LORAS
Fall/Winter 2025 | Volume 71, Issue 2
Loras, as a Catholic liberal arts college, creates a community of active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and responsible contributors in diverse professional, social, and religious roles. Inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition and rooted in the transformative power of learning, Loras enriches lives and serves humanity.
Editorial Office
1450 Alta Vista Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 563.588.7407 | marketing@loras.edu
LEADERSHIP
President Michael H. Doyle, J.D. (’91)
Senior Vice President
Arthur W. Sunleaf, Ed.D.
Provost
Sarah K. Nytroe, Ph.D
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Michael Burnett (’14)
Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing Maria Gentile, MBA
Vice President for Catholic Identity, Mission, and Vocation
Fr. Dustin Vu, M.Div
DESIGN
Claire Connery
Stephanie (Burgmeier) Ludovissy (’05)
CONTRIBUTORS
Brie (Pumilia) Burnett (’15)
Maxwell Clasen (’26)
Dani (Gaydusek) Dodds (’06)
Stephanie (Burgmeier) Ludovissy (’05)
Stacia (Edwards) McDermott (’03)
Rachel Moser (’17)
Amanda Osheim, Ph.D
Lexi Schroeder
Hannah Eby (M '24)
Archbishop Thomas Zinkula
PHOTOGRAPHY
Andrea Cannon
Rachel Moser (’17)
Lexi Schroeder
Stay Connected
DEAR LORAS Community,
On Friday, October 24, 2025, I was installed as the twenty-seventh president of Loras College, an incredible opportunity and sacred responsibility. As I step into this role of leading Loras, I do so with faith in our mission, trust in our community and hope for our future.
From its founding in 1839, Loras has been a beacon of Catholic, liberal arts education in the Midwest. As our mission so clearly affirms, Loras is dedicated to “creating active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision makers, and responsible contributors in diverse professional, social, and religious roles.” Our mission is the heartbeat of Loras, a college with nearly two centuries of tradition, academic excellence, and faithful service.
As we look toward the future, we anchor ourselves in Christ’s example, through commitment to the dignity and value of all people, striving to be a learning community that inspires lives of learning, service, integrity, and leadership.
As a Loras graduate, I continue to value my own grounding in our Catholic, liberal arts tradition, especially my classes in philosophy, communications, and history. My Loras education, and the education our students receive today, fulfills what St. John Paul II says, that “By knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves.” Loras leads through our stellar academic programs.
We have long-prepared health-care students in science and health, where our alumni go on to be health care and industry professionals serving communities across the country and the world. We have leaders in the study of history, literature, language, and politics, who work in publishing, law, and government. We have programs that prepare students to be mental health therapists and school counselors, in a world that desperately needs this kind of Loras leader.
We prepare future engineers, through our ABET accredited programs. We prepare business students to work in a variety of marketing, finance, accounting, and organizational roles. We prepare future teachers and social workers, church leaders, and thinkers.
Loras students prioritize community, dignity, justice, and compassion. Our students have been, and will continue to be, the kind of contributor to society and workplace that makes a difference.
The service our students provide in the community and world, ranging from domestic travel and service trips to study abroad, from athletics to the arts, to student leadership in clubs across campus, illustrate that Loras students are willing to go the distance to make a difference. Our Loras mission is lived out through spiritual life experiences and retreats, daily Mass and special services. These and so many other pieces of community life at Loras reflect the prayer attributed to St. Ignatius of Loyola, asking for God’s direction, “teach me to be generous, teach me to serve you as you deserve.”
As a diocesan Catholic college, that means we are rooted in a particular place to serve our neighbors. This is an important part of our identity as we continue to be in partnership with the Dubuque community and surrounding areas. This legacy is one of the great treasures that all of us contribute to and extend to others as members of the Loras community.
As we grow from the part of our strong foundation, that is our Catholic roots, I challenge our Loras alumni, students, faculty, and staff to not forget where you come from Loras College.
With a clear sense of our rootedness to this place, we will continue to excel and achieve in the ways we contribute to the world.
Loras College has so much to celebrate every day in our classrooms, residence halls, meeting spaces, and chapel. Our athletic fields and performance spaces are full of energy and inspiration. I invite all of you to visit our campus and see what it means to be a “Duhawk.” We are a vibrant community that invites students to explore who they are now, and who they can become for the future. I am grateful to be part of the Dubuque community and the Loras community as we partner together.
May God bless you and let's go Duhawks!
Michael H. Doyle, J.D. (’91) President
FACULTY/STAFF UPDATES
Loras Engagement & Discussion Series
The Loras Engagement and Discussion Series (LEADS) hosted its inaugural lecture, featuring Dr. Keith Thraen-Borowski, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Director of the Cancer Research in Exercise Science Laboratory (CARESLab) at Loras College.
In his talk, entitled “A Journey Through Cancer: From Researcher to Patient…and Back Again”, he shared his research regarding the role of physical activity and exercise in cancer survivorship.
LEADS is designed to showcase the very best of our College – from the classroom to professional development, and our commitment to nurturing the whole person; spiritually, intellectually, and physically.
We are grateful to members of the Class of 1972 whose generosity made this lecture series possible.
Watch for the announcement of our Spring LEADS speaker and join us for the next lecture! For more information visit: loras.edu/lead-series
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP
Loras College announced a new partnership with Northern Illinois University's College of Law to offer an accelerated 3+3 (Bachelor’s + J.D.) pathway, allowing qualified Loras students to complete both their undergraduate degree and a juris doctor in six years.
Through this partnership, Loras students who meet the eligibility criteria may apply to NIU Law during their junior year. Once accepted, their first year of law school coursework will also count toward completing their undergraduate degree at Loras. This structure enables students to begin law school a year earlier than traditional pathways, saving both time and tuition costs while maintaining the quality and rigor of each program. Loras maintains similar partnerships with Drake and the University of Iowa.
From the Classroom to RECORDING BOOTH
Loras College Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Dr. Kenny Loui, is turning dreams into reality!
His debut voice role as the villain “D.D.” in the animated short ‘Fashion Police 5: Part 1’ also helped the film earn a Bronze Telly Award for Best Action & Adventure Film, joining winners like Pixar Animation Studios, ESPN, and NASA.
For Dr. Loui, the recognition represents more than a personal dream fulfilled; it’s also a way to inspire Duhawks. He credits his students and coworkers for motivating him to revisit his passion for the arts, and this fall, he’ll be bringing that inspiration full circle by leading a voiceover workshop on campus.
When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a cartoon character,” said Dr. Loui. “I had the opportunity to finally fulfill that dream thanks to Dexter Getgood, the director and creator of Fashion Police 5, who cast me in my first major voiceover role as the film’s antagonist, the villainous D.D. I’m so happy that the entire cast and crew were honored at this year’s Telly Awards for our film and hope that viewers enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.”
Outside of the recording booth, Dr. Loui
Engineering Program Earns ABET Accreditation
Loras College is proud to announce that its Mechanical Engineering program has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.
The accreditation confirms that the program meets ABET’s rigorous standards for academic quality, faculty expertise, student performance and continuous improvement.
It demonstrates that Loras graduates are prepared to meet professional expectations in engineering and contribute immediately to the industry or graduate study. During this accreditation visit and review, Loras's General Engineering also received reaccreditation. Loras is one of 4 schools in Iowa to receive ABET accreditation in each category.
“Accreditation with ABET is an affirmation of the academic program that has been built here at Loras and the hard work of our faculty members,” said provost, Sarah Nytroe.
Presidental INAUGURATION
of
MICHAEL H. DOYLE, J.D. ( ’91) as the twenty-seventh president of Loras College
The Loras College community came together on Friday, October 24, to celebrate a historic and joy-filled moment-the inauguration of Michael H. Doyle, J.D. (’91), the twenty-seventh president of Loras College. The day was marked by deep tradition, faith, and Duhawk pride as students, alumni, faculty, and friends gathered to officially welcome President Doyle into his new role.
The celebration began with Mass at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in downtown Dubuque, where members of the Loras community joined in prayer and reflection, offering gratitude for the College’s enduring Catholic heritage and hope for the years to come. Later that afternoon, a spirited crowd packed the Patrick J. Lillis (’71) Athletic & Wellness Center for the formal inauguration ceremony, capturing the enthusiasm and unity that define Loras College.
“It makes me feel immensely proud,” shared Mike McCrea (’88), chair in neurosurgery and professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin. “I’ve known Mike since he was a kid. He grew up in a neighboring town, and I’ve known his family forever. I like to think I sort of took him under my wing a little bit when he was a freshman here and I was an upperclassman. It’s just the joy of a lifetime to see him now leading the place I love so much.”
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on Doyle’s lifelong commitment to Loras, his faith, and his deep belief in the transformative power of Catholic higher education.
For students, the day offered a powerful sense of connection to Loras history and its future. Samantha Giglio (’27), Student Government president shared, “I think it’s super exciting because Loras is the first college in Iowa’s history, so being part of history today is absolutely incredible.”
The celebration concluded with a reception in the Alumni Campus Center ballroom, where members of the Loras community continued the festivities over food, laughter, and conversation - a fitting close to a day that celebrated both legacy and promise.
Legacy & Promise CELEBRATING &
History & Symbolism
Presidential Mace
Specially tooled and made of base metal, the Loras College presidential mace is plated in gold in both satin and glossy finishes. A fleur-de-lis appears on the coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
The mace is carried during formal academic functions. The Loras College presidential mace is 38 inches long and serves as a traditional symbol of authority. The coat of arms is that of Loras College. Seven diamond shaped designs represent the seven spheres of knowledge. A carpenter’s square is symbolic of the College patron, St. Joseph, with the three pegs in the handle of the square representing the Blessed Trinity.
Regalia
The presidential regalia embodies the dignity of the office and academic distinction. The robe, with velvet panels and sleeve bars, reflects the honor of the doctoral degree. Trimmed in purple, the traditional color of the law, signifies the president’s Juris Doctor and lifelong commitment to justice and scholarship.
Presidential Medallion
The presidential medallion consists of a great seal bearing the coat-ofarms of Loras College. To the left of the seal, is incorporated the coat-of-arms of Archbishop William Hennessy, the first Archbishop of Dubuque. Further up the chain are emblems bearing a cross surmounted by various semiprecious stones. All emblems are connected by respective pairs of links composed of modified Celtic cross. The chain linked together at the top with the emblem comprised of the seal of the State of Iowa.
Rising Together ROOTED IN LEGACY,
Loras College is a leader and innovator in Catholic higher education. The culture of our campus is one of service, engagement, hard work, and guidance as students develop in their faith and spirituality.
THE CHALLENGE
The work ethic of our students is unmatched. We see and experience their successes in the classroom, co-curricular activities, and in the impact they have on their communities after graduation. Loras strives to make the opportunity of this transformational education achievable for all students regardless of their financial means. We continue to be strategic in the ways we help students pay for college, however, keeping the cost of attending Loras a feasible option for families has become exceedingly challenging. As Loras celebrates 186 years, it is our heart and mission to address this challenge and continue to provide a toptier experientially focused Catholic education – with a
LORAS
Rising Together to $20 Million
At the presidential inauguration, it was announced that this Rooted In Legacy, Rising Together $20 million fundraising initiative designed to enhance student scholarships and academic programming, has surpassed the halfway point.
The successful first phase of the Rooted in Legacy, Rising Together initiative was made possible from two $5 million dollar gifts: one from J. Paul (’60) and Frances Breitbach, whose support provides even greater momentum on our way to providing the pathway for Loras to rise to new heights. The second comes from an anonymous donor who believes in the Loras mission, vision and bold plan so much, that they have challenged the Loras community to match their $5 million gift by
President Doyle shared how grateful and transformative these gifts are to push this initiative forward.
Every gift you make empowers a student to rise above, achieve their goals, and live out the Loras legacy of faith, leadership, and service. Your generosity transforms lives and strengthens the enduring future of Loras College for generations to come. We will stay rooted in our exceptional legacy, while helping our students rise together to a brighter and better tomorrow.
“Loras College’s strength lies in the spirit of its community. The students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters will continue to propel the College forward in a pivotal time in history. Loras will raise $20 million by May 2026 to face these challenges strategically and compassionately ensuring success for generations of Duhawks to come.”
- PRESIDENT MIKE DOYLE (’91)
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI HONORED
For more than three decades, the National Alumni Board has acknowledged individuals for their service, support, and accomplishments to their community and to Loras. This year we celebrated the following five graduates and their amazing accomplishments.
David Spahn (’71) Amicus
As a Dubuque student balancing work, classes, and marriage, David Spahn did not have the same college experience as his peers, but his life-long service to the College allowed him to experience what he couldn’t as a student; the chance to be immersed in the culture of Loras. A distinguished professional in the field of finance and management in Dubuque, David has generously shared his wisdom, time, and support for nearly five decades with the College through the Loras Network of Dubuque, National Alumni Board, and Board of Regents. His enduring commitment and faith-filled leadership embody the Loras mission, making him not just an alumnus, but a lifelong friend of the College.
Valorie Broadhurst Woerdehoff (’82) Campus Contributions
An English graduate of Loras College, U.S. Navy veteran, and gifted writer, Valorie Woerdehoff built a distinguished career in higher education and communications serving Loras College for 26 years in many roles including assistant director and director of Marketing, editor of the Loras College Magazine, assistant to the President, and Grant Writing Director until retirement. Demonstrating her dedication to the College, Valorie even returned from her retirement to fill part-time and interim roles when called upon. In all her roles, she boldly and creatively communicated the accomplishments, successes and stories of students, administrators, and alumni, continually with grace, eloquence, and diplomacy.
Ashlie (Fultz) Hand (’98) Humanitarian
As the Director of Communications for the Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph, Ashlie launched and is editor of Catholic Key Magazine, reaching 60,000 homes across Missouri with stories of faith, news and inspiration. She is also the author of Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit, the first in an eight-part Christian mystery series exploring the Beatitudes. Beyond her professional work, Ashlie founded 40 Days 40 Letters of Hope, a Lenten ministry that invites participants to send daily letters of encouragement to those in need. Since its start, the ministry has mailed over 9,000 letters, spreading hope and comfort across the country.
Amber (Chambers) Ray (’11) Young Alumni
A national leading educator and researcher, Amber Ray launched an academic career focused on literacy interventions for PreK-12 students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and emotional/behavioral disorders. She focuses on evidencebased strategies, self-regulation techniques, and professional development for educators to improve writing and reading instruction. Now an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and consultant for the University of Notre Dame, Amber has published over 30 studies, delivered 100+ presentations nationwide, and earned national recognition for her impactful research and leadership in special education.
Kevin O’Connor (’88) Professional Achievements
Kevin O’Connor has built a world-class career in athlete development and sports management. His began as the Executive Director of the Home Depot Center and later as President of Saddlebrook International Sports, developing elite programs for nationally renowned athletes. Now Global Senior Advisor for Lagardère and President of its North American division, Kevin provides strategic guidance at the highest levels of sports and entertainment, overseeing a team responsible for more than one billion dollars’ worth of athlete and event contracts; recently working with Atlético Madrid, Aston Martin, and Reserve Padel. Kevin remains connected to Loras, mentoring students through internships, speaking to classes and sharing his expertise with the next generation of Duhawks.
New Duhawks Enter Hall of Fame
CAREER WIN for Coach Pucci
Saturday, October 4 was a day to celebrate for the Women's Soccer team. Homecoming weekend, senior day, and head coach Matt Pucci ('08) earned his 150th career win.
The Fall 2025 season is Matt Pucci's sixteenth as a part of the Loras women's soccer program and tenth as the head coach. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Pucci serves as an instructor in the Kinesiology department.
The Women's soccer team has earned the United Soccer Coaches Team Pinnacle Award, making its fourth time receiving the honor. This award recognizes teams that achieve a winning percentage of at least .750 and have also received the United Soccer Coaches College Team Academic Award.
Pucci was a four-year member of the Loras varsity team from 2004 to 2007, leading the Duhawks to two Iowa Conference Championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the NCAA Final Four in 2007. “I am so lucky to be able to do what I love at the place I love as well," said Pucci.
BACK ON THE MAT with coach Devin Bahr
The Loras College Men's Wrestling team enters the 2025-26 season with momentum, experience, and a renewed sense of purpose under first-year head coach
Devin Bahr and director of wrestling, Jaren Glosser, in his fourth season with the Duhawks.
Last season, Loras sent seven wrestlers to the NCAA Championships, including All-American Eric Kinkaid ('26), who finished third. Kinkaid returns to anchor the middle of the lineup and sets a high bar for the program's goals this winter.
Along with Kinkaid, three more national qualifiers return in Connor Fiser ('28), Chase Fiser ('26), and Dustin Bohren ('26). Together they form a core of experience that'll guide a promising lineup filled with developing talent pushing for varsity spots.
Bahr served as assistant Men's Wrestling coach last season and is looking forward to taking the lead in the 2025-26 season.
ELEVATING SUCCESS
Loras College women's Wrestling program enters third year in program history.
Last season, Loras competed in its first dual meet against Buena Vista University and made its debut at the American Rivers Conference Championship. Alyssa Seippel ('28) and Bailey Welu ('27) earned All-Conference honors, placing third in the 124- and 131-pound weight classes, respectively.
"We return two very experienced athletes in Kylie Loffer ('28) and Alyssa Seippel and look
forward to their continued success. We added several talented first-years that we are excited to see compete this season." said Jeren Glosser, director of wrestling and women's head coach.
As the program enters its third year, Glosser is eager to see new talent make an impact.
"We added several talented freshmen that we are excited to see compete this season." said Glosser.
A GIANT IN THE MAKING FROM LORAS TO SAN FRANCISCO
Daniel Rogers ('24) was a four-year starter and first-team all-American batting .444, the second-highest single season average in Loras history, and set program records for hits in a season (72) and hits in a career (239).
After graduation, Rogers used his COVID fifth-year waiver and played one season at the University of Iowa. He played 54 games for the Hawkeyes hitting .251 with a .389 on base percentage across those games. Following his collegiate career, he played one season with the San Jose Giants where he had 54 at-bats, fifteen hits, an a batting average of .278.
In July, the San Francisco Giants signed the 6-foot-3, 215-pound catcher from Grayslake, Ill., to a free-agent contract for the 2025 season.
mission & vocation
Forward Through Faith
At Loras College, Catholic identity is not only our heritage, it is the pulse of our mission and daily practice. Loras, one of ten diocesan colleges in the country, has recently been named a top 25 Catholic College in the nation, and #1 Catholic College in Iowa. As Duhawks we live our faith by attending to the region and accompanying our neighbors both near and far as we put learning into service for the common good.
The recent establishment of the Division of Catholic Identity, Mission, and Vocation and appointments of Fr. Dustin Vu to Vice President and Stacia McDermott (’03) to Associate Vice President, marks our deepening to this commitment. President Mike Doyle (’91) shared with the campus community at the beginning of the academic year, “This early and decisive step reflects a shared conviction: Loras’s Catholic roots are central to who we are and to the future we envision.”
The division stands as a symbol and an engine of the college’s dedication to fostering an environment where every individual is respected, supported, and called to the fullness of human dignity. By collaborating to ensure that the values of the Catholic Church are actively integrated into campus life, the division guides leadership, faculty, and staff in aligning with the College's mission.
Loras’s distinctive educational approach is enhanced by teaching and fostering vocational discernment, helping students not just consider careers, but their life’s calling – drawing inspiration from St. Catherine of Siena’s message, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Cultivating a vocational mindset yields a community of learners and leaders who are prepared to respond to the challenges of the day, utilizing their passions and gifts. The Archbishop Kucera Center for Catholic Intellectual and Spiritual Life, Faith and Values committee, and the Vocation Task Force equip faculty and staff to continually engage with our Catholic identity and mission through professional development opportunities such as workshops, speakers, and book clubs, in part funded through NetVUE (Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education) grants.
Loras equips students to respond to new ideas and experiences with curiosity and the desire to go past the surface to understand more deeply. As a campus, we do this by learning about Catholicism, but also about other faith traditions and worldviews, growing together to create a society built on mutual respect. On campus, personal and communal worship are vital, not as isolated rituals, but as sources of hope and faithful growth. Mass, Eucharistic adoration, as well as opportunities for Bible studies, book clubs, faith sharing groups, spiritual direction, retreats, and conferences, all foster a spirituality that is continually developing.
Loras is called to solidarity and service-especially to those most in need in our communities. Our weekly discussion groups on social issues, local service to the Dubuque community, and our many service and TREC trips (Think, Reflect, Engage, and Connect) are just a few ways Duhawks live their faith through action.
Through the Division of Catholic Identity, Mission, and Vocation’s collaboration with all areas on campus, Loras College reaffirms its charge: to form students who are intellectually engaged, spiritually grounded, and committed to serving others, all within the enduring light of the Catholic Tradition. It is an exciting time to be at Loras. We hope you continue to join us in prayer and action.
Missionary & Martyr
October 20, 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the death of beloved missionary priest, Fr. Raymond Herman. A heartwarming celebration of his legacy was hosted by the Fr. Ray Herman Peace & Justice Center during Homecoming.
After he was ordained and spent a few years in parishes, he went to Cochabamba, Bolivia, first as a Maryknoll associate. When the Dubuque archdiocese established a mission in Cochabamba he worked with catechists before moving to the rural parish of Morochata. There he taught religious education classes, helped organize cooperatives and build schools, clinics, sports fields, and nursing centers. In 1975, Fr. Ray was murdered in what appeared to be a robbery but has since been speculated as being related to his work and advocacy for the poor.
Archbishop Zinkula offered a prayer and remembrance of Fr. Ray's life. His nephew, Mark Herman, spoke about his uncle's deep commitment to Church teachings of solidarity and service. Sisters who worked with Fr. Ray in Cochabamba, Bolivia-Sr. Maura McCarthy, Sr. Damian O'Brien, and Sr. Julianne Brockcamp, PBVM-recalled his humility and compassion as he served communities in extreme poverty. Some shared that he may have known his life was in danger before his murder, yet he remained dedicated to standing with people on the margins.
Fr. Bob Beck ('62) shared the founding story of Loras’s Fr. Ray Herman Peace and Justice Center (inspired by then-student Fr. Jon Seda ('84), followed by reflections from former co-director Judy Giesen. To close the event, Peace and Justice student intern Kate Cain ('26) presented an update on current programming. Fr. Ray Herman continues to inspire Loras students to engage with Catholic social teaching through service and action.
Ask the Archbishop
What is a diocesan college and why does it matter?
Loras College holds a distinctive place in American Catholic higher education as the oldest diocesan college in the United States and one of only ten diocesan colleges or universities nationwide. Founded in 1839 by Bishop Mathias Loras, the first bishop of the then-Diocese of Dubuque, the college has remained structurally and spiritually connected to the archdiocese ever since.
As a diocesan institution, Loras expresses the mission of the local Church in higher education, forming minds and hearts for service to both the Church and the broader world.
This deep rootedness in the local Church shapes a community where intellectual inquiry and moral formation go hand in hand, where leadership is measured by service, and where education becomes a response to God’s call. In every classroom, residence hall and outreach program, Loras embodies the diocesan mission to unite learning with faith, and knowledge with love of neighbor – a living expression of the Church’s hope for the world.
Blessings, Archbishop Thomas Zinkula
Duhawk Day
Jumpstart your career or make a career change with a master's degree from Loras, designed for flexibility and with you in mind!
Jumpstart your career or make a career change with a master’s degree from Loras, designed for flexibility and with you in mind!
