Fall 2012
THE MAGAZINE o f LOURDES UNIVERSITY
global learning:
the ireland program
at
FA L L 2 0 1 2 • V O LUM E IX • N U M B E R 7
F
all is
such an
exciting
time on
campus!
When students are not busy attending class,
they are enjoying all the new programming that
Lourdes now has to offer – a new Campus Ministry
House, the King James Bible exhibit, the First Year Experience course,
the opening of the Center for Science Education and the Environment,
and the announcement of the new J session.
In this edition, you can learn about all these items as well as celebrate
the accomplishments of our alumni, faculty, staff and students.
Learn about the two students who graduated from the Toledo Police
Academy, an alumna who is now working as a probation officer for
the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, one who is following in her
father’s footsteps as a Toledo Firefighter and several alumni who are
educating and providing nursing care and guidance in our region.
On behalf of the Lourdes community, I encourage you to review our
Coming Events section and join us whenever possible at our academic,
student life and athletic events. As the weather begins to get colder,
please also plan on joining us at our annual Sharing the Spirit event
where we enjoy scrumptious food, sing Christmas carols and officially
light the Lourdes University Christmas tree.
Sincerely,
2012 - 2013 Board of Trustees
Carol Howell Anderson
Robert W. LaClair
Richard L. Arnos
Richard G. LaValley Jr.
John Bachey
Ann L. Meier
Joan E. Bayer
James M. Murray
Bruce C. Carver
Joseph T. Nachtrab
Larry B. Dillin
Sr. Rachel M. Nijakowski, OSF
Russell J. Ebeid
Larry C. Peterson
Ernest C. Enrique
Janet H. Robinson
Michael J. Fischer
William D. Rudolph
Thomas B. Geiger Jr.
Barbara S. Steele
Michael C. Gibbons
David F. Waterman
Sr. Carolyn Giera, OSF
Trustee Emeriti
John Hayes Harris III
Dolly Flasck
Jim A. Haudan
Kevin J. Kenney
Sandra M. Hylant
W.G. Lyden III
Sr. Joan C. Jurski, OSF
Martha Mewhort
Bruce D. Klinger, '08
Robert E. O’Brien
Deborah Knight
Larry D. Ulrich
administration
Janet H. Robinson, PhD, Interim President
Mary Arquette, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Sr. Ann Carmen Barone, OSF, Vice President for Mission & Ministry
Roseanne Gill-Jacobson, Vice President for Student Life
Michael Killian, Vice President for Finance & Administration
Keith Schlender, PhD, Interim Provost
2012-2013 alumni association OFFICERS
Deb Olejownik, President
Jeff Knaggs, Vice President
Janice Jerkovich, Secretary
Contributors
Mary Arquette, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Liz Boltz, Web Content Administrator & Assistant Director of University Relations
Sr. Ann Carmen Barone, OSF, Vice President for Mission & Ministry
Jennifer Drouillard, Publications Designer, University Relations
Michael George, Director of Development & Annual Fund Officer
Erin Hafner, Alumni Relations Officer
John Jacob, Assistant E-Communications Manager
Aileen Meyer, Director of Major Gifts
Manda Rice, Director of Corporate, Foundation & Government Relations
Carla Woodell, Publications Designer, University Relations
Sr. Barbara Vano, OSF, Director of Campus Ministry
Bruce Works, Photographer, PhotoWorks, Inc.
Ryan Wronkowicz, Sports Information Director
Senior Editor
Helene Sheets, Director of University Relations
Editor
Heather Hoffman, Media Coordinator & Writer, University Relations
Janet H. Robinson, PhD
Interim President
Designer
Carla Leow, Publications Coordinator & Lead Graphic Designer,
University Relations
Printed on recycled paper.
In this issue…
4
6
8
10
12
14
18
20
24
28
36
44
Global Learning: The Ireland Program
Orientation 2012: are you the messenger?
A new look for Lourdes’ academics
Discover the King James Bible
Celebrating 20 years of teacher education
Celebrating our education alumni
Lourdes nursing – 25 years strong
Celebrating our nursing alumni
Faculty feature
Staff feature
Sisters, best friends, and twins
Alumni spotlight
31 Auxiliary news
32 Faculty & staff kudos
Learn more online:
www.lourdes.edu/atlourdes
42 Campus news briefs
50 Alumni news & notes
58 Students in the news
64 Gray wolf spirit
68 Campus news briefs
76 Our friends
81 Coming soon
82 Coming events
56 Student feature
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 3
global learning:
the ireland
T
he Ireland Program marks a milestone for Lourdes University. For the first time in
the institution’s history, study-abroad programs are now actively being created
and standardized within the curriculum to enhance undergraduate academic
programs.
The program was created by Terry Keller, Assistant Professor of Social Work. “Our
goal is to provide academic courses that allow our students to obtain college
credit while learning through an immersion experience,” offers Professor Keller.
The Ireland Program will be offered during the 2013 summer session. The course allows
up to 15 students to travel to Tully Cross, Ireland, a small island country with a rich
and varied history, and fulfills both history and multicultural general education
requirements for all academic majors.
During the 5-week course, students will spend the first 2 weeks in the
classroom learning about Irish history and Irish culture in preparation
for their 3-week immersion experience. “The Ireland Program provides
students with the opportunity to live and travel abroad in order to
experience the culture, while at the same time earning 6 hours of
academic credit,” adds Professor Keller.
During the immersion portion, students will study on a campus on
the western coast of Ireland. They and 2 faculty members will live
and take their courses in thatched-roof cottages. The program fee
includes round trip airfare, housing, excursions and 1 family meal a
day. During their stay, students will actually learn to prepare and serve
Irish family-style meals in their cottages.
One of the best aspects of the course is the wealth of experience the
two faculty members who will teach the course possess. Mary Robinson,
PhD, Chair of History, Political Science & Geography, is an expert on European
History including Irish history. Professor Keller actually spent 5 months in the Irish
town 12 years ago during his undergraduate studies and has designed an immersion
experience that is uniquely Lourdes. As Professor Keller points out, “This will truly be an
exciting learning opportunity that is in line with our Franciscan values. Our students will love it!”
To learn more about the Lourdes University Ireland Program visit www.lourdes.edu/
globallearning or call 419-824-3535. U
4 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 “The Ireland Program provides students
with the opportunity to live and travel
abroad in order to experience the
culture, while at the same time earning
6 hours of academic credit.”
“This will truly be an exciting learning
opportunity that is in line with our
Franciscan values. Our students will love it!”
Tully Cross Ireland
program
Friday, August 17
Thursday, August 16
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6 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 meetings
Dinner and B
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Making it Count
Academic Expectations
College Student Invento
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Sunday, August 19
Saturday, August 18
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View a slideshow online at
www.lourdes.edu/atlourdes
T
his fall, Lourdes unveiled updates to several
academic programs, including new components
in the undergraduate Environmental Science and
Sociology majors, new Graduate School offerings,
and a Global Learning Program. In January, the
University will also launch a unique J Session.
“As an institution of higher learning, we must continually enhance
our academic programming in order to stay competitive,” explains
Keith Schlender, PhD, Interim Provost. “At Lourdes, we want our
students to have the most comprehensive knowledge base possible
so that they are able to succeed in their chosen fields.”
Environmental Science revisions:
Since joining the Lourdes Community in 2010, Associate Professor
James Minesky, PhD, has been working with Biology & Health
Sciences faculty to revamp the Environmental Science program.
“Today, there’s incredible opportunity in the field of Environmental
Science and a high level of interest from incoming students,” notes
Dr. Minesky. “Our updated program still provides students with
a solid foundation in natural science and math, but also gives
them the ability to tailor their degree to best fit their individual
talents.”
An Environmental Science major can now focus her/
his studies on any one of the following tracks or
concentrations:
• Ecology & Conservation
• Environmental Chemistry
• General Environmental Science
Students must also complete a field or professional
experience outside of the classroom.
“Expanding on classroom learning by participating
in environmental projects in the government or private
sector, conducting lab or field research or tackling real
environmental problems in a community, or working for elected
officials or policy makers will help our students further their
careers in the future,” remarks Dr. Minesky.
8 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 Sociology –
Family Studies vs.
Urban Life:
Like their Environmental Science peers,
Sociology students at Lourdes will also
have an opportunity to concentrate
their degree in one of two areas: Family
Studies or Urban Life.
“We decided to separate the Sociology
program into two tracks so that we
could offer students a more specialized
academic experience,” shares Dale
Lanigan, EdD, Chair of Sociology &
Justice Studies. “As a result, students
are now able to choose between Family
Studies or Urban Life – both of which
are extremely interesting and everevolving fields of sociology.”
The Family
Studies track will
focus on aspects
of interpersonal
relationships,
human development, and psychology
as they relate to the family unit.
Coursework includes topics on the
dynamics of marriage, domestic
violence, small group behavior,
and counseling.
The Urban Life Track will
cover a diverse range of topics
that affect metropolitan
areas, such as
transportation issues,
poverty, crime,
social justice and
sustainable living.
MBA & MOL enhancements:
Lourdes’ Graduate School is also expanding its offerings with the
addition of a part-time Master of Business Administration (MBA)
program and the Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) program
at Owens Community College. This fall, the Graduate School responded to requests from many
working adults interested in Lourdes’ MBA by launching a part-time
degree option. Lourdes’ part-time MBA program will follow the same
curriculum and feature all of the benefits of the full-time program,
including an international immersion experience, a distinctive, cutting
edge curriculum, and state-of-the-art technology.
“Providing the part-time MBA option at Lourdes allows working adults
a better opportunity to earn their advanced degree,” notes Ryan Butt,
JD, MBA Director. “Classes meet only two nights per week, with degree
completion in two years.” The second enhancement from the Graduate School is an off-campus
MOL program being offered at Owens Community College.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Owens on this new endeavor,”
expresses Deborah Schwartz, PhD, Dean of the Graduate School.
“Lourdes is offering the program to a group of Owens employees
who hold leadership positions or have the potential to do so. By
providing the MOL on Owens’ campus, these employees have a
direct opportunity to apply theory to practice and strengthen their
organizational leadership skills.”
J Session:
Beginning in January,
Lourdes will offer a unique
J Session – which runs from
January 2 through January 12. “Unique to
northwest Ohio, Lourdes’ J Session is a remarkable
opportunity for students to get a jump on their
spring semester coursework,” shares Dr. Schlender.
Students interested in enrolling in the J Session will
attend daily classes that meet for approximately 6
hours each. Courses currently being offered in the
2012 J Session include:
BUS 299
CMP 111
EDU 613
ENG200
HST499
SWK205
SWK499
THS 101
THS 246
Topics in Global Management
Communication & Search Applications
Current and Emerging Technologies in Education
Introduction to Literature
Topics in History
Pre-Professional Seminar
Topics in Social Work
Introduction to Religious Studies
Great Religions of the West
Register for a J Session course today!
The Ireland Program:
Also in fall, Lourdes announced the Ireland Program,
which will provide an opportunity for students to travel
to and study in Tully Cross, Ireland.
A feature story on the
program is
located on
page 4.
Contact an advisor or visit
www.lourdes.edu/Home/Academics/
CatalogCoursesandSchedules/JSession.aspx
“Lourdes University is truly an asset to the
region, because we provide a unique educational
experience,” expresses Dr. Schlender. “Our
students receive a personalized, values-centered
education, rooted in our Franciscan heritage.
Today, we continue this experience by providing
ways for students to tailor academic degrees to
their own talents and by taking our programs off
campus, out into the community. It is an exciting
time to be involved in academics at Lourdes!” U
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 9
Discover the King James Bible:
Library hosts Manifold
T
his fall, delve
into one of
history’s most
influential
books at
Lourdes
University! The Duns Scotus
Library is 1 of only 2 locations
in Ohio presenting Manifold
Greatness: the Creation and
Afterlife of the King James
Bible, a national traveling
exhibition celebrating the book’s
400th anniversary.
“the influence…is so great that
the list of idioms that have
slipped into everyday speech…
is practically endless: sour
grapes; salt of the earth; drop
in a bucket; skin of one’s teeth;
apple of one’s eye; fight the
good fight; and eat, drink and be
merry. The great achievement of
the King James translators is to
have arrived at a language that
is both ordinary and heightened,
that rings in the ear and lingers
in the mind.”
Open now through October
31, Manifold Greatness
explores the origin,
creation
and impact
of the King
James Version
of the Bible (KJV)
through a series of
informational
panels
displayed at
Lourdes.
Of the decision to bring the
exhibition to campus, Library
Director Sr. Sandra Rutkowski,
OSF, says that she learned
about the opportunity through
a National Endowment for the
Humanities grant. “We applied
and were one of the locations
accepted. I thought it would be
exciting to bring to campus! The
KJV is really an incredible work
of literature and the exhibition
gives us an occasion to highlight
some of our own rare works,
such as our copy of the first
American facsimile of the
Gutenberg Bible.”
In an article
published by the New York
Times, author Charles McGrath
regards the KJV as “one
of the great masterpieces of
English prose.” He adds that,
10 Though highly revered and
widely read by the public, the
At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 King James version of the
Bible is still widely debated
throughout the Catholic
Church. While the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops
does not include it among the
lists of “approved translations,”
the Vatican recently hosted a
celebration revealing how the
KJV’s roots are almost entirely
Catholic.
“The King James Bible quickly
replaced the Bishop’s Bible,
but it was more than 50 years
before it was embraced by
the public,” adds Sr. Shannon
Schrein, OSF, PhD, Chair of the
Department of Theology. “The
classically beautiful language
of the translation eventually
became sacrosanct in the eyes
of the people and much of the
English can be traced to earlier
translations including the
Catholic Rheims (1582).”
To provide a comprehensive and
regional celebration, the Duns
Scotus Library is partnering with
the Toledo-Lucas County Public
Library and the Toledo Museum of
Art (TMA) to offer several lectures
and events.
Greatness exhibit
Manifold Greatness:
The Creation and Afterlife of the
King James Bible, a traveling exhibition
for libraries, was organized by the Folger
Shakespeare Library, Washington, DC, and
the American Library Association Public
Programs Office. It is based on an exhibition
of the same name developed by the Folger
Shakespeare Library and the Bodleian Library,
University of Oxford, with assistance from
the Harry Ransom Center of the University
of Texas, to mark the 400th anniversary of
the publication of the King James Bible. The
traveling exhibition was made possible by a
major grant from the National Endowment
for the Humanities. Any views, findings, or
recommendations expressed in Manifold
Greatness do not necessarily reflect those of
the National Endowment for the Humanities.
U
Exhibit Hours through OCT. 31:
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Find more on the King James Bible online:
A video on pop-culture influences of the
King James Bible
Fun facts about the King James Bible
Photos from the Manifold Greatness
exhibition
www.lourdes.edu/manifold
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 11
Celebrating 20 years
I
n August, educators from around the region gathered to celebrate the
20th anniversary of the Lourdes University Department of Education.
“Our alumni are over 550 strong and educating K-12th graders in 19
states and 2 countries,” noted Dean Michael Smith, PhD. “We are
proud of the role Lourdes and our alumni play in the education of our
nation’s future leaders. Our Education programs are recognized by state and
national accrediting bodies. We will continue to enhance our programs and
provide the best education for today’s 21st century learners.”
In addition to superintendents, administrators, principals and advisory
members, several Lourdes Education alumni came to celebrate the
institution’s milestone.
Educating today’s 21st century learners
Read about these successful Education alumni at www.lourdes.edu/atlourdes.
U
12 AtLo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 of teacher education
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 13
Adrianne Subleski
(‘09, BA, Middle Childhood
Education; ’12, MEd, Reading
Endorsement)
Middle School Science Teacher
(5-8th grade), Homeroom Teacher
(6th grade), Franciscan Academy of
Lourdes University, Sylvania, OH
Celebr
our educat
To read more about these successful alumni, see
Kimberly Scribner
Marcia Swint
(‘12, BA, Middle Childhood
Education)
4th Grade Math Teacher, Winterfield
Venture Academy, Toledo, OH
(‘09, BA, Early Childhood
Education)
3rd Grade Teacher, Franciscan
Academy of Lourdes University,
Sylvania, OH
Terry Fitzgerald
(‘09, Licensure, Middle Childhood
Education)
7th Grade Math Teacher, Franciscan
Academy of Lourdes University,
Sylvania, OH
Josh Tyburski
(‘03, BS, Adolescence to Young Adult
Education)
Principal, Whiteford Elementary
School, Sylvania, OH
14 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 William White
rating
tion alumni
(‘11, BS, Adolescence to Young
Adult Education)
Social Studies Teacher, Lake Erie
Academy, Toledo, OH
e page 16 and visit www.lourdes.edu/atlourdes
Annessa Stahler
(‘12, BA, Early Childhood Education)
Kindergarten Teacher, St. Michael
Indian School, St. Michaels, AZ
Kim Hohlbein
(‘’98, AA, Early and Middle
Childhood Education; ’01, BA,
Early Childhood Education)
Kindergarten Teacher, Crissey
Elementary School, Holland, OH
Angela Konwinski
Kendra Leiser
(‘10, BA, Early Childhood
Education)
Kindergarten Connection
Teacher, Franciscan Academy
of Lourdes University,
Sylvania, OH
(’08, BA, Middle Childhood
Education)
Teacher, Rosenwald Elementary
School, Florence, SC
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 15
anniversary spotlight
Adrianne Subleski
‘09, BA, Middle Childhood Education;
’12, MEd, Reading Endorsement
anniversary spotlight
A passion for science
D
esiring to
be either a
veterinarian
or a teacher as
a youngster,
Adrianne Subleski’s career
decision was finally made in
junior high. “I discovered my
passion for science,” she says.
Today, in addition to teaching
science, she is also certified to
teach social studies for 4-9th
graders, and holds a P-12
reading endorsement.
Originally enrolled at a local
public university, Adrianne
transferred to Lourdes. “The
education faculty is so different
than at other schools. They
share their prior classroom
experiences and best practices
learned while teaching young
students and working with
parents. That is such valuable
information for education
students!”
Her professional mentor is Judy
McEwen, who taught Adrianne
science in the 7th grade at
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
School. “She changed my view
of science.” For those currently
pursuing their education degree,
Adrianne offers the following
advice. “Be flexible. Make sure
your lessons are planned well
in advance. Realize that things
pop up and you may need
to change a day’s lesson at a
moment’s notice.” She says most
importantly, “Laugh with your
students.”
“Educators need to know their
students; to put their mindset
to that of their students. Know
what they are going through
and what they are thinking. It
helps in the educational process.
They will realize your passion for
education and your belief that
they can succeed.”
After graduating from Lourdes,
Adrianne taught 5-8th grade
science at St. Mary’s of the
Snows School in Mansfield,
OH. From there, she accepted a
Title I teaching job at Imagine
Madison Avenue School of Arts.
Once the school year ended, she
was offered her current position
at the Franciscan Academy.
One of the positives at the
Academy is the student
diversity. “We have children from
Korea and India enrolled,” adds
Adrianne. “The students learn
about each other’s cultures and
gain an appreciation for being
culturally aware.” Adrianne took
the learning opportunity one
step further this past year and
included culture awareness
in the lesson plan. One of the
Hindu parents came into the
class and shared with the young
students what the daily life was
like for a Hindu family living in
America. In retrospect, Adrianne
says, “The diversity component
really enhanced the overall
learning experience for my
students and me.”
Adrianne also learns from her
students. An avid reader, she
says her most recent read was a
book her students were reading
– The Hunger Games. “Although
I love reading all genres, it was
educational for me to gain more
insight into what their interests
are.”
When not reading, she also
enjoys going to Detroit Tigers
games and is a huge fan of Notre
Dame football. Another passion
she hopes to spend more time
pursuing is travel. “I have been
to several states, but my goal is
to experience Ireland, Italy and
the Caribbean.” U
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 17
Lourdes nursing –
rsing
u
N
th
Colle
ge o
f
25
y
r
a
s
r
e
v
i
An n
F
or 25 years, Lourdes University has prepared students to become
nurses and to serve the health care needs of northwest Ohio.
“As Dean of the College of Nursing, I am proud of the role our
institution has played in the lives of our students, alumni and
community,” offers Judy Didion, PhD, RN. “Our dedication to a
values-based education sets our graduates apart in the health care arena.
They are recognized for their compassionate caring as well as their passion for
lifelong learning.”
Alumni who are making a difference
The Lourdes nursing program is respected throughout this region and the
nation. In the past decade, over $4 million in private, state, and federal grants
have been awarded to support the institution’s undergraduate and graduate
nursing programs. With over 1,700 nursing graduates, Lourdes alumni are
definitely making a difference. U
rsing
u
N
th
Colle
ge o
f
25
y
r
a
s
r
e
v
An n i
18 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 25 years strong
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 19
Linette Will
(’11, MSN, Nursing)
Assistant Professor, Lourdes
University, Sylvania, OH
Celebr
our nursin
To read more about these successful alumni, see
Arlene Ford-Bond
Kristin Oneail
(’06, BSN, Nursing; ’11, MOL,
Organizational Leadership)
Nurse Manager, The University of
Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH
(’98, BSN, Nursing)
Assistant Professor of
Nursing, Lourdes University,
Sylvania, OH
Jill Liebnau
(’93, BSN, Nursing)
Director, Nurse Anesthesia Master
of Science in Nursing Program,
Lourdes University, Sylvania, OH
Greg Shannon
(’97, BSN, Nursing)
Staff Development Coordinator,
The University of Toledo Medical Center,
Toledo, OH
20 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 Lisa Hawthorne-Price
(’11, BSN, Nursing)
Registered Nurse, St. Charles
Hospital, Oregon, OH
rating
ng alumni
e page 23 and visit www.lourdes.edu/atlourdes
Barb Tassell
Damian Gonzalez
(’09, MSN, Nursing Education)
Administrative Director, ProMedica’s
Center of Nursing Excellence, Toledo, OH
(’11, BSN, Nursing)
Registered Nurse, Surgical Intensive
Care Unit, Mount Carmel West
Hospital, Columbus, OH
Joseph Hauser
Captain Sarah
Matuszek
(’10, BSN, Nursing)
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care
Unit, ProMedica Bay Park Hospital,
Oregon, OH
(’09, MSN, Nursing)
Registered Nurse, Progressive
Care Unit East, St. Charles
Hospital, Oregon, OH
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 21
anniversary spotlight
Improving the health
T
he Lourdes
nursing program
focuses heavily
on the holistic
care of patients,”
begins Damian Gonzalez. “As
a graduate, I know that nursing
care goes beyond the obvious
medical requirements of the
patient and addresses other
important needs that improve
the patient’s ability to cope, heal,
recover, and maintain health.”
As a Registered Nurse in the
Surgical Intensive Care Unit at
Mount Carmel West Hospital in
Columbus, OH, Damian works
with a patient population that
has experienced traumatic
injuries, sometimes requiring
extensive surgeries. “By far, the
greatest benefit of my work
is knowing that during my
shift, I am making a difference
in my patients’ health and
assisting their families with
their emotional distress and
knowledge of what is occurring
and why.”
His parents played the greatest
role in helping him achieve his
dream. “They sacrificed so much
to ensure I received a quality
education and satisfying career.”
Damian immigrated to the
22 United States with his mom
and stepdad a week before
he turned 11. His father had
already moved from Cuba and
had settled in Columbus, paving
the way for the others to follow
suit and leave a country where
“Communism has depressed the
economy.”
Damian credits the Columbus
City Schools’ English as a Second
Language (ESL) program for
helping to make the transition
as smooth as possible. He recalls
attending history and science
classes, listening to instructors
but not understanding anything
they were saying. At the end of
each school day, he would then
attend his ESL class and begin
the long process of learning
English. Surprisingly though,
he says he learned English the
fastest by watching cartoons.
Last year, Damian realized two
dreams – he became a U.S.
citizen and received his nursing
degree. He says he owes his
success to his parents. He is
grateful to his fiancée Rachel.
“Her strong work ethic and
unwavering belief and interest
in my dreams have been of great
importance to me.”
At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 The couple met in high school
and have supported each other
throughout their educational
pursuits. In spring, Rachel
completed her own educational
dream – obtaining her doctorate
in physical therapy. The couple
plans to marry this year.
For those pursuing a nursing
degree, Damian says the
rigorous coursework and
schedule are daunting. In
the end though, he says it is
all worth it. “In high school, I
remember how fascinated I
was to learn what was possible
through the health sciences.
Today, my nursing degree allows
me to care for people at their
bedside and utilize the health
profession to truly improve their
physical and emotional health.”
U
of others
Damian Gonzalez
‘11, BSN, Nursing
faculty feature
Terry Keller
Associate Professor of Social Work
MBA, Webster University
MSW, St. Louis University
BA, Aquinas College
faculty feature
Helping students develop their
own passions and career interests
D
edicated to
the social work
profession,
Professor
Terry Keller
is no stranger to making a
difference. With an admitted
“soft spot for student life
programming and small liberal
arts colleges,” and being a “true
academic by nature,” he has
helped to improve colleges and
organizations where he has
worked, twice being recognized
for his extraordinary efforts and
achievements.
His educational journey has
taken him from his hometown
village of Tamaroa, IL, with a
population of 638, to a Southern
Illinois mental health agency,
3 colleges, a behavioral health
care agency, and finally to his
dual roles at Lourdes as Assistant
Professor of Social Work and
creator of the Ireland Program.
Along the way, he has earned
3 degrees and is currently
pursuing his doctorate in
Social Work at Michigan State
University.
Ireland Program
How is he currently juggling a
full-time faculty position and
planning a Global Learning
experience for Lourdes
undergraduates in Ireland? “It’s
all about balancing. You get
things done and the other parts
will naturally happen. It’s simple.
Work hard up front and then the
big picture falls into place.”
The Ireland Program offers our
students a unique academic
immersion experience. To learn
more, see page 4.
“Faculty need to be invested in
the entire student experience,”
believes Professor Keller. “We
need to be involved in studyabroad opportunities, faculty
exchanges, and we need to
support research that benefits
the students and the entire
university community.”
Social Work
The National Association of
Social Workers (NASW) has, at its
core, 6 values that guide social
work practice – service, social
justice, dignity and worth of the
person, importance of human
relationships, integrity, and
competency. “It is important
for social workers to know and
follow this code of ethics and
to practice by example,” notes
Terry.
faculty feature
Growing up in a small village
that struggled economically,
Professor Keller understands the
importance of working with the
disadvantaged. “Students and
social workers need to experience
as many areas of their discipline
as they can. It makes you a better
professional. The mystery of what’s
required for the field is removed.”
When he worked as a mental
health professional at Southern
Illinois Behavioral Services, the
after-hours crisis line would
automatically ring to the social
workers’ cell phones. “We often
were dealing with individuals
who were suicidal; sometimes an
individual had already loaded a
gun before dialing. It was standard
to receive calls at 2 a.m. from
individuals requesting to set up
appointments later in the day,
to someone that just needed to
talk. Calls from personnel at the
jail requesting an assessment of a
client were also common.”
View Professor Keller's video
of Tully Cross, Ireland.
26 AtLo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 Interested in the study of rural
mental health, Terry maintains
that some issues for a rural area
are very similar to their urban
counterparts – transportation,
access to basic health care,
advocacy, and resources. One
example is his hometown, a former
coal mining and manufacturing
town that continues to struggle
economically. “The nearest
state hospital for mental health
treatment is about 50 miles
away. In fact, most individuals
need to travel to larger cities in
order to access any specialized
resources including their need for
employment.”
In addition, he says drugs are
also a big issue with a high
instance of heroine and other
substance abuse. Compounding
the situation, often funding is
not available to provide the
required educational resources.
Fatherhood and
Attachment
Another area of study that has
intrigued Professor Keller is the
relationship of fatherhood and
attachment. “Overall, I enjoy
human behavior. I enjoy learning
how, why, and when people do
things. The power of interaction,
togetherness, and the
immediate bond parents have
with their children is fascinating.”
As a social work professional
and educator, he has made this
the focus of his dissertation
and has presented on this topic
numerous times, most recently
at the International Association
for the Study of Attachment
(IASA) conference in Frankfurt,
Germany.
IASA is a multi-disciplinary
association of professionals that
focuses on how humans cope
with danger, how attachment
relationships affect this, and
how later adaptation to life
circumstances draws on these
experiences. Terry, like his peers,
believes that “understanding
the strategies that people use to
organize their current behavior
is key to improving the ways
professionals care for those who
are troubled.”
Students
can learn
more about
Attachment
through a J
session course
he created. The
course will be
offered in the
first two weeks
of January.
Family
Devoted to his
wife Kayla and
their 2 young
daughters
Josephine
and Olivia,
Terry enjoys
spending time
with them. Loving “everything
outdoors,” he enjoys fishing,
camping, coaching baseball, and
spending time at the family’s
acreage near Paradise in the
Upper Peninsula. “You could
say when I am outdoors, it’s like
escaping back to my childhood,”
he jokes.
Terry credits his parents for
providing him and his 2 younger
siblings with a wonderful
childhood. His father was a
coal miner, the same job his
grandfather had, who now
suffers from the years of working
in coal mining. “My mom was
definitely instrumental in
my life,” adds Terry. “She has
been a nurse for over 30 years.
Although she is a very careerdriven person, she was always
there for us.”
Lourdes and the
future
“When I stepped on campus
and met the people at Lourdes,
I knew this is where I wanted to
be,” recalls Terry. “Lourdes is a
nice place for me to grow, and
to grow with the university.”
In his future, the professor
sees himself wrapping up his
PhD, continuing to conduct
research, and most importantly,
“continuing to have an impact
on students considering social
work. My job is to help them
develop their own passions
and career interests so they can
become independent, complete
professionals.” U
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 27
staff feature
Strengthening lives
through grants
Manda Rice, GPC
Director, Corporate, Foundation &
Government Relations
BA, The University of Toledo
I
f I could, I’d plant you
a money tree!” This
quick quip captures
the personality, energy
and drive of Manda
Rice, Director of Corporate,
Foundation & Government
Relations. With a wry sense of
humor and a commitment to
community service, Manda
has been involved with nearly
250 grant-funded initiatives
representing $20 million to the
organizations where she has
worked.
With a national funding average
of 60% for grant writers, Manda
regularly tops that mark, having
come in just under 70% last year.
Since coming to Lourdes just 3
years ago from the ProMedica
Toledo Children’s Hospital, the
University has realized 54 grants
totaling $9.8 million. Manda
believes the best part of her job
is the end result. “The services
28 these funds provide and the
needs that are met cannot be
downplayed. I see my role at
Lourdes as being one of support
and service. When needs are
identified, my job is to find
resources to fill those needs.”
Becoming a grant
writer
“There’s no such thing as
receiving a degree in grant
writing,” points out Manda.
“Grant professionals all come
at it from a different avenue.
I was trained in research and
writing through my degree and
employment with ProMedica.”
Her foray into the grant world
came after a self-described
“practical” approach to finding
the right career. “When I was
a teenager, I wanted to be a
veterinarian because of my
At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 love of animals. However, after
assisting a local vet, I realized
I didn’t want to own my own
business.”
Her next career choice was
being a biologist or doctor.
“My thought was that a degree
in biology certainly would allow
me to pursue a lot
of fun and
challenging
jobs. In
college, I
worked for
an allergist
and found there
were many aspects
of being a physician
hat didn’t seem attractive.”
Instead of going to medical
school, she enrolled in
graduate school at the
Medical College of
Ohio.
staff feature
Approaching the end of her
doctorate in biomedical
sciences, Manda spent some
time in introspection and
realized she needed a job that
would allow her to tap into her
competitive spirit and fulfill her
need to be of benefit to the
community. “Being a scientist
just wasn’t people-oriented
enough for me.” The opportunity
to work at ProMedica Toledo
Children’s Hospital presented
itself, and she took it. “It really
was a convergence,” she says.
“Working at the hospital as first
a Trauma Research Coordinator
and then as a Program Specialist,
grant writing became part of
my duties and I was very good
at it. You could say, it all came
together, and it’s the perfect fit!”
Grounded in
education
Growing up in Walbridge, OH,
Manda and her brother are
grateful to their parents, both
public school educators, who
provided the perfect balance
of discipline and freedom. “I
feel very lucky to have grown
up in a stable, good childhood
environment.” A product of the
80s (she cops to having Shaun
Cassidy posters), her working
environment includes music on
Pandora with plenty of Duran
Duran playing. A true “Gen
Xer,” she accepts the qualities
“our generation is known for –
independent individuals, hard
working, practical, and nose-tothe-grindstone.”
She met her soul mate in 1991 at
The University of Toledo. “Kollin
had been an Anthropology
major (who would later become
an attorney) and was in the
Honors Program. I was the Chair
of the Student Honors Activities
Committee. When he attended
one of the meetings, we hit it
off.” The couple started dating
and was married 2 years later.
Sharing much in common, Kollin
and Manda are intellectual,
mission-driven and practical,
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 29
staff feature
although she adds impishly that
she is “more so than he because
he’s a guy.” One final quality
they share is their “incredible
competitive streak. His dad is
a retired football coach. Kollin
played for the UT football
team and I have always been a
huge fan of professional level
football. I am loyal to the Browns
and Lions although it has led
to perpetual disappointment
until most recently.” One of the
couple’s pastimes is competing
in a fantasy football league.
Kollin took the dubious honors
last year and Manda finished 2nd.
Hailing from a musical family,
Manda’s dad and several aunts
and uncles are professional
musicians and her mom played
the French horn. Manda would
follow in their footsteps, joining
the marching band and playing
the French horn. “Yes, I embrace
it – I was a band nerd.” She is also
a book nerd. Her favorite books
are A Fine Balance by Rohinton
Mistry and Jane Eyre. “I have read
that book every other year. That
crazy Victorian dysfunctional
stuff is just perfect!”
Claiming never to have been a
“wild teen because you can’t
get away with anything when
your parents are teachers,”
she does remember fondly
riding her bike, playing tennis,
swimming in the local pool as
well as tanning at her neighbor’s
pool. “During those days, we
kept ladling on the baby oil. Of
course, I’d never do that now.”
With their children Owen and
Holly, the family enjoys time
spent with their animals or
30 outdoors – hiking and riding
bikes. “Being among nature and
seeing life in nature is a very
impactful experience. One of our
joys this summer was spending
time in the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan seeking the elusive
moose.”
Helping others
Guided by the mission to be
of value to society, Manda
dedicates her time to others
not only professionally but
personally. One of the projects
she volunteers for revolves
around the issue of prematurity
and birth defects, which affect
21 million babies worldwide. “My
uncle Tom suffered a brain injury
at birth and has quirky Rain Man,
savant-like qualities. I was aware
of him at a very young age. He
lived with my grandparents at a
time when kids with those types
of problems didn’t stay in the
home. My grandmother went
against the grain, raising him as
well as taking in foster kids. She
was ahead of her time and a real
trailblazer.”
She has carried on her
grandmother’s tradition,
working as a volunteer for many
organizations including Healthy
Lucas County, the Lucas County
Traffic Safety Taskforce, March of
Dimes, Ohio Injury Prevention
Partnership, Safe Kids Greater
Toledo, and Safe Kids Ohio, as
well as being a Certified Child
Passenger Safety Technician
Instructor. “Working on these
projects instills pride,” she affirms.
When not working at Lourdes,
trying to improve her health, or
At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 volunteering, Manda divulges
that before she can retire for
the night, the house needs
to be in order. After that,
she winds down watching
comedies or reality TV or better
yet, playing Scrabble on the
iPad, “competing against the
computer, which of course is on
the hardest setting.”
The grant world
A true grants person, Manda
sets high goals for herself at
Lourdes. “It’s important to
bring some expectations and
big resources to campus. We’ll
always have needs that way.”
She credits her success today as
a result of “really good bosses”
including her graduate school
advisor and her directors at
ProMedica. “A key component
of professional development
is having supervisors you can
learn from.”
Doing her part to further
the grant profession, she
is a member of the Grant
Professionals Association
(GPA) and is a member and
peer reviewer of its Journal
Committee. “The trick to writing
a great grant is conveying to the
funder clearly and concisely
that your project is the
best one,”
offers
Manda.
“Plus,
you must be competitive.
I don’t like to lose. In
grants, you can be
competitive in an area
that ultimately serves
the greater good.” U
auxiliary news
The best luncheon
programs in town
Proceeds benefit student scholarships
T
he Lourdes University Auxiliary has crafted another
enticing schedule for the 2012-2013 academic year. Founded
in 1983 as an outreach program, members of the Auxiliary
provide financial support for Lourdes students and promote
the institution’s initiatives. To date, these dedicated ladies
have worked together to raise over $100,000.
Please mark your calendar and join us at these fun Auxiliary events.
Membership is open to all.
Thursday, December 6
Gather for the Christmas program performed by Bedford High School
students. After the program, check off items on your Christmas list as All
Good Things travels to the Franciscan Center with some of their finest cards,
prints, ceramics, handmade prayer pillows, soaps and lotions from the Sisters
of St. Francis, and an array of global fair-trade items.
Thursday, May 9
Don’t miss out on excellent food and a menu that includes Dan Neman, The
Blade’s very own Food Editor. Learn more about him, his culinary adventures
and tips on giving the best dinner party in town!
All luncheons are held at the Franciscan Center of Lourdes University.
Proceeds from memberships and luncheons go toward the Auxiliary’s
Endowed Scholarship that provides tuition assistance to Lourdes students.
For more information, contact Mary Arquette, Vice President for Institutional
Advancement, at 419-824-3969 or marquette@lourdes.edu. U
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 31
faculty & staff kudos
In remembrance ~
Lindsey Whitehead
Last June, the Lourdes
Community lost an
inspirational teacher, leader,
and friend: Sociology &
Justice Studies instructor
Lindsey Whitehead.
Academic
Achievements
Anjali Gray, PhD
Oxana Grinevich, PhD
Sr. Marguerite Polcyn, OSF, PhD
AP Readers
Julie Kruse, PhD
Completion of Nursing Doctoral
Program
University of Michigan
Mark MacDowell, MA
Sponsorship by the Government
of India
“Mathematics of the Moebius
and how it solves the problem
of the relationship between the
one and the many.”
Bhopal, India
May God welcome Professor
Whitehead home. We also
rejoice in the many ways
he inspired others and
shared with his students
the reality of the civil rights
movement. He taught the
facts but enriched them
with his own experience and
patient reflection. Professor
Whitehead was also recently
honored at the 2012 Ray of
Hope Awards.
Earlier this year he was
honored by his students
at the Black History Month
gathering. They spoke of his
influence, his professionalism
and authenticity, and of the
power of his gentlemanly
presence. We give thanks for
his life and pray to God that
he is now rejoicing with the
angels and saints.
32 Shannon Schrein, OSF, PhD
Franciscan
Federation
Award
Franciscan
Federation
Appointments
Dariel Jacobs, PhD
President and Executive
Council (By-laws committee
and Conference Planning
Committee)
Association of Teacher Educators
Ohio Chapter
Dean Ludwig, PhD
Secretary – Board of Directors
International Assembly for
Collegiate Business Education
At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 Keith Ramsdell, MEd
Board
Member
and Chair of
Professional
Development
Committee
National
Association
of Graduate
Admissions
Professionals
Erin Palmer Szavuly, MA
President
Toledo Federation of Art Societies
Presentations
Andra Bell, MSN
Kristin Oneail, MSN
“Content oversaturation: moving
toward a concept based nursing
education while maintaining a
focus on QSEN”
Transforming Academic/Clinical
Partnerships: A Focus on Quality
and Safety for Nurses (QSEN)
Lourdes University, Sylvania, OH
Christine Boudrie, MD
“pH is
pHine:
helping
students
get acid
base
balance”
2012 HAPS
Annual
Conference
Tulsa, OK
faculty & staff kudos
Christine Boudrie, MD
Dariel Jacobs, PhD
Paul Longenecker, PhD
“Raising Cain and making Able:
measuring and improving
instruction”
SHARE Conference 2012
Sylvania, OH
Sheri Caldwell, PhD
“Current appraisal trends: the
good, the bad & the ugly”
Society for Human Resource
Management National Conference
Atlanta, GA
Judy Didion, PhD
“Supersized babies: a care
coordination approach”
139th Annual Meeting, American
Public Health Association
Washington, DC
Alison Chamberlain, MSN
Judy Didion, PhD
“Minority adolescent mothers:
finding their identity through
stigma, support and social
adjustment”
139th Annual Meeting, American
Public Health Association
Washington, DC
Mary Douglas, MEd
Kelly Conkle, MS
“Using CAS
standards
to assess
academic
advising
on your
campus”
Regional
NACADA
Conference
Akron, OH
Robin Hamm, MSN
Mary Ann Kubat, MSN
“Opening minds: bringing
learning, reverence, and service
to life in community-based
nursing experiences”
Association of Franciscan
Colleges and Universities (AFCU)
Symposium
La Crosse, WI
Dave Harms, MEd
“Integrating technology into
academic classrooms”
National High Schools That Work
Conference
New Orleans, LA
Hyuk Kim, PhD
“Social entrepreneurship
in the global perspective:
internationalization of social
entrepreneurship and global
sustainable development”
2012 International Association
for Business and Society (IABS)
Conference
Asheville, NC
Christine Knaggs, MEd
“College
enrollment,
persistence,
and perceptions
among
urban
high
school
graduates”
Association for the Study of
Higher Education (ASHE)
Conference
Las Vegas, NV
“Overcoming barriers to college
persistence for low-income
students: the effects of GEAR UP
on college persistence and
perceptions of college success”
Urban Education Conference
Bowling Green, OH
“Thinking like a scientist: using
vee-maps to connect scientific
process with scientific concepts”
University of Toledo Judith
Herb College of Education
Symposium - Toledo, OH
University of Toledo Graduate
School Symposium - Toledo, OH
National Association for
Research in Science Teaching
(NARST) Conference Philadelphia, PA
“Why do some students
participate in voluntary high
school college access programs
and others do not? A crosscase comparison of active and
passive GEAR UP students”
Urban Education Conference
Bowling Green, OH
Paul Longenecker, PhD
“The ethics of being a hospice
volunteer”
National Hospice & Palliative
Care Organization Volunteer
Leadership Virtual Conference:
Ignite the Future!
Mark MacDowell, MA
“Dharmashastras and the west”
World Association of Vedic
Studies
University of Massachusetts,
Dartmouth, MA
Mary Jo Maurer, PhD
“Nurses’ perceptions of and
experiences with medication
errors”
QSEN Conference – Innovation
to Transform
Tucson, AZ
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 33
faculty & staff kudos
Judi Nath, PhD
“Using medical terminology”
Wolters Kluwer/LWW National
meeting
Chandler, AZ
Elizabeth Wise, PhD
Liz Nims, PhD
“Strategies to teach QSEN in a
sophomore level community
health” class
QSEN Conference – Innovation
to Transform
Tucson, AZ
Pat O’Connell, PhD
“A Franciscan formula
for leadership development”
2012
Symposium
of the
Association
of
Franciscan
Colleges and Universities
La Crosse, WI
“Interdisciplinary
professional development:
chemistry
and art”
Athena Art
Society
Meeting
Sylvania,
OH
Kimberly Yost, PhD
“Leadership and the
fictional divide: leadership in
contemporary literature and film”
“Exploring crisis leadership
and change in science fiction
narratives”
International Leadership
Association Annual Conference
Denver, CO
Promotions
“A simplified framework for
leadership development”
Leadership, Learning and
Service Retreat
Cardinal Stritch University
Corciano, Italy
Christine Boudrie, MD
Associate Professor of Biology &
Health Sciences
Keith Ramsdell, MEd
“Graduate enrollment
management 101”
NAGAP Summer Institute
Las Vegas, NV
Jim Chamberlain, MS
Assistant Professor of Biology &
Health Sciences
Benjamin Brown, PhD
Associate Professor of Theology
Lisa Wahl, MSN
“Bringing art to the science of
nursing: learning in a museum”
Midwest Nursing Research
Society Annual Conference
Dearborn, MI
34 AtLo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 Mark Christensen, MA
Associate
Professor of
Philosophy
Rachel Duff-Anderson, MSW
Associate Dean of Students/
Director of the First Year
Experience
Jean Kujawa, MBA
Associate Professor of Business &
Leadership
Todd Matteson, MA
Chairperson of the Department
of Art
Todd Matthews, MOL
Executive Director of Residence
Life/Community Standards
Karen Roadruck, MEd
Associate
Professor of
Education
Mary Robinson, PhD
Chairperson of the Department
of History, Political Science and
Geography
faculty & staff kudos
Michael Smith, PhD
Professor of Education
Rebecca Tobias, MOL
Assistant Dean of Student Life
Programs
Publications
Debra Bercher, MEd
“Self-monitoring tools and
student academic success: when
perception matches reality”
Journal of College Science
Teaching
May / June 2012 edition
Christine Boudrie, MD
Editor
Anatomy & Physiology case
studies
Pearson Publishers project
December 2011 to present
Michael French, PhD
“Moving
from books
to e-readers:
implications
for
secondary
content
instruction”
Adolescent
Literacy in
Perspective
September 2012 edition
Julie Kruse, PhD
“Validation
of alternative
indicators
of social
support in
perinatal
outcomes
research
using
quality of
the partner
relationship”
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Paul Longenecker, PhD
Audio recording
“The role of leadership in
maximizing ethical hospice care
by volunteers”
Digital Conference Providers, Inc.,
Washington DC
March 2012
Todd
Matteson,
MA
NOWOH 5,
5th Annual
Northwest
Ohio
Community
Art
Exhibition
Three pieces exhibited:
Orange with Blue Vortex
Turquoise and Orange Crackle;
Red Crackle;
Second Place in 3D area
Lauren Maziarz, MSN
Dake, J.A., Price, J.H., Maziarz, L.
& Ward, B.
“Prevalence and correlates of
sexting behavior in adolescents”
American Journal of Sexuality
Education
7:1, 1-15, 2012
Judi Nath, PhD
Co-Author
Visual Essentials
of Anatomy &
Physiology
Pearson
Benjamin
Cummings
January 2012
Jane
Mary Sorosiak,
OFS
Dining Hall
Mural - Album
cover
Abundant
Blessing: Songs
from the Hillside
By musician Tom Tomaszek
U
Christine Knaggs, MEd
Co-author / Refereed
“Thinking like a scientist:
using vee-maps to understand
process and concepts in science”
Research in Science Education
42(4), 609-632, 2012
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 35
Sisters,
best friends,
and twins
I
n a January 2012 edition of National Geographic magazine,
journalist Peter Miller examined the world of twin research and
what it has revealed. The changing concept of epigenetics is
now challenging the age old belief that individuals are a result
of nature and nurture – or in other words – their genetic makeup
and their environment. The debate of how much epigenetics can
change our genes has been discussed by Nova, ScienceDaily.com
and no doubt, will continue to be the subject of much research.
Would the researchers find it more than interesting to learn that
the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH, can count not 1, or 2,
but 3 sets of twins among their ranks? Did their genes play a
factor, or did their upbringing influence their decision to join the
Sylvania Franciscans? Or does it not matter at all? Is it a more important fact that
the Franciscans’ mission so aligned with their own beliefs that these 6 individuals
chose to follow God as Sisters of St. Francis?
Why do individuals choose to become Catholic Sisters, or more specifically, why
did the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania make the choice to follow God in this
manner? Although not scientifically researched, this simple question posed to
various Franciscans usually results in the same answer – they felt a calling or knew
it was the correct choice.
The simple truth is that Sisters Alicia and Lenore Eagles, Laura and Laurene Poplaw,
and Adrienne and Grace Ellen Urban are remarkable women who believe and
follow their mission to be “messengers of peace,” committing themselves “to works
that reverence human dignity, embrace the poor and marginalized, and respect
the gift of all creation.”
36 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 Sisters Adrienne and
Grace Ellen Urban
A
t the young age of 76, identical
twins and Sisters, Adrienne and
Grace Ellen have a lot in common.
Ardent Detroit Tigers fans, they
listen to MSNBC news, like reading
mysteries and are passionate about
peace and justice initiatives. They can even tell
when the other is stressed. However, Grace Ellen
cautions, “I just don’t like hazelnut coffee. I don’t
even like the smell of it but Adrienne loves it.”
Sister Adrienne, OSF
“We tell each other things we would never tell
another soul,” notes Sr. Adrienne. “Although we may
have some disagreements, on the important issues
and decisions in life, we always agree.”
One of those important
decisions for these
Detroit, MI, natives
was becoming
Sylvania Franciscans.
While Sr. Adrienne
had made her
choice in the third
grade, Sr. Grace
Ellen didn’t come
to this decision
until the age of
22. Both were
happily taught
by Franciscans in grade
school and Dominican Sisters in high school.
“We loved the Sisters. Sr. Grace Ellen (at Dominican
high school) and our Franciscan Sisters, Sr. Francis
and Sr. Pauline Gazda were all models for us,” adds
Adrienne.
Honoring her mother’s request, Adrienne would
wait until after her high school graduation in 1954
before travelling to the Sylvania convent. “Mom
asked me to please wait to see if I might change my
mind. You see, we were their only children and Mom
really wanted grandchildren. Dad really didn’t seem
to be bothered too much. After a while though,
Mom realized that I had made the right decision.
She knew I was in a good place.”
Sr. Adrienne would go on to St. Theresa’s College in
Winona, MN, where she earned a bachelor’s degree
in biology. Later, she would add a master’s degree
in science education from The University of Toledo.
Her career as an educator would include teaching
at Little Flower and St. Hedwig grade schools, and
Central Catholic and Cardinal Stritch high schools.
In 1975, she was asked to teach at Lourdes Junior
College.
“When I taught, I was totally involved,” notes Sr.
Adrienne. In May 2012, she retired after 37 years
of service to Lourdes students. Throughout the
years, she says the favorite course she taught was
Anatomy & Physiology. “A & P is fascinating. A
person learns so much about how each area of the
body functions. There’s a definite plan. I’ve had so
many wonderful students in my classes, most of
them entering the nursing profession. Many of our
Sisters who have been in neighboring hospitals tell
us they have met our nursing students and speak
about the wonderful care they have received from
them. The Nursing Department gets much credit for
that.”
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 37
Sister Grace Ellen, OSF
After her sister Adrienne left for the convent, Marie
who would later become Sr. Grace Ellen recalls “my
Mom and I became even closer.” After high school
graduation and college, Marie worked at Catholic
Charities Youth Services Bureau as a case worker,
where she worked with girls and young ladies
(up to 21 years of age) and boys (up to the age of
12). She recalls, “the colleagues I worked with at
Catholic Charities were really great people. I learned
then that I enjoyed helping individuals solve their
problems.” Her life prior to joining the Franciscans
while in college involved volunteering at a local
training school where her duties included “talking
to young girls, attending Mass with them, and
working to assist them with any problems they may
have had.”
Marie chose to join her sister after completing
college at Siena Heights and working a year at
Catholic Charities. During those days, the Franciscan
Sisters were given the choice of 2 ministries to
pursue – either education or nursing. Although
her desire was to pursue social work, she became a
teacher and taught grades 2-8.
“I had always told my mom that I would know who
the man was that I was meant to marry because
he would give me a dozen roses,” recalls Sr. Grace
Ellen. “Well, I never met a man who gave me roses;
however, when I did become a Sister, my former
manager at RL Polk & Company sent me a dozen
roses wishing me well. I took it as a sign that I was
where I was meant to be.”
She chose the name Grace Ellen in honor of the
Dominican Sister who taught her in high school.
38 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 “When it came time, we were
allowed to put down three name choices and Grace
Ellen was one of my choices,” she remembers. “Sr.
Grace Ellen was so kind, gentle, and a marvelous
teacher. She taught us to view people always in
a positive light and to embrace all people.” She
also fondly recalls Father George Gaynor from
Siena Heights who was the chaplain. “He let me
drive his car all the way to Detroit from Adrian, MI!
Dad wouldn’t even let me drive his car in our own
neighborhood.”
Sr. Grace Ellen’s later career would include teaching
25 years in many cities – Cincinnati, OH; Detroit,
MI; Minneapolis, MN; Port Clinton, Swanton, and
Toledo, OH at Regina Coeli grade school. It was
while she was teaching in Swanton that she asked
for a sabbatical to allow her the opportunity to work
a variety of different ministries. Her work week
included days
spent at the
former justice
and peace
office, the
Helping Hands
of St. Louis
soup kitchen,
infirmary at
Rosary Care
Center, with her
father, and with
Sr. Jeremias
Stinson, OSF,
taking care of the
campus flowers
and garden. After
her sabbatical,
Sr. Grace Ellen worked one year as the Activities
Director at Rosary Care Center and then was asked
to work with Sr. Jeremias. Since 1990, the two have
shared the work of caring for the grounds. “I love
this work. I love caring for the environment. Plus, we
get to meet lots of wonderful people!”
Justice and peace
“There are people in this world that do not have
what we have. As Sisters, we believe in justice and
peace for everyone,” offers Sr. Adrienne. This belief
that the twins share with the Sisters of St. Francis
was first brought to their attention by their parents
– Edward Joseph and Sophie Urban, Detroit factory
workers.
“My mother told us it was important that we
stand up for people,” adds Adrienne. “Mom was
outspoken. She walked the picket lines in support
of the union. She respected all individuals and
spoke up whenever she saw injustice done to
anyone.” An immigrant from southeast Poland,
Sophie was born in a small town near the Russian
border in Kielce.
Their childhood memories include Sunday drives,
outings at Bishop Lake near Detroit, vacations in
upper Michigan, a good Catholic upbringing, a solid
education, and enjoying the simple pleasures of
life including dolls and ice skates, “but never a bike,
that wasn’t necessary,” maintains Adrienne. “Our
Dad took us to Belle Isle to ice skate. He would also
take us to Lions football games on Thanksgiving.
However, we were always aware of the sacrifices
our parents made for us to receive a private grade
school and high school education.”
“One of our favorite Sunday drives was to go to the
Jewish section of town,” adds Sr. Adrienne. “Mom
would buy Kosher corned beef and Jewish-made
buns for our evening meal. What a treat!! The car
was filled with a delicious aroma. We both like ice
cream but a Jewish corned beef sandwich trumped
ice cream on those Sundays.”
Their father Edward was a foreman at the Douglas
& Lamason factory. Years later when he was in
his 60s, the company moved. He chose not to
relocate, and as a result, lost his job. Sr. Grace Ellen
remembers the day their dad and mom visited
them at the convent when she was a novice. “He
never said he had lost his job. We would find out
later that a neighbor got him a job as a painter for a
local Detroit hospital. It was meant to be, as it was
a much less stressful job.” Their father was also a
talented woodworker
who created many beautiful
works of art and even resurfaced
the basement in their home. The
twins remember their parents
never missing the opportunity
to vote during election time and
encouraging their daughters
that when they were of age to
always “exert their power to
vote.”
The Urbans also learned the
benefits of hard work, the
importance of being active,
and doing everything they
attempted well. “We babysat
from the time we were in sixth
grade,” recalls Sr. Grace Ellen.
“When we were 14, we also
began working at Federals
Department Store located
on Van Dyke and Harper Avenue.” She remembers
with a chuckle, that they “used to confuse the
customers in the men’s department. Adrienne
would assist them and then they would see me
and not remember which of us had been helping
them. The manager, who was a very kind man,
eventually moved me to the hosiery department to
avoid further confusion.” Sr. Grace Ellen also worked
college summers at the RL Polk & Company in
downtown Detroit.
Mother Adelaide
The Sisters both had the privilege
of knowing Mother Adelaide in
her later years. As a novice, Grace
Ellen was asked to wait on Mother
Adelaide in the dining room. “Well,
one day I got up late and put my
coif on backwards with the tacks
sticking out. You know, Mother
Adelaide never said anything
about it. I’m not sure she even
noticed but all the other Sisters did. She was a very
kind person, and gentle with a beautiful smile.” Sr.
Adrienne recalls Mother Adelaide liked to tell jokes.
“We heard she also liked mystery stories like we do.
She was a wonderful leader for our community.”
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 39
The future
“From what Lourdes was to
where we are now,” offers Sr.
Adrienne, “I believe we are
headed in the right direction.
We will continue to adhere
to our core values and we
will strengthen our academic
programs. Having skills they
need, our students will be ready
to enter society and become
leaders in various fields. Our
world needs people of integrity,
justice, kindness, and love. We
are all sisters and brothers of the
God who gave us birth.”
Sisters Alicia and Lenore Eagles
A
t the young age of 92, Sisters Alicia and Lenore Eagles
have long established themselves as wonderful
Sisters who have lived a full life, dedicated
to the ministry of
education.
Sophie (Sr.
Alicia) and Agnes (Sr. Lenore)
were born in Toledo, OH, to
Casper and Sophie Eagles. At
the age of 15, the twins made
the decision to be Sisters of St.
Francis. As former grade school
teachers, their work has taken
them to 4 states, and 12 cities.
Today, Sr. Adrienne is part of a
team that takes care of Queen
of Peace Chapel services. She
adds that there will be many
opportunities of continuing to
serve her Franciscan community.
Sister Grace Ellen plans to
“continue working on these
grounds until I physically am
unable. I love the outdoors and
all the seasons. I especially love
autumn and winter. Even though
summer is not my favorite
season, God made it, so I love it.”
While Sister Lenore began teaching
at Guardian Angel Day School in
Sylvania, OH, in August 1939, Sister
Alicia began her teaching career in
January 1940 at St. Ladislaus School
in Hamtramck, MI.
When the topic of the future
of the Sylvania Franciscans is
broached, Sr. Adrienne speaks for
both, saying, “If God wants the
Sylvania Franciscan Community
to continue, women will come.
We as Sisters pray that we may
live our lives so others may know
the God who lives and loves in
us and in them. God is in charge.
We trust Him. He does what is
best – always.”
Today, the Sisters call Rosary Care Center their home.
To learn more about Srs.
Adrienne and Grace Ellen, visit
www.lourdes.edu/atlourdes
40 In June 1981, they retired after a teaching career that
spanned over 4 decades. For the next 10 years, the
pair continued to serve as substitute teachers while
taking on another ministry as caregivers to their
mother and sister Mary, who required special care and
would later be given full-time care at the Franciscan Care Center until
her death in 2010.
Their love of
God and others is fondly
recalled by
many. Sr. Carol
Ann Grace,
OSF, Administrator of
Congregational
Advancement
for the Sisters
of St. Francis,
fondly remembers Sr. Alicia. “In the 1970s, Sr. Alicia taught fourth grade. She ran a
disciplined class,” recalls Sr. Carol Ann. "With nearly 45 students in the
classroom, she gave 100% as a teacher and wanted only the best for
her students.”
At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 Sr. Carol Ann remembers her
conversations with Sr. Alicia
concerning education. The two
had great discussions about life
after death as well as how they
would incorporate changes from
the Second Vatican Council.
“Vatican II allowed young
students to be more involved
in the Mass. Sr. Alicia’s and my
conversations revolved around
how lay people and kids were
adapting to the changes at
a critical time in our history.
She was always interested in
talking about it and helping the
children adjust. As teachers, we
were required to attend many
classes and workshops offered
by the diocese as well as attend
CCD workshops. Our charge was
to become fluent in the various
ways we could involve the
students in liturgy. Sr. Alicia was
always adapting the teaching
methods as was needed. It was
important to her.”
Some of the changes that were
incorporated involved inviting
the children to act out the
Gospel, allowing them to help
pick songs for Mass, take up the
gifts, and incorporating the Kiss
of Peace (handshake of peace
during Mass). “The children
especially appreciated that
Mass was now in English,” adds
Sr. Carol Ann. “We also allowed
them to participate more in
taking up the gifts. Vatican II
permitted the incorporation
of additional symbolism. For
example, the children could now
take up a St. Francis prayer card
or other gifts in addition to the
bread and water.”
Sisters Laura and Laurene Poplaw
B
orn in Minneapolis, MN, to Adam and Pauline
Poplawski, Pauline (Sr. Laura) and Michaeline (Sr.
Laurene) entered the Sylvania Franciscan convent
together in 1938 at the tender age of 14. “Most people
in Minneapolis were foreign born and very religious,”
recalls Sr. Laura. “On each block, there were families
with sons or daughters who were priests or Sisters. To enter the
convent was considered a privilege. Five to seven girls each year
happily made this decision. Laurene and I loved the Franciscans.
They were so gentle and kind. We would do anything for them.”
Pauline and Michaeline loved to sing in the choir for mass and
funerals. Sr. Laura recalls a pivotal day when their services were not
required. “I just stayed in bed. Mother said if I was going to just lie in
bed then I should just go to the convent. So I did.” When they arrived
the twins were expecting a tall fence around the convent. “However,
when we stepped off the train in Sylvania and walked the few blocks
with the Sisters who had greeted us, we realized that just wasn’t
the case. Oh, I remember the wisteria in bloom on the porch of St.
Anthony Hall. It was so beautiful.”
At that time, Monsignor O’Hare was chaplain. “The Sisters were
required to wait on him at meals. He smoked like the dickens and I
never did like the smell of smoke.” Sr. Laura also has vivid memories
of Mother Adelaide. “She was very active and as postulants, we
enjoyed talking with her often. A lovely lady, she even attended the
operettas that were held in St. Clare Academy’s basement.” It was Sr.
Laura’s dubious honor to be tapped to play St. Francis in one of the
convent productions.
Throughout their lives, Srs. Laura and Laurene have shared a passion
to serve the Lord as well as a common ministry of education. In
addition, they have shared two milestones – their first profession of
vows in 1944 and their golden jubilee in 1994.
Sr. Laura Poplaw, OSF
Sr. Laura worked in both the education and
health care ministries. From 1943-1961, she
taught at various Catholic grade schools in
Detroit, Hamtramck and Wyandotte, MI, and
Toledo, OH, teaching music and literature to
students in 1st through 8th grade. During
this time when she says she was “young
and naïve,” her school principal convinced
her to tackle a huge project – the school’s
first ever operetta. “I had never done
anything like this! I had no experience.
Sister assured me that if I agreed, there
would be no expense spared.”
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 41
The school’s first operetta included every student –
from kindergarteners to 8th graders. “Many of the
young boys knew they had to be on time for their
stage calls. I wouldn’t let them go out for their bows
unless they made their calls.” She recalls one young
student who tested her mettle. In the end, he was
crying to Sr. Laura, explaining that his parents were
in the audience and they would question why he
didn’t come out for the final curtain. All of Sr. Laura’s
hard work was rewarded – with a second operetta.
Of that time, she recalls with pride her own grade
school music teacher – Sr. Cecilia – sitting in the
balcony at the operettas. “I’m sure she thought the
students and I couldn’t pull off such a lofty project,
but we did.”
After suffering with back issues, Sr. Laura switched
ministries in 1961, working for 7 years as the
Director of Medical Records for St. John Medical
Center in Steubenville, OH. In this role, she was
instrumental in the new hospital’s accreditation.
“The previous hospital was being closed down
and my job was to get everything well organized;
however, the records had not been kept in good
order,” recalls Sr. Laura. Not knowing anything
about this profession, she took correspondence
courses and did what she often did – successfully
tackled the tough jobs. “I made the doctors do
their records. If they didn’t do them, I told them
they would lose their privileges at the hospital.” She
shares they didn’t like taking orders. “I was saluted
and sworn at by some of the doctors. Others even
stuck their tongues out at me. I must say a few were
very appreciative. However, in the end, I didn’t care
because a job needed to be done.”
At one point, Sr. Laura called patients who had
standing appointments. “I explained to them
that their appointments were cancelled and they
needed to call the doctor’s office to find out what
paper work they needed to complete.” In 1965 in
her fourth year, with the help of an attorney – Dr.
Laterno – the hospital finally received accreditation.
Sr. Laura says with a questioning smile, “You
42 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 know who took all the credit – the doctors! They
never referenced the nun who was at their back
making sure everything was in order. Oh well, we
accomplished the task.”
A 2-year educational respite at the College of St.
Scholastica in Duluth, MN, resulted in her receiving
her bachelor’s degree in medical records. For
the next 18 years, Sr. Laura worked as a Director
of Medical Records for 4 health care facilities in
Nebraska and Ohio as well as at Firelands College in
Huron, OH.
Some of her fondest memories were spent in
Maryland at Tacoma Park, part of the Diocese of
Washington, DC. “It was a delightful 7 years and I
enjoyed my role as parish secretary. It was a very
multicultural parish. Three Masses were offered
each week – one in English, one Creole/Haitian and
one in Spanish. I loved it.”
In 1999, Sr. Laura began working at Rosary Care
Center first as a Ward Clerk, then Medical Records
Clerk before settling into her current role in the
Third Age Prayer Ministry.
Sr. Laurene Poplaw,
OSF
Committed to the
Sylvania Franciscan
educational ministry,
Sr. Laurene served
nearly 4 decades as an
educator in Catholic
grade schools in
Toledo, OH; Detroit,
MI; and St. Paul, MN.
“Laurene taught
school all her life,”
recalls Sr. Laura.
“She was always a
perfect student in grade school. Even when
we entered the convent, she was the same – quiet,
nonchalant and docile. Sr. Remigia, former president
of Lourdes Junior College, definitely appreciated
her.”
Sr. Laurene received dual bachelor’s degrees in arts
and sciences in social science and education from
Mary Manse College in Toledo and her master’s
degree in education from Siena Heights College, in
Adrian, MI. Many believe she was at her best when
educating those with learning difficulties or those
who needed some extra care and patience. Sr. M.
Eileen Golos, OSF, speaks of Sr. Laurene as being
“blessed with that quality of reaching out and
helping those in need.”
Later in life, Sr. Laurene served as a Librarian,
Tutor Specialist, Primary Math Aide, and an Office
Assistant at Alter Catholic School in Rossford and
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Ellicott City,
MD, before moving into the position of Sacristan
Team Member at Queen of Peace Chapel. Currently,
she is involved with the Sisters’ Third Age Prayer
Ministry.
Sr. Laura, who is the older of the two, notes that not
only do the Sisters not look alike but they also have
very different personalities. “Laurene was never as
vocal as me. I’ve always had a big mouth and spoke
the truth. I always dared to do things that my sister
would never have done.” U
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 43
alumni spotlight
Attaining your goals;
the spark
A
lizia Moore has attained more
than her Bachelor of Arts degree
in sociology. In fact, she is part of
an elite class. According to The
Chronicle of Higher Education, only
21% of Lucas County adults have obtained a four
year degree. Her educational journey required
diligence on her part as she moved from Clark
Atlanta University in Georgia, to Owens Community
College and finally Lourdes University.
“I had never felt so welcome, comfortable, and
looked after at a college until I attended Lourdes,”
recalls Alizia. “The teachers really helped me to
understand what was being taught in the classroom
and took the time to help me not only further my
education but find my place within my career.”
Two professors who inspired Alizia were Sharon
Everhardt, PhD, Visiting Assistant Professor of
Sociology and Justice Studies; and the late Lindsey
Whitehead, Instructor of Sociology and Justice
Studies. “Professor Whitehead was so inspiring. I
really loved him. Dr. Everhardt lit the spark in me.”
She chose sociology as her major because it
“allowed me to be flexible with my area of work as
well as to understand the behaviors and attitudes of
the masses. It was definitely the appropriate area of
study for me. My sociology degree allows me to take
a macro perspective of behavior and apply it within
a micro setting. I am very pleased with the access
and knowledge that my degree has allowed me to
44 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 obtain. I can actually say that the things I’ve learned
I apply in my day-to-day life post-graduation.”
While still a student, Alizia benefited from an
internship made possible through Professor Larry
Murphy with the Toledo Municipal Court. She
so impressed her superiors that she was chosen
to fill a newly-created permanent position that
relies on the Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS).
Ohio has implemented this system to prevent
prison sentencing and properly treat individuals
concerning rehabilitation, thereby lowering the risk
of recidivism. As an ORAS Probation Officer for the
Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, Alizia meets
with several clients a day, gathers information, does
assessments, enters all data into the ORAS system,
and ultimately aids in determining their areas of
need and improvement.
“The criminal justice system is a family,” notes Alizia.
“Some would say a dysfunctional one, but it has
its strong suits and weaknesses just as any family
does. Through research and trial and error, the
system as a whole is developing ways to address
the ever changing needs and areas of concern that
are created daily. Time will eventually tell if the new
systems actually work.”
Alizia believes that by addressing an individual’s
evident areas of need the chance of recidivism can
be reduced. “Time is the key,” cautions Alizia. “Not
one way of doing something is going to solve all the
problems that are presented. However, the fact that
our criminal justice system adjusts with society
igniting
Alizia Moore
‘12, BA, Sociology
will keep the door open allowing the system to
continually be enhanced.”
In the end, she says her job keeps her very busy but
the work is rewarding. Alizia is grateful to her family,
especially her parents Al and Eola Moore. “My family
was so supportive when I was attending college.
They really helped me get to the finish line.”
Now that she has obtained her goals, Alizia has her
sights set on inspiring others. She hopes to pursue
her master’s degree and teach Ethics or Poverty and
Society “in order to spark change in other young
adults.” U
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 45
alumni spotlight
Serving society
I
n January 2011, Amy Edelman (’12, BA,
Criminal Justice) realized her childhood
dream. Following in her father Jim’s
footsteps, Amy became one of the newest
members of the Toledo Fire & Rescue
Department. “My dad was so proud of his job,”
recalls Amy. “From the time I was 4 years old, he
would tell me stories about being a firefighter.
Initially, the stories scared me; but soon, I wanted
to be just like him. Many times he took me to
the ‘office’ and I grew up knowing a lot of older
firefighters. Whenever I could, my school reports
would focus on my dad and his career. Being a
firefighter serves a good purpose and the job allows
us to make a difference in society.”
It is not uncommon for family members to be
firefighters, including married couples. “The
Edelman family already has an established
reputation,” says Amy with enthusiasm. Her
cousin was a member of her incoming class, and
her brother who works as a mechanic at the Fire
Maintenance Bureau has taken the test in hopes of
making the cut. “One of my co-workers teases me,
saying, ‘the Edelmans are trying to take over the
city!’”
Her dad retired from the department in 2009 after
being sidelined by a heart attack. He has since
recovered and fully supports his daughter.
Making the grade
After passing the test, Amy waited 2 years before
being accepted into the class. Once training began,
the diminutive firefighter went through 5 grueling
months of training that included written, medical
46 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 and physical tests. “I made
myself learn to run several
miles a day while I was in
training,” she adds. “One of
the toughest components
was having to complete 12
events within 12 minutes.
Some of these events involved carrying 100 lbs.
while climbing a ladder, hitting a pike with a
sledgehammer 50 times, and crawling across rafters.
It was definitely one of the hardest things I’ve ever
had to do.”
After successfully passing, she and her 49 other
counterparts were placed on a 12-15 month
probationary period. From there, each rotated
station houses every 4 months to become
acclimated to the job. Amy has worked at Stations
#25 on West Central Avenue, #5 on North Ontario
Street, and most recently #23 on Laskey Road. When
the probationary period ends, she can then bid
for any station. However, she cautions, “your bid is
accepted based on seniority and most of us want to
work in the inner city – where there is more action
and fires.”
Life of a firefighter
The Toledo Fire & Rescue Department consists of 17
fire stations that cover 86 square miles. Amy is one of
475 firefighters who respond to fires and are trained
Emergency Medical Technicians with 135 also being
certified paramedics. Each year, the Toledo Fire
Department responds to over 50,000 emergency
incidents. These runs include fire, hazardous
materials, water rescue, confined space rescue, and
homeland security.
Amy Edelman
‘12, BA, Criminal Justice
“Not many professions can say that they make a
difference every day, but in the fire service, it is true.”
Luis Santiago
Fire Chief, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department
alumni spotlight
Firefighters work 24 hours on and 48 hours off. There
is normally a 5-person team in each station, and
about 80% of the duties are EMS with 20% being
fires. The average day can include several runs. “You
often have just 5 minutes to brush your teeth after
a run, clean up your gear and then be ready to go
out again,” adds Amy. “Working in the station is like
being home. You are with the same people every
day. You cook together, eat together, all sleep in the
same room. I am closer with these people than with
my friends. They even tease me about my size 5-1/2
boots! Although it’s a long workday, it truly is a blast!”
During summer, she competed with fellow Toledo
Fire Fighters Local 92 members in the Partners in
Education Dragon Boat Festival. Their team – the
Blazing Paddles – won the Public Service Challenge
and placed 2nd in the final race for their division. “It
was a lot of fun and just one of the many ways our
union demonstrates its commitment to community
service.”
48 AtLo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 When not at the station, Amy is a voracious reader,
having read several of Nicholas Sparks’ novels.
She has also enjoyed Stieg Larsson’s trilogy which
includes The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. “I watched
the movie adaptations and definitely prefer the
Swedish versions.” She also enjoys camping and
has recently started running again. While she says
it is now easier due to being in better shape, she is
still working on “getting my breathing under better
control.”
Future plans
Originally from Sylvania, Amy first transferred to
Lourdes where she completed her degree under
the guidance of her advisor Dale Lanigan, EdD,
Chair of the Sociology & Justice Studies program in
just over 2 years. During that time, she did take a
semester off to complete her training. Although she
wishes she would have completed her entire
undergraduate work at Lourdes, she may soon
return as a Master of Organizational Leadership
student.
“My goal is to become an Arson Investigator. I
personally know one who was once a firefighter
with my dad. Arson investigators are often hired
from within the department and the job offers the
perfect blend of working in both the police and
fire realms. I am drawn to both; however, I’ve never
been extremely comfortable around guns.” She adds
with a laugh, “in the role of an arson investigator,
the danger would definitely be less!”
Shortly after completing her training in 2011, Amy
made the difficult decision to end an engagement.
She says in retrospect, “it was the best thing for me.
I realized we were not meant to be together and it
allowed me to open my eyes to Scott, someone who
I’d known for several years and who has been my
best friend and confidant.”
Recruiting new members
Amy recalls the first time she went into a large fire.
“I was stationed downtown. The smoke was so thick
that I couldn’t even see my hand. The team that I
was with didn’t realize it was my first fire. I didn’t
panic though which is important. Immediately,
I reverted to my training and the importance of
breathing and utilizing all my senses.”
She and her coworkers believe that being a
firefighter is “the best job ever.” She encourages
those applying to be prepared for the written tests
and physical requirements. “The training period is
very demanding physically and mentally; however,
in the end, it is well worth it.” Plus, as she notes, “it’s
such an adrenaline rush when you see that glow in
the sky.” U
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 49
alumni news & notes
Alumni Board Members
President
Deb Olejownik ’08, ‘11
Vice President
Jeff Knaggs ’95, ‘09
Secretary
Janice Jercovich ‘07
Todd M. Williams
BA, Lourdes
University,
Business
Administration, JD,
University of
Toledo
College of
Law,
Attorney, Williams Allwein and
Moser, LLC
It is important to be an active
alumnus to return to the Lourdes
community the education and
talent I learned at Lourdes.
Randy L. Saint John
AA, Owens
Community
College, Law
Enforcement
BA, Lourdes
University,
Criminal
Justice
MS, University
of Cincinnati, Criminal Justice
Supervisory Special Agent,
CSX Police
It is important to be an active
alumnus because it allows me to
support the service missions of
Lourdes University by enriching
current students and alumni.
50 At Large Members:
Anneke Kurt Godlewski ‘08
Stephanie Goller ‘03
Brooke Neptune ‘09
Tara Reineck ‘12
Frank Reynolds ‘88
Randy Saint John ‘03
Anneke M. Godlewski
BS, Lourdes
University,
Marketing
and Business
Administration
International
MBA,
University of
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Certificate of European
Culture and Identities, Utrecht
University, The Netherlands
It is important to be an active
alumna because it keeps your
connection with Lourdes strong
and helps keep you in touch with
the original reason you chose
to become a part of the Lourdes
community. For me that was the
desire to learn.
Debra Olejownik
BS, Lourdes
University,
Business Administration
MOL, Lourdes
University
Partner, DJC
Consulting,
LLC
It is important to be an active
alumna because it’s all about
At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 Gloria Stiles ‘92
Daniel Trombley ‘08
Lauren Webb ‘06
Todd Williams ‘03
Gwendolyn Wilson-Banks ‘08
Tara Woodbury ‘10
collectively uniting, engaging,
building affinity, and creating a
legacy that will carry us forward
for years to come.
Gloria Stiles
BA, Lourdes
University,
Art History
MA, Vermont
College of
Norwich, Art
Therapy
Human
Resources
Manager, Promedica
It is important to be an active
alumna to support current
students.
Daniel C. Trombley
BA, Lourdes
University,
Business
Management
Marketing
Coordinator,
Paramount
Health Care
It is important to be an active
alumnus because of the
opportunity to get involved.
Lourdes provided the foundation
and getting involved allows you
to build on that foundation.
Tara R. Woodbury
BA, Lourdes
University,
Social Work
Graduate
Student,
Lourdes
University
It’s important to be an
active alumna because it’s
an opportunity to mentor
current students, and provide
networking for career
development.
Frank Reynolds
BA, Lourdes
University,
Business Administration
President,
International
Projects, Inc.
It is important to be an active
alumnus because Lourdes has
become a significant positive
influence to a growing number
of people.
Gwendolyn J. Wilson-Banks
BS, Heidelberg College,
Business Administration
MOL, Lourdes
University
It is important to be an active
alumna because each one of us
represents the university. Our
walk, talk and work ethic are a
reflection of the missions of the
university and purpose.
It is through us that others see
Lourdes University.
Brooke Neptune
Tara Reineck
BA, The
University
of Toledo,
Psychology
MOL, Lourdes
University
Academic
Support
Center
Coordinator, Lourdes University
It is important to be an active
alumna because it allows for
the opportunity to continue
living the Franciscan values of
community, reverence, learning
and service. As professionals, it
is easy to get lost in the routine
of our busy lives. Participating
in the Alumni Association is an
active reminder of our need to
give back to our community.
Janice Jercovich
University
BA, Lourdes
University,
Human
Resource
Management
Assistant
Director of
Financial
Aid, Lourdes
It is important to be an active
alumna because I want to give
back to the vibrant Lourdes
community. Also, there are
wonderful opportunities to meet
and network with other alumni. Department
BSN, Lourdes
University
Registered
Nurse,
University
of Toledo
Medical
Center
Emergency
It is important to be an active
alumna because when you
attend Lourdes University you
become part of a family. A family
that represents community,
loyalty and dedication, all of
which are a part of who you are
and what you have become.
Though time passes on and life is
busy, you pick up where you left
off because there is always time
for family!
Stephanie Goller
BA, Lourdes
University,
Psychology
MBA,
Heidelberg
University
Assistant
Director
of Default
Management and Loans,
Owens Community College
It’s important to be an active
alumna because it sets an
example for future alumni. Staying involved in your alma
mater conveys pride and is a
statement of support for the
future generation of students.
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 51
alumni news & notes
Lauren Webb
BA, Lourdes
University,
Accounting
and Finance
and Business
Administration
JD, The
University of
Toledo College of Law
Law Clerk, Williams Allwein &
Moser, LLC.
It is important to be an active
alumna because alumni are
connected to the Lourdes
community for life. Jeffrey Knaggs
BA, Lourdes
University,
Human
Resource and
Business
Administration
MOL, Lourdes
University
Product Specialist, General
Motors
It’s important to be an active
alumnus because you have the
opportunity to give back while
staying connected to the Lourdes
community.
Alumni Events
October 20 - March 10
Saturday, October 20
Walk with Francis
Franciscan Center Board Room
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Thursday, November 1
Alumni Association Committee Meetings
(Nominations, Advancement, and Activities)
Franciscan Center Board Room
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Thursday, November 1
Alumni Board Meeting
Franciscan Center Board Room
6:30 pm
Saturday, November 10
Walleye Game and Pizza Papalis with Student Activities
5:30 pm Dinner at Pizza Papalis
7 pm Game at the Huntington Center
Cost is $15 per person
Thursday, November 29
Sharing the Spirit
Franciscan Center
4:30 - 6 pm
Wednesday, December 5
Stressbusters (Alumni Volunteers needed)
10 am - 6 pm
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Welcome Week (Alumni Volunteers needed)
10 am - 6 pm
February 10- 21, 2013
Phonathon
52 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 M3C Fellows
Program
Inspirational
Leader Award
winner
A
nna Stoiber (‘12, BSN, Nursing) received
The Americorps M3C Fellows Program
Inspirational Leader Award. The award
is given to M3C Fellows who go above
and beyond the call of duty during their
service displaying exceptional leadership
qualities and dedication to their campus,
community, state and country. Anna was
also a member of the Gray Wolves women’s volleyball team.
Jacob Vennie-Vollrath, M3C Fellows Program Regional Director, said of
Anna, “Your dedication and passion as you inspired future leaders at
Lourdes University, served as Habitat Team Leader, led Alternative Spring
Breaks, implemented the Adopt-A-Highway program, and your dedication
to ensuring that future Americans have the opportunity to serve their
country in national service programs has become an inspiration to many
of your peers on your campus and on campuses across the Midwest. On
behalf of the M3C Fellows Program and the over 2,500 M3C alumni who
have made a difference across the country, we would like to thank you for
your service and your dedication to your community. We look forward to
following your inspirational achievements in the years to come.” U
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 53
1
alumni pics
8
1 Alumni Annual Dinner. Left photo: Pat Galdeen,
Gwendolyn Wilson-Banks, Cindy Patterson and Bob
Olejownik. Right photo: Mary Taylor and OC Ballard.
2
2 Great Wolf Lodge. Top photo: Sandy, Audrey, Maeleigh,
Rick, Connor, Madison and Isabelle Wrobel. Bottom
photo: Andrea and Weston Fletcher.
3 Farewell Festival. Left photo: Summer, Keith and Tru
Repass. Right photo: Patrick Magat and Tara Reineck.
4 Kelly Fandry and Brandon Welever Wedding. Left photo:
Wedding party. Right photo: Brandon and Kelly.
5 Lourdes alums recieve Presidential Award. Kitty Callahan
and Frank Reynolds.
6 St. Michael Indian School, Window Rock, AZ where
Annessa Stoller works as a kindergarten teacher.
7 Ice Cream Social. Left photo: Margarita Dobbins, Carol
Bevins, Anneke Godlewski, Theresa Shumpert, Lawanda
Wright and Ben Jakeway. Right photo: Todd and Sophia
Williams.
8 Five graduates from the Middle Childhood program in
2001 got together to reconnect and enjoy time at the
lake. Back row from left: Kristy (Haynes) Zieroff, Melissa
Jacobs, Cheri (LaPlante) Schober, Kris Witker and Joe Carroll.
1998
Nicole Kane (BSN, Nursing) is currently serving
as a Family Nurse Practitioner at The UTMC
as well as an ENT Nurse Practitioner with ENT
Physicians for the past 8 years.
2001
Joseph Carroll (BA, Middle Childhood
Education) is the new principal at Christ the King
School in Toledo.
Linda Yarick (BA, Psychology) completed her
PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at
Capella University.
2002
Sr. Alphoncina Kaihura (BSN, Nursing) is in
the 3rd year of her doctoral program in nursing
research at the University of California,
San Francisco. Her studies focus on the HIV/AIDS
stigma.
2003
Stephanie Goller (BA, Psychology) earned
a Master of Business Administration from
Heidelberg University.
2005
Erica (Goodwin) Holland (BS, Marketing) and
her husband Steve welcomed baby Grace born
on March 5, 2012. Erica is an Account Executive
with Mail It Corporation and Steve Holland is VP
of Sales and Marketing at Blue Water Satellite. They live in Maumee, OH. class notes
2006
Catrina (Jackson) Ossmann (BA, English) was
recently appointed Community Engagement
Manager at Lenawee United Way in Adrian, MI.
Cynthia Ruff (BA, English) is devoting a large
portion of her time to freelance writing and
photography. Her work can be found at www.
bigstockphoto.com and www.helium.com. Her
first book, a short-story collection titled
In Ordinary Time, can be found at www.Amazon.
com. Cynthia is also serving as a parishioner of
St. Pius X, board member of the Toledo Ursuline
Associate Board and as caregiver to the elderly
with the Toledo-based-agency Home Instead
Senior Care. She resides in Toledo with husband
Richard, canine companion Penny and feline
companion Henry.
3
5
4
7
6
2007
Cory McQuillin Deibel (BA, Marketing)
married Aaron Deibel on October 1, 2011. Both
Cory and Aaron are employed as Key Account
Managers for 55 Degrees, a fine wine distributor
and division of Glazer’s. They now reside in
Cleveland, OH.
2009
Amy Burgess (BA, Sociology) recently joined
the staff at Four County Family Services, a
branch of Family Services of Northwest Ohio.
She is currently serving part-time as a ICPST and
Case Manager for families who have children
with special needs.
2008
Brady Thomas, was born to Katie (Lindsay)
Mikolajczyk (BA, Interdisciplinary Studies) and
Todd on June 12, 2012. The family resides in
Toledo, OH.
Brittany (Cox) Shambarger (BA, Business
Management/ Marketing) and her husband,
Michael, welcomed a son, Teagan, born on
October 4, 2011.
Elizabeth (Hull) Gates (BA, Early Childhood
Education) and her husband Bryan, welcomed
daughter Riley Elizabeth on August 10, 2012.
They live in Cincinnati, OH
2011
Barbara Koonce (MOL) recently hired as
a Senior Business Analyst on the Indiana
Modernization Project.
Michelle Perkins (BA, Social Work) recently
earned a Master of Social Work degree from the
University of Michigan.
Hannah Thompson (BA, Interdisciplinary
Studies) joined the Lourdes community this fall
as Assistant Volleyball Coach.
2012
Meghan Boze (BA, Early Childhood Education)
is living in Toledo and has been hired as a
kindergarten teacher at Horizon Science
Academy.
Christopher Laney (BS, Adolescent to Young
Adult Education) has been hired to teach science
at Notre Dame Academy.
Heidi Sawers (BS, Business Administration) is
employed as a Local Store Marketer for Sonic,
America’s Drive-In.
Annessa Stahler (BA, Early Childhood
Education) is living on the border of Arizona and
New Mexico, working as a kindergarten teacher
for St. Michael Indian School, which is located
on an Indian reservation just outside of Window
Rock, Arizona (the capital of the Navajo Nation).
The school was founded by Saint Katherine
Drexel.
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 55
student feature
To protect and
serve others
Mitchell Mielcarek
Criminal Justice Major
Michael Tucker
“As a Law Enforcement Officer, my fundamental
duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives
and property; to protect the innocent against
deception, the weak against oppression or
intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder;
and to respect the constitutional rights of all men to liberty,
equality and justice.”
Criminal Justice Major
I
n May, the Toledo Police
Department proudly
swore in its 59th class.
Among those taking the
oath to serve and protect
were Lourdes students and
criminal justice majors Mitchell
Mielcarek and Michael Tucker.
Graduation was a special day for
the 39 recruits who successfully
completed training.
“It was definitely a challenge
but worth it,” offers Michael.
“Graduation was very fun.
Each graduate was able to
get a photo taken with the
Chief of Police (Derrick Diggs)
and with their family.” Always
desiring to be a police officer
since childhood, Michael adds,
“I didn’t want a boring or desktype of job. At first, I wanted to
be a US Marine but that scared
my family so this was a happy
medium.”
Mitchell was also drawn to this
type of service-oriented career.
After serving four years in the
U.S. Navy with two tours in
Iraq as a Field Medic with the
Marines, he chose to become
a Toledo Police Officer. While
he says his time in Iraq was
“interesting,” overall he finds
both jobs “always provide
Excerpt from the Toledo Police Department’s
Law Enforcement Code of Ethics
something new; and we get to
provide a valuable service.”
From May through September,
Michael and Mitch each spent
time in the field with veteran
officers as part of their one-year
probationary period. “Each new
officer is assigned a total of 4
veteran officers during that
period, 1 for each month,” notes
Michael. Mitch adds that the
guidance these officers provided
was very helpful.
Michael works the 3:30 - 11:30
pm shift in Toledo’s north side
and Mitch works the midnight
shift on the city’s east side. While
their work is “rewarding,” the two
hope to return to Lourdes as
the demanding training period
required them to take some
time off from school. Michael
hopes to return in spring 2013.
Their future goals are similar.
Both hope to eventually be
members of the SWAT team. In
addition, Michael looks forward
to taking the sergeant’s test
when it becomes available and
Mitch has plans to eventually
become a member of the
homicide detective bureau.
Dale Lanigan, EdD, Chair of
the Sociology & Justice Studies
program, and Professor Larry
Murphy congratulate Michael
and Mitch on “their hard work
and dedication as Criminal
Justice (CJ) students. We are
very proud of their most recent
accomplishments as Toledo
Police Academy (TPA) graduates.
Mitch and Michael with Criminal Justice
professors Dale Lanigan and Larry Murphy.
It marks the first time in our
program’s history that two CJ
students were accepted into a
TPA class. They made the cut
over hundreds of applicants.
Their success is a testament to
the strength and future success
of Lourdes’ CJ program and
graduates.” U
Learn more online at
www.lourdes.edu/atlourdes.
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 57
students in the news
Jamaican school receives
visit from Lourdes students
T
he St. John
Bosco Home
for Boys in
Manchester
Parish,
Jamaica, will forever carry a
piece of Lourdes University
after a May visit by a group
of representatives from
Lourdes and Siena Heights
University. Led by Associate
Dean of Students Rachel DuffAnderson, the 10 students
and 4 staff members divided
their time between working
on volunteer housing at the
Alpha Boys School in Kingston,
Jamaica, and working directly
with its residents.
Though the group was there in
service to the boy’s home, they
also learned valuable lessons
from the Jamaican students
on the benefits of hard work
58 and sustainability. “The goal
at Bosco is to help the boys
develop the skills they need to
become healthy, self-supporting
adults who can contribute to
their community,” shares Sr.
Barbara Vano, OSF, Director
of Campus Ministry. “As they
reach the ages of 15, 16 & 17
they begin to master a trade
such as raising livestock (which
includes chickens, goats, and
pigs) or working in the butchery
or as a member of the catering
staff. Nearly everything they
prepare is grown and raised on
the school grounds, so you really
get a sense of the effort and care
that goes into each meal. It’s
incredible to see how hard they
work!”
The group also enjoyed a
good amount of down time,
which centered on recreational
activities with the St. John
At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 boys. “We would play soccer,
catch, and run with the boys,”
shared Andrew Switzer, a Siena
Heights student. “Because our
visit fell on Jamaica’s Labor Day,
the boys were off school so we
were able to spend the bulk of
our days with them in this way.
Even though the labor work
was significant, the one-on-one
time with the boys meant much
more.”
Sr. Barbara agrees that the oneon-one time the boys received
made the most impact. “Being
there 24 hours a day for that
length of time allowed us to
spend a great deal of individual
time with them – and they were
very hungry for that type of
attention.”
Lourdes student Megan Dorner
notes that time spent with the
boys meant a lot to their
students in the news
group as well. “They made me
really think about my life. I
learned that I should never take
anything or anyone for granted.
Most of the boys didn’t even
have shoes. When looking down
at their heels you could see how
swollen and cut up they were.
Many of these boys have been
abandoned by their families.
They also showed me a new
way to look at life. Rachel put it
perfectly: ‘People before paper.’
Since returning home I’ve tried
to stick to that quote regardless
of how busy I may be. I
absolutely loved this experience
and want to return in the future.”
“We would like to make this a
bi-annual service trip in Campus
Ministry,” concludes Sr. Barbara.
“In addition to returning to
Bosco, we could visit different
areas throughout the world
where we would be of service to
others, while also providing an
educational experience for our
students. Opportunities such
as these help us grow in our
understanding of the diversity of
the human family and reverence
the dignity and worth of each
person.”
Founded in 1958, St. John
Bosco is a residential child-care
institution in Jamaica, owned
and operated by the Sisters of
Mercy. Home to approximately
150 boys between the ages of
3 and 16, the 32-acre residence
includes a farm and school,
which is approved by the
Jamaican Ministry of Education.
For additional information,
please visit http://www.
stjohnbosco.net. U
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 59
students in the news
MBA goes behind the
scenes of 2012 Olympics
L
ast summer,
a group of 17
Lourdes University
Master of Business
Administration
(MBA) students got a once in
a lifetime opportunity to visit
London and get a behind the
scenes look at the business of
planning the 2012 summer
Olympics. The trip was part
of the MBA curriculum, which
requires students to complete
an international immersion
experience.
“Lourdes’ MBA program was the
only one in the region to offer
this type of opportunity for its
students. This particular trip was
an extraordinary experience
for anyone interested in the
business dimensions of a major
international event like the
Olympics,” shares Dean Ludwig,
PhD, Dean of the College of
Business & Leadership.
The trip began with a private
tour of the Olympic Village
and the surrounding area
conducted by Joan Hoad, Chair
of the London 2012 Blue Badge
Guides Committee. Students
learned about the rejuvenation
of the previously depressed East
Stratford area that took place
60 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 during the past 7 years and the
construction of the Olympic
Village venues.
In conjunction with the
exploration of the Olympic
Village, students met with the
owner of a multi-generational
family business that was
displaced by and later took
advantage of the construction
of the Olympic Village. Lance
Foreman, Managing Director
of Foreman Fish Island, is an
entrepreneur whose land and
operation were seized for the
construction of the Olympic
Stadium. He shared his story
of painfully but successfully
“fighting city hall” for a new site,
only a few hundred yards from
students in the news
the Olympic Stadium – closer than any commercial
business has ever been to an Olympic venue.
Students were also introduced to the complexity of
Olympic planning by Jackie Brock-Doyle, Director
of Communications and Public Affairs for the
London Organizing Committee of the Olympic
Games (LOCOG). Jackie explained the use of the
logos, communication plans, and transportation
coordination involved with planning the Olympic
Games.
Jeremy Fern, Head of City Affairs and Economic
Development for the City of London, also met with
students and explained the city’s responsibilities
and plans, including the details behind security,
police protection and transport across all the
venues and neighborhoods.
Additionally,
the group met
with several
marketing and
advertising
firms with major
responsibilities
related to the
Olympics.
McCann Erikson
is the advertising
agency that
coordinated
some 40,000 design briefs related to the marketing,
communications, promotion, broadcast media, and
social media for the 2012 Olympic Games. Agency
representative Sam Lewis explained the process of
adapting Olympic advertising and marketing for
different countries and cultures as well as how the
logos and mascots were developed for the Olympic
and Paralympic Games.
Wasserman Media Group’s Senior Manager
Katie Bynum shared information about their
representation of a variety of Olympic athletes and
corporate sponsors. She introduced students to the
business side of being an athlete, including contract
negotiation, sponsorship contracts and the other
business needs of top athletes.
Simon Palethorpe, Managing Director for ATG
Ticketing discussed the impact on bookings
and related tourist activities generated by the
Olympic events and walked students through the
database and software system capabilities and their
interaction with the local and international Olympic
organizations.
Terah Jude describes the experience as “. . . an
incredible opportunity to engage the business
dimensions of an event that you normally associate
only with sport. It was a great way to integrate the
theory and content from our coursework during the
MBA program.”
Erin McPartland also shared her thoughts on the
experience in the following blog post: “…the best
lessons are those learned through experience and
this London trip was an experience of a lifetime.
Throughout the semester we discussed the future
of international business and how it will play a role
in our MBA careers, but the truest lesson learned
was seeing it in practice.” U
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 61
students in the news
Nursing students attend
National Convention
Mini Gray Wolf is national
chemistry champion
Last spring, nursing students Ana Bitz and
Annaliza Wang had an opportunity to attend and
give a poster presentation at the 2012 National
Student Nurses Association (NSNA) 60th Anniversary
Convention in Pittsburgh, PA, as peer leaders. The
opportunity
was provided
through the
“Discover the
Nurse Within”
Nursing
Workforce
Diversity (NWD)
Grant awarded
to Lourdes in
the summer of
2010.
Michael Allen, a 7th grade student from the
Franciscan Academy of Lourdes University, recently
placed second in the Chemical Educational
Foundation®’s (CEF) 2012 National You Be The
Chemist Challenge® – a nationwide academic
competition that quizzes students in grades 5-8 on
key chemistry concepts, processes, and historical
discoveries.
Since its inception, the $1.5 million NWD Grant
has provided more than 58 LPN to BSN students
with financial assistance through scholarships and
stipends, academic workshops and opportunities to
serve the local community through Lourdes Upward
Bound and the Toledo Council of Black Nurses.
Lourdes’ Student Nurses Association members
Mandy Beier, Kelly Coyle, Justine Luettke, Tracy
Lido and Jennifer Pioch also attended the NSNA
Convention. Their trip was sponsored in part by
Lourdes’ College of Nursing, Sigma Zeta Theta Tau
and the Student Government Association. U
62 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 Michael competed against 21 other participants
from around the country at the national challenge
which was held in Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for
the Performing Arts. Throughout the school year,
approximately 16,000 students participated in local
and/or state challenges, with the top student from
each participating state advancing to the national
competition.
“You Be The Chemist exposes students to the
fascinating world of chemistry as it applies to their
everyday lives and how it will continue to shape
their world,” expresses CEF Executive Director
John Rice. “I’m continually amazed by the level of
intelligence we see in these young students each
year.”
Congratulations Michael! U
students in the news
MOL students conduct
research in Italy
Having completed their Master of
Organizational Leadership coursework
(MOL), Tim Broud (‘08, BA, Psychology)
and Kim Sader traveled to Italy in order
to conduct research for the completion of
their capstone projects – the final portion
of their graduate program.
Travelling with Pat O’Connell, PhD, Graduate
Professor of Business & Leadership, the trio
attended the Franciscan Leadership, Learning,
and Service Retreat, sponsored by the the
Association of Franciscan Colleges & Universities
(AFCU) held at the Pieve International School in
Corciano, Italy.
“As a leadership scholar, I
believe that this program
provides a useful, optional
experience for Lourdes’ MOL
students and alumni,” notes
Dr. O’Connell. “Students
who attend this retreat are
able to meet, dialogue, and
share meals with leaders
in business, education,
and politics, as well as
Franciscan leaders and
scholars.”
Tim’s capstone project
explores the application
of Franciscan leadership
principles. As a participant
in the AFCU retreat, he
was able to gain firsthand experience with the Franciscan sites, scholars,
and leaders encountered within the group.
Kim is focusing her capstone project on leader/
follower feedback and 360° performance reviews.
She will utilize her experience at the Villa Pieve
International School to better understand
international business applications for her own
leadership practice, and to network with fellow
leadership students
and leaders.
To learn more
about the groups’
experience in
Italy, visit their
online blog at
http://www.
lourdes.edu/
busblog. U
Gray Wolves
Spirit
Ryan Wronkowicz
named Sports Information Director
A
fter conducting a nationwide
search last summer, Lourdes
welcomed Ryan Wronkowicz
as the institution’s new Sports
Information Director.
“Ryan will be a great addition
to our Athletic Department,”
shares André Smith, Athletic
Director. “He has considerable
experience working in
athletics (at the Division I
level) and strong networking skills. I believe he
has the knowledge and talent to increase athletic
coverage for Lourdes not just locally but nationally.”
Prior to joining the Lourdes Community, Ryan spent
12 years working in athletics at Valparaiso University
in Indiana. He began his career as the Assistant
Sports Information Director, eventually moving
into the role of Associate Director of Athletics for
Media Relations, where he managed publicity for 21
varsity sports.
His award-winning work includes a 2006-2007
women’s basketball media guide which was named
Media Guide of the Year in the Mid-Continent
Conference and a 2007 women’s soccer guide,
chosen second in the district by the College Sports
Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
“I’m looking forward to building the sports
information department at Lourdes and working
with not only the staff, but also the studentathletes,” shares Ryan. “The growth in athletics over
such a short time at Lourdes shows the institution’s
commitment to making it a success. My wife
(Christy) and our daughter (Elizabeth) are very
excited to return to our home state and to be a part
of the community. Go Gray Wolves!”
Originally from Waterville, OH, Ryan earned a
bachelor’s degree in sports management at Bowling
Green State University and a master’s degree in
sports administration from Valparaiso University. i
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 65
Lourdes Softball Set
T
he Lourdes University softball
team has arrived on campus and
has begun preparations for its
inaugural season this coming
spring. The Gray Wolves will open
the season in early March on a
spring break trip to Florida before
playing its home opener on March
26 with a doubleheader against
Indiana Wesleyan at Pacesetter
Park.
Jo Ann Gordon, the Gray Wolves’ head coach, has
already had the team practicing, and the team will
compete in exhibition contests this fall.
“Playing games this fall gives us an opportunity to
see where we are at,” Coach Gordon said. “We get a
chance to play other schools and determine what we
as a team need to do to get to where we want to be
come spring.”
Joining her on the coaching staff is Leslie Stong,
a standout player at The University of Toledo who
earned All Mid-American Conference honors. i
66 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 The 2013 Gray Wolves:
Kelsey Brown
Position: Infield
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Edon, OH
Honors: First Team All-Buckeye Border
Conference at Edon Northwest High
School.
Why I chose Lourdes: “I decided to go
to Lourdes because I really enjoy the
small community atmosphere and how
the faculty wants to make sure that
everyone succeeds here.”
Hannah Burras
Position: Infield
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Norwalk, OH
Honors: Led Edison High School to the
state semifinals as a senior in the
state of Ohio.
Being part of the inaugural team:
“I personally think it is an incredible
opportunity to be a part of the 2013
inaugural Lourdes softball team.
Coming into a collegiate sport that
is already established is a feat in
itself, but to help start a long lasting
tradition is such a blessing. I am truly
excited for this upcoming year and
can’t wait to see what it has in store
for us!”
Casey Cherry
Position: Pitcher
Major: Health Care Administration
Hometown: Comstock Park, MI
Honors: All-District and All-OK Blue
Conference for Comstock Park High
School. Led Grand Rapids Community
College pitchers and was a two-time
Michigan Community College Athletic
Association All-Academic selection.
What I love about softball: “I love softball
because the game never changes. In
a world full of unpredictability and
change, there is a game called softball
that always consists of nine players,
21 outs, two teams, grass and dirt, and
a ball.”
Taylor Derr
Position: Outfield
Major: Business
Hometown: Toledo, OH
Honors: Twice earned Second Team
All-City League honors as well as AllThree Rivers Conference accolades for
Whitmer High School.
Thoughts on Coach Gordon: “I really like
Coach Gordon. She is tough on us and
really pushes us to reach our highest
point and become a better softball
player. She really understands each
and every one of us along with really
making sure we focus on school!”
Taylor Duvall
Position: Infield
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Newport, MI
Honors: Selected to the Queen of
Diamonds North and led Jefferson
for Inaugural Season
High School in home runs.
My strength as a teammate: “I consider
being a friend both on and off of the
field as well as being positive and
competitive to be my strengths as a
teammate.”
Emily Gawronski
Position: Utility
Major: Biology
Hometown: Perrysburg, OH
Honors: Helped to lead Perrysburg
High School to the district
championship as a senior.
What I love about softball: “I love
softball because of the way I feel when
I step onto the field. It’s not just a
game, it is a deep passion. I wouldn’t
be the person I am today without it.”
Chelsea Goebel
Position: Infield/Outfield
Major: Health Care Administration
Hometown: Archbold, OH
Honors: Earned Second Team and
Honorable Mention All-Northwest
Ohio Athletic League honors for
Archbold High School.
Thoughts on Coach Gordon: “Coach
Gordon pushes me to be my best which
is what I need in a coach.”
game is such a key thing. Having the
ability to cheer your teammates up
that way makes it that much more fun
for me to be loud and rowdy.”
what size you are, the problems you
have faced in the past, and where you
are on the social ladder. Softball loves
you as long as you love the game.”
Bre Megyesi
Position: Infield
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Whitehouse, OH
Honors: First Team All-Northern Lakes
League and Honorable Mention AllState selection for Anthony Wayne
High School.
Being part of the inaugural team: “It is so
exciting to be a part of the inaugural
team! I’m looking forward to creating
traditions, memories, and seeing the
first team picture and trophies in the
glass case!”
Brittany Potts
Position: Utility
Major: Middle Childhood Education
Hometown: Gibsonburg, OH
Honors: A two-time Second Team
All-Northwest Ohio selection and
First Team All-Toledo Area Athletic
Conference selection at Gibsonburg
High School.
Why I chose Lourdes: “I chose Lourdes
because I liked that the school was
faith-based. When I came here for
my visit I thought the campus was
beautiful. I also liked that the campus
and school were so small.”
Lyndsay Mondragon
Position: Outfield
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Oregon, OH
Honors: Helped lead Clay High
School to a pair of City League
championships.
Thoughts on Coach Gordon: “Coach
Gordon is an amazing coach. She is
always willing to stay after practice
if someone needs to get more help
on fielding or hitting. She is also
available if we just need to talk. She is
there for us and will help us out in any
way that she can.”
Kasey Graham
Position: Pitcher
Major: Middle Childhood Education
Hometown: Oregon, OH
Honors: Two-time City League Pitcher
of the Year and All-District selection
for Clay High School. Helped lead
Owens Community College to a
national runner-up finish in 2011
and earned Academic All-America
honors.
Why I chose Lourdes: “The first time
I ever visited campus I felt very
welcome. Every person that I passed
while visiting either welcomed me or
greeted me in some way. Everyone
was very friendly and helpful. I also
like the small classroom sizes and
the opportunity to have one-on-one
communication with the professors.”
Megan Mosiniak
Position: Catcher
Major: Pre-Athletic Training
Hometown: Swanton, OH
Honors: A Second Team All-District
and All-Northwest Ohio Athletic
League selection for Evergreen High
School.
Being part of an inaugural team: “It’s
very exciting to be a part of a brand
new team. We’re making history here
at Lourdes and not everyone can say
that. We have only known each other
for a short time and I already love our
team. We are all so supportive of each
other. It’s great!”
Leslie Hafler
Position: Outfielder
Major: Art
Hometown: Randolph, OH
Honors: A First Team All-Portage Trail
Conference selection and Second
Team All-District pick for Waterloo
High School.
My strength as a teammate: “I’m loud
and can cheer any of my teammates
up no matter what. Being loud in the
Jordan Phelps
Position: Pitcher
Major: Pre-Art Therapy
Hometown: Howell, MI
Honors: Earned All-County and
All-Kensington Lakes Activities
Association honors for Howell High
School.
What I love about softball: “I love
softball because softball loves you
no matter what. Softball doesn’t care
Hayley Roberts
Position: Catcher/Infield
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Brownstown, MI
Honors: An All-District selection and
Defensive Player of the Year for
Woodhaven High School.
Strength as a teammate: “I work
well with others and encourage
my teammates. I try to always stay
positive and keep them up when they
may be down.”
Leah Silvestri
Position: Infield
Major: Middle Childhood Education
Hometown: Navarre, OH
Honors: Led Fairless High School to
a runner-up finish in the Principals
Athletic Conference and recipient of
the Falcon Award.
What I love about softball: “I love
softball because when I am on the
field nothing else seems to matter.
I feel at home when I am on the dirt
and if I couldn’t play softball I don’t
know what I would do. I could be sick,
in pain, or anything else, but when I
step on the dirt it all goes away and I
am at peace. I love the game and have
played it all of my life. I do not know
what I would do if I couldn’t play.”
Hannah Spangler
Position: Outfield
Major: Pre-Art Therapy
Hometown: Toledo, OH
Honors: A multi-sport athlete
(softball, volleyball, and basketball)
at Sylvania Northview High School.
Thoughts on Coach Gordon: “My first
impression of Coach Gordon was a
really good one. I found out that she
tried to focus on the positive side
of everything no matter how hard
that may be. She doesn’t even like
to use the word weakness because a
'weakness' is just something that we
need to work on. I think she believes in
us a lot and she’s invested everything
in this team. I really love her
dedication to us and this program.”
Sarah Stibaner
Position: Catcher
Major: Biology
Hometown: Oregon, OH
Honors: A two-time First Team AllCity League selection and earned
All-District accolades for Clay High
School. Played two seasons at the
University of Toledo.
Being part of an inaugural team: “Being
a part of the inaugural team is a great
thing. It is a chance to set high goals
and achieve them not just individually
but also as a team. We get to set the
records for future teams to try to
break. It is a great opportunity and I
can’t wait for the experience.”
Hillary West
Position: Catcher
Major: Pre-Physical Therapy
Hometown: Walbridge, OH
Honors: Earned Honorable Mention
All-Suburban Lakes League honors
and helped lead Lake High School to
the district championship.
Why I chose Lourdes: “I chose Lourdes
because of Coach Gordon. I have
always wanted to play for her. It is
also an opportunity to play softball
at the college level and to start a new
tradition of excellence.”
Ashley Yeager
Position: Outfield
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Sylvania, OH
Honors: A First Team All-Northern
Lake League selection and Second
Team All-District pick for Sylvania
Northview High School.
Strength as a teammate: “I have really
good leadership abilities and I
have always been taught to be that
teammate/student that someone else
can look up to or take after. I know
when to push a teammate or pick one
up when they are down. I am always
there for anyone, anytime day or
night, and the biggest key is making
sure all communication is clear
between one another.”
i
campus news briefs
Center for Science Education and
the Environment opens
C
o-directed by
the College of
Education &
Human Services
and the College
of Arts & Sciences and built
on the strong legacy of the
Life Lab, Lourdes’ Center for
Science Education and the
Environment (CSEE) opened in
September and will serve as a
new resource for students and
the community.
Located in the former Life Lab
area of Learning Center Hall,
the Center features new field
equipment, a science lab, and
technology enhancements
including 6 computer
workstations for class use.
Though the new additions have
certainly altered the space, the
CSEE will continue to include
some of the Life Lab’s most
popular attributes such as its
summer science camps, salt
water aquariums, Monarch
Waystation and outdoor
Certified Wildlife Habitat™.
“We transformed the Life Lab
into the Center for Science
Education and the Environment
in order to more accurately
reflect our institution’s growing
science and education
departments,” shares Keith
Schlender, PhD, Interim
68 Linda Penn, Sr. Rosine Sobczak, OSF, James Minesky, PhD and Christine Knaggs.
Provost. Since fall 2007, the University has experienced an 147%
enrollment increase in its biology & health sciences program, and a
183% increase in environmental science.
Academically, the Department of Education will utilize the CSEE to
perform inquiry-based science activities which will enhance the
content knowledge, science process skills, and science pedagogy skills
in the department’s curriculum.
“For many years, we had little or no lab space dedicated to our science
education courses,” mentions Christine Knaggs, Education Department
Liaison. “Students were limited in what type of lab experiments they
could conduct, and resources were less convenient. It’s great to finally
have an official lab space on campus, where our students can learn and
grow in their field.”
When asked how the sciences will utilize the Center, James Minesky,
PhD, Environment Science Liaison, says that the image of an egg comes
to mind. “We’re still in the incubation period. We know that it’s going to
be an amazing resource, but how it will help grow and shape our
At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 campus news briefs
program is something
that is still developing.
Our students will
certainly utilize the lab
and computer spaces for
curriculum work, as well
as the surrounding green space, but as far as connecting and engaging
the outside community and creating professional partnerships – well
the possibilities are endless!”
One of the new partnerships to arise from the efforts of the CSEE team
is the Junior Greentown Conference (JGC), which will be held at The
University of Toledo’s Scott Park Campus on October 25. The event,
aimed at students in grades 9-12, was developed as an addition to
the official Toledo-Lucas County Greentown Conference (held at the
SeaGate Centre on October 25 and 26).
Walter H. Chapman
Endowed Scholarship
for Art Study Abroad
Last spring, local artist Walter
Chapman celebrated his
centennial birthday at a gala
hosted by the Sylvania Chamber
of Commerce. The gala, which
included a dinner and auction
of many of the artist’s paintings,
raised more than $12,000 for
Lourdes University.
As a member of the Greentown planning committee, Dr. Minesky was
surprised to find that it didn’t involve a youth component. “As the
conference is aimed at creating a more sustainable city, I thought it was
important that our younger citizens have a voice as well. I got approval
from the committee and out grew the Junior Greentown Conference.”
Following in the legacy of the Life Lab, the Center’s outreach aspect
will work to improve the understanding of science, the natural world,
and human activities. “We will continue to build and create community
relationships focused on sustainability in local, regional, and national
endeavors,” shares Sr. Rosine Sobczak, OSF, Community Liaison.
Ultimately, the team agrees that the most beneficial feature of the
Center for Science Education and the Environment is that as a shared
space, it provides greater opportunity for collaboration among
education, science and community outreach. “In combining these three
areas, which often overlap, we can better partner with one another, and
we hope that our students will do this as well,” adds Dr. Minesky. U
Find more online:
Proceeds from the gala went
into the establishment of the
Walter H. Chapman Endowed
Scholarship for Art Study Abroad
– which will support study
abroad opportunities for art
students at Lourdes.
For more on this scholarship
and others available to Lourdes
students, visit www.lourdes.edu/
scholarships. U
 Photos of the new Center
 A list of activities and events offered through the Center
 Further information on the Toledo-Lucas County Greentown Conference and the Junior Greentown Conference
www.lourdes.edu/atlourdes
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 69
campus news briefs
Four leaders join Lourdes Board
To coincide with the beginning of the 2012-2013
academic year, Interim President Janet Robinson,
PhD, announced the appointment of four new
members to its Board of Trustees. Joan Bayer; Sr.
Carolyn Giera, OSF; Bruce Klinger and Barbara Steele
all began their terms on the Board on July 1, 2012.
Joan Bayer
Profession: Founder & CEO of Concept Rehab Inc.
Community Involvement: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Leadership Toledo, the
Lucas County Prosecutors Victims Forum, Maumee Valley Country Day School, The
University of Toledo’s advisory council for the College of Health & Human Services,
United Way Women’s Initiative, the Valentine Theatre Gala, Young President's
Organization/World President's Organization.
Why I love Lourdes: “Lourdes has stayed true to its mission of serving students
who are most in need of a caring, personalized atmosphere in order to succeed
academically. The programs that Lourdes has invested in such as Organizational
Leadership and Nurse Anesthesia are perfect examples of the institution’s commitment
to providing a holistic, values-centered education.”
Sr. Carolyn Giera, OSF (‘62, AA, Liberal Arts)
Profession: Member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Transitions Coordinator
Community Involvement: Bethany House, Catholic Diocese of Toledo Global Mission,
Hurricane Katrina Volunteer, Women Blessing Women
Why I love Lourdes: “I am a graduate of Lourdes Junior College and have followed and
been involved in its development through the years. I have been blessed by and have
grown up with Lourdes! The Lourdes mission and values are in my very bones!”
Bruce Klinger (‘08, MOL)
Profession: General Agent with MassMutual Financial Group of NW Ohio.
Community Involvement: Juvenile Diabetes Research foundation, Lourdes University
Alumni Association
Barbara Steele
Profession: President – Acute Care, ProMedica
Community Involvement: Maumee Valley Girl Scouts, Partners in Education,
the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program and area women’s shelters.
Additionally, the Toledo Cultural Arts Center, Toledo Opera, Toledo Regional Chamber
of Commerce, Toledo Zoo.
Why I love Lourdes: “I love Lourdes because the faculty and administration always put
the success of students as their number one priority!”
70 AtLo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 campus news briefs
Lourdes’ Upward Bound receives
100% funding
Interest free student loans now
available at Lourdes
Last summer, more than 50 students from Waite and
Woodward High Schools called Lourdes University
home, as they participated in the institution’s
Upward Bound program. Lourdes was notified
last spring that the U.S. Department of Education
had granted100% of the $1.75 million for 5 years
requested in support of the institution’s program.
Students at Lourdes University are now able to
apply for interest-free loans through a $100,000
four-year grant provided by the Charles E. Schell
Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee.
Lourdes’ Upward
Bound program
is designed to
support and
develop the skills
and motivation
necessary for
participants
to persist in completing a rigorous program of
secondary education and to enter and successfully
complete a program of post-secondary education.
Participating students receive 6 weeks of intensive
on-campus academic instruction in the areas of
career counseling, computer technology, English,
financial literacy, science, math and Spanish as well
as OGT and ACT preparation.
Proof of the program’s
success can be seen
in Santoria Sawyer,
Waite High School
Valedictorian and
Lourdes’ Upward
Bound graduate. For
her commitment to
her academic career and community, she was
chosen as a member of the Coca-Cola® Scholars
Foundation class of 2010. As one of only 53 students
selected nationwide, Santoria received a $20,000
scholarship from the organization, which today she
is putting to good use as a student at The Ohio State
University.
“It is incredible to see students from our Upward
Bound program such as Santoria graduate high
school and move onto a college career,” shares
Tonya Colbert, Upward Bound Director.“ Every day
at Lourdes, we work to help students realize their
educational dreams and to help make those dreams
become a reality. Upward Bound is just one of the
ways in which we are able to accomplish this task!”
Payable over 4 years, the award allows Lourdes
University to provide interest-free educational
assistance loans to qualified students. An added
benefit of the grant is that it creates a selffunding student loan program within Lourdes
University that continues to provide resources
for future students, as previous loans are repaid.
To apply, students must meet the following basic
qualifications:
 Be a citizen of OH, IN, IL, KY, MI, MO, PA, TN, VA or VW
 Be between the ages of 18 and 25
 Be in good standing at the institution
 Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
“We are thrilled to receive the assistance from the
Schell Foundation and Fifth Third Bank,” expresses
Denise McCluskey, Director of Financial Aid. “This
will allow us to make earning a degree at Lourdes
University even more affordable for many of our
students.”
The Charles E. Schell Foundation was established in
1932 by Charles E. Schell of Cincinnati as a trust to
be used for the educational benefits of citizens of
Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. To apply for the
Schell interest free loan at Lourdes, students must
schedule an appointment in the Office of Financial
Aid, by calling 419-824-3732.
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 71
campus news briefs
Community writing, art
featured in 2012 Tau
For many years, The Tau has
been celebrating the creativity
and imagination of those in the
Lourdes Community. With its
beginnings rooted in the time
of Lourdes Junior College, the
journal initially highlighted the
Sisters of St. Francis, as they
wrote to express their love of
nature and the world around
them in the form of poetry and
prose. Their beautiful works
were collected and printed in a
volume that eventually became
known as The Tau.
Leaves
Community, local high
school students and creators
throughout the world. In honor
of this wondrous fall season
on campus, please enjoy the
following pieces.
~ by Elizabeth Coley
Comforted by sunrises
The warmth of the sun on my
face
Swept away by the
invigorating breeze
of renewed hope at the sight
of a rainbow
trees dressed in their array of
colors
gold, green, orange, and red
Watching the dance of the
falling leaves
The sun is playing hide and
seek with them
Peeping in and out of
billowing clouds
Spectacular colors represent
the people of the
world with their different
cultures and opinions
we all come from the same
root of humanity
the trunk of the tree of life
A link to The Tau is located on
the online AtLourdes at
www.lourdes.edu/atlourdes. U
As Lourdes has grown, so
too has The Tau. In 2010,
editors expanded the scope
of its content by opening up
submissions to visual artists
as well as those outside of the
institution.
The 2012 edition, published
last June, features more than
60 pages of original poetry,
writing and artwork, created
by members of the Lourdes
72 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 campus news briefs
Lourdes University is a triple
award winner
Which institution is a 9 time Best
in the Midwest, 4 time Military
Friendly and 2 time Great
Colleges to Work For® award
recipient? That’s right – the
answer is Lourdes University!
The Princeton Review, nationally
known for its test preparation
and admissions services, has
included Lourdes in its 2013
Best Colleges: Region by Region
guide for the 9th consecutive
year. Lourdes was one of the
153 colleges and universities
honored in the Midwest Region.
Other reasons Lourdes was
named among The Great
Colleges to Work For® was the
institution’s free undergraduate
tuition for employees and their
families.
For the 4th consecutive year,
Lourdes was named among the
list of Military Friendly Schools®
by GI Jobs Magazine, the
premier publication for military
transitioners. According to GI
Jobs, Lourdes ranked “in the top
15% of all colleges, universities
and trade schools nationwide.”
As a Military Friendly campus,
Lourdes participates in the
Yellow Ribbon GI Education
Enhancement Program and
offers a Veterans Center
and several scholarships for
servicemen and women.
Lourdes was also named among
the Chronicle of Education’s Great
Colleges to Work For®. Lourdes
was part of the 103 schools
recognized, and was 1 of only
4 in Ohio who made the cut.
The Great Colleges to Work For®
award recognizes institutions for
best practices and policies in 26
categories such as Professional
Development, which was one
category in which Lourdes
scored high marks.
“We are honored to continually
be recognized by Princeton,
GI Jobs Magazine and the
Chronicle of Higher Education,”
expresses Interim President
Janet Robinson, PhD. “These
distinctions are a testament
to our mission of providing a
values-centered education and a
positive work environment with
a strong focus on reverence and
community.” U
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 73
campus news briefs
Grow & Learn partnership focuses
on little scientists
Little Scientists Workshops
L
ourdes University faculty and
Department of Education students are
getting a jump start on developing
the next generation of scientists
in a new educational partnership
with Imagination Station. Through the Grow &
Learn partnership, Lourdes will help Imagination
Station expand their Pre-K offerings by hosting
Little Scientist workshops and assisting with Little
Scientists Week.
Lourdes will sponsor the content and delivery
of a series of nine unique workshops in the
Imagination Station’s Little KidSpace Science
Studio.
A portion of the workshops will correspond with
Imagination Station’s current traveling exhibition,
“Sesame Street Presents: The Body,” an interactive
exhibition teaching kids how their bodies work.
Past workshops featured topics on insects, food
and dinosaurs, with remaining workshops as
follows:
Seasons – November 1 & 3
Weather Wonders – November 8 & 10
Your 5 Senses – November 29 & December 1
Actions & Motions (Friction & Inertia) –
December 6 & 8
I Can Do It! (Fine Motor Skills) –
December 13 & 15
Little Scientists Week: November 13 - 18
“Like Lourdes, Imagination Station is one of our
region’s treasures,” notes Christine Knaggs,
Education Instructor. “It’s a fun space for all ages,
and more importantly, it promotes a love of
learning using an interactive environment! At
Lourdes, we try to do this as well, so naturally this
partnership is a great fit for our institution.”
As part of Imagination Station’s 2012
Little Scientists Week, Lourdes faculty and
Department of Education students will develop
and facilitate three to four activities focused
specifically on health and the body aimed
at children ages 2-6 and their parents. These
activities will compliment other exhibitions and
demonstrations being offered throughout the
week.
“Young children are active learners who
engage in science every day as they observe,
wonder, experiment and talk about their
findings,” explains Amy Buckey, Imagination
Station Educational Partnerships Officer. “Our
partnership with Lourdes University has helped
to enhance our Pre-K programming so that these
young learners can truly delve into the world of
science and get excited about learning.”
Learn more about Imagination Station at
http://www.imaginationstationtoledo.org. U
74 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 campus news briefs
Center for Nursing
Scholarship now open
C
reated through resources provided by a Health Resources
& Services Administration (HRSA) grant, Lourdes’ College
of Nursing recently established the Center for Nursing
Scholarship (CNS). Located above the Duns Scotus
Library in St. Clare Hall in room 259, the CNS is equipped
with seven computers, four laptops, an iMac, a Smart Podium with wallmounted monitor and a group/conference room with a computer and
wall-mounted monitor.
“We designed the CNS as a way to support scholarly activities of nursing
students and faculty as well as to foster an environment that is conducive
to research efforts and activities, including capstone projects and
evidence-based initiatives,” shares Lynne Zajac, PhD, CNS Coordinator.
“We are focused on promoting collaboration between academia and
practice as a way to improve the health of our community with a particular
focus on health disparities and cultural competence.”
In addition to the physical resources provided, the CNS plans to regularly
host Scholarship Club meetings, workshops, seminars, and webinars
related to the field of nursing. In September the center hosted the first of
six webinars presented by The National League for Nursing titled “Publish,
Don’t Perish: A Short Course in Scholarly Publication.”
For more information about these and other events, activities and
resources available through the CNS, visit www.lourdes.edu/cns. U
Remembering an
artist and friend
I
n September, Lourdes
University lost one of its
dearest friends – Edith
Franklin. A native Toledoan,
Edith created the Toledo Area
Glass Guild where she remained
a trustee, and co-founded the
Toledo Potters Guild.
Lourdes’ students and alumni
remember her as a great citizen
of the arts. “She always made
herself available to budding
artists,” notes Erin Palmer
Szavuly, Professor and former
Chair of Art. “The students
learned so much from her art
demonstrations and lectures.
She was truly a gift to the entire
arts community.”
Known as both “La Grande Dame
of the Arts” and “The Godmother
of Ceramics,” Edith shared her
work for good causes including
the Lourdes Luminations student
scholarship fundraiser and the
donation of a kiln that will be
dedicated in her honor in the
near future. U
AtLo urde s Magazine
| Fall 2012 75
our friends
By supporting Lourdes for
3 or more consecutive years,
Evergreen Society members
faithfully support students
and continue to impact
our ability to deliver a
values-centered education.
Through their gift of
$1,000 or more, either in a
single gift or accumulated
within a fiscal year,
Franciscan Society
members have made a
profound difference in the
lives of Lourdes students.
Carol & Harold Leupp
What education means to us… Education opens
minds.
Our secrets to success are… working hard, keeping a
positive attitude and never saying the word “can’t.” It’s
also important to have a strong faith, a good education
and a loving group of friends and family.
The best gift we have ever received was…
3 wonderful and loving children.
Paul & Susan Jaros
Our life motto is… a quote by Abraham Lincoln:
“It’s not the years in your life that count, but life in
your years.”
We are strong believers in… the traditional
Catholic values and beliefs that were instilled in us
by our parents.
What we love most about Lourdes is… its quality
academic programs and the Catholic and Franciscan
values that are incorporated into campus life.
Lourdes’ campus is beautiful and has a community
feel that supports and encourages all students. Also,
we both share fond memories of Sr. Jane Mary
Sorosiak, who served as our instructor in high
school and then again in college!
Our greatest achievement has been…the ability
to serve the communities professionally – both the
communities in which we were raised and in which
we now live.
76 AtLo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 Our heroes are… Bill and Melinda Gates for
establishing their foundation to provide humanitarian
services and Warren Buffet for his support
of this foundation, and for remaining
humble.
Giving is important because…
we want to pay it forward and share
our gifts with others.
Tau Society
Members of the Tau Society,
named in honor of St. Francis’
chosen coat of arms, enable
us to carry on our Franciscan
traditions through their
lifetime contributions of
$5,000 and more.
Established in 1996,
the Legacy Society was
developed to recognize a
special group of donors
who have expressed their
commitment to Lourdes
University through provisions
in their estate plans.
Milo & Chrissie Danzeisen
We are strong believers in… supporting our community
by giving our time and financial aid. It’s so much pleasure
to be involved! We especially love to be active in our
City of Sylvania (Chamber of Commerce, Flower Hospital
Foundation, Olivet Lutheran Church, Southview High
School, Sylvania Area Family Services).
Patricia McCutchanVernier & Richard Vernier
What education means to us in 5 words…
enrichment, foundation, growth, opportunity and
success
Our secret to success is… there is no secret really.
Just old fashioned hard work, determination,
encouragement from mentors, family and friends,
and a tincture of luck along the way!
Giving is important because… it is a way to
show appreciation and support for causes that are
important to us. Giving to an institution of higher
learning such as Lourdes University enables the
school to continue its mission and allows current
and future students to reap the benefits of a top
notch education. Apart from educational causes,
we believe in and encourage donating to area
nonprofit animal rescue organizations as we believe
it is important to help the innocent animals who
cannot speak for themselves and who are often left
at the mercy of humans.
Our greatest achievement has been… to have raised our
children with similar values as ours and to know that we have
their support if needed. For me (Milo, DDS) it has also been
my profession as a dentist. It has been and still is a wonderful,
creative and fulfilling profession. I too enjoyed my profession
as an elementary teacher (Chrissie). It was very rewarding to
see my students grow and improve each year.
Giving is important because…
everyone wins when you give!
As a donor, you win the personal
and spiritual reward of supporting
a great cause. And the
recipient benefits with financial support. We had
a friend
who always
said “it’s not
enough to
be a good
person, you must do
good.”
U
Celebrity Wait
Night
I
n September, more
than 300 people came
together to support
Lourdes’ student
scholarship fund
at the institution’s
Celebrity Wait Night. Held at Real
Seafood in downtown Toledo, the
event raised approximately $25,000
for students.
Of the event, Mary Arquette,
Vice President for Institutional
Above: Harvey & Connie Tolson
and Milo & Chrissie Danzeisen
Advancement, shared that “it was
truly an enjoyable evening with no
silent auctions, no raffles, no 50/50
tickets – just a relaxing evening,
dining with friends and enjoying a
Left: Dr. Robinson,
Dick LaValley Jr.
(event chair) and
Mary Arquette
choice of Grilled Salmon with lemon
butter, Chicken Dijon, Grilled Steak
Medallions or Real Seafood’s famous
Lasagna.” U
Below: John Meier & Ann Meier (event
chair) and Jim & Mary Ann Kline
Left: Guests
of Celebrity
Waiter
Dr. Dean
Ludwig
78 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 A special
thank you
to the following
Celebrity Waiters, who
helped make the night
an outstanding success:
Right:
Mike & Sondra
Gibbons,
Nancy Kabat,
Mary Arquette
Bob Arthur
Sr. Ann Carmen Barone, OSF
Anne Marie Blank
Raquel Bravo
Daniel Briones
George & Vicky Brymer
Judy Didion
Above: Guests of Celebrity Waiter
Mike Gibbons (event chair)
Norene Drewicz
Ernest & Carolina Enrique
Mike Fischer
Left; Larry Ulrich and
Dr. Janet Robinson
Dick & Dolly Flasck
Pat Flynn
Mike French
Below: Bob LaClair
Mike Gibbons
Thom Giguere
Holly Goldstein
Sandra Hylant
Bob LaClair
Dick LaValley, Jr.
Dean Ludwig
Judy McFarland
John & Ann Meier
Mike Muse
Deb Olejownik
Cindy Patterson
Ann Riddle
Tina Skeldon-Wozniak
Alisa Smith
Olga and
Ellen Boone:
Sharing Life’s
Blessings
I
n September, Olga
Christina Boone marked
her 104th birthday.
She and her daughter
Ellen, PhD, are proof
that enjoying all of the world’s
blessings is the secret to living a
long and happy life.
In an excerpt from WGTE’s
Do Not Go Gently series, Olga
expands on the concept of
enjoying life’s blessings, “We
have a soul. We have life. The
only way we can express it is
through whatever creativity
we have. For some people it is
writing a poem, for others it is
telling a story. Whatever it is that
your soul is shouting out to do,
that is the passion that’s going
to keep you going. You just have
to remember that you are in
charge of your body and your
mind!”
Today they are sharing the
blessings they have received
with Lourdes students, through
a newly endowed scholarship
named in their honor. “We
are offering this scholarship
to enable others to enjoy the
miracle of education that we
ourselves have experienced,”
shares Olga.
Olga, the daughter of Swedish
immigrants who believes
strongly in the value of
education, was the first in her
family to
complete
college. In
fact, she
earned not
one but three
degrees – a
Bachelor
of Arts in
Physical
Education, a
Bachelor of Science and a Master
of Arts degree. An accomplished
lifelong dancer and 1928 Miss
Maryland, her professional
careers have spanned the gamut
from speech therapy to teaching
(Head Start through college),
to inspirational speaking and
storytelling.
Her
daughter,
Ellen, has
also carried
on the
tradition of
educational
achievement,
as have her
children.
Ellen is a
doctoral level psychologist
and two of her three children
have also earned doctorates,
one in veterinary medicine and
one in physical therapy. The
third daughter, also a college
graduate, is completing Master’s
studies and is a theatre director.
“We believe that an education at
Lourdes University can provide
the foundation for a life-long
love of learning and also for a
dedication to serving others,”
expresses Ellen.
Longtime friends of Lourdes
University, Olga and Ellen’s
shining spirits have been
staples at the institution’s
annual Luminations gala. “Their
enthusiasm and vibrancy for
life is infectious,” expresses
Mary Arquette, Vice President
for Institutional Advancement.
“They are both strong and
inspirational women – the type
of women you want students
to know and learn from. We’re
thrilled that now, through the
Olga Christina Boone and Ellen
Christina Boone Endowed
Scholarship, students will have
a new opportunity to learn and
earn an education!”
Just as the Boones have and will
continue to inspire others to
share their life’s blessings and
passions, Olga says that those
who inspired her, are also part of
her longevity. “I just thank God
for all of the wonderful people
I’ve met, who have inspired me.
I wouldn’t change it for
anything. Cross my heart!” U
Look for these stories
coming in a future
AtLourdes:
 Preparing our students for graduate
school
 Ann Stranahan – a Renaissance woman
 Allan and Susan Block and Block
Communications – 2013 Luminations
chairs
 Janice Jercovich – thanking an alumna
 Tarell Cox – a student making a difference
at Lourdes
 A special thank you to Lourdes donors
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 81
coming events
oct.
nov.
Wednesday, October 24
Rock the Presidents
Theater Vision presentation
Valentine Theatre
10 am & 12:15 pm
$8 per person
Tickets: 419-824-3986
Friday, November 2
An Evening Stroll with
Vocalists Candice Coleman
and Chris Brown
Friday, November 16
A poetry reading of
Ann Stranahan’s book
Window on the River
A Lifelong
Learning
presentation
Franciscan
Center
10 am
www.lourdes.
edu/lifelong
November 21- 25
CLOSED: Thanksgiving break
Thursday, October 25
Junior Greentown Conference
Sponsored by GreenTown
Toledo-Lucas County, Lourdes,
and others
Information: cknaggs@lourdes.
edu
A Franciscan Center Cabaret
Series event
Franciscan Center
8 pm
$10 in advance; $12 at door;
$40 for series (5 shows)
419-824-3999
Friday, November 9
Bunnicula
Theater Vision
presentation
Franciscan
Center
10 am &
12:15 pm
$7.50 per
person
Tickets:
419-824-3986
Thursday, November 29
Sharing the Spirit Christmas
Buffet & Tree Lighting
Free event for Lourdes
Community and family
members
Franciscan Center
4:30 - 6 pm
419-824-3861
November 30 - December 2
Uh-Oh Here Comes Christmas
Ebeid Student Center
A Drama Society production
7 pm
www.lourdes.edu/dramasociety
Save the Date
April 27, 2013
419-824-3751
82 At Lo u r d e s M ag a zi n e | Fa l l 2 0 1 2 coming events
dec.
Saturday, December 1
Mystery of the Christmas Star
Appold Planetarium, Mother
Adelaide Hall
7 pm
Information: 419-517-8897 or
www.lourdes.edu/appold
Sunday, December 2
Lourdes Annual Christmas
Concert
Holiday Favorites by the
Lourdes Choirs and The Maumee
Community Band
Franciscan Center
7:30 pm
www.lourdes.edu/music
Monday, December 3
Frindle
Theater Vision
presentation
Franciscan Center
10 am & 12:15 pm
$7.50 per person
Tickets:
419-824-3986
Saturday, December 8
Mystery of the Christmas Star
Appold Planetarium, Mother
Adelaide Hall
7 pm
Information: 419-517-8897 or
www.lourdes.edu/appold
Saturday, December 15
Mystery of the Christmas Star
Appold Planetarium, Mother
Adelaide Hall
7 pm
Information: 419-517-8897 or
www.lourdes.edu/appold
December 24 - January 2
CLOSED: Christmas / New Year
recess
jan.
January 25 - 26
How I Became a
Pirate
A Theater Vision
presentation
Valentine Theatre
10 am & 12:15 pm
(1/25)
2 pm (1/26)
$7.50 per person
Tickets: 419-824-3986
Saturday, February 16
Eternally Elvis starring
Caesare Belvano, “The Closest
Thing to the King”
A Franciscan
Center
Cabaret
Series event
Franciscan
Center
8 pm
$10 in
advance;
$12 at door;
$40 for series (5 shows)
419-824-3999
Friday, February 22
Alexander and the…Very Bad
Day
A Theater Vision presentation
Franciscan Center
10 am & 12:15 pm
$7.50 per person
Tickets: 419-824-3986
Monday, February 25
The Civil War
feb.
Sunday, February 10
Feminine Models of Spirituality
in Catholicism & Islam
Guest Lecturers: Phyllis Kaminski
and Fatima al Hayani, PhD
Franciscan Center
2 - 4 pm
Hosted by the Notre Dame Club
of Toledo and Lourdes Office of
Mission & Ministry
419-824-3861
A Theater Vision presentation
Valentine Theatre
10 am & 12:15 pm
$7.50 per person
Tickets: 419-824-3986
AtLo urde s Magazin e
| Fall 2012 83
6832 Convent Boulevard
Sylvania, Ohio 43560
419-885-3211
419-882-3987 fax
www.lourdes.edu
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Toledo, Ohio
Permit No. 179
Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis
www.lourdes.edu
Sharing the Spirit
Thursday, November 29
4:30 - 6 p.m.
Franciscan Center
AtLourdes magazine is published by the Lourdes University
Institutional Advancement Office. To request further information
or a change of address, please call 419-824-3980.
Join the Lourdes Community
for the tree lighting, Christmas
carols and a buffet.