G[X Fce\aZ ;\__ 6b__XZX @TZTm\aX Ib_h`X & Ah`UXe $
8W\gbe- ! eÆBï Ö nƳ #! ¿õs
@TaTZ\aZ 8W\gbe- nÂÂ
4eg 7\eXVgbe-
3BQ n { Ïn ÏÆ Â Ï n .ÂnÆ en Ï
¦
B ÖÆ $níÆ
Õ
Be n $níÆ 1Ïn nÏÏ
Ë
nç ! QnÂB eÖ[BÏ Q Ö ÖÆ 3 nÆ ! eÆBï Ö nÆb #! ¿õs
#BÂ BÂnÏ Â B[
Ân !n[ÏÖÂnÆ #B 5Æ 1ÏÖ e¸ . ÏB ÂBÆ :Ƴ 1 [ÂBÏnÆ B ! QnÂB ÂÏÆ eÖ[BÏ
C[bgbZeTc[l-
1nÏ !BÖQ n ¿õÕ n Ï $n[B Æn 3ÂB[ n # ÂÂ Æ 1[ Bn{nÂ
6bage\Uhg\aZ Je\gXef#BÂ BÂnÏ Bì Æb . ³ ³
BÂ n 1 Ï #BÂ 1ÏBÂÂb . ³ ³ 1Ïn nÏÏ
CeXf\WXag0nì³ Ân Âï ³ !Ö[nïb 1³ ³
Æ Ö e Qn BeeÂnÆÆne Ï a ! eÆBï Ö nÆb e Ï Â 1 n n #B Bó nb ~õõõ BÖ 1ÏÂnnÏ # Q nb ! ÑËËõsã¦Ê ¦ ¯Õ|¦° ÑsõãÕÕs  ¯sÊÊ° 1.0ã !! Ö nÆOÆ [³neÖ
Õõ
BÏn 5eBÏnÆ
ÕÕ
BÆÆ $ ÏnÆ
Õ~
Ö $níÆ
11
Õ|
G[X Fce\aZ ;\__ 6b__XZX @TZTm\aX Æ ÖQ Æ ne Ï Ânn Ï nÆ B ïnBÂ Qï Ï n &é[n {
Ö [BÏ Æ B e #BÂ nÏ ³
6b``Xagf
¦Ê
BÂ n 1 Ï
¦~
! eÆBï Ö nƳ #! ¿õs
ÖÆ nÆÆ Ï n BÆï
¦¦
#BÂ BÂnÏ Bì Æb . ³ ³
1ÏÖen ÏÆ ;n eÖ[BÏ
8
#BÂ 1ÏBÂÂb . ³ ³
 í B  íã ne 3Ânn
s
17 14
From the President
Dear alumni and friends:
For nearly 180 years Spring
especially in these challenging
Our alumni and friends have
Hill College students have been
economic times that are affecting
been key partners in supporting
benefiting from an education that
our nation and the world. The
Spring Hill’s student educational
keeps up with a changing world.
ultimate return on our students’
experience. I hope you will
This kind of education has never
educational journey and their
continue your partnership with the
been so important as it is today.
parents’ investment is obvious
college and also continue to be our
in the breadth and depth of their
ambassadors in the ever-changing
“liberal education,” built on
successes after graduation. Alumni,
world. We can have no better
learning in the classroom, real
donors, employers, parents and
representatives.
world experiences and service
friends often share those success
to others, are highlighted in this
stories with us.
The many facets of a true
issue of the magazine. Provost
As I have traveled to several
I hope you will be able to join us for Homecoming on the Hill April 23-26, and I will continue
George Sims defines what a liberal
cities in these final months of my
to keep you informed of our way
education is all about, and faculty
presidency, I have heard many
forward in this New Year.
members Mark Starr and Margaret
of these stories. No matter what
Davis offer additional insights and
career path Spring Hill alumni
reflections on a mission in action.
have chosen, they all reflect fondly
In the ongoing commitment to
Sincerely,
on the College, the insights and
form leaders in service to others,
dedication of their professors, the
we believe this education that is
warmth of the campus community,
central to the College’s mission
helpfulness of beloved staff
Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J.
must be supported in the best ways
members, the serenity of St. Joseph
President
possible: financially, spiritually,
Chapel, the commencement
academically and physically.
procession down the Avenue of
Ensuring that our students are
the Oaks. Yesterday’s memories
able to benefit from a practical
are important foundations for the
education is also important,
future.
CampusNews
Photo by Keith Necaise
Lucey portrait unveiled in renovated Administration Center
Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., stands in front of his portrait with artist Stephanie Morris ’69.
The Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., celebrated his 76th birthday on Jan. 21 with the unveiling of his portrait in the rotunda of the newly renovated Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J. Administration Center. Artist Stephanie Morris ’69 of Mobile captured Lucey in a characteristic stance, hands in pockets, with St. Joseph Chapel in the background. Morris said she was honored to paint Lucey’s portrait, as she and her family have a long history with the college. Her parents, Lillian C. Betty and the late Samuel M. Betty ’39, have devoted a combined 80 years of service to Spring Hill College. He was professor of economics, and she worked in the library. To view more photos of the renovation and portrait unveiling, visit www.flickr.com/ springhillcollege.
Photos by Marc Lamkin and Seth Laubinger ’02
2
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
Spring Hill College continued the longstanding tradition of Christmas on the Hill on Dec. 5, when refugee families received gifts, necessities and a Christmas dinner. The event assists families who have come to the United States with little or nothing. The Refugee Resettlement Program of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Mobile received many families and single people from Iraq, which they help to settle into the Mobile community. The campus community’s donations included clothing, toys, food, cleaning supplies, bedding and furniture, which enable the families to make their new houses or apartments their homes. In addition, through various col- Students pose with Santa Claus (Dr. David Sauer) during lections throughout the month of November, Christmas on the Hill. the community donated funds to the Refugee Resettlement Program.
Photo by Keith Necaise
Christmas on the Hill assists refugee families
Campus Center demolition under way
Photos by Keith Necaise
Students, faculty and staff gathered Jan. 9 for a demolition ceremony of the campus center. The Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., president of Spring Hill College, climbed on the backhoe and took the first “bite” out of the corner of the building. Upon completion in spring 2010, the new “green” student center is expected to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
Phases of demolition progress. 3
CampusNews
Photo by Seth Laubinger ’02
Spring Hill launches Premedical Internship program
Students in the premedical internship program gather in a lab classroom.
Spring Hill College introduced a new premedical internship program for pre-health students in January. Twenty students are enrolled in the program for the spring 2009 semester. The participating students will spend eight hours “shadowing” five different healthcare professionals for a total of 40 hours over the course of the semester. More than 100 Mobile area healthcare professionals, representing 23 different medical specialties, have agreed to participate in the program. Students will receive one credit hour and have the opportunity to repeat the course each spring semester.
The internship is open to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and who have earned a minimum of 30 credit hours. “This internship is a great enhancement to our premedical program here at Spring Hill. Liz DexterWilson, career services coordinator, has done a great job helping to organize the course and will serve as the course director,” said Dr. David Dean, chair of the Division of Sciences. “But this wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Dr. Dan Reimer ’78, a local radiologist who volunteered to personally invite each physician to participate in the program.”
SHC ‘e-magazine’ coming soon Spring Hill College will launch an online version of the magazine in spring 2010. The Spring Hill College e-Magazine will supplement the printed issues with “Web Exclusive” campus news items and profiles of students, alumni and donors.
4
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
Six New Trustees Elected to the Board Karen Outlaw Atchison is a lifelong Mobilian and daughter of former Mobile mayor and college trustee, Arthur R. Outlaw. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 1974 with a B.S. in home economics. An active community volunteer, she has served as chairman of the board of the Museum of the City of Mobile, treasurer of the Junior League of Mobile, secretary of the Alabama Humanities Foundation, and is a graduate of Leadership Mobile. Atchison is a member of the board of UMS-Wright Preparatory School, the Mobile Symphony, the College of Human Environmental Sciences at the University of Alabama, and is vice chairman of the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau Board. Mr. Thomas Joseph Clark III ’59 is president of the Lilly Company in Memphis, Tenn. After graduating from Spring Hill in 1959 with a B.S. in economics, he entered the United States Army. During Clark’s 20-year career with the Army, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, two Bronze Stars, the Army Commendation Medal, and 23 Air Medals. Upon retirement from the Army, he joined The Lilly Company, a company started by his grandfather in 1919. Under Clark’s tenure, The Lilly Company, a material handling company, has expanded to 11 branches throughout the Southeast. Terence Hillery ’00 is president of The Hillery Holding Company, which is composed of six companies in the fields of real estate development, real estate sales, construction, and renewable energy. Hillery graduated from Spring Hill in 2000 with a double major in accounting and finance. His company is in the process of converting an old school, church and rectory into a 100-plus residential unit, in an attempt to become one of the first Zero-Energy multi-family buildings in the U.S. Hillery serves on the Builders Association of Greater Boston’s Green Committee. He is an active volunteer with several camps for children with cancer, as well as the DanaFarber Cancer Institute. Vincent F. Kilborn ’64 is a partner with Kilborn, Roebuck & McDonald law firm in Mobile and specializes in commercial litigation. He is also manager
of The Joseph Treadwell Charitable Foundation that primarily supports health, education and human services initiatives. Kilborn earned a B.S. from Spring Hill in 1964. He also holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree from New York University. Kilborn has been active in various community projects and organizations, including Mobile Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army’s Neediest Families project. Celia Ann Harmon Wallace is chair of the board and chief executive officer of Southern Medical Health Systems Inc., and chairman of the board of Chunchula Energy Corporation, both in Mobile. A native of Brighton, Ala., Wallace attended the University of Alabama and is board certified in radiological technology. She is a member of the Alabama Society of Radiological Technologists and the American Society of Radiological Technologists. Wallace has been involved in numerous civic activities including the Mobile Industrial Development Board, Mobile Opera Board, Mobile Historic Preservation Society, Penelope House Advisory Board and Forward Mobile. She has served as vice president for the Alabama Port Authority, American Red Cross board of directors, and is a national trustee of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. John Zollinger ’89 is manager of the commercial real estate lending department of Regions Bank for the New Orleans market. He earned a B.S. in finance in 1989 from Spring Hill. In 1993 he formed and managed the Gaming Specialty group with Regional/ National Banking and grew the gaming-related portfolio to more than $100 million. In 1999 Zollinger joined Banc One Capital Markets in Houston, Texas in the National Lending group. In 2001 he rejoined Whitney to run the commercial banking department in Gulfport, Miss. This community bank was purchased by Whitney a few years earlier and, under Zollinger’s leadership, grew a loan portfolio to more than $100 million in just three years. He has served on the board of directors of the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, Westminster Academy, and as chairman of Junior Achievement.
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
5
BadgerNews By Jim Stennett
Most 17-year-olds spend spring semesters planning a date for their prom or filling out college applications. As the youngest member of the Badgers baseball team, freshman William Tillman of Theodore, Ala., however, is more worried about the batting averages of players in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. A biology/pre-health major, Tillman scored a perfect 36 on the science portion of his ACT exam and plans a career in medicine, preferably as a surgeon. Asked why he chose Spring Hill College, Tillman says, “I like the small school aspects of Spring Hill. I wanted to work closely with my professors. But baseball was an important factor, too. I wanted to play baseball but still be able to concentrate on my studies.”
A graduate of Theodore High School, Tillman also likes being able to take part in the liberal arts programs available on The Hill. “I was in Honors English at Theodore and, before that, Faith Academy. I really enjoyed those classes, so I look forward to taking some literature classes here, too.” “William is an amazing young man,” says SHC Head Baseball Coach Frank Sims. “I signed him to pitch for us at age 16. He’s a great athlete, incredibly intelligent and has absolutely no ego.” The youngest player on any collegiate baseball team usually gets plenty of ribbing from his teammates during his freshman year, and Tillman is no exception. “The guys on the team haven’t let me forget my age, but it’s all been in good fun,” he says. “To tell the truth, I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same thing. It did
6
dawn on me the other day that I’ll probably still be the youngest player next year!” One of the biggest challenges Tillman faces is the playing experience of the opposing batters in the upcoming season, many of whom will be 23 or 24 years old. “I have thought about that,” he says. “But I’ve always played up (in age group). When I was in the 8th grade I played on the varsity team, and my first appearance was in a scrimmage against Faulkner State Community College. I did OK then, so I think I should be able to handle the pressure now.” Baseball is not the only sport in which Tillman has excelled. Since the age of 7 he has competed in the boxing ring where he won two Golden Gloves championships as well as two Gulf States Championships. “At 13, I made the decision to focus on baseball, but I enjoyed my time in the ring. Just last summer, I decided to get into shape for fall baseball practice, so I signed up for an MMA (mixed martial arts) match.” He won with a first-round knockout.
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
For the latest Badger news visit www.shcbadgers.com
Four Badgers Run at National XC Championships On Nov. 22, the men’s and women’s cross country teams sent four runners to the 2008 NAIA National Championships in Kenosha, Wis., the most runners to qualify for individual national championships in SHC history. Senior Patrick Aucoin of River Ridge, La., ran in his third national meet and finished the 8K course in a time of 27:06.6, the 8th best time in the Badger record book. Aucoin defended his GCAC crown two weeks earlier with a firstplace finish at the conference meet in Clinton, Miss., with a time of 27:01.42. The other Spring Hill runners for the men were brothers Will and Mark Kirkikis from Kenner, La. Will, a freshman, finished in a time of 28.31.08 while Mark, a junior, ran the course in 30:31.54. Freshman Kate Imwalle of Mobile stormed onto the collegiate scene in 2008. This season her times from six races placed in the SHC women’s Top 20 record book, and her winning time of 18:42.2 at the GCAC Championships on Nov. 8 set a new Spring Hill record for the women’s 5K distance. At the NAIA Championships, she ran the 6th best time in SHC history with a time of 19:14.7, earning the top time ever recorded by a Lady Badger at the nationals. Following the season, seniors Gussie Altman of Biloxi, Miss., Stephanie Hoffman of Belleville, Ill., and Aucoin, along with junior Kari Wolfe of Cottonwood, Ala., were named 2008 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athletes.
Fall Sports Wrap-Up The 2008 fall sports completed another exciting year led by the women’s soccer team that finished with its second consecutive 10-win season. The Lady Badgers closed with a final record of 10-7-2. Junior forward Kasey Pruett of Flower Mound, Texas, once again led all scorers with 19 goals and three assists for a total of 41 points. Three Lady Badgers were named to the GCAC All-Conference team with Pruett
Senior Patrick Aucoin, far right, won back-to-back GCAC Individual Championships in 2007 and 2008.
a 1st team selection and senior midfielder Sarah Engels of St. Louis, Mo., and freshman defender Nina Caputa, also from St. Louis, on the 2nd team. Men’s soccer ended their season with a disappointing 4-11-3 record during a campaign that brought a seasonending injury to their starting goalkeeper for the second year in a row. Starting freshman keeper William Gafford of Mobile suffered a broken leg during a match against University of Mobile. Senior All-Conference midfielder Sean Simpson of Ballwin, Mo., led the Badgers with 15 goals (including all four game-winners) and three assists for 33 total points on the year. Simpson was also honored as a 2008 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athlete. Coach Beth Ring’s volleyball team suffered a bit of a “sophomore slump” during her second season at the helm, but still managed to battle to a 15-23 overall record and a third-place conference finish. Senior outside hitter Rachel Williams of Church Point, La., finished her career with an All-Conference selection and a team-leading 333 kills and 42 service aces. Junior defensive specialist Melissa Williams of Fairhope, Ala., also was named to the All-GCAC team, recording 773 digs and 21 service aces. Both the men’s and women’s golf teams performed well in the fall half of their schedules. In September, the Lady Badgers placed second at the Alabama State University Fall Classic, shooting a combined two-round total of 658. The women’s team also finished second at the Santa Rosa Beach (Fla.) Fall Finale. Freshman Jenny Lines of Gulf Shores, Ala., has turned in the top performance for the ladies so far, shooting a two-round 151 (+11) at Birmingham-Southern in September. In November, Coach Steve Hodge’s men’s team shot a combined three-round 914 for a third-place finish in the University of Mobile Fall Invitational held at Heron Lakes Country Club. Senior Dan Thouvenot of St. Louis paced the Badgers with a second-place 218 (+2) over the two-day event.
Senior players enjoyed the second consecutive 10-win season in Lady Badgers soccer history.
Jim Stennett is Sports Information Director at Spring Hill College.
Coach Adam Pearce celebrated “Senior Day” with Sean Simpson, left, and Derek Burr on Nov. 2, 2008.
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
7
By Lindsay Hughes, MLA ’08
Dr. George Sims gets excited about liberal education. In a spirited interview, the provost and vice president for academic affairs communicates what liberal education means to him, its relevance in a changing world, and how Spring Hill College prepares students to become good global citizens and responsible leaders.
8
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
Liberal, in this sense, refers not to left-wing politics but to an education that is fit for free people, Sims explains. Following the “Essential Learning Outcomes” set forth by Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP), an initiative by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, Sims outlines the goals of liberal education. According to AAC&U’s 2007 report “College Learning for the New Global Century,” students should gain knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world, intellectual and practical skills, personal and social responsibility, and integrative learning. “Those aims of liberal education are not the exclusive province of any particular academic discipline,” Sims asserts, adding that some of his colleagues would disagree. “The point of a liberal education is not to have an encyclopedia of knowledge,” he continues. “In my view, the dominions of knowledge have gotten so big, so complex, that it doesn’t make sense to me anymore that anyone would say in order to be an educated person you ought to have read Aristotle.” Learning to appreciate the richness of Aristotle’s texts, Sims clarifies, is certainly one way students develop the ability to synthesize; to express their views; and to understand other people, places and times. The value of studying the French Revolution, for example, is apparent when students can “imaginatively move outside themselves and to the position
of other people, and understand how someone else of a different time and a different place would engage in those issues,” he says. Others might argue that by respecting and seriously studying particular writers and texts within the canon, students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. This approach, Sims suggests, treats Western tradition as the norm and “diversity” as the exception. Sims, on the other hand, says, “I think there is enough common ground in the human condition that the knowledge, wisdom and experience in the canon, and in other traditions and cultures, really is speaking of the same human experience.” The relevancy of Spring Hill’s core curriculum, Sims says, is that it uses the Western intellectual tradition, and “One does not find the answers the Jesuit tradition of to today’s problems and future educational excellence, to problems by being able to look prepare students not only to enter professions but them up in a book and find where also to live within their someone else has already solved own time – a time of rapid them for us.” change, cultural pluralism, and complex, unscripted — Dr. George Sims problems. “One does not find the answers to today’s problems and future problems by being able to look them up in a book and find where someone else has already solved them for us,” he says. Upon joining Spring Hill’s administration in 2005, Sims, who is neither Catholic nor Jesuit-educated, Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
9
says he was pleased to come to the understanding that liberal education is harmonious with the Jesuit tradition, which is based on experience, reflection and action. “The Jesuit tradition of learning is about the ongoing formation of students so they can take in experiences and understand their significance,” he says, “and through reflection connect them with other parts of their lives … and then use that as the basis for taking sound action that serves the community.” Spring Hill’s strength, Sims says, is that the college as a whole, from the curriculum to residence life to campus ministry, engages students in experiences that foster intellectual, physical and spiritual growth. “What I’m intending to underscore is that learning about all of these things is not, and never has been, the province of any one class or any one academic discipline,” Sims emphasizes.
At a college that strives for the magis, Sims answers the question, what “more” can we do? As the college continues to develop opportunities for service learning and other integrated experiences, one of the challenges, Sims says, is to nourish the holistic wellbeing of transfer and commuter students. Because those students often are exposed solely to the curriculum, the college must be deliberate in engaging all students in the classroom. Another challenge Spring Hill confronts is making liberal education accessible and achievable for more students, particularly those who come from low-income families or communities, Sims says. He believes wholeheartedly that a liberal education is the best foundation for all people, including the traditionally underserved, to become leaders in their communities. ■
Editor Lindsay Hughes is Assistant Director of Communications at Spring Hill College.
10
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
“Spring Hill’s strength is that the college as a whole, from the curriculum to residence life to campus ministry, engages students in experiences that foster intellectual, physical and spiritual growth.” — Dr. George Sims
Protagoras
Socrates
on a Liberal Arts Education By Mark Starr, Ph.D.
Over the last few decades, a worry has been evolving among educators about the effectiveness of the standard college lecture in promoting the ends of a liberal arts education. Everyone in academia seems to be in agreement as to what those ends are: critical reasoning, moral reasoning, effective communication both written and oral, preparation for citizenship, living with diversity, and preparing for a global society. (Note that agreement is an exceedingly rare phenomenon among academics.)
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
11
The worry is that the lecture method, which seems aimed at imparting information, is ineffective in imbuing students with such skills as critical thinking and effective communication. — Dr. Mark Starr 12
The worry is that the lecture method, which seems aimed at imparting information, is ineffective in imbuing students with such skills as critical thinking and effective communication. Although a technical education may impart marketable skills and knowledge for a particular vocation, it is a liberal arts education, with its emphasis on critical thinking, broad background of knowledge, competence in communication, and general problem solving, that will best prepare today’s student for a rapidly changing global economy and diverse society. The debate is over how best to instill those skills. Should it be lecture or problem-solving teaching methodologies that promote active learning among students? If there is anything to the old adage that we acquire skills through practice, lectures may be making us stupid. Of course, the student at a good liberal arts college may very well be aware that such debates as to the nature of a good education, both in terms of content and method, have been going on since the beginning. Looking at this issue from the perspective of the ancient Greeks might provide us with, to borrow a phrase from historian Barbara Tuchman, a “distant mirror,” a reflection that gives us with a better view of ourselves than our current pressing distractions tend to allow. At the opening of Plato’s “Protagoras,” a young Hippocrates rushes to the home of Socrates just before daybreak, bangs on his door and shouts, Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
“Are you awake, Socrates? I have great news, Protagoras has come to town.” It seems that Hippocrates desires to become a student of the great sophist and teacher Protagoras, who might be called one of history’s first “university professors.” Hippocrates has the money, but he needs Socrates to personally recommend him to the great sophist. But, Socrates chastises Hippocrates for being too hasty in seeking to follow Protagoras. He tells him that purchasing teachings isn’t the same as purchasing groceries. According to Socrates, when it comes to teachings, if you buy what’s rotten, not only is there no returning it and getting your money back, what’s rotten becomes part of one’s very self or soul. Protagoras, of course, offered to teach exactly what students today are seeking – the keys to success in politics, business and social life, what the Greeks called arête: excellence or virtue. The dialogue ostensibly turns to a debate between Socrates and Protagoras about whether virtue can be taught, Protagoras arguing that it can (precisely what he claims to do for a hefty fee) and Socrates arguing that it cannot. But the real debate is not about virtue; it’s a debate about best teaching practices. Protagoras defends the lecture format, whereas Socrates argues for what we now call the Socratic method where each proposition is subject to critical appraisal of the evidence for and against, and tested by counter-example and counterargument.
In answer to Socrates’ question about whether excellence or virtue can be taught, Protagoras delivers some long speeches, some mythological, describing how all of us come to learn it, why it is not something innate or natural, and why it is essential to our common life. Plato’s concern is not with the content of the account that Protagoras provides, for Socrates fails to defeat it, but in his method. The lecture method builds its case by placing one proposition upon another without ever challenging any of the individual claims as they are made. It is a method which, as Plato writes, “enchants” us and puts us in a “trance,” or as we would say today, makes us passive learners. In contrast, Socrates moves to brief and succinct questions, for which he wants brief and succinct answers, answers that we can examine one at a time. What is virtue? Is it one thing, or is it many things? If virtues such as courage, justice and self-control are parts of virtue as a whole, what sort of parts are they? Answering these questions and challenging each answer is a method that involves intense and active participation by all those involved. It is a method that focuses on problem solving where both student and teacher are the participants. It isn’t surprising that given this method, Socrates claimed that he “taught” no one anything, but functioned as a mere midwife in the learning process. After much debate on these issues Protagoras becomes frustrated with Socrates’ endless
questions and distinctions, examples and counter-examples. So, Socrates turns and addresses Protagoras with one of the most prescient lines in the history of Western civilization: ‘Protagoras,’ I said, ‘I don’t want you to think that my motive in talking with you is anything else than to take a good hard look at things that continually perplex me. I think Homer said it all in the line, Going in tandem, one perceives before the other. Human beings are simply more resourceful this way in action, speech and thought. If someone has a private perception, he immediately starts going around and looking until he finds somebody he can show it to and have it corroborated.’ What Socrates anticipates in these few lines is the scientific method itself. The intent of Socrates in pursuing his method was to discover the truth; but no less important, he reminds us that from the very beginning such methods as his have been at the very heart of a liberal arts education. Although lectures will always be needed to set context and to provide essential background knowledge, at Spring Hill we remember Socrates and attempt as best we can to put Socratic methods into practice, making our students critical thinkers, competent communicators, and problem solvers in a morally, socially and economically complex world. ■ Dr. Mark Starr is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Spring Hill College. Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
13
A ‘Crow‑ ‘Crow14
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
“I could never have predicted, nor hoped for, the knowledge I would gain through the service learning project.” Student comments such as this have led me to believe that involvement in the wider community as givers and receivers makes for optimum reinforcement of classroom learning and contributes to growth in responsible citizenship.
to serve the common good, service learning also contributes to the broad aims of a liberal arts education. Martha Nussbaum, in “Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education,” frames an eloquent argument that students must learn to be “citizens of the world,” a position both practically and intrinsically valuable. The liberal arts curriculum should be planned so that students gain capacities for becoming “sensitive and empathic” interpreters of the cultures they encounter. Thus, movement into the wider community with exposure to cultures and situations different Service learning is a method that provides from their own provides opportunities for such students with opportunities outside the classroom perception and reciprocity unavailable when to gain skills and values that connect to theories instruction remains within academia. and ideas discussed in the classroom. Activities Service learning in my own courses has taken are generally based on engagement with various forms. One of the greatest challenges for underserved groups or organizations and depend a successful experience depends on a thorough on respect for the community partner and the integration into the academic curriculum and its understanding that the gain is reciprocal. reinforcement of skills and knowledge gained in The mission of Spring Hill College, as a Jesuit the classroom. liberal arts institution, gives us a strong impetus For one freshman composition class in which for service learning projects. One educational the course theme was “Aging,” students read and goal states that we “promote the growth wrote about various texts on the subject such as of social awareness and responsibility, Ernest Gaines’ “A Gathering of Old Men” and especially through an appreciation and spent 20 hours visiting patients in a nursing home understanding of cultural diversity and writing about their experiences. and the foundational solidarity of the Advanced writing students visited a entire human community.” The former comprehensive mission in downtown Mobile Jesuit Superior General Peter Hans to produce a camera-ready newsletter to inform Kolvenbach, S.J., expounds on that citizens in the neighborhood of services the goal: “Our minds must be challenged to mission offered. This assignment called for think critically and investigate thoroughly, something on the order of a translation from but our hearts must also be challenged – not one language into another, from the complex simply by concepts, but through the lived and sophisticated language of the academy to experience which awakens the understanding the language of the street. Students were urged and opens the heart.” to appropriate what Martha Nussbaum calls Aside from being grounded in “the narrative imagination … the ability to the Judeo-Christian ethic of desire think what it might be like to be in the shoes of a person different from oneself, to be an intelligent reader of that person’s story, and to understand the emotions and wishes and desires that someone so placed might have.” By Margaret Davis, Ph.D. In my Latino-American literature course, the community-based component focused less on service than on experiencing diversity. Student teams interviewed Latino immigrants and wrote their stories. More than largely observing a sub-culture, here students got to move to engagement and respect,
‑Filled’ -Filled’ Tree
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
15
and in some cases, identification with others different from themselves. Working with graphic design students, we published a beautiful booklet of stories, pictures, and information to share with the families and the larger community. The most challenging service experience was having another group of advanced writing students work with a senior graphic design class on the Facing Poverty project. Through social service agencies, we identified marginalized working families to interview. Their stories and photographs, along with information about poverty in Alabama and texts showing JudeoChristian responses to people in need, were combined into a Web site to which information continues to be added. The component of reflection brings closure. Students are asked throughout the term to think and write about their experiences. That activity pushes them to question themselves, to ponder and process, and allows the teacher to better evaluate the project. Wonderful insights come from these reflections. One thoughtful senior invoked Plato’s ideals: “I have become aware that our country is as successful only as its weakest parts. And, more directly, there is a world that surrounds Spring Hill which is very different from the ‘projected image’ we see on the wall of our ‘cave.’” One student who worked on the mission newsletter asked the kind of question expected of good citizens: “Why doesn’t the large church on the corner partner with the small and needy mission?” A student who wrote a Guatemalan immigrant’s story said, “Through learning about the culture of Latino countries in class and applying it to the experiences Sebastian told us about, I have a much greater respect for their cultures and ways of life. I wish there were a way to educate an entire city on these matters.”
16
We know that much of what is offered by a liberal arts education must incubate in the hearts and minds, flowering later in full-blown active citizenship. I trust that a few hearts as well as minds are touched after a semester of service learning, and that experience will, in the words of Flannery O’Connor concerning the misfit in “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” “grow to be a great crow-filled tree in [the student’s] heart, and will be enough of a pain to him there to turn him into the prophet he was meant to be.” Spring Hill College is able to offer students service-learningopportunities, in part, due to the generous support of alumnus Rudy Stonisch ’92 and the Stonisch Foundation. ■ Dr. Margaret Davis is Professor of English at Spring Hill College.
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
17
18
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
19
Photo by Tracie Morris Schaefer By Caroline Smith
Kenneth Purcell ’98, CEO and founder of iSeatz, an online reservation-booking company, works with people all over the world, with many diverse backgrounds. His education at Spring Hill provided him with a solid foundation to relate to others, “It allows a person to accept other cultures,” he explains. “If you are single-minded and you don’t have a broad palette of perspective from your educational background, you may not be able to appreciate the cultural differences of those you have to interact with on an international and national level.” A native of Louisiana, Purcell graduated from Jesuit High School in New Orleans. He went on to play tennis and then enroll at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. Purcell found himself wanting
20
to head back South, to a warmer climate and to a comfortable atmosphere. Purcell recognized the benefits of a Jesuit education, so he decided to transfer to Spring Hill College. “It made for a well rounded program,” Purcell said of his liberal arts education at Spring Hill. Two courses he enjoyed most were theology and philosophy, courses he never would have taken had it not been for the core curriculum at Spring Hill. Accounting was part of the business curriculum and although the class was a bit daunting for Purcell, he finds that as a CEO of a company he uses accounting on a day-to-day basis. Purcell took a semester off from college to work at a startup biomedical device manufacturer, where he discovered how much he enjoyed working in an entrepreneurial environment. Working closely with the founders of the company made the experience all the more valuable. After graduating from Spring Hill College in
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
1998 with a B.S. in international business, Purcell continued to follow his heart and entrepreneurial spirit. The Internet was just becoming mainstream in the late ’90s when he first came up with the concept of booking restaurant reservations online. The idea stemmed from a plan he created while working for his aunt, Michelle LeBlanc-Fine, publisher of Where Magazine in New Orleans. Purcell founded the company iSeatz in 1999 as he evolved his concept of online restaurant reservations. Purcell found that communicating online reservations for restaurants was parallel to communicating online reservations for other forms of entertainment. From Orbitz to Delta to MasterCard, iSeatz’s list of major clients is astounding. iSeatz creates online solutions for companies to ensure a user-friendly, one-stop shop environment for their customers to book hotels, entertainment, rental cars, flights and more. The company creates custom solutions for each of its clients. “We do something no one else does,” Purcell said. “We create a platform that best fits the needs of our clients; it’s not one size fits all.” iSeatz has seen much success over the last decade, particularly in the last three years. Launching engines for Delta in 2007 and Northwest, Amtrak and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in 2008 are proof that iSeatz is making an impact on the world market. For Purcell one thing that is important to him is the people he has on his team. “They’ve helped us reach this level. It’s a great team and that’s important in a hyper-growth situation,” Purcell said. Growing a company from a startup business to one that has been listed on the Inc 500 list is something Purcell doesn’t take for granted. “I feel so blessed, I cherish it,” he said. “When you make it from nothing you cherish every moment.” The past 10 years have not gone by without risks for the company or personal tragedy. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf Coast and left New Orleans in shambles. Purcell said, “One of the things you plan for in technology companies is a natural disaster.” Purcell stayed in New Orleans through the storm. “I thought I’d be able to go back to work very soon after, but then the levees broke,” he said. iSeatz had its servers stationed at a Baton Rouge, La., technology park, so the company’s applications and transaction processing did not suffer. The business operation was maintained at 100 percent.
“What you don’t plan for is having a standby version of yourself in another city,” he said. The most difficult thing, however, was what his employees endured. Some lost their homes and some lost their neighbors. Purcell continued, “The personal tragedy from the aftermath of Katrina had the most impact on us.” The company’s disaster planning worked, and he now feels they are uniquely equipped if anything like this were to happen again. iSeatz temporarily relocated to New York after Katrina, a move that pushed the company to grow. They maintained their infrastructure and expanded the scope of their services. Purcell moved the company to New York at a time when the city was the hub of most of his clients. In New York Purcell also met his wife, singersongwriter MaryAnne Marino. They wanted to come back to New Orleans, but there were a lot of risks in doing so. They waited until the city was in a better situation and made their return. iSeatz became a leader in the corporate movement for businesses coming back to the New Orleans community. When Purcell and Marino moved back to New Orleans, they found themselves working to be good corporate citizens. “We buy local, shop local, and eat local whenever we are in New Orleans,” he said. “Even though, after Katrina, we were not lifting logs and debris, we were out there volunteering and investing dollars employing people.” Purcell continues to assist in efforts for revitalizing the economy in New Orleans through his involvement with the entrepreneurial business incubator, The Idea Village, an independent nonprofit organization. Being an entrepreneur himself, Purcell got involved at the board level. In addition, he is recruiting senior people from other companies to continue the growth of iSeatz and the growth of business in New Orleans. He said in response to his community involvement, “I’m trying to keep it positive.” Purcell advises other entrepreneurs, “Be prepared for serious challenges; it is not as easy as you would like it to be. You must have a real strong commitment to your cause. In my case it has taken 10 years to get where we are, and by no means do I think we’ve arrived just yet. Surround yourself with the most experienced team you can. Say a lot of prayers and have fun doing it.” ■ Caroline Smith is Communications and Marketing Specialist at Spring Hill College.
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
21
ChapterUpdates Birmingham The Birmingham Christmas Party on Dec. 4, 2008 was at the beautiful home of Ellen ’92 and Kerry Stein. With 35 alumni in attendance it was a great way to catch up with great friends, eat delicious
food and get ready for the Christmas season. Special thanks to Ellen and Kerry for opening their home to the chapter.
Chicago
New Orleans
On Nov. 13, 2008 approximately 70 alumni, parents and friends were in attendance for Celebrating a Legacy: A Farewell to Father Lucey. Held at The Union League Club of Chicago, the event was a wonderful opportunity for the Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., to speak on Spring Hill’s past, present and future. A thank you is in order for Jim McKinney ’69 for making this event possible.
The home of current parents Margaret and Luke ’79 Ponseti provided the perfect location for the fifth annual New Orleans Chapter Scholarship Auction on Oct. 23, 2008. More than 40 people attended this event, which raised thousands of dollars for the chapter scholarship. Thank you to the Ponsetis and the committee for all of their hard work in making this event successful.
Kelly (O’Connor) ’88 and Drew Karras attend the Celebrating
a Legacy event.
22
Members of the Birmingham chapter enjoy the holiday season.
Perry ’96 and Ninette Eastman take a break from bidding on auction items.
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
Northeast
Mobile
Twenty-five alumni representing the classes of ’57 to ’07 attended the New York Mad Hatter Christmas Party on Dec. 4, 2008. The Mad Hatter Saloon provided a fun atmosphere to ring in the Christmas season. Thanks to Caroline Couvillon Walton ’00 for arranging this festive event.
The Mobile Christmas Party on Dec. 3, 2008 was a huge success with more than 130 alumni, family and friends in attendance. Many people call the party at Stewartfield their favorite of the holiday season. We appreciate everyone who came out to make the night memorable.
Alumni, family and friends gather at the beautifully decorated Stewartfield.
A group of young alumni catch up at the Mad Hatter.
Washington, D.C.
St. Louis On Sept. 27, 2008 the St. Louis Chapter gathered in the Red Bird Row Party Room at Busch Stadium to watch the Cardinals game and visit with friends. Twenty-three alumni cheered the Cardinals to victory against the Cincinnati Reds. Nearly 70 alumni, parents and friends gathered at the Pere Marquette Gallery on the campus of Saint Louis University on Nov. 15, 2008 to bid a fond farewell to Father Lucey. A special thank you to Mary Russell Reedy ’75 for the beautiful floral arrangements she made for the event.
Delphine Williams ’75, Mary Reedy ’75, Cindy Begley ’74, Connie Postal ’75 and Patty Weber ’77 cheer on the Cardinals.
On Sept. 18, 2008 more than 50 alumni, parents and friends were in attendance for Celebrating a Legacy: A Farewell to Father Lucey. The event, held in the Russell Senate Building on Capitol Hill, was wonderful opportunity for Father Lucey to address our constituents in the D.C. metro area and gave everyone a chance to say goodbye. We extend our appreciation to Sen. Jeff Sessions and his staff for making this event possible.
Sen. Jeff Sessions introduces the guest of honor, Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J.
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
23
ClassNotes 1940s John E. Busbee Sr. ’49 recently celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife. He is also pleased to announce they have attended their grandchildren’s weddings and have welcomed their first great grandchild.
1950s Bob Olney ’51 has completed 22 years of recording textbooks for visually impaired and dyslexic students and was named Volunteer of the Year by Reading & Radio Resource in Dallas, Texas.
1960s Lewis S. Betty ’64 recently became a regular columnist for National Catholic Reporter. He continues his career as a religious studies professor at California State University in Bakersfield, Calif. Sandra (Gales) Shapard ’64 had her fifth book of poetry, “Grandmotherhood,” released nationwide in July 2008. The book is dedicated to her six grandchildren: Teddy, Tucker, Cooper, Sumner, George and Shapard. Sandy, Pat (Weldon) Carmody ’64, Kathy (George) Mezrano ’65 and Susan Schwing ’65 continue to meet for a week at the beach each summer, a tradition since their Spring Hill College days.
1980s Paul Fuller ’80 was inducted into the inaugural class of the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame. He and his partner Al of the “Paul and Al Show” have been on Providence’s rock station, 94 WHJY-FM, since 1990. Paul worked at WABB-FM for many years and also broadcasted on WHIL while at Spring Hill. Listen online at whjy.com between 5:30 and 10 a.m. EST.
1990s Kym (O’Neal) Brophy ’90 and her husband, Tom, are happy to announce the birth of their identical twin girls, Amelia Jane and Olivia Claire, born on July 25, 2008. Amelia was 4 pounds, 15 ounces and Olivia was 5 pounds, 5 ounces. Molly (Strain) Zickuhr ’90 and her husband, Monty, are happy to announce the birth of their twin girls, Katherine Rose and Emily Grace, born on Aug. 19, 2008. Kate and Emily join big brother Jack. The family resides in Jacksonville, Fla.
24
Tracey (Moore) Brachle ’92 and her husband, Paul, welcomed their son, Paul Louis “Luke” Brachle IV, on Sept. 30, 2008. He weighed 6 pounds, 9.8 ounces and was 19.75 inches long. The Brachle family resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Elizabeth (Heacock) Coverdale ’01 and husband Sam are happy to announce the birth of their son, Samuel Harrison Coverdale, on Aug. 25, 2008. He weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces and was 21 inches long. The family resides in Memphis, Tenn.
Paul Baldwin ’93 and Angie (Chimento) Baldwin ’94 reside in Mobile with their three children: Elizabeth Grace, 8; Spencer Paul, 6; and Andrew Blaise, 3. Paul is a product manager at CPSI, and Angie is a journalism instructor at the University of South Alabama and a freelance feature writer.
Chris ’02 and Patrice (Keller) ’02 Konochek welcomed the birth of their second child, Marianne Elizabeth, on July 18. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 20 inches long. Meredith loves being a big sister. The family resides in New Orleans, La.
Brad ’93 and Joanna MacLean ’95 Copenhaver welcomed their daughter, Katelyn Nora Grace Copenhaver, on Oct. 18, 2007. She joined big brothers Bradley, Patrick and Jack.
Amie (King) Pilato ’02 married Matthew Pilato, nephew of Louis ’64 and Kathy ’65 Mezrano, on May 3, 2008. The couple resides in Birmingham, Ala., where Amie is a certified public accountant and director of Universal Life Accounting at Protective Life Corporation.
Kendra (Murray) Barry ’94 and Sean Barry welcomed Luke McCloskey Barry on Aug. 8, 2008 in Sea Girt, N.J. Big sister Paige turned 1 year old a few days later. Kendra has been on maternity leave from teaching, and Sean is a financial advisor with Bank of America Investments.
Jeremiah ’03 and Sarah (Pugh) ’03 Kolb are happy to announce the birth of their baby boy, Carson Alexander, born Sept. 17, 2008. Sarah and Jeremiah recently completed master’s degrees in biology at Auburn University. The family resides in Huntsville, Ala.
Erin (Ryan) Runnels ’95 and her husband, George, welcomed their third daughter, Caitlin Lane, on March 27, 2008. Caitlin joins her sisters Maddux Anne, 7, and Ellis Elizabeth, 3. The family resides in Aiken, S.C.
Lindsey Michelle Wilcox ’05 married Ricky Conley on Oct. 18, 2008 at the Promiseland Estate in Theodore, Ala. Lisa Marie Norris ’06 served as maid of honor. The couple resides in Biloxi, Miss.
Ginger (Brodtman) Sundberg ’98 and Scott Sundberg were married on April 4, 2007 in Mobile, Ala. They are happy to announce the birth of their son, Paden Scott Sundberg, on Sept. 4, 2008. Ginger works with SunTrust Banks as a senior business analyst, AVP in Atlanta, Ga. She spoke at the Business Analyst World Conference in Seattle, Wash., in June 2008. Alice (Turni) Carballo ’98 and her husband, Ryan, welcomed their second son, Josh Ryan, on June 5, 2008. Josh joins 3-year-old brother Luke Ryan.
2000s Tucker Bell Briley ’01 and her husband, Ron, announce the birth of their second son, Grayson James Briley, on Aug. 27, 2008. He weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and was 21 inches long.
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
Camille Breaux ’08 and James Brennan ’08 were married in St. Joseph Chapel on July 5, 2008. Rev. Mark Lewis, S.J. ’80 officiated the nuptial Mass, and the reception followed at Stewartfield. The wedding party included Mark Miele ’07, Jonathan Baynham ’09, Matthew Bertucci ’09, Kevin Bradly ’10, Catherine (Davis) Miele ’06, Elizabeth Anne Thomas ’08 and Lindsey Worley ’10. The couple resides in Mobile. Camille is working on a Master of Arts in Teaching at Spring Hill College, and James is working on a Master of Science in Psychology at the University of South Alabama. Camille works at Spring Hill as a graduate hall director for the Residence Life Office. Lindsay O’Quin, MLA ’08 and Christopher Hughes ’07 were married on Oct. 11, 2008 at the Richards-DAR House in Mobile, Ala. Elizabeth M. Gelineau ’06 served as a bridesmaid. Lindsay is the assistant director of communications and editor of the Spring Hill College Magazine, and Chris is the Web developer at Spring Hill College.
Rev. Frederick Walter Gunti
Spring Hill College mourns the loss of the Rev. Frederick W. Gunti, beloved professor of theology, who died Jan. 29 at Providence Hospital in Mobile. Gunti fell in November 2008 and broke a bone in his neck. After two surgeries, he was unable to recover. 1940-2009 Gunti was professor to many undergraduate and graduate students, and a colleague to faculty and staff for more than 30 years. He was a teacher, mentor, friend and benefactor who touched many lives with his humor and wisdom. “Fr. Gunti was not known for publishing articles or chairing conferences, but he loved teaching and was profoundly dedicated to the theology department and its mission,” said the Rev. Christopher Viscardi, S.J., professor and division chair of philosophy and theology. “In his own quiet way he was extraordinarily generous with the needs of the department and of Spring Hill College: driving to teach at our extension programs in Atlanta, Birmingham and Jackson; making class visitations at night and on weekends; donating his salary for summer courses; becoming a benefactor of the College. He had a deep concern for the welfare of others, especially those in need.” Gunti held a Bachelor of Arts from St. John Seminary, a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Pontifical Gregorian University, and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of America. Gunti was ordained to the priesthood in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Dec. 16, 1964. He served as assistant pastor at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hot Springs, Ark., and on the faculty of Catholic High School in Little Rock. He also served on the faculty of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, La., and in 1975 joined the faculty of the theology department of Spring Hill College. Gunti would return to St. Joseph Parish in Pine Bluff, Ark., for four weeks each summer to serve as the substitute pastor, bringing comfort and the sacraments to all those who were in need. Gunti was born July 13, 1940 in Memphis, Tenn., son of the late Frederick Walter and Mattie Maude Lovelady Gunti. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Kearney Gunti. Memorials may be made to The Rev. Frederick W. Gunti Scholarship Memorial Fund, Spring Hill College, 4000 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36608.
In Memoriam William “Billy” T. Patridge Sr. ’38 Marshal Joseph Langan ’50 William H. Lee ’50 Anthony O’Reilly Terrell Sr. ’55 Elbert J. Lalande ’57 Beverly Ann Jones ’59
Rev. Joseph “Joe” Francis Doyle, S.J. ’63 Beverly Allain Farrell ’66 Curtis Boddie ’67 Rev. Herbert K. Conner, S.J. ’77 Sarah F. Huisking ’80 Kerri Ann McShane Dye ’93
Marion Dawson ’63
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
25
AlumniNews
GoingGlobal
an online resource for students By Caroline Smith
Mary Anne Thompson, founder and president of Going Global Inc., gifted Spring Hill College in 2006 an annual subscription to the Going Global (www.goinglobal.com) international career and employment online database. The site’s resources include topics such as employment trends, salary ranges, job search resources, networking groups, resume/CV writing guidelines, and work permit and visa regulations.
Mary Anne Thompson.
“The career information found in Going Global is researched by local career experts. It is country-specific in detail and constantly updated to reflect current employment trends and opportunities,” Thompson said. “Our information is targeted to international job seekers of all nationalities and is a comprehensive ‘one-stop’ career resource for both the job seeker and the career counselor. It is currently being used worldwide by more than 500 organizations, including the U.S. Department of State.” Subscribers include corporations, college and university career centers, and libraries worldwide. Going Global’s clients benefit from more than 80,000 pages of content and more than 500,000 job and internship postings. Thompson, who resides in Mobile, Ala., formally established the company in 2001. She lived in Stockholm, Sweden and could not practice law overseas. After gathering her own information on searching for jobs overseas, she began sharing her research with others. Thompson wrote a career column for the largest newspaper in Sweden, lectured throughout the country on behalf of “Jobline,” and published her book “The Global Resume and CV guide.” Realizing her market was online and not in bookstores, she launched www.goinglobal.com in January 2002. Thompson, whose father Paul Thompson ’51 is an alumnus of Spring Hill, gifted the subscription to
26
Spring Hill for many reasons. She was impressed with the college’s Career Services Center, became aware of a growing number of international students enrolled at the college, and became a member of the Business Advisory Council in 2006. Through the subscription, students have roundthe-clock access to the Going Global client benefits of up-to-date career and employment information on 29 international destinations and 40 U.S. metropolitan areas. “The experience of working abroad is especially valuable for young professionals, and provides an opportunity to jumpstart their career with much more job responsibility than a standard entry-level job would offer in their home country,” Thompson said. “There has been a worldwide increase in study-abroad programs – especially those that include an internship component and are conducted in local language.” With millions of individuals working outside of their home countries, Thompson foresees a growth in international employment opportunities over the next three years, despite the current economic downturn.
Caroline Smith is Communications and Marketing Specialist at Spring Hill College.
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
Exploring options for estate planning can be a daunting task. But, for some it serves as a way to remember loved ones and a means for supporting the future. As Ron and Sheila Gray began discussing their estate planning options, they realized they wanted their estate to benefit future generations of students. It was as though a light bulb switched on for each of them as they came to the conclusion that Spring Hill College would be a worthy beneficiary of their estate. Ron and Sheila lived in Jackson, Miss., for 18 years and moved to Mobile, Ala., about three years ago. Sheila grew up in Mobile, just down the street from Spring Hill College. She recalls her many adventures on campus, from playing tennis to riding her bike with friends. Today she finds herself taking walks around campus with friends and reminiscing about days gone by. “Now that we are back in the neighborhood, we see Spring Hill is really a worthwhile recipient,” Sheila said. Ron, originally from Meridian, Miss., calls Mobile his “adopted home,” and Spring Hill has made a lasting impression on him. “We admire what Spring Hill College is doing at present and what they’ve done in the past,” Ron said. “The respect the college has held and the opinion of the college within the community is impressive, not only in regards to education but in other respects as well.” Ron’s mother was a nurse but did not go in to this profession as a traditional student. She went
back to school as an adult and completed her high school equivalency. She then went on to become a licensed practical nurse at age 50. Ron recalls how she always instilled in him the importance of education and her determination was an inspiration. She helped Ron through college and medical school. Ron attended the University of Mississippi Medical School and then began practicing as a radiologist. He is an instructor at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and was a guest lecturer in Dr. David Dean’s physiology class at Spring Hill College in November. Ron and Sheila have expressed the desire that any gifts from their estate go to the Division of Nursing at Spring Hill as a wonderful way to honor his mother’s memory.
Ron and Sheila Gray.
GoodSearch benefits Spring Hill College Since 2007, Spring Hill College has benefited from people searching the Web for information. GoodSearch, an online search engine, donates money every time a person uses it to browse the Web. Think about how many times per day, per week or per year you search the Web – it adds up. Users do not have to spend any money, so it’s a great way to support Spring Hill at no cost. GoodSearch is powered by Yahoo! and results are high-quality. To support Spring Hill through GoodSearch, simply go to www.goodsearch.com, enter Spring Hill College as the charity, click “Verify” and begin your search.
Spring Hill College • Spring 2009
27
Want to find a former classmate or look up your entire graduating class? Need to update your contact information? Interested in posting messages for other alumni to view or in sharing your news in Class Notes?
You can do it all through BadgerNet, Spring Hill College’s secure online alumni network.
Alumni Directory Our Alumni Directory is now offered in the new online alumni network. Search for classmates and friends by class year, name, city or state. Keep your information updated in the Alumni Directory so friends and classmates can find you.
It’s simple… Step 1: Visit www.shc.edu/alumni Step 2: Click “log in” Step 3: Register if you are a new member or enter your user name and password if you are a returning member.
By updating your profile online, you are helping Spring Hill College to conserve our natural and financial resources by saving paper and reducing postage costs. We appreciate the opportunity to keep in touch with you via the World Wide Web.
HVkZ i]Z 9ViZ April 22-26, 2009
Spring Hill College Homecoming on the Hill 2009
'PS DPNQMFUF EFUBJMT BEEJUJPOBM FWFOUT BOE SFHJTUSBUJPO MPH PO UP XXX TID FEV BMVNOJ
H\m^c
@TeV[ *
@TeV[ %)
# Q nb Ö ÂBíçÆ ã | 0 ìnÂÆ BQB B n ÏB 0nÆ ÖÂ[n n ÏnÂ
@TeV[ %,
$ní &Â nB Æb ÖB $ní &Â nB Æ BÏnÂ
ÂBíçÆ ã !n B Bï Ö BÖ[ n
4ce\_ %% %)
@Tl %*
Ï B ÏBb n nQÂBÏ B !n B[ïa BÂnín Ï BÏ n !Ö[nï ã n { BÏ ï ¿Ês B e # [ Bn ¿ÊÊ B
# Q nb n[ Ï n v 1Â n n
# Q nb n nQÂBÏ B !n B[ïa BÂnín Ï BÏ n !Ö[nï ã 3 n BÏÏ n ÖÆn Ïn
<kmdg H\t
“Yesterday’s memories are important foundations for the future.” – Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J.
Spring Hill College 4000 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36608-1791