aquinas magazine :: spring 2009

Spring 2009 The magazine of aquinas college

COMMUNITY PRAYER SERVICE STUDY

DOMINICAN CHARISMS

Our Dominican Heritage Page 6

Aquinas magazine is published twice a year by the Aquinas College Office of College Relations. It is created for alumni, friends and benefactors of the College as well as for parents of enrolled students and adult students. Aquinas is a private, four-year Catholic Dominican liberal arts college. Letters, comments and suggestions are encouraged. Change of address requests can be made through the channels listed below.

E-mail:[email protected] to:College Relations Department1607 Robinson Road, SEGrand Rapids, MI 49506-1799Web site:www.aquinas.eduAlumni news:www.aquinas.edu/alumniPhone(616) 632-2844Fax:(616) 459-2563

In this edition of Aquinas magazine, we present a special section of articles on the Dominican heritage of Aquinas College, the College’s history, the Dominican influence on teaching and what lies ahead for Aquinas as the number of sisters within the Dominican congregation continues to diminish. The diminishing ranks of those in religious orders is an issue that’s generated a lot of attention, especially at Catholic colleges and universities across the nation.

“Religious orders that have founded and run Catholic colleges and universities across the U.S. are grappling with how to retain the institutions’ distinct religious identities in the face of declining numbers of priests and nuns” (November 22, 2008) –Kathy Matheson, writer, hattiesburgamerican.com

Matheson and other reporters are just now bringing to light what has been the subject of much discussion among religious orders and within the colleges they operate. One of the leading questions is how will the religious identity

of our Catholic colleges and universities be maintained with fewer priests and sisters remaining to ensure their philosophies live on.

The president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU), Richard Yanikoski, stated in Matheson’s article: “As religious orders shrink, the critical challenge is for Catholic identity ‘to be built into the goals and operations and practices of the institution.’”

At its height in 1966, the Grand Rapids Dominicans boasted a membership of 856, a number that has dwindled to just 268. At a peak during a four-year period from 1971-74, 46 sisters served the College as staff or faculty members, a far cry from the eleven found today, five of whom sit on the College Board of Trustees.

The feature articles take a glance into the rear view mirror to show where we’ve been, but, more importantly, look at what continues to be a strong Dominican foundation that will ensure a legacy for years to come.

Marty FaheySenior Editor

Editor’s Note

Editorial TeamMarty Fahey, APR, M.M., ’06, staffLaura Bennett-Kimble ’95Sally Reeves, staff

Contributing WritersBrigid Avery ’01, staffC. Edward Balog, Ph.D., PresidentLaura Bennett-Kimble ’95 Terry Bocian ’70, staffPaul Brewer, Ph.D., facultyEric Bridge ’92 M.M., ’05, staffBecky Brown, studentMary Clark Kaiser, staffCecilia Cunningham, staffCindy Dorman, staffRoger Durham, Ph.D., facultyGary Eberle, facultyMackenzie McElroy, studentMarty Fahey, APR, M.M., ’06, staffLinda Nemec Foster ’72Ellen Harburn ’01, staffBrenda Hennink ‘96, staff Andy Holtgreive ‘94Margie Kindel M.M., ’06, staffSteve Kokx, studentCrystal (Lubbers ’01) Laska, staffXavier Lopez-Ayala, studentVictoria Manion, studentRobert Marko, Ph.D., facultyTerry Marshall, staffTom Mikowski ’89, staffSr. Jean Milhaupt, O.P., Ph.D., ‘45, staff

Linda Nash, staffSr. Mary Kay Oosdyke, O.P., Ph.D., ’65Miriam Pederson, facultySr. Ann Porter, O.P., ’57, Sally Reeves, staffRosemary Steers, Dominican staffLuke Sprunger, studentSue Stauffacher, staffSr. Mary Kay Oosdyke, O.P., Ph.D., ’65 Dan Treul, studentBona Van Dis ‘08 Brad Winkler J.D., facultySr. Alice Wittenbach, O.P., Ph.D.,

’59, staff Mike Wojciakowski ’99, staff

Layout/DesignJason Bardwell D&D Printing, Grand Rapids Silvija Visockis, staff

Design/Photo Archive Silvija Visockis, staff

PhotographyEric Bridge ’92 M.M.’05, staffSr. Zena Cordeiro M.C., ’82Brian Kelly, freelancerXavier Lopez-Ayala, studentThe Grand Rapids PressMark Schmidbauer ’08Andris Visockis, staffSilvija Visockis, staff

MISSION STATEMENTAquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.

Spring 2009 vol. 8 no. 1 The magazine of aquinas college

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MOOT Court, pg 30

Evening at the Kennedy’s, pg 68Dominicans & Aquinas, pg 6English as a Second

Language, pg 34

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ....................................4

CAMPUS NEWSFeature: Aquinas and Its Dominican Heritage ...........6New Dean of Students – Patricia Chase, Ph.D. ........15 Commencement 2009 Preview ...............................16Wege Speakers Series: Thomas Lovejoy, Ph.D. ........17Contemporary Writers Series:

Karen Russell & Vincent Delaney ......................192009 College Hall of Fame Honorees ......................20AQ Jazz Camp ........................................................25

STUDENT NEWSAQ Students Watch Presidential Inauguration ........28Continuing Education: A.C.E. Program ...................29Moot Court .............................................................30Model United Nations .............................................32

FACULTY NEWSEnglish as a Second Language Program ...................34Ron Pederson Honored as Educator of the Year ......35Faculty Notes ..........................................................36

ALUMNI NEWSProfile: Stathi Afendoulis ’79 –

The Grieving Garden ..........................................39Profile: AQ Grad Among First to Seek

Ph.D. at Cancer Research Center ......................402009 Alumni Award Recipients:

Fr. Mark Przybysz ’83 & James Farris ’96 ...........44

Alumna Janis Wasco ’03 Authors Unlocking Our Fenced-in Hearts .........................45

Alumnus Michael Deeb, Ed.D. ’57 Publishes Duty and Honor .................................................48

ADMISSIONS2009 Enrollment Outlook .......................................56

OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE (OLLI)Emeritus Award Preview: Al and Shirley Lewis .......60 OLLI Outreach Campaign ......................................62Cultural Bus Tours ..................................................63

ADVANCEMENTPower of One ..........................................................66Wege Foundation Receives Philanthropy Day Award ...68Evening of Elegance: John & Nancy Kennedy ..........68Reflection Review: Chuck & Stella Royce ...............69Corporate Lunch Speakers:

Joseph Battipaglia & Vonda Van Til ...................71

ATHLETICSMichael Dean Honored by Baseball Congress .........72AQ Names New Women’s Lacrosse Coach .............722009 Athletic Hall of Fame .................................... 75Fall Sports Wrap-up ................................................78

CLASS NOTES ..................................................86

Ph.D. at VAI, pg 40

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President’s Message C. Edward Balog, Ph.D.

In a speech at the meeting of the National Association of Independent

Colleges and Universities, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said that the soundest investment for long-term economic recovery is in education. A recent article in the New York Times made much the same point. The jobs we need to recover from this global crisis require educated people. A recent survey conducted by two independent non-profit research groups (Public Agenda and the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education) revealed that 55 percent of those polled believe that a college education is necessary. But a distressing point is that 67 percent of those polled believe that access to higher education is a problem for most students. As the report states, “At a moment when college is more frequently perceived as

absolutely essential, more Americans think that a college education is

out of reach for many.”Everyone I talk with

perceives private higher education as a good value, but it is surprising how many assume immediately that it is not available to someone from their economic or social circumstances. This is simply not the case. At Aquinas, one in five students is a first generation

college student, 10 percent are minority students, and 90 percent

of our students receive some kind of financial aid. Through a variety of

federal and state grants, institutional grants, work study, and loans, students

from families of various income levels can afford to attend a private college. But why should they?

They should consider a private college because of our record. Let’s look at three

5Aquinas College Magazine – Spring 2009

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aspects of an education such as the one our students receive at Aquinas: access, success, and social impact.

According to studies conducted by the Council of Independent Colleges and other agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education, and contrary to what many believe, small and mid-sized private colleges enroll a greater proportion of low-income students and a lower proportion of high income students than large public research universities. State university admissions policies have changed as their tuition rates have gone up at a greater annual rate than private colleges. As a result of declining state subsidies, public universities have increased tuition to pay for their extensive fixed costs. And in the process they have moved away from their original mission of providing a higher education to all qualified high school graduates from their home states. They have moved to a more selective admissions process to admit the best students they can attract so their enrollments stay at a level that allows them to continue to receive state per student subsidies. Thus, those who are most at risk or who need special attention must look elsewhere for their educational opportunities.

To attract these students public institutions are supplementing their tax-supported tuition rates with increasing amounts of financial aid. However, even given these practices, the accessibility and affordability of private colleges is illustrated when we realize that the average debt accumulated by a public school graduate is approximately $18,000, while the average Aquinas graduate has a debt of less than $14,000.

The fact is that public and private institutions enroll about the same proportion of first generation and at-risk students, but the record shows that these students have a higher probability of graduating from a private college. In other words, these students are more likely to succeed at private institutions. But success can be measured in two ways: first, as a student, and, later, as a productive citizen. According to a variety of measures, including alumni surveys, graduates of private colleges and universities believe they have a better general education, have learned to think and communicate more effectively, have a

more clearly developed sense of moral principles, and are thus better prepared for a purposeful and productive life.

I am not suggesting that graduates of public institutions do not develop these characteristics. I am, however, saying that given the sense of community on our campuses, the access that our students have to highly qualified faculty, and the sense of purpose that they derive from our values-based education, graduates have a much higher probability of emerging as well-rounded, productive citizens who contribute to their communities.

This issue of the magazine is focused on our Dominican heritage. The Dominican Charisms of prayer, service, community, and learning are central to our mission; they are embedded in our curriculum. Within the broad reach of Catholic values, all our students engage in some kind of community service project, whether for credit in a service learning course or as a volunteer through a student organization. This sense of service and community is a practice and habit that can be nurtured and extended throughout a lifetime. We take seriously the fact that we are named for St. Thomas Aquinas, the great teacher. Thomas devoted his life to study and the pursuit of truth, and this is the same sense of commitment and persistence we instill in our students.

It is important from time to time for us to recognize what we do well. What we as a private college do well is to provide a quality education to a large portion of the population which might not otherwise have access, or resources, or the assistance needed to succeed. Education, and re-education, will be the key to our recovery from this current global financial crisis. While the current difficult times may have strained the ability of alumni and friends to support the College, I believe that our alumni and friends remain committed to the value of an Aquinas education and that we will continue to be among the leaders of American higher education.

We cannot ignore the dwindling number of Dominican Sisters on the Aquinas campus,

but does this mean that the Dominican tradition is becoming obsolete at the College? And, if so, how will this affect the direction of Aquinas and its 125-year-old tradition? With a great deal of foresight, St. Dominic knew that knowing and speaking the truth can be carried out in numerous ways. He proclaimed Veritas (truth), as the motto of the order, opening up the ways in which one might preach.

It is true that there are fewer numbers of Sisters at Aquinas, yet they continue to maintain a physical and traditional presence. Dominican Sisters Rosemary O’Donnell ’61, Ann Mason ’61, Marie Celeste Miller ’68, Katrina Hartman ’64, Catherine Williams ’62, Jean Milhaupt ’45 and Diane Dehn ’60 are currently part of the faculty or staff. Sisters Nathalie Meyer ’58, Maureen Geary, Joyce Ann Hertzig ’62, Margaret Hillary ’63, and Mary Kay Oosdyke ’65 are on the College Board of Trustees and Sister Alice Wittenbach ’59 is working in the Alumni Office.

In addition to the faculty, staff and students at Aquinas who search for and proclaim Veritas, many people are active Dominican Associates. Every year, six to eight lay people in Grand Rapids become Dominican Associates, non-vowed women and men who practice their Christian faith in the spirit of the Dominican Order of Preachers. They aspire to become a part of the Dominicans, integrating the essence of St. Dominic into their work and social goals.

And, despite dwindling numbers, young people are interested in the Dominican movement; not necessarily as vowed members of the Dominican Order, but rather as members of the greater Dominican family.

Dominican communities are also experiencing a growing interest in the Dominican charisms, which is proclaiming the Word of God. The Dominican tradition will continue at Aquinas through the Associates and people who admire and feel at home with the Dominican charisms.

The Dominican Order realizes that ordinary people need to have the gospel presented to them in a way that is faithful to the church and understandable. In Dominic’s time that meant being with and getting to know people by going into the villages, sitting with people and talking with them. The Dominicans continue proclaiming Veritas in a meaningful way for the people of our time. With a newspaper in one hand and a Bible in the other, their goal is to weave the Word of God and contemporary life into one tapestry.

The Dominican Sisters – Grand Rapids are doing other things for Aquinas, such as putting money aside to help faculty and staff afford summer programs. Mary Clark Kaiser, AQ director of Campus Ministry, and Kurt Kaiser, AQ Professor of Art, have been involved in this program (See related story on page 12). The Grand Rapids sisters have also expanded their ministerial reach to include social and global issues affecting the world population.

St. Dominic passed away 800 years ago, but he laid the foundation for what would become a major tenet of the Dominican order over time—to find truth no matter where it may be. The Dominican order that, in 1886, created the beginnings of what would become Aquinas College has endured since the time of Dominic de Guzman in the 13th century. It is currently present in every country of the world.

As for Aquinas, the Dominican tradition is part of the original body of the College—the faculty, staff and students are imbued with the Dominican tradition of Veritas, which will continue with or without Dominican Sisters. That is part of God’s unfolding mystery.

Dominican Life USA (www.domlife.org) acts as an online national clearinghouse on Dominican life and activities. The lastest issue says, “There is no doubt that the preaching mission of the Order is flourishing, as evidenced by the hundreds of stories and events that were offered here this past year.”

Additional links: Dominican Family: http://laici.op.org/eng/about-us/family.phpDominican Youth Movement: http://idym.op.org/

Aquinas is only one of 19 Catholic colleges and universities in the Dominican tradition the United States and thus like the others wrestles with the question of identity in a time of diversity, changing demographics, the challenge of secularism as mind set and declining numbers of the “consecrated

endowment” of professed religious. As a Catholic college in the Dominican tradition we are fortunate to have the four pillars of the heritage of prayer, study, community and service. The way they are lived out in the twentieth first century may look a little different than the medieval times of Dominic,

Dominicans, Aquinas and What Lies AheadBy Rosemary Steers, Communications Specialist, Dominican Sisters

Aquinas Looks AheadBy Robert P. Marko, Ph.D., Chair and Professor of Theology


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Prayer: The Dominican tradition is two-fold: contemplative and communal. At Aquinas we are committed to gathering for rich liturgical prayer nourished by God’s Word and the Spirit. Prayer leads us into the deeper Truth needed to live out God’s call for us in the world. This charism is reflected in many ways on campus, when students attend the CYBIAC retreat and on-campus directed retreat, the 8 p.m. Sunday evening Mass, the 3 p.m. rosary, Wednesday night adoration from10 p.m. until midnight or when the Aquinas community is asked to pray on ACORN and the Moose for those who are ill.

Study: We commit ourselves to a love of learning, both formal and informal. This necessitates an openness to learn from the most unlikely sources as well as tried and true scholarship. Learning happens in a multitude of ways: through research, in the classroom, through internships, student teaching, service learning trips, lectures, workshops and conferences. Significant to the Dominican approach to learning is dialogue.

Community: We follow in the footsteps of St. Dominic with a commitment to building community through hospitality, inclusivity and dialogue. Aquinas welcomes all who seek truth regardless of their gender, race, religion or age. We have a long tradition of working together for the common good, both within the College and beyond for racial and social justice and outreach to persons and places in need. Students are encouraged to serve the larger community by projects to improve racial relations, initiate neighborhood organization and engage in service learning.

Service: In the 13th century Dominican Friars took on the great service of preaching, which had previously been reserved to bishops. Today, we follow Dominic’s call to preach the Gospel through service to the needs of the world. We follow in the footsteps of the Grand Rapids Dominicans, who have been activists for peace and justice, women’s rights and other causes. The College has an institutional commitment to the whole human family and to God’s creation, encouraging students to engage in service projects and preparing them for careers and lives that will enable them to spread the truths that they have learned in order “to make a difference in the world.”

Dominican Charisms: All for the Sake of Veritas

Thomas Aquinas and Catherine of Siena or even my grammar and secondary education by Dominican sisters in the late 1950’s and 1960’s.

Given the sacramental and incarnation tradition of Catholicism, what must not change is that the pillars are to be enfleshed or lived out in real people who carry on the tradition and not just stated in flowery value statements. The carriers of the tradition, hopefully including more consecrated religious but realistically increasingly that of lay collaborators,

must be unequivocally faithful to the truths of the faith.However, they, as Dominic who engaged in all night

dialogue with the Albigensian innkeeper, will do this best in a spirit of civility and genuine love for the other. It is thus that we can pass on the fruits of contemplation, which comes from prayer and study in the context of community, and serve our sisters and brothers.

Dominican lives are rooted in the four charisms: prayer, study, community and service, all for the sake of Veritas (truth). Veritas is found on the seal of the Grand Rapids Dominicans.


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Dominicans have a way of making changes, both in themselves and in the world. Throughout its 800-

year history, the Order of Preachers (O.P.) has responded to changing needs through prayer, study, community and ministry. It began with Dominic de Guzman, who in the early 13th century revolutionized religious life for men by sending them out of monasteries to preach, study and teach. He also established monasteries for women whose prayers supported the apostolic works of the Friars.

In the 19th century, Napoleon forced a change in the lives of cloistered Second Order Sisters—either set up schools or leave your monasteries. The group in Regensburg, Bavaria chose to remain and added a school for girls where they could teach without violating their enclosure. Then bishops in the United States began appealing to European foundations to send members who could teach the children of immigrants. In 1853, four sisters from Regensburg went to New York City. Their numbers increased and in 1877, six sisters, led by Sister Aquinata Fiegler, were sent to Traverse City, Michigan. They quickly set up a school and soon had enough pupils to open Holy Angels Academy. Schools were opened in other parts of the state, and in 1886 the sisters established themselves in the newly created diocese of Grand Rapids.

Three years later, the Dominicans accepted an invitation to administer St. John’s Orphanage. A short time later, they ended their ties with their New York origin, and formed a normal school, initially a two-year collegiate program designed to prepare their members for teaching.

In 1922, the congregation built a new motherhouse, Marywood, on the outskirts of the city. An academy for

girls moved in and became Sacred Heart Academy and College. The novitiate normal school, with Mother Benedicta O’Rourke as dean, opened its program to lay women and established itself as

Marywood College for women.

In 1931, the Dominican congregation moved the college back to the former location of Sacred Heart Academy, renamed

it Catholic Junior College (CJC), and opened it to male students—the first coeducational Catholic college administered by religious women in the country.

The structure was to change once more when, in 1941, the sisters established a four-year institution and renamed it Aquinas College. The Dominican Sisters formed a large majority of the faculty, and their services, for a minimal wage, kept the college afloat. Four years later, the Congregation purchased the Robinson Road property (the Lowe Estate, see related story on page 10). Enrollment grew and more lay men and women and Dominican priests were added to the faculty. In 1972, with growth of the College demanding a more diverse board, membership transitioned from a predominantly religious make-up to more lay trustees. Ownership and control of the College was relegated to the board, with Dominicans retaining a specified number of seats and the congregation contributing to the support of the College.

While all of this was going on, Aquinas was responding to changing times. Fulfilling the original objective of educating members of the order, more than 500 sisters earned bachelor’s degrees and more than 500 received master’s degrees or certificates in religious education. Lay graduates diffused Dominican values into the secular world.

Since Vatican II, the Dominican presence has been less visible. The traditional black and white habit was modified, replaced by contemporary garb, and the numbers of sister-students, Dominican priests and sisters declined. Nevertheless the Dominican charisms are always reflected in the College, and since the late 20th century have been given explicit recognition. (See article on Dominican Charisms, page 7)

As times change ever more rapidly, Aquinas College has remained true to what is perennial in its tradition, responding to changing needs through prayer, study, community and service.

A Dominican History: From Whence They CameBy Sister Jean Milhaupt, O.P., Ph.D., ’45, Archivist

Catholic Junior College, 69 Ransom N.E.


This is the age of neuroscience. The human brain is at the frontier of medicine, and ways to

further develop human intelligence are of an interest of both scientists and educators. We have been told repeatedly that we use a small percentage of our brain’s potential. In the earliest stages of development of Dominic’s Order of Preachers, the use and

formation of intelligence was a value. Amid the rough realities of life in the 1200s, Dominic saw that human intelligence in service of the

Word of God was essential if the preaching mission of the Church was to serve God’s truth about the meaning of life. Thomas Aquinas would explore the potential and limits of human knowing in its pursuit of ultimate truth, that is, God. In contrast, today’s pragmatic and utilitarian culture often views human intelligence and knowledge as a commodity to be exploited for economic gain.

Three elements contribute to a Dominican influence in the classroom:

• Humanintelligenceisaphenomenalgift.• Ifdonewell,studyisasourceofjoyandfreedom

as well as very hard work.• Thismarriageofmindandstudyareintrinsically

oriented to the Final Truth: God.

A school, college or university marked by the Dominican tradition is one that values study for its

own sake, not merely for what study can bring you, such as credentials that command certain salaries and promise some minimal financial

security or human adulation for one’s well-developed intelligence. Human intelligence is a phenomenal gift, a talent to be developed in utter gratitude for the service of God and the common good.

Dominicans hold firmly to the value of study while knowing the countercultural realities that assail it. Study is hard work. Study brings joy. Study can be tedious. Study creates a lively human data bank. Study is a process that changes a person in significant ways. Study demands time to think and some leisure. Study is essentially a “holy work” because of its object, Truth. This value is manifest in assigned work that requires both content and skill.

My observation is that AQ professors challenge intelligence through their research and teaching, respect an individual’s potential and intelligence for baccalaureate or master’s level study, and above all show that the value of knowledge and study lie beyond contemporary cultural evaluations of success.

A great metaphor for understanding the role of study is found in the Book of Isaiah, where God commands Isaiah to eat the scroll. Today scholars in the Dominican tradition would say, “Eat the book,” and use the Internet as an appetizer and dessert!

Dominican Teaching: Not a DUI, but a UDI – Under Dominican InfluenceBy Sister Mary Kay Oosdyke, O.P., Ph.D., Faculty & College Trustee

Sr. Amata Fabbro, O.P., ’61, lecturing

Sr. Katrina Hartman, O.P., Ph.D., ’64 works with Fire Department personnel


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In the spring of 1945, needing more room for the nascent Aquinas College, the Grand Rapids

Dominicans set their sights on the former Lowe estate which had been purchased by the University of Grand Rapids a few years earlier. When the University closed, founder M. E. Davenport sought to sell the property for $150,000. Bishop Francis Haas gave Mother Euphrasia Sullivan, Prioress of Marywood, permission to pursue purchase of the property if she could obtain it for a lower price. To facilitate the purchase, he advised her to contact Aquinas College Advisory Board member Edward J. Frey of Union Bank, who convinced Davenport to lower the price to $115,000. The Dominicans took possession of the 67-acre estate in May of 1945.

Edward J. Frey’s relationship with the Dominicans and Aquinas College began when he was introduced

to them by his close friend and business associate, C. Arthur Woodhouse. Woodhouse’s dedication to the College led to his becoming the first layperson to serve on the Aquinas College Advisory Board, and to bringing the Frey family into the Aquinas community.

“C. Arthur Woodhouse had a relationship with the Dominican Order that started in the late 1930s. As an advisor to the Dominicans, he drew on his long personal and business relationship with Edward J. Frey and his father, John Frey, to find help and support for the Dominicans and Aquinas College. Through their leadership, Edward and the Frey family have always served the community by helping schools and other charities grow and survive in West Michigan. Aquinas College and West Michigan owe thanks and blessings to Edward J. Frey and his family.” – Bob Woodhouse, grandson of C. Arthur Woodhouse

On September 8, 2008, Father Andrew Carl Wisdom, O.P., spoke at

Aquinas College on the subject of the Dominican pursuit of Truth.

What follows are excerpts from his speech, “The

Dominican Passion for Truth: Where it began and

why it is so critical today.”“An authentic ‘Dominican education has always

recognized that the quest for truth is a common project that does not take place apart from the give-and-take of genuine dialogue’ (Michael Mascari, O.P., Dominican Spirituality, unpublished conference notes, p. 10). Certainly this was true of the patron of your school’s approach.…Thomas Aquinas was dialectical in his approach, open to dialogue with the wisdom and philosophy of his time…Aquinas tells

Dominicans: A Passion for Truth

The Lowe Estate Acquisition: The Woodhouse – Frey Connection


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Dominic PilgrimageBy Sister Ann Porter, O.P., ’57

Everybody knows that when you hear “Assisi,” immediately St. Francis, the poor man of God,

comes to mind. But mention Caleruega, Prouille, Fanjeaux, or Bologna, and no bells ring! These towns are among the chief stops on the three-week Lands of Dominic pilgrimage. Last June, as in the past twenty years, our Grand Rapids Dominicans have joined other sisters and friars to step back into the 13th century world of our beloved founder, the troubadour of God, St. Dominic. Basically, we were seekers to rediscover our own story as Dominicans.

The annual Lands of Dominic tour was coordinated through Parable, a consortium of the U.S. congregations of O.P.s (Order of Preachers). We were privileged to be on the very last tour that they were sponsoring. We learned medieval history by the fine lecturers in the places where it happened and heard the stories of the dozen Dominican congregations whose members were with us on pilgrimage.

Dominic Guzman was a man of his time with a preaching strategy for our time. He prepared his followers with Matthew’s Gospel and Paul’s letters so that they could engage the heretics and win them back to the Catholic faith. If the Cathars were attracting followers by their ascetical lives, his preaching band would adopt the same poverty with joy-filled hearts. He spoke with all he met whether on the road, in inns, in churches, or in town squares. He spoke “to God and of God.”

We six, Sisters Margaret Hillary ’63, Susan Ridley ’62, Mary Catherine Fodrocy ’63, Sylvia Wozniak ’63, Mary Brigid Clingman ’70 and I, were fellow travelers on the trek from Spain, through France and into Italy. We enjoyed the ambience of medieval monasteries, visits with cloistered Dominican nuns and miles of countryside by bus (Dominic walked it!).

Although the baths of Lourdes did not cure the “bug” we managed to pick up, Lourdes was wonderful this jubilee year. We explored a Siena very much like it was in the days of St. Catherine and, in Florence, we heard the other side of the Savanola story and saw the masterpieces of our brother Fr. Angelico. Our final week in Rome brought us shoulder to shoulder with living saints and the spirit of the Dominican family we share.

us, ‘Every truth without exception—and whoever may utter it—is from the Holy Spirit’ (Ellsberg, p. 49). It is the Spirit that leads us to the truth.…For Dominicans, Truth is a person, the very self of God….The authentic Dominican finds God at every turn!...For a Dominican school to carry out its mission effectively, authentically, it is critical that it instill this very passion for Veritas as ultimately an encounter with God’s very Self. God can be known in all he has created. The seeds of God’s presence are planted everywhere and flourishing before our very eyes if we are open-minded enough to see.”

Sr. Ann Porter in Caleruega


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Last May, Kurt Kaiser, professor of art, and Mary Clark-Kaiser, director of Campus Ministry, attended a seminar on Dominican heritage in the village of Fanjeaux, France. This annual program for faculty, staff and students of U.S. American Dominican colleges and universities is intended to encourage the maintenance of a Dominican identity in these institutions. Here is what Mary and Kurt had to say about the experience.

What a wonderful opportunity it was to take in the Fanjeaux (pronounced fan–jõ)

adventure! Just being in beautiful Fanjeaux was an experience in itself. The little village covers the top of a hill overlooking lush green fields for miles, dotted with the red tiled roofs of many other medieval villages. The snow-covered Pyrenees were visible to the south. Near our hotel was the “House of Dominic” where St. Dominic lived for a few years and out of which he started his first community of the Order of Preachers.

It is hard to say what the most inspiring part of the Fanjeaux seminar was. Was it the friendly community of which we were honored to be part, consisting of five staff and thirty participants, each impressive

in their own unique way or, was it the delicious and interesting French country cuisine, different every day in our little Belvedere Hotel? The food alone could have made the trip worthwhile. Or we could say the best part was the series of informative and intriguing lectures on the life and times of St. Dominic, eloquently presented each morning by the Irish Dominican scholar Fr. Liam Walsh, or maybe it was the rich array of daily trips to varied medieval sites associated with the early Dominicans, such as the Niaux cave of prehistoric paintings and the historic and picturesque Mediterranean beach town of Collioure. All added up to an adventure that was richly stimulating, as well as effective in its purpose

of raising awareness and appreciation of Dominican roots.

Dominican Heritage at Fanjeaux

On August 29, 2008, during the annual Dominican Days gathering, the Grand Rapids Dominicans honored 33

sisters who had upheld their commitment to God for periods of 25, 50, 60, 70, 75 and 80 years with a Jubilee celebration. “Compare it with the reason that married couples celebrate their anniversary…it’s a celebration of a faithful commitment,” Sister Janet Mish told The Saint newspaper. This commitment entails a promise to remain celibate and to devote oneself to God through preaching and adherence to Catholic doctrine. Included among the sisters honored this year are five members of the Aquinas community who marked their golden anniversaries.

Aquinas held a reception in Holmdene to honor the five celebrating their 50th anniversary. “My Jubilee celebration here at Aquinas was really wonderful. I was touched by the thought that we would all be able to celebrate this milestone of Dominican life together. I am grateful,” said Sr. Wittenbach in an interview with The Saint.

Annual Jubilee Celebrates Five Aquinas Dominican Sisters

Mary Clark-Kaiser, director of Campus Ministry, and Kurt Kaiser, AQ professor of art, near the tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas in the Church of the Jacobins in Toulouse.

Pictured with President Ed Balog (center) are (L-R): Sr. Catherine Williams ’62, professor of music; Sr. Katrina Hartman, Ph.D., ’64, chemistry professor; Sr. Diane Dehn ’60, academic advisor; Sr. Alice Wittenbach, Ph.D., ’59, coordinator of alumni class reunions; and Sr. Joyce Ann Hertzig ’62, member of the board of trustees.

In February 1954, two years before its ill-fated final voyage, the ocean liner Andrea Doria carried

four pioneering individuals from Italy to the United States: the first women to establish a U.S. location for Consolata Missionary Sisters, an order whose American headquarters today is located in Belmont, Michigan.

Those first Consolata sisters came to Grand Rapids through the invitation of Bishop Francis Haas of

Grand Rapids to teach at Our Lady of Sorrows, then primarily an Italian parish in downtown Grand Rapids. The local Dominican sisters helped them acclimate to their new

surroundings, said Sr. Zelia Cordeiro, MC’82, who is the Provincial Leader of Consolata Sisters in the U.S.

In the summer of 1954, the four Consolata sisters began taking classes at Aquinas. Over the years, Consolata Missionary Sisters has formed a special relationship with Aquinas College and the Dominican sisters, Sr. Cordeiro said. Aquinas has been the institution for higher education for the women as they embark upon or continue their calling to serve as missionaries around the world. Sixty-seven Consolata sisters have attained academic degrees from the College, and scores of others have attended classes.

“When I joined Consolata Sisters, I knew it was an international community and that I probably would be invited to another country,” said Sr. Cordeiro, who arrived in Grand Rapids in 1977

from Brazil and earned a B.S. in math at the College. In addition to academic coursework, the College

provides classes that deepen faith and prepare the missionary students for their future challenges, she added. “I think the quality of education is excellent. Aquinas gives us both principles and knowledge. All of our sisters have been well prepared for their work.”

Importantly, Sr. Cordeiro said the Dominican sisters not only helped academically and with friendship and mentoring, “but the Congregation also said, ‘you are a missionary group, and we want to be a part of that.’” The financial generosity of the Dominican sisters has helped Consolata Missionary Sisters cover tuition costs at Aquinas through a discount program, “from the first student to the last,” said Sr. Cordeiro. “These women have been a tremendous gift to us.”

Consolata sisters have been paying forward that gift for decades.

“The College’s legacy is carried on in their presence to the worldwide Catholic Church as they serve as missionaries and servant leaders around the world,” said Aquinas Trustee Sr. Maureen Geary, O.P.

Consolata missionaries provide services in some 25 countries, and currently several

Aquinas graduates are serving in leadership positions in health

care and education in Italy, England, Brazil, Kenya, U.S.,

Liberia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Argentina, Colombia and

Mongolia, Sr. Cordeiro noted.

Top Photo Sister Zelita M. Bragagnolo (left), a 1991 continuing education graduate who is originally from Brazil, is the director of Consolata Apostolate in Eutaw, Alabama.

Bottom PhotoSister Maria Evelia Jaramillo Restrepo, a 1984 continuing education graduate from Columbia, now lives in Kenya.

Spreading the Good News in a Dominican Way By Laura Bennett-Kimble ’95, Contributing Writer

“Brothers and sisters, our community rejoices as it comes together to bless this altar. Let us ask God to look kindly on the Church’s offering placed upon it and to receive his people as an everlasting gift.” –Blessing of an Altar, The Rites, Vol. II.

On September 3, 2008, during the Mass of the Holy Spirit, the Aquinas College community celebrated the blessing of a new altar, ambo and candle stand. The Most Rev. Walter A. Hurley, Bishop of Grand Rapids, presided. Msgr. William Duncan, Fr. Lou Anderson and Fr. Mark Mitchell concelebrated and Norman Riksen served as deacon. Emily Ferstle,

senior, served as lector; James Trares, sophomore, served as cantor; and Alex Getz, junior, served at the altar. President Ed Balog gave the welcome in which he

recognized the artist, donors, consultants and supporters whose collaboration facilitated the realization of new liturgical furnishings for Bukowski Chapel.

Cameron Van Dyken, a local Grand Rapids artisan, was commissioned to craft the new altar, ambo and candle stand once financial

gifts were procured from Bob and Carol Powers, Rita Williams ’84, and John Gill. Kurt Kaiser, Mary Clark-Kaiser, Fr. Chris Rouech and Terry Marshall served as consultants to the artist in his design. Pat Quinn ’58 and Bill Weitzel, former director of Planned Giving, were instrumental in seeing the endeavor to fruition.

The nobly crafted altar, ambo and candle stand attest to Christ’s enduring presence in our midst. Their purpose is to serve as focal points in which the worshipping assembly encounters the risen Christ in Word and Holy Banquet. The Church believes this encounter creates a holy people to glorify God in word and deed.

For this Catholic College, in the Dominican tradition, this was a significant event. At the heart of the charisms of prayer, study, community and service is a God whose preferred dwelling place is among us (that is among all people). The celebration of the

Eucharist is food for the journey in realizing the vision of God in all the world.

Aquinas Dedicates New AltarBy Theresa Marshall, Campus Ministry


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On October 27, 2008, Patricia Chase, Ph.D., assumed her role as the new dean of students

at Aquinas College. Chase has previously served in other leadership roles regarding student affairs, and was the director of the Counseling and Wellness Center at Alma College before accepting the position at Aquinas. While interviewing for her new position, Chase met with Aquinas faculty members and got a sense of the culture and values of the Aquinas community. “I did see myself fitting in at Aquinas because of the people I met through (intercollegiate) organizations,” she says.

Aquinas faculty members involved in the selection process echoed the opinion that Chase was right for the position. “Not only does [Chase] have the intelligence and experience — in both depth and breadth — for the dean of students position, she has the personality for it,” Dave Weinandy, professor of communication and director of Campus Life, told The Saint.

Chase identifies the key challenge for Aquinas as that of “continuing to provide a quality experience in a time of economic restraint.” Chase’s goals at Aquinas include addressing student retention issues and encouraging a culture of lifelong learning. She says she is dedicated to “working with the staff to create a

more inclusive climate,” and has already initiated new training for student affairs employees.

Before holding a number of positions at Alma College, including student disability services director and associate dean for student development, Chase served as coordinator of the freshman empowerment program at Central Michigan University from 1998-2001. Her daughter, Hayley, currently is a sophomore at Aquinas.

Dr. Patricia Chase Leads Student Services

U.S. Senator Speaks to AQ ClassSenator Carl Levin (D), Michigan’s senior U.S. Senator, took time from

his re-election campaign to visit Aquinas political science class The World in Crisis last fall. As chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Levin talked about the current U.S. policies in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. He offered insights into these problems from Washington and a perspective that text cannot. Levin answered student questions, but declined discussing his race for re-election. Levin was first elected to the Senate in 1978 and successfully won a sixth term last November. As chair of the committee, Levin is the chief legislative watchdog over the Pentagon.


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2009 CommencementSpring is here, which means Commencement

2009 is right around the corner. The ceremonies are planned for Saturday, May 9, with Commencement exercises beginning at 2 p.m.

This year’s Commencement Address will be given by Richard Norton Smith, writer and

presidential historian. Smith graduated from Harvard University, has been director of five presidential museums

including the Gerald. R. Ford Museum and Library, and is a well-known face on C-Span and The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. He is currently a scholar in residence at George Mason University. Smith will be given the College’s highest recognition, an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Another individual will be honored at this year’s ceremony. Alan R. Ryan will receive an honorary

Doctor of Public Service degree. Ryan has been an outstanding business leader, working for Keebler and Quaker Oats, and is a well-known community service leader, giving

generously of his time and resources to Aquinas as chairman of the board of trustees as well as to Saint Mary’s Health Care, the United Way and Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

December Graduates: Positive Relationships Add Up to Success

“One of the most significant lessons my experience here taught me was the power of positive relationships.”

Those words were the part of the message alumnus Eric Messing ’01 had for more than 100 students eligible

to participate in the December 8 graduation reception. The ceremony is significant for those who are invited, since many are unable to return for the traditional Commencement ceremony in May.

Messing, executive director of Broadway Theatre Guild, said his Aquinas experience provided him with a sense of accomplishment and humility and an unspoken confidence that has helped him achieve success in his life.

“Similarly with laying roots, taking the time to build and nurture personal and business relationships is perhaps the single most important key to success. Jobs may come and go, but it’s the personal interaction with others that have the potential to stay with you for a lifetime. If you remember anything I say tonight, please remember to take the time to build relationships – to build them strong – and to build them meaningful.”

Richard Norton Smith

Alan R. Ryan


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Conservation Expert to Speak on Climate Change

Grace Hauenstein Library is LEED® Silver Certified

On Friday, April 24, 2009, recognized conservation

biologist Thomas E. Lovejoy, Ph.D., will speak at Aquinas College for the 13th Annual Wege Speaker Series. The talk, “Climate Change: Prospects for Nature,” will begin at 4 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center with a reception immediately to follow. The event

is free and open to the public.Currently, Lovejoy holds the Biodiversity Chair

at the Heinz Center for Science, Economics and the Environment in Washington, D.C. Previously, he served as president of the Heinz Center, the World Bank’s chief biodiversity advisor and lead specialist for environment for Latin America and the Caribbean

and senior advisor to the president of the United Nations Foundation. Lovejoy has served on science and environmental councils under Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Clinton.

Lovejoy coined the term “biological diversity,” and in the 1980s brought world attention to the threat posed to tropical rainforests. He has worked in the Brazilian Amazon since 1965, and he developed the “debt-for-nature” program to conserve lands in developing nations. Lovejoy conceived the idea of minimum critical size of ecosystems, and in 2001 was awarded the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. Lovejoy earned B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biology from Yale University. He is the author of numerous books and articles and founded the long-running public television series Nature.

As Aquinas College continues to be a leader in sustainability, the Grace Hauenstein Library

achieved a major milestone in obtaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The library earned 35 points for specific green building features implemented throughout the project.

Wasting as little as possible was one of the main focuses of the construction process. More than 82 percent of building materials were diverted from local landfills and into recycling centers. Meanwhile, the library uses 32 percent less water than a conventional building of the same size. A majority of the materials were shipped from less than 500 miles away to save fuel. Finally, one of the main physical features of the Grace Hauenstein Library is the exterior views provided to more than 93 percent of the building’s occupied spaces.

The LEED® Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Grand Rapids is home to the most LEED certified buildings per capita in the U.S. The Grace Hauenstein Library is now among those buildings, as Aquinas College continues to innovate and lead in the sustainability field. For more information from the U.S. Green Building Council, visit: http://www.usgbc.org/


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The Aquinas College Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center welcomed internationally renowned jazz composer Maria

Schneider to campus for an October 8 lecture entitled “How Does a Woman Make Her Place in the Jazz World?” and an October 9 evening concert that also included the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra directed by Dr. Paul. Brewer, associate professor of music at Aquinas.

At the noontime lecture, Schneider talked with humor and emotion about the hurdles she had to jump in order to pursue a career in jazz. It was almost unheard of for a woman to be interested

in jazz composing. Her passion for jazz kept her moving forward, putting her in contact with many of the jazz greats.

Brewer, also a jazz composer, said, “Marie Schneider is, at the very least, one of the top three jazz composers and arrangers in the world. At forty-seven years of age – young for a composer of her stature, Maria is already astonishingly prolific in her compositional output. And her creativity shows no signs of diminished growth. Indeed, she just gets better and better as the years go by. And as a result, the jazz world remains in a state of constant anticipatory delight, wondering what on earth she’ll give to us next.”

In addition to her Grammy Awards, including her most recent 2008 win for Best Instrumental Composition, Schneider was named Composer of the Year and Arranger of the Year in 2004 by the Jazz Journalists Association and the DOWNBEAT Critics Poll. Her most recent album — Sky Blue — was named Jazz Album of the Year by the Village Voice Critics Poll. Visit: www.mariaschneider.com.

Grammy-Winning Composer Maria Schneider Visits Aquinas

The endowment for the Aquinas

College Contemporary Writers Series took a significant step toward its long-term goal with a major contribution from Aquinas alumna Kate Pew Wolters ’78. Now in its 12th season, the Contemporary Writers Series was the brainchild of Tony ’73 and Linda

Nemec Foster ’72. The Fosters established and have contributed generously to an endowment which will

eventually allow the series to become self-funding in perpetuity. Wolters’ gift boosted the endowment campaign well beyond its middle point.

Last fall, the Fosters also announced a matching grant which will double the impact of future gifts to the endowment. “Any contributions earmarked for the Writers Series endowment will be matched by the Fosters, making this an ideal time to move us closer to our dream of being able to fund the series on an ongoing basis,” said Gary Eberle, chairperson of the English department and a member of the Contemporary Writers Series committee. “Kate’s gift helps guarantee that the series will continue to provide West Michigan with the voices of fine writers from America and the world.”

Contemporary Writers Series Endowment Moves Towards Goal

Kate Pew Wolters

Dr. Paul Brewer and Jazz Composer Maria Schneider


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The spring semester will be an exciting one when the Contemporary Writers Series (CWS) brings to campus two highly acclaimed writers, including the series’ first playwright. On March 5, novelist and short story writer Karen Russell was scheduled to read from her selected works which include St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves

(short stories) and the novel, Swamplandia!. Russell was awarded the Transatlantic Review/Henfield Foundation Award in 2005. She has been featured in both The New Yorker’s debut fiction issue and the New York Magazine list of twenty-five people to watch under the age of twenty-six. Recently, one of her short stories was chosen by author Salman Rushdie for the prestigious anthology, Best American Short Stories.

On April 1at 8:00 p.m., the CWS will break new ground when playwright Vincent Delaney previews his new comedy, Writer 1272, at the Performing Arts Center. The play, sponsored by the CWS and the New Plays on Campus Program, deals with a very timely topic in academic

circles: plagiarism. Delaney has written six other plays including The War Party, The Art of Bad Men, and MLK and the FBI. His work has been commissioned, developed and produced in most regions of the country including the Guthrie, Cleveland Playhouse, the Magic Theater in San Francisco and the Orlando Shakespeare Festival. Awards include a McKnight Fellowship, a Bush Fellowship, the Nathan Miller Award and an artist grant from the Seattle Arts Commission. He is a core member of the Playwrights Center and teaches young playwrights in Seattle. After the performance, Delaney will engage in a discussion with the audience about his play.

Contemporary Writers Series Continues withTwo Acclaimed Young WritersBy Linda Nemec-Foster ’72, Co-founder, Contemporary Writer Series

Don’t miss these unique opportunities to see and hear two of the country’s most promising and talented young writers!

For more information, contact CWS Director Pam Luebke at (616) 632-2127 or visit the CWS Web site at www.aquinas.edu/library/CW

Linda Nemec-Foster ‘72, CWS co-founder, recently published a new chapbook, Ten Songs from Bulgaria. The collection was inspired by the photographs of Bulgarian photographer Jacko Vassilev and was a top finalist in a national competition sponsored by Cervena Barva Press of Massachusetts. Poet Jack Ridl praises the poems as “reflecting the haunting music of ode and elegy.” The book is available at the Aquinas College bookstore, Schuler Books and Music, and the publisher’s Web site at http://www.cervenabarvapress.com

Delaney

Russell


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In 1954, after 40 years as a teacher and director of schools, Sr. Agnes Thiel O.P. ’62 (†), at the invitation of President Norbert Hruby, set up and became director of the Emeritus program at Aquinas. This was the beginning of 30 years in which she became a formidable advocate of senior citizens in Grand Rapids, Kent County and Lansing. She helped older adults receive better health care, transportation and home-delivered meals and co-founded and chaired Senior Power Day rallies at the state capitol. She received many awards including that of Distinguished American Older Volunteer of the Year from the National Association for the Aging. She died at the age of 97.

Bruce Early, Ph.D., served on the Aquinas faculty in the department of music from 1971 until his death in 1998. His specialty was jazz, as a player with a local group, teacher and director of Aquinas instrumental and vocal jazz groups. He organized annual Jazz Festivals which grew from three local participants to colleges throughout the

Midwest and brought thousands to the campus. In 1978, he was a Danforth Associate—involved in a program in which associates work directly with students on a personal basis to improve faculty-student relations and to strengthen the teaching-learning process. In 1982, he taught a semester in the Ireland program and spent another summer at the Montreux International Jazz festival. He was considered the premier influence on the local jazz scene for a quarter of a century. At the time of his unexpected death he was conducting a Summer Jazz Improvisation Camp.

2009 Aquinas College Hall of Fame Honorees

Richard Sedlecky ’51 was active in a variety of organizations while attending Aquinas and was president of his senior class. He supervised construction of the Marian Shrine on campus.

He studied architectural engineering at the University of Detroit and returned here to teach engineering classes until 2003. He became CEO of a family construction company which was highly regarded in the city. As a structural engineer for URS Greiner, Woodward, Clyde, he supervised several international projects and his community service embraced St. John’s Home and Catholic Social Services. He and his wife were among the founders of the program, which grew into God’s Kitchen, serving free meals daily to the indigent. He continues to be active in alumni fund drives and golf outings.


2008 Hall of Fame Gala Honorees Remember Aquinas

The 2008 Hall of Fame Gala brought back fond memories for the crowd that packed the Wege Student Center Ballroom October 3. For the 13 honorees or surrogates, the evening was full of both humility and pride.

President Ed Balog had the honor to bestow the first-ever President’s Award to Tony Foster, M.D., ’73 of East Grand Rapids for his compassionate patient care and significant support on a variety of Aquinas projects, especially for the now twelve-year-old Contemporary Writer’s Series:

“My roots are with the spirit of giving that my parents exhibited,” Foster said. “And when it came my turn as an adult, it was only logical for me to act in the same responsible manner as my parents. Their support was for church and education, and mine has been the same. Now Aquinas is a gem. This has been reinforced for me with every one of the writers that we have sponsored for the Contemporary Writer’s Series. Invariably, they are impressed with the attentive turnout for their

readings, with Aquinas hospitality, with Aquinas students.”

Sr. Jean Milhaupt, O.P., Ph.D. ‘45, retired faculty and archivist– “I have lived through the history of Aquinas College…Aquinas has been and is a great place to spend a life. I am grateful for all the students, faculty and staff who have been my friends, and I pray that Aquinas will live on as a great Dominican center of life and learning.”

George LaMountain (faculty member, 1954-1982) (†) – A colleague, Dr. Lee Jacokes ’61, professor emeritus of psychology, accepted on behalf of LaMountain: “I think of George as a scholar and a teacher…He was indeed the renaissance man. His impact on so many students over his thirty-some years at the College is unestimatable.”

Lyle Morrison ‘52, trustee emeritus – “I want to thank Aquinas for all of the wonderful Dominican Sisters and my other instructors for providing me with absolutely a truly extraordinary educational experience.”

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Pictured (L-R): Sr. Jean Milhaupt, Dr. Lee Jacokes and Lyle Morrison

Tony Foster


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Aquinas Enjoys A Grand Rapids Griffins Game

Oh, What a Night! Those few words from a Four Seasons song best describe the evening

of January 24 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. More than 700 people from the Aquinas community, as well as friends and prospective students, turned out for a memorable evening of fun. For the first time off campus, Aquinas sponsored a major event that brought hundreds together for Red Wings Night at the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) hockey game. Celebrities, including Detroit Red Wings singer Karen Newman and player Darren McCarty stopped by for photographs and to sign autographs. Members of the AQ community played the on-ice Human Hockey Puck game, and one lucky person enjoyed a ride atop the Zamboni. The pictures tell the story.


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Former Aquinas College science department secretary (1971-1983) Mildred “Jane” Doyle, ’87, was recognized last fall in Washington, D.C., for

her role in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program during World War

II. Doyle, along with other women veterans, was

honored at a

ceremony at the Women’s Memorial in Washington on November 14. The ceremony marked the opening of the traveling exhibit, “Flygirls of World War II” at the Memorial.

Doyle, a graduate of the University of Michigan, completed Civilian Pilot Training Program in junior college and later joined the Civil Air Patrol.

From November 1943-October 1944, she served as a test pilot and as a pilot for administrative flights,

shuttling supplies to various military bases throughout the country. She recalled her experience with the WASP as “wonderful,” due to the opportunities she had to fly different planes. “They were routine flights,” she said of her experience, but noted that her time in the service was “very good.”

Although Doyle had obtained a commercial pilot license, she chose not to pursue a career in aviation following her wartime service. She fondly remembers Aquinas as “a nice place to work.”

Several months prior to the ceremony at the Women’s Memorial, Doyle attended a 65th reunion for servicewomen in Dallas, Texas.

Former AQ Employee Mildred Doyle Recognized for WWII ServiceBy Luke Sprunger, student writer

Aquinas Theatre Program Director Randy Wyatt initiated a new outreach program

designed to take theater to area elementary schools and communities.

The program established a Children’s Theatre troupe, which once a year, puts on a children’s show, visiting different area schools and libraries

for performances. Last fall, the group produced its first travelling show, “Brave Little Tailor,” which was written by Wyatt and directed by Christopher Grooms.

A group of 14 actors and their stage manager travelled to eight locations over a few weeks and gave numerous performances for audience

AQ Launches Travelling Children’s Theatre TroupeBy Mackenzie McElroy, Vice President, BRAVO! & Theatre Office Assistant


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The Aquinas College Jazz Camp, held during the summer of 2008, was a tremendous

program by all measures. An all-star faculty team led by Dr. Paul Brewer, director of instrumental music at Aquinas, provided classroom instruction and ensemble performance training on a daily basis during the camp’s week-long session (June 15–20).

More than sixty students from the West Michigan area studied and rehearsed classic and modern jazz works which culminated in a Grand Finale concert, free of charge and open to the public, on the last day of camp. Two big bands, eight combos, a piano ensemble, a bass and guitar ensemble and a drum ensemble performed to a delighted audience in Kretschmer Hall in the AMC.

Summer AQ Jazz Camp Hits the Right Notes

Students at Knapp Forest Elementary School in the Forest Hills School District in Grand Rapids take delight in the performance of the Aquinas College troupe’s production of “Brave Little Tailor.”members ages kindergarten through fourth grade.

The performances were well received and the troupe received some positive feedback from the experience. The children were entertained the entire time, and teachers said it exceeded their expectations.

The troupe also offered three on-campus performances, for which nearly 500 students were bussed in from area schools. With more time to plan, the troupe hopes to have a bigger impact next year.

AQ Launches Travelling Children’s Theatre TroupeBy Mackenzie McElroy, Vice President, BRAVO! & Theatre Office Assistant

Brewer pictured with jazz faculty member Jason Palmer of Boston


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MARCH 19 ...12:30-1:30 p.m.: Aquinas College Jane Hibbard

Idema Women’s Studies event. Was That a He or a She and Why Does It Matter? A Reading of Creative Nonfiction (from Wisenberg’s forthcoming book on her experiences with cancer). Speaker: Sandi Wisenberg, essayist and author. Wege Center, Loutit Room. Free.

20 ...9:00 a.m.: Aquinas Fine Arts Day for high

school juniors, seniors and their families. For information, Visit www.aquinas.edu/admissions.

22 ...3 p.m.: Aquinas Music Department Spring Choral Concert. Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Drive SE. Free. (616) 632-2413.

24 ...12:30 p.m.: Aquinas Lecture Series. Aquinas Music Department, Women Composers. You are invited to bring lunch. Wege Center Ballroom. Free.

APRIL 1 ...8 p.m.: Aquinas Contemporary Writers Series

presents Vincent Delaney, playwright, Writer 1272. Delaney’s plays include The War Party 2008, The Art of Bad Men 2007, and Perpetua to name a few.

1-4 ...8 p.m. and April 5, 2 p.m. The Aquinas College Contemporary Writers Series and Aquinas Theatre Department presents Writer 1272, A comedy by Vincent Delaney, playwright. Aquinas Performing Arts Center, 1703 Robinson Road SE. Ticket prices: $10 general, $8 staff and $4 students.

5-10 ...Aquinas College Gallery Exhibit. Bachelor of Fine Art Exhibition Opening Reception: Sunday, April 5, 2-4 p.m. Gallery Hours: Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 2-6 p.m. (616) 632-2408. NOTE: Closed: Friday, April 10–Monday, April 13.

5 ...3:00 p.m.: Aquinas Music Department. College Band and Chamber Strings Concert. Kretschmer Recital Hall, Art and Music Center. Free. (616) 632-2413.

7 ...12:30 p.m.: Aquinas Lecture Series. Eastern Christian Theology in the Borderland: Reflections on Religious Tradition in Western Ukraine. Speaker: Robert Marko, Ph.D., Professor of Theology. You are invited to bring lunch. Wege Center Ballroom. Free.

16 ...12:30-1:30 p.m.: Aquinas College Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies event. Women-Centered Organizing: A Form of Resistance. Speaker: Susan Stall, Professor of Sociology and Women’s Studies, University of Northeastern in Illinois. Wege Center, Loutit Room. Free.

16 ...7:30 p.m.: Aquinas Music Department and Spring Jazz Night. Kretschmer Recital Hall, Art and Music Center. Free. (616) 632-2413.

17 ...9 a.m.: Aquinas AQDay for high school juniors, seniors and their families. For information, visit our Web site: aquinas.edu/admissions.

19 ...3:00 p.m.: Aquinas Music Department. Spring Music Department Concert. Kretschmer Recital Hall, Art and Music Center. Free. (616) 632-2413.

24 ...4 p.m.: The Wege Foundation presents the 13th Annual Wege Speaker Series: Speaker: Thomas E. Lovejoy, Ph.D., Biodiversity Chair at the Heinz Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment, Washington, D.C., president of the Center from 2002-2008. Aquinas College Performing Arts Center, 1703 Robinson Road, SE. Reception immediately to follow. Free. (616) 632-2845.

29 ...Evening of Elegance 6:30-9:30 p.m., $175 per person. Hosted by John and Nancy Kennedy. (616) 632-2805 or e-mail [email protected].

MAY 4/5-10 ...Aquinas Gallery Exhibit. Bachelor of Fine Art

Exhibition. Gallery Hours: Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 2-6 p.m. (616) 632-2408. Closed: 4/10-4/13

Aquinas 2009 Calendar


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s 9 ...10 a.m.: Aquinas College Baccalaureate Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 265 Sheldon Ave., S.E. 2 p.m.: Aquinas College Commencement Fieldhouse, 1580 E. Fulton Street.

14 ...Emeritus Evening. Honoring Rabbi Albert Lewis and Dr. Shirley Lewis. 6 p.m.: Cocktails, third level, Wege Center Cafeteria. 7 p.m.: Dinner, second level, Wege Center Ballroom. $150 per person. (616) 632-2430.

18 ...2009 Aquinas College Peter M. Wege ProAm Blythefield Country Club. (616) 632-2816 or (616) 632-2805 or e-mail [email protected].

June 14-19 ...Jazz Camp. For information call

(616) 632-2413.

August 20-22 ...Freshmen Orientation

24 ...First day of classes

28 ...9 a.m.: Aquinas AQDay for high school juniors, seniors and their families. For information, visit our Web site: aquinas.edu/admissions.

September 10 ...Reflection Award Event honoring Juan R.

Olivarez, ’71, Ph.D. 6:00 p.m.: Cocktails 7:30 p.m.: Dinner Browne Center. (616) 632-2805 or e-mail [email protected].

October 2-4 ...Aquinas College Homecoming Weekend

Reunion Years: 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004.

2 ...Aquinas College Hall of Fame Gala 5:30 p.m.: Cocktails 6:30 p.m.: Dinner Third Level, Wege Center. (616) 632-2805 or e-mail [email protected].

Circle Theatre Productions May-September 2009Season tickets for the 57th season of Circle Theatre are $95. Gift certificates are $85. To order tickets, call the box office at (616) 456-6656 or visit www.circletheatre.org. Circle Theatre productions are in the Aquinas College Performing Art Center at 1703 Robinson Road SE, Grand Rapids.

May 7-23 ...Guys and Dolls, musical

Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser Based on two short stories by Damon Runyon

June 4-20 ...Noises Off

Comedy by Michael Frayn

July 9-25 ...Altar Boyz, musical comedy

Music and lyrics by Gary Alder and Michael Patrick Walker. Book by Kevin Del Aguila

August 6-22 ...On Golden Pond, play

Written by Ernest Thompson

September 3-19 ...Smokey Joe’s Café, musical

Music and lyrics by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stroller

Circle Presents Circle Presents is the largest presenting organization for school and families in West Michigan. Circle Presents celebrates close to a decade of bringing the very best in live entertainment to young audiences. For tickets ($5 per person), call (616) 456-6656 or visit www.circletheatre.org.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (grades K-4) Musical production based on the book by Judith Viorst

April 14 .. East Kentwood High School, Fine Arts Auditorium, 6320 Kalamazoo Ave., SE

April 15 .. Pioneer Auditorium, 1961 Lake Drive, SE

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AQ Students Part of Historic Presidential Inauguration By Xavier Lopez-Ayala, Senior

Two current and two former Aquinas students became a part of history January 20 as they

bore witness to the historic inauguration of the United States’ first African-American president, Barack Obama.

Junior Amanda Chatel, 2008 graduates Grace Schmitz and Tim Ramsay and I were among the millions who gathered on the Capitol lawn and National Mall to witness the presidential inauguration. Our trek to the nation’s capital was not only to see history being made, but to celebrate with the millions of other Americans for all that we had accomplished.

From different vantage points, among the sea of people who packed the National Mall, we watched, in person, as Barack Obama took the oath of office and officially became the 44th president of the United States.

For Tim and Amanda, who co-founded Students for Barack Obama in 2007, it was a moment they once thought was impossible. Before joining the Obama campaign in July as the new media director in Minnesota, I spent the greater part of a year and half travelling to states working for Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Tim went on to work for the Ohio Democratic Party and Amanda, became the deputy youth vote director in Minnesota. These experiences only enriched the moment and

made the inauguration more meaningful to us, as we watched our patience and commitment pay off.

The inaugural experience is best described as surreal: We danced, we shivered, we cheered and we cried. At one point, I found myself in line for the metal detectors with Bruce Springsteen at the “We Are One” opening ceremony. Grace rubbed elbows—

literally—with Kid Rock, and we were all treated to special musical performances at the Inaugural Balls.

As the history of it all sank in, there was a palpable sense of hope that flowed through the four of us and the rest of the revelers—hope for the country, for the future and for the world. The chants of “Yes We Can!” which filled Calder Plaza in downtwon Grand Rapids during the campaign turned to excited cheers of “Yes We Did!” on subway cars and street corners in Washington D.C.

But the great trials facing our country were not lost on us. As we

waited in the frigid cold to get into the Youth Ball, Grace and I began talking about the tremendous challenges ahead for our country. Our challenge now, we concluded, was to take our passion and energy and commit ourselves to creating positive change in our community and in the world.

Let’s keep making history.

Xavier pictured during Inauguration on National Mall

with MSNBC political commentator, Rachel Maddow.

Xavier Lopez-Ayala at one of the Inaugural balls held in the nation’s capitol.

President Barack and Michelle Obama appear at one of the many inaugural balls held throughout Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day. Photos by Xavier Lopez-Ayala

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29Aquinas College Magazine – Spring 2009Aquinas Club for Continuing Education (A.C.E.) Finds Early SuccessBy Dan Treul, Student Writer

Thanks to the efforts of Jennifer Williams, continuing education students at Aquinas have a new resource on campus—the Aquinas Club for Continuing Education, or, as it’s known, A.C.E.

One of the newest Senate-recognized organizations on campus, A.C.E. seeks to support and connect continuing education students at Aquinas, offering special events, speakers and social opportunities

designed to make life easier for non-traditional aged students.Williams, a continuing education student majoring in political science, says that when she

approached Director of Adult Student Recruitment Brenda Hennink ’96, about A.C.E., she envisioned a group to help “every C.E. student feel like there’s a place for them

on campus.” With Hennink’s support and overwhelmingly positive feedback from interested students, the group was born, and since its first meeting on August 26, A.C.E. has been exactly what its acronym implies: a hole-in-one.

With the support of the academic community, A.C.E. has already proven itself a positive force on campus. In early October, the Office of Adult Student Recruitment, the College’s three academic deans and A.C.E. sponsored the wildly popular “Deans on the Deck” event – a social gathering for C.E. students that featured an Oktoberfest-style dinner, refreshments and a chance to meet Aquinas deans and professors. Nearly 100 students and their guests attended.

“Students are so busy with their family and work lives that it’s rare for them to be able to slow down enough to take the time to socialize with people here at the College,” said Hennink. Of students’ friends and relatives, Hennink said, “It’s important for us to recognize those that support our students as they go through the program.”

Although Williams will graduate in May, she is proud of what A.C.E. has already accomplished and believes it will continue to grow.

“Aquinas has a great [continuing education] program,” she said. “It would be great if we could make A.C.E. a drawing factor for

prospective students.”

Cindy VanGelderen, (L) dean of the School of Management chats with C.E. student Rebecca Goh

(L-R): Paula Meehan ’75, vice president for Enrollment Management; C.E. student Yamaka Bracey; and Nanette Clatterbuck, dean of the School of Education.

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The verdict: Third Place! Ten students from Aquinas journeyed to the College of Wooster

campus in central Ohio to compete in the regional competition of the American Collegiate Moot Court Association last November.

Moot Court is a national undergraduate forensic competition where students (working in pairs) argue a nationally selected case before the U.S. Supreme Court. They are judged by attorneys and judges who evaluate the quality of the legal arguments and extensively question the participants on their legal arguments and analysis. Teams from seven Midwestern colleges competed in this upper-Midwest regional tournament: Denison University, the College of Wooster, Vanderbilt University, Youngstown State University, Drake University, Marietta College and Aquinas College.

This year’s case focused on aspects of two constitutional amendments: a student’s first amendment right to protest on a university campus based on a new university speech policy and the student’s termination from a campus job and subsequent disciplinary action denied the student procedural due process under the fourteenth amendment. The student debaters must be prepared to argue for either side at the competition as a coin flip determines whether their team presents

arguments on behalf of the student or the university. “The competition was an incredible challenge. I felt

we pulled together as a team and represented Aquinas well,” stated Davis.

“I enjoyed being challenged to argue against some of the hardest teams in the country,” Licari said. According to Onyinye Ezeh, “my favorite part of the competition was the actual argument portion. I enjoyed having the opportunity to present myself in front of real judges and have a true experience before entering law school.”

Moot Court is offered each fall term by the political science department. Students write a formal U.S. Supreme Court brief, which is the basis for their oral arguments, and develop their argumentation skills throughout the semester as they refine their legal arguments. The team was coached by Brad Winkler, an attorney and professor for the class, who accompanied the team to the competition.

“Students worked incredibly long hours on their legal arguments – it is a great learning experience for students,” stated Winkler. “I hope we can continue to build on our Moot Court success these past two years. I was very proud of the quality of our team and believe we represented Aquinas well in the competition. It was a great experience to work with the group and see it pay off in oral arguments.”

“May it please the court?”By Brad Winkler JD, Associate Professor-in-the-College

Pictured (L-R): Onyinye Ezeh, Michael Licari, Nick Avendt, Vaughn Frazher, Jeff Wanner, Josh Davis, Jake Jelsema, Brett Barnes, Sefik Arapovic and Katelyn Smith.

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It was my junior year, and as is customary at Aquinas, most of my friends were leaving to

study abroad; Some to Ireland, some to Costa Rica, and some to France, but not me. I decided to stay in Grand Rapids and plan out my future.

I was going to graduate in May 2009, move to some large city, live the life of an early twenty-something making the big bucks and what most call “living the dream” with a plush office job. But God has a funny way of intervening sometimes.

Around the beginning of my senior year, I began to think about where my life was headed. I had one last semester before the real world was here. Like a kid riding his bike with no training wheels for the first time, I felt scared of what was to come. But with the urging and financial assistance from my parents, I enrolled in the Chicago Semester program. It was perfect; I could live in the city and get a real job.

But God always has a plan for us, and I came to learn that I had no clue what my future held. I had always dreamed of making it in the big city, driving a fast car and having a nice apartment, but the Chicago Semester experience, where I met students from Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and even Calvin College, changed my priorities. I began to get involved in neighborhood meetings, community organizing and, most importantly, sustainable and environmental initiatives. I began to value things like friendships, art, the environment, music and God even more so than before.

Since returning to Grand Rapids, I haven’t been the same. I added a minor in sustainable business and will be graduating this spring. I recently began contemplating graduate school for environmental policy and have been applying for sustainable business jobs around the country.

Even though some people may see me as changed, I think it was God just opening my eyes to what truly mattered in my life: family, friendship,

prayer and making a difference.

Kokx with AQ alum Patrick

Harrison ‘07 pose in front of

a green Chicago River on St.

Patrick’s Day

The Chicago Experience: A Semester in the Windy CityBy Stephen Kokx, Senior

Kokx (third from right with hat) with fellow

students from Northwestern University and Dordt

and Calvin Colleges.


AQ Model United Nations 2008By Roger Durham, Ph.D., Chair/Professor of Political Science

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For the eleventh year, Aquinas College students participated in a Model United Nations simulation. This year we had another very large team—50 students, making Aquinas the second largest delegation in the country. From a school our size this is remarkable. At the American Model United Nations Conference November 22-25 at the Chicago Sheraton, there were about 1300 students from more than 100 different colleges and universities from around the world.

This year Aquinas students role-played delegates from Algeria, Cambodia and the People’s Republic of China. The students engaged in significant diplomatic process, attempting to solve many important international issues.

Several Aquinas students were recognized for their outstanding performance. Of special note, Tom Baranoski and Phil Yeiter were

recognized for their portrayal of representatives from the Republic of China (Taiwan) on the Historic Security Council, which replayed the events of 1967. This was a most difficult assignment because of the intensity of the Cold War and because the People’s Republic of China (mainland) was vying for the Security Council seat held by the ROC.

Additionally, Jennifer Williams was selected among many applicants to act as one of the 15 justices on the International Court of Justice, adjudicating disputes between several countries. Like all of the students, she experienced excellent training in international law and diplomacy.

The American Model United Nations distributes only 12 awards each year. Over the last five years, AQ students have won more than 20 awards for Outstanding Delegate or Outstanding

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The AQ team, second largest in the country, prepares to travel to Chicago for the American Model United Nations Conference.

Delegation, placing AQ among the top programs in the country.Delegates are judged on their ability to accurately portray their

country’s policies and positions on a number of important issues. Knowledge of history, balance of power, alliances and diplomatic skill are fundamental. For example, in the Security Council the issues include the Indian-Pakistani arms race and conflict, the situation in Kosovo, the ethnic cleansing in central Africa and the war in Iraq. Students must use diplomatic skills including negotiation, conflict resolution and debate. Knowledge and use of parliamentary procedure is also considered in the judging.

This year’s budget was just over $10,000. In addition to fundraisers and student fees, some of the cost was underwritten by a wonderful endowment established by Ken and Melinda Krei.

The Aquinas College delegates included Andrew Balog, Tom Baranoski, Courtney Boerman, Emily Donohoe, Will Eberle, Whitney Ehrsman, Emily Ferstle, Maria Filice, Francine Franich, Sarah Freehafer, Ashley Halvorson, Matt Hartman, Lindsay Hewitt, Adam Hii, Bethany Horning, John Kalinowski, Rebecca Kirk, Stephen Kokx, Thomas Koryom, Carolyn Kraker, Alex Leonard, Hannah Marko, Carina Marquez, Michael McPeek, Stephanie Merz, Erik Mika, Claire O’Neill, Brad Osborne, Jonathan Pichot, Meghan Pitsch, Edgard Portela, Jake Porter, Kyle Pray, Kerry Quirk, Sarah Schneider, Cadey Segard, Brandon Sexton, Sara Southwick, Michael Stephenson, Ben Stoltman, Ryan Tefft, Heather Thum, Holly Uebbing, Shawn Wanhala, Ashley Werner, Lisa Weyand, Jennifer Williams, Nadina Williams, Phil Yeiter and Freya Yskes.

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Aquinas College Magazine – Spring 2009

ESL Endorsement Program: Helping Teachers Help ChildrenBy Bona Van Dis ’08, Contributing Writer

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Program, created and

implemented by the School of Education at Aquinas, is giving teachers the tools to help children with language proficiency. The year-old cohort program, which began spring term of 2007 as a complement to the on-campus program, was developed with Wyoming Public Schools.

Lisa Morgan, Ph.D., the Aquinas academic director of the program, says, “there was a need for more effective strategies for teaching content and language” to an increasing number of non-English speaking students. In her ESL Endorsement proposal, Morgan noted the request by the district’s mainstream teachers for educational opportunities that would help them work more effectively with those students.

Lisa DeMaagd (pictured, below center), a teacher with Wyoming Public Schools and an Aquinas ESL Program instructor, says fifty percent of students at Taft Elementary School are English language learners. DeMaagd points out that while Spanish is the predominant second language spoken, it isn’t the only language—Vietnamese, Bosnian, Chinese and various African language students are also a part of

their English language program. This makes it tough for teachers to effectively teach and communicate. The biggest challenge for teachers is to take all the English language learners and devise a plan to help them simultaneously. Because each child cannot be taught individually, DeMaagd says the teachers must ask, “What kind of knowledge can we gain about the students and what strategies can we use to get them through.” DeMaagd believes the goal of the teachers in the Aquinas ESL Endorsement program “is to gain awareness of how to better understand their students, so they are better able to address their needs.”

Comprised of eight intensive courses taken over four semesters (two per semester), the program’s structure and learning modes include onsite academic learning, online learning and field work projects. Currently, the program has three cohorts, two at Wyoming Public Schools and one at Kellogsville, and approximately 36 student teachers. Following a state-mandated test at the end of the program, the teachers will receive their ESL Endorsement. Morgan also noted that these teachers have the opportunity to earn a master in teaching degree in addition to their ESL Endorsement.

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On October 3, Ron Pederson received the Educator of the Year Award, an honor

conferred by the International Sculpture Center. The award recognizes individual educators who have made exemplary contributions to the field of sculpture.

The event took place during the 21st International Sculpture Conference held at the Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. Pederson has taught sculpture for 31 years, the past 26 at Aquinas. Beyond teaching, he has served as Resident Artist at Grand Rapids’ Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts and as an art reviewer for The Grand Rapids Press. He exhibits collaboratively with his wife, poet Miriam Pederson, who also teaches at Aquinas.

“Ron has had a special impact as an educator,” Aquinas President Ed Balog told those gathered for the ceremony. “A successful and effective teacher finds a way to let the student find the best way for that student to learn…He has helped students satisfy both their intellectual and emotional curiosity.”

Candidates for the award are masters of sculptural processes and techniques who have devoted their careers to the education of the next generation and to the advancement of the sculpture field as a whole.

The award was conferred during Homecoming Weekend at Aquinas, making it possible for alumni to view an exhibit titled Professing Sculpture: Ron Pederson and Seven Students from Three Decades in the Art and Music Center Gallery. Students whose works appeared with Pederson’s were Amy Sharp ’95, Ben Pederson ’03, Jamie Watson ’84, Joyce Recker ’84, Lee Bowen Bradshaw ’06, Lisa Burrows Dionne ’96 and Sr. Phyllis Mrozinski ’67.

Professor Ron Pederson: 2008 Sculpture Educator of the Year

Pictured (L-R): art professor Steve Schousen, English professor Miriam Pederson, Ron Pederson and Dr. Balog.

Dr. Robert Marko, Professor and Chair of Theology, a Fulbright Scholar for fall 2008 in religious studies in Ukraine, presented at a plenary session of the annual conference of the Ukrainian Theological

Scientific Society on December 15, 2008 in L’viv. His article, “The Politics of Learned Societies of Religion in the United States,” will appear in the Ukrainian theological journal Bohoslovia while his review of George Weigel’s latest book Against the Grain is being published in Horizons: The Journal of the College Theology Society.

Faculty NotesDr. Michaeleen Kelly,

professor of philosophy, will make a presentation to an international audience at the Third International Conference on the State, the Law and Evil in Salzburg, Austria March 13-15, 2009. She will present a paper entitled “Disabling Evil by Obliterating

Subjectivity” in which she analyzes how characterizing a person or group as evil can result in rationalizing cruel countermeasures. The paper’s focus is on destroying through genocide, a group’s history, family, villages, future, using the death penalty as a response to a heinous crime, and using torture as a means to deny the testimony of prisoners associated with evil regimes.

Kelly said she submitted a paper for the conference because of her strong interest in the death penalty issue resulting from a dissertation she did on punishment as she completed her doctorate at Stanford.

Carol Frederick Steele, who has taught Aquinas education classes as an adjunct, wishes to thank her former students for their insights and feedback as she wrote the chapters of her upcoming book, The Inspired Teacher: How to Know One, Grow One or Be One. The

book, available in March, will be published by ASCD. Several examples in the book were inspired by Aquinas student input during class discussions and presentations, and Steele wishes to express her gratitude.

Assistant Professor of Education Kelli Esteves, Ph.D., is the co-author of a new book written to assist students with learning disabilities. RTI Success: Proven Tools and Strategies for Schools and Classrooms is set to be released by Free Spirit Publishing in March 2009. The book explains RTI (Response to Intervention), a new

approach to better identify students at risk for developing learning disabilities.

Intended as a resource for instructors, RTI Success aims to help students with different learning needs get the help they require. According to Esteves, an important underlying theme to the RTI approach, and the focus of the book, is the emphasis on “getting to know

students on a personal level.” The decision to write the book came out of an independent study project on differentiated education that Esteves, then a doctoral student at Western Michigan University, completed with Professor of Special Education Elizabeth Whitten. Whitten and Alice Woodrow, who was also a doctoral student at WMU, co-authored the book with Esteves. RTI Success can be ordered at www.freespirit.com.

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On Tuesday, August 26, professor Burton Ozarow, 61, passed away in his sleep.

His death came as a shock to those who had seen the instructor at school the day before. Doctors believe an arrhythmia and a related heart condition caused his death.

Burton Ozarow earned his Ph.D. in psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1981, and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Temple University School of Medicine. He began teaching at Aquinas College in the psychology department in 1983. With his loud voice and great enthusiasm for teaching, Ozarow became a favorite teacher for many students.

“He demanded quality performance from his students and received admiration and respect in return. Students loved him and he certainly

cared greatly about his students,” said psychology department chairperson Lorraine Straw, Ph.D.

As devoted to teaching as he was, Burton Ozarow placed even greater importance on time spent with his family. He greatly valued family

vacations in Maine and his 18-year-old daughter, Abby.

“His biggest pleasure was his family, and his daughter Abby was his world. His whole world revolved around his family,” his wife, Bonnie Ozarow, said in an interview with the The Grand Rapids Press.

Economics professor Gary Robertson remembers Ozarow

for his sincerity and candor. “Burt was a very honest person…If you asked for advice, he’d tell you what he thought even if you might not like it. He’d help, or try to, if you asked for it.”

Aquinas Community Saddened by Sudden Loss of Professor Ozarow

Long-Serving Aquinas Music Professor Dies

On August 14, 2008, former Aquinas Professor Eugene T. Hopkins, 86, of Grand Rapids,

passed away due to complications from pneumonia. Hopkins was an associate professor of music and a piano teacher for nearly 33 years at Aquinas College. Upon his retirement in 1992, he was awarded Emeritus status. A decorated World War II veteran and lifelong musician, Hopkins devoted his career to helping students learn to appreciate music and excel in performance.

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It is my privilege to serve as president of the Alumni Association Board this year.

It has been the tremendous passion and commitment of your classmates that

has positioned the Alumni Association to evolve to the next level. One example of

this was with the development of two $500 Michigan Educators Program Grants.

In our first year, we received nine applications. We were pleased with the response

and profoundly impacted by the need of our teaching alumni. This year’s winners

were Paul Osborne ‘07, a high school teacher at St. Patrick Catholic School in

Portland, Mich., who will purchase Zome Tools for math and physics classrooms,

and Kerry Coppens MAT ‘06, Reading Specialist at Aberdeen Elementary, who will

purchase multi-media technology for an afterschool program to provide students,

lacking the resources, an opportunity to gain hands on experience. It is our hope to

expand the number of grants next year to five.

Additionally, I am happy to announce that the Alumni Association will be fully

underwriting the cost of the Aquinas College Online Community, Saints Network

(see related story on pg. 41). We hope that this tool will allow you to reach out to

your friends from AQ and make meaningful connections. As we continue to build

upon the success and momentum of programs like these, we are committed to

cultivating lifetime friendships with alumni and students by uniting one common

bond as a source of energy and faith, Aquinas College.

Sincerely,Andy Holtgreive ‘94

Alumni Association Board President

2008-2009 Alumni Association Board of Directors: Front Row: Sister Rose Marie Martin, Deb Bailey ‘96, Choka Johnson ‘96, Tim Tierney ‘83 Second Row: Michele Frazho ‘79, Barb Selesky ‘87, Ragan Savara ‘03, Damon Bouwkamp ‘00 Third Row: Paul Greenwald ‘72, Amy (Westphal) Peters ‘05, J. Andy Holtgreive ‘94 Not pictured: Dave Hebestreit ‘94, Connie Kowalsyk ‘99, Michelle O’Malley ‘89, Greg Pfent ‘70, Dursa Smotrilla ‘89, Jim Thrall ‘60 and Eric Zeemering ‘01

Friends and fans of all things AQ

Board Message

39Aquinas College Magazine – Spring 2009Converting Grief into ActionBy Laura Bennett-Kimble ‘95, Contributing Writer

Fifty thousand families in the U.S. have a child who has cancer or a blood disorder,

according to parent advocacy Web site www.lainiesangels.com. The site was created as a way to help those families, said Lainie’s Angels executive director Stathi Afendoulis ’79. He founded the organization after the death of his 12-year-old daughter in 2000.

“After Lainie died, I wanted to do something in her memory,” Afendoulis said. “Part of my bereavement process was to channel that grief into volunteerism.”

Afendoulis, the son of Sam and Athena Afendoulis of Grand Rapids, said volunteering was taught by example when he was growing up. “Our family didn’t attend social events,” he said. “We volunteered.”

This background helped prepare him for the work ahead when he decided to create a parent advocacy group for families dealing with serious childhood illnesses. Lainie had been diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in 1997, and the Afendoulises became involved in peer-to-peer mentoring during her illness. Today, Lainie’s Angels reach across the nation and beyond, thanks in part to the accessibility of the Internet.

“We’re right on track with growth of the organization,” Afendoulis said, noting the group is currently focused on raising $1 million to establish an endowment. Through Lainie’s Angels, parent advocacy volunteers help families in hospitals from Chicago to New York, South Carolina to Rhode Island, and beyond.

Another outreach has been his involvement in the 2008 book, The Grieving Garden: Living with the Death of a Child. Afendoulis is one of 22 co-authors and two editors who shared their stories with the goal of helping others handle both grief and anticipatory grief.

Afendoulis earned a bachelor of arts degree in English at Aquinas and has always

enjoyed writing, he said. His college career had begun elsewhere, and he said when he came to Aquinas, “I was able to find my academic focus. I value that most about Aquinas. That period was one of the most fulfilling times in my life.”

Afendoulis left Grand Rapids in 1980 and went on to become a theater professional and teacher in the New York City area. He and his wife, Emily, and their daughters Samantha and Alexandra live in New Jersey, and his wife owns Emily’s Boutique, a clothing store in Staten Island.

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Pictured (L-R): Brigid Avery, director of alumni relations; Sr. Alice Wittenbach, O.P., Ph.D., ’59, reunions coordinator; and Stathi Afendoulis ’79.

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The Van Andel Research Institute (VARI)

Graduate Program is currently in its second year of leading students on the path to a career in biomedical research. Five students, three of whom started in 2007, make up the student body. “The Ph.D. program fills

a niche which has been unmet in the West Michigan area,” said Dr. Treizenberg, dean of the graduate school. “It creates a place to play that compliments what other schools in the area are doing.”

Recent Aquinas graduate Rob Antecki ’07 is one of the graduate school students at VARI who started in the fall of 2008. As a pioneer of the program, Antecki will be one of the first to obtain a Ph.D. from VARI.

“Science has always been something I knew I wanted to pursue professionally,” he said. “It

was in my sophomore year at Aquinas that I decided to concentrate on chemistry and biology with the goal of working in the biomedical research field.”

Antecki first learned about plans for the VARI graduate program at Aquinas when they were discussing his interest in higher education. After hearing initial details and meeting with Dr. Treizenberg, Antecki applied to the VARI.

“We look for inquisitiveness and students that are really curious about the way that things work,” said Treizenberg, who said he feels that Antecki’s intellectual strength makes him a valuable addition to the program.

The newness of the program is not a hindrance. “So far the program has held up to its claim of uniquely focusing on translational approaches to research problems and aspects of professional development which might be overlooked at other schools,” said Antecki.

“The superior, state of the art facilities offer a research experience which is certainly second to none.”

Antecki said he chose Aquinas for his undergraduate work based on the beauty of the campus and the “relaxed and personal atmosphere.” He also noted the faculty’s concern with the professional and personal development of students, which was more prominent than at other schools he visited.

“I feel Aquinas prepared me quite well for my current work at the VARI grad school,” Antecki said. “Thanks to my upper level classes in chemistry and biology and my time as a research technician at the institute’s cancer genetics lab, I already had a strong foundation in the basics by the time I started the program.”

Antecki makes time for extracurriculars as a member of a local band, the Backstrokes. “It seems that at the same time my science career has started we’ve also had some possibly substantial opportunities come up with the Backstrokes.” Antecki has a couple more years as a graduate student and says he is going to focus on “simply finishing my classes” and thinking about which lab he will choose for his thesis research.”

“It will be intriguing to see how everything develops in the next few months and years,” Antecki said. “At least it’s never boring.”

AQ Grad in Inaugural Ph.D. Program at Van Andel Research InstituteBy Victoria Manion, Student Writer

Antecki

VARI scientific investigator Greg Cavey, B.S., head of the Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics

reviews some formulas with Antecki.

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As we mentioned in the last issue, the Office of Alumni Relations is instituting Saints

Network, an online, interactive directory to better serve our alumni. Many thanks to the Alumni Association for serving as the main sponsor of this important communication tool and covering the costs for the next five years.

We have been testing the directory in soft launch phases with various groups of alumni. You may have already received your login information, and if you have, we hope you’ve already registered within the community! What are the features of Saints Network?

• Youwilleasilybeabletoupdateyourowninformation, including where you live and where you work.

• Searchforfriendsbygraduationyear,sportplayedat AQ, Study Abroad participation and much more. Send a message to any alum using a “blind e-mail” function.

• LettheAQalumnicommunityknowwhatyou’vebeen up to: marriage, kids, trips and business opportunities. In the spirit of Aquinas, we will also have a prayer request posting.

• Postphotosofimportantmilestonemoments.

• Useyouralumninetworktofindajoborfindaqualifiedcandidateforapostinginyourplaceofbusiness.

• MentoracurrentAQjuniororseniorwhomaybelooking for an internship or job come graduation time.

If you have not received your log-in information, you will receive a mailing or e-mail within the next couple of months. In the meantime, please visit the alumni home page at www.aquinas.edu/alumni and check out what’s new! We hope you will utilize all the great things Saints Network has to offer.

Saints Network Roll Out, Alumni Association Sponsors

Alumna Finds Business Success in Art

Mary Jo Holtgreive Lemanski ’75 has made a name for herself in the world of art since

graduating from Aquinas College. Lemanski spent 24 years with the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts as director of museum education. Four years ago she bought, and revived, the Water Street Art Gallery in Douglas, Michigan with co-owner Anne Gudith.

The gallery features the work of more than 50 established artists. “The gallery brings in a strong body of art,” said Lemanski. “The talent we focus on really enriches the area.”

Lemanski, who said she came to Aquinas based on the location and what she felt to be “a very strong art department,” feels the College did not let her down. “I got a phenomenal start from the classes at Aquinas. I got the art history background I needed as well as the opportunity to work with a lot of different mediums.”

Lemanski said she feels she has truly found a place for herself in the art world and at the Water Street Art Gallery. “The gallery has become a destination gallery for those who are buying quality art.”

Lemanski chose to enter a competitive field and has found success with her own art and with the gallery. “I left Aquinas feeling comfortable with who I was and with what I was going to do,” she said. “I feel I can credit that to the faculty at the College.”

Among the artwork in Lemanski’s gallery

are paintings like this one created by AQ

alumna Debra Reid-Jenkins ’78.

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And in December… the community lost another great artist, 63-year-old José

Narezo. The muralist and 1975 AQ graduate who was honored by the Alumni Association in October died December 17 following a battle with brain cancer. Narezo also held a master’s degree in fine arts from Michigan State University. During his more than 40 years of community artistry, Narezo created many outdoor mural projects and saw several of his projects on exhibition at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

Grand Rapids Loses Two Noted AQ Artists Grand Rapids is rich with artistic talent. Among

them were two Aquinas graduates who passed away in 2008.

Grand Rapids-area sculptor and AQ graduate Nathan Horowitz, 61, died on September 22 following cancer-related complications.

“He was a very talented sculptor, and he was a very loving character. A good sculptor and a good soul,” stated Joseph Becherer, AQ professor of art history and director of exhibitions and curator of sculpture at Frederik Meijer Gardens

and Sculpture Park, in an interview with The Grand Rapids Press.

Following his graduation in 1971,

Horowitz went on to earn a master’s degree in fine arts from the Cranbrook Academy of Arts near Detroit. He is best remembered for “Vesta,” a sculpture that was displayed in downtown Grand Rapids for a number of years. The ten-ton work comprised of two 35-foot high beams was installed on the stairwell behind the Kent County Building in 1973. City officials eventually removed the sculpture after deciding to enclose the stairwell. Other works by Horowitz remain on display, including a menorah at Temple Emanuel in Grand Rapids and two pieces in the Detroit area.

Copyright 2008. The Grand Rapids Press.

All rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

José Narezo

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Pictured (L-R): Damon Bouwkamp and Ed Wagner.

See below for Honoree José Narezo ’75†

Ed Wagner ‘61 was presented with the Outstanding Alumnus Award for his long time commitment to the Grand Rapids Catholic community:“I am truly honored and flattered. None of this would have been possible without Aquinas College. I grew up in the shadows of this institution…my roots are quite solid here…any success I have had in life is due to the preparation I had in college…I am proud to be a graduate of Aquinas.”

Board Member of the Year honors went to Damon Bouwkamp ‘00, assistant director of Admissions, for his service and unwavering commitment to the College:“This award has more to do with the people who have surrounded

me at Aquinas, as a part of a puzzle that works everyday to make it great to be a Saint…I promise to keep trying to give back to Aquinas as much as it has given me, and I urge you all to do the same.”

2008 Alumni Association AwardsThe Alumni honorees at the Hall of Fame Gala were humbled by an honor given by their peers.

The College also honored Narezo with the Distinguished Service Award for his lifelong commitment to the arts and education in our community. Because of difficulty speaking, at the time of the award, José offered a short video presentation of his work in which he stated: “I look at nature and things around me. I try to capture the feelings, the emotion. I apply many paints onto the canvas and then

I start taking it off…a lot of times the emotion comes to the surface and you’re making that relationship that an artist has with a painting. I’m a painter; I don’t want to expect the common. I want to be able to create things that you can develop, things that you can give your own personal feelings. I want to thank Aquinas College for encouraging me.”


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Distinguished Service AwardRev. Mark C. Przybysz ’83A tireless fundraiser for Aquinas

College, Fr. Mark Przybysz ’83 serves on the Aquinas College Board of Trustees and its Advancement Committee. He is able to leverage his influence in the Catholic community for the benefit of the College, while also acting generously in other ways. In addition to serving as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and director of Continuing Formation of Priests for the Grand Rapids Catholic Diocese, Fr. Mark contributes his time serving on the boards of numerous community and religious organizations as an advocate for accessible transportation. Fr. Mark worked hard to help create more convenient Grand Rapids Transit Authority bus schedules.

A strong proponent of lifelong learning, Fr. Mark holds a B.S. in mathematics and State of Michigan secondary teaching certification from Aquinas College, and B.A. and M.A. degrees in religious studies from Catholic University of Louvain/The American College, Louvain, Belgium.

Outstanding Alumnus Award James R. Farris ‘96, Deputy Chief of Police, Grand Rapids Police Department

Since he began his career with the Grand Rapids Police Department in 1981, Deputy Chief James Farris ’96 has risen steadily in the ranks, having attained his present position in February 2008. Among his notable achievements, Farris pioneered the community policing program on the city’s south side. A peacemaker, skilled at working with citizens who are often at odds with one another, Farris is a voice of reason in the often unreasonable world of city neighborhoods. Popular among the community at large, he remains active with community outreach agencies.

A former continuing education student and an enthusiastic “unofficial recruiter” for the College, Deputy Chief Farris earned his B.A. in social science from Aquinas with a minor in business and communication arts.

Preview: 2009 Alumni Awards

Forest Hills (Ada Township, Mich.) School District elementary teacher Erik Cliff ’01

(below right) didn’t think anything was unusual about reporting to a Central Woodlands Elementary School assembly, supposedly to recognize student MEAP scores last October. That was until the sixth-

grade teacher arrived to find himself at a surprise award presentation in his honor. Cliff learned he was the recipient of a $25,000 prize given by the Santa Monica-based Milken Family Foundation, a group that recognizes top teachers across the nation.

Cliff’s effectiveness as an instructor stems from his passion for his work. While studying criminal justice at Grand Valley State University, his role as head coach of the Northview Community Swim Team made him realize that “working with kids was what I truly enjoyed.” Deciding that he wanted to teach, Cliff transferred to Aquinas to take advantage of the education program and earned a certificate in education.

“I really enjoyed the small class sizes at Aquinas, and each professor I had took the time to get to know me,” he said. After a year of teaching fifth-grade at Sparta (Mich.) Elementary, Cliff took a teaching position at Central Woodlands and has taught there for six years. “I truly love my job,” Cliff said, noting his profession to be both challenging and rewarding. “I know I’ve picked the right career—one that I know can make a difference in others’ lives.”

Aquinas Alumnus Receives $25,000 Educator Award

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Aquinas College Magazine – Spring 2009Alumna Janis Wasco Explores Life Filled With Love of God in New BookBy Victoria Manion, Student Writer

“It was like I found my soul sister,” said Jan Wasco ’03 of the woman who helped her write Unlocking Our Fenced in Hearts, Molly Keating. The two West Michigan women met at Loyola University while studying for their master degrees in pastoral studies and decided to help others break down the fences around their hearts as a team.

Wasco, who started teaching “Faith and Meaning” the fall semester of 2008 at Aquinas, was a follower of Henri Nouwen and believed in what the author and pastor called the “still small voice” of God’s will for her life. Keating and Wasco spent three years discovering the times in their lives when they had listened and ignored the small voice until they were prepared to share with others how they could break down fences around their hearts.

“The book is geared towards women,” said Wasco. “I would like to see it affecting the lives of the women at Aquinas.” The book guides readers through their past pain, so that they can live a life filled with passionate love for God, others and themselves. “I’m

hoping that readers learn that they can connect to the voice within, that God is always with them,” said Wasco. Wasco and Keating have created a book that speaks to women on an emotional and spiritual level. Wasco’s final goal for the readers of

her book is simple. “That they fall in love with their Creator.”


Homecoming 2008: A Grand Success!Just over a thousand Saints came home to

Aquinas for friends, fun and frivolity during Homecoming Weekend October 3-5, 2008. Thirty-six teams participated in the first annual Alumni Association Corn Hole Tournament, the main stage tent rocked to the sounds of “The Weatherheads,” the soccer teams fought intense battles, old roommates reunited at one of 10 reunions, tours were taken and Mass was packed!

Save the Date for 2009: October 2-4. In addition to the many fun activities, the Aquinas Sports Management Club will host a 2K walk

and 5K run, The AQ Run-Thru. Classes ending in 4s and 9s will be celebrating reunions. Do you have ideas on how homecoming could be improved even more? Would you like to join your reunion committee? We’re all ears. Contact Brigid Avery at [email protected] or Sr. Alice Wittenbach at [email protected].

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When he first set out to write the novel that would become Duty & Honor, Michael Deeb ’57 knew he wanted to write about the Civil War. More than that, however, he wanted to write about the people. Duty & Honor is his first novel, and a sequel—Duty Accomplished—was distributed in November.

“I didn’t teach what was happening on the battlefield,” said Deeb, a former professor of American history at Wayne State University. “I’m interested in the people.” In approaching his fiction, Deeb writes about conflict—both personal and political. Duty & Honor focuses on the character of Michael, a young man growing up in Lowell, Michigan, who in 1864 is swept into a war—and a culture—with which he is unfamiliar.

Deeb, who served on the Michigan State Board of Education from 1968 to 1974, is influenced by his own history. At a reading last July at Aquinas College, Deeb told audiences that his novel’s protagonist is based upon his own grandfather, and many familiar with West Michigan will recognize popular landmarks, street names and geography.

As a lifelong learner and teacher of American history, Deeb sought to dispel common misconceptions surrounding the Civil War. According to Deeb, it wasn’t all about slavery, but a combination of political, economic and social factors.

Deeb graduated from Aquinas College with a major in history and minor in business. He later earned his master’s degree from Michigan State University, where he focused on colonial history, and his doctorate from Wayne State University. After 20 years in the field of education, Deeb began a successful business career in finances. He and his wife, Sally Dittman, have five children and ten grandchildren, and live in Sun City, Florida.

AQ Alum Deeb ’57 Authors Book on Civil WarBy Dan Treul, Student Writer

Forty Detroit-area alumni and friends gathered at the Joe Louis Arena on November 17. Bob Michielutti

’85, generously underwrote the dinner and drinks portion of the evening. After a lively reception in the private Manhattan Room of the Olympia Club, guests cheered the Red Wings on to a 4-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. An unexpected visitor dropped by the party and was nabbed for a photo with the group—Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios (right rear).

AQ in Hockeytown, USA

To learn more about Michael Deeb and to purchase Duty & Honor and Duty Accomplished, visit his Web site at www.civilwarnovels.com.

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Alumna Thomas Honored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Louise Thomas of Kentwood (Mich.), a 1980 AQ continuing education graduate, has dedicated

her life to volunteering in the West Michigan area. Recently, she received an award thanking her for her efforts. The 82-year-old Thomas was one of three people statewide to received the Michigan Claude Pepper Award by Blue Cross Blue Shield specifically for her work with the elderly. Along with this award came $1,000 to the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan. Thomas has been a volunteer with them for 20 years.

However, her work does not simply stop with the agency. Thomas also served as a Kent County Commissioner and helped pass a senior millage and

a levy for Wyoming’s first library. She served as a commissioner of the state Department of Community Health and Services to Aging. She was a delegate to a White House conference on aging and has spoken and presented workshops on topics such as elder abuse, gambling addiction, compassionate care giving and spirituality in later years. Thomas feels there is a need for many more volunteers in the West Michigan area and is now focusing on being a resource to other volunteers.

Article excerpted from The Grand Rapids Press. Copyright 2008. Used with permission. Photo reprinted with permission from the Michigan Christian Advocate (Nov. 2008). Thomas (left).

Jim Brunson, ’71, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, was reading his

daily dose of the Bay City Times when he saw that Cheyna Roczkowki, a current Aquinas junior, had made the Dean’s List. He called me to ask if I could connect the two of them so he could meet her and take her out for lunch. The following, in Cheyna’s words, is how the alumni connection has impacted her.

“It may have been fate that he saw my name in the paper, but it was Jim Brunson’s commitment to helping Aquinas students and giving back to the AQ community that led to our eventual meeting. We talked about Aquinas, past and present, his career path, and everything in between.

“Upon finding out that I also wanted to be a lawyer, Mr. Brunson answered every question of mine.

Looking around his office, it is clear that Brunson continues to support Aquinas; he has Aquinas magnets and post-its decorating his workspace while his diploma hangs on a nearby wall. He attends

alumni gatherings when he can and constantly refers to fond memories of life at AQ.

“As Mr. Brunson and I continue our correspondence, I am grateful for his support and wealth of information. Because of him, I am more excited not only for my future as a lawyer, but for the time when I can return the favor by mentoring an interested Aquinas student years from now. Without alumni

making themselves available to current students, a valuable resource goes untapped, and students and alumni lose a valuable connection that could possibly change their lives.”

“…We talked about Aquinas, past and present, his career path, and everything in between.”

Take a Saint to Lunch By Brigid Avery, Director of Alumni Relations

We are in the early stages of putting together a more formalized process to make connections among alumni and students. If you are interested in mentoring a current student in your field, or just having lunch to talk about your career path, please call the Alumni Office: (616) 632-2494 or e-mail [email protected].

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Mark Your Calendars, iPhones, and Blackberries!Visit www.aquinas.edu/alumni for more information on Events & Updates

• Wednesday, March 25, 2009 – Alumni Breakfast, a fundraiser for the Aquinas Fund

• Saturday, April 25, 2009 – Project Pride, an annual community service project in downtwon GR

• Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, 2009 – Alumni Spiritual Retreat, a time for quiet reflection and relaxation with Mary Clark-Kaiser and other spiritual directors

• Wednesday, June 24, 2009 – Kids Food Basket Project, a community service opportunity

• Friday, July 10, 2009 – Detroit Alumni Reception, hosted by Michael Smith at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle

• Friday-Sunday, October 2-4, 2009 – Hall of Fame Gala, Homecoming and Reunion Weekend

DATES TBD:• Speed Careering, think of “SpeedDating” but we’ll

be making a vocational connection between alums and students

• Summer BBQ, A Family Friendly Frenzy of Fun

• NYC and Northeast Alumni Reception, Celebrating our East Coast AQ Family

• Receptions in Northern Michigan, Lansing and Chicago. If you can’t come to AQ, we’ll come to you!

Bridging 96 is a collaborative effort between Crain’s Detroit Business and The Grand

Rapids Business Journal. I-96 is the interstate that links both sides of the state of Michigan; this group examines the ideas, initiatives and interests that tie the east and west coasts together (see http://bridging96.com). On October 14, nearly 40 professionals from Grand Rapids boarded a bus and toured the exciting developments in Detroit, including several young AQ alumni (pictured below L-R): Chris Wessely ’04,

president of the Great Lakes Sport and Social Club (greatlakessc.com); Elissa Sangali Hillary ’05, executive director of Local First (localfirst.com); Bridget Clark-Whitney ’03, executive director of Kids Food Basket (kidsfoodbasket.org); Brigid Avery ’01, director of Alumni Relations and our Detroit tour guide, alumna Jeanette Pierce ’04, co-founder and co-president of Inside Detroit (insidedetroit.org), a welcome center and tour company for all things Detroit.

Bridging 96


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The AQ Golden Saints celebrated their reunion with the traditional Sunday Brunch on October

5 to cap off the 2008 Homecoming Weekend. For the first time, the classes of 1958 and 1959 were welcomed as the newest Golden Saints. The brunch was attended by 110 alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago, making this year’s event the largest to date.

The program included remarks from President Ed Balog and a display of photos and newspaper articles from the Aquinas College archives provided by College archivist Sr. Jean Milhaupt ’45. As old friends reminisced, the Emerson Swing Band, led by Ray and Helen Emerson (both ’51 grads) entertained them with a selection of classic standards.

Record Turnout for Golden Saints Brunch

Swapping stories at the brunch are Lyle Morrison ‘52, Don

Plewka ‘50, David Kamm ‘64 and Giles Courtney ‘51.

Audrey (O’Brien ‘48) Witham enjoys catching up with Joan (Otterbacher ‘50) Laidlaw and Bernie DePrimo ‘49 over breakfast.

Sr. Jean Milhaupt, O.P. ‘45, Aquinas archivist (on right),

welcomes Bob ‘58 and Mary Ann (Seward ‘55) Niedzielski

and Floyd McCoy ‘58 to view historical materials at the

brunch.


The reunions held in conjunction with the 2008 Homecoming Weekend October 3-5, brought

friends together from far and near. Alumni came from California, Washington, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Canada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Oklahoma and, of course, all parts of Michigan to celebrate the richness of friendships and our fond memories of Aquinas. Alumni who couldn’t be here checked in from Alabama, North Carolina, Massachusetts, South Dakota and Texas. We were all reminded that an Aquinas experience does, indeed, make all the

difference in the world. Altogether, more than 350 alumni returned to

campus for reunion activities, including some who had not been on campus for 50 years. Alumni who took advantage of the campus tours were impressed by the changes on campus, especially the new Grace Hauenstein Library, the Performing Arts Center and the renovated space on the second floor of the Academic building, site of the former library.

Several developments made this a special reunion. We celebrated ten class reunions for the first time. Beginning with 1958, each class year ending in a three

5th Reunion (2004 Class) Front row (kneeling): Seth Peters, Amy (Westphal) Peters, Jennifer Wells, Allison (Lindemeyer) Fabian, Trish Charbonneau-Ivey, Eric Johnson, Jeanette Pierce, Sarah (Thelen) GarrettSecond row: Jessica (Corey) Wood, Christine (Wood) Alcala, Samantha (Buyze) Hekman, Nikki (Buhagier) Earl, Matt McCarthy, Beth (Pochert) Lowe, Jamie McCarthy, Kerrie Walker, Molly Frendo, Dave Williams, Sarah KommerBack row: Ragan Savara, Paul Wood, Chris Hekman, Dave Gebhardt, Greg Alcala, Tim Lowe, Brendan Earl, Chad Buyze, unidentified, Tom Eggleston, unidentified, Patrick Hurley

10th Reunion (1998 Class) Matt Milzarski, AliciaMarie Belchak, Sharon Kukla-

Acevedo, Magali (Ramirez) Lathouwers, Reid Lathouwers, Ignacio David Acevedo, Andie Richmond

15th Reunion (1993 Class) Kathy (Stys) Kiss, Kris (Sneider) Tessmer, Hillary (Leonard) Kruse, Tracy (Swindell) Weibel

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Reunions Draw Alums from Across the U.S. and Canada

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20th Reunion (1988 Class)Back: Connie Udell, Nancy Kohane-Nortier, Michael Janisse, Deb Groendyke, Dave Groendyk, Jeff Winters, John Frey, Tom Egeler, Dan Hoogterp, Neil ReillyFront: Colleen (Murphy) Anderson, Lisa (Robach) Frey, Vicki (Creemers) Baker, Rose (Laginess) Hoogterp, Becky (Miller) Mikowski, Tom Mikowski, Bonnie (Braathen) Burke, John Burke, Michele (Pacholka) Reinke

20th

or eight gathered together. This was capped off by the annual Golden Saints Brunch, attended by 110 alumni who graduated at least 50 years ago. Committee members of all reunion groups worked hard to make connections via telephone, e-mail and Facebook to increase the number of alumni at each reunion.

On the evening of October 4, there were separate gatherings for six of the reunion groups. They shared the same format: an unstructured program that allowed the attendees to mingle and catch up with former classmates. Alums who graduated in 1988, 1993, 1998 and 2003 met together in the Donnelly

Center. Some classes created photo slide shows, which provided more memories and lively entertainment.

In addition to serving as an occasion for former classmates to reconnect, the reunions offer alumni the opportunity to support Aquinas as a group in the form of class gifts, which support the Aquinas Fund for student scholarships. This year the class gifts presented to the College by the ten reunion groups totaled more than $40,000.

25th Reunion (1983 Class) Around the back: Barbara Corey, John Corey, Nancy (Hill) Hagen, Mike Hagen, Lyle Myers, Kevin Vizard, Jim Belisle, Tim Davidek, Jim Murray, Karen (Dengler) DeChant, Colleen (Leonard) RothFront: Sherry Belisle, Patty Conklin, Joan Dennehy, Karen Keast, Amy (Neitzel) O’Brien, Lisa (Toteff) Arthur, Bridget (Lower) Davidek, Mary (Knecht) White

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30th Reunion (l978 Class) Front Row: Mark Piggott, Nancy Spezia, Kris (Woltanski) Allen, Bob Allen, Duane Gwysdala, Lisa (Markucki) MitchellMiddle Row: Phil Delrue, Frank Flynn, Ann (Miller) Fex, Mary Mitchell, Diane (Lafferty) Wright, Peggy (Chauncey) Cramer, Sharon (Kelly) Chapin, Lauriann (Gallagher) PowersBack Row: Elise (Marin) Merkel, Charlie Clapp; Ellen (Ter Keurst) Meeker, Dennis King, Bob Donaldson, Paul Koestner, Rose Karasti, Romaine (St. Germain) Nease, Scott Nease, Bob Rich, Bill Hart, John Martino, Terry Powers, Helen (Daunt) Alexander, Corinne (Radtke) McNabb, Mary Helen Gilday

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35th Reunion (1973 Class) Tom Bertram, Elaine (Bode) Bertram, Ron Cheli, Barb (Mc Shane) Dyer, Mary (Lauer) Gnepper, Connie (Shirey) Schultz, Gary Stefaniak, Larry Schafer

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40th Reunion (1969 Class) No Group PhotoOur apologies to members of the Class of 1969 who attended their 40th reunion. Because everyone was having such a good time, we forgot to get a class picture. However, we want to recognize those who attended. They include Bill and Nancy (Hogan) Schmiedicke, Dan and Susan (Kelly) Gerrity, Ed Krupiczewicz, Don Quillan, Michael and Susan (Girodat) Buese, Matt and Judy Burns, Carl Wisneski, James and Mary Doman Schaffer, Bill and Carole (Engel) Zoller, Bill and Rose

(Bowler) Boruta, Jerry and Marybeth (Sakowski) Rardin, Bill and Robin (Fehman) Plouff, Jim and Helen (Murray) Milanowski, Rick and JoAnn (Iaquinta) Kahn, Joe and Ann Rumler, Richard and Suzanne (Reid) Cowdrey, Bob and Susan (Weber) Chrysler, Jerry and Karen (Van Raalte) Clark, Patricia (Williams) Arnold, Patricia (O’Neill) Williams, Chet and Kay Murawski.

45th 45th Reunion (1963 Class) Front row: John Mullally, Barb (Granger) Mullally, Cynthia (Gorsky) Thrall, Sr. Margaret Hillary, Chris LongcoreSecond row: John Nowak, Maureen Nowak, Joe Siler, Chuck Frydrych, Mary (Kaminski) Frydrych, Mary (Cleary) FulkThird row: Judy Jorgensen, Fred Hesse, Dale Tithof, Kathy (Musselman) Copp, Pat (Farrell) Dedrel, Bob WalshFourth row: Tom Jorgensen, Dave Huhn, George Fulk, Joe Finnigan, Mary Ellen (Pins) FinniganTop row: Peter Cordes, Gary Copp, Liz Tafel, Michelle (Neilsen) Walsh

And now, on to 2009 reunions, October 2-4.This year we will be celebrating the four’s and

nine’s, beginning with 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2004. Maybe it’s your turn, even at this early date, to invite friends and classmates to your 2009 reunion. It would be a wonderful accomplishment to double the number

of participants. We need your help, since no matter how many positive responses we have for our Reunions, the cry is always the same: how come more people don’t come?

If you would like to add your expertise to this process, contact Sr. Alice Wittenbach at [email protected] or (616) 632-2453.

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Class of 1958Back row (L-R): Bob Viera, Bob Niedzielski, Bill Passinault, Floyd McCoy, John Burns, Jim Pelon, Pat Quinn, Dan Pupel, Jack SchremsFront row (L-R): Beatrice Eglajs Treleaven, Mary (Pettersch) Passinault, Joan (Nikodemski) Foy, Beth (Geller) Burns, Sr. Jean Kramer, O.P., Sr. M. Aquinas Weber, O.P., Pat (Miller) Rossio

Class of 1959Back row (L-R): Sybil (Klapperick) D’Amico, Bud Stephan, John Morse, Jim Casper, Jim Roberts, Joe Murphy, Leon Byl, Mary Lynn (Robach) PatinFront row (L-R): Mary Ann (Hawkins) Kelly, Pat (Miller) Avena, Roxanne (Coale) Morse, Amy Lalewicz, Gerri (Radawski) Roberts, Sr. Rosemary O’Donnell, O.P., Rita (Myszka) Champion, Liz (Linder) Erhardt

56 Aquinas College Magazine – Spring 2009AQUINAS ENROLLMENT: Finding Opportunities in the Wake ofDemographic and Economic Downward TrendsBy Tom Mikowski ’89, Dean of Admissions

Challenges GrowSmall colleges and particularly private colleges

like Aquinas, are faced with unique challenges in today’s economic environment. High unemployment, particularly in the state of Michigan at 10.6 percent, coupled with shrinking demographics of graduating high school seniors make achieving optimal enrollment especially difficult. According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, Michigan produced 119,353 high school graduates last year. By 2022, that number will drop by 22,350 (or 18.7 percent) to 97,003 because of changing demographic patterns, according to new national projections of high school graduation trends.

Opportunities RemainYou may wonder, “How can Aquinas remain

optimistic about its enrollment future?” Simply put, there is a lot of positive momentum

at the College with record freshmen enrollments the

past four years and within the greater Grand Rapids community. Highlights include:

•Anongoingcommitmenttoenhanceoursciencefacilitiesand programs through the College’s Science Initiative

•Continuedgrowthinournationallyrecognizedsustainablebusiness major and progress with our Sustainability Initiative

•Furthergrowthinourpre-medprogram

•The$1billiongrowthandexpansionofHealthcareHillorthe Medical Mile in Grand Rapids

•Theadditionofmen’s(2008-2009)andwomen’s(2009-2010) lacrosse teams

•Ongoingfundraisingprogressforanewfieldhousethatwillenhance and expand both athletic and academic programs

•Focusedretentioneffortsresultinginincreasedfreshmenretention from 74 to 76 percent (Average freshmen retention rate at four-year colleges is 71 percent)

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These are just a few of the opportunities that exist for both Aquinas and the greater Grand Rapids community. These forward-thinking initiatives will continue to propel the College to further success.

Alumni Involvement Is KeyAt a recent conference, I took away an interesting

thought on how social media (Facebook and the like) has changed the landscape of higher education-Web sites in particular. They serve as a gateway of information to assist in marketing the College. A key message rang true during the conference: colleges will have to efficiently move their sites from being like silos and treating each constituent (e.g. current students, faculty, staff, alumni, benefactors, etc.) separately to one of being more integrated. Alumni, specifically are interested in more than just connecting with other alumni. They want a fuller experience which includes engaging with former faculty and staff,

serving as mentors for current students and being more connected and involved than prior generations. An enhanced collaborative outreach effort with alumni will be instrumental in keeping Aquinas in the front of prospective student’s minds. Some initiatives under way include:

•TheAlumniOffice’ssoontobeunveiledSaintsNetworkWeb site

•TheAdmissionsOffice’snewventurecalledCoffeeAmong Saints that connects our alumni with current and prospective students

These are among the many things that Aquinas is doing to facilitate connections. The College can continue to grow and prosper with the ongoing support of community, alumni and benefactors. In the Admission Office, we look forward to that continued partnership as Aquinas moves into a new era.

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Freshmen 2008 Orientation

FINE ARTS DAYFRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009

CLUB AQ

SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2009

AQDAYFRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009

Current high school students can get

more information and register online at: www.aquinas.edu/undergraduate.

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The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Board at Aquinas has selected Shirley Kane

Lewis, Ed.D. and Rabbi Albert M. Lewis, D.D. to receive the prestigious Aquinas Emeritus Award. The couple will receive the award at the 26th OLLI at Aquinas Emeritus Evening on Thursday, May 14, 2009 in the Wege Student Center.

The Aquinas Emeritus Award is given as a tribute to an individual or couple in the community whose leadership, generosity and spirit of service has been sustained over the course of many years, and whose dedication to the welfare of all citizens serves as a light to guide those who follow.

Shirley is professor emerita in-the-college and served in several capacities during her tenure at Aquinas. She was the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, a former chair of the psychology department and professor of education. Committed to children, music and the humanities, Shirley created the Temple Emanuel adult and junior choirs, and has composed and conducted several original pieces

around West Michigan. She was a cantor at Temple Emanuel for more than 20 years and currently serves on the Children’s Assessment Center board, the YWCA board and the Social Action Committee of Congregation Emanuel. Shirley is a gifted teacher and one of OLLI’s favorite instructors. She has published scholarly articles in several journals and books and is frequently asked to speak about interfaith issues.

Rabbi Albert M. Lewis is the rabbi emeritus of Congregation Emanuel in Grand Rapids and the rabbi of Congregation Beth El in Traverse City. His rabbinic career has been built on interfaith understanding and dialogue, evident in his weekly columns in The Grand Rapids Press. Rabbi Lewis is the past director of the Aquinas Emeritus College and an adjunct professor of psychology and gerontology at Aquinas College. He is the founding president of Hospice of Greater Grand Rapids (now Hospice of West Michigan) and has been active in the Greater Grand Rapids transit millage and the senior adult millage.

Lewises Named Recipients of OLLI’s Emeritus Award

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OLLI


Talented storyteller and performer, Patricia Hruby Powell, daughter of long-time

Aquinas president Norbert Hruby, Ph.D., transported attendees to the 19th century for a delightful evening at the Women’s City Club to celebrate the name change from the Aquinas Emeritus College to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas College. Powell delivered two fascinating monologues while in the characters of Emily Dickinson and Jane Austen as they mused about their personal lives, current events and the cultural mores that informed so much of their work. Some of the evening’s most delightful moments occurred when, in character, Powell answered the audience’s most pressing questions about Austen’s life.

Patricia Hruby Powell portrays Emily Dickinson and Jane Austen in an OLLI fundraiser.

OLLI Celebrates Name Change with Special Performance

“Our members who attended are still raving about Patricia Hruby Powell’s wonderful performance and reception. It was truly outstanding and we are eager to participate in more programs with OLLI!” –Carol Dodge, President of

Women’s City Club

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Sue Stauffacher, director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas, is a prolific and passionate writer with four novels, two picture books, a book of retold folk tales, and a comic book series to her credit. That passion earned her recognition and a Grand Rapids YWCA Tribute! Award in November. Stauffacher was one of seven West Michigan woman honored for their work.

The Tribute! Award program described Stauffacher’s accomplishments this way: “For Sue, her art is a way to open doors for children, particularly those who struggle to read, find little encouragement elsewhere, or rarely see positive images of their personal communities. She uses her gift to craft stories around difficult and emotional issues–child neglect, single parenthood, bullying, parental incarceration–letting her young readers know that they are

not alone and encouraging them to believe in themselves. Through her art, Sue brings to life courageous and interesting characters who reflect America’s diversity. Most recently, her picture book Nothing But Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson, who was the first African-American woman to compete and win at Wimbledon, won the 2008 NAACP Image Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature.

“To make reading possible for more children, Sue has funneled over $50,000 worth of engaging new trade books into the Grand Rapids Public Schools, dedicates her personal time as a mentor, and has developed an innovative literacy tool–a comic book series called Wireman that is designed specifically to appeal to older elementary and middle-school children who still cannot or do not read.”

OLLI Director Stauffacher Honored With YWCA’s Tribute Award

In February 2008, the Aquinas Emeritus College received a grant from the Osher Foundation and became the 119th institution of higher learning to house an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), joining a nationwide network. The new mission statement reads: “OLLI at Aquinas is a community of adults joining together to achieve personal transformation of mind, body and spirit through lifelong learning and community service.”

OLLI will continue to offer courses for which the Emeritus College was well-known, while enhancing and expanding our programming. Last fall, OLLI held courses at John Ball Park Zoo, the Gerald R. Ford Museum, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, The Grand Rapids Public Library, Schuler Books and Music and Celebration Cinema. Popular new course titles included CSI: Grand Rapids, Inside Sports and France at a Glance.

We have also instituted a series of bus trips (see

accompanying article). Our most popular innovation has been members-only courses. For $25 per year, members can take a variety of courses, from self-publishing to pairing wine and food, to the geology of Grand Rapids.

The Osher Foundation asks institutes to demonstrate that individuals in each community are willing to invest in their OLLIs. If we gain 500 members in 2008-2009, we will qualify for $1 million for the OLLI at Aquinas endowment. For institutes with growth potential, 1,000 members means an additional million dollars, resulting in a total of $2 million. Alumni can help us toward our goal of 1,000 members by becoming members themselves, or by purchasing gift memberships for those who live here in West Michigan. And alums get $5 off the price of membership. Just mention your alumni status when signing up. Course catalogs are available at www.aquinas.edu/olli. Download membership from the Web site or call (616) 632-2430.

OLLI Memberships Can Mean $1 Million to AQ Institute


OLLI

In September 2008, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute kicked off a series of bus tours that

introduced students to the many diverse cultures that make West Michigan home. In Grand Rapids, India students listened to Indian hosts between stops at the Spice of India, The Hindu Temple and an Indian version of a Dollar Store. Following the trip, the group ate a delicious Indian meal at the Browne Center with channa masala, dal mahkni, paratha, samosas and, for dessert, gulab jam. Topics of discussion on the bus included how older people are treated in India, funny language misunderstandings and the concept of arranged marriage versus marriage outside of one’s cast. In November, OLLI traveled to Grand Rapids, Mexico, on All Saints Day or el Dio de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead). Students drank authentic Mexican hot chocolate and the sweet pan de los muertos (Day of the Dead bread), visited a Mexican bakery and grocery store and St. Andrew’s Cathedral to learn about the architecture and view the Virgin Guadalupe.

By far, the program’s popular innovation to date, these cultural bus tours are open to members only. Linda and Jim Dodge wrote “The Indian guests who traveled with us on the bus were willing to share their life here as compared to India, how our cultures meshed and how they were able to preserve their way of life in such an honest and open way. We fondly refer to these trips as our food and faith outings.”

Cultural Bus Tours

Former Mayor John Logie (r) hosted a bus tour of new downtown developments. Members Larry ’53 and Nancy Erhardt went along.

Pictured from left: Medha Kosalge, Nell

Abramajtys and Suzie MacKeigan enjoy some

shop time during a cultural bus tour.

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At the 2008 Aquinas College Hall of Fame Gala on October 3, George LaMountain, founder

and former chair of the psychology department, was awarded a posthumous honor for his contributions to Aquinas College. Hailed as an intellectual giant, dedicated teacher and academic leader, LaMountain was a dominant figure at Aquinas for 28 years (1954-1982).

Dr. Lee Jacokes, professor emeritus, accepted the award on LaMountain’s behalf. In his remarks, Jacokes announced he has established a memorial scholarship,

the George F. J. LaMountain Scholarship, for Aquinas students who are pursuing majors or minors in psychology or sociology. For more information about contributing to this endowed scholarship, contact Marjorie Kindel MM’06, director of planned giving, at (616) 632-2821 or Email at [email protected].

New Scholarship Named for Professor Emeritus, George LaMountain

Inspired by the efforts of the Holmdene Preservation Committee, Dirk and Vickie Hoffius made a contribution last fall to relay the bricks on the porch/patio/terrace area on the west side of Holmdene where compaction and settling over the years have caused the surface to become unlevel and unsafe. Jim

Williams, director of Grounds and Maintenance, directed the effort which involved the removal of all the bricks and their replacement on a good sub-base of crushed stone. Dirk and Vickie added a year end gift designated for patio furniture so that the Aquinas community can fully enjoy the Holmdene patio and gardens once the weather permits.

Brick by Brick


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2008 Scholarship Reception

Nancy (L) and Larry Erhardt ’53, pose

with scholarship recipient Chelsea Nix.

Kate Pew Wolters ’78 (center) with the recipients of her

Community Leadership and Reflection Awards: (L-R) Alexa

Stover, Jane Kraemer, Kevin Landino, Whitney Ehresman,

Mary Jo Vezino, Alma Jean Setter and Nicole Parker.

More than 170 student scholarship recipients, their parents and benefactors attended

the 2008 Scholarship Reception on November 12. This annual celebration is held to honor both the individuals responsible for sponsoring and supporting privately funded scholarships and the students receiving them. Marjorie Kindel, director of planned giving, emceed the program. President Ed Balog began by offering a warm welcome and his gratitude to the scholarship donors for the assistance they give each year to AQ students. Dr. Balog also praised the dedicated students who have been awarded the scholarships and assured them that while economic fortunes may rise and fall, their educations will always retain value. Athletic Director Terry Bocian ’70, expressed his hope that

scholarship recipients would remember the assistance they received and “pay it forward” after graduation.

The evening’s program also drew generous remarks from donors and students alike. Saying he considered it a privilege to assist deserving students to obtain a college education, benefactor Dirk Hoffius (R. Stuart and Barbara Hoffius Memorial Art Scholarship) reminded everyone that learning should be a lifelong endeavor. Scholarship recipients Amanda Strouse and sisters Allison and Chelsea Nix spoke about the tremendous opportunities AQ has offered them to participate in

athletics, service learning and leadership which complement their course

work. To the delight of those in attendance, student performers Nicole Storey (soprano), Bill Marfink

(accompanist) and Mary Lothschutz (pianist) provided entertainment. The evening was capped off with a rousing performance by Dr. Paul Brewer, associate professor of music, and the AQ Jazz Band that included students Caitlin Brooks, Tim Carew, John LaCross, Matt Gardner, Charlie Merkle, Alicia Oliver, Kyle Tonczyk, Steven VanLoozenoord and Vince Wood.


We share with our students that they have the potential and the responsibility to

make a difference in the world around them. Making a difference includes their work environment, families, church affiliation and communities. We share the value that every person has the ability to positively influence and shape those things around them–the power of just one individual can be enormous.

“This (Aquinas) education is not just something I’ve done. It’s a community of people that have supported me financially and encouraged me. They are a part of my success and I am grateful,” said senior Kathy Williams.

The success of the Aquinas Fund in raising the needed $1.8 million will be determined by this belief as well. In the midst of challenging economic times, we have already received more than 3,300 gifts this year ranging from $5 to $25,000. Collectively, we have topped the million dollar mark and need to raise another $800,000 by June 30. We have had record high enrollment this year and anticipate another strong class this coming year. As parents and families try to balance these challenging times, the need is even greater to help so others will have the opportunity to pursue an Aquinas education.

Henry Winkler, Aquinas College Stars for Scholars guest speaker, put it this way: “You know how difficult it is to live in today’s economy…if it is difficult for

you, can you only imagine what it is for those who have very little and great desire (for an education) but don’t have the means to meet their desire and then to break through onto the other side.”

The power of one is YOU. You make the difference. Whatever the size gift, please send it today. Whether you are a recent graduate still working to realize

your career and family aspirations or a corporate leader interested in leveraging our Corporate Partners Program or an alum who is nearing retirement–each person has the ability to make an impact through the Aquinas Fund.

All new and increased donations by alumni and parents of alumni and

students are still eligible for matching monies through the generous Wege Challenge Match of $250,000. So far this year we have matched nearly $150,000. We have $100,000 left to match by June 30, 2009.

Hats off to the winners of last year’s class competition by decade–it was close this year and frequently one or two people make the difference. The power of ONE is true.

Leading class year’s by participation1948 with 32% participation1952 with 33% participation1962 with 33% participation1971 with 30% participation1980 with 19% participation1997 with 17% participation2001 with 17% participation

The Power of OneBy Cecelia Cunningham, Director of The Aquinas Fund

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“The power of one is YOU. You make the difference.”


Aquinas College Peter M. Wege ProAm Golf Invitational–May 18

Pull out your golf clubs and your best swing—the second annual Aquinas College Peter M. Wege ProAm Golf Invitational is set for Monday, May 18, 2009 at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids. This premiere golf event, which raises funds to support student scholarships through the Aquinas Fund, honors Peter Wege, trustee emeritus and benefactor of Aquinas.

Last year’s event was a huge success, with 132 golfers and 33 pros from all over Michigan participating in the 18-hole scramble. An additional 55 guests arrived later to join in the dinner and live auction festivities. After all was said and done, the event raised $119,000, an extraordinary accomplishment for the event’s inaugural year!

At the celebratory dinner, President Balog noted that Wege has been a steadfast supporter of Aquinas and honoring him is a delight.

“I am personally very privileged to know someone who has lived his life in a way that has always recognized the importance of both our stewardship of the world around us and the importance of the human community that inhabits that world.”

Be sure to mark your calendars for May 18. Help us honor Peter Wege while raising funds for the Aquinas Fund and enjoying a great day of golf!

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Evening of Elegance—A Tour de France

Wege Foundation HonoredOn November 6, the Wege Foundation was

presented with the Exemplary Foundation Award by the West Michigan Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Executive Director Ellen Satterlee accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation, which marked its 40th anniversary in 2008.

AFP coordinates the annual National Philanthropy Day event, held this year at Kalamazoo’s Western Michigan University. The event recognizes the contributions volunteers and nonprofit organizations make to the West Michigan community and around the world.

The Wege Foundation has been Aquinas College’s number one benefactor for more than four decades. The commitment and generosity of the Foundation can be understood through the vision and passion of its founder, Peter Wege. He credits the Foundation’s

legacy to his father who inspired him to give back to the community. Wege has given tremendously to the West Michigan area through his foundation for more than 40 years.

“Do all the good you can,” is the motto of the Wege Foundation that serves as an inspiration for others to give. To encourage that giving, the Wege Foundation frames many of its gifts to Aquinas in the form of challenge gifts. For the past five years, $250,000 per year has been granted as a challenge gift towards student scholarships.

According to the AFP, “The Exemplary Foundation Award is presented to a foundation that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership

roles in philanthropy and community, national and/or international involvement.”

This year’s “Evening of Elegance,” presented by Huntington Bank, will have attendees steering

their way from Monaco all the way to the Champs-Elysees. Although no lengthy bicycle rides will be required, guests will experience joie de vivre while tasting regional delicacies from towns along the Tour de France route.

The event, to graciously be held at the beautiful home of John and Nancy Kennedy, is set for Wednesday April 29, 2009. Nestled in the natural elegance of a Grand Rapids forest, the Kennedy’s stately retreat, with vista views, classical Georgian and Greek influences, inviting fireplaces and warm red and gold hues, will complement the fine wine and haute cuisine prepared

by Food Smith’s chef, Andrew Smith. Andrew and Karin ‘01 Smith have been the exclusive caterers for “Evening of Elegance” since its inception.

“Evening of Elegance” has received great success, and in its eighth year, continues to be one of Aquinas’ premiere events. Attributed to both private and corporate sponsors, the event has raised more than $750,000 over the past seven years. All proceeds from the food-filled evening go directly toward the Aquinas Fund for student scholarships.

Purchase your tickets early—space is limited and the event sells out each year. Merci!

For tickets or to become an event sponsor, please contact Ellen Harburn at (616) 632-2805 or email [email protected] or Cecilia A. Cunningham at (616) 632-2816, [email protected].

Nancy and John Kennedy

Pictured (L-R): Terri McCarthy, vice president of programs, Wege Foundation; Keith Hopkins, President, AFP-West Michigan Chapter; and Ellen Satterlee, executive director, Wege Foundation

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Reflection Award Honors the RoycesThe Aquinas Board of Trustees was pleased to

honor Charles and Stella Royce at the 15th annual Reflection Award last September. The award is given to those who exemplify the Aquinas values of integrity, service, loyalty, vision and commitment, and “the Royces have spent a lifetime honoring and upholding these values,” stated Greg McAleenan, vice president for Institutional Advancement.

President Balog welcomed guests and the honorees, and acknowledged Chuck and Stella’s impact on the community and Aquinas College, especially in regard to the arts.

“I’ve seen the passion and commitment in the eyes of Chuck and Stella when they talk about particular musical performances. They bring the same passion to their efforts…to those who otherwise would have no such opportunity. They do these things… with sincerity, commitment and a fundamental sense of humanity that affects the lives of all who meet them.”

The award ceremony included comments by the Royce’s son, Charlie ’85, as well as Dylana Jenson, a violinist with the Grand Rapids Symphony, and Laura Berman with the Grand Rapids Ballet. Berman, acknowledging the Royce’s dedication to the local arts community,

asked, “How does one capture their brilliant spirit, their incredible fortitude, their genuine goodness and generosity? They inspire us to be better people, better artists and better citizens.” Jensen added, “we all know the generous spirit of Chuck and Stella and how they’ve made this little city into something pretty grand for us all to enjoy.”

After receiving the honorary mirror, a traditional element of the Reflection Award, Chuck and Stella

thanked Aquinas College. Stella said, “As proud parents of an Aquinas alumnus who received a very fine education here, this is an especially meaningful occasion for Chuck and me…to be recognized by this institution which is making a difference for good in the lives of so many young people, means a great deal to us. We are thrilled, honored and humbled, and we thank you very, very much.”

Despite the rainy evening, the event raised $85,000 for the Aquinas Fund.

The 2009 Reflection Award will honor former Grand Rapids Community

College President Juan Olivarez, a 1971 Aquinas graduate. The event is slated for Thursday, September 10, 2009. (See related article on page 70).

Chuck and Stella Royce

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2009 Reflection Award Honors Dr. Juan R. OlivarezThe 2009 Reflection Award will be presented to Juan R. Olivarez,

Ph.D., ’71, former president of Grand Rapids Community College, on September 10. Presently serving as the president and CEO of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Dr. Olivarez was chosen for this year’s honor because of his work in literacy and education and his longstanding commitment to community development. A leader in the West Michigan community, Dr. Olivarez is a 2003 recipient of the David McMahon Award for excellence in working for human rights, was appointed to the National Institute for Literacy board by President George W. Bush and has served on numerous national, state and local boards.

Aquinas alumna Vonda Van Til ’90 returned to campus January 14 to talk about Social Security. Van Til, public affairs specialist for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the western half of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, talked about how social security impacts business, provided updates on the latest changes in social security and discussed the importance for businesses to educate their employees about social security. About 60 people attended the College’s Corporate Partners luncheon program.

Members of the AQ science faculty were invited to lunch at the home of Darrel “Ted” Thompson ’52 to view a virtual tour of the proposed laboratory renovations for Albertus Magnus Science Hall. Thompson, a member of the Science Initiative Advisory Committee, is retired chairman of X-Rite Corporation.

To date, the Science Initiative has raised more than $3.3 million. Ted has created two endowed fellowships, one in his name and one in the name of his late wife, Diane, in the amount of $100,000 each.


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2008-2009 Corporate PartnersAdamy and Company, CPAs

Angel Care LifeCompassAon Consulting/Risk Services

Armock Mechanical ContractorAXIOS Inc.

Berends Hendricks StuitBissell Inc.

Byron BankCentennial Securities Company

Central Interconnect Inc.Charlevoix Energy Trading

Chemical Bank WestClipper Belt Lacer Company

Comerica BankD. Schuler’s Wine Cellar

DematicFeyen-Zylstra Electric Inc.

Forest Hills FoodsGill Industries Inc.

Global Futures and Forex LTDGrand Rapids Dominicans

Grand Rapids PlasticsGWI Engineering

Howard Miller CompanyHuntington National Bank

Kay PharmacyKent Beverage Company

Knape Industries Inc.Languages International

Marsh/MercerMercantile Bank

Modern Roofing Inc.Morgan Stanley

NETech CorporationNorthern Trust Bank

Presto Print Inc.Pridgeon & Clay Inc.

Rehmann RobsonRitsema Associates

SA Morman & CompanySecuralarm SystemsService Express, Inc.Spartan Stores Inc.

VanDyken MechanicalVi-Chem Corporation

West Side Beer DistributingX-Rite Corporation

The September Corporate Partners luncheon was held on September 24, 2008, and featured Ron Alvesteffer, president of Service Express Inc.. Alvesteffer spoke about his company’s performance measurement system which utilizes scorecards and clearly defined job descriptions and expectations. This approach has led the company

to a 20 percent average annual revenue growth and the opening of eight new offices. Alvesteffer’s primary focus is strategic planning and leadership development. He joined Service Express as sales manager in 1997 and rose to president in 2002.

Joseph Battipaglia, market strategist for Stifel Nicolaus & Company Inc., was the keynote speaker at the October 22 Corporate Partners luncheon. His

talk focused on the economic outlook beyond the election. Battipaglia is featured frequently in the national media, including CNBC, FOX News and the Nightly Business Report. A former trustee of the Securities Industry Institute, he has also worked for Gruntal & Co., served as chairman on investment policy at Ryan, Beck & Co., and was a financial analyst for Exxon Corporation.

2009 Reflection Award Honors Dr. Juan R. Olivarez

Corporate Partners Series

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Michael Dean, AQ’s veteran sports announcer, statistician, historian and sports information liaison has been honored by the National Baseball Congress (NBC) by induction into its Hall of Fame. Dean has served as the Michigan representative to the NBC as well as its announcer and statistician at its 32 team national tournament held every August in Wichita, Kansas. 2008 marked the 25th year that Dean has served in this capacity.

“I am both humbled and honored,” stated Dean, learning that he would be inducted into the National Baseball Congress Hall of Fame. “I am very thankful to have been able to contribute to the tournament for so many years.”

Dean was inducted last August in a ceremony at the Wichita tournament. The only other Michigan inductee in history is Bob Sullivan, long-time sponsor and manager of the Grand Rapids Sullivan’s baseball team.

Dean was also honored last summer after being named the first-ever Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Sports Information Director of the Year (SID) by a vote of his peers at their annual SID meeting.

The award honors an outstanding sports information professional in the conference and was officially named the Mike Dean SID of the Year award.

“I thought it was a fitting tribute to everything Mike has done not only for Aquinas College, but our conference over the past 15 years, that we name the award in his honor,” stated Matt Fancett, WHAC media relations director.

Dean, who earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1978, presently holds the unique title of statistician/historian in the Aquinas Sports Information

department, where he has worked with the baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball and soccer teams since 1984. In addition to his work at Aquinas, Dean has served as WHAC statistician, compiling weekly statistical reports in all sports since the 2007 season.

Dean’s passion for baseball earned him national recognition in 2006 when the NBC awarded him the Hap Dumont trophy honoring his 22 years of service as the official statistician and historian for the NBC World Series.

“Mike is definitely a multi-talented, one-of-a-kind person in this business,” said

Aquinas Athletic Director Terry Bocian, who hired Dean and has worked closely with him as both head baseball coach and athletic director.

“The dedication, professionalism and meticulous approach he brings to everything he does has earned him the respect of everyone in the local sports field and throughout the state of Michigan,” Bocian added.

Aquinas’ Michael Dean Receives Two Honors

Frank Rogers will direct the newly announced women’s

lacrosse team at Aquinas College, which will begin competition in the spring of 2010. Rogers brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position and is very eager to get everything up

and running from the “ground floor.”Coach Rogers began his coaching duties at various

high schools in New York in the early 90’s, and took

control of the men’s lacrosse program at Western Michigan University in 1996. Most recently Rogers has been coaching the women’s lacrosse team at Western Michigan University and working with various travel teams in the Kalamazoo area.

Rogers also is very active in camps, clinics and foundations aimed at continuing the growth and development of the sport of lacrosse. Rogers has been a member of the U.S. Lacrosse Foundation for 35 years and is always looking for new and exciting ways to expose lacrosse to novices of the sport.

Frank Rogers Named First Ever Women’s Lacrosse Coach

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Amanda Strouse recently concluded her cross country and track careers at Aquinas College as one of the most decorated Saints in the history of the College. Strouse was honored with All-American status eleven times between cross country, track and academics.

A 2004 graduate of Lansing Catholic Central, Strouse has been a success and a positive influence from the moment she stepped onto the Aquinas campus. A fierce competitor and a meticulous preparer, Amanda never lets an opportunity for success pass her by. Whether in the classroom, on the track or giving a prospective student a tour on campus, Amanda

is a great representation of what it truly means to be an Aquinas Saint. Amanda was recently honored at the

2008 Cross Country banquet by having the Cross Country Most Outstanding Runner

Award named after her. The plaque reads, “During her cross country career at Aquinas College, Strouse epitomized the true meaning of champion. Strouse concluded her cross country career at Aquinas with All-American honors, individual WHAC and Region VIII titles and the cross country school record. Amanda’s spirit and dedication will always be remembered and act as a driving force for all future Saints.”

Amanda Strouse’s All-American HonorsCross Country 2007, 2008

Academic Cross Country 2006, 2007, 2008

Track & Field Outdoor 2007 – 4x800 Relay

Track & Field Indoor 2008/Distance Medley Relay, Mile

Track & Field Outdoor 2008 – 1500 Meters

Academic Track & Field 2007, 2008

Amanda Strouse: An “All-American” Girl

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Following a slow start to the season, the Saints emerged the victors in this year’s Grand Rapids

Sports Hall of Fame Classic. Aquinas’ back to back victories over Calvin and Hope marked the second consecutive year that the Saints have won the classic.

The Saints opened the tournament with great shooting and rebounding in the first half against Calvin College. Aquinas opened up a 17 point lead at 5:39 mark of the first half only to see it shrunk to two during the last minute of the game. Solid defense and key free throws by Ty Motley and Pedja Lazic down the stretch gave the Saints their first victory of the year, 78-73. Pedja Lazic led the Saints with 19 points and seven rebounds, while John Lierman provided a much needed spark as he returned to the lineup scoring 18 points and recording seven rebounds.

The following night Aquinas defeated Hope College on their home floor in the championship game 58-46. The Saints used solid team defense,

won the rebounding battle and limited the number of their turnovers to send the Flying Dutchman to their first defeat of the season. Pedja Lazic, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, led the Saints with 14 points and a tournament record 16 rebounds.

After winning the GRSHF Classic, the Saints will prepare to chase their third WHAC Championship in the last four years.

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The Aquinas College women’s basketball program held a huge celebration for its

alumnae on January 31. The event was attended by close to sixty former players who proudly wore the Aquinas College uniform. More than forty of the alums suited up for an alumni game that ended in a three-point victory by the maroon team coached by Colleen Lamoreaux-Tate. Following the alumni game,

the former players watched the current women’s basketball team notch their sixth consecutive victory over Siena Heights University and remain in a three-way tie for the WHAC championship. The alumni were honored at halftime. It was a special day for all who attended, and after the game there was a celebration downtown. Coach Linda Nash commented, “It was amazing. The alumnae game had

a crowd as big as some of our games. The best part of the day was the meshing of players from different playing eras. It was very evident that Aquinas College has a special place in the hearts of all who attended. There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not thankful for the opportunity to work with so many special individuals. It was one of the biggest highlights of my career.”

Women’s Basketball Program Welcomes Former Players

Men’s Hoopsters Take Top GR Sports Hall of Fame Trophy

Late News: AQ Men’s Basketball team captured the WHAC conference and the WHAC tournament in March. On to Branson, Missouri, for the NAIA tournament. AQ Women’s Basketball team is playing in the NAIA Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa.


The Aquinas College Athletic Hall of Fame will induct five new members during the Hall of

Fame Gala on Friday, October 2. The group includes Mary Takas (softball and coaching), Pat Williams (Lifetime Achievement Award for tennis), and an All American trio of baseball sluggers, Tim Matchinsky, Rick Heuvelman and Mark Hendrickson.

Mary Takas ’84, a Grandville native, was a four-year starting catcher on Aquinas softball teams and a two-time All-State performer. She also lettered four years in basketball. She returned to the College as head softball coach and assistant basketball coach. She is the only coach in AQ history to lead two separate sports teams (softball and basketball) to national tournaments. She served as interim head basketball coach in the 1990-91season.

Pat Williams ’68 holds a lifetime of success in tennis as a player and as coach. A city champion at the age of 16, she went on to star on the College’s women’s teams. Because of her outstanding skill, she often practiced with the men’s team. Pat has coached Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s boys’ and girls’ tennis teams for more than two decades and has

coached all of her eight children.Tim Matchinsky ’77 (Holland High School/Grand

Rapids Community College) was an outstanding line drive hitter in the mid 1970s, hitting over 400 on two separate occasions. He was a two time all-stater and earned All American honors in 1976 and 1977.

Rick Heuvelman ’79 (Wyoming Rogers High School/Grand Raids Community College) was Aquinas’ leading power hitter and home run hitter from 1977 to 1979. He captained the 1979 State Championship squad and earned All American honors that year for his efforts. He is the only AQ All American to also share the honor with one of his children. His daughter, Ashley, earned All American honors in 2007 in basketball for the Lady Saints.

Mark Hendrickson ’81 (Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills High School/Grand Rapids Community College) had perhaps the finest offensive year in AQ baseball history in 1981 when he batted .421, driving in 81 runs and set the Michigan collegiate home-run record with 19. He earned first team All-American honors in 1981.

Pedja Lazic headlines an all-star roster for the WHAC this season. The senior from Kentwood was named the Preseason Player of the Year. Last year Lazic averaged 14.2 points and 7.2 rebounds for the Saints. Junior John Lierman was also tabbed a Preseason

ALL-WHAC performer.Junior Joslyn Narber was selected by

the conference coaches as the top player

in the WHAC Women’s Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team. Narber averaged 18.6 points and 6.1 rebounds for the Saints last season.

The Aquinas women’s team was picked to finish third in the league after capturing the WHAC tournament championship in 2008. The Aquinas men’s basketball team was picked to finish second in the WHAC in 2009 after winning the regular season title last year.

Three Saints Named Preseason Players of the Year

2009 Athletic Hall of Fame Nominees

Mary Takas Pat Williams Tim Matchinsky Rick Heuvelman Mark Hendrickson

Men’s Golf • AcademicAllConference: Jason Lewinski,

Dan Szatkowski • ChampionofCharacter:Brad Hall

Women’s Golf • HonorableMentionAllConference: Jessica

Morse, Allie Dragoo, Taylor Giesen-Bayley • AcademicAllConference: Jessica Morse • ChampionofCharacter: Anne Hertl

Men’s Cross Country • AllConference:Chris Leikert, Rob Veldman,

Sean McGlothlin, Nate Poirier • AcademicAllConference:Chris Leikert, Sean

McGlothlin, Nate Poirier, Mitch Hoffman, Andy Vereecke

• ChampionofCharacter:Sean McGlothlin • ConferenceCoachoftheYear: Mike

Wojciakowski • AcademicAllAmerican: Chris Leikert, Sean

McGlothlin, Mitch Hoffman, Andy Vereecke

Women’s Cross Country • AllConference:Amanda Strouse • AcademicAllConference: Amanda Strouse,

Kelsey Webb, Emily Popma, Ruth Blaxton, Kaitlyn Meernik

• ChampionofCharacter: Katy Cramer • AllAmerican:Amanda Strouse • AcademicAllAmerican:Amanda Strouse,

Kelsey Webb Men’s Soccer • AllConference1st Team: Jeovani Pantoja,

Michael Vaughn • AllConference2nd Team: Jarod Smith, Chad

DeRussell, Chris Smith, Ben Richardson • AllConferenceHonorableMention:Erich

Jackson, Jose Guillan • AcademicAllConference:Brian Himes, Carlos

Martinez, Ben Richardson • ChampionofCharacter:Carlos Martinez • AllAmerican:Jeovani Pantoja • AcademicAllAmerican:Brian Himes, Ben

Richardson

Fall Athletic Honors

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Women’s Soccer • AllConference1st Team: Jessica Greaney • AllConferenceHonorableMention: Kaitlyn

Burns, Natalie Walker • AcademicAllConference:Rebecca Mudri • ChampionofCharacter:Kathryn Chandonnet • AcademicAllAmerican: Rebecca Mudri

Women’s Volleyball • AllConference1st Team: Katie VanderMeer,

Jessica Curtis • AllConferenceHonorableMention: Mollie

Lounds • AllConferenceFreshmanTeam: Taylor

Rudland, Chelsea Phillips • ConferenceSetteroftheYear: Katie

VanderMeer • AcademicAllConference:Heather Becker,

Kari Carnell • ChampionofCharacter: Taylor Rudland • ConferenceCoachofCharacter:Dave Rawles • AllAmerican: Katie VanderMeer

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Men’s Golf The men’s golf team finished the 2008 season by taking sixth place in the WHAC. Seniors Jason Lewinski and Dan Szatkowski along with junior Brad Hall, carded the lowest average scores for the Saints in 2008.

Fall Sports Wrap

Women’s GolfAfter winning the inaugural WHAC Championship last year, the women’s golf team had to settle for third place behind Indiana Tech and Madonna. Senior Jessica Morse along with freshmen Allie Dragoo and Taylor Giesen-Bayley were named to the All-WHAC Honorable Mention Team.

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Women’s VolleyballThe Aquinas volleyball team showed dramatic improvement in Coach Dave Rawles, second season. The Saints improved from five wins and an eighth place finish in the WHAC in 2007 to 22 wins and a third place finish in the league in 2008. Aquinas hosted a home WHAC tournament game and advanced to the semifinals of that same tournament before bowing out to perennial national power Madonna. The Saints were led by talented transfer Katie VanderMeer, who received Setter-of-the-Year in the WHAC and was named a NAIA All American. A very athletic freshman class headed by Jessica Curtis, All-WHAC 1st Team, Taylor Rudland and Chelsea Phillips, both whom were named to the WHAC All Freshman Team, look to keep the Saints at the top of the league for many years to come.

Aquinas men’s cross country team captured the WHAC Cross Country Conference title for the seventh consecutive year. The Saints avenged early season losses to Indiana Tech by claiming four of the top seven spots at the conference championships at Riverside Park. The quartet of Chris Leikert (Grand Rapids West Catholic), Rob Veldman (Zeeland East), Sean McGlothlin (Sutton’s Bay) and Nate Poirier (Centerline) were all honored with All-WHAC

honors. Coach Mike Wojciakowski ’99, WHAC Coach of the Year, has directed the men’s cross country team to eight WHAC Championships and eight top 20 finishes at the NAIA national championships. The Saints continued their successful season at the 2008 NAIA Cross Country National Championships, where they finished third. The meet was hosted by the University of Wisconsin Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The Saints used pack running and a strong push over the last three miles to stake claim to the third overall position with 194 points. Aquinas senior Chris Leikert placed 25th (25:22), leading the charge of five Saints finishing within 32 seconds of each other. Following Leikert was Nate Poirier (28th/25:28), Rob Veldman (37th/25:37), Sean McGlothlin (44th/25:41), Seth Bjorle (60th/25:54) and Victor Rameriz (76th/26:03). The Saints, performance marks the fifth consecutive year that Aquinas has finished as one of the top six schools at the NAIA National Championships.

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Women’s SoccerThe women’s soccer team, coming off a WHAC regular season and a WHAC tournament championship in 2007, finished the 2008 season with a record of 8-8-3. After a slow start to the season, the Saints finished strong by going 6-2-3 over their last 11 games. Aquinas finished third in the WHAC behind Madonna and Siena Heights.

Jessica Greaney (Troy), who was named to the All-WHAC 1st Team, led the Saints in scoring with five goals and six assists. Senior Kaitlyn Burns (Traverse City) and freshman Natalie Walker (Flint) were both named All

Conference Honorable Mention.

Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team under the direction of Joe Veal posted a record of 14-6 for the 2008 campaign. After losing three of their first five games, the Saints responded by winning 12 of their final 15 games. The Saints finished the conference season in a first place tie with Madonna, both schools earning 11-1 marks in WHAC play. The Saints season ended at the hands of Madonna in the WHAC tournament championship game 2-0.

Sophomore forward Jeovani Pantoja (Grandville) received All-American accolades for his 18 goals and four assists. Sophomore Michael Vaughn (Jenison) joined

Pantoja on the All-WHAC 1st Team. Jarod Smith (Middleville), Chad DeRussell (Grand Rapids), Chris Smith (Holt) and Ben Richardson (Traverse City) were all voted to the All-WHAC 2nd Team. In Coach Veal’s three seasons the Saints record stands at 39-18-3.

The women’s cross country team finished the 2008 season by taking second place in the WHAC behind champion Indiana Tech. Amanda Strouse led the Saints by finishing in second place, garnering All-WHAC honors. Strouse, and sophomores Katy Cramer and Alicia Boynton, qualified for the NAIA National Championships in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Strouse received All-American honors. She was also named

an All-American in 2007. Cramer and Boynton finished in 19:07 and 19:41, respectively.

Men’s Cross Country

Women’s Cross Country

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The AQ Athletic department staff and team members hit a holiday “home run” in 2008

through their involvement in three charity events. The members of the Student Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) and their respective teams were involved in the Toys for Tots drive, the clothing drive for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, and the Adopt a Family for Christmas effort through Catholic Social Services.

The effort collected more than $500 in toys for needy children in the Toys for Tots drive, more than

$2,500 in food, clothing, toys and gift cards for the Adopt a Family drive for 22 families and numerous boxes of clothes for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Each athletic team adopted a family with the larger squads having two families, and all team members were asked to donate in some way.

Special thanks go to Crystal Laska (pictured above right) for organizing the “Adopt a Family” drive and to all on campus who got involved.

Clothing donations for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans wrapped up in mid-March.

AQ Athletic Department & SAAB Group Hit A Holiday Home Run


Ath

letics2008 Athletic Hall of Fame Awards

The Athletic Hall of Fame welcomed six new members to its ranks. The comments by honorees,

perhaps, best characterize what it means to be a Saint–or Tommie–as the case may be:

Laray Hardy ‘86 (basketball) – was not able to attend, but Basketball Coach Dave Hammer accepted the award in his honor: “I’m sure Laray would have had the same passion to talk and to accept and to be thankful for the number of people who have touched his life here.”

Ed Kelbel Sr. ‘59 (golf) – Ed’s son, Ed Kelbel Jr., accepted the award on his father’s behalf: “He was a visionary teacher…he was the teacher that taughttheteachers.Mydadwasthefirst[inhisfamily] to graduate from college, right here at Aquinas…he has always set the bar very high…his students knew that they were going to learn a lot from him in the classroom or the golf course, whether they liked to or not.”

John O’Donovan ‘60 (golf lifetime achievement) – “I’m proud to be inducted into this Hall of Fame…I’m proud to have been a part of the excellent Aquinas teams of the 50s and 60s.”

Ernie Mousseau (coach - cross country and track) – His son, Andy, who spoke on Ernie’s behalf, stated: “To be inducted into the Aquinas Hall of Fame is a humbling honor. Aquinas was a place that suited Dad…Dad never said that he was going to work here at Aquinas. Instead, he was always just at the Fieldhouse. He coached so he could help athletes, and they are his crowning achievement.”

Shannon Bessette ‘95 (soccer and coach) – “One of the things that stands out for me is that Aquinas gave me such opportunity and it goes back to building relationships…it’s amazing this community and the relationships we have built.”

Robin Bessette ‘95 (soccer) – “My time at Aquinas taught me many things and as much as I love the camaraderie and the excitement from playing on thesoccerfieldandothersports,Ilearnedmanylessons that have stayed with me through my athletic career as well as many other areas of my life.”

Picture (L-R): Jim Kelbel, Ed Kelbel Jr., Mike Kelbel, John O’Donovan ’60, Ernie Mousseau, Shannon Bessette ’95, Robin Bessette ’95

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Aquinas College Sports Schedules—Spring 2009Men’s BaseballDay, Date Opponent Site TimeSun., March 8 vs. Marian (DH) Sanford, Fla. 10:00 am

Mon., March 9 vs. Olivet Nazarene (DH) Ormond Beach, Fla. 10:00 am

Tues., March 10 vs. Jamestown Ormond Beach, Fla. 10:00 am

Tues., March 10 vs. Missouri Baptist Ormond Beach, Fla. 2:00 pm

Thurs., March 12 vs. Embrey Riddle University (DH) Daytona, Fla. 3:00 pm

Fri., March 13 vs. Olivet Nazarene Ormond Beach, Fla. 10:00 am

Fri., March 13 vs. Judson Ormond Beach, Fla. 2:00 pm

Sat. March 14 vs. Rio Grande (DH) Ormond Beach, Fla. 10:00 am

Thur., March 19 vs. Muskegon CC (DH) (exhibition) Kimble Stadium 4:00 pm

Fri., March 20 vs. Kellogg CC (DH) (exhibition) Kimble Stadium Noon

Sat., March 21 @ Indiana Wesleyan (DH) Marion, Ind. 1:00 pm

Sun., March 22 @ Trine (V, 9 inning & JV, 7 inning) Angola, Ind. 1:00 pm

Tues., March 24 vs. GRCC (exhibition) Kimble Stadium 3:00 pm

Wed., March 25 @ Alma (V, 9 inning & JV, 7 inning) Alma, Mich. 1:00 pm

Sat., March 28 @ Indiana Tech (DH)* Fort Wayne 1:00 pm

Sun., March 29 vs. Indiana Tech (DH)* Kimble Stadium 1:00 pm

Wed., April 1 @ Purdue North Central (DH) Westville, Ind. 1:00 pm

Fri. April 3 vs. Delta CC (exhibition) Kimble Stadium 3:00 pm

Sat., April 4 vs. Concordia (DH)* Kimble Stadium 1:00 pm

Sun., April 5 @ Concordia (DH)* Ann Arbor 1:00 pm

Tues., April 7 vs. Bethel (DH) Kimble Stadium 2:00 pm

Wed., April 8 vs. Olivet (V, 9 inning, JV, 7 inning) Kimble Stadium 1:00 pm

Sat., April 11 vs. Davenport (DH)* Kimble Stadium 1:00 pm

Mon., April 13 @ Davenport (DH)* Grand Rapids 1:00 pm

Tues., April 14 vs. Northwood (V, 9 inning) Kimble Stadium 2:00 pm

Wed., April 15 vs. Rochester College (DH) Kimble Stadium 1:00 pm

Sat., April 18 @ Siena Heights (DH)* Adrian 1:00 pm

Sun., April 19 vs. Siena Heights (DH)* Kimble Stadium 1:00 pm

Tues., April 21 vs. Hope (DH) Fifth Third Park 2:00 pm

Wed., April 22 @ Rochester College (DH) Rochester 1:00 pm

Fri., April 24 vs. Madonna (DH)* Kimble Stadium 1:00 pm

Sat., April 25 @ Madonna (DH)* Livonia 1:00 pm

Sun., April 26 WHAC Rain Date

Mon., April 27 @ Spring Arbor (V, 9 inning) Battle Creek/Bailey Park 5:00 pm

Tues., April 28 @ Calvin College (V, 9 inning) Grand Rapids 4:00 pm

April 30 - May 2 WHAC Tournament TBA TBA

May 12-15 NAIA Nationals Opening Round TBA TBA

May 22-29 NAIA National Finals TBA TBA

DH=Double Header; BOLD=Home Games; V=Varsity; JV=Junior Varsity

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Men’s Tennis ScheduleDay, Date Opponent Site Time

Fri., Mar. 6 vs. Moravian Orlando, Fla. 7:00 pm

Sun., Mar. 8 vs. St. Ambrose Orlando, Fla. 3:00 pm

Mon., Mar. 9 vs. Valparaiso Orlando, Fla. TBA

Tues., Mar. 10 vs. Wesleyan Orlando, Fla. 11:00 am

Tues., Mar. 10 vs. St. Josephs Orlando, Fla. 6:00 pm

Wed., Mar. 11 vs. Embry-Riddle Daytona, Fla. 3:30 pm

Fri., Mar. 13 vs. Vincennes CC Orlando, Fla. TBA

Wed., Mar. 18 vs. Grand Valley State Allendale 3:30 pm

Fri., Mar. 20 vs. Wheaton Grand Rapids Noon

Sat., Mar. 21 vs. Tiffin Grand Rapids 11:00 am

Thurs., Mar. 26 vs. Calumet Grand Rapids 2:00 pm

Sat., Mar. 28 vs. Indiana Wesleyan Grand Rapids 11:00 am

vs. Cedarville Grand Rapids 3:00 pm

Wed., Apr. 1 @ Hope Holland 4:00 pm

Sat., Apr. 4 @ Indiana Tech Fort Wayne, Ind. TBA

Fri., Apr. 10 @ Wayne State Detroit 2:00 pm

Fri., Apr. 17 @ Olivet Nazarene Bourbonnais, Ill. 4:30 pm

Sat., Apr. 18 @ St. Francis Joliet, Ill. 11:00 am

Sat., Apr. 25 vs. Spring Arbor Grand Rapids 4:00 pm

Women’s TennisDay, Date Opponent Site Time

Sat., March 7 vs. St. Ambrose (IA) Kissimmee, Fla. TBA

Mon., March 9 vs. St. Mary’s (IN) Kissimmee, Fla. TBA

Mon., March 9 vs. Ursinus College (PA) Kissimmee, Fla. TBA

Tues., March 10 vs. Michigan Tech Kissimmee, Fla. TBA

Wed., March 11 vs. Washington College (DE) Kissimmee, Fla. TBA

Sun., March 22 @ Trine University Doubles Tourney Angola, Ind. TBA

Tues., March 24 vs. Adrian Grand Rapids TBA

Wed., March 25 vs. Olivet Grand Rapids TBA

Sat., April 4 @ Indiana Tech Fort Wayne TBA

Tues., April 7 vs. Hope Grand Rapids TBA

Thurs., April 9 @ Spring Arbor Spring Arbor TBA

Fri. & Sat., April 9 -10 @ Olivet Nazarene Bourbonnais, Ill. TBA

Mon., Apr. 13 @ Adrian Adrian TBA

Fri. & Sat., April 17-18 @ Indiana Wesleyan Tournament Marion, Ind. TBA

Home indoor tennis courts are at Orchard Hills. Outdoor courts (weather permitting) are located at Wilcox Park.

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Women’s Softball ScheduleDay, Date Opponent Site Time

Sat., March 7 vs. Purdue North Central Tucson, Ari. 1:00 pm

vs. Trinity International Univeristy 3:30 pm

Sun., March 8 vs. Calumet College St. Joseph Tucson, Ari. 11:00 am

vs. Waldorf College 3:30 pm

vs. Simon Fraser University 6:00 pm

Tues., March 10 vs. Trinity International University Tucson, Ari. 9:00 am

vs. Calumet College St. Joseph 11:00 am

vs. Peru State College 3:30 pm

Wed., March 11 vs. College of St. Mary Tucson, Ari. 10:30 am

vs. University of Great Falls 3:30 pm

Fri., March 13 vs. Mount Mary College Tucson, Ari. 3:00 pm

vs. Jamestown College 5:30 pm

Fri., March 20 @ Bethel College Mishawaka, Ind. 3:00 pm

Sat., March 21 @ St. Xavier Chicago, Ill. NOON

Tues., March 24 vs. Spring Arbor Grand Rapids NOON

Sat., March 28 vs. Robert Morris College Chicago, Ill. 1:00 pm

vs. Olivet Nazarene University 7:00 pm

Sun., March 29 vs. Iowa Wesleyan College Chicago, Ill. NOON

vs. Robert Morris College 4:00 pm

Wed., April 1 vs. Cornerstone Grand Rapids 4:00 pm

Sat., April 4 @ Sienna Heights Adrian 1:00 pm

Sun., April 5 @ Concordia Ann Arbor 1:00 pm

Wed., April 8 @ Davenport Grand Rapids 4:00 pm

Fri., April 10 vs. Madonna Grand Rapids TBD

Sat., April 11 vs. U of M Dearborn Grand Rapids 1:00 pm

Tues., April 14 vs. Indiana Tech Grand Rapids 4:00 pm

Wed., April 15 @ Cornerstone Grand Rapids 4:00 pm

Sat., April 18 vs. Concordia Grand Rapids 1:00 pm

Sun., April 19 vs. Sienna Heights Grand Rapids 1:00 pm

Tues., April 21 vs. Davenport Grand Rapids 4:00 pm

Wed., April 22 @ Indiana Tech Fort Wayne, Ind. 4:00 pm

Sat., April 25 @ Madonna Livonia 1:00 pm

Sun., April 26 @ U of M Dearborn Dearborn 1:00 pm

April 30 - May 2 WHAC Tournament TBD TBD

BOLD=Home Games

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Men’s Lacrosse ScheduleDay, Date Opponent Site Time

Fri., March 20 @ Augustana Rock Island, Ill. 7:00 pm.

Sat., March 21 @ Palmer Davenport, Ia. 11:00 am

Thur., March 26 vs. Hope College Grand Rapids 5:00 pm

Sun., March 29 vs. Northern Michigan Grand Rapids 10:00 am

Tues., March 31 vs. Calvin College Grand Rapids 5:30 pm

Thurs., April 2 @ Grand Valley State Allendale 5:00 pm

Sat., April 4 vs. Saginaw Valley State Grand Rapids 1:00 pm

Thurs., April 16 @ Davenport Grand Rapids 5:30 pm

Sat., April 18 vs. UM Dearborn Grand Rapids 2:00 pm

Sun., April 19 vs. Oakland Grand Rapids 2:00 pm

Wed., April 22 vs. Ferris State Grand Rapids 5:30 pm

Sat., April 25 @ Eastern Michigan Ypsilanti 5:00 pm

Fri. - Sun., May 1-3 @ CCLA Tournament Saline TBA

Tues. - Sat., May 12-16 @ MCLA Tournament Denver, Col. TBA

Outdoor Track ScheduleDay, Date Opponent/Site Time

Sat., April 4 Spartan Invitational/East Lansing 10 a.m.

Sat., April 11 SVSU Invitational/Saginaw 10 a.m.

Sat., April 18 EMU Twilight/Ypsilanti 3 p.m.

Sat., April 25 Aquinas College Open /Grand Rapids 11 a.m.

Fri., May 1 WHAC Championships/Olivet 4 p.m.

Sun., May 3 Track & Field Awards Banquet NOON

Wed., May 6 Aquinas Twilight/Grand Rapids 5 p.m.

Sat., May 9 WHAC vs. MCC/Marion, Ind. TBA

Thu.-Sat., May 21-23 NAIA Outdoor Championships /Edwardsville, Ill. 10 a.m.

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Marriages‘92 David Rahn and Laurie Ann Irish

April 25, 2008

‘94 Katherine Kwiatkowski and Joseph Collen October 11, 2008

‘03 Brandon Bailey and Kara Ferguson ’04 June 28, 2008

‘03 Craig Keson and Emily Baughman August 16, 2008

‘03 Seth Peters and Amy Westphal ’05 December 13, 2008

Pictured below with newlyweds Seth William Peters ’03 and Amy Lynn Westphal ’05 and Amy’s great aunt Agnes Mary Wojtkowiak, O.P., were a number of AQ grads who attended the December 13, 2008 wedding at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Gaylord, Michigan.

‘05 Jill Hall and Chad Zagar, June 28, 2008

‘06 Danielle Forberg and Jeff Hershey, April 10, 2008

‘06 Jessica Staubus and Paul DenHartigh, June 6, 2008

‘06 Trista Mausolf and Osmond Solomon, May 17, 2008

Births‘94 Bill Witt and Dr. Angie Witt a son, Benjamin

Patrick, on October 2, 2008

‘97 Colleen (Cone) and Matthew Gish a daughter, Anna Therese on August 9, 2008

‘99 Jeremy Wood and Sarah (Dondzila) Wood ’04 a daughter, Kaylynn Grace on November 26, 2008

‘99 Travis Hardin and Sharkea Hardin a daughter, Nia Lineé on September 29, 2008

‘99 Heather (Young) and Thad Salter a son, Elliott Jude, on August 6, 2008

‘99 Kyle Baldwin and Joelle (Kwiatkowski) ’02 a son, Eli David, on August 14, 2008

‘00 Elizabeth (Schmiedicke) and Omar Flores ‘02 a son, Michael Huemac, on March 8, 2008

‘01 Terry Keller and Kayla Keller a daughter, Josephine Margaret, on March 2, 2008

In Memoriam

Alumni Deaths ‘35 Margaret Mary (Nulty) Jarvis “Pat,” Grand

Rapids, Mich., July 2, 2008

‘38 Pierson Peter Brower, Wyoming, Mich., November 27, 2008

‘42 Roman Kaminski, Grand Rapids, Mich., July 20, 2008

‘44 Bernadette Marie (Walenga) Bohls, Grandville, Mich., November 11, 2008

‘46 Bernard A. Ross Albuquerque, N. Mex. August 7, 2008 Bernard’s wife is also a graduate of Aquinas College, Muriel (Karp) Ross, Ph.D. ’48

‘48 Adelyn J.( Janicki) Ruggieri, Silver Spring, Md., August 2, 2008

‘50 Clarence De Weerd, Coopersville, Mich., October, 2008

‘50 Thomas C. Zoellner, Grand Rapids, Mich., July 29, 2008. Thomas’ wife is also a graduate of Aquinas College, Dorothy (Zeilbeck) Zoellner ’50

‘50 Caroline E. Haven, Allegan, Mich., May 27, 2008

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‘50 William W. Smolenski, Grand Haven, Mich., October 5, 2008. William’s wife is also a graduate of Aquinas College, Millie (Knape) Smolenski ’51

‘51 Sally A. (Sheridan) Berg, Grand Rapids, Mich., June 12, 2008

‘51 Helen (Burgstahler) Boss, Howard City, Mich., March 9, 2008

‘51 William Arnold “Bill” Feutz, Portage, Mich., March 20, 2008

‘53 John Thias, Hurst Tex., August 6, 2008

‘56 Donald W. Chero, Spring Lake, Mich., July 6, 2008

‘57 Carl A. Nowak, Rockford, Mich., June 4, 2008. Carl’s wife is also a graduate of Aquinas College, Mary (Jeleniewski) Nowak ’57

‘58 Milda Cuncins, Hendersonville, Tenn., September 25, 2008

‘58 Mary Ann Minogue, Grand Rapids, Mich., November 12, 2008

‘61 Patricia (Hanrahan) O’Hara, Davie, Fla., Patricia’s husband is also a graduate of Aquinas College, James O’Hara ’61

‘63 William Wood, Cedar Springs, Mich., July 3, 2008

‘65 Alan Jay Schmidt, Lamont, Mich., August 28, 2008

‘66 Jon L. O’Berry, Ringwood, Ill.

‘67 Charla (Dawson) McKeown, November 2008

‘68 James Rinkevich, Lincoln, Neb. October 21, 2008

‘69 Lt. Col. Sandra M. Schlueter, Traverse City, Mich., November 15, 2008

‘70 Richard John Agacinski, Grand Rapids, Mich., October 16, 2008

‘71 Mary E. (Goldammer) Keegstra, Grand Rapids, Mich., August 27, 2008

‘71 Nathan Ben Horowitz, Grand Rapids, Mich., September 20, 2008

‘73 Kristine (Morris) Johnson, Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., May 20, 2008

‘74 Inara (Liedskalnins) Kalnaraups, Grand Rapids, Mich., June 14, 2008

‘74 Robert Tremlin, Howard City, Mich., December 7, 2008

‘76 David V. Sweigart, Manistee, Mich., November 18, 2008

‘79 Janice (Beaubien) Lundstrom, Bellaire, Mich., September 8, 2008

‘80 Rory Eugene McCarthy, Grand Rapids, Mich., October 18, 2008

‘83 Vicki (LaPorte) Nally, Kalamazoo, Mich., September 9, 2008. Vicki’s husband is also a graduate of Aquinas College, Daniel Nally ’86

‘83 Ronald Merriam Fassett, Grand Rapids, Mich., November 1, 2008

‘86 Joanne Randall Lackus, Honor, Mich., December, 2007

‘89 Susan D. Kapuscinski, Grand Rapids, Mich., December 5, 2008

‘89 David L. Wheeler, Grandville, Mich., November 20, 2008

‘90 Dennis Kordish, Kalamazoo, Mich., August 8, 2008. Dennis’ wife is also a graduate of Aquinas College, Theresa Kordish, D.O. ’76.

‘91 Paula Jane Billman, Allegan, Mich., May 7, 2008

‘92 Ellen Jane Hartger, Grand Rapids, Mich., September 24, 2008

‘92 Edward Corbet Koponen, Longview, Tex., September 30, 2008

‘96 Abel J. Gonzales, Lansing, Mich., June 6, 2008

Deaths of Friends and Family Mary Bolger, wife of William ’67 Bolger; sister of Pat Bowler ’73, Rosemary (Bowler) ’66 and William Boruta ’66 and Eugene ’59 and Mary Bowler, September 15, 2008

Florence Botticelli Murphy, former employee and mother of Joseph Murphy and Nancy Carling Budd, sister of Sr. Michael Ellen Carling ’81, June 30, 2008

Mary Burkholder Smolenski, mother of The Honorable Michael Smolenski ’66, July 26, 2008

Genevieve Clements, mother-in-law of Peter ’94 (Christine) Albertini, September 3, 2008

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Mary Dinkel, daughter of Elizabeth (Schrauben) Dinkel ’50; sister of Lawrence Dinkel ’77 December 12, 2008

Michael Fitzgerald, brother of Sr. Kenneth Fitzgerald, OP ’57, November 9, 2008

Gregory Dues, husband of Barbara Walkley ’67

Paul Fatum, M.D., father of employee Monica (Steve) Edison, August 7, 2008

Angela Fitzgerald, mother of Nancy ’64 (Robert) Gansler, Thomas ’67 (Rosanne ’68) Fitzgerald, Patrick Fitzgerald ’72 and Kathleen Wessell ’75, August 17, 2008

Jane Alice Grey, mother of Rudy (Anne) Vinkemulder ’95, April 7, 2008

Timothy Grice, father of student Anthony Grice

William Groening, husband of Haven Groening; father of Theodore ’78 and Kathryn Groening

Eugene Grzegorski, father of Kathleen ’85 (Kevin ’85) Johnson, November 19, 2008

Al Hanson, husband of Helen Hanson; father of Eileen (Hanson) ’86 and Jeff Markovicz, Jane (Hanson) ’80 and Robert Siegel ’79, and Tom ’82 and Judy Hanson

William Hardin, father of Travis ’99 (Sharkea) Hardin, grandfather of Travis ’99 (Sharkea) Hardin

Carl “Jack” Hill, father of Kimberly ’87 (Patrick) Gill, November 19, 2008

Eugene Hopkins, former employee, August 14, 2008

Frank Jakubowski, former employee

Rachel Jaramillo, mother of Sister Eileen Jaramillo, OP ’71

Elinore Johnson, mother of employee Julie (Chris) Marchese; grandmother of student Jonathan Marchese

Walter Kania, father of Karen Kania ’71, October 24, 2008

Susan Korda, sister of Stephen Korda ’00; cousin of employee, Jennifer (Timothy) Laird, April 19, 2008

Father of Kay (Wood) May ’77, grandfather of Melissa May ’05 and Brad May ’08, November 28, 2008

Raymond Mizzi, brother of Sr. Olga Mizzi, OP ’65, November 3, 2008

Natalie Morris, sister of trustee John (Marie) Canepa

William Muir, friend of Aquinas, husband of Kathleen Muir, July 6, 2008

Stephen Orlowski, father of Stephen ’73 and Sheila Orlowski, grandfather of Jean (Orlowski) ’02 and Dan Kesterke

Burt Ozarow, employee of Aquinas, husband of Bonnie, August 26, 2008

Gloria Pettersch, mother of Anne (Pettersch) ’84 and David Winiarski and Mark Pettersch

Steve Pokora, brother of former employee Michelle Pokora

Carole Bartusch, wife of Walter Bartusch, mother of Linda Bartusch ’84, and Brian Bartusch ’86, October 25, 2008

John Popma, Jr., father of John ’65 (Jo) Popma, June 30, 2008

Joseph William Schaefer, brother of Sr. Josine Schaefer ’66, June 9, 2008

Emmett Schoenborn, brother-in-law of employee, Rose Mary (Leon) Schoenborn, May 28, 2008

Wallace Sherwood, father of Virginia Sherwood ’80, William and Joanne Sherwood and Catherine Sherwood

Harold Slagle, father of James Slagle ’75, June 3, 2008

James Spaulding, husband of Joan Spaulding ’63 June 16, 2008

Leland Strotheid, grandfather of Robin ’85 (Charles) DeLanoy

Lawrence Tithof, brother of Dale ’63 (Mary) Tithof; grandfather of Robin ’85 (Richard) DeLanoy August 8, 2008

Anne Sarno VanderWeele, grandmother of Ann Sarno La Sotta ’77, October 15, 2008

Reid Van Gelderen, son of employee Cindy (Rick) Van Gelderen, August 18, 2008

Geri Weiland, wife of Don Weiland ’49

Maureen Plachta Western, mother of Brian ’81 (Denise) Plachta, May 26, 2008

Mary Ellen Wozniak, mother of Daniel ’82 and Brooke Wozniak and Donna (Wozniak) ’83 and Jim Tefft; sister of Rose Marie (Byrne) ’62 and Jerry De Boer, September 7, 2008

Erwin Allan Zurawski, husband of Betty (Butler) Zurawski ’47, April 23, 2008

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Class Notes1971James Ward has been hired as program director for CASA of Cass County (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

1975Mary Meernik, assistant professor in Eastern Michigan Halle Library who retired in 2007 after 20 years of service, was granted emeritus status by the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents. Meernik, of Ann Arbor, was head of cataloging for 15 years and played a role in many innovations, including implementation of the NOTIS and Voyager online systems. She also coordinated the library’s assessment and evaluation activities. Meernik received her master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan and her bachelor’s degree in history from Aquinas College.

1981Rina Battani has been named supervisor for Adult and Children’s Counseling at Family & Children Services.

1987Karl Dehn, marketing director for Battle Creek’s economic development organization Battle Creek Unlimited, will take the helm when chief executive officer and president Jim Hettinger steps down at the end of this year. Dehn will be the third president of the organization, which formed in the early 1970s. The South Haven native has been with Battle Creek Unlimited since 1997 and has worked in business retention and attraction and as lead administrator for the Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority. Dehn holds a BA in business administration from AQ and is a certified economic development finance professional. He has served on the board of the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce and as vice president of the Calhoun County Economic Development Corp.

1990Glenn Bussies has been promoted to director of External Operations at the Perrigo Co. Bussies, who received a bachelor’s degree from Hope College and a master in management degree from Aquinas College, brings to his new position seven years of procurement experience and a combined 19 years of experience at Perrigo.

1992Dean Cooper The Minnesota Timberwolves, hired Dean Cooper as an assistant coach. Cooper joins the Wolves after spending the previous nine seasons with the Houston Rockets, most recently in the role of vice president of player personnel. His responsibilities included the evaluation of draft prospects, free agents and potential trade acquisitions and the coordination of the team’s national and international scouting. Cooper began his NBA career as Houston’s video coordinator/scout in 1999, working two seasons. After serving as an NBA personnel scout for the Rockets in 2003-2004, he was promoted to director of scouting for the following three seasons before transitioning into his most recent role. Cooper worked two seasons as an assistant coach at AQ before taking a similar position with the University of Buffalo. Cooper began his coaching career at the high school level, spending five seasons at Belding High School and three years at Caledonia High School. In the offseason, Cooper is an active participant in the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, the league’s global basketball outreach platform that promotes leadership, education, sportsmanship and healthy living around the world. (Excerpt from InsideHoops.com’s Basketball Blog)

1997Sean McNatt was hired as the Breckenridge Community Schools’ superintendent.

1998Maris Brancheau received four Excellence in Journalism Awards of the San Diego Press Club. First place on series reporting for articles on the proposed Sunrise Powerlink transmission line. First place in history for “40 years of Borrego Springs Little League.” Second place in criminal justice, feature and gardening. Third place in politics for the general plan update saga story.

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Picture It!We love hearing about weddings and babies,

and we would like to include pictures! If you plan

on submitting a class note about

a marriage or new addition, please

e-mail [email protected], attach a jpeg of 300 DPI or higher and use CLASS NOTES as the subject line. If you are mailing your information, please include a high quality print.

1999Zachary Branigan, AICP, an associate at Carlisle/Wortman Associates, has earned LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council, making him one of only 360 qualified community planners in the world out of nearly 63,000 total certifications. Branigan received his masters degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan in 2001.

Jeremy Chesla joined the Grand Rapids Fire Department last January as a firefighter; he and eleven others were selected out of 1200 applicants. Jeremy will be assigned to one of 11 stations after completing the sixteen week Fire Academy. Jeremy completed eight years in the Marine Corps in 2007 while obtaining a master’s degree in literature. He resides in East Grand Rapids with his wife, Brigid Avery, ’01.

2003Libby Hews joined Berends Hendricks Stuit and serves as a benefits account executive. Berends Hendricks Stuit Insurance Agency, Inc. has been providing insurance services to the community for over 70 years. The agency has offices in Grandville, Holland and Byron Center.

2004Michelle Borek graduated from Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine with a doctorate degree on May 25, 2008. She is the recipient of the 2007 American Association of Bovine Practitioners Bovine Veterinary Student Recognition Award and the 2008 Clinical Proficiency Award in Dairy Production Medicine from Cornell University. Dr. Borek is working with Deckerville Veterinary Clinic in mixed animal practice.

2006Steven Sanocki was hired as middle school principal for Hart school district. Sanocki completed both undergraduate and master programs at AQ (1996 and 2006) and is currently working on his doctorate from Western Michigan University in educational leadership.

2006Leslie Hoffman has joined the staff of Concord Academy Boyne and will be teaching kindergarten and post-secondary.

2008Brent R. Malaski has joined the Grand Rapids office of Andrews Hooper & Pavlik (AHP) as staff accountant. Malaski joined AHP upon earning a

bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Aquinas College. He interned with AHP during the 2008 busy season preparing individual, corporate, partnership and personal property tax returns.


MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!

HOMECOMING 2009Friday, October 2 - Sunday, October 4

Class Reunions1964–(45th Reunion)1969–(40th Reunion)1974–(35th Reunion)1979–(30th Reunion)1984–(25th Reunion)1989–(20th Reunion)1994–(15th Reunion)1999–(10th Reunion)2004–(5th Reunion)

Contact Sr. Alice Wittenbach at [email protected] or (616) 632-2453

1607 Robinson Road, S.E.Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799

Address Service Requested

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGrand Rapids, MIPermit NO. 101

Are you in?

2009 Aquinas College • Peter M. Wege ProAm

May 18, 2009 • Blythefield Country Club

Find out more inside or visit aquinas.edu/golf

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