Spring Hill College Spring/Summer 2016

SPRING HILL THE SPRING HILL COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Foundations FOR THE FUTURE

SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Inside:

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER JO ANN JENKINS OUR STRATEGIC PLAN MEET THE JESUITS

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Spring Hill College alumni, parents, and friends, As my first year back on this magnificent hill draws to a close, I am more excited than ever about the future of Spring Hill College and the great strides we are taking to ensure that the days, weeks, and years to come are just as spectacular as our storied legacy. Throughout this year, I’ve had the great privilege of meeting many incredible people who love this special place as much as I do. What a special bond we share!

With your input, the Board of Trustees’ leadership, and a great deal of analysis and strategizing on the part of our faculty and staff, the College has created a strong first draft of a strategic plan that will guide us through our quickly approaching third century. This magazine features an update on our processes, goals, and vision for the College as we continue to develop our strategies for navigating a successful future. I am proud of the plan, and I can’t wait to share the finished product with you.

Thank you for making my first year back on the hill a deeply special one.Your support of Spring Hill College, your pride in our alma mater, and your continued involvement with this outstanding institution are a constant inspiration to me. I look forward to many more anniversaries on the hilltop as we move forward and into the exciting times ahead.

Sincerely,

Christopher P. Puto, Ph.D. ’64, President

IN THIS ISSUE

THE SPRING HILL COLLEGE MAGAZINE 6

Spring/Summer 2016

BADGERS BEING BADGERS

Designed With A Purpose

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Getting ready to start the procession with the Archbishop of Mobile, The Most Reverend Thomas J. Rodi, CEO AARP, Jo Ann Jenkins ‘80, and Spring Hill College President, Dr. Christopher P. Puto ‘64.

FEATURES 12

Addressing Character

Commencement speaker Jo Ann Jenkins ’80 talks about her life and career.

NEWS FROM THE HILL

Give Day 2016, SHC faculty wins awards, tribute to Nan Hirschberg Altmayer, and more news from The Hill.

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ALUMNI NEWS

18 Homecoming On The Hill 26 Giving 33 Alumni Spotlight 34 Chapter Updates

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Progress on Pathways to Purpose

Our new program of vocational discernment is taking shape.

36 Class Notes

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The Jesuit Perspective

42 Where Are They Now?

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Who are the SHC Jesuits and what are they doing?

Bologna or Bust!

Students in the Italy Center are experiencing an exciting new world of social justice.

Reaching for the Top

SHC’s Strategic Plan is designed to secure ongoing and permanent excellence.

Cover art: Spring Hill College, forming leaders engaged in learning, faith, justice and service for life.

Photographed by Dan Anderson ‘03.

40 In Memoriam

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BADGER ATHLETICS

Our Student-Athletes of the Year and many more awardwinning performances for Badger Athletics.

VIEW FROM THE HILL

ONE CHAPTER COMES TO A CLOSE AS A NEW ONE BEGINS The excited Class of 2016 poses for posterity on Graduation Day, May 7.

A round of APPLAUSE

HONORARY DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS Jo Ann Jenkins ’80

IGNATIAN AWARDS

Fulfill the ideals of Jesuit education for scholarship, leadership and service – highest student awards bestowed by the College.

Clare A. Wojda Matthew C. Brazzolotto

TOOLEN AWARD

Highest grade point average Bridget M. Nourse Clare A. Wojda

EDWARD B. MOODY, S.J., TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD Excellence in teaching

Dr. Royce G. Simpson, Associate Professor of Psychology

DAWSON RESEARCH AWARD Excellence in scholarship

Wanda A. Sullivan, Associate Professor of Fine & Performing Arts

DAWSON SERVICE AWARD Excellence in service

Dr. Sharee L. Broussard, Associate Professor of Communication Arts

REWAK AWARD Jesuit ideal of service

Ms. Sharon Williams, Director of Student Center & Conference Services

SENIOR CLASS ORATOR

Elected by senior class to give farewell address Patrick K. Lameka

BADGERS BEING BADGERS

SPRING HILL THE SPRING HILL COLLEGE MAGAZINE Spring/Summer 2016

Editor:

Laura Burton

Art Director: Laura Burton

Photography:

Seth Laubinger ‘02 Dan Anderson ‘03

Contributing Writers: Monde Donaldson Rob Kreger Rinda Mueller Ashley Rains Phil Steele, S.J. Jim Stennett Brittany Winfree ‘11

President:

Dr. Christopher P. Puto ‘64

Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development: Dr. Samantha Church

Excited to see her work produced… Emily Ellis, who graduates next May with a degree in Graphic Design, shows us the logo she created as a project for one of her classes and the SHC Office of Academic Affairs.

Designed With A Purpose “I thought this design was appropriate for this program because it helps students to visualize the growth that will occur during their time here at Spring Hill College. As freshmen, students will see that they are starting out as a sprout and will, through hard work and discernment, grow into a flourishing tree. Graduates can look back and see where they have come from and what they have become over the years. It should give hope to the underclassmen and a sense of accomplishment to the upperclassmen.”

—Emily Ellis ‘17

What is Pathways to Purpose?

It’s about helping students to lead a fulfilling life—both now and after graduation. Every college student encounters two questions: “What am I going to major in?” and “What kind of job will I get when I graduate?” Pathways to Purpose will help students answer these questions, but it’s about so much more than that. Fundamentally, Pathways to Purpose is about helping our students find their vocation.

For more information about Pathways To Purpose and vocational discernment at Spring Hill College please visit www.shc.edu/ pathways.

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The Office of Communications and Institutional Marketing annually publishes two printed issues of The Spring Hill College Magazine.

Comments should be addressed to: Dr. Samantha Church Spring Hill College Magazine 4000 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36608-1791 (251) 414-3208 or (877) SPR-HILL schurch@shc.edu

To update your address or mailing preferences, contact Alumni Relations and Development Services at (251) 380-2284.

News from THE HILL A

Badger Bonanza Spring Hill College 2016 Give Day Raises More Than $150,000 In 24 Hours

For 24 hours in March, Spring Hill College alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends came through in a BIG way. They showed how much they care about supporting our mission of forming leaders engaged in learning, faith, justice and service for life. When it was over, we raised a total of $150,731 through 436 gifts.

That’s the gist of SHC’s 2016 Give Day – an online giving event that ran from noon, March 18 through noon, March 19. During this time, the SHC Badgers came together showing their pride in the College by contributing to the College’s ongoing efforts to offer life-changing educational experiences to their students.

“The entire Advancement Team pulled together to make this year’s Give Day a huge success for the College reaching out to alumni, parents and friends through both traditional means and social media,” says Dr. Samantha Church, Associate Vice President of Advancement. “We more than doubled our results from last year. It was exciting to see the social media posts from our alumni and to experience their commitment by giving back to their alma mater. All of the Spring Hill College community should be proud of this remarkable accomplishment.”

As a primarily online campaign, the event was designed to reach out to constituents in meaningful ways. Using an online platform from Kimbia helped to create a well-branded event, and it made giving simple and seamless. To promote the event on the College’s social media channels, we used data from Google Analytics and Facebook Insights to create targeted content to pique donor interest and engage them at optimum times. A post that included a photo of the “Giving Tree,” shown below, with names of those who gave was the most liked and shared post during the campaign. We also used direct mail to reach those who may not spend time online or on social media.

Everyone at Spring Hill College was thrilled with the results of this Give Day, including President Christopher P. Puto, Ph.D., who said, “The overwhelming generosity from this second Give Day will benefit the Annual Fund, which directs support to the College’s areas of greatest need, creating opportunities for discovery, providing scholarships for students who need them, and giving Spring Hill College the flexibility to take advantage of emerging opportunities and to respond to unanticipated needs and challenges.”

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NEWS FROM THE HILL

Making History Spring Hill College’s David Head recipient of grant award from the National Endowment for the Humanities Spring Hill College’s faculty continues to shine. financial obligations to the military. CommanderFor the second consecutive year, a member of in-Chief George Washington stopped any serious Spring Hill’s Department of History has received talk by appealing successfully to his officers to supa grant from the National Endowment for the port the supremacy of Congress in an emotional Humanities (NEH). This year, address on March 15. Through Assistant Professor David the Newburgh Conspiracy, Head received a grant for Dr. Head will explore political his project, “Wavering on crosscurrents that shaped the a Tremendous Precipice: formation of the new nation to George Washington, the gain a better understanding of Newburgh Conspiracy, and demobilization and the adjustthe Fate of the Continental ment to peace following the Army.”

Revolutionary War. “Dr. Head’s selection for Dr. Head’s first book, an NEH Grant is another “Privateers of the Americas: indication of the quality of Spanish American Privateering the Spring Hill College facfrom the United States in the ulty,” says Spring Hill College Early Republic,” was published Provost Dr. George Sims. in 2015 by the University of “Assistant Professor Shane Georgia Press.

Dillingham was awarded the The National Endowment for same grant last year, and it the Humanities was created in is rare that two members of 1965 as an independent federal “IT IS TRULY AN the same department receive agency to support research and NEH grants in consecutive learning in history, literature, phiHONOR BEING years.” losophy, and other areas of the “It is truly an honor being humanities by funding selected, SELECTED AS ONE selected as one of this year’s peer-reviewed proposals from recipients,” says Dr. David around the nation. This year, OF THIS YEAR’S Head “I will utilize the grant NEH awarded some $21.1 milthis summer while conducting lion in grants for 248 humanities RECIPIENTS,” research for the book at projects. “NEH provides support the Fred W. Smith National for projects across America that – DR. DAVID HEAD Library for the Study of preserve our heritage, promote George Washington in Mount scholarly discoveries, and make Vernon, Virginia.” the best of America’s humanities ideas available The Newburgh Conspiracy was what appeared to all Americans,” says NEH Chairman William D. to be a planned military coup by the Continental Adams. “We are proud to announce this latest Army in March 1783, when the American group of grantees who, through their projects and Revolution was over. It arose from their frustration research, will bring valuable lessons of history and with Congress’s long-standing inability to meet its culture to Americans.”

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Inspired Leadership Matthew H. Keller ’15 wins Sigma Chi International Balfour Award When he graduated from Spring Hill in the spring of 2015, Matthew Keller was widely recognized by his peers as a leader who inspires others.

Fellow classmate and fraternity brother, Matthew Russo, said, “One thing I will never forget about Matthew is him telling me this insightful quote, ‘As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.’ This is a man who does exactly that. I am grateful to have had his presence in my own life.”

Recently, Keller garnered more formal recognition, becoming the first Theta Mu chapter member to earn the Sigma Chi International Balfour Award.

He received the award last summer at the Sigma Chi Balfour Leadership Workshop. The winner is selected by a committee based on who they believe to be the fraternity’s most outstanding graduating senior based on his achievements in scholastics, campus and community involvement, and Sigma Chi involvement.

“I just want to say thank you to the selection committee for this incredible honor. It’s truly unbelievable that I’m standing here today,” Keller said in his acceptance speech. “By being here today, you’ve already taken the first step toward improving yourself. I challenge you to continue to take the next step, and the next, and to never stop.”

Keller has challenged himself to pursue excellence throughout his experience at Spring Hill.

He received his degree in Pre-Health, graduating with honors and an impressive 3.95 GPA. But his involvement in Spring Hill life went far beyond scholastic achievement. He was a member of the Student Government Association for four years, holding the positions of Secretary of Student Life, Secretary of the Treasury, and Vice President.

He was also a member of the American Medical Student Association, holding the positions of Student Advisor and Treasurer. His many awards included the Ignation Award (2015), the Student Life Achievement Award (2015), and SGA Member

of the Year (2012-13). Keller was also a member of several scholastic societies, among them Alpha Sigma Nu, Beta Beta Beta, and Order of Omega.

Perhaps one of Matthew Keller’s more impressive achievements was the significant role he played in the resurgence of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Active during the underground period of the fraternity, Keller was instrumental in getting Sigma Chi recognized and back on campus. He served as the Executive Secretary and Philanthropy chair in his junior year and as Vice President in his senior year. In those two years he and his chapter rebuilt the fraternity and nearly doubled its size, setting an example for leadership that gave the fraternity a better appearance from the school’s point of view.

With Keller’s help, the Theta Mu chapter went on to win the James F. Bash Significant Improvement Award for the first time in chapter history.

Certainly, Matthew Keller’s contributions to Sigma Chi are not lost on his fraternity brothers.

Kenny Kvalheim, the Grand Praetor of Sigma Chi said, “It is truly an honor to have Matthew win the Sigma Chi International Balfour Award, especially since he is the first in Theta Mu chapter history to win this award. He is someone who truly embodies all the values that Sigma Chi upholds. He is a role model for Sigma Chi and sets a great standard that every student should try to replicate.”

Keller is currently attending St. Louis University School of Medicine and aspiring to be a physician.

We wish him success in his goals and congratulate him on this impressive award. Thank you, Matthew, for letting your light shine on others. We greatly appreciate what you have done for Spring Hill, for this fraternity, and for this Theta Mu chapter.

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NEWS FROM THE HILL

A Culture of Scholarship Spring Hill Assistant Professor Dr. Alan Shane Dillingham receives 2016 National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship policy formation and practice. This year, 30 fellows were selected from a competitive pool of 176 applications from scholars of education.

According to NAEd President Michael Feuer, “The NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship program is special because it funds early career scholars from a wide variety of disciplinary perspectives. To date, nearly 800 current and former fellows have been awarded this prestigious fellowship, including many of today’s most productive and influential education researchers.”

Dr. Dillingham says he was thrilled to receive the fellowship. “It is an internationally competitive fellowship and I’m humbled to be including in this year’s list of awardees. It is a tremendous privilege to have the support to pursue one’s scholarship.

It is also evidence of the culture of scholarship we are beginning to build among students and faculty here at Spring Hill.”

In helping to build this “culture of scholarship,” Dr. Dillingham envisions how this could benefit his students: “The research should also directly inform my work in the classroom at Spring Hill. One of the main courses I offer on campus is a history of The Global Sixties, in which we explore the history of youth culture and politics. I look forward to being able to share the research with my students in future classes.”

Photo credit: Daniel Robles

When your interest is in writing a book about indigenous education and development in a remote area of Mexico, the best way to research is to go there and immerse yourself in the culture. That’s exactly what Dr. Alan Shane Dillingham, assistant professor of history and director of Latin American Studies at Spring Hill, intends to do.

Dr. Dillingham has been chosen as a 2016 National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellow. The fellowship award of $70,000 is intended to assist with salary replacement and research expenses for the fellowship period, which he says will enable him to devote full effort to his research. “My plan is to use the time and support the fellowship provides in order to complete a book manuscript on the history of indigenous education and development in southern Mexico,” says Dr. Dillingham. “This work builds on previous research I’ve conducted in national archives in Mexico City as well oral interviews with indigenous teachers in the state of Oaxaca. Oaxaca today is one of the poorest states in Mexico with a large indigenous population and education has been a crucial avenue for social justice in that region.”

The National Academy of Education (NAEd) is an honorary education society that advances high-quality education research and its use in

Dr. Dillingham says he was thrilled to receive the fellowship.

“It is an internationally competitive fellowship and I’m humbled to be including in this year’s list of awardees.”

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A Legacy of Giving Celebrating the life of one of Spring Hill College’s dearest benefactors, Nan Hirschberg Altmayer.

About ten years ago, at the dedication of Nan Altmayer Place (formerly known as Moore Hall), then President Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., said to Mrs. Altmayer, “Over the nearly ten years that I have known you now, I have come to see your profoundly generous and gracious heart. You have allowed your generosity to become the dominant force in your life and have become truly a person for others.”

Altmayer had given a $2 million gift for the renovation and expansion of Moore Hall to house Admissions and the offices of the president and the executive vice president. Today, Nan Altmayer Place serves as the vibrant front door to the College for all prospective students. It was one of several significant gifts to Spring Hill that made her one of the most generous benefactors in the College’s 186-year history.

Nan Hirschberg Altmayer passed away on Saturday, April 2, at the age of 94.

At a memorial mass on April 6, Rev. Gregory Lucey, S.J., now chancellor of Spring Hill College, told dozens of mourners in St. Joseph Chapel a number of humorous stories of his many dinners with Mrs. Altmayer. He emphasized that the college should never forget the relationship it had with Mrs. Altmayer. “We are blessed,” he said. “She was a gift. Her greatest gift to me was her friendship. She has been a great part of my life and helped me to become a more loving person.”

In addition to Nan Altmayer Place, Mrs. Altmayer’s philanthropic vision has funded the Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J. Administration Center, two scholarships in perpetuity, a major area of the Marnie and John Burke Memorial Library, and the Altmayer Chair in Literature.

Mrs. Altmayer had briefly been a model in New York prior to her marriage to the late Jay Pollock Altmayer. After moving to Mobile, she would be a perennial presence on Mobile’s best-dressed list.

She was a champion skeet shooter, an art gallery

Top: Nan Altmayer Place serves as the vibrant front door to the College.

Right: Fr. Lucey with Nan Altmayer.

owner, and a noted hostess, opening her house, Palmetto Hall, which she restored with her husband, for yearly tours of Mobile’s historic homes. With her husband, she was an avid collector of paintings and antiques. She was recognized as Mobilian of the Year for her devotion to community philanthropies, including the Mobile Museum of Art and Spring Hill College.

One of the things Mrs. Altmayer was most proud of was the doctorate she had received from Spring Hill. The degree is most fitting, considering how much she taught us about love and generosity. As Fr. Lucey said at her service: “I have come to realize that none of these gifts compares with the gift of her friendship. She has allowed herself to be loved and to love in return. I want to believe that our love for each other has opened our hearts to a greater love. A love she now knows in its fullness.”

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Addressing Character Spring Hill College alumna Jo Ann Jenkins gave a stirring address at our Spring Commencement. Here, she talks about her career in public service and the qualities that have helped her rise to become CEO of AARP. In addressing graduates at Spring Hill College’s commencement on May 7, feature speaker Jo Ann Jenkins said, “…don’t mistake action for achievement. Don’t act just for the sake of doing something. Take action for a purpose–to achieve a goal, to bring about a specific result, to make something good happen.” It was one of many thoughts she shared that resonated with the graduates, their families, SHC faculty and staff, and all those in attendance.

For Jo Ann Jenkins, these words have defined her life. Because it’s not just what she says. It’s what she does. Her conviction for taking action, her passion for doing, has taken her far–all the way to Washington, D.C., and a lifetime of public service and extraordinary achievement. Jenkins has worked for or with every U.S. President or First Lady since Ronald Reagan. Today, she serves as CEO of AARP, the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization in the world.

“I’m not going to let someone else’s expectations of what I can or cannot do define me.”

This quote in her commencement address has guided Jenkins’ career, and still does today–in her work for AARP. She says it means: “don’t limit what you can do based on what someone else says.” It’s an idea that pushed her to attend Spring Hill College in the hope of achieving more. As she noted in her address, “On a sunny day back in May of 1980, I also had the pleasure of walking down the Avenue of the Oaks. And, being back here today reminds me of what a special and life-changing place this is.”

Jo Ann Jenkins grew up in the southern part of Mobile County, near Fowl River. The youngest of four children, she says she grew up with a strong sense of community and fellowship. Her school activities included serving as class president of Theodore High School. After graduating from Spring Hill College with a BS in Political Science, Jenkins, like many new college graduates, was looking to explore various opportunities.

Her passion for serving others led Jenkins to Washington, D.C., where she landed an internship with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and rapidly advanced to positions of increased responsibility, working with Congress to set standards for housing developments that would enhance communities. It was here that Jenkins met a young attorney, Elizabeth Dole, who would go on to become Secretary of Transportation.

“I have been very fortunate to be put in positions and have access to folks who later were able to help me,” says Jenkins. “You never know who will be where.You need to do the best job you can regardless of what the task is.”

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A few years later, Jenkins went to work for Elizabeth Dole at the Department of Transportation. Here, she was tasked with engaging women to help them get elevated into the federal senior executive service, as well as working to make the contracting process more inclusive so that minority- and women-owned businesses could compete for contracts. Jenkins then moved on to the Department of Agriculture, where she continued her efforts in small minority- and women-owned business development, as well as addressing issues in the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint process. “Both departments were two of the largest government agencies, and working at the highest levels of those departments, thinking about what policies and procedures could be put into place– as I think it about it, in much the same way as we’re doing at AARP for the 50+–how do you make life better for people so they can live healthier, happier, more productive lives?” Jenkins said.

After working in the Executive Branch for more than a dozen years, Jenkins paused to get married and have children–a boy, Christian, and a girl, Nicole.

Then she was asked if she’d be interested in coming back to work at the Library of Congress, which is part of the Legislative Branch. “At the time I thought I’d try it for a year,” she said. “That lasted for 15 years.” Jenkins rose to Chief of Staff and then Chief Operating Officer at the Library. “At the time I would tell people this is the best job in Washington. Not only

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are you working with people who read and speak in over 260 different languages, but the Library is the largest library in the world–10,000 new items come in a day, over 130 million items total.”

Jenkins’ focus at the Library of Congress was on changing public perceptions of the Library from that of the “Congress’s Library” to what it truly is: the “Library of the American People.” She was instrumental in lowering the age for access from 21 to 18, and then from 18 to 16 with principal or teacher permission. “The Library is more than just books,” says Jenkins. “It’s the only library in the world that collects every format on every subject…film, audio, photos, movies.You can see the second draft of the Declaration of Independence, the first telegraph ever, the Wright brothers’ architectural drawings, and so much more.” She created the Library of Congress Experience to make the Library one of the top five destination sites in Washington.

“To Form Students”

In her commencement address, Jenkins said, “I–like all of you graduates today–have benefitted greatly from the educational nourishment that a Jesuit experience provides. Spring Hill College was founded in 1830 with a mission ‘to form students to become responsible leaders in service to others.’ I love that

choice of language–’to form students.’ It doesn’t say to teach or to educate, or to train students. It says ‘to form students.’ That implies much more than just teaching. It implies a nurturing of the mind, body and spirit–a shaping of the whole person, not only to know how to be a responsible leader, but also to act with justice, with care and in service to others.”

Jenkins is quick to acknowledge the impact that her experience at Spring Hill College had on her career.

“It’s humbling and rewarding to be in this position,” she says. “What Spring Hill does so well is allow students to grow, and to explore. The atmosphere is such that it’s more an area of exploration to think through the ideas and around the person you want to be. The people graduating today may have two or three different careers. Not just different jobs; totally different careers. How they form who they are as individuals will have a huge impact on how successful they can be. Spring Hill has been doing that for a very long time–helping people to find their strength and find their voice, and preparing them to be better people.

“I tell my staff that my job is to lead and inspire you to do more than you ever thought possible, and to remove barriers that’s stopping you from being able to do that…to bring clarity and focus of what we’re trying to accomplish together,” Jenkins adds. “I think that’s an important skill set that you learn at Spring Hill. I consider myself fortunate to be leading such a great organization as AARP–because in carrying out

AARP’s mission: ‘To Serve; Not To Be Served’–I am also carrying forward the values that were instilled in me here as a student at Spring Hill College.”

“An organization that can literally change millions of people’s lives” By 2010, Jenkins could already boast of a long and successful career in public service. But she wasn’t finished. Not even close. When AARP asked her to join the organization, Jenkins said it was at a time in her life when her children had graduated from college and she could devote the time needed for the job. In a few years, she had risen to become the organization’s CEO. As CEO of AARP, the world’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization, Jenkins brings her results-oriented approach to maximize the organization’s impact and effectiveness. “Whether it’s a legislative task or a change in policies and procedures, we have to be driven by what that is and stay focused on the task,” says Jenkins. “It isn’t so much about individual credit, but about how do we change society for the greater good. I live by that every day at AARP…it’s about how many people’s lives can we positively change by whatever action we’re taking.

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We actually have changed our internal dashboard so that employees know they are responsible for positively affecting millions of people’s lives, whether it’s around healthcare, or financial resilience or savings.” She adds, “I enjoy it. People are energized and excited about the work we’re doing, and excited about our 2020 Vision for AARP and how impactful we can be.”

One of Jenkins’ major focuses at AARP is on changing perceptions and expectations of what people should be doing at age 50 or 60 or 70. “Why do we let that happen?” she said. “To me, it’s not about acceptance of your age; it’s about owning your age. Own it, and you decide what you want to do.

It’s that idea of don’t limit what you can do based on what somebody else say ought to be doing.”

Jenkins calls this idea “Disrupt Aging.” She says it has been enthusiastically received by audiences whenever she talks about it: “People would come up to me and say, ‘That’s exactly how I feel.’ ‘That’s exactly where I am in my life.’ ‘I can’t believe that AARP is out here saying this. This is terrific.’”

Response was so great that Jenkins wrote a book about it. “Disrupt Aging” is now a national bestselling book that chronicles Jo Ann’s journey as well as those of other fearless individuals working to change what it means to age in America. All profits and royalties from sales of the book go to the charitable work of the AARP Foundation.

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“Character is so important ” If the theme of Jenkins’ commencement address could be summed up in one word, it would be “character.” In her address, she said, “It’s time to leave these protected grounds of Spring Hill College and go out into the world to define the person you want to become and start your journey toward becoming that person. And that begins by building your character.

Spring Hill College has formed you to be a responsible leader in service to others. But how you fill out that form–how you decide to act with justice, with care and in service to others–will be determined by how you build your character.”

Jenkins went on to talk extensively about what it takes to build character. She summed it up with character as an acronym: C—Courage H—Heart A—Acknowledge R—Reasonable A—Action C—Care T—Trust E—Eager R—Resilience “Character is really the only thing you have left at the end of the day,” explains Jenkins. “What you stand

The Character of Giving

Seniors challenged to give back to Spring Hill College.

for, and what people remember you by.Your word is your bond. Having that character to know what your limits are, how you’re going to carry yourself ethically, and what you believe in, I think that’s all a part of it. I wanted to give the students a sense of ‘this is something that’s in your control; this isn’t something you have to go get another degree to do; it’s who you are as an individual’.”

Jo Ann Jenkins’ life has been defined by character–in both her professional and personal lives. It is the root of her passion that is centered on helping people. Even in her off time, she is very active in The Links, an organization of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

She summed up her passion in the conclusion of her address to the graduates: “As you begin your journey, I offer you my heartfelt congratulations and leave you with a powerful quote from author George Addair, ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.’Your future is in your hands. Go forth from this wonderful campus that has helped you to build a firm foundation of knowledge; that has formed you by nurturing your mind, body and spirit; and that has given you the tools to build a strong character. Use this experience to become a responsible leader who acts with justice, with care and in service to others.”

There’s no denying that Jo Ann Jenkins lauded Spring Hill College’s contribution to her success.

With this impact in mind, members of the senior class were asked to consider the impact of their experience on the Hill. What did they want their SHC legacy to be? As part of the 2016 Senior Gift Campaign, each senior was asked to make a five year consecutive gift of $20.16 towards Skip’s Challenge, one of the most important initiatives in Spring Hill College history. The class was presented with a unique opportunity to magnify the power of their gift by six times the amount given.

With matches from Dr. Christopher Puto, members of the class of 1966 and most notably, the Viragh Family Foundation, the class of 2016 was able to raise over $21,000 in pledges.

There is still an opportunity to leave your mark upon the Hill. Visit https://badgernet.shc.edu/ senior-class-gift to make your gift today!

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Homecoming on the Hill 2016 This year’s alumni weekend was bigger and more fun than ever!

Picture-perfect weather and record attendance were just two of the reasons why Homecoming on the Hill 2016 was a huge success. More than 600 alumni, family and friends attended the weekend events, held Friday, April 8 through Sunday, April 10. The weekend featured several yearly, popular events, several special reunions (Greek organizations, sports teams, special interest groups, etc.), and a few events new to the annual festivities.

The big weekend kicked off on Friday with Seniors with Seniors, a lunch for the classes of 1966 and 2016, which sparked lively discussion about what’s changed (and what hasn’t) on the Hill over the last 50 years. There were also reunions for the business division, Sigma Chi and the Jesuit Scholastics, as well as an exclusive cocktail reception for the class of 1991 to commemorate their 25th reunion. The evening ended with our famous Badger Bay Boil, at which attendees enjoyed succulent seafood and other Mobile-themed fare.

Saturday’s activities began with a new breakfast event, Planning for the Future, which allowed attendees the opportunity to speak with a financial planning expert about their economic future, with an emphasis on planned giving. Then, with such beautiful weather, outdoor sports and fun ruled. More than 300 alumni and their families attended the carnival with food trucks and games on the South lawn during a baseball double header. The sporting activities continued throughout the day, with baseball, softball, soccer, basketball and rugby.

Later on Saturday, after the Alumni Memorial Mass, the class of 1961 hosted a champagne toast for all on Rydex Commons as they presented a $530,000 scholarship to Dr. Puto and the College. The annual Golden Badger Dinner honored the classes of 1956 and 1961, and issued golden diplomas to commemorate the 50th reunion for the class 1966. Of course, no reunion on the Hill would be complete without the Badger Ball, which went on late into the evening and featured a festive Mardi Gras atmosphere.

Sunday began with Java with the Jesuits, as alumni, Jesuit Scholastics and Jesuits serving the College met for coffee before Sunday Mass. After Mass, a special Scholar and Donor Brunch was held for those who generously give donations for scholarships as well as current students who benefit from those scholarships. And there were yet more opportunities show our Badger pride, as we cheered on our baseball and softball teams.

Homecoming on the Hill 2017 is already planned. Be sure to mark your calendars for March 31-April 2, 2017.

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New Avenues to a Life of Purpose

Our vocational discernment program, Pathways to Purpose, is moving forward. Here’s an update on our progress.

Last year, Spring Hill College embarked on a far-reaching program aimed at helping undergraduates engage in vocational discernment, a topic the College has selected as the focus of its Quality Enhancement Plan.

What is vocational discernment? It’s an understanding of that which gives our lives an overarching purpose, something that organizes our lives and so gives our lives meaning. Our vocations are more than just our professions. They are built on our core values but also upon our relationship to the world.

Vocation is a matter of how our gifts, talents and interests match up to the needs of the communities in which we live. As St. Ignatius understood, vocational

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discernment happens best in community, when we can listen to others–and have others listen to us. The search for our vocation is the search for a life that is fulfilling–both for ourselves and for the world.

Today, this program is well underway to being implemented. It has been aptly named, Pathways to Purpose. An identity has been developed, including logo and theme line, along with several deliverables, such as signage, brochures and t-shirts. In addition, key program leaders have been selected: Stephanie Steiert, as Administrative Director; Lindsay Bosko-Dunbar, as Faculty Director; and Associate Provost Jennifer Good, who will provide overall supervision.

Even though the program is just getting off the ground, students are already getting excited about it, according to Stephanie Steiert, Pathways to Purpose Administrative Director. “We still have a lot to do related to promoting it, but for those students who have heard about it there is a genuine interest for this type of program,” says Steiert. “It’s clearly something our students want and need–an opportunity to ask and explore questions of meaning and purpose within a community that values and supports them.”

Pathways to Purpose is about helping our students find their vocation, choose curricular and co-curricular experiences to pursue it, and, ultimately, lead a fulfilling life–both now and after graduation. It is structured to engage students throughout their college careers through ongoing activities that progressively build on the idea of vocational discernment.

First year students receive a guidebook to discernment that provides reflection exercises to help answer questions like, “What should I major in?” and “What job will fulfill me?” Students will be guided by faculty in these exercises through participation in a first year seminar, called LEAP. Throughout the rest of their college career, students will have multiple curricular and co-curricular opportunities to tell and retell their own vocation stories, both to faculty and staff as well as to their peers. Among these opportunities are: • A one-night off-campus retreat for sophomores and juniors focused on vocation discernment, jointly led by faculty, staff and students.

• CLIMB, a high-impact learning experience that exposes students to the wider community.

It is designed to promote their “becoming” on the Jesuit model of Experience, Reflection, Action. A wide variety of CLIMB experiences, including internships, extended volunteer experiences, international immersion service trips, and service learning classes, will be offered by both faculty and staff.

• Small group discussions, consisting of six to 10 students, along with a faculty or staff member advisor, who meet regularly to share their perspectives on vocation discernment.

• REACH and Senior Seminar provide the opportunity for students to articulate their vocation discernment story, and to reflect upon and integrate

their “purpose” into their life’s plans.

LEAP, CLIMB and REACH are the three core components of our Cohesive Undergraduate Experience (CUE). Through this, Pathways to Purpose will foster a culture of vocational discernment for the entire campus. The program is already generating significant excitement among our faculty and staff: “I am looking forward to launching Pathways to Purpose with the new first-year students who enroll as the Class of 2020. The guidebook will show them how to begin the process of ‘vocational discernment’ by reflecting on basic questions and making choices with intentionality. Step-by-step, the students will find their own paths to graduation and beyond,” says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. George Sims.

“By the time classes start in fall we are hoping to have the guidebook completed in both formats (print and digital), we’ll host our first Sophomore Dinner and our first Vocational Retreat in fall,” says Stephanie Steiert. “We’re also starting to reach out to faculty about developing vocationally themed courses and plan to have the first one pilot in spring.”

Spring Hill College is the ideal place to find your vocation. As any Badger knows, the hallmark of Spring Hill College is community. We bond through the happenings of everyday life–in the dorms, classrooms, cafeteria, campus ministries, studying abroad, Greek life, and athletics, to name a few. In listening to each other’s stories we not only learn about each other but also about ourselves. While traveling along the pathway we continually write our own stories and discover our strengths and passions, sharing our own gifts along the way.

As St. Ignatius said, “Go forth and set the world on fire!” www.shc.edu

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Today's Jesuits In Action Though fewer in number than before, the spiritual influence of the Jesuits at Spring Hill College has never been greater.

Rev. Philip Steele, S.J. talks about the changing role of the Jesuits over the years.

Fifty years ago there were more than 40 Jesuits working at Spring Hill College, living in what is now called the Lucey Administration Center. Thirty-five years ago some 25 Jesuits moved to their current location on the northeast corner of the campus: four houses that had been fraternity houses and that earlier were the first housing for women students on campus. Today there are eight Jesuits spread out in those four houses, and one more living in the residence halls. (We are looking at options for consolidating or reconfiguring our Jesuit living space–but that’s for another article!) Of these nine Jesuits, seven work in the college: four in the classroom and three focused on the spiritual formation of students, faculty, staff and trustees.

Fr. Lucey chats about the eight-week Ignatian retreat with SHC staff members Liz Laski and Ashley Daigle.

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Few would deny that Spring Hill College is a better academic institution than it was 50 years ago.

But some would go so far as to say that it is “more Jesuit” than it was 50 years ago. With only seven Jesuits and a lay president, how could this be?

Fifty years ago we were a Jesuit college because we said we were–and because there were Jesuits teaching most of the classes and running the school–and doing it for room and board and beer, and thus providing a very inexpensive education for generations of Badgers. We took for granted that the spirituality and values of the Jesuits would find their way into the students and lay faculty almost by osmosis.

But over the last 30 years, we have had to rethink what it means to be a Jesuit institution. Spring Hill College and the 27 other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities have become much more reflective and intentional about our identity. We have deepened our understanding, appreciation and articulation of what it means to be Jesuit and Catholic institutions.

We have shared insights and best practices across school boundaries, becoming stronger and more vibrant in the process.

As Jesuits, we have come to realize that our greatest gift to the college is our Jesuit heritage, especially our experience of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Our spirituality defines who we are as Jesuits and thus provides the distinctive character of the College. But this spirituality is not the sole property of the Jesuits; after all, Ignatius was a layman when he experienced and formulated the Spiritual Exercises!

We have come to realize that the wonderfully talented and generous men and women who staff our school today, as well as those who serve as trustees, need to be imbued with the history, spirituality and values of the Jesuits if they are to be able to pass on the rich heritage of Jesuit education to new generations of students. We Jesuits are in a privileged position to be able to pay forward the spiritual gifts we have been given. Thus, the role of the Jesuits at the College has gradually shifted from being one of control to being one of influence.

No one exemplifies this shift better than Rev. Greg Lucey, S.J. After 12 years as President and several years in national Jesuit administration (“control”), he returned to the College in 2013 as Chancellor with special responsibility for mission and identity (“influence”). He has made the primary focus of his efforts the nurturing of the Jesuit and Catholic identity of the College by providing opportunities for faculty, staff and trustees to assimilate the core values of our heritage.

Besides providing an initial orientation to Jesuit education for our new hires, this year Fr. Lucey will guide more than 20 faculty and professional staff toward deepening their experience of Jesuit history and spirituality in the Ignatian Seminar, now in its fourth year. For the last several years, all new trustees have engaged in a formation program as part of each meeting of the Board. Roughly 20 lay men and women have participated in programs sponsored by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, most notably the Ignatian Colleagues Program and the Seminar on Higher Education Leadership.

As we look to the future, we Jesuits realize that our biggest challenge will be to provide not only educational programs about Jesuit spirituality, but opportunities for faculty, staff, trustees and students to experience directly and personally the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. While not many have the luxury of being able to devote 30 days away in a retreat house to make the full version of the Spiritual Exercises, there are many other effective formats–most notably the retreat in daily life, which involves daily prayer and a weekly private meeting with a retreat director. This past spring each of the

The Jesuits host faculty and staff members for Mass, social and dinner at the conclusion of the eight-week Ignatian retreat in April.

seven SHC Jesuits directed one or two faculty or staff members in an eight-week experience of the Spiritual Exercises. We hope to build on that.

Several of the Jesuits serve as “spiritual directors” or “guides” to members of the SHC community; monthly conversations often lead to further retreat experiences. Part of the school’s strategic plan involves assessing our facilities for retreats and other spiritual gatherings. There is a small guest house on the Jesuit grounds where an individual, couple or small group could make a retreat tailored to their needs and desires–but as the disciples said to Jesus when shown the boy’s five loaves and two fish, “What are these among so many?”

We all know what Jesus was able to do with the boy’s meager offerings. Similarly, we find ourselves trusting that God might transform the efforts of a few Jesuits (some of us aging more quickly than we want!) into a rich harvest of spiritual growth. Many of us believe that the future of Spring Hill College as a vibrant Catholic and Jesuit enterprise rests more than anything else on our ability to give the gift of the Spiritual Exercises to our leaders–whether they be faculty, staff, trustees or students.

Fr. Lucey likes to quote his mother: “Be who you say you are.” With the Spiritual Exercises and with God’s grace, we will!

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Meet the Jesuits Who are these men of the cloth?

They are our spiritual light, carrying the torch of the rich heritage of a Jesuit education. Now, get to know them.

Brother Ferrell Blank, S.J., Plant Engineer Emeritus

Brother Ferrell Blank, S.J., is a man of many talents. A native of Gramercy, Louisiana, he entered the Society of Jesus as a brother in 1955 took his final vows as a Jesuit at Spring Hill College in 1966. Ferrell was certified as a plant engineer in 1976, and directed operations at Spring Hill for many years, where he was of great assistance in putting the college back together after Hurricane Frederic in 1979. While he is now semi-retired, Ferrell is still renown for his andouille and chicken gumbo.

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Rev. Rafael V. Baylon, S.J., Bioethics Professor

Rev. Rafael V. (R.V.) Baylon, S.J., understands both the physical and spiritual aspects of medicine. Born in Manila, Philippines, R.V. received a doctorate from the University of the Philippines in 1989. He studied microbiology at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and entered the Society of Jesus in 1994. R.V. went on to complete a master’s degree in Health Care Ethics at Loyola University, Chicago. He came to Spring Hill shortly after he was ordained to the priesthood in 2005, teaching biology, philosophy and bioethics.

Rev. Stephen F. Campbell, S.J., Theater Professor

Rev. Stephen Campbell, S.J., has a flair for the dramatic that serves him well as Associate Professor of Theater and Drama. A native of New Orleans, he entered the Society of Jesus in 1974. He completed his undergraduate work at Loyola University New Orleans and his theological studies at Weston Jesuit School of Theology before his ordination to the priesthood in 1985. Fr. Campbell went on to receive a doctorate in theatre from Northwestern University in 1991. His particular interest is in early modern France and cultural performance.

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Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., Chancellor

Not many of our Jesuits have buildings named after them, but Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., does.

That’s one measure of the effect he has had on Spring Hill College.

As president of the College from 1997-2009 and 2013-2015, Fr. Lucey directed a number of academic program initiatives and projects that saw SHC grow in both stature and status. A Wisconsin native, Fr. Lucey entered the Society of Jesus in 1951 and was ordained in 1964. Before coming to Spring Hill, he served as president of the National Jesuit Conference in Washington, D.C. Fr. Lucey has been chancellor of Spring Hill College since 2013.

Rev. José L. Mesa, S.J., Hispanic Minister for Archdiocese of Mobile

Rev. Mark Mossa, S.J., Theology Professor

Rev. José Mesa, S.J., holds a master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Florida in Gainesville and is an expert in soil chemistry. He entered the Jesuits in 1966 and was ordained a priest in 1977. Fr. Mesa taught for ten years in Spain, then served for five years in Chad in West Africa. He then served as president of an agricultural high school in his native Dominican Republic. Before coming here in 2013 to offer ministry to the Hispanic community in the Archdiocese of Mobile, he served for ten years at St. Augustine Church on the campus of the University of Florida.

Rev. Philip G. Steele, S.J, Jesuit Community Rector

Rev. Phil Steele, S.J. came to Spring Hill in 2015 with a record of distinguished service as a pastoral director and administrator. A talented artist, he received a Master of Fine Arts from Temple University in Philadelphia, then went on to receive a Master of Divinity from Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.

Fr. Steele joined the Jesuits in 1966 and was ordained a priest in 1980. He has served as pastoral director, administrator, and trustee for St. Louis University High School, the Missouri Provincial Office (St. Louis), and Rockhurst High School (Kansas City). Most recently, he served as president of Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado.

Rev. Mark Mossa, S.J., has a special interest in modern Catholicism and how it relates to young people.

He entered the Jesuits in 1997 and was ordained a priest in 2008. Fr. Mossa holds master’s degrees in English (University of South Carolina, Columbia), philosophy (Fordham University, New York), and divinity (Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Cambridge, Massachusetts). He served as director of Campus Ministry at Jesuit High School in Tampa, then went on to serve as Extraordinary Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University in New Orleans. Before coming to Spring Hill in 2015, Fr. Mossa taught American Catholic Studies and English Composition at Fordham University.

Rev. Christopher Viscardi, S.J., Theology Professor, Hispanic Ministry

A thoughtful and scholarly voice on theology at Spring Hill since 1979, Austin, Texas native Rev. Christopher Viscardi, S.J., entered the Jesuits in 1967 and was ordained a priest in 1976. Fr. Viscardi completed his doctorate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, in the area of spirituality. In 1986, he was appointed chair of Spring Hill’s Theology Department and of the Philosophy and Theology Division. He is currently working on a history of the Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity of Spring Hill College based on his sabbatical research in the Jesuit archives in Rome, Paris, New Orleans and Spring Hill College.

Rev. Michael A. Williams, S.J., English Professor

A deep involvement with literature and with his students are the hallmarks of the career of Rev. Michael A. Williams, S.J. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Fr. Williams received a doctorate in English from the University of Southern California in 1975. He also studied at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, and was ordained in 1975. He joined Spring Hill College in 1986 and is currently Associate Professor of English. Fr. Williams continues working with students, saying, “I have gotten to know students in ways I never dreamed of. I am blessed indeed!”

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GIVING

ONE OF THE SIMPLEST— AND MOST MEANINGFUL— GIFTS YOU CAN MAKE Each chapter of our lives brings with it a dizzying array of financial commitments. You may be focused on managing student loan debt, purchasing or renovating a home, planning for your children’s future, caring for aging parents, preparing for retirement, or a combination of all the above.

On the other hand, you LOVE Spring Hill College. It’s your alma mater (or your children’s), the place where you met or married your spouse, or the beautiful and beloved campus just around the corner.

How do you balance your current financial needs and commitments with your desire to support the special place that means so much to you? The answer is simple: with a gift you make in the future!

Bequest Creating a bequest for Spring Hill is a simple process. While meeting with your estate planning attorney, tell him or her you would like to include a provision for Spring Hill College. A will or revocable trust will not take effect until death. During your lifetime, you remain free to change or revoke any language in the document as you choose, and you will have ready access to any designated money and property.

You may choose to designate your bequest for the benefit a particular program, department, or project. Alternatively, you can designate your bequest for the Spring Hill College Annual Fund, which will benefit areas of campus with the greatest financial need at the time the gift is realized.

IRA Beneficiary Designation Naming Spring Hill College as a beneficiary of a retirement account is another easy way to give back. Simply request an IRA beneficiary designation form from your financial institution and include the following information: Spring Hill College Office of Planned Giving 4000 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 380-2285 plannedgiving@shc.edu Tax Identification Number 63-0302179

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The generosity and vision of those who have made arrangements for Spring Hill in their estate plans help sustain the College’s standing as a world-class educational institution that forms leaders in the Ignatian tradition. With your generosity, future generations of Spring Hill College students will stand with and for others, engaging in learning, faith, justice, and service for life.

If you would like to learn more about bequests, IRA designations, or other planned giving opportunities—including those that generate income, or that can benefit both your family and Spring Hill College—please contact our office. We would be delighted to talk with you about how you can join The 1830 Society, Spring Hill College’s special society for planned giving donors.

And, if you have already included Spring Hill College in your estate plans, please accept both our gratitude and our deepest appreciation. We hope you will enable us to honor you as a celebrated member of The 1830 Society by sharing these plans with our office today!

Expanding Horizons THE ITALY CENTER GIVES STUDENTS A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON SOCIAL JUSTICE… AND THE WORLD Spring Hill College has always been committed to broadening students’ frame of reference—both literally and figuratively. The College’s Italy Center internship program does both—offering students the opportunity to experience other cultures while heightening their sense of social awareness. The Italy Center

internship program is unique in that it is built around social justice. It is designed to give students the opportunity to study in Bologna, Italy, and strengthen their commitment to serving others. In doing so, it encourages them to take their knowledge outside the classroom and truly engage in the world around them.

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The program offers a selection of 20 courses throughout the academic year. Approximately seven courses per semester meet core requirements. Courses are taught by adjunct Italian professors (University of Bologna, Bocconi University) who have either taught or completed doctoral research in the United States and are familiar with American forms of pedagogy.

Bologna is one of Europe’s oldest University towns, with more than 100,000 college students. Students in the Italy Center program live in a modern residence hall with 100 Italian and 40 American students from campuses across the U.S. They also have the opportunity to travel and serve in Italy, Eastern Europe, The Balkans and North Africa.

During their internship abroad, students gain precious work experience for their future career, making their resume more competitive on both the American and international job market. “With youth unemployment at nearly 40 percent in Italy,” says the internship program coordinator, Dr. Nardini, “our students are very privileged to have this opportunity to access the job market while studying abroad. Securing an internship in Italy is a highly competitive process, as many highly qualified Italian graduates often work unpaid for long periods of time, in the hope of securing a job.

Students at the Italy Center therefore experience a challenging, truly multicultural work environment, which prepares them for their future career and

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for life.” As interns in Bologna’s vanguard, vibrant social justice dimension, not only do students develop invaluable skills such as proactivity, creativeness, and communicating beyond language barriers; they also have the opportunity to grow as compassionate, mature, fuller individuals.

Spring Hill College’s internship program is involved in very diverse social dimensions.

Among the placements are Bologna University Agricultural Science Department, where interns work on urban horticulture, rooftop gardens and vertical gardens for social inclusion and socialization; Cestas, an NGO active in the public health sector, fighting against underdevelopment in the name of solidarity, gender and race equality, and human rights; Piazza Grande, an association that provides guidance to the homeless, allowing them to reintegrate into society while maintaining their own dignity and self-determination; the Body Image Lab in the marginalized Pilastro neighborhood, working with young girls from ethnically diverse groups, focusing on self esteem, preventing urban dispersion and school abandonment; as well as many others. While each of these projects have diverse characteristics, they all aim at increasing our understanding of the lives of others, especially the impoverished and those living on the margins of society, fostering the desire to bring positive change to the Bolognese community and the world.

“A once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Patrick Steen just returned from Bologna, where he helped promote a bar owned by deaf people. He talks about his experience with the Italy Center.

When Spring Hill student Patrick Steen decided to participate in the Italy Center program, he didn’t plan on interning at a bar, but the experience of this particular bar wound up being very inspirational.

“I had heard nothing but fabulous reviews from my peers who had been a part of the Italy Center program in the past. So it was an easy decision to spend a college semester in Italy,” says Patrick. “I was open to anything and, as a result, got placed where the director thought I could most benefit the community. I was in Bologna from January through May, interning at a bar called Senza Nome that is owned and operated by four deaf family-friends. I assisted in translating brochures and news events (since the owners didn’t speak English). I also organized an American themed night at the bar, which was well attended by my American classmates.”

Patrick is from New Orleans and a double major in Financial Economics and Marketing Management. He plans on graduating from Spring Hill in May 2018. He says at first there were a few challenges to overcome–mainly because Patrick speaks limited Italian and doesn’t know sign language, but the experience was ultimately highly rewarding.

“I know enough Italian to communicate in conversation, and I was able to pick up how they say basic things in sign language and to understand basic phrases,” says Patrick. “I learned so much about the deaf community–the challenges they face and the programs in place to help them in life. I also feel others were made more aware of Senza Nome–a thriving bar run by inspirational people who have refused to let a serious disability hold back their dreams.”

“I understood that this study abroad experience would be a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Italy Center was very helpful with travel and cultural education,” Patrick added. “They assisted me in coordinating numerous side trips on weekends and also educated me on European culture.

“I am confident I have made lifelong friends, as I still keep in touch with people from all over the country (and even some in Italy). The people I met and the numerous traveling experiences have allowed my Spring 2016 semester to be one I’ll cherish forever.”

www.shc.edu

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A Blueprint

for the Future SPRING HILL COLLEGE’S STRATEGIC PLAN IS DESIGNED TO SECURE ONGOING AND PERMANENT EXCELLENCE To know the Hill is to love the Hill. Those of us at Spring Hill College know what a unique and special place this is. The atmosphere of scholastic and spiritual exploration rooted in its Catholic heritage and centuries-old Jesuit tradition of educational excellence. The sense of community that envelops us like the canopies of the magnificent oaks. We know all this because we are here. Yet, we understand that our footsteps are not permanent. Others must follow in them.

For more than 185 years, Spring Hill College has served the educational needs of students from across the globe with a Jesuit, Catholic, liberal arts curriculum in a pristine campus setting in the geographic heart of the United States Gulf Coast.

We have always aspired to, and, for the most part, achieved, excellence. But excellence is not static.

It is not an artifact. It is a quality that is constantly changing with the times. Today, the environment for small, private, liberal arts colleges is subjected to intense competition and shifting student goals.

For Spring Hill to sustain—and enhance—its presence as a powerful entity in this rapidly changing and highly competitive environment, we must continue to ask, “How can we do more?” and “What can we do better?” And we must develop an effective approach to attract and retain qualified students with the access to resources sufficient to cover the cost of a Spring Hill College educational experience.

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Understanding this necessity, President Dr. Christopher Puto initiated an institution-wide process in August 2015 at Spring Hill College to develop a strategic plan. The overarching goals of the process are to identify needs, discover opportunities, and create a sustainable plan to support and advance Spring Hill College’s vision, mission, and values.

Dr. Puto appointed a Strategic Planning Steering Committee composed of faculty, staff, and students to lead the effort, thus ensuring broad participation from across the College. Ultimately, the committee arrived at ten comprehensive Strategic Goals. Themes and commonalities within strategic goals were identified through an analysis of the data, revealing common elements in the strengths, weaknesses, and future direction of Spring Hill College. There are 137 unit goals presented within the overall Strategic Goals.

GOAL 3

Strengthen the Jesuit and Catholic identity of the College through an increased visible presence of Jesuits at the College and through a deepened assimilation of the core values of our Jesuit heritage among students, faculty, staff and trustees of the College.

GOAL 2

Create a working environment committed to ongoing staff development and appropriate compensation, clear communication, collegial governance, collaboration, and the achievement of appropriate efficiencies in delivering the highest quality Jesuit, Catholic educational experience for our students.

GOAL 1

Build revenue streams and an endowment sufficient to create a thriving institution with resources to fund strategic goals of the College while limiting tuition increases and related costs of a private, undergraduate educational experience to match the published rate of inflation. This ultimately includes the ability to meet full financial need for every student admitted to the College.

GOAL 4

Achieve a level of alumni engagement with the mission of Spring Hill College equal to that of the highest levels achieved by private U.S. colleges and universities.

GOAL 5

GOAL 6

Explore and offer adult education and graduate programs consistent with our Jesuit, Catholic tradition that offer appropriate financial return for the College.

Aspire for the highest quality academic program offerings reflecting the values of a Jesuit, Catholic, liberal arts undergraduate residential college and the needs of twenty-first century students with appropriate investments in those programs including adequate funding for ongoing faculty development and compensation including identifying and planning for appropriate resources.

GOAL 7

Enroll sufficient appropriately qualified first-year undergraduate students and undergraduate transfer students to fulfill the financial plan for the College each year.

GOAL 8

Achieve a first-year retention rate that places Spring Hill among the top 10% of peer private colleges and a four-year graduation rate equal to the 75th percentile of comparable private colleges.

GOAL 9

Maintain a physical campus, including infrastructure, information technology, and building updates, that reflects the quality of the educational experience we promote to our students.

GOAL 10

Provide a co-curricular experience and environment that complements and enhances the academic experience and includes opportunities for community engagement, social interaction, spiritual growth, a thriving residence life, athletic competition, and discerning a purposeful life.

Strategic Goals www.shc.edu

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Our Vision Our goal is to be recognized as the “Crown Jewel” of the 28 U.S. Jesuit Colleges and Universities and the college of choice for students seeking a Jesuit, Catholic, undergraduate liberal arts, residential college educational experience in the Southeastern United States.

This strategic plan is the result of a College-wide effort to develop a “road map” for achieving our vision. It represents the collective efforts of many faculty, staff, students, alumni, and administrators who dedicated the better part of a year in assembling information regarding market and College conditions, organizing and analyzing it, and assembling it.

The plan was presented to the College’s board of trustees at their June meeting and the ten strategic goals were approved. Now, we can begin to ensure that all those who walk in our footsteps on the Hill will experience the full excellence of a Jesuit Catholic education, and our values of learning, faith, justice and service.

“The strategic plan is an important, necessary measure for affirming the College's vision and securing its long-term vitality in the face of continuous, rapid changes that face higher education as well as local, national, and global economies.

With the support and guidance of those who know this College best - our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees - I am confident that this plan will be a useful tool for ensuring Spring Hill College's continued success and progress as we move into our third century.”

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– Dr. Christopher P. Puto, ‘64

Spring/Summer 2016

ALUMNI News Alumni spotlight Cynthia Ann Curtis, Ph.D. ’65 Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Belmont University As a Mobile native I always held Spring Hill in high regard, but in many ways I was an “accidental” student. I transferred to Spring Hill as a sophomore, wanting to return to Mobile after spending my freshman year away. I could literally see the campus from the upstairs windows of my parents’ home, so Spring Hill seemed a logical place to continue my college education. Although I was a commuter student, I was quite involved—especially with all things academic. I found Spring Hill to be both inviting and challenging, and have come to feel that Spring Hill was for me an “accident” that was meant to be.

I am one of only a very small group of people who ever graduated from Spring Hill with a major in music, and so many of my memories revolve around that experience. The Music Department at that time was housed in Stewartfield, and all of my major area classes were taught in that historic old house. For three years, I had voice, piano and music composition lessons there. All of my music theory and music history classes were taught in Stewartfield.

My senior voice recital was given in the ballroom of Stewartfield, and the reception afterwards was held in one of the front parlors. So, Stewartfield and the Avenue of the Oaks are the primary visual memories of my college experience at Spring Hill.

While I was a music major, I minored in English.

Interestingly, those were some of my favorite classes—probably due to the English faculty who were at Spring Hill at that time. This was the era of Father Murray and Dr. Boyle, who were both absolutely inspiring teachers. I found the reading and classroom discussion in my minor area a lively contrast to what I was studying in Music.

At the end of my junior year, I was asked to assist with commencement. During the commencement ceremony, one of the graduates—a young Jesuit Scholastic, as I remember—was awarded a scholarship for graduate study abroad. As I stood there quietly listening to his goals and directions for the future,

I simply thought: “I want to do that.” Interestingly enough, listening to his plans for the future helped me clarify my own. Like him, I loved education…and I have never left it. It has been my joy to pass that love on to my students in the time since.

Knowing the deep impact Spring Hill had on me, it should have come as no surprise that my son decided to attend Spring Hill, too. He thoroughly enjoyed his experience on the Hill. I was probably too focused on academics—maybe obsessed is a better word! As with all things, some aspects of Spring Hill seemed to remain the same, and others changed. The Avenue of the Oaks, Stewartfield and St. Joseph Chapel all brought back many memories.

But I also saw that there have been a number of campus developments and great new buildings, which are an essential aspect for the College’s future.

When I think about what I most value about my Spring Hill College education, three things quickly come to mind: the quality of teaching, the breadth of a liberal arts education and the valuing of a ”life of the mind”—learning, reading, conversation, curiosity, challenge, and openness. All of these characteristics were woven into my experience at Spring Hill. The concept of a “life of the mind” was clearly modeled for me by the faculty and shared with me as a basic approach to life.

As both an alumna and a parent, I hope the College continues to be defined by what I feel makes it so special: a persistent dedication to providing young men and women with a broad-based liberal arts education and an enduring commitment to Jesuit values.

www.shc.edu

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ALUMNI NEWS | Chapter Updates

ATLANTA

CHICAGO

BATON ROUGE

DALLAS

On April 24, 2016, the Atlanta chapter met for a presidential mass and reception hosted by Mike ‘77 and Kathy ‘78 Coghlan. Rev. Gregory Lucey, S.J. (pictured) presided and Dr. Christopher Puto ’64 was in attendance.

On April 30, 2016, the Baton Rouge chapter enjoyed a crawfish boil for Badger families at the home of Ed ’90 and Nancy Hardin.

On April 17, 2016, the Chicago chapter held a presidential reception at the Chicago Yacht Club with Dr. Christopher Puto ’64 in attendance.

On February 5, 2016, the Dallas chapter celebrated Mardi Gras at the 504 Bar & Grill with Dr. Christopher Puto ’64 in attendance.

BIRMINGHAM

On April 14, 2016, the Birmingham chapter held Blossoms & Bellinis, a presidential reception for Dr. Christopher Puto ’64, at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and hosted by Kathy Mezrano (pictured left) ‘65 and Pat Pergantis Barr (pictured middle) ‘58.

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Spring/Summer 2016

MEMPHIS

On April 23, 2016, the Memphis chapter joined together for a crawfish boil at the home of Andrew ‘93 and Trish Forsdick.

see more photos at www.facebook.com/SHCNationalAlums

MOBILE

ST. LOUIS

NEW ORLEANS

CENTRAL FLORIDA AREA

On February 20, 2016, the Mobile chapter held its annual service day by volunteering at Little Sisters of the Poor, SPCA, Stewartfield and Prodisee Pantry.

On January 30, 2016, the New Orleans chapter held its annual Mardi Gras party at the home of Billy ‘89 and Amy ‘90 King.

NEW YORK

On December 15, 2015, the New York chapter hosted its annual Christmas Party and Happy Hour at Amity Hall.

On June 4, 2016, the St. Louis chapter held its annual scholarship fundraiser with a crawfish boil and silent auction held at the home of Doug ’03 and Erin Meckfessel.

On May 18, 2016, alumni in the Central Florida area gathered for a reception and discussion with Dr. Christopher Puto ’64 at Cooper Hawk’s Winery & Restaurant in Orlando.

KANSAS CITY AREA

On June 4, 2016, alumni in the Kansas City area met for a shrimp boil hosted by Kelsey Berry Sheridan ’11 and Sheila Birrance Albers ’92 at John’s Big Deck.

www.shc.edu

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ALUMNI NEWS | Class Notes

1940s

Father Oren Key ’46 has retired and is now living at Grand Coteau, Louisiana.

1950s

Dr. Peter McNamara ’58, emeritus associate professor of English (UNC-Chapel Hill), has released his sixth poetry collection, “Sixteen Poems,” from St. Andrews University Press. It and his 2013 “Orbits’ Crossing” are available on Amazon in print and e-book formats. As a lyricist/librettist, McNamara’s productions include “East River Bridge,” an opera for the Brooklyn Bridge Centennial, and “Anthem of Love and Hope,“ a choral ode for AIDS victims. He lectures in the OLLI adult learning program at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Jerome J. Froelich, Jr. ’65 of Atlanta has been elected President of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers for the 2016 term.

Kathy Mezrano ‘65 of Birmingham, Alabama recently published her cookbook “Food, Fun & Fabulous.” Visit www. kathyg.com for more information about the cookbook and Kathy’s catering business, Kathy G. & Company.

Andrew Clarke ’59, a writer and editor in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has created his own website offering some of his stories and poetry: www.

AndrewClarkeStories.com.

He also publishes greeting cards from his own photographs, including Ireland, Italy, California, Wisconsin and two sets of the Spring Hill College campus.

1960s

Stafford Betty ’64 has published a new novel. Set in first-century India, “The Severed Breast” tells the story of the Apostle Thomas’ epic struggle to convert India’s Hindus and

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Spring Hill College Magazine

Buddhists to Christianity. Betty, a college professor and world religions specialist, brings to life ancient South India’s villages, cities, palaces, wars, famines, suttees, tribes, castes, gods, beasts, her mountainous jungles and fishing coasts and rich rice plains, her steamy climate and her traditions—all of which constitute Thomas’ strange new world.

Martin Beirne ’66, a founding partner of Beirne, Maynard & Parsons, LLP, has been honored as a “Lion of the Texas Bar” by the Texas Lawbook. Lauded as a game changer, Beirne has been identified as making an extraordinary contribution to the legal profession specifically through his ability to anticipate change and positively shape its outcome.

Mack B. Binion, III ‘69, a partner in Briskman & Binion in Mobile, Alabama, was recently named to the list of fellows for 2016 by the Alabama Law Foundation

Spring/Summer 2016

– a title that recognizes Alabama Bar members who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their profession and their community.

Dr. Peter B. Smith ‘69, professor of biochemistry, has retired after 39 years with the School of Medicine of Wake Forest University. He is the recipient of awards from a number of medical classes recognizing his teaching efforts. His latest research concerns the role of monooxygenase enzymes in the metabolism of genotoxic organosulfur compounds. As emeritus professor, he will teach biochemistry to physician assistant students, mentor junior faculty and advise the administration on the content of basic science in the medical curriculum. He would be delighted to hear from any of his Spring Hill acquaintances and can be reached by email at plsmith@ wakehealth.edu and by phone at (336) 716-4676.

1970s

Jim Aton ‘71 has published a new book on the renowned landscape artist Jimmie F. Jones, “The Art and Life of Jimmie Jones: Landscape Artist of the Canyon Country” (Gibbs Smith Books 2015). The best place to order it is from the Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery (435-586-5432). This is Aton’s sixth book. He has been a professor of English at Southern Utah University since 1980.

send us your news and photos at alumni@shc.edu

Reggie Copeland, Jr. ’75 will serve as the first-ever men’s basketball coach for St. Michael Catholic High School, beginning in the 2016-17 school year when the school opens in August in Baldwin County, Alabama.

Ginger Koppersmith ’75 has been involved with the Archdiocese of Mobile’s Office of Child Protection since its inception in 2003. Koppersmith will now serve as the new director of Child Protection, replacing Fr. James Cink, pastor of St. Dominic Parish in Mobile, Alabama. Fr. Cink stepped down after serving as director since the office’s inception 13 years ago.

Alabama House of Representatives’ Adline Clarke ’79 was awarded the 2016 Leo and Hazel Fournier Founder’s Day award by the Mobile County Chapter of NAACP Branch 5044.

1980s

Jannea S. Rogers ‘86 of Adams and Reese, LLP in Mobile, Alabama has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the Mobile Bar Association Women Lawyers Section (MBAWL) for a one-year term. Rogers will be one of seven advisors to the Women Lawyers Section, an unofficial subsection of the Mobile Bar Association. The appointment is Rogers’ first term on the board.

1990s

Chris P. Rader ’90 of Lafayette, Louisiana has been appointed to the Home Bancorp, Inc. and Home Bank, NA Board of Directors effective June 1, 2016.

Gentry Lankewicz Holbert ’91, SHC Director of Library & Instructional Resources Services presented at the 11th Northumbria International Conference on Performance Measurement in Libraries and Information Services (Edinburgh, UK), in partnership with the National Library of Scotland. The presentation and forthcoming paper was titled “Measuring Information Service Outcomes in Academic Libraries.”

Jay Deas ‘92, trainer and manager of world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder coached Wilder to the third successful defense of his title, a ninth round knockout over Poland’s Artur Szpilka. The fight was held at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, N. Y. and aired on Showtime TV. This was the first heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn in 115 years.

Doug Layman ‘93 has been named president of Gilsbar Health and Life in Covington, Louisiana. Layman was executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer.

J. Michael Butler ’94, a professor at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, recently published his book “Beyond Integration: The Black Freedom Struggle in Escambia County, Florida,” 1960-1980.

Cynthia Figueroa ‘95, president and CEO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos in Philadelphia, was honored with the 2015 Peter B. Goldberg Aramark Building Community Executive Leadership Award in recognition of her innovative and inspirational work to create strong families and communities.

Maura McCabe O’Brien ‘95 was married on September 19, 2015 to Adriano Allegrini, originally from Sao Paulo, Brasil. The couple reside in Oak Park, Illinois. In addition to working at a private equity firm for the past seven years, Maura is working on her second bachelor’s degree in CIS/Cyber Security.

Shayla Beaco ’97 was appointed by Mobile, Alabama Mayor Sandy Stimpson to be the city’s senior director of city planning.

Dr. Chris Kramer ’97, a philosophy professor at Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois has been named 2016 Faculty of the Year, becoming the 28th recipient of the award. Dr. Kramer has taught philosophy at RVC since 2007.

www.shc.edu

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ALUMNI NEWS | Class Notes

Brian Lauten ‘97, a firm partner at Deans & Lyons, LLP, has earned selection to the 2016 D Magazine list of the Best Lawyers in Dallas.

Michaela Guzy ’01, a travel expert for Bravo TV, was featured in three Bravo TV Tour Group Guide segments in March 2016.

Nancy Kaffer ‘98 of the Detroit Free Press received the Walker Stone Award for Opinion Writing and $10,000 for her body of work, particularly on the Flint water crisis, which represents dogged reporting and deep sourcing in commentary that seeks justice for Flint residents.

Gary Pohrer Jr. ’01 and Kelly Jean Murray, both of Palm Beach, Florida, were married Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Vero Beach, Florida.

Kelly McCarron ’99 was named to the 2016 list of 40 Under 40 by Mobile Bay Monthly Magazine.

Kellye Cunningham ‘02 and Nate Cunningham ‘02 welcomed a baby boy on June 24, 2016 - Cole James Cunningham.

Kelly Flynn Hughes ’00 and Will Hughes ’99 of Daphne, Alabama welcomed their son, William Sullivan Hughes, on December 8, 2015.

Patrick Wittenbrink ‘00 and his wife, Kelly, welcomed their son, Hudson Murphy Wittenbrink, on February 11, 2016 in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Angela Stowe ’05 and her husband, Matthew, welcomed their son, Matthew Isaac Stowe, on December 23, 2015.

He weighed six pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Andrew and Eric are excited to be big brothers again!

Lauren Woods ’06 was named to the 2016 list of 40 Under 40 by Mobile Bay Monthly Magazine.

Raechelle Munna ’06 has been named senior counsel for Entergy in New Orleans.

2000s

Lynn Rush Frisby ’00 was selected to the 2016 Leadership Mississippi program, a statewide leadership program.

There are 35 participants from throughout the state of Mississippi. She also received the One Coast “Top Community Leader” Award, which is given by Coast Chamber of Commerce for top community leaders in Harrison, Hancock and Jackson counties.

Thomas Boni ‘05 is now the editor of Crestview News Bulletin and Santa Rosa Press Gazette in Crestview, Florida.

Megan Brooks Comer ’07 of Mobile, Alabama and her husband, Bryan, welcomed their daughter, Kathryn Elizabeth, on May 9, 2016.

Nate is now the director of Home Services Customer Service and Fulfillment Support at The Home Depot in Atlanta.

Jason Gregory ’03 was named to the 2016 list of 40 Under 40 by Mobile Bay Monthly Magazine.

Erin Jones ’03 was named to the 2016 list of 40 Under 40 by Mobile Bay Monthly Magazine.

Jillian Reed ‘04 and Jake Wallace ’07 were married June 4, 2016 at St. Joseph Chapel.

Spring/Summer 2016

Amy Lyon ‘08 and Agustin Scafidi were married April 23, 2016 at St. Joseph Chapel.

Lee May ‘08 and Peter Harris were married September 5, 2015, in Auburn, Alabama. They reside in New York City.

Melinda McCall ‘08, SHC Associate Director of Admissions, and Andy McCall ‘10, SHC Assistant Baseball Coach, welcomed a baby boy on March 24, 2016 - Jackson “Jax” Andrew McCall. He weighed 8.1 pounds and was 20 inches long.

send us your news and photos at alumni@shc.edu

Cristina Guerrero ’09 launched Cristi G Events, an event planning firm offering a detailed experience with high quality and outstanding hospitality, in April 2016.

2010s

Renee LeBouef ‘10 has joined New Orleansbased Gambel Communications as a communications strategist.

Grant Benoit ’12 recently had a show, Reclaiming Space, in the Eichold Gallery on campus.

Exploring the idea of the multiple in printmaking, Benoit works outside of the white margin of the edition, using traditional and digital printmaking methods in sculpture, installation and artist books.

Sarah Carter ‘12 and Travis Diemert were married June 18, 2016 at St. Joseph Chapel.

Mamie Jaynes ‘12 and Ricardo Dominguez were married July 19, 2015 at Dauphin Island, Alabama. Mamie is a real estate agent for Roberts Brothers in Mobile, Alabama.

Abbey Golda Roam ‘13 graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in Communications Design from Pratt Institute.

Kayla Bosarge ‘13 graduated with a Master of Architecture from Louisiana State University.

Bridget Oswald ’14 has taken the position of marketing & communications coordinator in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Southern Methodist University.

Jordan Truxillo ’14 and Chris Montgomery ’14 were married May 21, 2016 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Mobile, Alabama. They will reside in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kyndra Perry ’14 and Stephen Zellner were married March 5, 2016 at St. Joseph Chapel.

Claire Stewart ’14 recently became a lay missioner at Maryknoll Lay Missioners, an organization inspired by the mission of Jesus to live and work with poor communities in Africa, Asia and the Americas; responding to basic needs and helping to create a more just and compassionate world.

Jack Lauber ’15 is now a staff associate at Assurance Services at Conner Ash PC in St. Louis, Missouri.

we want to hear from you!

Please let us know what you’re up to. Email your news and photos to alumni@shc.edu or submit your Class Note online at www.shc.edu/alumni.

SHC Alumni Travel Program announces 2017 schedule TROPICAL COSTA RICA February 27-March 7, 2017 9-day excursion through lush forests and stunning waterfalls…rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines…Costa Rica is a paradise teeming with exotic plants and incredible animals.

PASSAGE OF LEWIS & CLARK May 7-15, 2017 7-night Columbia and Snake River cruise aboard the majestic American Express.

Clarkston to Portland.

PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA AND LOURDES WITH BARCELONA September 3-12, 2017 10-day tour including basilicas of Fatima and Lourdes, Cathedral of Burgos, Shrine of the Most Holy Miracle of Santarem.

MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECE November 5-14, 2017 8-night luxury cruise abroad the Riviera.

Venice to Rome.

For more information visit badgernet.shc.edu/services or contact Mindy Hovell, hovell@shc.edu, in the SHC alumni office.

www.shc.edu

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ALUMNI NEWS | In Memoriam

In Memoriam

J.B. Egan ’61: A Life Worth Celebrating

Mr. Harry Ross ‘42 Mr. Ralph Reynolds ‘44 Rev. John H. Edwards, S.J. ‘47 Rev. John J. Heaney, S.J. ‘47 Mr. William B. Carpenter, Jr. ‘49 Mr. James D. McPhillips ‘49 Mr. Charles A. Pirello ‘49 Dr. Henry L. Wright ‘49 Mr. Frank K. Bunkley, Jr. ‘50 Mr. Eugene R. Cox ‘50 Mr. William H. Leech, Sr. ‘50 Dr. John W. Rabby ‘50 Dr. Melvin B. Rotner ‘50 Mr. Joseph E. Rowley ‘50 Mr. Henry V. Kahler ‘51 Mr. Richard Gibbens Robichaux, Sr. ‘51 Mr. Charles F. Adams ‘53 Dr. Fred Kittler ‘53 Mr. H. Anthony Lyons ‘53 Mr. David S. Thomas ‘54 Mr. Joseph J. Linder ‘55 Dr. John E. Rives ‘55 Mrs. Fannie E. Motley ‘56 Thomas I. McKinstry ‘57 Rev. H. R. Meirose, S.J. ‘57 Mr. James E. Norris ‘57 Dr. John M. Shackleford ‘57 Mr. Emery M. Wilson ‘57 Dr. Robert C. Flair ‘58 Mr. Norman S. Gerald, Jr. ‘58 Mr. Bert J. Giddens, Jr. ‘58 Rev. Marvin C. Kitten, S.J. ‘59 Dr. James F. Paulk ‘59 Mr. John M. O’Brien ‘60 Mr. J. B. Egan III ‘61 Mr. Fred W. Schemmel ‘61 Mr. William V. Revere ‘62 Mr. Jay M. Qualey ‘63 Mrs. Nancy Cram Dalton ‘64 Mr. Joseph M. A. Ledlie ‘65 Mrs. Millicent Donovan Charbonnet ‘66 Mrs. Carol Lindzay Glazner ‘69 Lt. Col. (Ret.) Timothy J. Burns ‘71 Mr. Bruce W. Peebles ‘86 Mr. Patrick J. Kane ‘88 Mrs. Sudie Smith O’Neal ‘89 Mr. Thomas F. Cone, Jr. ‘92 Mr. Dennis J. Dragotta ‘92 Mr. Paul Stephen Perry ‘92 Dr. Andrew T. McCarthy, Jr. ‘96 Mr. Jordan R. Litterilla ‘08 Mrs. Jean Bassett ‘12 Ms. Kayla J. McCraney ‘12

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Spring Hill College Magazine

One of our own is gone, but his spirit of service lives on.

Present in those pews were members of the Spring Hill College class of 1961— classmates of J.B. Egan who traveled far and wide to say goodbye to their dear friend. Even after 55 years, memories and love for this incredible man brought old friends together again to celebrate his life. J.B.’s friends remember how much he enjoyed being an altar server for Fr. Colkin (or “Big Art,” as they affectionately referred to him), in spite of the 4 a.m. wakeup call this responsibility demanded. J.B. shared a deep bond with his classmates, and loved playing golf during his college years.

The world around him was changing rapidly. After college, J.B. served two years in the Army, moved home to Vero Beach, began a career in accounting for Oslo Citrus, and married the love of his life, Karen. However, some things never changed, and J.B.’s interests flourished into lifelong passions. Spring Hill College was as much a part of him as the bones in his body—he epitomized the mission as a leader in service to others, and fully embraced the Jesuit concept of cura personalis, or care for the spiritual, social, and intellectual growth of everyone he met.

In addition to serving on myriad boards and committees (United Way, Housing Authority, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, the first Indian River Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, SHC National Alumni Association Board, and others), J.B. was a member of the Parish Council at St. Helen where he served for 50 years as the treasurer of St. Helen’s Harvest Festival and trained many generations of altar servers. He taught more than 700 young men and women to serve God and their church in the same way that he had during his Spring Hill College days.

If you were to spot J.B. Egan in the grocery store, you would never know the effect that this humble, unassuming man had in his community. You might never know how many lives he had improved by personifying the lessons he learned from his friends, teachers, and experiences at Spring Hill College, and you wouldn’t know that you’d seen a saint among men. On that poetically ordinary day in May, his classmate Aileen Flynn Randag perfectly eulogized her dear friend: “J.B.’s quiet, unassuming demeanor never indicated the giant he was in his family, church, and community. As his homilist told us, ‘he was a man we should all emulate.’”

Spring/Summer 2016

“I wasn’t trying to break any ground.”

He Wasn’t Your Average Joe

Fannie E. Motley ’56, our first AfricanAmerican graduate, passes away at 89.

We mourn the passing of distinguished Spring Hill alumnus Joseph Ledlie ’65.

She paved the way for future generations. She was a true pioneer, though she never tried to be.

She just wanted an education. Turns out we learned a great deal from her. Mrs. Fannie E. Motley ‘56, a native of Monroeville, Alabama, and most recently of Fairburn, Georgia, passed away on May 8.

Some 60 years ago, when she received a Bachelor of Science from Spring Hill College, graduating with honors in History and English, Motley was the College’s first African-American graduate. That was in 1956—just two years after the United States Supreme Court ruled that the nation’s schools must integrate. Her graduation made news in the New York Times, Jet Magazine and Time magazine.

Motley had completed a two-year course of study at Selma University where she met her husband, Rev. D.L. Motley, Sr., who encouraged her to complete her degree. Realizing that Spring Hill was her best opportunity to finish college, she submitted an application and was accepted in 1954.

After graduating from Spring Hill, Motley taught second grade in the Mobile County school system, at A.F. Owens School. She then moved to Cincinnati with her husband and continued teaching for 24 years in the Cincinnati Public School system. In 1969 she earned a master’s degree in guidance counseling from Xavier.

Motley received an honorary doctor of humanities degree in 2004. “I wasn’t trying to break any ground,” said Motley while accepting her honorary degree. The first Fannie E. Motley Scholarship at Spring Hill College was awarded in 2007. It is designed for well-rounded individuals who will be involved in campus activities and who have the ability to enhance diversity on campus through the celebration of their own unique heritage.

Joseph M. A. Ledlie ‘65, affectionately known to his close admirers as Joe, Boss, and Dad, died on Christmas Day in Atlanta. At a memorial service in Daphne, Christ the King Catholic Church was overflowing with those who loved and respected him.

Indeed, with his Catholic faith as his guide, Joe Ledlie served his profession with distinction, his family with abundant love, and his alma mater with a passion. Ledlie began his career in journalism in Savannah, and went on to become an editor with The Atlanta Journal, winning numerous national honors and awards. He went on to found the Ledlie Group, a public relations firm in Atlanta.

At Spring Hill, Ledlie majored in English and Journalism, and was a member of Phi Omega fraternity. As a student editor of The Springhillian, he helped increase its quality to the point where it became the smallest publication in the country to win the top collegiate award of Columbia University for general excellence. After completing his Master’s degree at Louisiana State University, Ledlie returned to Spring Hill, serving as a faculty member and faculty moderator for the newspaper.

Even after he left Mobile, Ledlie’s service to Spring Hill continued. He was active for years with his class and fraternity brothers. He was an active voice in Atlanta alumni activities and served on the National Alumni Association Board for many years.

While serving as president of the NAAB for two years, he recruited numerous classmates to volunteer leadership positions with the college.

To honor his memory, Ledlie’s family established the Ledlie Springhillian Award for excellence in writing. The first award was made this spring at Honors Convocation. Donations to the Ledlie fund may be designated through a cash gift or online at www.shc.edu/giving.

www.shc.edu

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ALUMNI NEWS | Where Are They Now?

A New Chapter in the Story of Jide Anyigbo ‘12 When we last talked to Jide Anyigbo ’12, he had just graduated with honors from Spring Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He majored in Biochemistry, and was on his way to the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in Memphis.

Anyigbo, whose family came to the United States from Nigeria, grew up in Houston, Texas, and attended Spring Hill as a Donnelly Scholar.

Fast-forward four years to the present. In May, Anyigbo received his Pharm.D. from the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He says getting his doctorate that quickly took a great deal of work, but it was worth it. “It’s all about your desire,” Anyigbo said. “If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way. You’ll learn the material with the knowledge that you can go forth and benefit others.”

Today, Anyigbo is living in Memphis and working for a venture called Good Shepherd Health. Part of this Memphis-based company’s mission involves donating and giving away free medications to people with socio-economic needs. As Pharmacist and Chief Technical Officer for the company, Anyigbo is tasked with making its computer systems more efficient to enhance its connections with patients, and create new delivery systems that make it easier and simpler for patients to get and track their medications.

Anyigbo is excited about what the company is doing, and he sees it growing into other markets. “I’ve always wanted to better the world around me,” he said. “I feel like this is one of the things I can do to help people. As we grow Good Shepherd Health, I hope to make it a national company and open up sites in different areas, such as Mobile, or my hometown of Houston—it would be amazing if I could build a branch there.”

While he has much to look forward to, Anyigbo is quick to acknowledge how people have helped him in the past. “I wouldn’t be here without the generosity and trust of many people,” he said. “Without the help of people such as Dr. Lesli Bordas, my organic chemistry teacher at Spring Hill, and Tracey Childs of the Center for Academic Excellence, some of this might not have been possible.”

Anyigbo added, “Being a small, tight-knit community, Spring Hill instilled in me that you want to be a positive influence on the community, understanding that you have to value yourself and value others. I’ll always be connected to Spring Hill College.”

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Spring/Summer 2016

BADGER News

Alex Jones Catches Another Honor Badger catcher named to Academic All-America® 1st team by CoSIDA. Once again, Alex Jones has hit an award out of the park. The most recent for the Badger senior catcher was his selection as a 1st team member of the 2016 Academic All-America® Team in NCAA Division II baseball as announced by the Collegiate Sports Information Directors Association (CoSIDA).

Earlier this spring, Jones was named the 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Player of the Year as well as a 2nd team member of the 2016 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/Rawlings All-South Region Team in NCAA Division II. “I can’t say just how proud we are of Alex and

By Jim Stennett

how he represents the true student-athlete here at Spring Hill College,” said Spring Hill Baseball Head Coach Frank Sims. “He has been an incredible leader on and off the field who has done everything we’ve asked of him and more.

He really can’t accept just being ‘good enough’ and is always working to be ‘the best.’”

The Badgers completed the 2016 season with a 29-16 record including a conference-leading 18-3 mark in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

A native of Pensacola, Florida, Jones started 44 games for the Badgers in 2016. He tallied 70 hits including 16 doubles, 13 home runs and 51 runs scored with a school-record 66 runs-batted-in for a .452 batting average. He added 23 walks and three hits-by-pitch for a .510 on-base percentage with 125 total bases for an exceptional .806 slugging percentage. In the field, Jones made 255 put outs with 40 assists while cutting down five attempted base-stealers for a fielding percentage of .974.

Jones’ off-the-field performance is also impressive. He holds a 3.65 grade point average and majors in Business Management.

He is the 13th Spring Hill College student-athlete to receive the prestigious Academic All-America® Award since 2000, and the eighth Badger to earn first-team recognition.

Since 1952, the Academic All-America® Award has recognized student-athletes holding a career GPA of 3.3 or higher while at the same time making significant on-field contributions to their team. The Division II Academic All-America® program is being financially supported by the NCAA Division II national governance structure to assist CoSIDA with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2015-16 Division II Academic All-America® teams program.

www.shc.edu

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BADGER NEWS

Our Student-Athletes of the Year Badgers who have taken their game to a higher level.

At Spring Hill College, we’re fortunate to have many excellent student-athletes. Their competitive spirit makes us all proud. But some rise above the rest. In April, those winners of our highest student-athlete awards for the 2015-2016 academic year were announced by the Department of Athletics at the Varsity NCAA Athletics Awards Banquet.

Baseball player William Floros of University City, Missouri, and dual-sport student-athlete Jordan Travis from Poplarville, Mississippi, shared the Male Senior Athlete of the Year Award while softball pitcher Caroline Sagrera of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, won the Female Senior Athlete of the Year Award in recognition of their outstanding four-year careers.

Baseball catcher Alex Jones of Pensacola, Florida, and golfer Wesley Hunter from St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Mobile shared the Male Athlete of the Year honor, while Sagrera earned the Female Athlete of the Year for the third consecutive year.

Before the presentation of the awards, SHC Director of Athletics Jim Hall surprised the crowd by announcing the department’s reinstatement of presenting athletic letters to varsity NCAA student-athletes who appear in at least 20% of their chosen sport’s contests during the year. “This tradition faded away about ten years ago and we as a department felt it needed to return,” Hall explained.

Hall also thanked the members of the SHC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for all of their dedication and hard work over the past year. “This banquet is a direct result of the recommendation and comments that came from the SAAC,” he said. “They have done a tremendous job as the voice of our student-athletes since we began the program during our transition to the NCAA.”

Senior Athletes of the Year

First baseman Willie Floros was a member of the 2013 Southern States Athletic Conference

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Spring Hill College Magazine

Spring/Summer 2016

(SSAC) All Freshman Team and the 2014 SSAC AllAcademic Team. Despite missing more than half of the 2014 season due to injury, he appeared in 149 games with 149 starts in his four-year career at Spring Hill. At the plate, Floros had 164 hits, 37 doubles, four triples, nine home runs, 88 RBI and 131 runs scored for a .353 career batting average. He holds the SHC record for career bases-on-balls with 120 free trips to 1st base. On the infield, Floros had 502 put outs with 148 assists while participating in 48 double plays.

Jordan Travis was a dual-sport student-athlete excelling on both the men’s cross country and outdoor track & field teams. In cross country, he was a member of 2013 SSAC All-Academic Team and the 2013 Musco Lighting-SSAC Champions of Character Team. In 2012, he was chosen to the SSAC All-Conference and All-Freshmen teams. He ran and scored in 22 of 25 Badger events in four seasons while holding five of Top 30 SHC men’s 8-kilometer times including the 2nd best 8-kilometer time in SHC history with a 26:47.73 mark at the 2013 SSAC Championships in Clinton, Mississippi. As a sprinter in track, he holds numerous SHC records and was the first SHC male track athlete to qualify for a national championship meet when he participated in the 2014 NAIA National Championships in the 800-meter run. Travis was a Capital One Academic All-District selection in 2014 as well a member of the 2014 SSAC All-Conference team. In his senior year, he was an All-Conference selection in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

Caroline Sagrera was a two-time NAIA 1st Team All-America member. She was the 2013 SSAC Pitcher of the Year and a two-time SSAC All-Conference selection. Carol was a 2014 and 2015 Capital One Academic All-America 1st Team member as selected by CoSIDA. In 2014, she was an SSAC All-Academic Team member and a

Spirit of the Badger Awards

The men’s Spirit of the Badger award went to dual sport senior student athlete Wesley Pietri of St. Paul’s Episcopal who played for both the men’s basketball and outdoor track & field teams. For the women,

Wesley Hunter, Junior, Men’s Golf

Alex Jones appeared in 44 games with 44 starts in 2016. He tallied 70 hits including 16 doubles, 13 home runs, 51 runs scored and a school-record 66 runs-batted-in for a .452 batting average. He added 23 walks and three hits-by-pitch for a .510 on-base percentage with 125 total bases for an exceptional .806 slugging percentage. In the field, Jones made 255 put outs with 40 assists while cutting down five attempted base-stealers for a fielding percentage of .974.

Wesley Hunter shot 25 rounds in 10 events during the 2015-2016 season with 14 rounds being at or below par. He won three tournaments with six top five finishes. In head-to-head competition, he held a 528-71 (.881) record and finished the year with a 72.48 stroke average and a +1 average relative to par. His season’s personal best came at the Faulkner State Invitational on February 13-14 where he shot a 5-under-par score of 67.

Caroline Sagrera, struck out 264 opposing batters in 193.2 innings over 36 appearances and 30 starts.

She earned a 0.98 ERA while building a 23-8 season record. Sagrera pitched 26 complete games with 12 shutouts, a shared shutout, one save and two no-hitters. Opponents hit for just a .162 average with 107 hits and 63 walks.

Taylor Lahasky, Senior, Softball

Athletes of the Year

Caroline Sagrera, Senior, Softball

member of the SSAC All-Tournament Team. At the plate, she had 17 hits for a .207 batting average with a double and 11 RBI. In the field, Sagrera had 67 putouts with 167 assists. And in the circle, she holds numerous SHC career, season and game pitching records. She pitched 1088.2 innings in 173 appearances with 158 starts. Sagrera threw 144 complete games, nine no-hitters, 57 solo shut outs, one shared shutout and two saves. She allowed just 188 earned runs for a career ERA of 1.21. Her career record stands at 126 wins against just 36 losses with 1,531 career strikeouts.

Willie Floros, Senior, Baseball

see complete athletic coverage at www.shc.badgers.com

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Freshmen of the Year

2016 Student-Athletes Awards Banquet soccer senior Maggie Dalessio of St. Petersburg, Florida, and dual sport student-athlete Nicole Kotval of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who ran on both the women’s cross country and track & field teams, shared the honor. First awarded in 2014, the Spirit of the Badger Award is presented to the male and female student-athletes who best exemplified the spirit of SHC athletics through dedication, tenacity and team spirit.

Pietri was a guard in basketball and a multiple-event athlete in track & field. On the court, he appeared in 98 games in four seasons with 394 points scored, 203 rebounds, 79 assists, 30 steals and eight blocked shots. He was a member of the 2014 SSAC All-Academic Team as a sophomore.

In track & field, he primarily competed in the jump events where he holds numerous SHC school records.

Dalessio started all 17 games in-goal during her senior season and recorded an SHC career record 255 saves in 56 matches over four seasons. In her final season, she set the SHC single season record with 102 saves. Dalessio was a 2014 Gulf South Conference (GSC) Academic Honor Roll member and a 2013 SSAC All-Academic Team selection.

Kotval is a sophomore who has run and scored in 10 out of 11 SHC cross country events of her twoyear career. She has been the top Badger finisher in nine events including all five events in which she competed in 2015. In track, she is a middle distance runner who specializes in the 800- and 1500-meter runs.

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In its first year to be presented, the Male and Female Freshman of the Year awards are presented to the top freshman performers in their chosen sports.

Sawyer Glick of Columbus, Indiana, started 27 of 28 games as a redshirt freshman on the men’s basketball team where he scored 443 points and led the team with a 15.8 points per game average. He was named the 2016 SIAC Freshman of the Year and appeared on the All-Conference 1st team as selected by the conference head coaches. He also hauled down 120 rebounds and dished out 51 assists while blocking nine shots and taking away 22 steals.

As a catcher on the softball team, Kali Clement of Thibodeaux, Louisiana, started all 51 games of her true freshman year either behind the plate or at designated player. She hit for a .366 average with 52 hits including 12 doubles, three triples and five home runs. Clement tallied 47 RBI and stole 11 bases in 13 attempts. She fielded her position at a .978 pace and caught 16 attempted base-stealers.

Scholar Athletes of the Year

The Men’s and Women’s Scholar Athletes of the Year awards are presented to the graduating varsity student-athletes with the highest cumulative Grade Point Averages (GPAs) among graduating SHC senior student-athletes.

From Clinton, Mississippi, Jacob Files, a goalkeeper on the men’s soccer team, holds a 3.943 GPA in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology. He appeared in-goal in 50 matches with four shutouts and 235 total saves. He was a member of the 2013 SSAC AllAcademic Team as well as the 2014 and 2015 GSC Academic Honor Rolls. In 2012, he was selected to the SSAC All-Freshman Team.

Taylor Lahasky, a softball outfielder from New Iberia, Louisiana, holds a 3.956 GPA in Biology.

In 2014, she was a member of both the NAIA Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athlete Team and the SSAC All-Academic Team. In her four-year career, she hit .232 and appeared in 176 games with 155 starts.

She had 95 total hits with 74 runs scored, 18 doubles, two triples and seven home runs with 62 RBI. She walked 56 times and stole seven bases. In the outfield, she collected 84 putouts with two assists.

see complete athletic coverage at www.shc.badgers.com

Peak Performers

Badger Student-Athletes earn conference awards On the field or court and in the classroom, our student-athletes excel. In their first year of eligibility for post-season honors in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), Spring Hill College (SHC) student-athletes earned 68 spots on the 2015-16 Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. A total of 447 student-athletes were named to the SIAC Commissioner’s All-Academic Team for maintaining at least a 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average throughout the 2015-16 academic year.

2015-16 SIAC Commissioner’s All-Academic Team Men’s Cross Country (2) Jordan Travis, Senior, Graphic Design, 3.739 Kent Cheramie, Junior, Biology/Pre-Health, 3.531 Women’s Cross Country (6) Katie Dolan, Junior, Management/Marketing, 3.648 Amie Gilbert, Junior, Cell and Molecular Biology, 3.972 Gabrielle Hantak, Sophomore, Health Science, 3.616 Nicole Kotval, Sophomore, Pre-Nursing, 3.595 Kori Lackey, Sophomore, Cell and Molecular Biology, 3.389 Anastasia Walloga, Sophomore, Biology/Pre-Health 3.455 Volleyball (7) Molly Griffin, Junior, Secondary Education Social Science, 3.774 Virginia Hicks, Senior, Public Relations/Advertising, 3.594 Hannah Masoner, Junior, Psychology, 3.759 Catherine Milwee, Sophomore, Computer Information Science, 3.618 Mallory Raulerson, Senior, Computer Information Science, 3.071 Madison Seuzeneau, Junior, Public Relations/Advertising, 3.25

Julie Vujnovich, Sophomore, Pre-Nursing, 3.28 Men’s Basketball (5) Jackson Fos, Senior Biology/Pre-Health, 3.53 Sam Hutcheson, Junior, Biochemistry, 3.772 Wesley Pietri, Senior, Actuarial Mathematics, 3.84 Matevz Rojc, Sophomore, Actuarial Mathematics, 3.663 Dejan Stefanovic, Junior, Management/Marketing, 3.655 Women’s Basketball (4) Raneisha Andrews, Sophomore, Pre-Nursing, 3.345 Armanee Broussard, Senior, Sociology, 3.076 Jennifer Clark, Sophomore, Health Sciences, 3.693 Amber Lane, Sophomore, Pre-Nursing, 3.363 Men’s Tennis (4) Lars Bajohr, Sophomore, Financial Economics, 3.45 Alejandro Hastings Oro, Senior, Management/Marketing, 3.666 Martin Jaramillo, Junior, Financial Economics, 3.782 Andrew Risley, Sophomore, Biology/Pre-Health, 3.745 Women Tennis (5) Allison Gmelich, Junior, Cell and Molecular Biology, 3.53 Maria Hastings Oro, Sophomore Public Relations/Advertising, 3.531 Elizabeth Peters, Sophomore Biology/Pre-Health, 3.12 Heather Sutton, Junior, Political Science and Law, 3.639 Lucila Ortiz, Senior, Management Accounting, 3.619 Men’s Track and Field (7) Kent Cheramie, Junior, Biology/Pre-Health, 3.531 Dinard Garrett, Junior, Financial Economics, 3.77 Barry Murray, Junior, Psychology, 3.483 Wesley Pietri, Senior, Actuarial Mathematics, 3.84 Mathew Root, Senior, Biology/Pre-Health, 3.426 Jordan Travis, Senior, Graphic Design, 3.739 Robert Treuting, Senior, Applied Mathematics, 3.733

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Women’s Track and Field (8) Shyann Campfield, Sophomore, Sociology, 3.343 Katie Dolan, Junior, Management/Marketing, 3.648 Gabrielle Hantak, Sophomore, Health Sciences, 3.616 Kourtney Jones, Junior, Psychology, 3.043 Nicole Kotval, Sophomore, Pre-Nursing, 3.595 Kori Lackey, Sophomore, Cell and Molecular Biology, 3.389 Korinne Sauvage, Sophomore, Management/Marketing, 3.602 Emily Thrush, Junior, Psychology, 3.452 Men’s Golf (6) Michael Abram, Senior, Computer Information Systems, 3.623 Wesley Hunter, Junior, Management/Marketing, 3.008 David Kirkman, Sophomore, Management/Marketing, 3.621 Kalle Nilsson, Sophomore, Management/Marketing, 3.927 Gerardo Portela, Senior, Management/Accounting, 3.3 Thomas Ruli, Sophomore, Pre-Health, 3.918 Softball (6) Carmen Byrd, Sophomore, Management Accounting, 3.175 Jenna Charnock, Junior, Psychology, 3.045 Mary Glass, Junior, Management Accounting, 3.132 Taylor Lahasky, Senior, Biology/Pre-Health, 3.952 Caroline Sagrera, Senior, Biology/Pre-Health, 3.895 Lauren Stewart, Senior, Secondary Education Social Science, 3.043 Baseball (12) Conner Harrison, Junior, Management Accounting, 3.75 Austyn Jacques, Junior, Sociology-Criminology, 3.071 Alex Jones, Senior, Management/Marketing, 3.704 Jacob Malkoff, Senior, Cell and Molecular Biology, 3.229 William North, Junior, Financial Economics, 3.615

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Steven Saucier, Junior, Financial Economics, 3.653 Garrett Webb, Senior, Management/Marketing, 3.584 Christian Bahlinger, Junior, Financial Economics, 3.121 Johnathan Billings, Senior, Psychology, 3.552 Hunter D’Armond, Sophomore, Theology, 3.331 William Floros, Senior, Financial Economics, 3.85 Jordan Fontenelle, Junior, Financial Economics, 3.335

2015-16 SIAC All-Academic Teams by Sport The Badgers also led all SIAC institutions by capturing five team academic awards with 27 individual members in women’s cross country, men’s basketball, men’s baseball, men’s track and field, and men’s golf. A total of 109 student-athletes were placed on the SIAC All-Academic Teams in their respective sport. Student-athletes with a 3.2 or higher were considered for All-Academic Team honors. The number of student-athletes selected in each sport is determined by the number of positions typically involved in that sport.

Women’s Cross Country Amie Gilbert, Junior, Cell and Molecular Biology, 3.972 All-Academic Team Champion: Spring Hill, 3.61 Men’s Cross Country Jordan Travis, Senior, Graphic Design, 3.739 Volleyball Molly Griffin, Junior, Secondary Education, 3.774 Hannah Masoner, Junior, Psychology, 3.759 Catherine Milwee, Sophomore, Computer Information Science, 3.618

see complete athletic coverage at www.shc.badgers.com

All-Academic Team Champion: Spring Hill, 3.48

All-Academic Team Champion: Spring Hill, 3.56

Men’s Basketball Wesley Pietri, Senior, Actuarial Mathematics, 3.84 Sam Hutcheson, Junior, Biochemistry, 3.772 Dejan Stefanovic, Junior, Management/Marketing, 3.655 Matevz Rojc, Sophomore, Actuarial Mathematics, 3.663

Softball Taylor Lahasky, Senior, Biology/Pre-Health, 3.952 Caroline Sagrera, Senior, Biology/Pre-Health, 3.895

All-Academic Team Champion: Spring Hill, 3.69 Women’s Tennis Heather Sutton, Junior, Political Science and Law, 3.639 Men’s Tennis Martin Jaramillo, Junior, Financial Economics, 3.782 Andrew Risley, Sophomore, Biology/Pre-Health, 3.745 Alejandro Hastings Oro, Senior, Management/Marketing, 3.666 Women’s Track & Field Katie Dolan, Junior, Management/Marketing, 3.648 Men’s Track & Field Wesley Pietri, Senior, Actuarial Mathematics, 3.84 Dinard Garrett, Junior, Financial Economics, 3.77 Jordan Travis, Senior, Graphic Design, 3.739 Robert Treuting, Senior, Applied Mathematics, 3.733 All-Academic Team Champion: Spring Hill, 3.64

Baseball William Floros, Senior, Financial Economics, 3.85 Conner Harrison, Junior, Management Accounting, 3.75 Alex Jones, Senior, Management/Marketing, 3.704

2016 Gulf South Conference FireSeeds Spring Academic Honor Roll The GSC FireSeeds Academic Honor Roll recognizes varsity student-athletes with a composite GPA of 3.0 in any academic year of eligibility who appeared in at least one regular season competition.

Women’s Golf Alexandria Ryals, Senior, Political Science and Pre-Law, 3.35 Lauren Kasuda, Sophomore, Business, 3.38 Alexa Shelton, Freshman, Communication Arts, 3.32

Men’s Golf Kalle Nilsson, Sophomore, Management/Marketing, 3.927 Thomas Ruli, Sophomore, Pre-Health, 3.918 Michael Abram, Senior, Computer Information Systems, 3.623 David Kirkman, Sophomore, Management/Marketing, 3.621

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Teeing Off for Badger Athletics

Several teams chipped in for our athletic teams at the second annual Arthur R. Outlaw Memorial Golf Classic.

When the Spring Hill College Department of Athletics wants to raise some green, they go for the greens. That’s what 14 teams of participants did at the second annual Arthur R. Outlaw Memorial Golf Classic, held Friday, June 10 at the Spring Hill Golf Course.

According to reports from the 19th hole, the event was a huge success and all had a great time.

Among the illustrious participants taking their best shots at the crown included Spring Hill President Christopher Puto and Director of Athletics Jim Hall, as well as Badger head coaches Frank Sims, Steve Wieczorek, Aaron Niven, Ben Hoefs and Peggy Martin.

“We want to thank everyone who came out and enjoyed the day with us, as well as all the sponsors,” Jim Hall said. “I especially want to thank Assistant Athletic Director Michael Patrick who organized the entire event and did a great job running the tournament again this year.”

Indeed, the shotgun start, scramble format event saw some excellent golf, as well as some exciting finishes. Team Reggie Copeland placed first among the tier 1 participants by just squeaking

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past Team Jim Hall in a tiebreaker after both teams posted a score of 57.

In the second tier, Team Landmark Tour & Travel took first place with a score of 64, marking an impressive “from-worst-to-first” performance by Badger men’s basketball head coach Aaron Niven after his team came in last in 2015. “Those free lessons paid off!” Niven joked during the awards ceremony in reference to his booby prize of last year. Team Cowes, Murphy and Glover placed second in the second tier also with a score of 64.

Trailing the field this year was Team SHC Men’s Soccer led by Badger men’s soccer head coach Steve Wieczorek and his assistants James Beeston and Ben Fredrickson. (Too bad kicking the golf ball isn’t allowed.) The team happily accepted four free golf lessons from course Head Golf Professional Shane Allen. “Hey, we had a great time with some great people. We might not be the best golfers, but it was a fun day,” Wieczorek said.

Individual awards went to Jay Dykes and Bubba Fearn for “Closest to the Pin,” Frank Sims and Worth Hines for the “Longest Drive,” and Bubba Fearn for the “Longest Putt Made.”

Spring Hill College

Homecoming on the Hill Hon

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b dger family weekend SPRING HILL COLLEGE • OCT. 21-23, 2016

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HUNDREDS OF BADGERS. ONE GREAT, BIG BADGER FAMILY.