MagazineSUMMER/FALL 2014

Farm Futures Working the Land in the 21st Century 10 Paint Shop Memories 16 The Doctor Is (Flying) In 22

Features Down to Earth 10

It wasn’t unusual 150 years ago, but these Johnnies are farming in 2014. It’s a challenge they love.

More than a Paint Shop 16Why was the Paint Shop so important to so many?

Have Stethoscope, Will Travel 22From Guatemala to Tanzania and beyond, Johnnie doctors serve as

medical volunteers.

SUMMER/FALL 2014

Magazine

DepartmentsMy Perspective 2

View from Collegeville 3

Service to the Church 8

In Sight 20

Johnnie Sports 28

Advancing the Mission 30

Alumni Connection 34

Milestones 38

Inspiring Lives 44

22On the cover:Gary Brever ’97 checks his crops at Ploughshare Farm in Alexandria, Minn.Cover photo by Michael Crouser ’85

MagazineSUMMER/FALL 2014

Farm Futures

Working the Land in the 21st Century 10

Paint Shop Memories 16

The Doctor Is (Flying) In 22

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SAINT JOHN’S MAGAZINEis the magazine of Saint John’s University. It is published in the fall and winter and theCSB/SJU Magazine is published with the College of Saint Benedict in the spring.

EDITORJean Scoon

STAFF CONTRIBUTORSRob Culligan ’82Brendon Duffy, SOT ’02Jennifer Mathews EmeryLeslie HanlonMichael Hemmesch ’97Adam Herbst ’99Ted Kain ’12Jeannie Bykowski Kenevan ’98Ryan Klinkner ’04Brad Neary ’81John Young ’83

DESIGNLori Gnahn

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTJulie Scegura

UNIVERSITY ARCHIVISTPeggy Roske ’77

EDITOR EMERITUSLee A. Hanley ’58

LETTERSjscoon@csbsju.eduorJean ScoonSaint John’s MagazineP.O. Box 7222Collegeville, MN 56321

ADDRESS CHANGESRuth AthmannSaint John’s UniversityP.O. Box 7222Collegeville, MN 56321rathmann@csbsju.edu

Find the Saint John’s Magazine online at csbsju.edu/sjualum/saint-johns-magazine.htm.

© 2014 Saint John’s University

WE’RE SOCIALLike us on Facebook at facebook.com/sjualum

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/sjualumni

Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/sjualumni

As many of you know, the Paint Shop burned down this January. Fortunately, no one was hurt. At first we thought the fire was about a building. And of course it was. We lost an important historical building and the property inside it. But it was also about something else: the Benedictine residential experience and its value for community. When news of the fire got out, memories from alumni who had been student workers on the paint crew began pouring in. It became clear that their experiences as part of this work team had been as significant as anything else they’d done here. This was in large part because their supervisor, Rob Stoeckel of the physical plant staff, considered himself just as responsible for their formation as our professors and faculty residents do in their domains. He took a genuine interest in them—listening, mentoring and creating a supportive work community. He isn’t the only supervisor like this at SJU. The many staff, faculty and monks who supervise students realize that part of what it means to supervise student workers in a Benedictine institution is to attend to their students’ growth and development as well as to oversee their work. Alumni have shared with me all kinds of anecdotes about the importance of their work-study experiences. One recounts that his job in a campus office taught him writing, organizational and administrative skills that were extremely useful to him during a London internship, when he was tasked with curating a large exhibition at a contemporary gallery. “I’m not sure how I might have met that challenge without the training from my campus job,” he says. A former student worker from my office attributes his knowledge of domestic tasks like washing dishes to the

guidance of his wise supervisors. I thought he was joking until I met his appreciative wife who assured me that he was in earnest! Another alumnus calls his work-study job “the most formative aspect of my time at CSB and SJU” and praised his supervisor as being “overwhelmingly responsible for the person who I am now.” These stories are powerful reminders that in a community like Saint John’s, all of our staff are deeply engaged in the life of the community and are committed to our students’ growth and well-being. You can read more about this in our feature on the Paint Shop (p.16). And if you have a student work experience you’d like to share, I’d love to hear it. Send it to me at sjpresident@csbsju.edu.

My PerspectiveMichael Hemesath ’81, President

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Commencement 2014Parents, friends and faculty watched proudly as 454 students received their degrees at Commencement 2014. Kathleen Blatz (below center), a former chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, was the commencement speaker and received an honorary doctorate. “While I’m proud of my personal connection, my respect for Saint John’s University isn’t rooted in family bias or parochialism,” said Blatz. “It is a respect that has grown out of many, many encounters.”

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Annette AtkinsHistory“The schools’ emphasis on teaching has encouraged my own passion for being in the classroom and for making important connections with our students.” When she was hired, there was one woman for every seven men on the faculty. She brought change to the faculty and the classroom. Her masterful storytelling has made her an esteemed speaker and author.

Dave BennettsHistory“Contact with and immersion in Asian cultures significantly changed and improved my understanding of American history and culture.” This beloved history professor is well known for caring about his students as individuals. He played a key role in establishing CSB/SJU partnerships in Asia, including the long-standing relationship with Bunkyo Gakuin University in Japan.

Larry DavisGeology“I will miss working with my colleagues on integrated science programs.” His 15-year teaching stint here brought an interdisciplinary background to natural sciences and made Davis a sought-after adviser and mentor. Davis and his students assembled the most complete T-Rex ever found at the Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud.

Margaret CookClassics“I wanted to be at a liberal arts institution that valued strong undergraduate education.” After graduating in physics, she discovered Greek and fell in love with the Greek language and culture. Her love was contagious, and she taught classics and ancient history to countless students.

True Originals The end of the school year marked the retirements of nine faculty members with a combined 266 years of teaching at Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s. We welcome these nine originals into our virtual Hall of Fame.

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Mary Reuter ’60, OSBTheology“I stress and give experiences of reflection—a skill that enables students to choose who and how they want to be.” The highlight of her teaching was her course on Benedictine spirituality. Companions on a Journey, with its spiritual companioning groups, also claimed her heart, and she served on its leadership team for ten years.

Dale WhiteMusic“I taught like I performed—through my inspiration and musical energy. And I loved the students.” He was a performer, teacher, conductor and clinician. White was the director of both the CSB/SJU Wind Ensemble and the CSB/SJU Brass Choir, and taught scores of music education students.

Retired this year, but unavailable to participate:

Gladys WhiteHispanic Studies

Ephrem Hollermann ’64, OSBTheology“It has been a grace to have a teaching career in our college where the Benedictine values I cherish and live by are alive and well.” Her greatest scholarly legacy is in American Benedictine women’s history. After a decade as prioress of Saint Benedict’s Monastery, she became the first Koch Chair in Catholic Thought and Culture.

Bob Dumonceaux ’61Mathematics“I love being in the classroom with the students, and I don’t know how I’m going to replace that—so I won’t.” He arrived on campus as a student in 1957 and became an institution. Known as “Dr. D” to countless alumni, he made his classes challenging and humorous. His greatest reward in the classroom was when a student “got it.”

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President Michael Hemesath ’81 (L) presented former College of Saint Benedict Presidents S. Emmanuel Renner, OSB, (second from L) and S. Colman O’Connell (R), and CSB President MaryAnn Baenninger (second from R) with the Saint John’s University President’s Medal and Citation at the annual Midwinter Luncheon in February in Minneapolis. Renner and O’Connell were cited for their early roles in cultivating the coordinate relationship between CSB and SJU. Baenninger was honored for her decade-long leadership of Saint Ben’s.

Abbey Church Subject of New Book In the 1950s, Saint John’s Abbey set out to build a new worship space to accommodate a growing campus and changing church. The result was a work of sculptural concrete that re-envisioned what a church could be and set a worldwide standard for midcentury religious design. Saint John’s Abbey Church: Marcel Breuer and the Creation of a Modern Sacred Space (University of Minnesota Press, 2014), by Victoria M. Young, chronicles the building process for this pioneering structure. Young, a professor of modern architectural history and chair of the art history department at the University of St. Thomas will be on campus during Family Weekend (Oct. 24-26) to celebrate the book’s official launch.

Mary Hinton Named 15th CSB President Mary Hinton has been selected as the 15th president of the College of Saint Benedict. Hinton most recently served as the vice president for academic affairs at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y. She succeeds MaryAnn Baenninger. “I am delighted that Saint Ben’s has chosen Dr. Hinton as its next president,” said Michael Hemesath, president of SJU. “She is the perfect combination of scholar and administrator, and I look forward to working closely with her to advance both Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s and our coordinate relationship.”

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Brown ’15 Receives Prestigious Award Tyler Brown ’15 was one of 59 students from 52 U.S. colleges and universities named a 2014 Truman Scholar. Each recipient receives up to $30,000 for graduate study and priority admission at several premier graduate institutions. Winners are selected based on academic success and leadership accomplishments and their likelihood of becoming public service leaders. Brown is the third SJU student to receive the honor, joining Daniel Boland ’96 and Brendan Kelly ’99. Brown traveled to the Truman Library in May in Independence, Mo., to receive the award. A political science major from Sioux City, Iowa, he says it’s also a symbolic award for him, since Harry S. Truman is one of his favorite U.S. presidents. Brown has been a member of the SJU Student Senate, is the student coordinator for the McCarthy Center and has been the student trustee on the SJU Board of Trustees. He hopes to pursue a career in education policy, with the goal of improving the quality of a K-12 education in Iowa in low-income areas.

National ChampionshipThe rugby team captured its second consecutive National Small College championship with a 37-25 win over New England College on April 27 at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colo. SJU fullback Joe Thompson ’14 was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

Second in NationThe 2014 club lacrosse team finished second in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association Division II tournament. The Johnnies lost to Grand Valley State University on May 17 in the title game. It was the third time SJU finished second in the nation, following runner-up finishes in 2006 and 2007.

SJU Head Baseball Coach Jerry Haugen ’76 (second from L) earned his 700th career win on April 22. Celebrating with him were three players who were on hand for both his first and 700th victory: (L to R) Pete Rockers ’81, John Welsh ’79 and John Mee ’79.

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Service to the Church

The Saint John’s School of Theology answered the call to “rethink youth ministry” by creating the Youth in Theology and Ministry (YTM) program.

How can a graduate school of theology help get high school youth excited about theology and interested in vocations in church leadership? The School of Theology (SOT) responded to this question with a program that brings together high school youth, their adult mentors and CSB/SJU students in a summer experience of college-level theological study, service, justice, prayer and vocational discernment. During the school year, youth do service projects in their home communities. It’s working. YTM began in January 2000, one of 54 programs nationwide funded by the Lilly Endowment of Indianapolis to encourage theological schools and seminaries to rethink youth ministry and to experiment with fresh approaches to forming the next generation of Christians. Saint John’s program is designed to achieve five goals: stimulate excitement about theological learning among Catholic youth; encourage youth to consider ministry as a vocation; engage a diverse range of youth from around the state; develop the knowledge and skills of those who minister to youth; and to become a center for studying youth ministry and vocation. Fifteen years later, 426 high school youth have completed the core YTM program, the Summer Institute. This involves participating with adult mentors from their parishes in a year-long program that begins and ends with a two-week, on-campus summer experience. During the

school year, youth work on service projects in their home communities. The summer includes classes taught by theology faculty, daily prayer and Eucharist, volunteering with local organizations and community building. “One of our assumptions is that youth have important theological questions,” says Jeff Kaster ’77, SOT ’84, founder and director of YTM. “We

demonstrate respect for those questions and help bring them into conversation with the wisdom of the Church. We encourage and teach them to think theologically so that it becomes a life skill.”

A second focus of the YTM program is the development of youth ministers like Patti Watkins, SOT ’08, director of faith formation at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Medina, Minn. Some complete an undergraduate Certificate for Youth Ministry while others, like Watkins, enroll in a program that leads to a master’s degree in pastoral ministry.

and theof the By Vic Klimoski ’67, SOT ’71

LaCroix says his experience as a YTM summer counselor “was the most significant formative experience in my time at Saint John’s.”

Patti Watkins, SOT ’08, director of faith formation, Holy Name of Jesus Parish.

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Watkins originally dove into a leadership role in religious education for her parish as a volunteer, with no background in theology. She then took advantage of every workshop she could to figure out just what she should do. This led to a meeting with Kaster. Five years later, Watkins had completed a master’s in pastoral ministry at the School of Theology and was on her way to a four-year assignment in Stillwater organizing a tri-parish religious education program. “YTM made me who I am as a leader, confident in my ability to communicate the riches of our Catholic faith,” she says. Fifty-nine adult mentors have completed either the certificate or graduate program. Chris Kostelc ’02, SOT ’09 is also on the staff at Holy Name in adult faith formation. He joined YTM as a working minister, which he says was helpful in connecting his experience of ministry with theology. “Over the course of my time in the MA program, the on-going dialogue between my lived experience as a minister and the theological tradition of the Church as well as the conversations with my peers made me even more thoughtful about what I do,” he says. A third focus of the program is the selection and formation of summer counselors drawn from CSB/SJU

theology majors as well as students in the School of Theology. Ninety-six men and women have been counselors since 2000. This is where Kory LaCroix ’11, now on the Holy Name staff as senior high youth minister, found his calling. A math and theology major, LaCroix thought ministry was a possibility but doubted it could be a career. In his sophomore year, however, “I found myself going between

math and theology classes and found myself thinking about theology all the time,” he says. “It was then I recognized a deeper call to ministry.” LaCroix says his experience as a YTM summer counselor “was the most significant formative experience in my time at Saint John’s.” “What we see in pastoral leaders like Patti Watkins, Chris Kostelc, and Kory LaCroix,” Kaster says, “are people for whom balance is a hallmark of their ministry. They balance a strong formation in their Catholic identity with the ability and desire to witness that identity in the larger society. These are the new leaders in youth ministry and faith formation who I believe will be instrumental in renewing the Church.”

Vic Klimoski ’67, SOT ’71, is director of Conversatio Lifelong Learning at Saint John’s School of Theology. For more information: www.collegevilleMN.com.

Chris Kostelc ’02, SOT ’09, adult education director, Holy Name of Jesus Parish.

Youth who participate in YTM report noticeably more interest in theology, religious life and church leadership as a result, according to questionnaires administered before and after YTM.

Pre-YTM Post-YTM Agree Agree

I have experienced a call to follow in the footsteps of Christ and his ways. 48% 69%

I am considering theological study in college. 23% 63%

I am considering working for the church in some capacity. 80% 87%

I am considering priesthood or religious life. 44% 75%

I am currently taking a leadership role in any specifically religious organization. 34% 49%

Kory LaCroix ’11, youth minister, Holy Name of Jesus Parish.

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Working the land exerts a powerful pull for these Johnnies.COUNTRYFARM

W What would entice a Johnnie to make his living off the land in 2014? Although farming was the most common pursuit of our forebears, the numbers have steadily declined since the 19th century, when SJU was founded. By 2008, according to the U. S .Department of Agriculture, just two percent of Americans farmed for a living. Do you have to be born into it? Probably, says Aaron Peterson ’04, who is following in the family footsteps at the Sever Peterson Farm in Eden Prairie, Minn. Not necessarily, says Gary Brever ’97, who runs Ploughshare, a successful CSA farm (community-supported agriculture) he established in 2002 in Alexandria, Minn. The four Johnnies in this story followed different pathways into farming, but they all share a deep enthusiasm for it.

FOOD AND PEACEGary Brever ’97 never planned to be a farmer.

The name of his farm, Ploughshare, offers a clue to how a young Saint John’s graduate with a degree in psychology found his calling in organic farming. He took inspiration from Isaiah 2:4. “… and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-knives: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” Brever became committed to social justice while attending Saint John’s. During one memorable spring break, he went with a student group to Washington, D.C., where they visited several Catholic Worker houses to learn more about the faces and issues of poverty and homelessness. After graduation he moved to the state of Washington and managed Bethlehem Farm, a Catholic Worker house of

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Working the land exerts a powerful pull for these Johnnies.

hospitality and working farm serving people in transition from prison or homelessness. Until then, he says, “Farming wasn’t on my radar.” Brever took up community-supported agriculture in Washington, after he observed it was a viable economic model. The CSA model provides a direct link between farmers and consumers that benefits both groups. Buyers pay a fee and receive regular shares of harvest throughout the growing season. Farmers have an assured income. Brever returned to Minnesota in 2002 with his wife, Jennifer. Together, they purchased 160 acres along the Chippewa River near Alexandria and established Ploughshare Farm, a certified organic farm. Since then, he has become something of a celebrity among foodies in the organic food world. One of

Minnesota’s leading authorities on organic farming, he was named the 2012 Farmer of the Year by the Minnesota Jaycees. He has been a featured guest on Lynne Rossetto Kasper’s radio program, “The Splendid Table,” and was named “Edible Twin Cities” Local Hero in the Best Farm/Farmer category in 2009. A frequent speaker at organic farming conferences, Brever was one of two Minnesota farmers selected to go to

Washington to discuss the 2012 Farm Bill. As an advocate for the benefits of organic farming, Brever devotes time to

public education, speaking to church and civic groups. He also hosts a membership potluck twice a year, so that CSA shareholders can see how their food is produced. It is important to Brever to promote access to healthy, fresh produce for individuals living on a low income. He

COUNTRYBy Glenda Isaacs Burgeson

“We are all dependent on food … and how that is grown covers so many social justice issues.”

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recalls, when he worked at the Catholic Worker house, he saw the diets of people in transition from homelessness or prison. “They ate junk.” In Alexandria, he has helped organize a donor program to provide fresh produce to the local emergency food shelf. To date, more than 4,000 pounds of produce have been delivered from Ploughshare Farm to the local food shelf. He draws a direct connection from the healthy soil of organic farming to his commitment to social justice. That includes healthy food, healthy families, healthy communities, food security and land stewardship. “We all are dependent on food. We all need to eat, and how that is grown covers so many social justice issues.” Just as he once observed the success of the CSA model when he was in Washington, now he is able to demonstrate a successful operation in Central Minnesota. “We’re pioneers,” he says of an enterprise that started with 40 members. “We’re feeding 1,500-2,000 people on 30 acres,” Brever says. Today, the business delivers approximately 150 varieties of produce to 500 shareholders at 15 drop sites in the Twin Cities and along the western I-94 corridor. Whether planting seedlings, tending crops, harvesting, delivering produce or working with others in support of organic farming, Brever promotes a simple vision “full of hope and full of life.” Brever hopes his example inspires others to pursue this way of life.

IT’S ALL ABOUT COWSMichael Koltes ’10 didn’t need to travel far to discover his true calling. Saint John’s is only a few miles from his family’s century dairy farm, but living on campus made him realize what was important to him.

“Being away from home, you start to see what you’re missing,” he says. When he was in high school, his dad sold the dairy herd for health reasons. During his sophomore year at Saint John’s, he approached his older brother Andy about the two of them resuming the dairy business on the farm. Right away they started making plans with their dad. The next year, Koltes completed his degree in art and went back to the farm.

Pioneer of the CSA (community-supported agriculture) model of farming, Gary Brever ’97 established Ploughshare Farm of Alexandria, Minn., in 2002. It now serves 500 shareholders.

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“We bought a herd. I graduated, and a month later we brought the herd in,” he says. Now Koltes spends his time managing 120 Holsteins. Successful dairy farming is about the details, Koltes says. Farmers can’t control the weather. They can’t control milk prices. They maintain their profit margin by careful attention to the details within their control, he says. Two major factors influence milk production, Koltes says—comfort and feed. He has primary responsibility for the care and comfort of the cows, and his brother manages the quality of the feed. While the comfort of the cows has a direct bearing on the farm’s bottom line, it is clear that Koltes has a deep sense of responsibility for the care of the animals under his

charge. It’s there in the tone of his voice, and in the way he describes the details that contribute to their overall well-being—the awning along the feed line to provide

shade, the sprinklers to cool them in the summer heat, the clean straw for bedding in one barn, and waterbeds in another barn. “I know most of these cows,” he says with a sweeping gesture toward his cows gathered along a fence. “You can tell if they’re off the least bit.” It’s a matter of observation, he says. “There’s a direct correlation between my effort and how well the cows do,” he says. Summer is the season for hay making, and Koltes and his brother put in long hours—14 hours a day. “Making hay can get pretty ugly,” he says with a chuckle.

Comfortable cows and good quality feed are the keys to milk production, says Mike Koltes ’10, who with his brother is continuing the family dairy business in Rockville, Minn.

“There’s a direct correlation between my effort and how well the cows do.”

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The cows produce an average 75-80 pounds of milk daily. That’s a lot of hay. The feed is more than hay, of course, and requires a careful balance based on the lactation and reproduction cycles of the cows. “We test the nutritional value of our feed.” Koltes says they work with a nutritionist to ensure they are meeting the dietary needs of the cows. They also consult with a veterinarian to maintain the health of the herd. “I want to send the best quality to market,” he says. That means following the best practices both for the care of the cows and the land. For example, land management practices to prevent manure runoff include recycling the manure into the soil as fertilizer for the hay. They also rotate the grazing pastures to allow for optimum recovery of the land. Despite the long hours—on his “days off” Koltes only works six hours—he appreciates both the constancy and variety of dairy farming. “Each day begins and ends with milking,” he says. In between there is a variety of work, planning and problem-solving. “The need for improvement is never ending.”

PALS, BUSINESS PARTNERS, RELATIVES

Aaron Peterson ’04 and Mitch Michaelson ’04each found his own way into farming. Now brothers-in-law, they base their partnership on a friendship that began in 8th grade.

Like Koltes, Peterson’s entry into the family business wasn’t a sure thing. When he left home to study political science at Saint John’s, farming was not his intention. Still, he never really left the business. Each summer he returned home to work the family farm in the Minnesota River Valley in Eden Prairie. Once he graduated, it seemed only natural that his “lifelong internship” became his profession. “Before I went to college, I did not plan to go back to the farm,” Peterson says, “but it’s a natural fit. I grew up doing it. It’s been a lifelong internship. Coming back to the family business has been rewarding.”

He is now the fourth generation of Petersons to work the farm established in 1894 by his grandfather, Severin Peterson. The Peterson family was recognized in 2011 by the University of Minnesota as Hennepin County Farm Family of the Year. The Peterson farm is well known in the Twin Cities area for its sweet corn and green-and-yellow-topped produce stands bearing the name Sever’s Farm Markets. Sever’s Corn Maze and Fall Festival in Shakopee is a popular destination.

Michaelson “fell into” farming as a college student working summer jobs at one of the Sever’s produce stands. When he had opportunities to work in the field, he found he enjoyed the outdoor physical labor. Michaelson says since he and Peterson enjoyed working together, he kept working at the farm after graduation, and their partnership evolved.

“Our biggest challenges are weather and prices. Everything else is technology.”

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“We love working together,” he says. “Then I fell in love with his sister,” he says, referring to his wife, Brooke. The couple wed in 2009. Peterson and Michaelson work in the fields together.Peterson’s wife, Nicola Jackson Peterson ’05, and Michaelson manage the retail business and corn maze. They hire college kids and teachers to work the produce stands. Sweet corn is the main vegetable crop for the retail business. They farm 1,200 acres, with 80 acres in sweet corn and a 40-acre pumpkin patch. The remaining acreage rotates between soybeans and corn for the international market. “Our biggest challenges are weather and prices,” Peterson says. “Everything else is technology.” The Minnesota River Valley is prone to flooding. Every

three years or so they lose a field of crops to floods. “In this way, agriculture hasn’t changed much in 2,000 years,” he says. International markets have helped. China and India are major markets for corn and soybeans. Aside from technology, innovation and diversification are keys to success, Michaelson says. He credits Peterson’s parents for innovations that have helped keep the farm profitable. The elder Petersons established the retail produce stands, and the corn maze and fall festival. Peterson and Michaelson have increased the size of the pumpkin patch and expanded the fall festival. The Peterson maze is the second corn maze in the United States and the largest in the Midwest. “People like the novelty of going to the farm,” Peterson says. Their proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area provides an agricultural experience for families and children who might never visit a farm. Known in the industry as agritainment, the fall festival celebrates an idealized version of farm life, with pig races, pumpkin blasters and two 10,000-bushel corn pits. “It’s like a swimming pool of corn,” Peterson says.

A WAY OF LIFE With its slim profit margins and unpredictable factors, farming is not an easy business. But despite its uncertainties and demands, all four Johnnies love what they do. For them, it’s more than an occupation. It’s a way of life. So, do you have to be born into it? That depends. The financial barriers associated with land acquisition and equipment, while steep, are not always insurmountable. According to a 2005 report from Iowa State University, the number of CSA farms has grown steadily and offers an attractive and viable alternative for first-generation farmers. Regardless of the economic model, these Johnnies have found the benefits exceed the hazards. Their labors are rewarded in the daily satisfactions of farm life.

Glenda Isaacs Burgeson is CSB/SJU director of editorial services.

Brothers-in-law Aaron Peterson ’04 (L) and Mitch Michaelson ’04 (R) run the fourth-generation Peterson Farm in Eden Prairie, Minn.—1,200 acres of sweet corn, pumpkins and soybeans as well as the largest corn maze in the Midwest.

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Indestructible memories rise from the flames of the Paint Shop.

By Brendon Duffy, SOT ’02

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7 Fire departments from Saint John’s, St. Joseph and Avon joined forces to battle the blaze in freezing temperatures but couldn’t save the Saint John’s Paint Shop. The building, nestled near the powerhouse among other physical plant buildings, went up in flames shortly after 5 p.m. on Jan. 14. Rob Stoeckel, paint department coordinator, and several student workers were inside at the time. All escaped safely.

In just a few hours, two-thirds of the paint shop was consumed. More than 140 bed frames recently built for Saint Thomas Hall, dozens of chairs, two Steinway grand-piano lids and a new door for the Stella Maris Chapel were a complete loss. The cause of the fire is unknown but no foul play is suspected. As news of the fire got out, the wires began buzzing with posts, tweets, emails and calls

from alumni mourning the loss, sharing Paint Shop memories and offering support. It quickly became clear that the Saint John’s Paint Shop was much more than the nondescript, utilitarian building it appeared from the outside. It carried a profound sense of place for hundreds of Johnnies and Bennies. Why?

The Paint Crew Constructed in 1912, the building served as the campus laundry for decades, replacing the first laundry on the banks of Lake Sagatagan. “When I arrived at Saint John’s in 1967, my Oxford shirts were picked up from my dorm, delivered back to me, nicely starched and ironed to perfection,” remembers Tom Kordonowy ’71. “Cost? Ten cents a shirt.” By the mid-1970s, the building had become the permanent home of the paint and finishing departments, supervised by Ray Vogel. In 1979, the building, along with 16 others on the SJU campus, was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. Hundreds of student workers from both Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s have worked in the Paint Shop, supervised for the past 25 years by Rob Stoeckel. Students were usually assigned there for work study, but it became an important part of their college experience. “I like to keep it as fun as possible,” says Stoeckel. “We have a philosophy that we work hard and play hard.” Students often didn’t know what the day’s work would be—Stoeckel laughs about the time the crew was called to quickly paint the ice rink because workers had poured black asphalt for the rink, and it had to be painted white as soon as possible so it wouldn’t absorb heat. But whatever

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“Every morning I get to see those young, smiling faces that are going to give me a hard time.”

project the day brought, the crew always knew that an afternoon break included community building, storytelling and the popcorn machine. And alumni have countless stories of Rob helping them with typical college-student problems like car repairs, time management issues and relationship problems.

All in the Family There are several families in which all of the children were Johnnies or Bennies and all worked in the Paint Shop. Two such alumni— Erik Eveland ’07 and Cat (Patefield) Eveland ’08—met working in the Paint Shop and got married. Erik and Cat both followed numerous siblings into the Paint Shop. When Erik decided to propose to Cat, he could think of no better place to do it. “It seemed fitting to do it in the Paint Shop and to have Rob be a part of it,” says Erik. He painted a banner that read “Will

You Marry Me?” and convinced Rob and the other crew members to lure Cat into the spray booth area, where the banner hung and Erik waited on bended knee. Stephanie (Meyer) Maliszewski ’04 also met her husband, Steve Maliszewski ’03, while they were both working in the Paint Shop. “I got to meet and boss around my future husband there,” she says. “I was able to learn a lot there…and most of it had nothing to do with paint or varnish!” What made it such a great place to work? “People from all different subject areas and different cliques, they

all came together at the Paint Shop,” says Erik Eveland. Others appreciated the ability to learn new things. “Painting and finishing are great skills to learn,” says Cat Eveland. “But when you were in classes all the time it was also good to get up and do something different. The paint shop was like a family.” If the paint shop was a family, Rob

The Paint Shop, shown here in 2006, had changed little from when it was built in 1912.

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Stoeckel’s office was like a family album. One entire wall—25 feet long and nine feet tall—displayed photos of Paint Shop alumni and memories. Miraculously, the photo wall was in the small part of the building that was not destroyed. Stoeckel proudly shows photos of projects they’ve done, messes they’ve made and the successes of the Paint Shop alumni, many who send him pictures of their spouses and children. When news of the fire reached alumni, Stoeckel received more than 100 phone calls from alumni expressing condolences and making sure he was all right. He feels blessed to have the support of the community. “Working with so many great Johnnies and Bennies makes me want to get up in the morning and put my boots on,” he says. “It’s at the heart of my job. Every morning I get to see those young, smiling faces that are going to give me a hard time.”

A temporary structure has been built for use as a paint and finishing shop. A decision will be made after insurance is settled regarding where to put a new paint shop to best serve the campus. This is a relief to alumni like Matt Beck ’10, who credits his work in the Paint Shop as one of the most formative experiences at Saint John’s. “The building might be gone, but the time and care spent on helping students grow will continue,” he says.

Brendon Duffy, SOT ’02, is a senior writer in advancement communications at Saint John’s University.

Work and fun went hand-in-hand in the Paint Shop. Crew members enjoyed one outing a season and could count on popcorn, conversation and community during break time. Rob Stoeckel (pictured in several of these photos, including the one to the far right, where he’s standing at the back of the boat) served as both taskmaster and fun coordinator.

The Paint Shop was a backdrop for romance for Cat (Patefield) Eveland ’08 and Erik Eveland ’07, two crew members who married in 2009.

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Tommy Hall in Summertime

Photo byDenise Gagner

If you would like a reprint of this photo, please email sjumag@csbsju.edu with your name and address, and we’ll send you a complimentary 8 x 10 photo.

In Sight

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Most doctors are hardwired to help. They want their patients to live healthier lives. They want to make an impact in their clinics and in their communities. And for doctors who graduated from Saint John’s University, there’s often a pull to think even bigger. “Saint John’s nurtures the idea that we should be part of the larger global community, and that it’s important to make things better for those in need,” says anesthesiologist Ryan Jense ’98. “We’re asked to pursue these ideas in many different ways.” Jense isn’t the only Johnnie who feels that way. We talked to five doctors who have traveled the world to help those who need it most. Often, they say, their patients are not the only ones who benefit.

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The Right Medicine for Global Health

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Walt Halloran ’80 with a satisfied patient in Laos, where he travels to provide complex spinal and lung surgery.

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hat drives them to travel the globe to help heal the sick. A Better World, One Patient at a TimeName: Walt Halloran ’80Field: Cardiac surgeryCountry: Laos

When Walt Halloran ’80 visited Laos earlier this year, he was eager to use his skills as a cardiothoracic surgeon to help perform complex—and sometimes life-saving—spinal and lung surgeries. But the trip taught him that the need for his surgical expertise was just the tip of the iceberg. While Halloran worked diligently to help his patients, who had become immobilized by spinal tuberculosis, the working conditions were grim. Less than a third of the hospital had functional plumbing, and there was just one elevator that worked reliably. “Transporting the patients from the operating room to the ICU meant a trip outside and down the sidewalk,” says Halloran.

Meanwhile, patients’ families did not have the option to sit in a comfortable waiting room or eat a meal at a cafeteria. Instead, they camped outside and cooked food for themselves and their ill family members. Though the country’s health care is free to all citizens, it remains deeply underfunded. But the inconvenience to patients and their families was hardly the worst part, he says. “Many diseases we rarely see in modern cultures—malaria, dengue fever, tuberculosis—remain rampant.” Nurses and doctors, though smart and dedicated, were overwhelmed with the enormous patient load. Despite such difficult circumstances, he says he left feeling grateful. That gratitude wasn’t simply for the health care that he enjoys in the United States, but knowing that, in some way, he could make a difference half a world away. He will return again later this year, and plans to make it an annual—if not semiannual—trip. “There is simply too much to do to fix the world,” he acknowledges. “We have to start with small works like these.”

The Right Medicine for Global Health

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A Clearer Vision of MedicineName: Tom Larkin ’64Field: OphthalmologyCountries: Bolivia, Mexico, Honduras

Tom Larkin ’64 has been a busy eye surgeon in Denver for four decades. With the benefit of technology, he can complete a typical cataract surgery in 15 minutes with a tiny, two-millimeter incision. Within days, patients can get behind the wheel and return to their normal activities. But when he goes abroad to Bolivia, Mexico or Honduras to do the same surgeries as a volunteer, he uses a far less expensive technique that requires larger incisions and poses greater technical challenges. “I am still not totally comfortable with the less predictable working environment abroad as in our modern facility in Denver,” he says. “We expect well-trained support staff in an air-conditioned operating room with expensive microscopes and cataract machines,” he says. Larkin has been traveling abroad to do cataract surgeries for nearly 30 years. He says while he may once have felt some hubris about the skills he brought as an American surgeon, he’s consistently impressed by what local doctors achieve without the benefit of space-age technology. “Patients have to be pretty careful about what they do afterwards,” he says. “But it costs less than $100.” (In the United States, a cataract surgery can bump up over $1,000.) His frequent travel abroad has helped him become

more aware of the incredibly high standards that American patients have for their health care providers—in his city alone there are more than 75 doctors who do cataract surgeries. Patients often have the luxury of choosing a doctor not simply by skill level, but by office ambiance, bedside manner and location. In many cities around the world, however, the specialists who do similar work can be counted on one hand, if they can be counted at all. It’s a privilege Americans don’t always appreciate, he says, but as our health care costs suggest, it’s one that we pay for. Nonetheless, Larkin says that for whatever shortcomings Americans might see initially with the kinds of eye surgery done abroad, the long-term results of their lower-cost surgery often rival the best of anything done in the United States. “It’s heartwarming to see patients in volunteer clinics come back after recovering with the newfound ability to read and function as they could before developing cataracts,” he says. “It is a blessing to be a small part of the universe of volunteer physicians who can travel abroad to try to make a difference.”

Tom Larkin ’64 (L) with one of his cataract patients and an operating-room technician on a medical mission trip in Mexico.

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Solving the Problems that Medicine Can’tName: Kevin Healy ’76Field: AnesthesiologyCountries: A number of countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Middle East.

Many doctors volunteer in underdeveloped countries because they want to help those who might not otherwise be able to afford good medical care. A cleft-lip operation

can change the way that parents treat a child. A heart surgery can transform a life. But for Kevin Healy ’76, who’s traveled to 20 countries as a volunteer anesthesiologist, some of the day-to-day satisfaction of the work comes from the creative problem-solving required to address complications that rarely arise in American hospitals. “Maybe there’s a problem with the oxygen supply, or maybe there’s not consistent electrical power,” he says. “You might start the day with a list of five cases, but by 9 p.m. that night, you’ve done eight—and only three were on your list to begin with. You’re always trying to do what you need to do to serve as many people as you can.”

He adds that some of the most rewarding cases are the ones that he could not have anticipated. When Healy was in India, a young girl arrived to get facial reconstruction. Just before she entered the operating room, Healy discovered that the girl, who was quite frail, was suffering from an undiagnosed heart murmur. He and the surgeon sent her to a cardiologist who fixed her heart valve. When she returned two years later to get the facial reconstruction, she’d put on muscle and was no longer short of breath. “Initially, she didn’t get the operation she wanted,” he says. “But she did get what she needed.” Healy knows he can’t help everyone who needs it, but he is philosophical about the help he does provide, relating a story he was once told about the rabbi who was asked why God created lots of cattle and birds and fish, but only one man and one woman. The answer was that one man is like all men, the rabbi said. If you harm one man, it’s as if you harm the whole human race. And if you help one man, it’s as if you’ve helped the whole human race. “That really resonated with me,” he says. “One of these kids might play a vital role in history; I just want to give every kid the best chance I can give them.”

Kevin Healy ’76 induces anesthesia in a small patient (wearing a really cute hat!) at Harare Children’s Hospital in Zimbabwe.

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Big-Picture Health CareName: Vincent (Bob) Hunt ’56Field: Family medicineCountries: Russia and a number of countries in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America

In many underdeveloped countries, a baby born today is unlikely to live to age 50. (By contrast, the average life expectancy in the United States hovers around 80.) Behind this dismal statistic is a complex stew of poverty, poor infrastructure, and inadequate health care. But for about $20 a person—the cost of a couple of movie tickets—Bob Hunt ’56 knows that these countries could lift their citizens’ life expectancy by years. Early in his career, he spent many years helping the patients in rural Minnesota live longer, healthier lives. And he has been just as committed to helping entire countries do the same. After finishing his medical internship, Hunt spent eight years working in Red Lake Falls, a tiny town in northern Minnesota. He says he was often shocked by the actions of his patients—until he took the time to understand them. “I remember farmers used to stop by and drop their wives off to deliver the kids, and I assumed

the farmers must not care about their families,” he says. “But then I understood that if they didn’t get their crops in, for example, it could wipe out their livelihood. They cared just as much about their families as anyone, but I hadn’t understood the nuances of the culture.” Good care, he realized, wasn’t just about understanding the science of the body. It was about understanding the subtleties of the community. In 1969, he took a job at the University of Minnesota to pursue work at the school’s newly developing field: family medicine. As the field grew, he began to consult for medical schools around the country who wanted to focus on this new area. In 1978, nudged by the powerful Alma-Ata Declaration, which urged countries to commit to providing primary health care to their citizens, many world leaders began thinking more seriously about how to recruit and train primary care doctors. And Hunt had developed expertise to help lead the way. In countries like Lebanon, Nicaragua and South Korea, Hunt worked through groups including the World Health Organization to understand the barriers to providing good primary care. He gave talks to medical organizations and spoke on local television to build support for primary care. And he helped build and refine family-practice residency programs from the ground up. Over time, these professionals went out into the field to deliver the inexpensive but critical health care for common issues such as pregnancy, childhood diseases and malaria. One of the lessons that guided him through all of his work was the one he learned in Red Lake Falls: to truly help other people, you must understand them first. He also takes to heart the advice given by St. Benedict, he says, to “listen with the ear of your heart.” He believes that this approach—one that integrates grass-roots support with high-level expertise—is the most effective way to create real and lasting change. Hunt acknowledges that both for him and for those he works with, it can be frustrating that the changes he tries to introduce can take years or even decades to come to fruition. His work is never as dramatic as taking out a gallbladder or repairing a cleft lip. But over time, he says, the changes can be profound. “You have to plant the seed and hope that it’s strong. You’ve got to have support from the society,” he says. “And that’s when, hopefully, you’ll see the programs flourish.”

ChinaBob Hunt ’56 and Chinese colleague Dr. Li Yan-Na at a neighborhood clinic in Beijing in 1997 before it became the first pilot family-medicine teaching center. Centers like these served as nationwide models for China’s current health care restructuring.

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Taking the Long ViewName: Ryan Jense ’98 Field: AnesthesiologyCountries: Nepal, Honduras, Guatemala

When Ryan Jense ’98 signed up to go on an international medical mission to Guatemala his senior year at Saint John’s, he thought it would be a great way to get a couple weeks of on-the-ground experience before he entered medical school the following fall. It turned out to be much more than that: it was a catalyst that has driven his career. During this first volunteer trip, Jense accompanied a classmate’s father, Dr. Phil Boyle, to assist a group of surgeons, obstetricians and anesthesiologists in the bustling city of San Cristóbal. He was stunned by the relative dearth of health care and infrastructure compared to his home country. Facilities were crumbling, equipment was old or nonexistent, and clean water and electricity were unreliable. “At that stage in my life, it had such an impact on me,” he says of the experience. “It was the first time I’d seen things like that in person, and it instilled in me the desire to keep working with those populations.” As he moved through medical school and residency, though, he put his dream to stay connected to international medicine on the back burner. “There wasn’t a mechanism

in medical school to do much international medical work outside of taking a year off and finding your own way,” he says. “That holds true for most residents, too.” When he began work as an anesthesiologist in Washington, he made connections with local groups in Seattle who have relationships with different hospitals in Nepal and Honduras. He now works in these hospitals as often as possible, most commonly to help repair club feet and other

extremity deformities in young children. Jense has been conscious about forging lasting relationships with specific hospitals, which he visits whenever he can. He knows he has the biggest impact when there is consistency and regular follow-up care in international work. “You’ve got to make sure when you do this kind of medical work, you’re relieving a burden, not leaving one,” he says. Indeed, he finds joy in the progress he has seen at the hospitals over time. It comes in the form of grateful patients, who may not have been able to walk into the clinic one year, but stroll in the following. It also comes when he sees a hospital add new equipment, build a new wing or simply plant flowers in front of the building. Today, he’s working to give more young medical students and residents the opportunity he got when still an undergraduate. As a faculty member at the University of Washington working in the School of Medicine’s departments of global health and anesthesiology, he’s pushing to grow international experiences in residency programs not only at his school, but schools across the nation. “People who go into medicine, they’re idealistic,” he says. “They want to serve, but then they get caught up in the business of medicine and lose track of that. It’s important to try to keep that sentiment alive.”

Erin Peterson is a Twin-Cities based writer.

Ryan Jense ’98, anesthesiologist, transcends the language barrier in Nepal by entertaining his young patient with a game on a smartphone.

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Johnnie Sports

Field of DreamsThe finest NCAA

Division III baseball park in the country.

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Scorecard

BASKETBALL (15-11, 13-7 MIAC) tied for fourth in the MIAC, earning its 21st trip to the conference playoffs. Seth Marx ’14 was named to the All-MIAC First Team and Alex Schmitt ’16 was named the MIAC’s Sixth Man of the Year. Head coach Jim Smith ended his milestone 50th season at SJU with a 770-546 career record (.585), which is good for 17th in all divisions of college basketball.

BASEBALL (21-10, 13-7 MIAC) tied for third in the MIAC to earn its fifth consecutive trip to the MIAC Tournament. Justin Thompson ’14 was named an ABCA All-American and became the first Johnnie to be named the MIAC Pitcher of the Year since Andy Schneider ‘00 in 1998. He was joined on the All-MIAC first team and All-Midwest Region team by Joe Lampe ’14 and Brett Becker ’15, who was also named a Capital One Academic All-American. Head coach Jerry Haugen ’76 earned his 700th career win against Macalester on April 22 and ended his 37th season with a 704-593-5 (.543) record.

GOLF finished 15th out of 41 teams at the NCAA Championship, its 13th top-15 finish in its 14 trips to nationals. Casey Vangsness ’14 became the third Johnnie to earn GCAA All-Region honors all four seasons and the 13th Johnnie to be named the MIAC Player of the Year since the award was created in 2001. Ryan Gallagher ’17 was named the MIAC Freshman of the Year, and Brett Draxler ’15 and Drew Lynch ’15 were named GCAA Scholar All-Americans. Tommy Koehler ’14 joined Vangsness as GCAA All-America honorable mention after leading SJU in a tie for 15th place with a four-day total of 298 (+10) at nationals. Head coach Bob Alpers ’82 was named the MIAC Men’s Golf Coach of the Year for the 10th time in his 21-year tenure.

HOCKEY (16-10, 10-6 MIAC) finished third in the conference and earned its third consecutive trip to the MIAC Playoffs. John Haeg ’15, Phil Johnson ’15 and Nick Senta ’15 were named to the All-MIAC first team.

SWIMMING AND DIVING finished fifth out of eight teams at the MIAC Championships. Braden McCormack ’16 earned All-MIAC honors with a third-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke.

TENNIS (9-11, 4-5 MIAC) tied for sixth in the MIAC, defeating St. Thomas in the first round of the MIAC Tournament before falling to champion Gustavus in the semifinals. Jack Hansen ’16, Joe Laue ’14 and Jordan Otto ’15 were named All-MIAC in singles competition.

INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD hosted the 2014 MIAC Indoor Championships and finished fourth of 11 teams. Thomas Feichtinger ’16 earned a pair of All-MIAC honors (top three) with a first-place finish in the 800 meters and third place in the 1,000 meters, while Yasin Williams ’15 took second in the 200 meters. Nick Welshons ’15 won the conference title in the high jump and advanced to nationals but did not place.

OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD won three events and finished fourth of 11 teams at the MIAC Outdoor Championships. SJU’s 4x800-meter relay won the conference’s outdoor title for the second straight year. Individually, Thomas Feichtinger ’16 repeated as the MIAC champion in the 800 meters, and Quinn Anderson ’17 took first in the discus.

WRESTLING sent Ben Henle ’16 (141 lbs.) and Ryan Michaelis ’15 (197 lbs.) to the NCAA Division III Championships. Michaelis and Joe Hessing ’14 were also named NWCA All-America Scholars. Tony Willaert ’11 was named the interim head wrestling coach for the 2014-15 season in May, replacing Brandon Novak ’01, who moved to football full-time. Willaert completed his third season as an assistant coach and was a national entrant as a senior (197 lbs.) in 2011.

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Advancing the Mission

The Saint John’s capital campaign, Forward Ever Forward, includes much-needed upgrades to the track and field facilities including resurfacing the outdoor track, resurfacing the indoor track, and constructing a new outdoor throwing area for the shot-put and discus. Thanks to leadership support from several track and field alumni, plans are underway to resurface the outdoor track in Clemens Stadium in the summer of 2015. Tim Miles ’80, SJU’s head coach for track and field for 35 years, is enthusiastic about this possibility. “The track was new in 1998, and it has been fantastic, especially in the natural bowl setting. We love competing at home each year, and we have also hosted the MIAC conference meet twice, in 1999 and 2007.” Jim ’78 and Julie ’80 Simons, Jerry ’83 and Karen ’83 Morris, Chris ’77 and Kathleen Lee, and Steve ’77 and Laurie Gathje have made very generous commitments to help launch this project. Other track and field alumni are being invited to participate as well. Our goal is to have commitments in place by January 2015 in order to move forward with the outdoor-track resurfacing next summer.

Track and Field Upgrades on the Way

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Pat Maxwell ’66 has been appointed director of the Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship. He will succeed recently retired founding director Terri Barreiro, who served from 2004-2014. Maxwell has more than 40 years of experience as an entrepreneur, executive and

turnaround management specialist in both the business and nonprofit sectors. He has held management positions including board chairman, director, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, vice president and general counsel. Maxwell has served as executive director of two membership associations and one charitable organization

and has started, bought or led 20 businesses and nonprofits. Maxwell has served on the Saint John’s National Alumni Board and the Saint John’s Board of Regents and currently serves on the Board of Overseers of the Saint John’s School of Theology • Seminary. Maxwell is a familiar figure to those involved with the McNeely Center—he is currently on the McNeely Center Advisory Committee, and for the past two years, he has served as the executive-in-residence for the McNeely Center, mentoring and assisting students at Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s. “In addition to his impressive record and experience as an entrepreneur, Pat is both the product of, and an advocate for, the liberal arts. He has the ideal pedigree to direct an entrepreneurship center at a liberal arts college,” said Michael Hemesath, SJU president.

Our dedicated and inspiring faculty touch the lives of their students every day. They teach, coach, mentor and guide. They give of themselves to ensure students leave Collegeville with a good education, a bit of wisdom and a strong sense of themselves. Two alumni from the 70s—recognizing the impact their professors had on their lives and careers—decided to give back. Each established an endowed fund, one to launch a new science-literacy lecture series and the other to provide scholarship support for Johnnies majoring in mathematics.

Both named the professorships in honor of cherished faculty: Dr. Norman Ford (retired 1998) and Dr. Robert Dumonceaux (retired 2014, see p.5). These Johnnies affirm that Dr. Ford and Dr. Dumonceaux—as well as countless other faculty here—were instrumental in their development as students, professionals and members of society. To learn more about establishing an endowed fund in honor of a favorite professor, contact John Young ’83, associate vice president for institutional advancement, at 320-363-3098 or jyoung@csbsju.edu.

Maxwell ’66 Appointed Director of McNeely Entrepreneurship Center

Alumni Honor Favorite Professors

Dr. Norman Ford Dr. Robert Dumonceaux

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Saint John’s Learning Commons

A Global Gateway

The Saint John’s Learning Commons will be an academic hub for creative thinking, collaborative research and engaged learning. This global gateway will connect students and faculty to the latest resources, information and research anywhere on earth—in real time. We continue to make steady fundraising progress for the Learning Commons thanks to generous leadership gifts to support and name several prominent spaces in the new facility.

Advancing the Mission

Sherlock Courtyard

Thole Technology Commons

Named in honor of Fr. Tom Thole and funded by Johnnie alumni in Hong Kong, the Thole Techology Commons will provide students with easy access to the latest learning technology as well as expert technical assistance from staff.

Russ ’83 and Tina Sherlock have made a gift for Sherlock Courtyard, an outdoor gathering space between Alcuin and the Learning Commons that will be used for receptions, concerts and other social events.

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Thimmesh Events Room

Bonach Reading Room

“Smart” Classroom

Along with the latest high-tech learning tools, the Learning Commons will include several areas with comfortable furniture designed for individual reading and small study groups like this reading room funded by Ed ’76 and Peggy Bonach.

Funded by John ’67 and Ginny Ford, this will be one of several classrooms where students and professors can take advantage of digital tools, mobile white boards and flexible furniture to learn and study in new ways.

The Robert ’59 and Doris Thimmesh family have funded this multi-use room—complete with digital projection capability, video conferencing and distance-learning technology—to provide a dedicated space for events from seminars to student thesis presentations to poetry readings.

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Fok ’74 and Platten ’74 Receive Reger AwardsTwo alumni from the 40th Reunion Class of 1974—Canning Fok (below) and Jim Platten (R)—are this year’s Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award recipients. The highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association, the award salutes an alumnus in the name of Fr. Walter Reger, OSB (1894-1971), beloved long-time secretary of the Alumni Association.

Canning Fok received the Reger Award at a gathering of the Hong Kong Alumni Chapter last March. For more than 30 years, Fok has worked at one of Asia’s largest companies, Hutchison Whampoa Limited, serving as executive director beginning in 1983 and as group managing director since 1993. Fok served on the Saint John’s Board of Regents (2003-2011) and currently serves as a Regent Emeritus. “Canning has earned various and considerable successes throughout his career,” says Bernie Tuohy ’72. “But … it is his continuing benevolence to others, with humility, that still defines who he is and makes him deserving of this Walter Reger recognition.” Jim Platten will receive the Reger Award at the Alumni Association Homecoming Banquet. Platten has spent most of his career in health care administration and recently accepted the position of CEO and executive director of Open Cities Health Center in St. Paul, Minn. Platten has been a class agent for more than three decades, has been the chair of the Red Tie Gala, and served on numerous alumni, fundraising and reunion committees.

He recently completed his term as president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. “Whenever a Saint John’s program needed promoting

or an alumnus needed consoling or a student needed backing,” said several fellow alumni, “Jim Platten has been there with his sleeves rolled up and his heart in the effort.”

Alumni Connection

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Elliott ’03 to Receive Basten Award

Blake Elliott ’03 will receive the Bob Basten Award at halftime of the Homecoming football game on Oct. 4. The Basten Award honors a former Johnnie football player who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a commitment to excellence. It is given in

honor of the late Bob Basten ’82, a former Minnesota Viking and founder of the Playing to Win for Life Foundation for ALS Research. Elliott’s record-breaking SJU football career is unmatched. He received the Gagliardi Trophy and a national championship in 2003. He was a three-time All-American, two-time MIAC Player of the Year and, in 2014, he was placed on ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame. Elliott is the co-owner and director of operations at Everyday Living in Eagan, Minn., a foster-care system for adults with special needs. He created the company after his younger brother suffered a traumatic brain injury just before Blake’s senior year at SJU. Elliott has served as president of the J-Club and is heavily involved in Feed My Starving Children, a non-profit committed to ending world hunger.

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Johnnies in the Media

The Honorable Edward J. Devitt ’34 was posthumously honored when the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and the U.S. General Services Administration renamed the courthouse and federal buiding in Fergus Falls, Minn., after him. The honor was covered in several Minnesota news outlets, including television station KSTP.

Andy Biebl ’70, a CPA at CliftonLarsonAllen in Minneapolis, is quoted in a Wall Street Journal on how to prepare for an audit. Biebl, who oversees audits at the firm, gives an insider’s perspective on the IRS as well as some advice on handling audits.

John Thavis ’73 was quoted in a cover story in Rolling Stone on His Holiness Pope Francis. Thavis, author of The Vatican Diaries and a Vatican reporter for 30 years, was asked how people are reacting to Pope Francis. “…the reaction from the old guard to this pope is the least enthusiastic I’ve ever seen,” Thavis said.

Jim Frey ’78 and his papally autographed leg cast were featured in the online edition of National Catholic Reporter. Frey was in Rome meeting with the Papal Foundation, and His Holiness Pope Francis signed Frey’s cast with a large “F” in black felt marker. “An incredible day and an incredible experience,” wrote Frey in an email minutes after the encounter.

Tim Kosiek ’80, a partner at accounting and advisory firm Baker Tilly, was featured on the cover of Minnesota Business magazine. Baker Tilly received a Youth Initiative Award from the magazine for their work with the Corporate Work Study Program of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School-Twin Cities. Kosiek chairs the board of directors at the school.

Thomas Tanghe ’94 was mentioned in the Minneapolis Star Tribune when he was honored as the officer of the year by the St. Paul police department. Tanghe, a

16-year veteran of the department, is among the officers who “are doing great things every single day,” said St. Paul Police Chief Tom Smith.

Eric LeCompte ’99 was quoted in a Wall Street Journal article in February on Argentina’s legal battle with hedge funds and their national debt. LeCompte is the director of Jubilee USA Network, an alliance of nonprofit and religious groups working for debt relief and financial reform to aid the world’s poor.

Adam Sieve ’03 (L) was featured on KARE 11 whipping up breakfast for “KARE Saturday” host Belinda Jensen. Sieve and his brother, Andrew Sieve ’05, run Hazel’s Northeast, a restaurant hotspot in northeast Minneapolis.

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Alumni Connection

Take a Johnnie to lunch and share career advice and expertise.

Host a student for job shadowing at your place of work.

Host a student for an internship at your place of work.

Mentor a student during the academic year to provide professional and personal advice.

Join the CSB/SJU Career Connections LinkedIn group so you can post job and internship opportunities.

Update your alumni record so we can help students get in touch for career information.

Use the CSB/SJU E-Link to post job, internship and volunteer opportunities.

Help with networking and career advice at events like career-exploration panels and Career EXPO.

1 minute

5 minutes

30 minutes

1-3 hours

2 hours

1-2 weeks

3-4 months

6-9 months

Alumni are an invaluable resource to current students exploring careers and preparing for job searches. It can take as little or as much time as you have—check out our time-calibrated guide to career-prep volunteering, pick a time and go for it!

Right Place at the Right Time

To get involved, call or write Ted Kain ’12, alumni relations, at tkain@csbsju.edu or 320-363-3828.

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sjualum.com

Take a Johnnie to lunch and share career advice and expertise.

Host a student for job shadowing at your place of work.

Host a student for an internship at your place of work.

Mentor a student during the academic year to provide professional and personal advice.

Join the CSB/SJU Career Connections LinkedIn group so you can post job and internship opportunities.

Update your alumni record so we can help students get in touch for career information.

Use the CSB/SJU E-Link to post job, internship and volunteer opportunities.

Help with networking and career advice at events like career-exploration panels and Career EXPO.

1 minute

5 minutes

30 minutes

1-3 hours

2 hours

1-2 weeks

3-4 months

6-9 months

I am impressed by the poise and confidence of the students, as well as their willingness to listen and ask questions. They seem very focused on career goals and committed to preparing for life after graduation.”

Ryan VanDeWiele ’97, SJU career-prep volunteerAssociate General Counsel, Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc., St. Paul, Minn.

37

Milestones

Thomas Borak ’64Professor Emeritus, Colorado State University

Tom Borak spent a lot of time in the lab at SJU, and it paid off. After earning his Ph.D. in physics at Vanderbilt University,

he was a nuclear physicist at some of the most influential research facilities in the world. Specializing in radiation physics and dosimetry, Borak has spent the last two decades on the faculty in the department of environmental and radiological health sciences at Colorado State University. He has written numerous scientific reports and mentored more than 50 graduate students in nuclear physics.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The Saint John’s Alumni Achievement Award is given to outstanding alumni in seven reunion classes during Homecoming each fall.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients!

MARRIAGES’79 Jessica Klein to Bill Blanchard, May ’14

’89 Nicholai Braaten to Jason Kudrna, Dec. ’13

’96 Katthia Ramirez to Tony Silva, Jan. ’14

’99 Alicia to Bryan Romfo,

Dec. ’13

’02 Jenne Smith to Matt Weber, Dec. ’13

’03 Courtney McIlhenny to Adam Anderson, Mar. ’14

’04 Amy (Schwarz ’04) to Tyler Teggatz, May ’15

’05 Kathy to Derek Feil, Oct. ’13

’07 Hailey Harren to Josh Hollenhorst, Jan. ’14

’07 Katie (Meyer ’08) to Tony Rawlings, June ’13

’08 Minako (Kamiya ’09) to

Tommy Anderson, May ’12

’08 Angela (Rodgers ’10) to Cole Hickman, Oct. ’13

’08 Sharon (Wawra ’08) to John Kohlhaas, Oct. ’13

’08 Melissa (Ulrich ’08) to Robert Murtaugh, Sept. ’13

’09 Ashley (Goodell ’10) to Dustin Clintsman, Sept. ’13

’09 Caitlyn (Lothian ’09) to Scott Francois, Sept. ’13

’09 Maria to Andy Hellie, Apr. ’14

’09 Ashley (Studniski ’11) to

James Kimeu, Jan. ’14

’09 Claire (Anderson ’09) to Levi Teigen, June ’13

’11 Katie (Rudnitski ’10) to Nick Murrya, July ’13

BIRTHS’81 Elizabeth Galbraith & Michael Hemesath, twin boys,

Sebastian and Alexander,

May ’14

’85 Yanira & Doug Cleary, girl,

Ayva, Dec. ’13

’89 Carol & Michael Nemanich,

boy, Andrew, Apr. ’14

’91 Bonnie (Kalla ’92) & Kurt Moreland, girl, Monica,

Jan. ’14

’92 Beth & Dave Schulte, girl,

Emma, Jan. ’14

’93 Jennifer (Huge ’92) & John Feltl, boy, William, Jun. ’13

’93 Marcy & Jody Illies, girl,

Emily, Jan. ’14

’94 Laura (Stork ’02) & Matt Beirne, girl, Lydia, Feb. ’14

’94 Stephanie & Eric Bitterman,

girl, Rose, May ’14

’94 Jessie (Konrad ’94) & John Bueckers, boy, Blaise,

Apr. ’14

’95 Teresa & Robert Donnett, boy, Alexander, Nov. ’13

’95 Raegan & Toby Miers, boy,

William, Mar. ’14

’97 Anne (Olson ’97) & Tom Kilzer, girl, Chloe, Aug. ’13

’97 Gina & Andy Nicoli, girl,

Greta, Feb. ’14

’97 Sally (Swanstrom ’98) & Peter Raih, girl, Ellie, Aug. ’13

’97 Rachel & Ted Ruzanic, girl,

Annelise, Jan. ’14

’98 Kirsten (Andenas ’03) &

Reggie Aligada, girl, Zadie,

Dec. ’13

’98 Anita Chavez-Berry & Daniel Berry, girl, Hoshi, Apr. ’14

’98 Tracy (Lepper ’97) & Bryan Gilbert, girl, Ruby, Jan. ’14

’99 Michaela & Ryan Bromenschenkel, girl, Elissa,

Feb. ’14

’99 Ashley & Brian Eisenschenk,

girl, Amelia, May ’14

’99 Brooke & Joe Mechtenberg,

girl, Aria, Oct. ’13

’00 Julie & Mike Mikkelson, girl,

Isla, Jan. ’14

’00 Carolyn & Jaime Ramirez,

girl, Ariana, May ’14

’00 Amanda & Mike Timm, boy,

Blake, May ’14

’01 Kara (Hanson ’98) & Chad Capra, boy, Caleb, Dec. ’13

’01 Lisa & Luke Mitchell, girl,

Olivia, Mar. ’14

’01 Katie & Brandon Moore, girl,

Lilah, May ’14

’01 Patricia (Herou ’02) & Phillip Trier, boy, Harrison, May ’13

38

’02 Eden (Contardo ’02) & Seth Boyer, boy, Henry, Mar. ’14

’02 Katie (Vandendriessche ’02) &

Mike Cass, boy, William,

Jul. ’13

’02 Rachel & Justin Lawrence,

girl, Laila, Aug. ’13

’02 Liz (Deziel ’02) & Thomas Stukel, girl, Noelle, Dec. ’13

’02 Jessica & John Treptau, girl,

Camryn, Jan. ’14

’02 Martina & Brian Willegalle,

boy, Declan, Oct. ’13

’03 Krista & Tony Buesing, twins

(boy/girl), Beckham and

Bellamy, Feb. ’14

’03 Amanda (Gustafson ’05) &

Andy Burns, boy, Parker,

Apr. ’13

’03 Erin & Patrick Garay-Heelan,

girl, Varina, Mar. ’13

’03 Annie (Trebtoske ’04) & Cory Jacobs, boy, Carson, Jan. ’14

’03 Jessica (Johnson ’01) & Ryan Keating, girl, Savannah,

Jan. ’14

Knights of Columbus Museum Hosts The Saint

John’s Bible Exhibition andSJU Alumni Event

SJU alumni and friends reception and tour: 7-9 p.m., Oct. 8

68 pages from original folios of the seven volumes of The Saint John’s Bible

Jun. 2 - Nov. 2, 2014Knights of Columbus Museum

New Haven, Conn.

For more about the alumni reception: sjualum.com/events

For more about the exhibition: kofcmuseum.org

John Chromy ’64Retired Vice President, Cooperative Housing Foundation International

John Chromy devoted his entire career in nonprofit management to peacemaking, sustainable development

and community-building. His grassroots economic development work has taken him to 55 countries, and he has been directly involved in defusing conflicts in more than 30 of them. Chromy recently retired as vice president of Cooperative Housing Foundation International, an organization that serves more than 20 million people each year and is focused on post-conflict, unstable and developing nations.

Mike Healy ’64Retired Chief Financial

Officer, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital

Mike Healy returned to his hometown of Yankton, S. D., to pursue a financial career at the Benedictine-

sponsored Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in 1968. Healy led the hospital through a long-range financial plan and helped them establish a robust financial position over his 40-year career there. In 1995, he was awarded the Outstanding Healthcare Officer in the U.S. from Modern Healthcare magazine. Before retiring in 2009, the South Dakota governor proclaimed a Michael T. Healy Day in South Dakota to honor his contributions to health care and finance in the state.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

39

’03 Laura (Herbst ’03) & Andrew Sherburne, boy, James,

Dec. ’13

’03 Micaiah Kline & Adam Sieve,

girl, Claudia, Jul. ’13

’03 Katie (DesLauriers ’03) &

Tom Sullivan, girl, Maria,

Feb. ’14

’04 Molly & Sean Borg, girl,

Grace, Mar. ’13

’04 Erin & Isaac Flenner, girl,

Emily, Jan. ’14

’04 Liz (Leslie ’06) & Joe Housman, boy, Milo, Mar. ’14

’04 Andrea (Stack ’04) & Brad Koltes, twins (boy/girl)

Thedore & Evelyn, Mar. ’14

’04 Jillian (Rigg ’09) & Patrick McKenzie, girl, Evelyn,

Dec. ’13

’04 Breanna & Paul Olsen, girl,

Avery, Jul. ’13

’04 Lisa (Wienhold ’04) &

Brandon Overman, girl,

Eleanor, Apr. ’14

’04 Brigette (McKenzie ’04) &

Adam Pettit, girl, Isla,

Oct. ’13

’04 Alissa (Keene ’04) & Joshua Theis, girl, Celia, Jan. ’14

’04 Julie & Nick Thielman, boy,

Maxwell, Dec. ’13

’05 Ellen (Hunter ’05) & Paul Gans, boy, Jameson, Oct. ’13

’05 Erica (Havlicek ’07) & Peter Scheffler, girl, Myla, Jul. ’13

’06 Emma & Paul Bachand, boy,

Louis, Jan. ’14

’06 Lindsay (Krieg ’06) & Joe Block, boy, William, Feb. ’14

’06 Jodi (Johnson ’05) & Ryan Carreon, boy, Jack, Aug. ’13

’06 Ellen (Jansen ’09) & Garret Flood, boy, Nolan, Jan. ’14

’06 Lindsay (Novak ’06) & Jason Good, girl, Jane, Apr. ’14

’06 Brittany (Mrozek ’06) & Andy Schou, boy, Oliver, Feb. ’14

’06 Christy (Pladson ’06) &

Christopher Wayne, boy,

Thomas, Nov. ’13

’07 Kaylle (Schmit ’07) & Michael Foley, boy, Aythan, Jan. ’14

’07 Larua (Ficker ’07) & Kyle Gearman, boy, Wesley,

Jul. ’13

’07 Holly (Breeggemann ’07) &

Luke McMahon, boy, Drew,

Dec. ’13

’07 Shaina (Crotteau ’08) &

Richard Raile, boy, Dominic,

Nov. ’13

’07 Emily (Langmade ’07) & Brad Schwantke, boy, Andrew,

Feb. ’14

’07 Laura & Kyl Triggs, girl,

Mary, Feb. ’14

’08 Natalie (Arel ’08) & Nathan Justin, boy, Noah, Dec. ’13

’08 Emily (Rayman ’08) & Steven Luitjens, girl, Chloe, Jan. ’14

’08 Nicole & Matthew Meyer, girl, Hayden, May ’14

’08 Leah (Pleiss ’08) & Tony Zimmerman, boy, Grant,

Mar. ’14

’09 Leslie (Rau ’07) & Daniel Kirscht, girl, Ella, Jan. ’14

’10 Kayla & Nicklaus Richards,

boy, Lincoln, Feb. ’14

’10 Justine & Jordan Urshan,

girl, Emmaline, Feb. ’14

’11 Samantha (Koeck ’11) &

Andrew Leintz, boy, Henry,

Feb. ’14

’13 Megan (Kelsey ’11) & Bryan Rodriguez, boy, Augustine,

Nov. ’13

DEATHS’38 Bernard “Budd” Hennig ’38,

father of Bernard, Jr. ’62,

Richard ’67, Michael ’78 and

deceased Deacon George ’65, Apr. ’14

’40 Francis Moothart ’40,

Sept. ’13

’41 Bernice Knaeble, spouse of

deceased Robert ’41 and

mother of Alan ’71, Feb. ’14

’41 Bernard Lorenz ’41, Jan. ’14

’42 Ruth Ure, sister of William Clemens ’42, Feb. ’14

’42 Hubert “Hub” Klein ’42,

May ’14

Milestones

Gary Eichten ’69News Editor-at-Large and Retired Host, Minnesota Public Radio

Gary Eichten was there when KSJR-FM went on the air at SJU in 1967. The station eventually evolved into

the Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) we know today. Throughout his 40-plus-year career at MPR, Eichten served in countless roles and won many accolades. Notably, he was the host of “Midday” for two decades and was the winner of the prestigious 2011 Graven Award from the Premark Public Affairs Journalism Awards board for his contribution to excellence in the journalism profession.

Nick Hayes ’69University Chair in Critical Thinking, Saint John’s University

Nick Hayes is a professor of history and holds the University Chair in Critical Thinking

at SJU. A frequent guest on television and radio, he has also published nationally and internationally in newspapers, magazines and journals. He has received awards from the Ford Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities and the Fulbright Program and won an Emmy in 1991 for his work on Twin Cities Public Television’s Television and Democracy in Russia. He is a contributing writer for MinnPost, the premier political blog in Minnesota.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

40

’42 Patricia Laliberte, spouse of

deceased, Richard ’48; sister

of John Martin ’42 and

James Martin ’48, Jan. ’14

’42 Paul McCann ’42, June ’13

’42 Cornelia Patrias, spouse of

deceased Eraine ’42, Mar. ’14

’42 Robert Piotrowski ’42,

brother of deceased

Edmund ’36, Oct. ’13

’43 John S. McKenzie, Jr. ’43,

father of Stephen ’73, twin

brother of David ’43, son of

deceased John S. McKenzie,

Sr. SJP ’13, Dec. ’12

’44 Rev. Donald Berg ’44,

brother of Norb ’55 and

deceased Thomas ’60,

Feb. ’14

’44 John “Doc” Busch ’44,

July ’10

’44 Donald Euteneuer ’44,

Mar. ’14

’44 Paul Livingston ’44, Nov. ’13

’46 Jean Salk, spouse of

deceased Dr. Richard Salk ’46, mother of

James ’70, Steven ’77,

Michael ’78 and Greg ’85,

Jan. ’13

’47 Rev. Richard Wey ’47,

brother of deceased Rev. William Wey ’44 and

deceased Edward Wey ’58,

May ’14

’48 Mary Jane McManus, spouse

of Phillip ’48, June ’14

’48 Hon. Roger Nierengarten ’48,

Dec. ’13

’48 Francella Peters-Paul, spouse

of deceased Francis Paul ’48, Feb. ’14

’49 Jerome “Jerry” Rooney ’49,

Feb. ’14

’50 Thomas Berens ’50, Jan. ’14

’50 George Clarke ’50, Apr. ’14.

’50 John Feda ’50, father of

Tom ’74, Dec. ’13

’50 Richard “Dick” Fisher, ’50

Mar. ’14

’51 Edward Eckroth, brother of

Rev. Richard Eckroth, OSB, ’51, Jan. ’14

’51 Robert Hasling ’51, Apr. ’14

’51 William Herzog ’51, Jan. ’14

’51 Sylvester Massman ’51,

Mar. ’13

’51 Dr. Robert Schrantz ’51,

Dec. ’13

’51 Phyllis Sheehan, spouse of

deceased Donald ’51,

Mar. ’14

’51 James H. Weber ’51, Apr. ’13

’51 Wallace Zallek ’51, father of

Mark ’80, Dec. ’13

’52 James Disney ’52, Dec. ’13

’52 Richard “Augie” Donovan ’52, Mar. ’14

’52 Rev. Daniel Durken, OSB ’52, Mar. ’14

’52 John Heinz, MD ’52, Mar. ’14

’52 Rev. Leo Otto ’52, Apr. ’14

’52 Robert Nolan ’52, Feb. ’14

’52 Francis “Rex” Riley ’52,

Jan. ’14

John Laliberte ’74Retired Principal, South St. Paul School District

John Laliberte devoted his entire career to the South St. Paul public schools—as a teacher, coach, dean and principal. Before

retiring in 2010, he spent 16 years as principal at Kaposia Education Center, where he knew each of the 800 elementary students by name. He was known for motivating students to read. Students who met their goals have shaved his head, put him in a dunk tank, and transformed him into a human ice cream sundae. Laliberte has taken on an anti-bullying initiative in the community in his retirement.

Tim Marx ’79CEO, Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Tim Marx has worn many hats in his career: practicing attorney, public official, nonprofit leader and civic volunteer. He served as

both deputy mayor and city attorney for St. Paul before becoming executive director of New York City Common Ground, a non-profit agency, in 2008. In 2011, he became CEO of Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the largest regional social service agency, which has a $40 million operating budget and serves 35,000 annually.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

41

’52 Deacon Frank Schneider ’52, father of

Michael ’74, Mar. ’14

’52 William Schwob ’52,

Dec. ’13

’53 Rev. Joseph Heyd, OSB ’53,

Apr. ’13

’53 James “Jiggs” Loonan ’53,

father of Bob ’83 and

Tom ’84, Feb. ’14

’53 Rev. Arthur Schmidt, OSB ’53, Mar. ’14

’53 Angelina Collison, spouse of

Joseph ’53, Mar. ’13

’53 Martha Lieser, spouse of

deceased Reuben ’53;

mother of Tim ’81 and

Mark ’88, Dec. ’13

’54 Curt Brasket, Jr. ’54,

Jan. ’14

’54 Jane Hutchins, spouse of Dr. Earl Hutchins ’54, June ’13

’55 Jim Finley ’55, father of Bill ’86, Mar. ’14

’55 Robert “Bob” Pettit ’55,

Jan. ’14

’56 Angelita Stasson, spouse of

deceased James ’56,

Dec. ’13

’58 Richard “Fritz” Wurzer ’58,

Mar. ’14

’59 William Draxler ’59, Feb. ’14

’59 Nancee Kretschmer, daughter

of Peter Ochsner ’59,

Feb. ’14

’60 Leona Gapko, spouse of

Rudy ’60, Mar. ’14

’60 Rev. James Lins ’60,

Dec. ’13

’60 Quintin Rubald, Jr. ’60,

brother of Elliot ’57 and

Cyrenus ’68, Mar. ’14

’61 Mike Schottenbauer ’61,

Jan. ’14

’61 Robert Theis ’61, father of

Peter ’93, Dec. ’13

’63 Rev. Richard McGuire ’63,

Mar ’14

’64 Bernard Hankins ’64,

May ’13

’64 Robert Peifer ’64, Apr. ’14.

’65 Bernie Cahill ’65, Jan. ’14

’65 Patrick T. Donohue ’65,

brother of Michael ’58,

Peter ’70 and deceased

Howard ’56, Jan. ’14

’65 S. Mary Imelda Koch, OSB ’65, Oct. ’13

’65 Bernice Kulus, mother of

John ’65 and Conrad ’68,

Apr. ’14

’65 Stephen Markoe ’65,

Feb. ’14

’66 Rev. Thomas Radaich ’66,

Apr. ’14

Milestones

Fine Arts Series Features Docu-Musical by Chouinard ’84 and Rothstein ’88

Bob Morris ’84Professor and Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine

Bob Morris, M.D., is a renowned gynecological oncologist and medical school professor. He

currently practices at Wayne State University School of Medicine, where he has taught since 1996. Morris has written more than 60 articles and is a sought-after speaker and presenter. He has received numerous awards including the Excellence in Teaching Award from Wayne State School of Medicine, and he has been named to “Detroit’s Top Docs” four times by Hour Detroit magazine.

Stephen Yurek ’84President and CEO, Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute

Steve Yurek has brought his background as both an engineer and a practicing attorney to his work as a

nonpartisan advocate in the Washington legislative community. Since 2007, Yurek has served as president and CEO of the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Yurek manages 60 staff and coordinates the more than 300 manufacturing members of the association. Under his leadership, AHRI was awarded the Super Nova of Energy Efficiency award from the Alliance to Save Energy in 2011.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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’66 Tom Nord ’66, Apr. ’14

’67 Thomas Barrett, father of

Tom, Jr. ’67, Jan. ’14

’67 Stephen Glady ’67, Mar. ’14

’68 Dave Griffin ’68, brother of

Tim ’70, Jan. ’14

’69 Bob McCarron ’69, Jan. ’14

’70 Hon. Michael J. Howlett, Jr. ’70, Mar. ’14.

’70 Greg Larson ’70, father of

Brandon ’06, Dec. ’13

’70 Lillian Leitner, mother of

Jim ’70, Feb. ’04

’70 Kathi Tregilgas, spouse of

deceased John ’70, Jan. ’14

’70 John Tregilgas ’70, June ’14

’72 Patrick Grange, son of

Mike ’72, Apr. ’12

’72 Nicholas Spaeth ’72, son of

Jerome ’51, Mar. ’14

’74 Judith Dellenbach, spouse of

Tom ’74, Feb. ’14

’74 Eleanor Solberg, mother of

Leonard Przybylski ’74 and

Gordy Przybylski ’76,

Nov. ’13

’75 Francis “Frank” Biagioli ’75,

Jan. ’14

’75 Tom Johnson ’75, brother of

Steve ’74, Jon ’79 and

Chris ’82, Dec. ’13

’76 S. Sean Halpin, OP ’76,

Dec. ’13.

’76 Marvin Hanson ’76, Dec. ’13

’76 Timothy Zachman ’76,

brother of John ’83 and

deceased brother, Robert ’77,

Mar. ’14

’77 Larry Gross ’77, father of

Stephen ’13, May ’14

’78 John Roberts ’78, Feb. ’14

’81 Wilbert Konz ’81, Nov. ’13

’81 Tom Lenard ’81, May ’14

’83 Thomas M. Johnson ’83,

brother of Tim ’80 and

Dave ’82, Dec. ’13

’84 Monica Loye, spouse of

Jim ’84, Mar. ’14

’84 Alice Meuwissen, spouse of

Pat ’84, Mar. ’14

’85 Tom Schueller, MD, father of

Scott ’92 and deceased son,

Mark ’85, Apr. ’14

’87 Sandra Pohlad, mother of

John ’87, Dec. ’13

’93 Scott Moulzolf ’93, Nov. ’13

’93 Maureen Regan, spouse of

Andrew ’93, Oct. ’13

’04 Shawn Schuett, brother of

Dustin ’04, Oct. ’13

’05 Joseph Laloo, father of

Br. Neal, OSB ’05, Dec. ’13

’11 Christopher Alonzi, brother of

Nick ’11, Dec. ’13

Steerage Song Theater Latte DaSat., Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU

A musical kaleidoscope of our immigrant forebears’ journey to America in the steerage section of steamships with few possessions but a wealth of hope, promise and music. Blends the songs of Old Europe and the rhythms of Tin Pan Alley into a moving, fully-staged new musical.

Created by Dan Chouinard ’84 and Peter Rothstein ’88

For tickets and the full Fine Arts Series calendar, go to csbsju.edu/Fine-Arts.

Mark Vande Hei ’89Astronaut, NASA

Mark Vande Hei was one of just nine selected from a pool of 3,500 applicants for the 2009 NASA astronaut class. After earning his physics

degree from Saint John’s, Vande Hei was commissioned through ROTC and achieved the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army. His service included combat tours, numerous awards and a position as assistant professor of military science at the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Vande Hei is now qualified for future space-flight assignment and works in the Astronaut Office’s Capsule Communicator branch.

Dean Holt ’94Actor, Children’s Theatre Company

Dean Holt took an apprenticeship at Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis after graduation to delay

graduate school for a year. Twenty seasons and more than 60 shows later, he’s still there, and still entertaining hundreds of children and their families each year. Known for his athletic abilities and physical acting, he’s played roles ranging from the Cat in The Cat in the Hat to Cinderella’s wicked stepsister. He was honored with the Twin Cities’ coveted Ivey Award in 2006 for playing silent-film clown Buster Keaton in Reeling.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Submit your nominations for the 2015 Alumni Achievement Awards to the alumni office, 800-635-7303, or online at sjualum.com.

43

“Inspiring Lives” is devoted to reflective pieces with a Saint John’s or Benedictine theme written by Saint John’s alumni.Please submit essays, poetry or other reflections for consideration to the editor: jscoon@csbsju.edu.

Rebuilding the MemoriesCraig Anderson ’74 On June 26, 2012, my wife and I fled our home and neighborhood in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as a wall of flame descended upon us. After a chaotic drive to a friend’s home, we sat mesmerized at the television, watching home after home burn in the Waldo Canyon Fire. Our home was one of 346 to burn that night. Immediately my Johnnie friends reached out with support. I contacted Fr. Don Talafous, OSB, for prayers, and I received emails and phone calls from Johnnies I knew and some I’d never met. I had multiple offers of places to stay and lots of prayers. My good friend Fr. Cyprian Weaver, OSB, also offered me prayers. For the first few days after the fire, as I was coming to terms with our loss, I felt like someone I loved had died. Without the support of my Johnnie connections, I know I wouldn’t have been able to cope. This reminded me of St. Benedict’s rule about hospitality: “Let all be received as Christ.” I learned that accepting help can be more difficult than giving it, but by accepting help you often make others feel better, also. Five days later we returned to the ashes and debris that had been our home for more than 20 years. This was where our children had grown up. It had held a lifetime of memories, and we’d left almost everything behind. People told us that the things we left behind were just things, but family heirlooms are irreplaceable.

We didn’t miss things that had monetary value, only the items that were important to our past. We sifted through the ashes and found only a few mementos.

Personal memories are triggered by objects that have journeyed through space and time with us. I lamented that I had nothing from Saint John’s to help trigger those memories. Again my Johnnie friends came to the rescue. Dave Riley ’74 sent me a duplicate of an SJU pewter

plate. Al Kramer ’74 gave me an SJU sweatshirt, and Pete Amann ’90 replaced a Saint John’s photo book. Kilian Anderson ’09, my daughter, sent us the Saint John’s Abbey cross. All of this reminded me of St.

Benedict’s rule that says “Let all things be common to all.” Last spring we ordered furniture for our new home from Fr. John Meoska, OSB, and the Saint John’s woodworking shop. We chose two abbey refectory chairs and a hutch made from oak harvested on Saint John’s property. We visited Saint John’s and met with the woodworking staff and Fr. John. They are now part of our wonderful new Saint John’s memories. The furniture is a proud addition to our newly built home.

When I sit in my refectory chair, memories of my SJU years rush back—walks to the chapel, Sunday evening masses on 4th Tommy with Fr. Eugene McGlothin, OSB, the abbey church bells ringing at graduation. New objects trigger old memories as I reflect on those precious, formative days at Saint John’s.

Retired Lt. Col. Craig Anderson ’74 works asa Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in Colorado. He and his wife, Judy Gans Anderson ’74, have built a new home since the fire.

Inspiring Lives

People told us that the things we left behind

were just things, but family heirlooms

are irreplaceable.

R to L: Craig Anderson ’74, Judy Gans Anderson ’74 and Fr. John Meoska, OSB, with the Anderson’s new furniture from Abbey Woodworking.

44

To learn more about making a planned

gift, contact Jim Dwyer ’75, director of planned giving,

at 800-635-7303 or jdwyer@csbsju.edu.

ohn Ford ’67 came to SJU on a mission: to continue

his education and to play football for John Gagliardi.

“My professors opened up a whole new world of ideas to

me and allowed me to come up with my own conclusions,” he

says. “And John Gagliardi taught me the value of a good plan

and the determination to execute it.”

Through a gift of land, John Ford and his wife, Ginny,

have donated to the two driving forces that brought John to

SJU—academics and athletics. Their gift will contribute to

the Saint John’s Learning Commons and the athletic turf and

dome, two priorities of the Campaign for Saint John’s.

“It feels great to do this now,” he says. “It’s an investment

that pays off for everyone.”

Now’s the TimeJohn ’67 and Ginny Ford

J

Turf and Dome

Classroom

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Saint John’s UniversityINSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

P.O. Box 7222Collegeville, MN 56321

Friday, October 3Homecoming Banquet 5:30 p.m

Saturday, October 4Johnnie Football vs. Hamline 1 p.m. • Fun on the Tundra after the game

Go to sjureunion.com

Congratulations to the classes of 2009 2004 1999 1994 1989 1984 1979 1974 1969 1964 and Beyond 50th

Everyone welcome!Come back to Collegeville