A BIG DEAL FOR A SHORT FILM
A CHAMPION AMONG US
Junior Emma Cooke serves up a first-place finish at IIAC tournament Page 11
Campus-based film takes on the big screen; learn more about it Page 6 November 2, 2017 — Vol. 96, Issue 6
Paying tribute to Professor Pisarik by NATALIE DROESKE and KAYLA THOMPSON sports editor and news editor
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On Monday, Oct. 30, the Loras community was saddened to hear about the sudden passing of communication arts professor Patrick Pisarik. He is survived by his wife, LeAnn, his four children and his grandchildren. Pisarik taught several courses in the Communications Department, including desktop publishing, digital imaging and journalism classes. He also served as the moderator for The Lorian for several years. As a native of Mount Vernon, Iowa, Pisarik began his position at Loras in 1993 and worked there for 24 years. Before that, he worked 15 years at the Cedar Rapids Gazette, one of the leading newspapers in the state. His experience in the journalism industry translated into the classroom. He gave students the most up-to-date information on the printing industry, and he even took them to local printing presses to see them firsthand. In his free time, Pisarik enjoyed gardening, spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, woodworking and engaging those around him in conversation. The Loras community gathered in the ACC Ballrooms at noon on Tuesday to participate in a prayer service. The service opened with a moving mourning song performed by Fr. Dennis Miller and Stacia McDermott, followed by an opening statement from President Jim Collins. He recognized and thanked present faculty, staff and students as well as alumni and retired staff who expressed their condolences. He then went on to share his own memories and kind words on the beloved professor, colleague and friend. Fr. Dennis completed the service with further reflection following a brief gospel reading. Those gathered were then invited to
Prof. Patrick Pisarik
“Always patient and always kind, Professor Patrick Pisarik will be missed and remembered for years to come.”
Bailey Hussey, senior
“He would frequently bring in gifts of tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables grown at his home, and they were wonderful.”
Paul Kohl, media studies professor
“Professor Pisarik truly was a great teacher and kindhearted man. He always kept class entertaining. He will be missed by all of his past students without a doubt.”
“Pat had a gentle quietness, but also a delightful sense of humor that would sneak out and delight you. You only had to enter his office to know this.”
Nia Stompanato, senior
Dr. Kevin Koch, English professor
“He was a great professor and was my first professor for J-Term. He will be greatly missed, and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.” Kaitlyn LaGrange, junior
“When passing him on the sidewalk or in the hallway, he always had a ‘hello’ and asked about how things were going in my area. Pat was warm and cared about students.”
“He was such a tremendously spirited man with a positive outlook on everything in life. Pat was generous to all and comfortable with everyone.” Craig Schaefer, media studies professor
“Professor Pat always prioritized students above coursework. I’m so grateful I was able to know such a caring person.”
Dr. Art Sunleaf, dean of students
Brooke Boddicker, junior graphic by KAYLA THOMPSON
Students and faculty reflect on the recent passing of Professor Pisarik. Scan the QR code (below) to read senior Aidan Wojeciehowski’s story and the full testimonies of all quoted online at myduhawk.com take part in the first two verses of “Amazing Grace.” The visitation will occur Friday, Nov. 3, from 4-7 p.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Mount Vernon, IA. Rosary and vigil will take place at 3 p.m. The funeral will take place Saturday, Nov. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at the same location. The Loras community has been reflecting on the impact that Pisar-
ik had on their lives. His genuine spirit and kindness was apparent to all who met him. Students and staff all were very responsive to this sudden news. From offering support to each other to sharing the positive memory of Pisarik’s life, the support of fellow Duhawks has been strong. Scan the QR code on the far right of the page to read senior
Aidan Wojeciehowski’s story as well as others’ reflections about their former professor and colleague. The counseling center and Spiritual Life services and resources are available to all for support during this difficult time. Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to utilize them as needed.
Loras to host session on plan for historical designation
Making college a registered historic place will give it an honor many other institutions do not have by TOM JENSEN | for the Lorian
Loras will hold a public session at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at Steeple Square, 105 E. 15th St., Dubuque, regarding the effort to place its campus on the National Register of Historic Places. The public is encouraged to attend the free event. Loras staff and faculty along with its community partner, Heritage Works, Dubuque, will provide an update on the nomination application and identify areas where the community can help. One of those is the college’s work to create a history of the development of the campus and its key buildings, including Hoffmann Hall, Keane Hall, the Fieldhouse, Christ the King Chapel and Hennessey Hall. In July, Loras received a $6,600 Historical Resource Development Program (HDRP) grant from the State Historical Society of Iowa to nominate the Loras College Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places. If designated, Loras would be one of only two college campuses in Iowa to have its entire campus on the Register as a historic district. “This will benefit not only Loras, but also the Dubuque community and the surrounding area,” said Valorie Woerdehoff, director of foundation and government support at
graphic by ANNA PETERSEN
The public is encouraged to attend the session on Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. to start the process of making Loras College a registered historic place. Loras. “Being on the Register can help attract more tourists and lay the groundwork for other colleges in Iowa to be recognized.” The application process is also a learning opportunity for Loras students who are
helping complete some of the necessary research and documentation. Loras was the only college among the 27 recipients and one of three organizations in Dubuque to receive a HDRP grant. The
18-month grant will pay for the services of Heritage Works to write a nomination and all supporting materials. The nomination will then be submitted to the state and, if nominated by the State Historical Society, submitted to the U.S. Department of the Interior. A determination will then be made regarding the application. The Loras campus is surrounded by residential neighborhoods on all sides, some of which are among the most historic in the city. The college consists of 23 buildings, two athletic fields, a stadium, and tennis courts. Because of its location atop the bluffs of Dubuque, several of the buildings can be seen from neighboring Illinois and Wisconsin. “As Iowa’s first college, the campus has a rich history,” said Duane Hagerty, CEO of Heritage Works. “Its historic architecture and commanding location atop Dubuque’s bluffs make the Loras campus a special place.” Founded in 1839, Loras is Iowa’s first college, the second oldest Catholic college west of the Mississippi River and one of the nation’s 10 diocesan colleges. The 64-acre campus is perched on the top of Loras Boulevard and welcomes more than 10,000 visitors a year, including students from 24 states and 10 countries.