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DeWitt, Steger are all-Americans Page 8 March 19, 2015 — Vol. 93, Issue 13
St. Pat’s Auction raises thousands 101 total items are auctioned off; money is earmarked for service trips for the upcoming year by ANDREA BERNS
| staff writer
Loras went green for the annual St. Pat’s Auction last Friday, raising the gold for Duhawks attending service trips ranging from Chicago to Flores, Honduras. This long-standing Loras tradition has occurred in various forms for more than 55 years. Since the early 1980s, the St. Pat’s Auction was used as a fundraiser for the Appalachia service trip, Loras’ sole service trip during that time. But the number of service trips has expanded, increasing the demand for money to offset the cost of the trips. This year, Loras alum Patrick Sperfslage (’13) returned for his sixth year as auctioneer, while senior Claira Sieverding and junior Nick Utter served as the masters of ceremony. With 90 items auctioned off, 11 silent auction items and delicious foods from pizza to Shamrock Shakes sold, the event raised at between $9,000 to $10,000. “I was so pleased with the turnout this year, especially from the larger Loras community, such as faculty, staff, family and friends of the college,” said Director of Campus Ministry Colleen Kuhl. “Part of our mission is to keep the tradition alive with a fun community event that offers a chance for interaction and good-spirited St. Patrick’s celebrating. This year went very well in that regard.” The Loras community had its fair share of community, fun and even inspiration. “I have not been on a service trip through Loras, but now I would sign up to go on one,” exclaimed first-year Sami Graff. In addition to the auction and food, Irish music and dancers accompanied the festivities. A raffle for a 46-inch Samsung smart TV took place, and a St. Patrick’s Day-themed crafts table for children and the children-atheart also was available. “I think people come because they can bring their family and have a good time with our students,” Kuhl continued. “That community-building part is as important as raising funds for our service trips.” Senior Hannah Way and junior Andrea Enda, co-coordinators of Campus Ministry service trips, began their planning a year in advance to make this event the success that it was, attending meetings and marketing the event. “It’s a lot of work, but seeing the event run smoothly has made it all worth it,” reflected Way, who has served two years as the service trip co-coordinator. “Knowing that the money we collect goes directly toward service trips is a huge motivating factor.” “We put a lot of time into the auction,” added Enda, who served her first year as the
photos by katherine edwards
co-coordinator. “But in the end, it would not have been as successful as it was without the time and effort everyone puts in. At times, it can be a little stressful, but there is so much fun and laughs that come with planning the auction.” It was a consensus that the most rewarding element of the auction was seeing the community come together for the cause. “Faculty and staff not only donate amazing items, but a lot of them come out to support us the night of,” said Way. “That brings me immense joy. Not to mention seeing students get really excited, whether they are volunteering or there for the bidding, is always very rewarding. Overall, I am constantly reminded of how blessed we are on this campus to have a community that supports service trips and experiential learning.”
Udelhofen tapped as director of athletics Dan Rothert is promoted to associate athletic director Vice President of Student Development Arthur Sunleaf announced that Interim Director of Athletics Denise (Bodensteiner) Udelhofen has been named the next director of athletics at Loras College. In addition, Dan Rothert, the coach of men’s and women’s soccer, has been promoted to associate athletic director. In her new role as director of athletics, Udelhofen will oversee the management of: Loras’ 23 athletic programs, staff and professional development, budgets and fundraising and department buildings and grounds. “Denise has demonstrated her ability to effectively lead the program,” Sunleaf said. “Her support and dedication to Loras College is admirable and will serve her well. I am excited about the future and the direction she will take Loras athletics.” Udelhofen has spent more than 24 years
as a member of the Loras College Athletics Department. Most recently, she served as the interim director of athletics over the past 10 months. Before taking on the role of interim director, Udelhofen served as the associate director of athletics and senior women’s administrator for two years. Previously, she coached the men’s and women’s golf programs to the upper division of the Iowa Conference. She was recognized as the Iowa Denise Conference Coach of the Udelhofen Year in 2005 for men’s golf and in 2006 and 2007 for women’s golf. Udelhofen additionally serves the College as the director of championships and the director of compliance, and was a member of the NCAA Division III Men’s Golf Championships Committee. She earned both a bachelor’s degree in sport management and
a master’s degree in athletics administration from Loras. “I am honored to have been selected as the next director of athletics at my alma mater,” she said. “I am looking forward to building on the success of Duhawk athletics and working with our tremendous student-athletes, coaches and staff to keep our program moving forward. I thank both President Jim Collins and Dr. Sunleaf for this opportunity to come full circle as a Duhawk, which began for me as a student-athlete Dan Rothert and now continues as the director of athletics.” Dan Rothert has been at the helm of the Duhawk men’s and women’s soccer programs since 1998. Under his direction, the Loras College men’s soccer team has won the Iowa Conference championship eight times and advanced to the NCAA tournament eight consecutive seasons. The men
also have enjoyed very successful runs at the national level — advancing to the Sweet 16 in 2005, 2009 and 2010 and the Final Four in 2007, 2008, 2012 and 2013. The women’s team has won the Iowa Conference nine times and the IIAC Tournament 11 times. The women have had 11 NCAA appearances under Rothert, highlighted by runs to the Sweet 16 in 2003, 2010 and 2012. Notably, Rothert has mentored 12 All-Americans, four Academic All Americans and 12 Iowa Conference MVPs and a National Defensive Player of the Year. In 2014, Rothert was recognized for his numerous professional accomplishments with a BizTimes Rising Stars Award. “I am looking forward to working with Denise, our student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, alumni and fans to make Loras a premier NCAA Division III athletic department,” said Rothert. “I am excited to be a part of the strategic operations that will allow our department to grow and evolve.”