketball players Ronald Gomez ‘94, Sandretta Miller ‘83 and Donmeka Martin ‘88. Legendary SHC baseball coach Frank Sims was inducted alongside pitcher Joe Stutz.

Three teams were also recognized: the 1981-82 women's basketball team along with the 1991-92 men's basketball and baseball teams.

played with a tough, hard-nosed attitude. He was a key member of the great SHC basketball teams in the early 1990s. A three-time All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) selection (1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94), All-American honorable mention in 199192 and 1993-94, Gomez helped the Badgers to three National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament appearances, including the 1992 NAIA Sweet Sixteen. The Badgers also won three District 30 and GCAC championships during his career. Gomez scored a career total of 1,355 points with 603 total career rebounds.

Miller played for the SHC women's basketball team and SHC Hall of Fame coach Jeanne Milling from 1979-1983. She scored 1,247 career points during her time at Spring Hill. In her freshman year, she scored a team high 402 points and holds the

19 against the University of New Orleans on Dec. 1, 1979. She led the team in assists and free throw percentage in 1980-81. A member of 1981-82 Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) All-Regional Team, Miller was a key member of two of the best women's basketball teams in SHC history; the 1981-82 team that went 23-7 and to the AIAW Regional Tournament and the 1982- 83 team that went 21-11. The 44 wins in back-to-back years is the best ever in Badger women's basketball history. Martin is the women's basketball all-time leader in points with 2,128 and rebounds with 1,200 at the time of her induction into the Spring Hill College Hall of Fame. She holds the single season records

attempts (234) and blocks (67). Martin also holds the individual career records for points (2,128), points

(1,654), free throws (486), free throw attempts (759), rebounds and blocks (227). A third-team All-

American in 1998 and honorable mention in 1997, Martin earned multiple accolades during her time at Spring Hill. She was named NAIA National Player of the Week in 1998 and Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 1996-97. Martin was an allconference selection for four consecutive years from 1994-1998.

Sims retired in 2022, after 37 years at the helm of the Badger baseball team. Sims holds the record for most career victories at Spring Hill with a total of 1,010 wins. During his tenure at SHC, he had 27 20-win seasons, seven 30-win seasons, two 40-win seasons and six conference championships. Spring Hill appeared in the NAIA Regional Tournament four times during his years and Sims has been honored as a Conference

being the 2014 Independent Collegiate Athletic Association (ICAA) honor in NCAA Division II. Sims was inducted into the Alabama Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2017. The Badgers won the 2022 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Tournament Championship where Sims was named the "Coach of the Tournament" and SHC secured the team's second trip to an NCAA Division II South Region Championship Tournament.

Stutz ‘92 was one of the best pitchers in SHC baseball history. He is still in the top 5 of many categories for career records including wins (26), saves (7), innings pitched (322.1) and single game strikeouts (13). He was named cocaptain of the baseball team in 1992. An All-GCAC selection in 1992, Stutz anchored the SHC pitching staff that year and helped win a school record 40 games and the NAIA District 30 Championship, advancing to the NAIA Tournament.

The 1981-82 women's basketball team set school records for wins (23) and winning percentage (.767) while qualifying for the AIAW Regional Tournament.

The 1991-92 baseball team won the District 30 Championship while setting school records for wins (40) and winning percentage (.727).

The 1991-92 men's basketball team won the

Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NAIA National Tournament.

ANATOMY OF THE CREST

The Spring Hill College crest gives insight into the history of the College in symbols and is a key element of the College’s logo.

The indented or waved pattern in the upper left recalls a carpenter’s saw. The waves also represent the name of the College in suggesting springs of water and allude as well to the founder, Bishop Michael Portier, who insisted that his location have both elevation and water and thus chose a beautiful, heavily wooded tract of land high above Mobile in a section aptly named Spring Hill.

The founding date, 1830, appears at the very top.

The Greek letters Iota, Eta (crossed) and Sigma constitute the insignia of the Society of Jesus.

The inverted chevron in the center recalls a carpenter’s square in reference to St. Joseph’s craft, since he is the patron saint of the College.

The color purple has at least three meanings. It has been used widely in British heraldry. It is also a symbol of justice and sovereign majesty and is associated with royalty. In addition, purple is a liturgical color related to Advent.

meanings. First, it represents St. Joseph, whose since the College is French both in its founder, Bishop Portier, and in the original group of de-lis is also associated with the Holy Trinity.

BEATTIE TREE Dedication

Spring Hill College’s campus was dedicated in memory of James D. “Jim” Beattie ‘69. Beattie’s wife, Dorothy, along with family and friends gathered around the base of

for a ceremony led by Fr. Bob Poirier,

S.J.

From left to right: Tim Beattie, Dorothy Beattie ‘71, Bill C. Hare III ’65 and Fr. Bob Poirier, S.J. stand in front of the tree dedicated in memory of 1969 Spring Hill College graduate Jim Beattie.

Dr. Rebecca Cantor came to Spring Hill College this past summer following two decades in higher education. We recently sat down with her to talk about her motivation and vision for academic excellence on The Hill.

Twelve Questions FOR THE PROVOST

of your role and responsibilities?

I have the privilege of working with faculty, staff, students and the president's cabinet in my role as the chief academic officer on campus. Together, we’re working to ensure Spring Hill College’s academic programs are exciting, modern, and sustainable in the shifting future. A large part of the provost role is serving as a member of cabinet and supporting the president's vision - both internally and externally.

As a young person, what did you want to be when you got older?

I wanted to be a writer and started writing terrible poetry very early on in life. Now, while it’s not my day job, I still get to write and have published two books of poetry. There’s just something about finding the right angle to best illustrate an idea.

What triggered your career path in academia?

I wanted to be an English professor, and I’ve taught more than 70 English and writing courses, but ultimately leadership is what feeds my soul and allows me to serve best. My first leadership role was in a writing center, and I was hooked on the opportunity to make a difference.

life? How did they help you?

Dr. Kim Bridgford was my advisor during my undergraduate studies at Fairfield University. She invited me to take her poetry class, and I ended up taking four classes with her. She helped me to become a poet, but even more so, I model so much of my teaching on her example!

How would you describe your management style?

My management style has been described as horizontal. I aim to come alongside the folks I’m working with to create shared goals and clear plans to meet those goals. I’m also a big fan of “management by walking around,” which can be a bit of a challenge on a 381-acre campus, but it’s so beautiful that I love every step!

What issues are you currently focusing most of your time on?

Right now, Academic Affairs is focused on ensuring our portfolio of programs is the best it can be for our students and their needs.

What would students and faculty be surprised to learn about you?

This secret may be out because I go to every Badger volleyball game I can, but I played volleyball in college. A close second to my educational experience at two Jesuit institutions, understanding the student athlete's perspective has been so helpful in my role on The Hill!

Who is a famous person you admire? Do you mean other than Oprah?

Minecraft and board games with my two kids, walks with the dogs, and exploring Mobile!

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig and Fans First by Jesse Cole— Big Savannah Bananas fan!

What’s on the Rebecca Cantor Spotify playlist?

Madeleine Peyroux, Billy Joel, Kacey Musgraves, You+Me, Brandi Carlile, B.B. King, Ingrid Michaelson, and all things LinManuel Miranda, to name a few.

How would you describe Spring Hill College to students who are considering attending here and to faculty who are interested in learning more about a career at Spring Hill College?

Even with our beautiful campus and rich history, it’s our amazing people - our faculty, staff and students - who make this place sing. We are fortunate to have a thriving community that is student-focused and supportive to go along with our excellent academic programs.

"WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE A THRIVING COMMUNITY THAT IS STUDENT-FOCUSED AND SUPPORTIVE TO GO ALONG WITH OUR EXCELLENT ACADEMIC PROGRAMS."

HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND 2022

HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND ON THE HILL

This past October, Badgers and future Badgers made their way to Spring Hill’s campus for Homecoming on The Hill / Spring Hill’s Family Weekend. The well-attended two-day event offered alumni a chance to renew friendships, celebrate

insight to prospective students on what makes Spring Hill College such a special place.

Plans are already underway for next year. Mark your calendar for 2023 Homecoming on The Hill / Family Weekend slated for October 20-22, 2023.

SHARING A GIFT RECEIVED Through Giving

Growing up in Jackson, Miss., Mary Linda Portner ‘74 had never even heard of Spring Hill College. That all changed in the Spring of 1970 when a relative recommended she get a "good Jesuit education."

Decades later, Mary Linda Portner and her husband, Paul Fisher, are committed to giving that "good Jesuit education" to students for generations to come with a scholarship fund.

Portner has since looked back fondly at her years on the Hill. "Spring Hill allowed me to become the

person that God created me to be," she reflected. She attributes a number of role models, friends, and educators with making her college experience so impactful.

"There were brilliant Jesuits who were on faculty here. We also had great professors with graduate degrees from very prestigious institutions," Portner recalled as she remembered the first-class education she received. Although, the most important part of her experience was the connections she made with

Mary Linda Portner '74 and Paul Fisher support Spring Hill

- to share the transformative experience Mary Linda had as a student with others.

those she admired. She said, "We knew that our faculty members truly cared about what was going on in our lives."

Portner experienced this first-hand when her father was diagnosed with cancer and shortly passed away a few weeks later. Upon hearing the news, Spring Hill's chaplain rounded up as many of her friends as he could find and put them in a van to Jackson so that they could support their friend, Mary Linda, at the funeral. Portner reflected, "That was so touching. There was a real degree of caring and nurturing that went on here."

The Fisher-Portners have always felt called to give back to Spring Hill. "The reason we give is because we are blessed, and we feel strongly that you share your blessings." Fisher knew how much Spring Hill changed his wife's life and decided to start a scholarship so that future students can experience the same blessings. Fisher said, "We want to share an experience with others who may not be able to afford a Spring Hill education. We want to share the gift that we've received with other people."

In 2005, the Fisher-Portners met a few scholarshipeligible students and formed connections that led them to give back. Portner said, "Paul was so impressed with the young women who were with us that we decided to endow a scholarship for young women of color who are first generation students."

While the Fisher-Portners had given annually for years, the gift of a scholarship proved to have a lasting impact on the mission they believe in so strongly. Fisher said, "Making an estate gift is like planting a tree under whose shade you will never sit.You have the faith in the institution that is going to nurture your gift and grow it into something that is going to provide shade for generations to come."

Following successful careers and now retired, Mary Linda and Paul understand the value of education. Both are intent on passing that great gift to the future. "We are who we are today because of our education. And if we give back, there's people who will become who they should be," Fisher said.

"Spring Hill allowed me to become the person that God created me to be."

THE FIFTH GOSPEL: THE ORIGINS OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE LAND OF ISRAEL

From June 25 to July 5, 2023, Spring Hill will host its second biblical tour to the Holy Land where participants will visit the sites where significant historical events occurred during the first three decades of Christianity.

As in last year’s tour, Sister Nélida Naveros Córdova, CDP, graduate theology program director, is organizing the tour in conjunction with Tutku Tours, an educational/archaeological travel company based in Turkey. Last year, Sister Nélida noted that “the experience of being at the archaeological sites of major biblical events deeply impacted the hearts of many Christians."

The tour lasts for 11 days and includes notable locations such as the Garden of Gethsemane, Galilee, and the Church of the Nativity. Spring Hill is inviting

participants to join this year’s tour, which we promise will be an unforgettable and transforming experience. The cost of the tour is $4,290, which includes plane tickets, hotel rooms, breakfast and dinner, as well as entry fees to all sites and museums. Registration is required and the tour group will be limited to a small number. Participants outside the College and of any religious background are welcome.

The experience of being present at the foundational sites of our faith brings Christians closer to their own identity in Christ. All are encouraged to take this once in a lifetime opportunity!

For cost, itinerary, & more information email: theology@shc.edu or contact Sr. Nélida nnaveroscordova@shc.edu.

Julia Ponquinette Joyner, M.D. ‘58

American students admitted to Spring Hill College, passed away in January. Joyner and her seven other classmates bravely desegregated the College in September 1954 by quietly joining the student population.

“We fully appreciate that Julia was a trailblazer at Spring Hill, opening doors to the transformative experience of higher education for women and people of color across the South and the United States,” said Mary H. Van Brunt, PhD, president of Spring Hill College. “As a student, her example

communities. We are grateful for Julia for being a part of our lasting legacy of providing academic excellence to all people.”

Father Stephen F. Campbell, S.J. died in January. He was a Jesuit for 48 years and a priest for 37 years. For more than 30 years, he was a prominent member of the Spring Hill College faculty, as associate professor and chair of the department of visual and performing arts. Father Campbell was missioned to Spring Hill College as a professor of theater in 1991. During his time at Spring Hill, he also served as rector of the Jesuit community 2003-09, as well as acting rector for much of 2015 and 2017-18.

Legendary tennis coach, dies at the age of 91. He pioneered the concept of a tennis boarding school and founded the Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Bollettieri helped produce 10 No. 1-rated players. Among the standouts are Monica Seles, Jim Courier, Andre Agassi, Marcelo Rios, Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, and Jelena Jankovic.

THE SUMMER INSTITUTE OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY

The Summer Institute of Christian Spirituality at Spring Hill College has announced its 2023 courses and events. This year, the courses will be offered as in-person and online learning, as well as a biblical trip to Israel. Spring Hill students and alumni along with people from throughout the community are invited to participate. This series allows graduate students to earn credit outside of the traditional semester, as well as people who are interested in taking graduate level coursework without receiving credit hours.