Meet the President - Rockhurst University

RockhurstMeet the PresidentRev. Thomas B. Curran, O.S.F.S.

Rockhurst Day 2006Save the Date:September 29Mark your calendarand make plans toattend RockhurstDay Friday, Sept. 29.Paired with homecoming,this annualevent has becomean exciting campustradition completewith carnival games,fireworks and theGreat Baby Race.This year’s highlightsinclude honoringcoach Tony Tocco inhis 35 th year ofleading the men’ssoccer team. It’s alsoa great opportunityto meet Rockhurst’snew president, theRev. Thomas B.Curran, O.S.F.S.Watch your mailboxfor the next AlumniNews & Eventsnewsletter for moreinformation.

INSIDEMeet the President 8Introducing Rockhurst University’s 14th president,the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, O.S.F.S.Faced with Contradictions 12Two Rockhurst University theology professors reflecton why the African roots of the Bible go unnoticed.Setting the Record Straight 15Hear from a woman who was mysteriously admitted toRockhurst 10 years before the school went coed.Departmentsrock report 2hawk talk 18advancement digest 20for alumni 22class notes 24RockhurstSpring 2006RockhurstEditor Katherine FrohoffAssistant Editor Jamie Sievering, MBA ’06Design Dig DesignContributing WritersJohn Dodderidge, Katie Fischer, ’98, Sonia WeinbergPhotographyRoy Inman, Mark McDonald, Craig Sands,Jamie Sievering, MBA ’06, Daniel Stramara Jr., Ph.D.,Special thanks to staff photographerJoshua Hardin at Regis UniversityOn the cover: Priest, attorney, athlete, champion of socialjustice. Get to know the many sides of Rockhurst’s new leader.Rockhurst, the magazine of Rockhurst University, ispublished by the Office of Public Relations and Marketing.Opinions expressed in Rockhurst magazine are those ofindividual authors and not necessarily those of theUniversity. Rockhurst welcomes letters and comments.Send letters to:Katherine FrohoffRockhurst University1100 Rockhurst RoadKansas City, MO 64110-2561Or e-mail to katherine.frohoff@rockhurst.eduLearning, Leadership and Service in the Jesuit Tradition

Rock RepoRt 4 4 4 4 4 4Letters tothe editorA Friend IndeedThank you for publishingthe encouraging story, “AFriend Indeed,” in the fallissue of Rockhurst magazine.These are Rockhurst mento be proud of, as also yourmagazine for recognizingtheir worth and sharingtheir story.William G. Wren, ’46Fr. James Wheeler, S.J.,with vanston Ryan, Ph.D.Dear Fr. Wheeler,The Fall 2005 Rockhurstmagazine and your ChemNewsletter #36 both arrivedin the past few days. Asusual, both were fascinating,especially the featurearticle on your 50 yearsof teaching chemistry atRockhurst. You have agedvery well.Keep up the good work.Mike O’Connor, ’58Rockhurst Gets the GoldThe peer reviewteam’s reportsaid it all —solid reputation,culture ofcontinuous improvement,supportive Kansas Citybusiness community andstudents who appreciatetheir education and faculty.The team was sent inJanuary by AACSB International— The Association toAdvance Collegiate Schoolsof Business to evaluateRockhurst’s HelzbergSchool of Management.The result was a unanimousrecommendation that theschool’s undergraduate andgraduate business programsreceive AACSB accreditation.AACSB acted on thatrecommendation, notifyingthe University April 10 thatit had received the coveteddistinction.Less than 10 percent ofbusiness schools worldwidehave earned AACSBaccreditation, makingit the gold standard ofbusiness education.“This says that theHelzberg School hasdemonstrated to thepremier internationalaccrediting body for businessschools that its programsand faculty are of thehighest caliber,” said JamesDaley, Ph.D., dean of theHelzberg School.To earn accreditation,business programs mustsatisfy the expectations of awide range of quality standardsrelating to strategicmanagement of resources,interactions of faculty andstudents in the educationalprocess and achievementof learning goals in degreeprograms. These standardsare mission driven.Conway hall, home of the helzberg School of Management.Rockhurst Universityhas been accredited by theNorth Central Associationof Colleges and Schoolssince 1939. Taking theadded step of seekingaccreditation of thebusiness programs bythe AACSB is voluntaryand was the result of along-range strategic planthat required a focusedcommitment from theentire university.“AACSB accreditationnot only raises the prestigeof our business programs,but it also reflects well onthe whole institution,” saidWilliam Haefele, Ph.D.,vice president for academicaffairs. “The accreditationteam validated the highdegree of congruencebetween the HSOMmission and the missionof Rockhurst.”The bottom line, saidDaley, is that AACSBaccreditation will benefitRockhurst graduatesand the employers whohire them.2 RockhuRst4spRinG 2006

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4For theCommonGoodIn today’s era of Washingtonscandals andcorporate thievery,Rockhurst’s newCenter for Leadership andEthics couldn’t have come ata better time. The HelzbergSchool of Managementestablished the center tofocus on improving thequality of life for membersof our community throughthe development of principledleaders.The center embracesideas such as strategicphilanthropy, in whichorganizations respond toreal community needs in away that aligns with theirorganizational missionand is good for business.The center will engageindividuals and area businesses,governmental agenciesand non-governmentalorganizations on severallevels, ranging from speakerseries, workshops andcolloquia, to consultationon sustainable economicdevelopment for thecommon good.For more information,contact Director TimothyP. Keane, Ph.D., at (816)501-4088 or timothy.keane@rockhurst.edu.Students Launch Multicultural SororityHave you ever feltas though you justdidn’t fit in? Theuneasy feeling of being anoutsider is one of the factorsthat prompted severalRockhurst students to bandtogether to find friendshipand sisterhood. The group,eight members strong andgrowing, has begun theprocess of becoming theUniversity’s first multiculturalsorority.“We’re not trying tocompete with the othersororities on campus,” saysCourtney LaChance, ’08,one of the group’s foundingmembers. “We likewhat they’ve established,but we want the chance tocreate our own sisterhood.”These young women,who come from a varietyof racial and ethnic backgrounds,have formed aninterest group called theWomen’s Society of Sisterhoodand Diversity. Thegroup hopes to affiliate withDelta Xi Phi, a nationalmulticultural sorority, latethis spring.“When I first transferredto Rockhurst, I felt likea fish out of water,” saysBrandie Morris, ’07, presidentof the group. “Theuniversity is not as diverseas it could be, and our eyesare not as open as theyshould be.” Through thisorganization, she hopes tohelp break down stereotypesand open people’sminds to diversity andmulticulturalism.Courtney LaChance, ’08, left, and Brandie Morris ’07, are founding members of amulticultural sorority.Rockhurst4spring 2006

Rock Report 4 4 4 4 4 4New Technique Helps Patients Recover FasterPhysical therapy studentAnna Uhlrich, left, triesout the new unloadingsystem with Mohamed Kohia,Ph.D., the first researcher toexplore its benefits for jointreplacementpatients.As a growingnumber ofbaby boomersreach retirementage, thenumber of people needingknee and hip replacementsurgery and subsequentphysical therapy is expectedto surge. To prepare forthis growing demand,Rockhurst physical therapystudents soon will be learninga cutting-edge methodof therapy to help patientsreach a faster recovery.The technique, calledan unloading system, wasdesigned to help peoplewho’ve suffered from conditionssuch as a stroke orParkinson’s disease. ButMohamed Kohia, Ph.D.,associate professor ofphysical therapy, is thefirst researcher to put it touse for joint-replacementpatients, for whomit’s ideal.“Patients are afraid oftwo things,” said Kohia.“Pain and losing theirbalance. The unloadingsystem attends to both.”It works with the helpof a harness suspended byan overhead pulley system,which maintains up to100 percent of a patient’sbody weight. It is stationedover a treadmill on whichpatients can move withoutfear of falling or the painassociated with weight ontheir joints. This methodaccelerates the therapyand makes each exercisemore productive. Accordingto Kohia, the result is ashorter recovery time, lessout-of-pocket and Medicareexpense, and more importantly,a full recovery andan enhanced quality of life.The PT department purchasedthe new equipmentthis spring. Currently onthe department’s wish listis equipment that will complementthe unloading systemby allowing studentsto measure forces, musclestrength and electric activityin the muscle.Kohia, who has investedmore than 10 years ofresearch into his innovativeidea, began teaching atRockhurst last fall. Hecompleted his bachelor’sand master’s degrees inPT in Cairo, Egypt, and hisdoctoral degree at TexasWoman’s University inHouston. Before joiningRockhurst, he taught atWalsh University in NorthCanton, Ohio.MBA Alumnus Steps Up to Help Expectant MothersWhile Craig Peterson, MBA ’02, had alwaysconsidered himself pro-life, the experienceof having two daughters, one of whom wasborn seven weeks early, reaffirmed his commitment tothe cause.“The experience from conception to birth to being afather completely changed my life, and it motivatedme to take action and get involved,” Peterson says.That is just what he did. Peterson began by educatinghimself on the subject, reading and attending lectures.He took part in prayer vigils and expressed his interestin getting more involved to pro-life movement leaders.Peterson now serves on a steering committee that isworking to create a pregnancy resource center inWyandotte County, Kansas.The proposed center — the first of its kind in the county— plans to offer free comprehensive services, includingpregnancy tests, life-skills classes, medical education,sonograms and a mentoring program. Demographicinformation indicates women in Wyandotte County arehighly susceptible to the choice of abortion, and Petersonbelieves this center could help at-risk women learn abouttheir options.If you would like to contribute your time, talents ortreasures to the pregnancy resource center, call Peterson at(913) 677-4780 or e-mail him at craigepeterson@att.net. Rockhurst4spring 2006

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4Faculty Offer Fun Physics RefresherEvery summer, elementary and middle schoolteachers from districts all over Missouri cometo Rockhurst to ride hovercraft down hallways,swing bowling balls at their noses (no, theynever get hit) and play with motion detectors. It maysound like just fun and games, but it’s all in the nameof learning.The activities are part of the Constructing and Understandingof Physics summer workshops taught by Rockhurstphysics professors Bob Hegarty, Ph.D., and NancyDonaldson, Ph.D. Because physics can sometimes bedaunting to learn, it can be especially daunting to teach.“Often these teachers know they don’t know as muchphysics as they should,” Hegarty says. “We help themmake sure their knowledge is up to par.”And if you think physics is all equations and formulas,think again.“We don’t just stand there and lecture,” Donaldsonsays. “It’s very hands-on and materials-intensive,” hencethe hovercraft for studying force, motion and gravity.“The teachers are put in the position of becoming thestudent. If they get excited, then they’ll get their studentsexcited,” she says.But this year, Hegarty and Donaldson are the oneswho are most excited. They were awarded a three-year,$337,000 Improving Teacher Quality Grant by the MissouriDepartment of Higher Education for the workshops.Though they’ve had funding for nearly 10 years, this isthe first three-year grant, which reflects not only the outstandingquality of the program but also the accomplishmentof exceeding expectations in years past.“We’re thrilled,” Donaldson says. “This grant helps establishRockhurst University as a center of science education.”There’s No Place Like HomeBean bags or classroomfurniture?When it comes tospiritual discussions andpersonal reflection, can youguess which option collegestudents prefer? Thanks toRockhurst’s new CampusMinistry House, studentsare feeling much more athome discussing deeplypersonal topics from thecomfort of a couch or overa pizza among friends.Located at 5134 ForestAve., the house is a perfectlocation for student organizationmeetings and prayergroups, especially theUniversity’s popular newChristian Life Communities.These small, student-ledgroups meet weekly forscripture, reflection, discussionand prayer.Purchased from theJesuit Community late lastyear, the house feels likeno other place on campus.Its home-like atmosphere,bean bags and floor pillowshave proven an invitingaccompaniment to thespiritual discussions andpersonal reflection thattake place there.“The new campus ministryhouse is a place wherewe can feel comfortablesharing,” says sophomoreJessica Wagner. “The houseis rapidly becoming a placefor us to minister to othersand ourselves.”Students feel right at home in the University’s new CampusMinistry House, a perfect location for student meetings andprayer groups.Rockhurst4spring 2006

Rock Report 4 4 4 4 4 4Lessons Learned From ServiceStretch Far Beyond the ClassroomAcademic researchcan teachstudents manythings abouthomelessness, but workingside by side with homelesschildren and discoveringthat entire families arehomeless can fuel a desireto go beyond merely learningabout the problem.A group of Rockhurststudents examined theproblem of homelessnessin Kansas City, then developedand implemented anart program for children atreStart, a local organizationthat provides resources andsupport for the homeless.“It has taught me a lot,”said Blair Ballard, a freshmanvolunteer. “Everyonesees homeless people andhas an automatic assumptionabout them and theircircumstances. Now it’sharder for me to prejudgepeople based on theircurrent situations.”The project grew outof Rockhurst’s effort toincrease faculty interest inservice learning, a teachingmethodology that extendslearning beyond the classroomand into the communitythrough relevant andmeaningful experiencethat meets a real communityneed.For example, Rockhurstbiology students study theimportance of preservinglocal native wild lands byrolling up their sleevesand cutting back invasivespecies. Students in AmyAnthony Ishmael, ’09, tutored children at the Troost Midtown Boysand Girls Club as part of a service learning course this spring.Mulligan’s volunteer managementclass organizeevents to encourage GirlScouts from the inner city,many of whom have neverconsidered college or setfoot on a campus, to worktoward this goal.As you’d imagine, theseclasses call for more thanjust logging a few volunteerhours. They get studentsinvolved, sometimes inprojects that are outsidetheir comfort zone.Several students in anEnglish composition classtaught by Dan Martin,Ph.D., volunteer theirtime to engage in pastoralconversations with patientsat Truman Medical Center.Last semester, two freshmenspent their Fridaynights managing a shift atSt. James Place soup kitchen.“All these sites have largersocial issues connectedwith them,” said Martin,assistant professor of English.“Service alone isn’t asolution. You can go outand serve people and feelgood about it, but if youcouple that with research,then you’re going to bemuch more aware of themagnitude of the problem.Then it becomes a questionof whether our world isjust, and how do we makeit more just.”Do You HearWhat I Hear?Effective listeningskills are crucial tosuccess in a widerange of fields from religionto health care. Listeningis often a factor inhiring and promotion decisionsand is tied to effectiveleadership. It is critical toacademic success. It is evena significant predictor ofpatient satisfaction. However,most people receivevery little formal training inthis important communicationskill.So where can you learnmore about listening? Thisfall, Rockhurst Universitywill co-host the InternationalListening Association’sFall Listening Forum,“Measuring the Effects ofListening on Learning,Earning and Healing.”The forum, which willbe held Oct. 19–21, willbring together 100 peoplefrom a variety of fields,including business, education,health care, religionand research, to set thelistening research agendafor the next five years.Spaces are availablefor Rockhurst alumni andfriends. If you are interestedin learning more about listeningor about the forum,please call Laura Janusik,Ph.D., assistant professor ofcommunication, at (816)501-3186 or e-mail her atlaura.janusik@rockhurst.edu. Rockhurst4spring 2006

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4Board Welcomes Four New TrusteesRockhurst University’s Board of Trustees recentlywelcomed four new members. These new trustees,who were each elected for a three-year term, willadd valuable experience and depth to the board.Rockhurst’s new board members include:Charles L. Dunlap, ’65,is chief executive officer,president and director ofPasadena Refining SystemInc., a refinery that producesgasoline and dieselfuels, and founding partnerof Strategic Advisors LLC,a management consultingfirm. He has 30 years ofmanagement experiencein the petroleum and autocare industries and 14 yearsof public board service.Dunlap holds a lawdegree from Saint LouisUniversity and is a graduateof Harvard BusinessSchool’s advanced managementprogram.Thomas A. Gerke, MBA’82, served as executivevice president, generalcounsel and external affairsfor Sprint and has beendesignated to serve thesame role for Sprint Nextel.He oversees legal and governmentalaffairs initiatives,handles matters related tocorporate governance andprovides legal support toSprint Nextel’s board ofdirectors.Gerke, who has morethan 20 years of legal experience,holds a law degreefrom the University ofMissouri–Kansas City.Lloyd L. Hill, XMBA ’85,is chairman of the boardand chief executive officerof Applebee’s InternationalInc. Under Hill’s leadership,Applebee’s has grown intothe largest casual diningconcept in the world.In 2005, he was namedas one of America’s bestCEOs by InstitutionalInvestor magazine and as“Operator of the Year” bythe operators-readers ofNation’s Restaurant News.Hill serves on the boardsfor Midwest ResearchInstitute, the NationalRestaurant Association andthe Greater Kansas CityChamber of Commerce.Walter McCormick Jr. ispresident and chief executiveofficer of the UnitedStates Telecom Association,a trade association representingtelecommunicationsservice providers andsuppliers. A Washingtonveteran with more than20 years of experiencein telecommunications,McCormick is one of thenation’s leading trade associationexecutives.Prior to his trade associationwork, McCormickserved as general counselof the U.S. Departmentof Transportation and theU.S. Senate staff. He holdsdegrees in journalism andlaw from the University ofMissouri and completedthe program for seniormanagers in governmentat Harvard University’sJohn F. Kennedy Schoolof Government.Rockhurst4spring 2006

By Katherine FrohoffUsing hisnew iPod fortunes and newsprograms is oneof Fr. Curran’smany interests. Rockhurst4spring 2006

Most people call him Father,but this day the Rev.Thomas B. Curran, O.S.F.S.,spoke as a son. On Saturday, March18, 2006, Fr. Curran gave the homilyat the funeral Mass for his father,Joseph J. Curran.Just two weeks before the Mass,Fr. Curran had been appointed the14th president of Rockhurst University.He was able to share the newswith his father, who then proceededto provide detailed informationabout Rockhurst athletics.“My father was the only person Iknow who subscribed to newslettersabout Division II and III schools,”said Fr. Curran. “Sports were a bigpart of our family and he followedthem until the day he died.”Fr. Curran was the fifth of six childrenborn to Joseph and Ann Curran.Their home was in Philadelphia,where life centered on family, thechurch and sports, especially NotreDame football. As with most families,the years brought a mix of pain andjoy. A drunk driver killed the family’sonly daughter at the age of 18, anda son died of kidney disease at theage of 33.Thomas B. Curran, age 5Named after his uncle, a HolyCross priest from Notre Dame,Fr. Curran became a professed memberof the Oblates of St. Francis deSales in 1977 and was ordained as aRoman Catholic priest in 1984.A wide range of interests shapedFr. Curran’s career goals. He said healways wanted to be a teacher, goto law school and go into politics.Educational administration was noton the list. His dream was to opena storefront legal clinic, but after hecompleted his J.D. at the CatholicUniversity of America and a clerkshipwith a Pennsylvania superior courtjudge, his religious order had differentplans for him.Next up was the presidency of thestruggling Northeast Catholic HighSchool for Boys, located in his hometownof Philadelphia. His desire tolearn more about the financial side ofrunning the school led him to earna master of business administrationdegree from Saint Joseph’s University,a Jesuit institution in Philadelphia.“I didn’t know a balance sheetfrom a bed sheet,” said Fr. Curran.By the time he left Northeast, theschool’s financial situation had greatlyimproved. He then was asked toassume the presidency of SalesianumSchool in Wilmington, Del., and tocreate a strategic plan for the school’s100 th anniversary, which would happensix years later.Fr. Curran visits the Basilica of St. Annede Beaupré in Quebec City.Joining Fr. Curran on the day of his ordination are his father, Joe,his mother, Ann, and his brother Ed.Rather than confine the centennialcelebration to campus improvementsor parties for alumni, Fr. Curran crafteda plan that would bring togetherthe school’s supporters in a way thatwould leave a lasting impact on thecity of Wilmington and the lives ofsome of its most economically disadvantagedresidents.“I approached the provincial aboutcelebrating beyond the buildings,”Fr. Curran said.Under Fr. Curran’s leadership, theschool sponsored the opening of atuition-free middle school for boys,Nativity Preparatory School. Servingas Nativity’s executive director, hefound someone to donate a parcel ofland and he worked to secure moreRockhurst4spring 2006

than $4 million in actual and in-kindfunding for programs, staffing andfacilities. The school is part of theNativity Educational Centers Network,whose goal is to break the cycle ofpoverty through education.Fr. Curran said he noticed thatwhen students from the inner citywould come to Salesianum theyweren’t prepared and many wereunable to succeed. Nativity helpsprepare them.“It creates a level playing field,”said Fr. Curran.When the first class graduates inJune, Fr. Curran will be there to givethe graduation address, and he won’tdo it as a stranger. He got to knoweach of the students, even teaching abasic life skills class when they werefifth graders.Fr. Curran At a GlanceThe Rev. Thomas B. Curran, O.S.F.S.BornJune 29, 1955, in PhiladelphiaWhat’s a Salesian?Fr. Curran is a member of a Roman Catholic religious order called the Oblates of St. Francisde Sales, one of the Salesian orders. Louis Brisson, a French priest, founded the Oblates in1875. He drew his inspiration from the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and the work ofSt. Jane Frances de Chantal.The Web site for the Oblates, www.oblates.org, says the order seeks to “approach eachperson in a gentle and humble way while fostering peace and justice in the world community.”Its apostolic endeavors include Christian education, missions and other pastoral ministries.Additional Salesian orders that espouse the spirituality of St. Frances de Sales include theVisitation of Holy Mary, the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, the Salesians of Don Bosco andthe Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, also known as the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.After making the move to highereducation, Fr. Curran found he wasequally at home with college students— literally. For a time, he lived ina residence hall at Regis University,where he says students would dropby for discussion, homework assistanceor confession. But, he’s quick topoint out that he lived in a dorm forupper-class students.“With all due respect to freshmen,I couldn’t live in a freshman dorm,”said Fr. Curran.As someone who has spent mostof his life working with young people,Fr. Curran says he finds that whatthey want most is to be respected,heard and encouraged. This approachguides him even when talking withstudents about matters of religion.“In the past, the church relationshipwas more expectational,” saidFr. Curran. “With our college-agestudents, they’re more inclined toembrace an invitation rather than anexpectation.”EducationM.B.A., Saint Joseph’s University, 1997J.D., The Catholic University of America,1992M.A., Liberal Studies, Public Policy andGovernment, Georgetown University,1985M.A., Theology, DeSales School of Theology,1984B.A., Politics, DeSales University, 1978Most recent positionAssociate Vice President for UniversityRelations and Assistant to the President,Regis University, Denver.Becomes president of Rockhurst UniversityJune 2006Favorite workoutRunningFavorite movieTo Kill a MockingbirdFavorite bookWon’t commit to one, but recently hasenjoyed books on Ireland, historicalbiographies and murder mysteriesFr. Curran and Regis University seniors Brian Couch and Allison Hingtgen discusstheir plans for the future.10 Rockhurst4spring 2006

Still, Fr. Curran sometimesencounters parents who ask why theuniversity doesn’t make their childrenattend Mass.“Some people think we shouldturn up the volume on the invitation.”This isn’t meant to imply thatFr. Curran hasn’t found a role to playin students’ religious formation.“So what does that require of me,Tom Curran? It requires that I livemy life in such a way that it invitespeople to Christ,” he said.Fr. Curran takes to the skies in a hot air balloon.Fr. Curran pours wine at the Mass forthe groundbreaking of the new chapelat Regis University.Having an arsenal of conversationtopics in addition to faith and religionprobably helps open a few doorsas well. Fr. Curran is an avid runner,although he says he runs OMP — oldman pace. He’s a movie buff who sawall five of this year’s best picture nominees.And, he is the proud owner ofthat ubiquitous icon of pop culture,a video iPod.The iPod was a gift from friends, afamily with seven children. Fr. Curransaid the children fought over whowould get to train him how to usehis new toy, but he appalled them bybreaking it in by downloading “Meetthe Press.”“You are so weird,” they told him.Today the iPod holds an eclecticcollection of nearly 1,200 songs,almost 25 percent of it Christmasmusic. When he’s not celebrating theholidays, Fr. Curran says he shufflesthrough tunes from performers suchas Celine Dion, Simon and Garfunkel,Phil Collins, the Beach Boys,George Winston, Michael Bublé,Harry Connick Jr. and Shania Twain.He also enjoys big band.In March, Fr. Curran’s favorite songwas Enya’s “If I Could Be Where YouAre,” which he says he found veryreflective. He was still thinking of hisfather, still enjoying being the son.In March, Fr. Curran’s favorite song wasone that reminded him of his father.Presidential InaugurationFr. Curran gives horseback ridinga try on a vacation with friends inSouthwest Colorado.Fr. Curran will assume his full-time duties as president of Rockhurst University in June,but his inauguration Mass and installation ceremony will be held Friday, Oct. 27.The annual Rockhurst University Gala will take place the following night, Saturday, Oct. 28.Look for information in the coming months in your mailbox and at www.rockhurst.eduabout how to register for these events.Rockhurst4spring 2006 11

FacedWithContradictions12 RockhuRst4spRinG 2006

Two Rockhurst University theology professorsreflect on why the African roots of the Bible go unnoticed.By Jamie Sievering, MBA ’06What does Jesuslook like? Theimages you’velikely known allyour life of Jesusand others in Christian history maynot reflect their true appearances. Buteven if that’s the case, does it reallymatter what he looks like?First, a few facts. Did you knowthat Moses’ wife was Ethiopian? Andsome of the early Roman Catholicpopes were black? Jesus had ancestorsof African descent. After Israel andEgypt, Ethiopia is mentioned morethan any other nation in the OldTestament. Many Egyptian pharaohswere of Ethiopian descent. The Nileactually starts in Ethiopia.Today, the rich heritage of Ethiopia— and the rest of Africa — seems allbut left out of Christian teachings.But if Africa and its people are soengrained in the Bible and the earlyChristian church, why don’t we knowmuch about it?“It’s in there, but people are blindto it,” says Daniel Stramara Jr., Ph.D.,assistant professor of theology andreligious studies, who specializesin early church history. “A lot ofCaucasian Americans are obliviousto the biases that get unconsciouslyput forth.”A prime example is the blondhaired,blue-eyed image of Jesusmany Americans have grown up with.“He looks like a white guy,” saysStramara, “but Jesus was really oliveskinned. He’s a Mediterranean Jew,and some of his ancestors were fromAfrica. From a historical point ofview, that’s just the way it is.”According to Stramara, people ofAfrican heritage in the Bible tend tobe ignored by those who see the peopleand stories through a Caucasianlens. To have a fair perspective, all ofChristianity needs to be understoodin a balanced historical context sono group is either overemphasizedor neglected.An interest in researching misguidedperceptions about ethnicityin the Bible is why Stramara traveledto Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November2005, to attend the InternationalConference on the Bible and ItsAfrican Roots. Along with educators,pastors and seminary students fromaround the world, Stramara met withdignitaries and locals, worshippedin local churches and visited holyand historical sites in a crossculturaleffort to reclaim some ofthe African heritage that is overlookedin the Bible.His trip brought him face to facewith Lucy, the oldest known humanoid,who was found in Ethiopia; ledhim into the depths of a mountainwhere churches are carved from theearth; and introduced him to PrimeMinister Meles Zenawi in a discussionsession aimed at promotingbetter ties between black Americansand Ethiopians. Both Stramara, whois eager to share his experiences withstudents, and Craig Prentiss, Ph.D.,associate professor of theology andreligious studies, explore the growingdebate in Rockhurst courses such asChristianity II; Eastern Christianity;Religion in America; and Religion,Ethnicity and Race.Daniel Stramara Jr., Ph.D., assistantprofessor of theology and religious studies,traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, inNovember to explore the Bible’s neglectedAfrican heritage.Rockhurst4spring 2006 13

The fact that many Americanshave come to visualize white imagerythroughout the Bible is the result ofperceptions that have been created— deliberately and otherwise — andperpetuated throughout history.On one hand, it’s a human tendencyfor people to project their ownimages and worldview on to theirreligions, and these religions giveauthority to the social hierarchies andboundaries that people create. “Thehistory of any monarchy grows out ofthis idea … that God sanctions thisfamily,” says Prentiss, who specializesin American religious history. “It’salmost like a Rorschach test, whereour image of Jesus tells us as muchabout ourselves as it does about him.”1 RockhuRst4spRinG 2006Early Christian history wasn’t limitedto Europe as many people perceive,but it was also in Africa and even Asia.Because Northern African Christianitywas separated from the bulk of theChristian population for so long, thatconnection was lost, and the Christianimagery that developed in Europefound its way to the United States.Likewise, the distortion is oppositein Ethiopia, where, Stramarasays, fair-skinned whites are seen asa minority in Christian history fromtheir perspective. Although he noticedEthiopians seem to be more culturallysensitive in religious artworkby painting people with a variety ofbrown skin tones, those with verylight skin tones are all but absent.Stramara visited many holy and historical sites throughout ethiopia.this monk stands outside the church that houses the ark of the Covenant.Religious artwork in ethiopia portraysfigures with a variety of skin tones.On the other hand, the entirecause of this disparity cannot be dismissedas innocent human nature. InAmerican history, the curse of Hamhas been used to validate whites’superiority over blacks. “The Biblehas been twisted to oppress AfricanAmericans,” says Stramara. “Butblacks have just as much claim toearly Christianity as anyone else.”By the fourth century, Christianitystretched from Britain to WesternChina, and from Northern Europe tosub-Saharan Africa.So does the color of Jesus’ skinreally matter?“It has real social impact because itaffects how we treat each other,” saysPrentiss. “It matters in the context ofa Western culture that’s dominated byEuropeans where you create a socialhierarchy. We work toward a morejust society by realizing we’re not thecenter of the universe.”Just as it has taken time for thechurch’s efforts to use inclusive languagein the liturgy, Stramara says,it will take time for people to understandand appreciate the African rootsof the Bible and Christianity.For now, Stramara says he hopeshis experiences in Ethiopia will helphis students recognize that placessuch as Ethiopia have an unbrokenlink to the early church and thatthere are a variety of valid ways toapproach God and interpret the Bible.

Setting the RecordStraighta follow-up to “Where the Girls are”By Katherine FrohoffFriederun (Behrens) Boone, ’56,mysteriously was allowed toinfiltrate the all-male full-timeday program at Rockhurst morethan 10 years before the collegewent coed. Recently, she returnedto campus for a visit.

Everyone loves a mystery,and the readers of Rockhurstmagazine are noexception. “Accordingto Rockhurst Lore” onpage 13 of the fall 2005issue — which told a story about astudent who traveled all the way fromGermany on a boat to attend Rockhurstand was, unbeknownst to theadministration, a woman — elicitednumerous reader responses.Many people knew that a studentfrom Germany, Friederun Behrens,did attend Rockhurst in the 1950s,and some swore her arrival was justas described. However, a little investigativework found Friederun, nowFriederun Boone, living not far fromKansas City and willing to set therecord straight.“I didn’t come over on a boat,”Boone said, “I came on a plane.”And, by the time she enrolledat Rockhurst, she already had beenliving in Kansas City for a while. Shecame to live with her great-uncle andhis wife and to improve her Englishwhile finishing high school at BishopHogan. Boone said she enrolled ina Rockhurst biology class in the summerof 1952 and was allowed to enterthe regular daytime division.“We started class at 6:30 or 7 a.m.during the summer and quit by noonto avoid the heat,” Boone recalls.She said she chose a double majorin chemistry and biology with theintention of becoming a doctor.Rockhurst faculty were helpfulwith her endeavors, Boone recalled.“Perhaps they considered it quitea challenge — here’s this female andshe’s not good at English. Maybe wecan help her be successful.”Being one of very few women onthe Rockhurst campus during thattime doesn’t seem to have causedany major problems for Boone. Sheremembers being allowed to takerefuge when necessary in a first-floorlounge used by the female stafferswho worked in the office of the Rev.Joseph Gough, S.J., dean of the college.She also recalls getting alongwell with her fellow students, enjoyingtypical activities such as pilingin someone’s car on a Friday for aWinstead’s grilled cheese that servedas an alternative to the cafeteria fish.Following her graduation fromRockhurst in 1956, she attendedCreighton Medical School for oneyear, but said she couldn’t afford tocontinue.When Friederun Booneattended Rockhurst,the chemistry labswere in Conway hall.Instead, she put her chemistrydegree to use at Colgate Palmolive,where she worked in the qualityassurance lab until her retirementin 1991.Today Boone makes her homewith her husband on a Turney, Mo.,farm, where she helps with the businessside of their small cattle operation.She said she enjoys workingin their large garden, quilting andvisiting with her three grown childrenand three grandchildren.But why did Rockhurst break therules and allow her to attend? Onealumnus writer to the magazinespeculated that her great-uncle knewFr. Gough and asked him to intercedeand allow the Jesuits to keep an eyeon her.“Probably, yes, the Jesuits did keepan eye on me,” said Boone, “but Idon’t know why Fr. Gough madean exception. I think they took thatsecret to the grave.”Some things will remain a mysteryafter all.16 RockhuRst4spRinG 2006

Readers RespondNew TraditionsI have always extolled to my wifeand daughters the merits of a Jesuiteducation. As my daughters nearedhigh school age, I regretted that therewere no Jesuit schools available inour area, Marin County, just northof San Francisco. Then, in 1993,St. Ignatius, the Jesuit high school inSan Francisco, opened its enrollmentto girls, and one of my daughters wasadmitted to the school. St. Ignatiushad been an all-male school for morethan 150 years, and it was a pleasureto watch my daughter set new traditionsfor that school. I am sure thatthe first women admitted to RockhurstCollege had the same enjoyment, butI regret that Rockhurst High Schoolhas not yet changed.Thanks for reminding meabout Frieda.Robert Kuchem, ’61My wife and I enjoyed the cover ofthe fall 2005 Rockhurst magazine.We wish college students today stilldressed that nicely!James Buche, ’57Women PioneersI was just finishing my secondyear of college (one at CreightonUniversity and one at the Universityof Nebraska at Omaha) when my parentsattended a college fair with mybrothers at St. Albert High School inCouncil Bluffs, Iowa. My dad broughthome a brochure from Rockhurst andsuggested that I apply to be one ofthe first women to attend and live oncampus. We visited the campus and Iwas immediately taken by its intimatesize and also by the fact that I wouldnot be in classes with 300 – 400 studentseach. Like Jan Holland Stacy’sfather, my father did point out to methe ratio of men to women and toldme to make careful choices.We women were definitely pioneersat Rockhurst and I am happyto say that we enjoyed every minuteof it. When we first arrived, we wereadvised that there were nine men oncampus for every woman enrolled.I am sure that Fr. Freeman wasoverwhelmed by so many of us butseemed to take us in stride unless wechallenged him in class. We certainlyhad our favorite instructors, andFr. Freeman, Fr. Blumeyer andFr. Wheeler were at the top of the listfor most of us.Karen Knudsen Trame ’72Cover StoryI was shown a copy of theRockhurst magazine front cover andmy friend asked me if I ever went toRockhurst, since I actually graduatedfrom Saint Louis University in 1970.I said that I had attended summerschool and she then showed me thepicture! It took me back some yearsand I can tell you that the Rockhurstguys were extremely polite and treatedwe few women like royalty.I graduated from Bishop MiegeHigh School in 1966. My father,Frank Dugan, attended RockhurstHigh School and later Notre Damebefore his death in 1949. Many ofmy cousins and their children haveattended Rockhurst (Reardons andDugans). I now live in Colorado withmy husband, Bert, who runs his ownarchitectural firm and my three children,Shannon, Ryan and BrendanChisholm. Yes, I am the girl on thefront cover, Patty Dugan. My marriedname is Chisholm and I am a specialeducation teacher in Black Hawk, Colo.The man standing next to me inthe picture is Melvin Lavery, who alsoattended Bishop Miege and was goingto Rockhurst at the time. He was twoyears ahead of me in school.Patty Dugan Chisholmeditors note: Mel Lavery, ’68, is amember of the Rockhurst UniversityRegents and is director of private realestate at Hallmark Cards Inc. He’spictured on page 9 of the fall 2005issue, on the right and wearing awhite shirt and dark slacks.Speaking of Firsts…Along the course of time, a groupof girls headed by Jan Schultehenrich,’74, asked me to help them form aclub bowling team. Although notsanctioned by the NAIA, the girls’team joined the MO-KAN conferenceand it was the first women’s intercollegiatesport at Rockhurst College(then). After four years of captainingthe team, Jan received a varsity sportsletter “R,” the first woman to achievethat goal.Joseph Rydzel, Ph.D.Professor Emeritus of History(Rockhurst College, 1947-85)RockhuRst4spRinG 2006 1

Hawk Talk 4 4 4 4 4 4Star Pitchers Aim to Become DoctorsTeammates Colby Parks, ’06, left, and Andrew Silver, ’06,are bound for medical school after they graduate in May.Colby Parks and Andrew Silver not only havereceived high marks on the Rockhurst baseballteam over the past three years, but the two seniorright-handed pitchers also have posted impressive gradesin the classroom.Parks, Kansas City, Mo., and Silver, Maryland Heights,Mo., are the top two pitchers for the Hawks this spring.“Colby and Andrew are both four-year starters,” saidRockhurst baseball coach Gary Burns. “They are greatteam players and provide tremendous leadership,”Both straight-A students are completing chemistrydegrees and already have been admitted to the SaintLouis University Medical School for the fall semester.“I might go into orthopedics, but I haven’t decidedyet,” said Parks, who chose to attend Rockhurst overseveral other schools because of its reputation as havinga winning baseball program. “I’ve had a lot of opportunitiesin baseball at Rockhurst, and it’s a really goodacademic program.”Parks was the team’s Pitcher of the Year and named tothe All-Heartland Conference team in 2004, posting a 5-0record and 4.64 ERA. Silver received the same honors in2005, collecting a 10-2 record and 3.37 ERA.“I want to become an orthopedic surgeon and wouldlike to continue playing baseball in the St. Louis area,”said Silver. “I’ve had a real good experience at Rockhurst.We went to the NCAA Division II regionals my freshmanyear, and last year was a really good year for me.”RU Hosts Free Tennis Clinic for Local YouthNearly 300 eighthgraders fromnine Kansas City,Mo., schools are comingto campus this month totake part in a tennis clinictaught by Rockhurst Universitycoaches and studentathletes.The free clinic isoffered in conjunction withthe 2006 NCAA Division IIMen’s and Women’s TennisChampionships co-hostedby Rockhurst.The championships areexpected to draw more than250 of the top collegiatetennis players to KansasCity. Rockhurst, along withthe Kansas City SportsCommission, are hostingfour-day tournaments featuringthe top 16 men’s and16 women’s teams in thecountry. The matches areplayed at the Plaza TennisCenter in Kansas City, Mo.,and the Homestead CountryClub in Prairie Village, Kan.The clinic is part of theNCAA’s Youth EducationThrough Sports (YES) program,which aims to helpexpose underserved youthto sports through free clinicstaught by collegiate student-athletesand coaches.Rockhurst is offering a freetennis clinic to nearly 300local eighth graders oncampus this month.18 Rockhurst4spring 2006

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4Rietzke Reaches 900-Win MilestoneAnderson,JenningsReceive HonorsVolleyball coach Tracy Rietzke reached his 900 th career victory this year.The Rockhurstvolleyball teamscoached by TracyRietzke over thepast 18 years have eachcompiled an impressiverecord. None of his teamshas won fewer than 26matches in a season.Rietzke joined anexclusive club last fallwhen he notched his900 th career coachingvictory. Only one otherNCAA Division II coachhas won more matches.The Hawks haveaveraged nearly 41 winsa season under Rietzkesince 1988. He has guided12 teams into postseasontournaments, and his pastfour teams have played inDivision II championships.“Every year is different,”Rietzke said. “Every teamhas its own personality.We have had a lot of goodplayers at Rockhurst. I’vebeen fortunate. A lot ofthings have to happento keep your programsuccessful.”Rietzke’s 2005 team wasranked in the Division IITop 25 national poll theentire season and capturedthe Great Lakes ValleyConference regular-seasontitle in its first year ofmembership. The Hawksadvanced to the regionalfinals and ended the seasonwith a 29-7 record.“We had a goodgroup,” said Rietzke, whowas named Coach of theYear in the GLVC. “Wehad a few injuries, butthe kids stepped up. Ourseniors left a good mark.”In 24 seasons as acollege volleyball coach,Rietzke’s teams havecompiled a 908-165record — a winning percentageof .846, the bestamong Division II coaches.Two Rockhurst athletes— seniors Cody Andersonand Kecia Jennings— received NCAA Division IIAll-America honors last fall.Anderson, Lee’s Summit,Mo., was a third-team All-American and All-Region selectionby theNationalSoccerCoachesAssociationofAmerica.He scored21 points Cody Anderson, ’06to lead theHawks to a 15-5-1 recordand a berth in the Division IIchampionships.Jennings, Leavenworth,Kan., was named to theAmerican Volleyball CoachesAssociation’s All-America thirdteam and All-Region team. Shefinished13 th in thecountry inassists pergame andled to theHawks toa 29-7record Kecia Jennings, ’06and fourthconsecutive appearance in theDivision II championships.Jennings received third-teamAcademic All-America honorsand was named the GLVCScholar-Athlete of the Year forvolleyball.Rockhurst4spring 2006 19

Advancement Digest 4 4 4 4 4Get Ready to Rock the CityCan Rockhurst’s newpresident dance?Be among the firstto see the Rev. ThomasB. Curran, O.S.F.S., cuta rug at the 11th annualRockhurst University Galaon Saturday, Oct. 28. Theblack-tie event, which raisesfunds each year for scholarshipsand student services,will be held in the ImperialBallroom of the MuehlebachTower, MarriottDowntown.This year’s gala will capa weekend of festivities thatincludes the inaugurationGala attendees included, from left, Carla Triano, Andrew and Kelly Toth, Sandy and John Jungk.of Fr. Curran as the 14thpresident of Rockhurst.Make plans now to celebratethe weekend andto join Rockhurst friendsand alumni for dinner anddancing to the music ofAtlantic Express.Anchorman and localcelebrity Larry Moorewill preside as master ofceremonies. Gala co-chairsare Michael, XMBA ’98,and Teresa Osredker andMichael, ’74, and Jeanine,’75, Cindrich. Clydeand Katie Wendel arehonorary chairs.Reserve your space nowfor this special event. Ticketsare $200 per personor $100 for alumni fromthe classes of 1996–2006.For more information orto reserve your tickets,call the Alumni Office at(816) 501-4807.Gift and Bequest Council Celebrates 50 YearsRockhurst’s Planned Giving Committee, originallycalled the Gift and Bequest Council, is celebratingits 50 th anniversary this year with a two-day eventfocusing on the religious and spiritual dimensions ofcharitable decision-making. University constituents andcommunity partners are invited to attend the event, heldMay 18-19, which will consist of workshops and discussionsdesigned to help donors make wise financial philanthropicchoices.The event’s featured speaker is Paul Schervish, Ph.D.,director of the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy atBoston College. Schervish is a noted scholar on wealth,philanthropy and the decision-making process and hasbeen named to The NonProfit Times’ “Power and InfluenceTop 50” list.The Rev. Maurice Van Ackeren, S.J., founded the Giftand Bequest Council in 1956. Over the past 50 years thecouncil has assisted donors in giving more than $26million to the University and has grown to include bothKansas City and St. Louis chapters.To find out more about the event or the PlannedGiving Committee, contact Thomas Audley,director of gift planning, at (816) 501-4551 orthomas.audley@rockhurst.edu.20 Rockhurst4spring 2006

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4Hit the Links With a ProWant to improve your golf game? Pull out yourclubs and get ready for the fourth annualJoseph M. Freeman, S.J., Golf Classic. The tournament,which will pair each foursome with a PGA professional,is scheduled for Monday, June 26, at OakwoodCountry Club. A pairing party will be held Sunday, June 25,at the Chiefs Pavilion at Arrowhead Stadium.Len Dawson, television sports anchor and formerKansas City Chiefs star quarterback, and Diego Gutierrez,’05, midfielder for the Chicago Fire soccer team, are honorarychairmen for the event.The cost is $275 per golfer or $150 for alumni fromundergraduate class years 1992–2006 or 1966 andearlier. Several sponsorship levels are available as well.All tournament proceeds will benefit the University’sathletic department. For information, call Tori Snowdenat (816) 501-4807 or e-mail tori.snowden@rockhurst.edu.Scholarship HonorsFr. Kinerk’s LegacyScholarship Benefectors,Recipients Recognizedat LuncheonThe Rev. EdwardKinerk, S.J., hasdevoted his eight-yearpresidency to improving thelives of Rockhurst students.From capital projects to academicinitiatives to campusbeautification, his overarchingpriority has been toaddress student needs.Thus it is fitting thatan endowed scholarshipin his honor has beencreated so students cancontinue to benefit fromhis legacy. At the requestof Fr. Kinerk, the scholarshipbears the name of St.Peter Claver, S.J., a 17thcenturyJesuit who devotedhis life to serving thepoor and oppressed. Thescholarship will be designatedfor undergraduatestudents with significantfinancial need.If you would like to contributeto the scholarshipfund, you can makea donation throughour secure Web site atwww.rockhurst.edu/givingand designate “St. PeterClaver Scholarship,” orsend your gift by mailto Rockhurst University,Massman Hall, Room 240,1100 Rockhurst Road,Kansas City, MO 64110.Scholarship benefactors Mike Kleinman, ’63, and Nevaand Anthony Mistretta were among those who attendeda special scholarship luncheon Tuesday, April 18. Severalscholarship recipients, including Cora Eggen, ’07, center,were also on hand.Rockhurst4spring 2006 21

For Alumni 4 4 4 4 4 4Join OurCommunityWant to lookup a formerclassmate?Rockhurst’s alumni onlinecommunity is now exclusivelyavailable to allUniversity alumni. In thisfree, secure interactive environment,you can keep intouch with classmates andfriends, read and submitclass notes, post photos,register for upcomingevents and more.To log on, visitwww.rockhurst.edu/alumnior select “Alumni andFriends” on the Rockhursthome page. To register,you’ll need your constituentID number, which you canfind on the mailing labelattached to your Rockhurstmagazine and other alumnimailings. Once you havelogged in using this IDnumber, you can create apersonalized username andpassword for future visits.Take advantage of thisresource and register forRockhurst’s online communitytoday. If you needassistance, e-mail Joan Klugin the Alumni Office atjoan.klug@rockhurst.eduor call (816) 501-4025 or(800) 756-2586.Alumni Return for Basketball, TriviaFuture Rockhurst alumni were on hand to cheer the Hawks at Alumni Night.Rockhurst presentedback-to-back nightsof fun and games inFebruary with Regents andAlumni Night at the Ballgameand Alumni TriviaNight. More than 200people attended one orboth of theseexciting events.Regents, alumni andfriends cheered on theHawks and Lady Hawkson Thursday, Feb. 16, asthey took on the Universityof Missouri–St. Louis Rivermenand Riverwomen. Theentry fees for the event weredonated to St. Francis XavierSocial Ministries, whichreceived $150 and 10 boxesof nonperishable food.The next night, 19 fourpersonteams competedfor the chance to win $600in prize money. After 10rounds of 10 questionson topics ranging fromfilms to presidential historyto commercials, the Pierronteam, led by the Hon.Joseph Pierron, ’68, tookhome the top prize. Secondplace went to Ron Goodstein,’03, Becky Miles,’99, Tim Blake and AndyDiOrio; and Julie Hornung,’98, Katie Fischer, ’98, ErikKlinkenborg and MarkRome came in third.22 Rockhurst4spring 2006

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4Building a Better FutureFive Rockhurst alumni traveled to Juarez, Mexico,for a week in March to help build a home for adisadvantaged family. They worked on the samehome that a group of Rockhurst students beganduring their spring break service trip the week before.The alumni group included Erin Field, ’04, alumni directorDeb Flores, ’93, Sharon Kovac, ’93, Nina Marsh, ’73,and Jacqueline Schumacher, ’05. Find out more abouttheir trip in the next Alumni News & Events newsletter.Rockhurst alumni volunteers gather with local workers andthe children who soon will call this house their home.Health and Wellness ComplexAre you a fitness buff? You can make a meaningfulcontribution to future Rockhurst studentsand others in the Rockhurst communitythrough a donation to the University’s Healthand Wellness Complex. Visit www.rockhurst.edu/givingfor more information about the facility and how todesignate your gift for the project.Alumni LeadersRU Grad Helps Turn StrugglingFamilies Into Success StoriesHelp wanted: seeking dedicated, seasoned nonprofitprofessional to help raise funds for newcommunity agency. Other responsibilitiesinclude, but not limited to: strategic planning, emergencyassistance to families in need, marketing and publicrelations, responding to client inquiries, cleaningoffice bathroom, various other duties as required.Many people might be intimidated by this jobdescription, but Joan (Putthoff) Bosler, ’87, wasn’tafraid to roll up hersleeves and takeon the challenge ofthis “do it all” job.In fact, she says shethrives on the multitaskingaspect of herrole as vice presidentfor Working Families’Friend, a UnitedWay agency thatprovides assistance,training, and supportto working familiesin need who oftendo not qualify fortraditional assistance.“The people weJoan (Putthoff) Bosler, ’87serve are the backbone of our community, and they’vefallen on hard times and often have nowhere else toturn,” Bosler says. “The challenge is that I will neverbe able to secure enough resources to fulfill ourmission. There will always be more people in need.”Bosler, who has worked in nonprofit fund developmentfor nearly 20 years, says she often calls upon herRockhurst education in her career. Whether using thepersuasion skills she learned to motivate donors tosupport the agency or living the university’s missionas she works to better people’s lives, she uses herdegree every day.“I feel like I am genuinely helping to make a differencein people’s lives,” Bosler says. “The success storiesof the people we serve keep me going—I keep a file ofthank you notes and read them to motivate myself.”Rockhurst4spring 2006 23

Class Notes 4 4 4 4 4 4’42Clarence Barr retired fromhis private bookkeeping/income tax business. Heand his wife of 57 years,Marie, live in Marshall,Mo., and have 18 grandchildren.Barr volunteersfor the local food pantryand the St. Vincent DePaulSociety.’57Louis DeFeo received thePro Bono Publico Awardfrom the Missouri Bar onSept. 23, 2005. The awardis given for outstanding probono service to indigentor low-income persons inneed of legal assistance.’61John J. (Jack) Landers waselected president of theAlpha Sigma Nu AlumniClub of Washington, D.C.The alumni club is enteringits fourth year.’62Larry Harkness washonored as the 2004Montgomery County,Ohio, citizen of the year.The annual awardrecognizes individualswho have shared theirtime and expertise withthe community to improvethe quality of life forall citizens.’67James W. McManus recentlywas named “Best of theBar” in trials and appealsby the Kansas City BusinessJournal. This honor was theresult of a vote by his peersin the legal community.McManus, who practiceswith The McManus LawFirm, was named a fellowof the American Bar.Dennis Owens has beenchosen as a participant forthe 2005 National Conferenceon Appellate Justice inWashington, D.C. He alsohas been named a “SuperLawyer” by Kansas Citymagazine and “Best of theBar” by the Kansas City BusinessJournal. Owens, whois of counsel to DeWitt &Zeldin in Kansas City, Mo.,is a fellow of the AmericanAcademy of AppellateLawyers and editor of theAmerican Bar Association’sAppellate Practice Journal.’69Jim Healy, who recentlycompleted his fifth bookon golf history, has writtennumerous articles forLINKS magazine and localand regional golf publications.He frequently isa guest commentator onSt. Louis radio shows andspeaks about St. Louisgolf history for groupsand associations.’70David R. Huff celebratedhis 35th anniversary ofministry with a Mass ofthanksgiving at St. JamesChurch, St. Joseph, Mo.Huff currently servesas volunteer associatechaplain of the diagnosticunit at Western ReceptionDiagnostic and CorrectionalCenter in St. Joseph.’73James G. Castellano, formerchair of the AmericanInstitute of Certified PublicAccountants, received theInstitute’s 2005 Gold Medalof Distinguished Service.The award recognizes aperson who has a notableinfluence on the profession.Castellano is chairmanof RubinBrown LLP in St.Louis, Mo., and chairmanof the board of directors ofBaker Tilly International,a network of independentaccountancy and businessconsulting firms.’75Richard Dreiling has beennamed president and chiefexecutive officer of DuaneReade Inc., the largest drugstorechain in the metropolitanNew York City area.’76James W. Kirkpatrick hasjoined Morton’s RestaurantGroup Inc. as senior vicepresident of development.His responsibilities willinclude identifying newrestaurant locations, negotiatingleases, restaurantdesign, construction andfacilities management.Jake Schloegel, presidentand founder of SchloegelDesign Inc., is a recipientof the 2005 AmericanBusiness Ethics Awardsponsored by the Societyof Financial Service Professionalsand Guardian LifeInsurance Company.This award recognizes thecompany’s commitmentto ethical practices in itseveryday operations, philosophiesand in responseto crises and challenges.’78Richard Kreysar has beenappointed chief executiveofficer and president ofSendmail, a global providerof enterprise solutions forsecure messaging located inEmeryville, Calif.24 Rockhurst4spring 2006

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4’80Michael J. Boland recentlywas named chairman of theplanning and zoning commissionfor Ballwin, Mo.Previously he served twoterms on Ballwin’s boardof aldermen.Eric Jackson celebratedhis induction into the IBMQuarter Century Clubwith 25 years of serviceon July 21, 2005.’82Michael D. Hill earnedFEMA certification indisaster managementin April 2005.’86Kathleen Hummel, whoco-founded Our LittleHaven with her husband,Scott, has been awarded theClassic Woman Award byTraditional Home Magazine.Our Little Haven is afacility in St. Louis, Mo.,for children ages birththrough 7 years who havebeen abused, neglectedor affected by drugs.Susan M. Malisch recentlyaccepted a position asvice president and chiefinformation officer forLoyola University Chicago.Malisch leads Loyola’srecently formed divisionof information technologyand services and serves onthe president’s cabinet.Steven L. Zirkle was honoredwith the dedicationof a static display of aB-1 bomber at a specialceremony July 10, 2005.The plane, along witha dedication stone, willremain on display at theKansas Air National Guardin Wichita, Kan. MajorZirkle, who was killed inan automobile accidenton Feb. 1, 2002, was thehusband of Liz (Stichnot)Zirkle, ’90, and the fatherof Colleen and Richard.’88Joseph A. “Joe” Fox hasjoined Xign Corp. inPleasanton, Calif., asdirector of productionaccount services. Fox andhis wife, Amy, have threechildren: Elliott, 13;Hannah, 11; and Jack, 3.Donald “Don” JosephRashid recently foundedCreative Visioning InstituteLLC, a marketing communications,coachingand leadership trainingorganization.’90Scott C. Trout has beennamed managing partnerand chief operating officerfor Cordell & Cordell P.C.and is responsible for thefirm’s national expansionand operations. Troutand his wife, Jill, havefive children, Graham,Hannah, Cullen, Groganand Hutton.’90 MBAMario “Kit” Espin, whoretired to explore moreadventure and less corporatestress, recently sailedacross the Atlantic andalso lived in Kenya for twoyears. Espin and his wife,Dee, now live on a smallfarm in northern Florida.’91 XMBAAlexandra (Alex) D.Gregory has beenappointed associate vicepresident for academicaffairs and dean of graduatestudies of Point ParkUniversity in Pittsburgh, Pa.’94Caroline Millard receiveda PRISM award fromthe Greater Kansas CityChapter of the PublicRelations Society ofAmerica for the launch ofthe campaign for the newSaint Luke’s Hospital.’95 MPTNathan Garrison is atherapist at a regional spineinstitute where he focuseson mechanical/manualtherapy. Nathan andhis wife, Kathy (Dunker)Garrison, ’94, andtheir three children,Haley, 9, Hayden, 8,and Emma, 6, recentlybuilt and moved into anew home in Savoy, Ill.’96James Mulik has accepteda vice president positionwith the College of theMarshall Islands in Majuro,Marshall Islands.’98Brad Heinemann is aninstructor at East CentralCollege, where he teachesfoundation drawing, figuredrawing and sculpture, andis the marketing director forArt Dimensions, a not-forprofitart organization inSt. Louis. Heinemannalso is the head tenniscoach at Mary Institute andSaint Louis Country DaySchool. The team recentlyplaced second in the statetournament.Stacey E. (Dobbins) Grasserand Timothy J. Grasser,’00, have lived in St. Louisfor the past two and a halfyears where Tim attendsWashington UniversitySchool of Law. Upon hisgraduation in May 2006,they will move to Chicago,Ill., where Tim has accepteda position with Winston &Strawn LLP.’99Jennifer (Losapio) Iversongraduated in 2005 fromSaint Louis University witha Ph.D. in pharmacologicaland physiological sciences.She is a post-doctoralfellow in science educationat Washington University.Her husband, ScottIverson, ’99, is the directorof research and innovationat Clockwork HomeServices in Clayton, Mo.,and has recently begun theprofessional MBA programat Washington University.Rockhurst4spring 2006 25

Class Notes 4 4 4 4 4 4’00Clayton Gillette and SaraLynn (Weilert) Gillette,’01, both graduated fromSaint Louis UniversitySchool of Law in 2005.Clay, who was valedictorianof the law schoolclass, is clerking for JudgeWilliam Price Jr. at the MissouriSupreme Court. Sarahas joined the law firmof Senniger Powers as apatent attorney.Erika Liliedahl recentlymoved from New Orleansto Washington, D.C., whereshe is a quality assurancespecialist with the NationalAssociation for the Educationof Young Children.MacKenzie Camille Waglergraduated from PepperdineUniversity School of Lawin Malibu, Calif., in May2004. She works for Lewis,Rice & Fingersh L.C.’01Kathleen Fuller recentlygraduated with an M.A.from Lindenwood Universityand is working forPreferred Family HealthcareInc. as a clinical therapistwho counsels children.Amy Maria (Viviano)Merriott is a familycounselor who assistsfamilies with pre-planningand arranging funeralplans. She and her husband,Jeremy, were married inMarch 2005.Jessica Ann Schroeder ispursuing an M.A. in humanservice agency managementand an MBA at LindenwoodUniversity in St. Charles,Mo. She serves on theAmerican Humanics advisoryboard at LindenwoodUniversity.Katie (Gloriod) Simpsonhas received two teachingawards: the Kemper Award,which is given to only 10teachers throughout thearchdiocese of St. Louis,and the Emerson ElectricTeaching Award.’02Colleen Burke Davis wassworn in as a member ofthe State Bar of Texas inNovember 2005. Herhusband, Howard, attendsBaylor University Schoolof Law.Kimberly “Kim” Mynattrecently was promoted tomarketing coordinator forPaySpot Inc., a prepaidelectronic paymentsprocessing company inLeawood, Kan.Seanna (Kellerman)Viggers works for amarketing firm and herhusband, Robert, works fora software company. Theylive in Wichita, Kan.’04 MBAS. Dennis “Denny”Johnson accepted a positionwith SRA, a KansasCity-based insurance andrisk management provider,in December 2005. Dennyand his wife, Audrey, wereexpecting their first childin March.Marriages’89David Andrew Schmidtand Amy Elizabeth(Schmieder) Schmidt, ’97,were married July 30, 2004,at St. Peter’s Church inKirkwood, Mo. Rockhurstalumni in the weddingparty included: Mary(Perkins) Borchert, ’97;Elizabeth DeFalco, ’97;Kristin (Bergner) Muckerman,’97; Marianne(Mulcahey) Bell, ’96;Gerard Meiners, ’89; andJohn Schmidt, ’76. Thecouple lives in Brooksidein Kansas City, Mo.’96Catherine (Lee) Wisbrockmarried Geoffrey Wisbrockon Sept. 19, 2005, in Negril,Jamaica. They both practiceveterinary medicine inAustin, Texas.Update your bio or senda class note atwww.rockhurst.edu/mag’97Kevin Lubischer andSarah Oyer were marriedon Sept. 17, 2005, atSt. Francis Xavier churchin Kansas City, Mo., withan evening reception at theFairmont. Many Rockhurstalumni were membersof the wedding party,including Mike Sachtleben,’97; Clayton Farrell, ’97;Jamie Frederes, ’97; DougPospishil, ’97; Andy Bouska,’97; Eric Burrus, ’98,Matt Molli, ’97; and KatieFischer, ’98. Kevin works atfreightquote.com and Sarahis the director of studentactivities and Greek affairsat Rockhurst. They live inRoeland Park, Kan.’00Tom Dugan and Katie(Freshley) Dugan, ’01,were married on Nov. 6,2004, in St. Louis.The couple lives inSouth Bend, Ind.26 Rockhurst4spring 2006

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4’01Jacqueline CelesteBarnes-Almquist has beenaccepted to the doctoralprogram in communicationat the University of Missouri-Columbia. She will teachcourses at Mizzou as partof the teaching assistantshipprogram. Her researchinterests include interpersonalcommunicationwith cognate areas inmarriage and family.Barnes-Almquist plansto graduate in May 2006with a master’s degree incommunication fromCentral Missouri StateUniversity. She is thedaughter of Jim Barnes, ’75.She and her husband livein Sedalia, Mo.Helen (Holmes) Giambronemarried Robb Giambroneon May 28, 2005.Thomas McGuire and LisaHiatt were married onJune 11, 2005, at RedemptoristCatholic Church inKansas City, Mo. Thecouple resides in Denver.Molly Erin (Welch)Thiessen married PatrickThiessen on June 11, 2005,at Visitation Parish inKansas City, Mo.’03Chris Miller and Tiffani(Pearson) Miller weremarried on June 19, 2004,at the Cathedral of theImmaculate Conceptionin Kansas City, Mo., bythe Rev. Matt Ruhl, S.J.A reception followed at theOverland Park Marriott.Tiffani and Chris, whobegan dating their freshmanyear at Rockhurst, live inLee’s Summit, Mo.Sarah Elizabeth (Lammers)Seymour married AnthonyPhillip Seymour on July 16,2005. Sarah plans to beginthe accelerated optionprogram at Research Collegeof Nursing in August 2006.’04Joan Katrina (LaFayette)Bailey and Brian Scott Baileywere married on June 10,2005, in Lorain, Ohio,at Holy Trinity CatholicChurch. The couple lives inColorado Springs, Colo.’04Tucker Evan Lienhop andMandy Brock were marriedDec. 30, 2005, with theRev. John Vowells, S.J., presiding.Mandy is a surgicalICU nurse at the Universityof Kansas Hospital andTucker is in his second yearat Kansas City University ofMedicine and Biosciences.’05Amy Marie Beverlin-Coleman married JakeColeman on May 21, 2005,at St. Pius X in Mission,Kan. Amy is pursuingher master’s degree inelementary education whileworking as a kindergartenteacher. They reside inLake St. Louis, Mo.Births’89Christine Elizabeth(Connealy) Poplau andher husband, James,announce the birth of theirfirst child, Jillian Maureen,born Aug. 17, 2005.’90David Allen DeLuca andhis wife, Joan, announcethe arrival of twins, AnnaGrace and James David,born July 30, 2005.The DeLuca family livesin Fenton, Mo.’93Rebecca “Becky” (Rysavy)Meier and her husband,Mark, announce the birthof their second daughter,Mary Beth, born Sept. 22,2005. She joins her bigsister, Caitlin, 3.’94Daren Wilson and hiswife, Margi, announce thebirth of Caroline Jane,born Aug. 8, 2005. Shejoins siblings Ellie, Coleand Mary Grace.’95Sean Michael Franke andPolly Marie (Enos) Frankeannounce the birth of theirthird son, Andrew “Drew”Michael, born July 20, 2005.Drew joins his brothers,William Payton, 5, andReid Patrick, 3.’95, ’97 MOTJennifer Kathleen (Gau)Marr and her husband,Bruce, announce the birthof their first child, JamesAnthony, born Oct. 9,2005. The Marr familyresides in St. Louis.’97Capt. Sean McGraw andMichelle Jo McGrawannounce the birth ofConnor Thomas, bornJune 3, 2005. He joins bigbrother, Brennan Anthony, 4.Kristen Michelle (Bergner)and Matthew JohnMuckerman, ’99, MBA ’03,announce the birth of theirfirst child, Shane Matthew,born in June 2005.’01Andrea (Wilman) Garnerand Brent Garner, ’00, ’02MPT, welcomed the birth oftheir son, born Jan. 4, 2005.They live in Olathe, Kan.Teresa (Adams) and ZachOrnelas, ’02, announce thebirth of their third child,Samuel Thomas, bornMarch 14, 2005. He joinshis big brother, Asher, 4,and sister, Ella, 3, at homein Liberty, Mo.Rockhurst4spring 2006 27

Class Notes 4 4 4 4 4In MemoriamWilliam “Bill” HenryDuncan, M.D. (’34)Sept. 20, 2005George Sheehan Nelles(’38)Oct. 27, 2005Robert C. Wilson (’41)Aug. 20, 2005Kenneth Harold Crone(’42)Aug. 21, 2005George Vincent Aylward(’44)Sept. 22, 2005Al W. Des Marteau Jr. (’46)Oct. 2, 2005Paul S. Kelly Jr. (’47)Dec. 26, 2005John Patrick Noonan (’47)Nov. 4, 2005William “Bill” RobertConwell (’48)Dec. 25, 2005Charles G. “Gil” Burdick(’50)Dec. 31, 2005Vincent John O’Halloran(’51)Aug. 21, 2005Donald W. Schnittler (’51)July 24, 2005The Rev. William Kellett,S.J. (’54)July 18, 2005William G. Garies (’55)July 17, 2005Terry Earl Walkenhorst(’56)Nov. 25, 2005Patrick W. Delaney (’59)Dec. 19, 2005Lawrence “Larry” Zirfas(’61)July 25, 2005James J. Smith (’62)Nov. 16, 2005Thomas D. Manion (’67)Oct. 29, 2005Joseph P. Barnes (’69)Sept. 21, 2005Dan Walsh (’69)Nov. 26, 2005Alberta Halcro (’71)Aug. 14, 2005Lawrence J. Cassidy (’76)Oct. 5, 2005Theresa Rose Hoedl-Hite(’86)Sept. 25, 2005James Thomas Rank (’89)July 26, 2005Virginia L. Robinson (’93)Dec. 7, 2005Gerald T. Burd (’00)Aug. 17, 2005Go Online to GiveIt is faster and easier than ever to make a contributionto Rockhurst University. Just visit our online giving pageat www.rockhurst.edu/onlinegiving, make your giftthrough our secure server, and we will mail you a receipt.Want more information about giving to Rockhurst?Contact Jody Burgard, director of advancement services,at (816) 501-4629 or jody.burgard@rockhurst.edu.The Rock Room withan International FlairShu-Fen Shih, Ph.D., psychologist and outreachcoordinator in the Counseling Center, took partin Rockhurst’s fifth annual World Cultures Day bydemonstrating Chinese writing. With samples ofinternational food and live music, the event is sopopular that it has almost outgrown its venue, theRock Room.28 Rockhurst4spring 2006

An Ignatian Approachto Decision-MakingThrough insight and personal reflection, Ignatiandiscernment can create a foundation for makingdecisions based on values instead of casual desires.Jesuit education encourages discernment in everyaspect of life, from everyday decision makingto establishing a legacy.You’re invited to find out more at apresentation titled “Liberty andInspiration: An Ignatian Approachto Charitable Decision-Making,”by Paul G. Schervish, Professor ofSociology and Director of theCenter on Wealth and Philanthropyat Boston College.2:30 p.m. May 19, 2006Massman Hall, Room 250Rockhurst UniversityFor more information, contactThomas Audley at (816) 501-4551or thomas.audley@rockhurst.edu.Sponsored byCountry Club Trust Co. andLathrop and Gage Law Offices.

A PresidentialInaugurationYou’re invitedto attend theinaugurationceremony for theRev. Thomas B.Curran, O.S.F.S.,Friday, Oct. 27.Watch for moreinformation in thecoming months atwww.rockhurst.eduand in your mailbox.C a l e n d a rJune26 Fourth AnnualCelebrity Golf ClassicSeptember29 Rockhurst Dayand HomecomingOctober27 Presidential Inauguration28 11th Annual Rockhurst Gala1100 Rockhurst RoadKansas City, MO 64110Nonprofit Org.U.S.PostagePAIDKansas City, Mo.Permit No. 782Please send address changesto alumni@rockhurst.eduor to the alumni office.