The Perspectives That Divide Us - Rockhurst University

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4Rockhurst Strengthens Its Focus on MissionGuided by thestrategic plan,members of theRockhurst community areworking to improve theways in which the Universityforms men and womenfor others. This process willinvolve not only change,but also a renewed focuson our Jesuit missionand values.Toward this end, Rockhurstcreated the Office ofMission and Ministry inAugust and hired the Rev.Kevin Cullen, S.J., as vicepresident for mission andministry. In this capacity,Fr. Cullen will provide leadershipand direction regardingthe University’s sharedvision and strategic plan.He also will be responsiblefor the Office of CampusMinistry.“The Office of Missionand Ministry will focus itsefforts upon helping us tofulfill our mission as aJesuit university,” saidthe Rev. Thomas Curran,O.S.F.S., president. “Whilethe articulation and practiceof our Jesuit values is ashared responsibility,leadership and directionin this venture are helpfuland necessary.”Before coming toRockhurst, Fr. Cullenserved the provincial of theMissouri Province of theSociety of Jesus as assistantfor social and internationalministries. He also hasbeen the novice directorfor the Missouri Provinceand director of Ignatianspirituality programs forthe Mission and ValuesOffice at Regis Universityin Denver. He has taught atthe high school and collegelevels, served in parishesand retreat houses andbeen involved in the JesuitRefugee Service and l’Archefaith-based communities.“I am impressed byRockhurst’s commitment toservice that offers studentsand faculty a clear invitationinto transformation inthe Jesuit tradition,” saidFr. Cullen. “The FinucaneService Project revealedRockhurst’s commitment toforming women and menin a faith that does justice.The practice of action,Fr. Kevin Cullen, S.J.reflection and analysisis integrated in both ouracademic and studentdevelopment programs,and that way of proceedingreveals that the mission isalive in the University.”“I’m excited about our future,” says Jane Lampo, Ed.D.,vice president for advancement. “Our job is to create atransformational experience foreach and every student.The changes we’ll bemaking in the comingmonths and years arefocused on helpingus do just that.I think this is animportant stepin moving theUniversity forward in a way that is consistentwith our mission.”As the University begins to implement thestrategic plan, it also will begin a series of planning,budgeting and accountability cycles.“In addition to keeping us focused on the sharedvision and our four critical issues, this new processencourages responsible stewardship of Universityresources by evaluating progress, gauging effectivenessand ensuring accountability,” says Bill Bassett,director of planning and assessment.Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007 3

Roc k Re p o r t 4 4 4 4 4 4Soccer Pro Leads Malaria CampaignIn the United States,$10 might buy yourmorning coffee,pastry and newspaper.But in Africa, where morethan 3,000 children die ofmalaria every day, $10 canbe the difference betweenlife and death for familieswithout mosquito nets.Diego Gutierrez, ’05,Chicago Fire midfielderand national spokespersonfor Nothing But Nets,a United NationsFoundation campaign,is passionate aboutspreading the messagethat just $10 can save anentire family from malaria.That’s the organization’scost to purchase, distributeand teach a family howto use the nets.His dedication to thecause led the U.S. SoccerFoundation to honor him asthe 2007 humanitarian ofthe year. Gutierrez, who gotinvolved with the campaignbecause he felt he was ata point in his life wherehe could make a realdifference, finds himselfthinking in “bednetnumbers” when he looksat what he spends.“How many peoplecould I save by notindulging in little stuff?”he often wonders. “It isimperative that I makepeople understand Africa’sneeds and how easy it isto help save lives.”Gutierrez, a RockhurstUniversity soccer standoutfrom Colombia, capitalizeson his professional soccercareer to raise awarenessof malaria.“For better or for worse,at times people listen abit more when you kickor throw or shoot a ballfor a living,” he says. “Theplatform that pro athleteshave gives me somethingnot everyone has.”This platform allows himto get others involved inhelping the less fortunate.“I am persistent whenit comes to makingothers realize that we areresponsible for helpingpeople who were givenless,” Gutierrez says. “Weare morally responsible forlooking out for them.”photo: Brian Kersey/MLS/WireImage.comThe U.S. Soccer Foundation honored Chicago Fire midfielderDiego Gutierrez, ’05, for his dedication to Nothing But Nets,a United Way campaign.French Students Partnerwith Haitian CommunityTraveling to an exotic location to learn asecond language isn’t practical for manycollege students, but students in KathleenMadigan’s Francophone Cultures class get to visit aHaitian community every week. Her students canpractice their French with fluent speakers at the FirstBaptist Haitian Church right here in Kansas City.The program, which allows both groups to teacheach other through their different experiences, is apartnership between Rockhurst’s Center for ServiceLearning and Glory House Services, a nonprofitorganization focused on diversity and education.4 Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4OT Students Help Ecuadorians with Hansen’s DiseaseTypically, graduate students in the occupationaltherapy program conduct their requiredfieldwork at a local hospital or clinic tocomplete the hands-on component of theireducation. In August, seven students had theopportunity to conduct their fieldwork in Guayaquil,Ecuador, where they spent a week offering therapy topatients living with Hansen’s Disease, or leprosy.Hansen’s, a chronic infectious disease, is among theworld’s most feared and misunderstood diseases. It iscurable, but if it is not caught early, it can cause irreparabledamage to the nerves, muscles, skin and eyes.The OT students met with patients at the DamienHouse, a charity-funded hospital and clinic for those withHansen’s Disease, to assess their needs, then to developand implement individual treatment plans. Students alsoled group exercise sessions.Training and fieldwork teaches students that creativityis essential in occupational therapy. But these studentswere surprised to learn just how much creativity theyneeded at a facility such as the Damien House.“The experience in Ecuador enabled me to understandhow a facility can have few economic resources, but beable to transform their resources into practical solutionsfor the clients,” said Sarah Werth, a second-year OTgraduate student.Werth learned someclients had trouble gettingfrom their beds to theirwheelchairs — a challengeeasily solved with a devicecalled a sliding board.With none in sight, sheand other students wentabout making one fromscratch using wood andtools found in the facility’smaintenance closet.When another patient’shands were getting sorefrom exercise equipment, Graduate OT student Jackeea student made some new Ndwaru, left, and Liz Zayat,hand weights from cloth academic fieldwork coordinator,and sand to ease her use an old wood planer todiscomfort. Students also create a sliding board.developed a bean-bag-tossgame for fine motor skills,and exercise sticks from some old crutches.“We were told, ‘by stepping into our facility, youhave stepped where most will not — not even the familymembers of our patients,’” said Kris Vacek, OTD, chairand associate professor of OT. “That alone helps healthem, and it’s what made this experience so special.”Sophomore Ali Burr spends her time on Friday nightsteaching piano and improvisational skills to youngchildren, and senior Stephanie Hutcheson teachescomputer skills and English to adults. Others, includingseniors Eric Thompson and Teresa Scalard, took Madigan’sclass in past semesters but continue to volunteer atthe church. Thompson fixes computers and teaches computerskills, and Scalard teaches English.According to Kathleen Madigan, Ph.D., professor ofclassical and modern languages, the atmosphere at thechurch can be free-flowing and spontaneous. One studentmight be teaching piano to a child while another offersan English lesson to some adults. Often the others willcrowd around hoping to learn something too. SeniorColbert Root, who teaches English on Saturday mornings,has noted the strong sense of community as partof this exchange.“Sometimes what is a lesson for one personbecomes a lesson for all,” he says.The goals of the project are to give the studentsreal-world experience with the culture of a Francophonecountry, to explore the issues facing immigrantsand to get to know the Haitian participantsthrough activities centered around learning.Burr never thought she would find a French-speakingcommunity in Kansas City. What she found was agroup of warm and hospitable people and an excellentopportunity to practice her language skills.“The best part is learning firsthand and being aroundpeople from a French-speaking country,” she says.Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007 5

Roc k Re p o r t 4 4 4 4 4 4Program Preps High School Students for CollegeNearly two dozen local teens from low-incomefamilies are getting a step up in preparing forcollege through RU College Bound, Rockhurst'soutreach program designed to secure student success.Offered in partnership with Blue Hills Family LifeCenter, Operation Breakthrough and Hogan PrepAcademy, the 16-week program meets one night perweek to provide teens with access to the resources theyneed to complete high school and to prepare for college.Several Rockhurst students are helping to provide theteens with tutoring, mentoring, ACT preparation andassistance with selecting and applying to colleges. Thestudents are meeting one-on-one with teens to help themset goals and learn about the college experience.“This program is important because it not only helpsencourage students to pursue a college education, but alsohelps them learn practical ways to succeed,” said AliciaDouglas, Rockhurst’s director of Community Relations.Tanequa Parker, an 11 th grader from Westport High School,studies ACT preparation materials with Rockhurst M.Ed.student Gina Parker, left.Sophomore Named Miss South SudanAyok Monydit hascome a long wayin her short 19years. She andher family escaped wartornSudan when she was9 to make a new life in theUnited States. Today she isa sophomore at Rockhurstand recently earned the titleMiss South Sudan 2007.As Miss South Sudan,Monydit will travel toconferences throughoutthe United States to discusscurrent issues in Sudan,especially women’s rights.In December, she will visither native land to bringawareness to women’srights there.Sophomore Ayok Monyditwill travel to conferencesthroughout the United States.Monydit hopes herexperience as Miss SouthSudan will help to empowergirls and women who facediscrimination.“The experience is notjust about the title, butwhat you do with the title,”said Monydit, who volunteerswith the SudaneseWomen’s EmpowermentNetwork. The organizationhelps support social andgender justice, human rightsand healthy communities.Monydit is a recipientof the Sieber scholarship,an award made possibleby John Sieber, ’56, forstudents who are highlymotivated and demonstratestrong leadership abilities.“The Sieber scholarshipis one of those rare giftsyou happen to stumbleupon,” she said. “Withoutfinancial aid, I would nothave been able to attendRockhurst. My family andI are so grateful to thosewho have given us so much.”An active participant inher church community,Monydit cooks, cleans andsometimes makes tea forthe women there. Aroundcampus, you might see herstudying in the biology lab,hanging out in McGee Hallor occasionally wearing traditionalAfrican clothing toclass. Monydit is majoringin biology and psychology,and she plans to attendgraduate school.6 Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4Tocco Receives NAIA’s Highest HonorThis fall, Rockhurst University men’s soccer coachTony Tocco received the highest honor bestowedby the National Association of IntercollegiateAthletics.Tocco, Ph.D., professor of accounting, is the winningestcoach in the history of NAIA men’s soccer. He was inductedinto the NAIA Hall of Fame Nov. 13 in Olathe, Kan.“Being part of the NAIA were some of the best yearsin my coaching career,” said Tocco, who ranks secondamong active intercollegiate coaches and is third on theall-time coaching list. “I developed some great friendshipsin the NAIA that have stayed with me over the years. To bepart of the NAIA Hall of Fame along with some of the toppeople I’ve coached against is an honor and a privilege.”Rockhurst was a perennial power in the NAIA from1973-1997 under Tocco. The Hawks played in 17 nationalchampionship tournaments, advanced to the Final Four10 times and finished national runner-up four times.Tocco was a three-time NAIA National Coach ofthe Year. His teams won 20 or more games eighttimes, including his past four teams that competed inthe NAIA. He had 24players earn NAIAAll-American honors.Individuals inductedinto the NAIA Hall ofFame must be personsof outstanding quality,high moral character, fineleadership ability and heldin high esteem by theircolleagues, former coachesand former athletes.Known throughoutthe community as a rolemodel, Tocco is considered Tony Tocco, Ph.D.one of the best classroomteachers at Rockhurst. He maintains the proper balancebetween academics and athletics for his student-athletesand is recognized for his deep faith and unwaveringcommitment to his team.Grant Helps Rockhurst Women Pursue ScienceDid you knowthat nearly47 percent ofstudents inRockhurst’s math, physics,chemistry and biochemistryprograms are women?That’s up from only 29percent a decade ago.The University’s effortsto close the gender gapin these fields of studyreceived a boost this yearwhen Rockhurst receiveda $258,000 grant from theClare Boothe Luce Programof the Henry Luce Foundation.The grant will supportfour undergraduate femalejuniors and seniors majoringin the sciences. Thisprogram is unique in thatit seeks to address thenational shortage ofstudents in general, andwomen in particular, whoare entering the nonmedicalfields of science.The grant will providescholarships, faculty mentoring,summer researchfellowships, regional ornational presentationopportunities and thechance for recipients tomentor younger peers.Annie Lee, Ph.D., associateprofessor of chemistry,received a five-year professorshipfrom the ClareBoothe Luce Program in2001. Now she is servingon the selection committeeand will be a faculty mentorto one or more of thescholarship recipients.“Students who receivethese funds will be able tofocus on learning scienceand math year-round,” saidLee, “which will help toensure they are successfulat Rockhurst and that theyare prepared to continuetheir studies in the bestgraduate schools throughoutthe country.”Clare Boothe Luce,the widow of Henry R.Luce, was a playwright,journalist, U.S. Ambassadorto Italy and first womanelected to Congress fromConnecticut. Her bequestthat established the programsought to encouragewomen to enter, study,graduate and teach inthe sciences, math andengineering.Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007 7

The PerspectivesThat Divide UsOne student describes her personal journeyinto the complex issue of immigration.By Kate Quinn, ’098 Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007

The boy who was left behindEnrique’s Journey tells one smallbut powerful story. It’s about a boynamed Enrique whose mother leaveshim and his sister in search of betterwages in the United States. Becauseof the money she sends, Enrique hasnew clothes every year and is able tocontinue his education. But nothingcan make up for his mother’s absence,so he decides to go find her. Withjust a phone number, he embarks ona difficult and emotional journey.Reading the book during my tripwas phenomenal. I was blown awayby the descriptions in the story thatparalleled exactly what I was witnessingin El Salvador. The dire economicsituations in Central American countriesleave citizens with few optionsto make a living. I realized that conditionsmade it basically impossiblefor them to have anything close to thelifestyle I was living. In El Salvador,I found out with my minimal Spanishthat almost everyone I met had afamily member living in the UnitedStates. They all expressed wishing tomake the trip themselves someday.It was bizarre to hear about the highwages in United States, when I knowthe uneducated Salvadorans are goinginto my country to make minimumwage — less than I make as a student.In El Salvador, our group visitedthe Jesuit university in San Salvador,where we met several Americans. Oneof them was Tom Gill, a Saint LouisUniversity graduate who runs thestudy abroad house for Americanstudents. He told us about his recenttrip that followed the migration ofSalvadorans into the United States,an experience similar to the onedescribed in Enrique’s Journey. Tomwent on buses through El Salvadorto Guatemala and then into Mexico.While he traveled legally with passports,he watched many Salvadoransstruggle to make the trip without suchluxury. As he told us his amazingstory, I thought of the book I wasreading. What a coincidence betweenSonia Nazario and Tom Gill and theexperiences they shared.After talking with the othercoordinators, we decided Enrique’sJourney should be the book that we’dask freshmen to read, and Tom Gillshould be invited to campus to leadthe book discussion. Tom agreed andcame to campus in August. Whilespeaking with the freshmen, he usedhis experience and Jesuit educationto paint a picture of the dire situationin El Salvador. His passion for theissue was clear as he explained whypeople leave and described thehorrific human rights violationsthat occur on their trips throughMexico toward el Norte.10 Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007

No easy answersI’ve learned immigration is anissue of both policy and social justice.But I still have so many questions.What makes people leave theircountries? Why are they subjectedto human rights violations on theirjourneys? How are they treated in theUnited States? Do they like it? Or dothey hope to return to their homecountry? Can they afford to?But immigration has no easyanswers. This became apparent tome this summer during the senate’sdebate over the proposed immigrationbill. I interned for a Nebraskasenator and heard many opinions onthe bill and immigration in general.This experience left me more confusedthan ever, but it motivated me toeducate myself. I couldn’t be happierthat it has become a theme for thisyear at Rockhurst. This importanttopic will not only be a huge issue inthe next election, it will be a majorissue throughout my lifetime.I am committed to using whatI’ve learned about immigration forthe rest of my life, and I’ll start byvoting for political candidates whohave good ideas for solving theproblems that exist. As a student ina Jesuit university, I believe that everyonedeserves equal rights as humanbeings. I’ll never forget my springbreak trip and how it hasforever changed my perspectiveon the world.Kate Quinn is a junior from Omaha, Neb.She is pursuing majors in economics andpolitical science and a minor in nonprofitleadership studies.Immigration bythe Numbers• Of the 35.7 million foreignbornpeople in the UnitedStates in 2004, 10.3 millionare undocumented.• Every year, more than 1 millioncome legally and illegally fromall regions of the world.• 81 percent of the undocumentedpopulation is from Latin America.• Nearly half of the undocumentedpopulation is concentrated inthree states: California, Texasand Florida.• About 7.2 million undocumentedmigrants were employed inMarch 2005, which representedabout 4.9 percent of the civilianlabor force.• Median earnings of Mexicanmigrant workers are$300 per week.Source: Pew Hispanic Center, pewhispanic.orgEl Salvador, home to two mountainranges and several volcanoes, hasnearly 7 million people. A third ofthem live in poverty.The Jesuit ResponseThe Jesuit Conference has joinedthe U.S. Conference of CatholicBishops in calling for comprehensiveimmigration reform that providesa path to legalization for theundocumented, reunites familiesand focuses on developing thecountries from which they come.Learn more at www.jesuit.org.Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007 11

Nothing Soft About These SkillsAs the contemporary business landscape evolves, employers are placing anincreasingly higher value on people with strong communication, teamworkand leadership skills. The Helzberg School of Management is well awareof the trend and implementing changes to meet the demand.By Jamie Sievering, ’06 MBA“This is where you all went wrong, causing my plan to fail.”©2003 Ted Goff12 Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007

Have you ever worked withsomeone who was excellentat the specific requirementsof his job but who had a hard timedealing with people? Whether it wasa problem with communication,working in a team or something else,the person likely impacted the organization’sefficiency and culture.These are called the soft skills,those personality traits and socialinstincts that influence not only howwell you work with people but are anincreasingly important determinantof how far up the organizationalladder you rise.Traditionally, business schoolstudents graduated with a degree inaccounting or finance or marketing,and that was enough to land thema solid job in the business world.But things are changing. Theeconomy is shifting. Companiesstill need accountants and marketerswith specialized skills, but todaythey expect more. Human capital isthe new priority; the quality of yourpeople is of utmost importance if youwant your company to succeed. Organizationsnow are seeking employees©2003 Ted Goff“Isn’t this what teamwork is all about?You doing all my work for me?”who have a strong grasp on language,negotiation skills, cultural sensitivity,teamwork, coaching and social graces.If employers are talking, Rockhurst’sHelzberg School of Management islistening. Administrators have beenstudying this trend and are adjustingthe school’s approach to keep upwith the times and meet the demandsof business.“Employers are looking for peoplewho can get things done, to createresults through other people,” saysSylvia Dochterman, director of executiveand professional programs in theHelzberg School.Pat Mosher, ’04 EMBA, director ofcorporate communications for HNTBCompanies, agrees.“Being a good communicator andhaving good interpersonal skills toengage your employees and clientsis just as important as being able tobook a sale,” she says.While Mosher was in the program,she and her team conducted a projectthat looked into what skills areaemployers were seeking in thestudents they were sponsoring.According to her team’s survey of16 firms, Mosher found leadershipdevelopment was ranked the No. 1focus area they were looking for,followed by financial acumen, strategydevelopment and implementationand change management.“As for my own organization, weare first looking for technical skills forthe desired position,” says Mosher.“But we also screen candidates to seehow they would fit within our cultureand exhibit our brand. That meanswe look for people who have excellentinterpersonal skills that can beapplied both internally and outsideour firm.”Pat Mosher, ’04 EMBA, is directorof corporate communications forHNTB Companies.The Helzberg Executive FellowsMBA program is in a perfect positionto adjust to meet the demands of themarket. Earlier this year, Rockhurstredesigned its curriculum to betterprepare executives with the soft skillsemployers are seeking.Since its inception in 1978, whenit was one of the first executive MBAprograms in the nation, the programhas helped prepare senior managersand corporate officers from local andregional firms for top leadership rolesin their organizations. Students, onaverage, have about a decade of managementexperience.Human capitalis the newpriority.In the new program, studentsbegin with a formal, comprehensiveself-assessment and 360-degree feedbackthat provide insights about theirleadership strengths and weaknesses.Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007 13

“We can’t help them become moreeffective leaders and managers if theydon’t know where they are on thespectrum,” says Dochterman. “Ournew curriculum has expanded theemphasis on professional developmentskills and focused on buildingself-awareness.”Students work in cohort teams ofsix or so on assignments and projects,and each individual is paired withan established executive from thebusiness community who serves as amentor. The assessment results, alongwith the student’s specific goals andobjectives, are used to carefully tailora personal and professional developmentplan. Mentors offer support andpractical insights along the way.“Those so-called‘soft skills’aren’t so soft atall, are they?”This focus on self-awareness andsoft skills development doesn’t meanstudents get to cut back on the quantitativedisciplines. The program stillincludes the spectrum of traditionalMBA courses such as supply chainand logistics management, finance,accounting, marketing and economicand competitive analysis.“You have to understand the marketingand finance, but those aloneare not going to get things done,”says Dochterman. “You have to havesocial intelligence.”When offered along with apractical executive developmentcurriculum, the program’s specializedmentoring program allows participantsto develop a self-awareness thathelps them become more confidentand effective leaders.“Those so-called ‘soft skills’ aren'tso soft at all, are they?” says Mosher.“They are absolutely essential in businesstoday. It’s one thing to develop agreat strategy to grow your business,but ultimately the successful implementationof that strategy will hingeon your people’s behaviors and theirengagement with the business.”Dan Solito, who entered theprogram this fall, has faced thischallenge in his own professionalexperience. In a company he recentlyjoined as part of a turn-around team,he noticed most of the managershad never received training related toissues such as hiring, team building,employee motivation and workingacross boundaries.“We saw a tight connectionbetween training them and executingon the vision,” he says. “Companiesthat recognize this and invest inthe right kind of training buildloyalty in their employees and canalso create a competitive advantagethrough their people.”Just as the managers saw value inthe training, students have found thecohort format of the Executive Fellowsprogram useful for their personal andprofessional development.“The team-oriented approach is acritical component of the program,”says Solito. “Where else would peoplefrom such diverse industries andfunctions come together to discuss abusiness issue and the potential waysof solving that issue?”Because these cross-functionalcollaboration skills are increasinglyin demand, Helzberg School administratorsalso are working to makesome adjustments to the traditionalMBA program.“People don’t work in silos,” saysAl Hawkins, Ph.D., assistant dean foracademic affairs. “Our MBA programis moving toward an interdisciplinaryapproach that will prepare students©2003 Ted Goff“Would you mind if I put my headdown and closed my eyes whileI carefully listen to your ideas?”to work in cross-functional teamsand take a systems approach toproblem solving.”According to Hawkins, the changeswill prepare MBA graduates with notonly a broad-based understandingof contemporary business but theknowledge and skills needed todeal with problems the way they arehandled in organizations across thenation and around the world.“You have to have skills not onlyto do your job but to communicatewell,” says Joe Parrish, who completeshis MBA in December.Parrish, a business analyst forMidland Loan Services, says he’sdeveloping the skills to manageboth people and situations andgaining a well-rounded view of thebusiness landscape.While that business landscapecontinues to change, soft skills areexpected to play an increasinglyimportant role in organizationseverywhere. Many stakeholders of theHelzberg School, where leadershipisn’t a course but a cornerstone,believe recognizing and capitalizingon the development of these skillswill give future graduates an edge.“These skills are an essentialpart of leadership,” says Mosher,“and I don't consider what I do besoft at all.”14 Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007

Nicole SchweppeThe weather has cooled, but four Rockhurst students continue tofind meaning in the enriching experiences they had last summer.Spending countless late hours and summerweekends in a laboratory studying fruitflies isn’t the average college senior’s ideaof a good time. But Rockhurst senior NicoleSchweppe is anything but average.Schweppe, a macrobiology major, was oneof eight students nationwide to be acceptedto the prestigious Summer Scholars Programat the Stowers Institute for Medical Research.For eight weeks, Schweppe worked on geneticsresearch in a world-class laboratory, where shequickly learned the quirks of life as a researcher.“Research is not an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job,”Schweppe said. “Your best work may be at9 p.m. or 2 a.m. For me, the prime time towork is sometimes on the weekend.”Schweppe worked under senior researchassociate William Gilliland in the lab of therenowned investigator Scott Hawley, who usesfruit flies to study how chromosomes pairand segregate during meiosis. At the conclusionof the program, she presented the resultsof her research to the Stowers community.How well did she do? Schweppe parlayedher success in the summer program into aninternship as a predoctoral researcher in thesame lab this fall, where she is learning touse different protocols and new experimentalprocedures.“I am learning a different way of thinking,”she said. “Research teaches you to be reallyanalytical. With research, answers don’t comefrom a book — they come from your brain.”Schweppe will graduate in May, and is inthe process of applying to medical school.“I have always wanted to be a doctor,”she said. “I have been waiting to pursue thispassion for a long time, and I’m excited thetime has come.”Nicole Schweppe internsunder renowned investigatorScott Hawley, right.Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007 15

Allison RankOn a Rockhurst University missiontrip to Juarez, Mexico, two years ago,Allison Rank helped build a cinderblockhouse with no running water for a familythat struggled to get the basic necessitiesof life. When she returned to the countryas a senior during the summer of 2007for an internship with the NationalChamber of Commerce of Guadalajara,she lived with a host family that had acook and a maid.“Some people have a preconceivednotion that Mexico is poor and peopleare uneducated,” said Rank, “and they’resurprised to learn how many rich peoplelive there.”As a summer intern, Rank helpedtranslate documents and Web pagesinto English, and made conferencearrangements.The monthlong experience allowedher to learn about cultural differencesbetween Mexico and the United Statesin business practices and society at large.Those differences became apparent herfirst day on the job when she reported towork and had to wait for the rest of thestaff to arrive. Later she learned about thecoffee breaks and two-hour lunches toaccommodate the biggest meal of the day.“There didn’t seem to be as much of asense of urgency,” Rank said.Another surprise came when her bossdemonstrated a genuine curiosity toSenior Allison Rank in Taxco, Mexico.know her as a person, beginning thefirst day with a 30-minute get-acquaintedconversation.With a double major in businessadministration and Spanish, Rank hopesto work in an international business settingsome day. In addition to studyingSpanish, she supplemented her languageskills with a course in Chinese at the Universityof Missouri-Kansas City.But first she needs to make it throughall the requirements of a busy senior yearat Rockhurst. In addition to serving asStudent Senate president, she’s working tocomplete her senior capstone project — astudy of the differences between the richand poor in Mexico.16 Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007

Ana CiminoSenior Ana Cimino spent last yearstudying in Paris. But her passion for sustainabledevelopment and fair trade soonleft her feeling out of place in the fashioncapital of the world.A month later, she was living in a mudhut with no electricity and no runningwater in a small farming village in Kenya.And she felt at home.While the French major valued hertime in France, she felt a calling to bewith those on the other end of the economicspectrum. So she partnered withan organization called Foundation forSustainable Development and servedan eight-week summer internship inLubao, Kenya.After getting to know the area and thepeople, Cimino was charged with conductinga needs assessment to see howshe could contribute.“You don’t want to step on their toes,”she said. “You want to help out but nottake over.”The area’s three-year-old peace centeroffers community education on topicssuch as alternatives to violence andreconciliation among communities— topics that are especially relevant toresidents of that region. Cimino decidedon a project that would promote participationin the center’s programs and helpthe center generate revenue.Her project? To offer a sign of peace tothe residents of tiny Lubao. Literally. Withthe help of some hard-working local volunteers,she designed and built a gardenin the shape of a peace sign. This peacegarden will allow residents to grow andsell vegetables and earn revenue to helpthe center become a sustainable communityresource.Cimino found the experience verymeaningful.Senior Ana Cimino“It’s important to go abroad,” shesaid. “A lot of people have preconceivednotions about Third World countriesand think it’s all about hopelessness andpoverty. There’s also people there whomake it real, who want to show you thereal Kenya and don’t want to be seen as acharity case.”Cimino will graduate in May withdegrees in history and French and aminor in nonprofit leadership studies.She plans to return to Lubao to serve asa project coordinator for a year beforeentering graduate school.David LeFebvreDavid LeFebvre spent his summeron the 19 th floor of a downtown officebuilding as an intern for AmericanHumanics. AH is a national alliance ofcolleges, universities and nonprofitsdedicated to preparing the nextgeneration of nonprofit leaders.As an intern, LeFebvre’s job is tocoordinate a three-day American HumanicsManagement Leadership Institute inJanuary, so his internship actually willcontinue until the event. He has beenbusy coordinating staff members, guidingcommittees and preparing to host a conferencethat will bring together more than800 students and nonprofit professionalsfrom around the country.“It’s intense, but it’s an awesomeopportunity to network with boardmembers and others in the nonprofitsector,” he says.Junior David LeFebvreIn recognition of his dedication to thenonprofit sector, the organization selectedhim to receive the American HumanicsNextGen Leader award, which includes ascholarship to help cover living and educationalexpenses during his internship.LeFebvre is a junior majoring in communicationand nonprofit leadershipstudies. He’s also earning a certificate inAmerican Humanics. After graduation, heplans to continue his work with nonprofitorganizations, but probably not on the19 th floor of a downtown high-rise.“I want to work on the ground level —something in volunteer managementor a community organization,” he says.“I want to work with people in anorganization that serves young people.That’s where my passion comes from.”Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007 17

Haw k Talk 4 4 4 4 4 4Barnett Leads Team in AcademicsThe Rockhurstwomen’s basketballteamraised the baracademicallylast year. The Hawks finished25th among NCAADivision II schools with a3.315 grade-point average.Chelsea Barnett led theHawks in the classroom inthe 2006-07 school year.The senior from Emporia,Kan., finished with a 4.0GPA in her junior year andheld a 3.9 cumulative GPA.“Being ranked academicallymakes us all feelgood,” said Barnett, whois majoring in philosophyand political science with apre-law focus. “We hope toraise it this year.”Barnett hopes to beginlaw school in fall 2008. Shecredits Rockhurst for givingher an excellent educationand preparing her for alegal career.“It has been very positiveacademically,” Barnett said.“You get to know all ofyour professors. It demandsthat you are organized.This has been a beneficialexperience.”One year after havingsurgery on her knee, Barnettstarted 15 games forthe Hawks last season. The5-foot-7 guard was fourthon the team in scoring,with 6.7 points per game,and second in three-pointSenior Chelsea Barnettfield goals made, with 38.She scored a career-high25 points in leading theHawks to a road win atUpper Iowa.Barnett came to Rockhurston a soccer scholarshipin 2004. She was thestarting goalkeeper in herfreshman year, posting 67saves and five shutouts. Thesame year, she was also thestarting point guard on thebasketball team.“I always preferred basketballover soccer,” saidBarnett, who tore the ACLin her right knee duringpreseason soccer workoutsin 2005. “I wanted to continuewith soccer until Ihurt my knee. I would nothave come to Rockhurst ifit hadn’t been for the confidencethat Coach GregHerdlick showed in me.”Diskin, Tinsley Join Athletics Hall of FameFrank Diskin and Andrea Tinsley were inducted intothe Rockhurst Athletics Hall of Fame during Homecomingceremonies on Sept. 28 at Bourke Field.Diskin served as athletic director at Rockhurst from1985-2007. During his tenure, Rockhurst athletics grewfrom four to 11 intercollegiate sports. He directed theHawks into joining the NCAA and becoming a Division IImember while assisting in the formation of the HeartlandConference in 1998.Diskin also spearheaded the school’s move into theGreat Lakes Valley Conference in 2005. Six of the athleticprograms qualified for NCAA national tournament competitionbehind his leadership. He served as Rockhurst’smen’s basketball coach for six years and volleyball coachfor three years.Tinsley was a four-year letter winner and three-yearstarter in basketball from 1989-93. The Hawks compileda 103-25 record and played in the NAIA Tournamenttwice in her four seasons at Rockhurst.Tinsley was an NAIA and Kodak All-American in1992 and 1993. As the team captain in 1993, she led theHawks to a 30-2 record and a district championship. Shealso lettered two years in volleyball as a middle hitter.Frank Diskin was surrounded by friends and family when hewas inducted to the Rockhurst Athletics Hall of Fame Sept. 28.18 Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4Konzem Named New Director of AthleticsRichard Konzemhas been hiredas Rockhurst’snew director ofathletics. He is the fourthfull-time director of athleticssince 1941 and joinsRockhurst in December.Konzem comes to Rockhurstfrom BenedictineCollege, an NAIA schoolin Atchison, Kan., wherehe has been the director ofathletics since June 2006.He directed an athleticdepartment consisting of17 sports and 475 studentathletesat Benedictine.“Jesuit universities takea holistic approach to education,so athletics playan important role in theformation of our students,”said the Rev. Thomas B.Curran, O.S.F.S., presidentof Rockhurst University.“Konzem’s experience andleadership will be invaluablein fulfilling thisimportant aspect of ourmission.”Prior to joining Benedictine,Konzem served 23years in various capacitiesat the University of Kansas,including interim directorof athletics in 2001. He wasan integral part of the KUathletics staff during sixNCAA Final Four appearancesin basketball, threebowl games and a CollegeWorld Series in both baseballand softball.Richard KonzemA Scholar and an AthleteIf Garrett Fischeris not on the tenniscourts, you canprobably find himin the classroom orlibrary preparingfor another exam.Fischer began his senioryear this fall with a perfect4.0 grade-point average asa double major in finance/accounting and economics.He also has been one of thetop players on the Rockhurstmen’s tennis teamover the past three years.Last spring, Fischerreceived one of the highesthonors earned by anyRockhurst student-athlete.He was chosen the GreatLakes Valley ConferenceScholar-Athlete of the Yearfor men’s tennis.“It’s a great honor,” saidFischer, who will graduatefrom Rockhurst in May andhopes to begin law school.“This award summarizesmy collegiate career. I’vehad to balance my timebetween athletics and academics.It’s especially hardto balance them during theseason with the travel.”A two-time ITA AcademicAll-American, Fischer wasnamed to the ESPN TheMagazine All-District AcademicTeam in 2007. Healso held officer positionswith the Delta Sigma Pibusiness fraternity.Fischer hopes to finishhis college tennis careerwith another appearance inthe NCAA Championships.He participated in the 2005and 2007 NCAA regionalSenior Garrett Fischer, one of Rockhurst’s top tennis players,began the year with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.tournament. He wouldhave played in the 2006NCAA Championships buthad to sit out the year whilebattling Crohn’s disease.“I still might come backfor another year if I don’tgo to law school,” saidFischer, who was playingNo. 1 singles in the fall forthe Hawks. “I feel like I’mplaying the best in my fouryears at Rockhurst.”Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007 19

Adva n c e m e n t Di g e s t 4 4 4 4 4Honoring Megan: The Megan Lynn Barnett Scholarship FundOn Dec. 15, 2006, Megan Barnett had justcompleted her first off-campus clinical rotationas a second-year student in Rockhurst’sdoctoral program in physical therapy. Duringa phone call with her parents, Mark and the Rev. PattyBrown-Barnett, she told them she was pleased with theexperience and excited about the possibilities.Shortly after that call, Barnett was killed in a car accident.In her honor, Megan Barnett’s family has establishedan endowed scholarship fund to benefit students in thephysical therapy program. Her father said Megan wasbecoming a “consummate professional” while in theRockhurst program.“The rotation site reaffirmed to Megan that she wasexactly where she should be, doing what she should do,”he said. “The preceptor at the program said compassiontoward patients was his No. 1 criteria for physical therapists,and Megan had that.”Barnett’s talents were also recognized, and are missed,on campus.“Megan was a greatyoung lady who was growingin terms of competenceand confidence as she progressedin our curriculum,”says Brian McKiernan,Ph.D., associate professorand chair of physical therapy.“Students who apply forthe Barnett scholarship willneed to articulate how theyhave grown and changedby participating in the PTcurriculum, and how they Megan Barnettview themselves providingservice to the community after graduation.”If you’re interested in making a contribution to theMegan Lynn Barnett Scholarship fund, donations maybe made online at www.rockhurst.edu/giving or sentto Rockhurst University Office of Advancement, 1100Rockhurst Road, Kansas City, MO 64110. Designate thename of the scholarship when making your gift.Make a Critical InvestmentSupporting a scholarship program is a classicway to invest in the future, and in the futureof deserving students. A classic example?Rockhurst’s Critical Investments ScholarshipProgram, established to provide a high-qualityeducation for women who have experienced barriers anddisadvantages in the pursuit of their education.Amanda Hoznor, a senior working toward her bachelor’sdegree in psychology, is one of those women. Whena difficult family situation led to an unexpected change inher economic status, Hoznor turned to staff members inthe financial aid office at Rockhurst.“I told them I would push hard to continue withschool — I would do anything possible to continue goingto Rockhurst to enhance my education,” Hoznor says.“I wouldn’t give up hope.”After reviewing her financial situation and discussingher goals, staff members encouraged Hoznor to applyfor the Critical Investments Scholarship Program.Scholarship recipients must be focused on a vision ofachievement, have the endurance and perseverance torealize their dreams, and are expected to “invest in” orgive back to their community.“I’m planning on becoming a nurse, and eventuallygoing into neonatal nursing,” Hoznor says. “Thisscholarship makes that possible. I want to say ‘thankyou very much’ to the donors and to Rockhurst. Withoutthis scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to finish.”The scholarship was established in 1995 byCatherine B. Allen, Mary Shaw Branton, Edith M. Evans,Janice C. Kreamer, Vivian J. Sosland, Deborah Sosland-Edelman and others. Rockhurst extends its gratitude tothe many alumni and friends who have contributed to thesuccess of the Critical Investments Scholarship Program.If you are interested in offering your support, donationsmay be made online at www.rockhurst.edu/givingor sent to Rockhurst University Office of Advancement,1100 Rockhurst Road, Kansas City, MO 64110. Designatethat your contribution is for this fund.20 Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4Rockhurst Celebrates Carnival Brazilian StyleLively Brazilianmusic filled the airat Rockhurst’s 12 thAnnual Gala onSaturday, Oct. 27. Inspiredby the festivities of Carnival,alumni of all agesenjoyed the delicious fareand Rio-style music anddancing. A highlight of theevening was the Grupo AxeCapoeira, who performed afight-dance style of Brazilianmartial arts.Congratulations to thevolunteers who createdsuch an exciting event tohelp raise funds for scholarships,community serviceAmong those celebrating at the gala were, from left, Shannon (Shaw) Coleman, ’92,Dick and Daffy Shaw, Fr. Tom Wiederholt, and Rich, ’88, ’92 MBA, and Susan Shaw.projects, student developmentinitiatives andother critical needs. Galaco-chairs were Mark, ’82,and Donna Teahan; andMichael, ’98 EMBA, andTheresa Osredker. Honorarychairs were Lloyd, ’95EMBA, and Sue Ann Hill.Andre, ’94, and Jennifer, ’97,Smith were the 2007 youngalumni co-chairs.Go online to seephotos from the event atwww.rockhurst.edu/gala.Become a Regular Investor in RockhurstAre you a loyalRockhurst graduate,parent or friendwho makes consecutiveannual gifts to the University?If so, you’ll be invitedto join an exclusive group ofloyal Rockhurst supporters.There’s no specific dollaramount and no specificgiving category requiredfor joining. Rather, it’syour consistent support ofRockhurst that is deeplyvalued by the RegularInvestors in Rockhurst(RIR) group. Donors whogive consecutively for five,10, 15, 20 and 25 or moreyears will be recognized inthe annual Honor Roll ofDonors as Regular Investorsin Rockhurst.While there’s noparticular category ofgiving required for RIR,the Rockhurst Fund maybe the perfect spot for yourdonation. The RockhurstFund — the new namefor Rockhurst’s annualfund — has enormousimpact, because it targetsRockhurst’s most pressingneeds. Whether those arescholarships, faculty development,service trips orclassroom technology, youcan rest assured knowingyour donation goes to helpRockhurst fulfill its sharedvision of transforming livesand preparing leaders.With the end of the yearapproaching, now is theperfect time to considerRockhurst University inyour giving. For detailsabout the Rockhurst Fund,Regular Investors in Rock-hurst or to make a donation,visit www.rockhurst.edu/rockhurstfund or call(816) 501-4431.Same Fund, New NameWhat’s in a name? At Rockhurst, we take pride inour name, which is why the annual fund has beenrenamed the Rockhurst Fund. It is still the samefund that provides dollars for the University’sgreatest needs, and it is a significant part ofRockhurst’s overall giving programs.Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007 21

For Al u m n i 4 4 4 4 4 4Alumni, Students Celebrate Rockhurst DayFriday, Sept. 28, brought picture-perfect weatherand a record crowd for a Rockhurst Homecomingcelebration with alumni, faculty, staff, studentsand friends of the University.Lower Bourke Field transformed into a mini-carnivalfor Rockhurst Day, with attractions ranging from aninflatable playground to a balloon artist. A photo booth,concession stands and temporary tattoos added to thefestivities for both the young and the young at heart.Those in attendance had more reason to celebrate asthe Hawks and Lady Hawks soccer teams defeated thePanthers from Kentucky Wesleyan College and theRockhurst volleyball team turned back the University ofWisconsin-Parkside Rangers.Rockhurst Day also included a golf cart parade, withmore than 20 student organizations competing, andthe Great Baby Race, won by record-fast crawler AbigailMeiers. Abigail is the daughter of John Meiers, ’94,alumni board member and adjunct faculty memberin the political science department.A golf cart parade kicked off the festivities forRockhurst Day on a beautiful September afternoon.Young Alumni Sp ot l i g h tName: Melissa Ebone, ’06Degree: Bachelor of arts in psychology,minor in communicationHometown: St. LouisPosition: Backcountry guideMelissa Ebone loves being outside, but sheisn’t letting any grass grow under her feetwhile she’s there. Since graduation, Ebonehas lived in Colorado, Missouri, North Carolinaand Wyoming. Now, she’s back in Colorado,wrapping up a stint as an outdoor educator. Thispast summer, she served as a trek leader with highlymotivated, low-resource youth in a college-orientedleadership program.Like the students she coached, Ebone is motivatedby the joy of learning:• ”I learned you don’t have to follow the ‘supposedto’s’ in life in the ‘right’ order.”• “For me, it’s been best to explore, go where I knewno one, and be in a constant state of learning.”• “It’s important to enjoy where you are and whatyou’re doing at that time.”As her explorations continue, Ebone embodiesone more lesson, as explained on her Facebookpage: “Not all who wander are lost.”22 Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4Mark YourCalendar forGame NightsDo you prefer“Sports Center”or “Jeopardy!”?Whatever your guiltypleasure, Rockhurst has youcovered on either front inFebruary when the Universitypresents back-to-backnights of fun and games.Regents and AlumniNight at the Ballgame, heldThursday, Feb. 21, is theperfect opportunity for youto check out the Rockhurstbasketball teams. Join usfor the Lady Hawks gameat 5:30 p.m., attend aspecial reception betweengames and then cheer onthe Hawks at 7:30 p.m.Your entry fee, either threenonperishable items or$5 per person, will benefitSt. Francis Xavier SocialMinistries.Alumni Trivia Nightwill be held Friday,Feb. 22, from 6:30 p.m.to 9:30 p.m. Put thatRockhurst education togood use and assemble afour-person team or registeras an individual to viefor cash prizes. Tickets are$20 per person and includebeer and snacks.For reservations or moreinformation about eitherevent, contact the AlumniOffice at (816) 501-4025 oralumni@rockhurst.edu.Al u m n i LeadersRetired Executive is aCh a m p i o n f o r Ki d sAs a member ofRockhurst’s 1964NAIA basketballchampionship team,Jim Selzer, ’64, knowswhat it’s like to win. Now, theretired AT&T executive is helpingstudents in need enjoy their chancefor success.Selzer is the volunteer executivedirector for the Guardian of Dreams,a Jacksonville, Fla., organizationthat provides the financial supportneeded to keep two Catholic schools— Holy Rosary and St. Pius — openin the inner city.Patricia Tierney, superintendentof Catholic schools for the Dioceseof St. Augustine, says Selzer is avital volunteer and a wonderfulrole model.“Jim walks the walk,” Tierneysays. “The children at Holy Rosaryhave seen him making their breakfastalong with a group of menwho come every day. They haveseen him coach the basketball teamwhen no coach could be found.And above all, they have seenhim passionate about Catholiceducation in the inner city, ashe goes about raising money forscholarships and for new earlychildhood centers at both St. Piusand Holy Rosary.”Selzer says lessons he learnedat AT&T have been essential whencommunicating the vision and planfor the schools. He also says heis “standing on the shoulders” ofthose who influenced him duringhis early years — and he is gratefulfor this opportunity to give back tothe community.“Theimpact ofhis effortshas beenthe savingof our twoinner-cityschools,”saysTierney.“Jim issomeonewho takes Jim Selzer, ’64his faithseriously and sees the connectionbetween love of God and love ofneighbor.”Selzer was recently recognizedby the Association of FundraisingProfessionals at the Annual NationalDay of Philanthropy Luncheon, andhas been selected by WJCT-TV inJacksonville as one of the station’s“12 Who Care” honorees. He andhis wife, Mary Louise, a graduate ofSaint Louis University, have threedaughters and three grandchildren.Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007 23

Class No t e s 4 4 4 4 4 4’56Bill Lehman, long-timeorganist/cantor atSt. Elizabeth’s Church(1954-67), teacher andschool administrator inKansas City and Arizona,is currently teaching Englishat Saint Mary’s High Schoolin Phoenix.’66John Lepetit and his wife,Joanne, have retired and aremoving to Malta to assumepositions with QualitySchools International. Theywill be working to pioneera new international K-12school. This is not their firstsojourn to Europe. In the mid-1990s they lived in Belgiumwith two of their four childrenand served at St. John’sInternational School.Michael James Brosnahanwas added to First CommunityBancshares’ Boardof Directors. He also is amember of the Dioceseof Kansas City-St. Josephfinance committee.’67James C. Wirken was voteda Missouri Super Lawyer forthe second year in a row.This honor is reserved forthe top five percent ofMissouri lawyers. Wirkenalso was named the Bestof the Bar 2007 by theKansas City Business Journaland was re-elected to theBoard of Governors of theMissouri Bar for the 2007-08term. He hosts a two-hoursegment of the KMBZ 980 AMRadio program, Kansas City’sMorning News – SundayStart Saving For YourChildren’s TuitionIf you want to send your children to college, thenyou need a plan. The Independent 529 Plan canhelp Rockhurst families save for their children’scollege tuition in a way that allows you to lock intoday’s lower rates — even if college is years awayfor your youngsters.The plan lets you prepay college tuition at today’stuition rates. As tuition increases, the value of yourinvestment grows. There are no fees and the amountyou use toward tuition will be free from federalincome tax.Plus, your children will have the flexibility tochoose from a variety of top schools around thenation. Rockhurst is one of more than 260 privatecolleges and universities participating in the plan,and more are joining every year.To learn more, visit www.independent529plan.org.Rockhurst BlogsWant to hear what’s happening on campus?Get the real scoop when you read Rockhurst’s facultyand student blogs at www.rockhurst.edu/blogs.Edition. He continues tobe the coordinator of theTrial Advocacy Program,now in his seventh year atUMKC School of Law, andteaches legal modules inthe Helzberg ExecutiveFellows MBA program.’69Raymond W. Sonnenberghas been selected as the2007 alumnus of the yearfor Rockhurst High Schoolby the Rockhurst HighSchool National AlumniAssociation Board. Thisaward is given annually toan alumnus who honors thespirit, mission and visionof the Society of Jesus in hiswork as a “man for others.”’73Rick Sullivan wasnominated to head theSt. Louis TransitionalSchool Board. He is also onthe boards of LindenwoodUniversity and the RegionalChamber and GrowthAssociation (St. Louis).Sullivan founded “Read,Right and Run,” a localprogram that encourageschildren to run a mile aweek for 26 weeks, read26 books and do 26 actsof kindness.’75Kenneth “Mulls” P. Muelleris president of the PhoenixbasedMetal ManagementArizona, the largest scrapmetal recycling company inthe state, and president ofMetal Management West,one of the largest in theRocky Mountain region.Mueller is also secretary/treasurer and a memberof the executive board ofdirectors of the ArizonaAssociation of Industries.He and his wife, Denise,reside in Scottsdale, Ariz.’76Major James P. Reinhart(Ret.) and his wife, Diane(Armstrong), have two sons,Andrew and Benjamin, andhave been married for 32years. Jim is retired fromthe Defense Finance andAccounting Services and isa retired major of the U.S.Army Reserves where heserved for 22 years. Theyreside in Kansas City, Kan.24 Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4’79 MBAGlen Gabert was named“Educator of the Year” byHudson County CommunityCollege, in Jersey City, N.J.He currently serves aspresident of the college.’83John C. Esser recently waspromoted to retail salesdirector for Anheuser-Busch. His region includesMinnesota, Iowa and NorthDakota. Esser currentlyresides in Des Moines,Iowa, with his two childrenChris, 19, and Megan, 17.Tim McDaniel served as avisiting professor of politicalscience at Uppsala Universityin Uppsala, Sweden, fromJanuary through June 2007.He and his wife, Kathleen(Armato), ’83, are facultymembers at Buena VistaUniversity in Storm Lake,Iowa, and have threedaughters.’85Michael T. Smith is managerof student financial aidat St. Louis CommunityCollege Meramec Campus.He was formerly associatedirector of financial aidat University of Missouri–St. Louis.’85 EMBARonald A. Rittenmeyer wasrecently elected presidentand chief operating officerof EDS. He also now serveson the board of directors.’86 MBAJeri Bartunek is the CEOof Bartunek TechnologyGroup Inc. She recentlyreceived an appointmentto the City of Kansas CityFairness in Contracts forWomen and Minorities board.’89Terri Lynn Smithgraduated in May 2006 fromRegis University with amaster’s degree in businessadministration. She worksas a chemist for Intertekand makes her home inPearland, Texas.’89 MBALawrence “Larry” G. Ehrenis director of mission servicesat St. Jude Medical Centerin the St. Joseph HealthSystem in Fullerton, Calif.His wife, Christy, is anEpiscopal priest serving inHuntington Beach, Calif.They have two children,Lia, born in Hunan Province,China, in 1998, andCaroline, born in HubieProvince, China, in 2002.’89, ’94 MBASteven M. Steinkampwas called up from hisreserve unit to active dutyfor the invasion in Iraq.He was deployed earlierthis year for the secondtime in support of theIraq war.’90Michelle Dew graduatedfrom the UMKC Schoolof Medicine. She completeda fellowship in cardiologyat the University ofArizona and joined apractice a year ago. Sheand her husband, RonGregg, reside in Parkville,Mo., and have a 1-year-oldson, Griffin.’90 EMBAJames Dawson joinedTruman Medical Centersas vice president of strategicbusiness development.Submit a Class Note’92Steven W. Hodges graduatedfrom the University ofKansas School of Medicinein 1998 and NorthwesternUniversity School ofMedicine-EmergencyMedicine Residency programin 2002. He serves as oneof the Chicago Cubs teamphysicians. He qualified forand finished the IronmanWorld Championships inKona, Hawaii, in 2005.Hodges works primarily as anemergency M.D. in Chicago.Jeffrey T. Lodermeiercurrently serves as viceconsul in the U.S. Embassyin Maputo, Mozambique.He was assigned to becomepublic affairs officer at the U.S.Embassy in Luxembourgeffective April 2008.’96 MPTKristi Kliebert has joinedthe staff of RVC RehabServices at the ChrissieTomlinson MemorialHospital in George Town,Grand Cayman.’96 EMBABernardo Ramirezhas been named theexecutive director ofthe Hispanic EconomicDevelopment Corp.Have you sent us an update lately? We’d love tohear from you. Visit www.rockhurst.edu/classnotesto submit it online. You can even e-mail a phototo accompany your class note in the next issueof Rockhurst.Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007 25

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4’02 EMBAEric Hiebert has joinedTreanor Architects as chiefinformation officer.’04Joan “Joanie” K. (LaFayette)Bailey moved to Arizona,where she is a sixth gradelanguage arts teacher.She passed her third stateexamination to be a teacher.Marriages’98Chandra D. (Waters)Robinson and RichardRobinson were married onMay 26. Chandra worksfor Walgreens. The couplelives in Lee’s Summit, Mo.Births’93Andre M. Smith andJennifer (Rodemann)Smith, ’97, announcethe birth of Sydney Rose,born in July 2006, whojoins Maxwell John,born in August 2004.’93 MBAMarq Reeves and his wife,Kathy, proudly announcethe birth of their firstchild, Noah Marquin,on March 19. Marq worksfor the Bemis Companyas a strategic accountmanager. They live inShawnee, Kan.From Left: Brian O’Neal, ’01, Lynn Hanke, ’01, Brian Landzaat,Lindy Huntington, ’01, Mark Landzaat, ’01, ’03 MBA,Cheryl Landzaat, Corey Neidel, ’02, and Adria E. Hinkle, ’00.’01Lindy (Huntington) andMark Landzaat ’01, ’03MBA, were married onMarch 31, in St. Louis. Thewedding party includedseveral Rockhurst alumni.Jennifer (Trimble)Van Haitsma marriedMatthew A. Van Haitsmaon July 1, 2006. They residein Omaha, Neb.’94Jonathan Emery Schmidtand his wife, Karen, announcethe adoption of their son,Taylor Emery, born July 6,2006. He joins his big sister,Hannah Grace, 8.’96Chris M. Snethen and hiswife, Jennifer, announce thebirth of their first child, AidanChristopher, born on Feb. 9.’96, ’98 MPTRyan Moore and Courtney(Lane) Moore, ’97, ’99MOT, announce the birthof Lane Kelly on Jan. 31.He joins his 5-year-old bigbrother, Ryan Moore Jr.’96, ’00 MBAJason Patrick Rogers andValerie (Drunert) Rogers,’97, announce the birthof their second child, AidenJackson, born April 18. Aidenjoins big sister, MadisonElizabeth, 6.’97Kristin (Bergner) andMatthew Muckerman ’99,’03 MBA, are pleased toannounce the arrival oftheir new baby girl, MeganRose. Megan was bornon April 14 and joins bigbrother Shane Matthew, 2.Sara (Hoagland) Hart andEdward Hart are pleasedto announce the birthof Annamarie “Annie”Christina, born on April 24.’97, ’02 MBAJared Danilson and Alivia(Sells) Danilson, ’98, arepleased to announce thebirth of their first child,Ainsley Morgan, who wasborn April 27, 2006.’98Elizabeth (Scheibel)Noland and her husband,Quint, became the proudparents of their first child,Madeline Ragan, on Feb. 20.’00Gina (Todd) Pasalich andher husband, Stephen,announce the birth of theirfirst child, Blake Stephen,born on March 16, 2006.Christopher Igoe, his wife,Dana, and son Prestonwelcomed Jackson Spenceron July 27, 2006.’01Thomas F. McGuire andhis wife, Lisa, announcethe birth of their first child,Katherine Colleen, bornNov. 26, 2006.’02Aaron and Carla (Heitmann)Reisman, ’02, announcethe birth of their first child,Aaron Zachary, bornMarch 26.’03 MPTJason Camblin marriedShana Lyn Jarmer inDecember 2005. Theirdaughter, Sadie Lynn, wasborn April 7. They residein Wichita, Kan.’04Erin (O’Dell) Markleyand her husband, Shawn,announce the birth of theirfirst daughter, Ella Shea,born Sept. 19, 2006.Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007 27

Class No t e s 4 4 4 4 4Campus Mourns Lossof Beloved ProfessorRicard “Rick”Downing, Ph.D.,assistant professorof managementinformation systems,died Wednesday, July 11,at St. Luke’s NorthHospital. He was 52.He will be rememberedas a caring professor,mentor, colleagueand friend. He challenged Ricard Downing, Ph.D.his students and showedgreat passion for teaching.Students will remember his great stories andthe enthusiasm he showed in the classroom.He served as the advisor for Delta Sigma Pi,Rockhurst’s business fraternity, and he receivedthe 2004-05 Perfect Professor Award from theHSOM Dean’s Student Advisory Board.Michael Nigro, ’05, ’07 MBA, spoke atDowning’s funeral.“Rick taught us not what to think, but how tothink,” said Nigro. “He believed that his role inour lives was not to answer questions; it was toquestion answers. After talking with Rick abouteducation for just a moment or two, Rick wouldpause, smile at you, and begin to tell a story, oneof his famous stories. ‘You know what I love,Michael,’ he would say. ‘I love the gray placewhere we can’t quite tell who is teaching andwho is learning.’”Downing received a bachelor’s degree inpsychology from the University of Missouri-KansasCity in 1998, a master of education degree fromthe University of Missouri-Columbia in 2001,and a Ph.D. in educational technology from theUniversity of Missouri-Columbia in 2003. He cameto Rockhurst in 2002.A memorial service for Downing was held oncampus at the beginning of the fall semester.In MemoriamG. Leslie Muehlbach ’38 – March 5, 2007James V. Sarcone Sr. ’39 – Feb. 27, 2007Joseph A. Damico ’40 – May 8, 2007Eugene E. Klecan ’40 – Feb. 21, 2007Dr. William J. Koehler ’40 – June 23, 2007Marshall S. Garry ’42 – April 16, 2007John E. Byrne ’44 – June 2, 2007John Redmond Cunningham Jr. ’44 – April 28, 2007Dr. John E. Linville ’46 – July 4, 2007Charles E. Riordan ’48 – June 5, 2007George E. Sweeney ’48 – Sept. 6, 2007Charles C. Carter ’49 – Jan. 13, 2007Philip C. Froeschl ’49 – May 16, 2007Dr. James F. Ragan ’49 – Feb. 10, 2007Ambrose M. Walsh ’49 – March 2, 2007Robert T. Ingino ’50 – June 9, 2007Richard Laird ’50 – Feb. 11, 2007Paul E. Panek ’50 – July 3, 2007Louis C. Raab ’50 – Jan. 26, 2007James Adolph Thomson ’50 – May 2, 2007Harold E. Brewer ’53 – March 11, 2007Jack Henry Kersting III ’53 – March 8, 2007Henry Joseph Strick ’53 – July 6, 2007Arthur J. Crocker ’55 – Feb. 15, 2007Rev. Richard G. Ducate ’55 – June 10, 2007Kenneth Leo Growney ’56 – May 2, 2007George A. Jensen Jr. ’57 – March 27, 2007Richard B. Dolce ’59 – May 16, 2007Dr. Thomas G. Johnson ’59 – May 12, 2007James G. “Gep” Walsh ’61 – Feb. 26, 2007James R. Holmes ’62 – April 5, 2007John Bernard Ryan Jr. ’62 – Feb. 9, 2007James E. Powell ’64 – May 19, 2007Philip B. Curls Sr. ’65 – May 4, 2007Dr. John W. Emo ’68 – April 6, 2007William W. McLellan ’68 – June 12, 2007Michael Reed Hixson ’72 – Feb. 26, 2007Anacia C. Heleblen ’74 – Sept. 16, 2007Robert E. Romdall ’74 – August 31, 2007Leta Cathryn Frazier ’75 – June 4, 2007Milton Thomas “Bud” Dean ’76 – March 31, 2007Joanne M. Giese ’89 – July 5, 2007Donald Lee Buck ’90 – March 21, 2007Marina A. Bouchard ’94 – Feb. 2, 100728 Ro c k h u r s t4w i n t e r 2007

“I am getting the tools I needto go out and makea true differencein this world.”Kevin Becvar, ’09Scholarship recipient from St. LouisStudying theology and nonprofit leadershipYour donations to the Rockhurst Fund targetthe University’s most pressing needs, whetherthose are scholarships, resources for facultydevelopment, student research projects, servicetrips, technology for state-of-the-art classroomsor maintenance for clean and safe facilities.Your annual gifts fuel the success of thisUniversity and touch every aspect of ourstudents’ experience.Learn how you can make a difference in the lifeof a student at www.rockhurst.edu/rockhurstfund.

RockhurstRemembersA display ofAmerican flagsstood on KinerkCommons on thesixth anniversaryof Sept. 11. The2,977 flags, eachsymbolizingsomeone whodied as a result,were part ofRockhurst’scommemorationof the tragedy.C a l e n d a rJanuary30 Visiting Sc h o l a r Le ct u r e:Lt. Cm d r. Ch a r l e s D. Sw i f t (Ret.)February21 Regents a n d Al u m n iNi g h t at t h e Ballgame22 Al u m n i Trivia Ni g h tMarch5 Return to t h e Classics:The Koran1100 Rockhurst RoadKansas City, MO 64110Nonprofit Org.U.S.PostagePAIDKansas City, Mo.Permit No. 782Please send address changesto alumni@rockhurst.eduor to the alumni office.