Remove this cover for a pull-out poster. For more photos, go to: alumni.saintjoe.edu. FALL 2011 Fall 2011, Volume 69, Number 3 DETOUR OF DEDICATION 6 Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Jerry McKim ’72 visits former students during journey to Arizona. 70s SHOW “EMERGENCY” BECOMES REALITY TV . . . . 8-9 . . Having chosen to attend SJC, Allen Borck ’80 was originally a Pre-Med major before his plans took a detour, and he refocused his course of study to Education at the junior high/high school level. CORWIN FOR LAKE BANET 10-11 Kathi Corwin ’12 made Lake Banet her personal project for the summer of 2011, resurrecting a campus resource in need of some tender loving care. HANDS OF HOPE ACROSS THE WORLD 12-13 Saint Joseph’s College Missionary Outreach (SJCMO) has found ways to provide assistance to all parts of the world, from as close as Rensselaer to as far as Tanzania, Africa. SERVICE THEN & NOW 18-21 Spotlight on alumni, students, faculty, and staff who were or are engaged in a variety of service opportunities. HARVEST FEST SERVES UP LESSON IN SUSTAINABILITY 22-23 As part of a sustainability effort to take advantage of fresh, locally grown food, Saint Joseph’s College freshmen prepared a weekly meal with fresh produce grown in the Learning Garden. BASKETBALL SEASON HIGHLIGHTS & PREVIEW 24-25 The men’s and women’s basketball teams opened practice on October 15 as both teams look to make waves in the competitive Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). HONOR ROLL OF DONORS 40-67 We recognize and thank all those who contributed to SJC during the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Pictured on the cover: Kathi Corwin ’12. Photo credits: Ben Kalinowski ’10, Allyson Lyon ’13, Fr. Tim McFarland, C.PP.S. ’78, James Saqui, Jean Witherington. Special thanks to Nick Schafer ’03 for editorial contributions. A Fireside Chat Alumni Association Board of Directors WITH FDR Officers Louis Offer ‘69 President What are the roots of our Kara Costa Meyer ‘93 service at SJC? VP for Alumni Relations Georgia Nagel McKim ‘89 The roots of service at SJC VP for Campus Relations are founded in the mission of Kris Costa Sakelaris ‘82 the Cincinnati Province of the VP for Academics, Recruitment Missionaries of the Precious and Placement Blood, who are united by a Michael Bauman ‘79 bond of charity—caring for VP for Administration the poor and marginalized Kendra Illingworth ‘93 and realizing God’s presence Executive Director among those they serve. Back when the College was young, the C.PP.S. not only taught, Directors but left on Saturday afternoon Edward Balas ‘96 to travel to parishes in the Derek Dabrowiak ‘01 region. They would work in the President Dennis Riegelnegg James Deegan ‘59 parishes celebrating Mass or 4 whatever needed to be done Edward Feicht ‘71 and then traveled back Sunday evening. The brothers and nuns did everything necessary Jamie Portal Guardi ‘99 to keep the College fed and running, and the seminarians were taught service from the Ed Habrowski ‘71 time they arrived. Seminarians were assigned to manual labor associated with farm work. Blaire Henley ‘02 Although those we serve may have changed and even our own campus community looks Joe Janusonis ‘95 different, our obligation to the common good remains the same, whether it is a young Jackie Leonard-Tackett ‘95 seminarian tending to the farm or a female student hauling firewood at Lake Banet. Stephen Ligda ‘62 “ Following our Strategic Plan, we are finding ways George Liggett ‘80 ”to build awareness of and incorporate the mission Kelli Costa Lucito ‘90 of the C.PP.S. into our work as we strengthen –Mahatma Gandhi Stephen Maillet ‘95 our Catholic identity. Being “more Catholic” Kyle Marburger ‘06 does not mean that we are homogenous Donna Zimmerman Moran ‘73 or that we serve only Catholics. We as a community are becoming more diverse, James Smalley, MD ‘71 Brothers working but we continue to find ways to faithfully Mark Stasch ‘02 represent Catholic moral and social Julie Suhr ‘89 teaching in all of the work we do for Michael Vallone ‘60 others. We are willing to be flexible and responsive to changing needs—like the C.PP.S., who work side-by-side with the laity—faculty, staff, and students. SERVICE “ How does SJC fulfill its mission through service? As an institution of higher education, service to students is our top priority, as it always has been. However, we also strive to serve the ” common good, and preparing students to respond effectively to the challenges of such a social mission requires a special kind of –Matthew 25:35-36, 40 curriculum. We provide them with the resources they need and give them specialized training. But how do we build their capacity for social mission? How should we serve those who serve others? We teach students to collaborate with others who share the same goals, but teaching is not the whole story. Although service may often be a community activity, it stems from a strong sense of personal responsibility. It requires a certain level of maturity to develop the inner understanding that enables one to give selflessly, to live a life outwardly focused. In order to fulfill our role as an institution that serves students, we lead by example--and this is where our Catholic identity comes in. Just as we are fiscally responsible, we are equally socially responsible with the gifts with which we have been entrusted. We advocate for social justice and empower students to do the same. We demonstrate for them how to tend to human needs, regardless of religious beliefs. What does service look like at SJC? In this issue of Contact, we provide a snapshot of what it means for SJC to “do service.” Just as we and those we serve have changed over the years, service looks a bit different now than it did 100, 50, or even 20 years ago. What hasn’t changed is that students, staff, alumni, and faculty find many opportunities at SJC that allow them to share themselves with those in need, remembering that the most vulnerable members of our community may walk among us. Service comes in many forms: ministry, military service, community outreach, or nonprofit work. It is manifested in many different ways at SJC. Whether a donor or Trustee, volunteer in a soup kitchen, lay or ordained minister, staff 5 member helping on Beautification Day, alumna working with special needs children, or student helping to build a home for a needy family, the SJC community knows what it means to be “Involved For Life.” WCohnatta Dcot CYhorui sWtinanet B toa bKicnko wSa?qui (219.866.6177 Brother in Barbershop or [email protected]) if you’d like to ask Nuns behind Aquinas Hall President Riegelnegg a question, and we may publish the answers in Contact. Nuns working in kitchen CONTACT •• FALL 2011 Detour of DEDICATION : McKim Visits Puma Educators Garrison ’11 and McKim ’72 McKim ’72 and Headley ’11 Kennedy ’11 and McKim ’72 When Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Jerry “Their professional preparation and enthusiasm were McKim ’72 learned he’d be going to Arizona, he knew he had complimented by the school administrators who were in to get in touch with three of his former students. Maureen our presence,” said McKim. “Josh, Maureen, and Rosie Kennedy ’11, Rosie Headley ’11, and Josh Garrison ’11 all indicated to me that SJC thoroughly prepared them for are elementary school teachers in the Phoenix area. their initial teaching positions.” McKim was the advisor for the three graduates during their It was how quickly the three were able to land teaching senior year student teaching, and he did not want to pass positions that truly shows how well SJC readied them for up the opportunity to visit them. the future. Headley landed a position at HoHoKam Middle “I was traveling to Tuscon with my wife, Georgia ’89,” School in Coolidge after attending a job fair her senior said McKim. “Because I worked very closely with these year, where she was offered a job on the spot. As a special three graduates, Georgia and I decided to fly into Phoenix education teacher, Headley teaches sixth- and seventh- 6 first.” grade language arts and math. She is also the head coach McKim made it a point to visit not only his former of the varsity girls’ soccer team at Coolidge High School students, but his close friends. It’s that type of bond that following her playing career at SJC. Headley was also McKim feels distinguishes SJC’s Education Department thrilled to have the McKims visit. from others. “Dr. McKim played a significant role in getting me to “There’s something special about the professors at SJC. where I am today, and I will always be grateful for that.” It’s the close, personal relationships we develop with our Headley realizes how SJC has given her an edge. She is students. That’s just as much a testament to the quality and already developing her own language arts curriculum and character of the professors as it is to the determination, has gained the attention and respect of her coworkers. attitude, and openness of our students. We go to great “My coworkers thought I was much older. I think it was ends to serve our students and expose them to the most due to how I present myself and am able to articulate and contemporary training in our field, and Josh, Rosie, and communicate my thoughts, all qualities I learned at SJC. I Maureen are perfect examples of what an SJC education truly believe the Core Program has a tremendous impact can do for you.” on my development.” Garrison teaches at Mountain Vista Middle School Maureen Kennedy is also teaching in Coolidge at West in Queen Creek. He teaches sixth, seventh, and eighth Elementary School. She teaches special education courses grade in a self-contained emotional disability classroom. for grades K-5. Kennedy loves her job teaching and serving Although he’s hit some rough patches, he loves every as Headley’s assistant soccer coach at Coolidge High minute of his time at the school. “Dr. McKim told Maureen, School. “It was great to see a familiar face from SJC and Rosie and me that he’d visit us eventually, and when I got have him see my first, very own classroom,” said Kennedy. the call from him saying he’d be coming to see us, I was He and the rest of SJC’s Education Division prepared me very excited. He was one of the best professors I had at SJC with the resources I need to relate to my students and and helped shape me into who I am today.” make their learning more interactive.” Although school hadn’t started yet, McKim visited all In his visit, Dr. McKim showed how professors can often three of the alumni in their classrooms. become lifelong friends. Not only do the students see it, but their employers do as well. SERVICE A UNITED ENDEAVOR The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Primer Every 10 years we are up for re-accreditation by The In 2010-11, five different work groups were formed, Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC will visit with representatives from all areas of campus. There are SJC February 13-15, 2012 to make a recommendation on five criteria upon which we are accredited. upon which reaffirmation of the College’s accreditation. The HLC will we are accredited, such as Mission & Integrity, Teaching speak to all segments on campus. These interviews are & Learning, and Service. Each group was charged with designed to assess how well we’re fulfilling our educational gathering data for one of the criteria, with each of the mission. criteria forming a chapter of a narrative document. This To prepare for this visit, the College conducted a self- document underwent a thorough group editing process. study, led by Dr. John Nichols, who devoted a great deal of When the chapters became a fairly full draft, they were time, energy, and effort to this significant undertaking. The sent to the HLC Steering Committee. The final document study assessed how well we’re meeting core components was posted online as a .pdf. of our mission and the strengths and weaknesses that we At the end of their visit, the HLC will make some can identify for ourselves. The idea behind the self-study is preliminary observations. A full report will follow. The to have “no surprises” during the HLC visit. results will then be announced to the SJC community. College Invites Public Comments for Upcoming Accreditation Visit 7 Saint Joseph’s College will undergo a comprehensive status for the College; following a review process, the evaluation visit February 13-15, 2012, by a team representing Commission itself will take the final action. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North The public is invited to submit comments regarding the Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Saint Joseph’s College: College has been accredited by the Commission since 1950. Its accreditation is at the Master’s degree level and Public Comment on Saint Joseph’s College includes a degree site at one other location, Lafayette, The Higher Learning Commission within the state. 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 The Higher Learning Commission is one of six accrediting Chicago, IL 60604 agencies in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Institutional accreditation Comments must address substantive matters related evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Other agencies provide accreditation for specific programs. Written, signed comments must be received by January 13, Accreditation is voluntary. The Commission accredits 2012. The Commission cannot guarantee that comments approximately 1,100 institutions of higher education in a received after the due date will be considered. Comments nineteen-state region. The Commission is recognized by should include the name, address, and telephone number the U.S. Department of Education. of the person providing the comments. Comments will not For the past year and a half, Saint Joseph’s College has be treated as confidential. been engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the Note: Individuals with a specific dispute or grievance with the institution Commission’s requirements and criteria for accreditation. should request the separate Policy on Complaints document from the The evaluation team will visit the institution to gather Commission Office. The Higher Learning Commission cannot settle evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The disputes between institutions and individuals. Complaints will not be team will recommend to the Commission a continuing considered third party comment. CONTACT •• FALL 2011 70 SHOW s “Emergency ” Allen Borck ’80 first became aware of Saint Joseph’s was eliminated when President Reagan was elected. Borck College through his parish priest. Being from a small says, “Teachers were facing lay offs and job eliminations northwest town in Ohio, he knew a large university was long before today. I fell back on my second career as an not for him. Having chosen to attend SJC, he was originally EMT-B and continued to volunteer as athletic trainer at the a Pre-Med major before his plans took a detour, and he local high school, still searching for a teaching position.” refocused his course of study to Education at the junior In 1984, Borck decided that he was probably not going to high/high school level: “I started in the Pre-Med program. find a full-time teaching position, a decision that led him to This was before I met Dr. John Nichols, my first semester enroll in St. Elizabeth Paramedic Training Program at a time Core 1 instructor, and received a double D. Yes, I did when the paramedic industry was still in its infancy. Borck deserve them. This eliminated medical school from my graduated in July 1985 and was immediately hired by St. future; I also received a C from Dr. Duvall Jones in Biology, Elizabeth Hospital to work for their 911 EMS service. Borck and that started me down the path to my current career.” recalls, “I was living my dream. I was a paramedic helping When he arrived at SJC, athletic training was in its infancy people. I still lived in Rensselaer and worked for the local at Division II and Division III schools and even more rare funeral home–based ambulance service. I also assisted in at the high school level. An athletic trainer in high school, bringing advanced life support to rural EMS in Rensselaer.” Borck continued this path throughout his career at SJC. Fulfilling his strong desire to educate, Borck began Borck worked on his National Certification as an athletic teaching in the Paramedic Program part time in 1989 while trainer through the apprenticeship program under Brad still working full-time as a paramedic for St. Elizabeth 8 Smith, A.T.C.: “I believe I was the first student in Saint Hospital. In 2002, he became the full-time EMS Education Joseph’s College history to receive National Certification Coordinator for St. Elizabeth Health. as an athletic trainer under the apprenticeship program.” No longer in its infancy, pre-hospital EMS was being As part of the apprenticeship, certification was required in reevaluated at the national level. The US government some type of advanced first aid. He decided to become an sought a national standard instead of having various state EMT-B, so that, he explains, “I could be like Johnny and standards. To this point, no paramedic program was Roy on the 70s TV show ‘Emergency’ (I believe I have now required to be nationally accredited. In 2006, the EMS really dated myself).” agenda for the future was developed, and Indiana was one During his years at SJC, his Friday nights as an athletic of the states that then required national accreditation for trainer were spent on the sidelines of Kankakee Valley all paramedic training programs. One of the requirements High School football games; after graduation, he did the of accreditation was the ability of the institution to grant same at Rensselaer Central High School. He secured a college credits, not necessarily a degree. “ teaching position in a federally funded program for disadvantaged ” LEARNING high school youth that lasted - ALLEN BORCK ’80 for about six months until it The world of EMS has evolved in ways that couldn’t have been imagined at its conception. Thanks to the multitude of classroom opportunities that Saint Joseph’s College is offering Allen Borck '80 Paramedics in-training, we will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required of this profession and the liberal education that is so important in today’s society. - JOSHUA BAIEL, STUDENT IN PARAMEDIC PROGRAM SERVICE Allen Borck '80 (R) and Darrell Clase (L), EMS Clinical Coordinator, Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health. BECOMES REALITY TV Since Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health does not grant college credits and the program was held in Tippecanoe County, Borck began to explore other local options. He knew the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing had an arrangement with Saint Joseph’s College to grant a BSN degree, so he began to explore this as an option. Would the College have an interest in the development of an associate’s degree program off campus? Uncovering the answer to that question generated many conversations, emails and phone calls in the summer of 2008 with, Borck says, “None other than Dr. John Nichols, the professor who, 32 years earlier, had given me a double D in Core 1 and started me on my career path that eventually led to instructing paramedic students. It amazes me how things seem to come full circle.” They spent more than a year looking at all the options and possibilities. Borck recalls they decided that development of an associate’s degree in Paramedic Science was the 9 best option, especially with the progression of EMS as a profession: “No better partnership than with my alma mater—Saint Joseph’s College—and my long-time employer, Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health.” The Paramedic Training Program consists of mostly non-traditional students. There are single parents, married students with and without children, students who already have bachelor’s degrees, up to and including students with master’s degrees looking for a more fulfilling purpose in life. Most students come from Tippecanoe and surrounding counties, but anyone certified by the state of Indiana as an EMT-B is eligible for the Program. Like many of his students in the Paramedic Program, Borck is a lifelong learner—he is currently enrolled in a M.Ed. program. Looking at how the Paramedic Program has ” evolved, Borck reflects on his own evolution--the detour that his career took from what he planned when he started out 32 years ago. “I wondered on several occasions why I had chosen Saint Joseph’s College. Would I ever use my degree? Why did I get Dr. Nichols for Core 1?” The answers to these questions are revealed in Borck’s philosophy about life. “I understand and accept God’s plan for my life. Is it the path I chose? Not exactly, but I have used my education and experiences gained at Saint Joseph’s throughout my life. Life is a journey—let it happen.” CONTACT •• FALL 2011 CorWIN for Kathi Corwin ’12 At Saint Joseph’s College, students play an active role said Corwin. “This summer, I expressed interest in lake in shaping their college experience. They join clubs, play management and playing a more active role, and Mark sports, and make friendships that will last a lifetime. These appointed me to the position.” are personal accomplishments, and they will always be Although she was ready to tackle the beautification remembered by those who achieved them. One student project, it was difficult to figure out where to start. Because has made an impact on campus that can be shared by she and Brouwer had never managed a lake before, much the entire SJC community, a restoration process that of the summer was spent figuring out the best way to go has brought people together in a setting that is beautiful about the beautification process. There hadn’t been many 10 and nostalgic. Kathi Corwin ’12, a History major from resources allocated to Lake Banet in quite some time. Valparaiso, Ind., made Lake Banet her personal project The gardens were overgrown, the guardhouse needed for the summer of 2011, and she resurrected a campus organizing, and some of the tools needed replacing. resource in need of some tender loving care. Cleaning up the gardens proved to be very time consuming Corwin spent her last two summers working for Mark and required a lot of labor, including picking weeds and Brouwer ’04, SJC’s former Director of Event Services and trimming the nearby trees. The biggest project turned out current Director of Development. The office is in charge to be the new picnic tables purchased. of coordinating logistics for on-campus events and making “We purchased 25 new picnic tables from Stark Truss sure the campus facilities are able to support them. It was Company, Inc. and put them together with the help of the clear to Brouwer and Corwin that one campus facility Office of Institutional Advancement and Marketing. We could stand out as a jewel on SJC’s property with some then proceeded to stain all the tables before they were investment of resources. It was decided that Corwin would put to use. The whole process took about a month of daily serve as the Assistant Lake Manager and try to revive it work.” as a popular attraction and aesthetically pleasing setting. One upgrade whose completion Corwin is looking It would have been difficult for anyone to imagine the forward to is the improved electrical capacity at the Lake. unbelievable turnaround Lake Banet made in just three This will allow bands to play there and usher in many months, and Corwin is one of the biggest reasons for its more possibilities for how the space can be utilized. It’s turnaround. another step towards Corwin’s goal to increase its visibility “Going back to the summer of 2010, I was quite involved while maintaining the surrounding environment and with Lake Banet and the events that were held there,” encouraging people to visit the Lake and use it for events. SERVICE