Table Of Content

Show your Support ^ ^o°° for Saint Joseph’s College Thursday jf ULLy /NmATll/e before December 31,2003 Volume 60, Number 4 Alumni Association Saint Joseph’s College is ... Board of Directors ... a primarily undergraduate Catholic college, founded and sponsored by the Mission¬ Officers aries of the Precious Blood, [which] pledges itself to a tradition of excellence and to a Steve Ligda ’62 liberal education that is a united endeavor of intelligence and faith. President — excerpted from the mission statement of Saint Joseph’s College Louis B. Offer ’69 VP of Alumni Relations Michael Bauman 79 VP Administration Mark Randall '91 In this issue VP of Academics, Recruitment, and Placement Terra (Schafer) Maienbrook ’97 VP of Campus Relations 3 From the Alumni Association 14-16 COVER STORY: Kendra Berenda Executive Director Board President Lilly and Its Implications: Directors An Interview With 4 SJC Welcomes Five Alumni into President Mills Jane Ames 73 2003 Sports Hall of Fame Jack Carlson '56 5 Pumas on Parade 17 The Man Behind the Check: Bob Companik ’56 for St. Patrick’s Day College Fund Director Steve Brady Michael Cooke ’89 James Deegan ’59 6 White Water Rafting 18 Football Schedule for Fall 2003 Judy Dever’90 in Hico, West Virginia Ed Feicht 71 19 Spring Sports Wrap-Ups Ed Habrowski 71 7 Habitat For Humanity Bruce Hicks 79 Travels to Louisiana 20 “Where Are They Now?” “Before They Were Pumas” Karey Klott-Engels ’97 8 SJC Community Responds Kelli Lucito '90 to War in Iraq 21 Puma Spotlight: Georgia McKim ’89 Angela Williams ’04 Kara (Costa) Meyer '93 9 Service-Based Awards for 2003 Doug Monforton 71 22 Scholarship Dinner Update Kris Sakelaris ’82 10 Commencement at SJC Brian Studebaker 92 23 Faculty Notes Julie Suhr ’89 12 Class of 2003 Success Stories Jackie (Leonard) Tackett ’95 24-27 Class Notes 13 Honor Class Giving Update Michael Vallone ’60 Student Director Kenneth Shumard ’04 On the Cover: As the December 31,2003 deadline for the Lilly Initiative draws near, it’s more important Director Emeriti than ever for you to show your support for SJC. Let President Mills tell you why. Philip J. Wilhelm ’63 See story on pages 14,15, and 16. 2 CONTACT MAGAZINE From the Alumni Association Board President IT’S A TWO-FOR-ONE SALE! W e’ve all seen that sales pitch before, as well as slogans like “Get two for the price of one” or “Buy one, get one free!” Quite often, the “sale” happens at the end of the season, when the goods are already picked over. It’s always the case on the day after Christmas. Well, Saint Joseph’s College is having its own “two-for- one” sale, but this one’s not about leftovers. In fact, the first day of the “sale” is as good as the last; SJC won’t run out, and you won’t have to wait in line. Through the generosity of Lilly Endowment, Inc., alumni, parents, employees, and friends of SJC are challenged to show their support by contributing to the College during 2003. And, for every contribution, Lilly will match the amount dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $3.5 million. Imagine being able to help Saint Joseph’s twice; first with your own tax-deductible gift, and again with Lilly Endowment’s matching contribution. I recently attended the Annual Scholarship Dinner and Auction, which is sponsored by the College each spring. In addition to honoring former members of the Board of Trustees, the evening was highlighted by the conferring of the Scholarship Award on a graduating senior student. This year’s award was conferred on Todd Huff ’03, a Chemistry major from Bremen, Indiana, and to hear of Todd’s achievements at SJC was the stuff of dreams. He was a straight-A student with a perfect 4.0 grade point average, Valedictorian, Senior Class President, and “Senior of the Year.” He’s been a frequent award-winner at SJC, and he is the recipient of a graduate scholarship to continue his Chemistry studies at Purdue University. Todd is a remarkable and self-effacing young man who makes us all proud to be Saint Joseph’s graduates, and he is a fine example of the young men and women who continue to receive an outstanding education at SJC. You would be proud to have him as your son or your friend. By contributing to the Lilly Initiative, you are helping students like him attend Saint Joseph’s College. Students like him are Saint Joseph’s College. So, don’t wait-you’ve only got until December 31st to participate in this unique two-for-one sale! Class of 1962 3 SAINT JOSEPH’S COLLEGE n c SJC Welcomes Five Alumni into 2003 Sports Hall of Fame O n April 12th, the late Owen Thuerk ’41, James Righeimer ’54, Dennis McCann ’68, Jake Chapman ’96, and Laura Witek-Jones ’97 were inducted into the Saint Joseph’s College Sports Hall of Fame. The evening began with a reception and dinner and ended with the presentation of awards. Lou Offer ’69 served as the Master of Ceremonies, and several SJC alumni were present to share kind words and fond stories about those being honored. When the inductees themselves took to the podium, they also had a few things to say. Righeimer reflected on the role SJC Chastidy (Yeoman) played in shaping his future. “I was a messed-up kid with no Chapman ’96 and son place to go. The people at Saint Joseph’s College seemed to Camden (who accepted fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle,” he said. He also Jake Chapman ’97’s introduced a fellow inductee, the late Owen Thuerk ’41, award in his absence), Witek-Jones ’97, whose brother, Marty, attended the ceremony to accept the McCann ’68, plaque on Owen’s behalf. “[Owen] was instrumental to getting people into Righeimer ’57, and college, graduate school, the police and fire departments.... He was my mentor,” Marty Thuerk Righeimer said. The Sports Hall of Fame is sponsored by SJC’s Alumni Association. Valedictorian for Class of 2003 Named SJC’s “Senior of the Year” O n April 11th, during the President’s Senior Dinner for the Class of 2003, Todd Huff was honored as “Senior of the Year.” A native of Bremen, Indiana, Huff was a Chemistry major with a minor in Secondary Education and had a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. In addition to being a Presidential Scholar, the class Valedictorian, and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Delta Epsilon Sigma honor societies, he’s interned with the American Institute of Toxicology in Indianapolis, an internship for which he was personally selected by CEO Michael Evans ’67. In the fall, Huff will study Chemistry at Purdue University, where he will be a Teaching Assistant. “Just to be nominated for this award was such a tremendous honor,” Huff commented. “I am grateful that the Alumni Association has selected me from such a deserving group of classmates.” The other four seniors in the running for “Senior of the Year” were Lindsay Bridwell, Joe Guzman, Brett Heinz, and Nick Schafer. Todd Huff with mother Regina and father Robert 4 CONTACT MAGAZINE PUMAS ON PARADE T he sky was blue, the River was green, and Puma Pride was in the air as alumni and friends gathered on March 15th to march in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago. After the parade, Pumas enjoyed corned beef and cabbage at Monday’s Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown. (Top) President Ernest Mills III takes a moment to pose with two “Irish Kings ” (Bottom) Pumas proudly display the Saint Joseph’s College banner Reserve Your Spot For SJC’s Trip to Ireland J oin fellow Pumas on a two-city holiday to Ireland from September 12th through the 20th and visit the enchanting cities of Galway and Waterford. Galway’s city center is home to narrow streets, carved stone windows, and low-arched doorways that represent a past of Anglo-Norman and Gaelic influences. Waterford is located in the “Sunny Southeast,” the region of Ireland that receives the most amount of sunshine. Available to alumni, their families, and friends. Packages cost $1,269 per person, double occupancy (not including government taxes and fees) Trip includes: For additional information • Round-trip air transportation and a color brochure contact: • First-class and/or superior first-class hotels GLOBAL HOLIDAYS • Daily buffet breakfast • Luggage handling and all related tipping 8000 West 78th Street, Suite 345 • Professional guide/service and more! Minneapolis, MN 55439-2538 952-918-8950 Dates and prices are tentative and subject to change. or Toll Free 800-842-9023 Space is filling up fast, so reserve your spot today! www.globalholidaysinc.com 5 SAINT JOSEPH’S COLLEGE C/5 BIGGER! BETTER! WETTER! (Back) Ty Maienbrook ’87, Dave Balza, Maureen Egan ’90, WILDER!! Kendra Berenda, Bonnie Cothran ’91, (front) Breain Ma’Ayteh ’02, Paula Latta, and Dolores “Jo” Battleday ’63 W e’re suiting up once again for an Extreme White Water Rafting Adventure in Hico, PUMA PACKAGE INCLUDES: West Virginia. Pumas from the Class of 1954 to • 1 Full Day of Rafting the Class of 2004 enjoyed an action-packed (Your choice of Upper or Lower Gauley) weekend on the Lower New River last fall, but • 1 Half Day Activity of Your Choice they wanted more! Director of Alumni and (Upper Gauley Express Trip, rock climbing, Parent Relations Kendra Berenda has scouted mountain biking, horseback riding) • All Rafting Equipment the area, tested the waters, and found the • All Meals from Friday Dinner perfect stretch of river to challenge even the to Sunday Lunch most untamed Pumas. • All Lodging Accommodations • Transportation, Clubhouse, Outdoor Heated With 25 rapids, the Lower Gauley River (Class Pool, Sand Volleyball, Horseshoe Pit, and III-V rapids) is home to HUGE waves and great T-shirts for Everyone! hydraulic surfs. The Upper Gauley River (Class III-V rapids) has attracted thrill-seekers from Prices: around the world for decades and is home to 50 $400 per person, double occupancy $435 per person, single occupancy major rapids, including the infamous “BIG FIVE.” For those wanting an “Extreme Adventure” four- man raft, $45 per person will be added to the price This year’s trip will depart on Friday, of the package. September 5th, and return on Sunday, September 7th. A variety of raft sizes are Spaces are filling up fast! Reserve your spot today available to accommodate all skill levels. by contacting Kendra Berenda at 800-227-1898. 6 CONTACT MAGAZINE N y e C a wm p u s Making a Difference One House at a Time s ! For 2003, SJC’s chapter of Habitat For Humanity took their annual spring break trip to Covington, Louisiana. Here, Fred Berger, Associate Professor of Communication and Faculty Advisor for Habitat, records some of the experiences the group encountered. These trips have a way of nurturing and on pre-fabricating wall studs and headers cultivating SJC students as compassionate, for a blitz build to be held in June. Others caring, God-centered people. I have never went with some of the AmeriCorps workers known a group of Habitat volunteers who to help with a gazebo at a town park. [Some] experienced a week of working and mingling began the construction of two backyard stor¬ with faraway affiliates to not return changed age buildings at some nearly-completed as both individuals and as a group. These Habitat houses, while others volunteered students are no exception. Life-long friend¬ their time at a St. Vincent DePaul Thrift ships were made and reinforced. Another Store sorting donated clothing and house¬ culture was explored. Habitat partner hold items. families were met and celebrated, and Saint Wednesday and Thursday’s work was much Joseph’s College was represented well. like the first day. On Wednesday, we were invited to eat lunch at the local Methodist Early Monday morning, we met with the church, where we had jambalaya and spa¬ volunteer coordinator from St. Tammany ghetti. The aunt of Stephen Kraemer '04 West Habitat For Humanity, who explained lives in Covington and invited us over for what we would be doing during our dinner on Thursday for red beans and rice, Tuesday-Friday work week. Recent rains had cornbread, and sweet tea. We ate like kings! hindered plans for new construction, but we had plenty of jobs to do. In the morning, we On Friday, we all worked finishing roofing also toured the Global Wildlife Center in and siding the storage buildings and began Folsom, Louisiana. We went across the Lake painting the interior walls of the Habitat Pontchartrain Causeway (at 24 miles, it’s the homes. Thank goodness for fast-drying longest over-water bridge in the world -$3 latex paint, as we wore as much as we toll) for our first of two trips into “The Big painted, it seemed.... We then left for our Easy.” last trip into The Crescent City and a night Tuesday began our work with the on the town. Participants explored and St. Tammany West Habitat affdiate. enjoyed the Quarter until the vans left for We broke into groups; some went Camp Abbey at 2:00 a.m., and a good time to a warehouse and began to work was had by all. 7 SAINT JOSEPH’S COLLEGE Members of the Saint Joseph’s College Community Respond to the War in Iraq I n the height of the “Peaceapalooza,” a U.S. war with Iraq, weeklong event of groups of students and activities intended to employees from Saint promote harmony in Joseph’s College ac¬ the community. tively responded to it. The chain of events As Environmental began in mid-February Science major Dave with an anti-war poetry Ritchie and Mathemat¬ reading sponsored by ics major Wes Graper SJC's literary club. Senior Art major Sarah Chalik, sophomore Biology- fought in the war, the Chemistry major Marissa Klebs, and Data Analyst Leslie Measure. In March, week’s events had a Hannon gather at a support rally for U.S. troops in many students and special meaning. Presi¬ Rensselaer employees participated dent Ernest Mills III in organized demonstra¬ was happy with the tions in Rensselaer in order to show support for dedication students had honoring U.S. troops and the U.S. troops fighting overseas, and a “peace participating in the week’s events. “I am pleased that candle” was lit to remind students and so many of our educators and students [took] the employees to pray for men and women in the opportunity to respond to the war on such a variety military currently involved in the war. From of levels,” he said. April 22nd-26th, a group of students created SJC Nursing Students Hold Clinic In Haiti A s part of the course work for their “Transcultural Nursing” class, several Nursing students were selected to travel with faculty members in SJC's Nursing Department to Haiti, where they held a two-day nursing clinic in LeValle and treated 600 patients with such ailments as malnutrition, scabies, worms, and high blood pressure. “This [trip] continues where Cores 7 and 8 leave off,” said Judi Jezierski, Associate Professor of Nursing at SJC. “It allows the students to be immersed in another culture, and they see the poor in a light that would never be possible sitting in the classroom.” She added, “When we try to understand people of other cultures we can become, as nurses, more sensitive to all individuals for whom we care.” The Nursing Program at SJC is run in tandem Nursing student Stacie Klingler ’03 treats a mother and with St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana. daughter at a two-day nursing clinic in Haiti 8 CONTACT MAGAZINE z SJC PRESENTS Service-Based ftp HONORS CZ3 for 2003 F ive service-based honors were awarded over Commencement weekend at Saint Joseph’s College. Three awards were distributed by the senior class as accolades for select faculty who have served as inspiring examples to the College community. The “Religio” Award, which honors an individual who embodies Catholic and Christian humanistic values, was presented to Assistant Professor of Religion John Bequette, who has been teach¬ ing courses in Religion and Core for the last two years. The “Moralitas” Award, presented to an individual who demonstrates high moral character in all personal and professional aspects of life, was granted to Assistant Professor of Mathematics Marge Mcllwain, who teaches courses in Calculus and has served SJC in a number of positions, including Dean of Freshmen and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. The “Scientia” Award was presented to Professor of JJistory Dr. William White, who was honored as an individual who gathers, creates, and disseminates knowledge in an exemplary fashion. White specializes in United States history and constitutional law, and he has been teaching courses in those areas for almost thirty years. SJC presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor of English John Groppe, who was honored for his 41 years of service to the College. Founder of SJC’s writing clinic in the late sixties Bequette with award presenter Sarah and retiring this year, Groppe has taught a number of courses at Sikkema ’03 SJC, including Feature Writing, Grammar and Expression, and a number of classes in SJC’s Core Program. Member of the Class of Mcllwain gives a big 2003 Sarah Hachey received the Saint Joseph the Educator Award, hug to award which is presented to an SJC faculty-or-staff-nominated student presenter Todd Huff 03 who is a model of Christian life by living in service to others. Hachey served SJC as the Student Director of Tutoring Services Mills presents the and a Freshman Leader. She was Co-Coordinator of the Covenant Saint Joseph the House Candlelight Vigil for Homeless Children, an active partici¬ Educator Award to Sarah Hachey ’03 pant in both Campus Ministry and the Student Union Board, a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Delta Epsilon Sigma honor White with award societies, and has been a two-time Track Marshal for the Annual presenter Amy Little 500 Race. Buckbee ’03 9 SAINT JOSEPH’S COLLEGE t n e m e c n e m m o C recedes a b itKSWfe' !S„)ertW"“s degveetto" SJC Celebrates 108th Commencement A t SJC’s 108th Commencement ceremony on May 11th, honorary degree recipient and keynote speaker Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J. encouraged the 175 graduates of 2003 to live a theocentric life rather than an egocentric one. “To be self-centered is to diminish ourselves and stunt our growth, but to be God-centered will enable us to rise to our full human dignity,” he said. In his address, Dulles, the first American-born theologian who has not held the office of Bishop to be created a Cardinal for the Catholic church, talked also about the importance of serving God in any chosen profession. “In the home, the market place, and the public square, you will face choices every day that depend on your priorities. If you are a lawyer, are you serving true justice or simply making money off greedy clients? If you are a doctor, are you protecting life, or are you flouting the higher law of God?” An honorary doctoral degree was also given to Frederick J. Stucker, M.D., FACS ’56, an internationally recognized surgeon and a 1956 graduate of Saint Joseph’s College. In addition to Dulles, several other individuals addressed the graduating class, including SJC Presi¬ dent Dr. Ernest Mills III, Provost Dr. David Chattin, Valedictorian Todd President Mills Huff, and Senior Class Secretary and Provost Amy Buckbee. Huff reminded his David Chattin with Todd Hutf classmates to take example from (center) at the those who have touched their lives. President’s “In the spirit of St. Gaspar, founder degree-signing of the Missionaries of the Precious party Blood, we, as alumni of Saint Joseph’s College, will touch tomor¬ row.” 10 CONTACT MAGAZINE