Issuu

FALL/WINTER 2023

ENHANCING STUDENT

Dr. C. Oliver Tacto Joins Maryville as Dean of Student Wellness

I N THI S ISSU E D E PA R T M E N T S SHIFT FORWARD M POWERED TEACHING 1 Q+A SAINTS NATION ALUMNI SCENE

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A Day of Service Maryville Reaches Out sends over 1,200 students, faculty and staff into the community to give of themselves. What they come back with can’t be measured.

ON THE COVER

Maryville community members enjoy a nature walk on Student Wellness Day. Pictured, from left: Dahlia Bertolino; C. Oliver Tacto, DSW, MPH, CHES®; Aretha Hardrick, EdD; and Ash Doherty.

Keeping Connected Maryville faculty teaching online classes needed a way to replicate the critical human connection offered by on-ground learning. The answer? A platform called Slack.

EDITORIAL

Editor: Chris Reimer Design and Layout: Cisneros Design Contributing Writers: Nancy Fowler, Tim Fox, Chris Reimer, Gabbie St. Pierre, Genetta Tomnitz-Sucher, Katie Totra,

Gabrielle Young

Be Well C. Oliver Tacto, DSW, MPH, CHES®, brings a vision and renewed focus on

Contributing Photographers: Max Bouvatte, Dan Donovan, Caleb Kincheloe, Chris Reimer,

student wellness to

Adam Wurr

Maryville University.

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

President: Mark Lombardi, PhD Vice President, Community and Government Relations: Laraine Davis Executive Director, Strategic Marketing and Communications: Gabrielle Young

Playing Is Learning Maryville’s CA2 program opens a brick-and-mortar space, and families are flocking to the science, technology, engineering and math classes offered.

Maryville Magazine is a publication of Maryville University. Unless otherwise noted, articles may be reprinted without permission with appropriate credits given to Maryville Magazine and the authors. Those submitting class notes for publication in Alumni Scene may contact the Office of Alumni Services at 314.529.9338 or alumni@maryville.edu. Other correspondence may be sent to Maryville Magazine Editor, 650 Maryville University Drive

M O R E F E AT U R E S

St. Louis, MO 63141 or by email: editor@maryville.edu.

16 Teaching 1 Turns 10

32 Farewell to a Legend

outstanding reputation based on academic excellence,

Take a trip down memory lane and review what

Director of Athletics Lonnie Folks prepares

individualized student attention and alumni success.

10 years of Teaching 1 has taught us about the

to retire from Maryville, leaving a legacy of

FALL/WINTER 2023 circulation: 33,970

DNA of Maryville.

transformation and mentorship.

Maryville University is a private, independent institution offering 90+ degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. Maryville has forged its

L E T TE R F R O M TH E PR E SID E N T

Dear Friends, Our Fall 2023 semester was truly an amazing

We also welcomed an incredible team

time of achievement and wonder for our

of achievers in student life, building upon

students, faculty, staff and alumni. Our

decades of success under the leadership of

enrollment triumphs continue to amaze and

new Vice President Raphaella Prange. This

defy the prevailing trends, as we registered

helped us renew our profound commitment

our 17th consecutive year of undergraduate

to a comprehensive approach to student

enrollment growth and were named the

wellness under the leadership of C. Oliver

third fastest-growing private university in the

Tacto, DSW, MPH, CHES®.

nation by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Together, an amazing array of faculty and

Maryville Reaches Out (MRO), our annual

staff are designing the future of Maryville

day of service, set a record for participation

University with a collective, innovative and

across the region as we worked with over

digitally forward set of values. All of this

100 community-based organizations

fine work is rooted in one fundamental

throughout the metro area. Our award-

truth: Maryville is the innovative leader in

winning music therapy program celebrated

higher education, forging a revolution in

50 years of outstanding education.

student learning that expands access and

We launched several incredible AI-based

opportunity for all.

initiatives designed to revolutionize and

As always, thank you for your good

augment student services and learning for

counsel, unwavering support and deep

close to 10,000 students across the nation.

passion for this good and great University.

In athletics, we achieved new heights in our fall sports, including NCAA

Warmest regards,

appearances in men’s and women’s soccer; GLVC accolades in volleyball, cross-country and field hockey; and dominance in two new esports leagues, Valorant and Rocket League. We also once again won the

Mark Lombardi, PhD

Division II President’s Award for academic excellence, with over 90 percent of our student-athletes graduating in four years.

FA L L / W I N T E R 2023

S HI FTFOR WARD

Undergraduate Enrollment Continues to Grow Maryville University announces an over 9 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment for Fall 2023.

n the face of an ever-changing higher education landscape, the University announced an over 9 percent increase in the undergraduate population for the 2023 – 2024 academic year. This surge in enrollment not only reflects the growing demand for Maryville’s unique programs but also highlights the University’s pivotal role in shaping the future of education and commitment to access and opportunity. President Mark Lombardi expressed his enthusiasm for the extraordinary achievement. “Our growth is a testament to the innovation of our faculty, the quality of our programs and our unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional 360-degree experience for our students. It is also a signal that empowering students from around the country is a vital need for the digital economy of today and tomorrow.”

M ARYVILLE MAGAZ INE

Maryville has seen undergraduate enrollment growth for 17 consecutive years and now has over 6,000 undergraduate students and more than 10,000 total. This significant spike solidified the University’s status as one of the top 10 fastestgrowing private universities in the nation. Shani Lenore-Jenkins, vice president for enrollment, shared insights into Maryville’s recruitment strategies. “When I arrived 17 years ago, I kept hearing phrases like ‘hidden gem’ and ‘best kept secret’ when people spoke about Maryville. Well, I can proudly say we’ve dropped the ‘secret’ and ‘hidden’ part of these phrases,” Lenore-Jenkins shared. “In addition to the growth and expansion of the Maryville brand, I believe our personalized and innovative approach to engage with prospective students and their families through the college search process has undoubtedly contributed to our sustained enrollment growth.”

Cybersecurity Program Earns ‘INSIGHT’ Award

M Maryville has seen undergraduate enrollment growth for 17 consecutive years and now has over

6,000 undergraduate students.

aryville’s cybersecurity program received the 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The award honors the program for offering local startups and nonprofit agencies cost-free IT security analysis and knowledge about compliance requirements. In turn, these partnerships provide Maryville cybersecurity students the opportunity to practice and develop workforce-ready skills. “One of the pillars of Maryville’s strategic plan is diversity, equity and inclusion, and we’ve worked hard in our tech programs in the School of Business to be intentional about diversity in both our curriculum and the activities our students engage in outside the classroom,” said Brian Gant, PhD, assistant professor of cybersecurity and assistant interim dean of the John E. Simon School of Business. “Partnering with startups and nonprofits provides a critical business service that might not otherwise be affordable and gives our students the real-world experience they’ll need to start their careers.” Gant said the award is already opening doors for the program. “We held our Cybersecurity Summer Institute this past year, and both parents and students were asking about the award. We also hosted Girls Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club on campus. The Maryville name has already been out in the community, but winning this award reinforces our message,” he said. “I’m passionate about tech, our community and diversity, so this award means a great deal to me personally. We’re working to ensure that everyone knows how committed the institution is to diversity, and we’ll continue to drive impact in the lives of young people in our community.” For those considering a career in cybersecurity, Gant’s message is clear. “There is no ‘best time’ to explore a career in cybersecurity, except now. You can have experience or no experience. You can be in high school or a working professional ready for a career change. Cybersecurity offers access and opportunity to a rewarding career to people from all walks of life.”

FA L L / W I N T E R 2023

S H IF T F O R WAR D

POWERING THE FUTURE: EV CHARGING STATIONS INSTALLED ON CAMPUS The University took a giant leap toward sustainability and embracing the future of transportation with the recent installation of two Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on campus. These stations, strategically located in front of Buder Hall and in front of the Donius University Center, will revolutionize the way we power our rides and contribute to a greener campus environment. Equipped with two charging ports each, the stations have the capacity to service up to four cars simultaneously. Maryville students, faculty and visitors can power their electric vehicles efficiently while on the go. To ensure easy identification of the charging stations, the designated parking spaces have been striped green and are marked with pavement stencils to highlight their purpose. A range of payment options are available, including pay at the station, pay via the Blink app and with a Blink RFID card. The two EV charging stations are more than just a place to plug in. They signify the University’s commitment to sustainable practices and innovation. Plug in, power up and drive toward a more sustainable future!

M ARYVILLE MAGAZ INE

Suspended tongs minimize cross-contamination, and digital signage displays nutrition and allergen information.

Raising the (Salad) Bar Maryville adds high-tech self-service station to on-campus dining options.

aryville’s food service provider, Fresh Ideas, has partnered with Swedish company Picadeli to install a tech-enhanced salad bar in Gander Dining Hall. Picadeli salad bars are found across Europe and increasingly in American grocery stores. However, Maryville is the first university in the United States to install the salad bar. Linda Thacker, director of dining services, saw the unique salad bar at her local supermarket and wondered if it could improve Maryville’s dining experience. After some due diligence (including many taste tests), a partnership was forged and the Picadeli salad bar debuted at the start of the 2023 – 24 school year. “We are always looking for new, innovative ways to serve Maryville’s students,” said Kris Lensmeyer, chief innovation and experience officer with

Fresh Ideas. “This solved many issues.” Ingredients are shipped in containers with QR codes that are scanned upon arrival. Those codes subsequently provide nutrition and allergen information displayed on digital signage. Ultraviolet lights are utilized to disinfect surfaces. Tongs are suspended above food, minimizing cross-contamination. Sensors measure the temperature of ingredients and monitor how long a product has been stored and when it is no longer fresh. To reduce waste, the bar has a night setting that preserves food for the following day. Most importantly, the salad bar is a lowermaintenance unit that can operate for extended hours — a feature that has been requested by Maryville students. The introduction of the Picadeli salad bar not only enhances Maryville’s dining experience but also sets a new standard for innovation and sustainability in university food services nationwide.

Soccer Adventures in Italy The Maryville University women’s soccer team embarked on a 10-day summer journey to Italy. Beginning their excursion in Rome, they then spent time in Florence and Venice, exploring the cultural riches of these historic cities. Free-time activities included dining out, shopping for souvenirs and searching for the best gelato. Additionally, the Saints engaged in a series of exhibition games, including a match against Ternana Calcio of the Italian Serie B league. Wrapping up their trip, the team took a day to explore the stylish city of Milan before heading back home.

FA L L / W I N T E R 2023

S H IF T F O R WAR D

Maryville Reaches Out: A Day of Service and Community Connection

aryville’s annual day of service, Maryville Reaches Out (MRO), took center stage this year as over 1,200 dedicated students, faculty and staff embarked on a mission to give back and make a positive impact across the St. Louis metro area. Now in its 15th year, MRO is a highlight of the school calendar and continues to exemplify the University’s commitment to community engagement and positive change. Classes are canceled for the day, allowing the campus community to put schoolwork aside and focus on living out Maryville’s core values while forging meaningful connections with one another. Each year, the monumental task of planning and executing over 100 service projects falls to a few staff members and students. Jennifer Donovan, chief of staff for student life, and this year’s volunteer MRO student coordinators, Tanisha Patel and Victor Torres Nole, did the heavy lifting in the months leading up to the big day. A post-pandemic record 106 service projects were undertaken, spanning the greater St. Louis area. From revitalizing parks and lending a helping hand at local shelters to packing dog food and removing litter from our highways, Maryville Saint volunteers demonstrated unwavering dedication and selflessness. This year also marked the inclusion of the University’s first-ever online project, showcasing adaptability and innovation in the face of evolving circumstances. For students, MRO is an important part of the Maryville experience. “I think one of the most valuable things we have is time,” said Colin Nicks, a fourth-year biochemistry major. “Volunteering is taking one of those valuable resources I have and using it to help someone else in need. It makes me feel great! Being able to contribute at community service events helps me become more aware of things going on in my city. It’s crazy how giving a little bit of our week to volunteer can make such a big impact in our community.”

M ARYVILLE MAGAZ INE

W EAVER

Music Therapy Program Celebrates 50 Years, Eyes Innovative Future

n 1973, Ruth Sheehan, RSCJ, became the first director of the music therapy degree program at Maryville University. As Maryville celebrates the 50th year of the program, it remains the only college in St. Louis that offers a music therapy degree. Maryville is one of 86 colleges nationwide that offer a bachelor’s degree in music therapy, and it’s one of 47 that offer a master’s-level program. The program has developed partnerships with organizations throughout St. Louis, including educational groups such as Special School District and Parkway School District; health facilities like Mercy, BJC, SSM Health and The Walker Scottish Rite Clinic; and large organizations including Rawlings, the St. Louis Cardinals, the St. Louis Blues, Edward Jones and Maritz. These programs provide students with hands-on learning through projects and real-world experiences. Maryville’s program is unique in that it is housed under the College of Health Professions instead of the College of Arts and Sciences. Students take courses and work internships alongside other health professions students. This allows others in the field to begin their careers with an understanding of how music therapy can be integrated into healthcare. Crystal Weaver, MHA, LPC, CRC, MT-BC, ’04, ’10, assistant professor of music therapy and program director, spoke about the program being embedded into the culture of the Maryville community. “The alumni are

strong, stay in the community and keep in touch,” she said. One such alumna, Alison Tompkins Cole, MT-BC, ’04, has stayed in the community, instituting the Heartbeat Project. This project incorporates a patient’s heartbeat into a song their family can listen to and treasure after the patient has passed. Another program alumnus, Andrew Dwiggins, MT-BC, ’13, works in the community with SSM Health. “Maryville is centered on alumni and having longterm relationships,” noted Weaver. Weaver is also an alumnna of the program. After spending her first year as director with a focus on fostering community, Weaver has two goals going into her second year. “The first is to preserve the tradition and legacy of the program,” Weaver said. Her second goal is to “help the music therapy program move into the future.” Weaver feels the next 50 years of the program will be affected by social media platforms and how communication changes. As the music therapy field moves more virtual, how will the music therapy program stay beneficial, relevant, value-based and change with the communication styles of the times? With Maryville’s focus on innovation, Weaver feels confident the University will remain relevant by piloting future technical applications in the program. Weaver and Maryville’s music therapy graduates are grateful for 50 successful years and are ready for the future of music therapy.

FA L L / W I N T E R 2023

S H IF T F O R WAR D

BRIDGING GAPS AND BUILDING FUTURES: CA2 IN ACTION The Center for Access and Achievement (CA2) partners with schools and nonprofits in underserved communities to provide access to high-quality STEM programs, modeling skills and abilities students need to achieve success in life, postsecondary education and future professions. Steve Coxon, PhD, professor of education and executive director of CA 2, leads a team of dedicated professionals who are always busy in the community. Here are some of their latest initiatives:

The team recently opened the Interactive STEM Studio in Chesterfield Mall, providing STEM-focused classes to children in the St. Louis metro area. (see feature on Page 26)

CA 2 has over 700 kids in after-school STEM clubs annually, thanks to support from Boeing.

Maryville education students are using the latest ed tech, such as 3D printing and virtual reality, in Coxon’s Integrating the Arts class.

A professor at University of Missouri is doing research with CA 2’s LEGO Foundation-funded Playful Learning math activities in St. Louis schools.

Coxon spoke to a National Science Foundation group in the Washington, D.C., area, and he and Dustin Nadler, PhD, gave a presentation to Maxine Clark’s Blueprint4 organization.

Coxon has a forthcoming article appearing in the Childhood Education Innovations journal on “Playful STEM Learning.”

New Leadership at Kids Rock Cancer Maryville University’s Kids Rock Cancer is expanding, now offering more comprehensive music therapy services. Additionally, KRC has committed to supporting children, teens and young adults by offering follow-up and follow-through therapeutic songwriting sessions during key phases of their journey. To support these expanded efforts, Damon Mitchell has been named development director of outreach programs including Kids Rock Cancer and The Walker Scottish Rite Clinic. Mitchell brings over a decade of operations, strategic partnerships and 8

M ARYVILLE MAGAZ INE

collegiate retail management experience in higher education to his new position. In his previous role at Maryville, he oversaw the student experience for dining, retail, laundry, vending, printing and mail services. Alison Cole, MBA, MT-BC, ’04, has joined the KRC team as the new lead music therapist. Cole also serves as a “music therapist in residence” for the Maryville University music therapy program. She is a mentor, guide and expert for music therapy students, providing lectures and master classes to undergraduates and graduate students, as well as creating learning opportunities for students through fieldwork.

CA 2 has an ongoing NSF grant with Tufts University, implementing their machine learning motor in CA 2’s summer and after-school programs.

While honoring the therapeutic songwriting tradition of KRC, Cole will draw from years of clinical experience supporting pediatric patients and engaging families to move KRC toward new horizons. For example, new “heartbeat songs” will allow Kids Rock Cancer to serve infants and toddlers in addition to children, adolescents and young adults. A pilot project of audio “legacy recordings” allows children to invite parents, grandparents and guardians to be active participants during therapeutic songwriting sessions. “Music is an amazing tool in therapy,” said Cole. “Engaging someone in music can be a strong diversion when dealing with a diagnosis of cancer or blood disorders, as well as a form of self-expression about a patient’s needs, feelings or level of pain. I love helping people and I love music.”

The first graduates of the online Bachelor of Science in social work program earned their degrees in May 2023, with two making the trip to St. Louis to take part in Commencement.

Online Social Work Program Growing as It Recognizes First Graduates

aryville University is proud to unveil its latest academic offering, an online bachelor’s in social work (BSW) program designed to empower the next generation of compassionate leaders in the field. The program’s first four graduates earned their degrees in May 2023, with two making the trip to St. Louis to proudly walk across the Commencement stage. Social workers advocate for positive change and social justice as they help people navigate difficult circumstances. Ellie Wideman, PhD, MSW, LCSW, program

KEEP UP WITH ALUMNI EVENTS!

director of the social work program and assistant professor of social work, has worked at Maryville since 2010 and joined the new BSW program for its Fall 2020 launch. As with any academic program at Maryville, real-world experiences and connections are keys to success. “At Maryville, we are committed to meeting our BSW students where they are in their educational journeys,” said Wideman. “Our students engage with their faculty both inside the online classroom and outside through advising and mentoring. They also created the BSW Community Student Group, the University’s first online student

@mualums

Get to know the program’s first graduates!

group, and participate in our chapter of Phi Alpha, a national honor society for social work students.” With over 300 students now pursuing their social work degrees online at Maryville, Wideman sees a vision realized. “I’m so proud of our graduates and know they are carrying a stellar degree from Maryville University’s CSWE-accredited BSW program. Our students are gaining the social work knowledge, values and generalist practice skills that will ready them for working in the field.”

/maryvillealumni FA L L / W I N T E R 2023

S H IF T F O R WAR D

Welcome to Our Newest Saints! Our newest Maryville Saints enjoyed a seamless move-in process, greeted by the spirited enthusiasm of the dedicated Saints Nation team. A dynamic group of student and staff volunteers extended a warm welcome to over 450 first-year students as they settled into their campus residence halls. In keeping with tradition, the fun began with Orientation, Convening of the Class, lively gatherings on the quad, the President’s Picnic and the capturing of the cherished annual #BigRedM photo. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional faculty, staff and students for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to ensuring that the incoming Class of 2023 feels embraced and valued. Every day is a great day to be a Saint!

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

FA L L / W I N T E R 2023

S H IF T F O R WAR D

Professor, Friend and Storyteller: Q: Dr. Wickersham Reaches Milestone Popular philosophy instructor reflects on his career and 60 years at Maryville.

hen he graduated from college in the 1960s, John Wickersham, PhD, professor of philosophy, had no thoughts about becoming a teacher. His main goal was to stay out of the Army. Now, at age 83, the popular professor known as Wick began his 60th year on the Maryville faculty, teaching what he calls the “queen of the sciences” — philosophy. “I had not envisioned myself as a teacher,” he said. “A university professor was just a matter of having to do something. Just stay out of Vietnam.” Besides his long academic career, Wickersham also has published a novel, illustrated by his son Jamie, and he has had exhibitions of photographs on subjects like the Missouri River and German towns in outstate Missouri.

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

What was your introduction to classroom teaching? “When I was a senior at the University of San Diego, the president of a local high school said my name had been given to him as somebody who might be willing to do a little substitute teaching. He said he had a class of sophomores who needed somebody to take over their English class. So that’s kind of how it began. “I’ve got this classroom full of kids who do not want to be there, who are kind of half wild anyway. And I’m given the task of trying to teach them romantic poetry. I discovered on my own that everybody loves a story. So when I finally got them to quiet down, I said, let me tell you a little bit about myself, about being raised in a family of free-range children. We pretty much were left to do whatever we wanted to do. And so telling these little tales from my youth, they loved it and I had them eating out of my hand. I never forgot that. That has become a pillar of my pedagogy. “Ever since the beginning of my career, I have made it my practice on the very first day of class to tell my students that I extend the offer of friendship to them. I’m telling you this genuinely: If you’d like to be my friend, I welcome that. And, of course, the kids look at one another like, what’s this guy

doing? But out of every class, I will typically garner two or three or four students who do end up being my friends from whom I hear on a regular basis or who come and visit me in my office. I have students from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and so on with whom I still correspond.”

Why have you stayed so long in the Maryville classroom? “I never bought into the publish or perish mantra. I was very happy to be a teacher, and I’ve had a great career as a teacher. I’ve not ever regretted that decision. But the other side of it is that without a long publication record nowadays, you have no chance at all of moving from one school to another, which I was fine with. I was very happy here. “The secret to being a good teacher and a successful teacher, in my experience, is to get your students to love you. To really love you. And to do that, you have to present yourself as a really authentic person who cares about them, is interested in helping them, who wants them to be successful, who is interested in all their stories and so on, which I have always done. And that has been, if anything, the secret to whatever academic success I’ve had.”

FACULT Y / S TA F F NEWS Professor of data analytics BETH CUDNEY,

Director of Storytelling CHRIS REIMER

PhD, was invited to give the keynote

started the Maryville StoryCast, a

address at the 2024 World Summit

podcast focusing on telling impactful

and Expo on Robotics, Artificial

stories about the vibrant Maryville

Intelligence and Applications

community. Look for it on Spotify and

(WSERAA) in Bern, Switzerland.

Apple Podcasts.

Adjunct instructor SHEILA VOGEL,

Director of Diversity and Inclusion

EdS, was honored with Maryville’s

inaugural Adjunct Faculty Spotlight

RENELLE SPINKS, MPA, was named a

2023 St. Louis American Foundation

award for her true enthusiasm for

Young Leader at a ceremony held at

teaching and mentoring students.

the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

Associate professor of occupational therapy ASHLYN CUNNINGHAM, OTD, OTR/L, CDP, was named a 2023

Missouri Athletic Club Woman of Distinction. The award honors female professionals in the St. Louis community.

AMBER SPRATLIN, MLIS, library

research and instruction specialist, spearheaded the implementation of Lean Library, a browser extension and iOS app that connects users directly to Maryville Library resources from open web searches.

After seven years in various videography roles at Maryville, TRAVIS LUFSEY joined the Admissions team

as assistant director of strategic communications and prospective student engagement.

DUSTIN YORK, EdD, filmed his

second LinkedIn Learning educational video series titled “Generative AI for Innovative Business Branding” at LinkedIn’s offices in Santa Barbara, California.

Assistant professor of accounting SANG TRAN, DBA, CPA, introduced

an innovative class bonus point system that has increased thoughtful participation in peer assignments and improved learning outcomes.

Assistant professor of cybersecurity BRIAN GANT, EdD, and assistant

professor of business administration ANTOINETTE BOYD, EdD, co-presented

on the Access and Opportunity Revolution at the 2023 AAC&U Conference on Global Learning. FA L L / W I N T E R 2023

M POW ERED

A GATEWAY TO CAMPUS

ENGAGEMENT Maryville’s Involvement Fair — which saw record attendance this year — provides an opportunity to discover more than 100 student organizations and contribute to a vibrant, diverse community. BY CHRIS REIMER

FOSTERING A THRIVING COMMUNITY

he annual Involvement Fair stands as a testament to the vibrant spirit and dynamic community that defines campus. Held on the first Thursday of the new school year, this event serves as a nexus for the University’s 100+ student organizations, offering an exciting opportunity for both new and returning students to explore the rich tapestry of involvement opportunities available on campus. With record-breaking attendance this year, the Involvement Fair exemplifies the enthusiasm and eagerness of the student body to actively engage in the Maryville University experience.

The Involvement Fair is a cornerstone of campus culture, emphasizing the importance of active participation in extracurricular activities. With over a hundred student organizations spanning a wide array of interests and fields, students have the chance to find their niche and contribute to a vibrant, diverse community. From academic and professional groups to cultural and recreational clubs, Maryville offers an extensive range of opportunities for personal growth, skill development and community service.

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

CONNECTING STUDENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS The event transforms the Donius University Center quad into a bustling hub of activity and interaction. Student organizations set up booths, showcasing their missions and activities. This face-toface interaction creates a valuable platform for organizations to demonstrate their missions, goals and activities to students, allowing them to make informed decisions about which ones resonate most with their interests and aspirations. New members are welcomed with open arms.

to the organizations they choose to join. They usually grab more than they can carry.

KEY TO A FULFILLING UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE Scan to watch a video of this year’s Involvement Fair

Student organizations rely on the Involvement Fair to make connections with students and bring new members into the fold. “We gained a great deal of exposure and support from the Involvement Fair,” said Dion Starks, chair of community engagements at Maryville’s chapter of the Association of Black Collegians (ABC). “It was great to meet so many people that day who were interested and willing to support ABC.”

GAMES AND SWAG: ADDING FUN TO ENGAGEMENT While the Involvement Fair serves as a serious platform for connecting students with organizations, it’s also a celebration of the Maryville spirit. The lively atmosphere is punctuated with engaging activities and games — think arm wrestling with the wrestling team — that add a dose of fun and excitement to the day. Students eagerly participate, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity among attendees. Moreover, the fair is a treasure trove of swag, offering students a tangible and memorable connection

Maryville recognizes that a holistic education extends far beyond the classroom. Active involvement in student organizations offers students the chance to develop leadership skills, build lasting friendships and contribute to causes they are passionate about. Through participating in clubs and groups, students cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose that enriches their overall university experience. “Socio-emotional engagement during the college experience contributes to enhanced overall student wellness,” said Raphaella Prange, vice president of student life. “Opportunities such as student organizations, campus traditions, mentoring and leadership development activities hone skills that employers are looking for in the marketplace. Engaging on campus, outside of the classroom can create a more purposeful and enjoyable college experience that gives students a real return on investment now and in their careers.” Maryville’s Involvement Fair stands as a beacon of campus unity, where students come together to celebrate the kaleidoscope of opportunities available to them. This year’s record attendance numbers are a testament to the eagerness of our student body to come together in person and embrace the full Maryville experience.

STAY CONNECTED. maryville.edu/magazine FA L L / W I N T E R 2023

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LLE MAGAZIN

20 SPRING

an rking on tinue wo kos. will con sor Kyra Kra Profes

“It’s rewardin

g to work with

students

at the beginnin g of their journeys , when they’re fresh and ready, and then work with them again during their junior year,” Leonard said. “I get to witness their transformation and see how their skills and confidence have grown. They come to my mental health class saying, ‘We’ve made it to your class!’” Now, Leonard is pursuing her doctorate in education through Maryville Univers ity’s

online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadersh ip Program. “This my final goal,” was she said. “I’ve done so much hands-on work with nursing that now it’s time for me to teach others what I know.” Leonard’s real-wor ld expertise has been especially beneficial for Maryville nursing students during the pandem ic. The emotional and physical toll faced by health care workers over the last two is immeasurable. years But thanks to faculty like

Leonard, Maryvill e nursing students are able to persist in their academic studies rather than take a step back. “Nurses don’t stop,” Leonard said.“Our students understa nd how importa nt their jobs are and they’re going full force ahead. They’re very proud to have attended clinicals and cared for patients through out the pandemic. They’ve shown incredib le perseverance and continue to put forth their best effort every day.”

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MARY

VILLE

MAGA

TEA CHING I N OT M A N Y BI O LO GY ST U D E N T S WO U LD E X PE CT TO PLAY A G A M E BO R R O W E D F R O M

A R E N ’T M A N Y PR O F E S S O R S W H O WO U LD E N CO U R AG E I T, E I T H E R .

ZINE

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10 YEARS OF

POWER UP Stacy Donovan, PhD, associate professor of biology and forensic science, helps students find their true paths By Allison Babka photos by Jerry Naunheim

Thank goodness Stacy Donovan, PhD, isn’t your typical associate professor of biology and forensic science. “Biology can be terminology heavy, and I thought, ‘How can we have a conversation if everybody doesn’t even know what the terms are yet?’” Donovan explains. “I constantly try to think of creative ways—high-tech, low-tech, whatever—to get students engaged— that’s the bottom line.” Employing DeGeneres’s app Heads Up! certainly is one way to increase class engagement and excitement. On television, DeGeneres describes words, names and phrases that she reads on iPads held above celebrities’ heads; the celebrities then frantically try to guess the secret words from DeGeneres’ clues. In class, Donovan adapts the concept to biology vocabulary, watching as students use the app to find innovative ways of describing “mitosis” or “cytokinesis.” Eliciting laughter and plenty of light-bulb moments, the exercise pushes students to connect more to the biology terms and to each other—and Donovan doesn’t sit out. “I’m always challenging students,” Donovan says. “But they know that I’ll put myself out there for these things, too. Recently, I showed them an interpretative dance as a way to learn movements that cells and tissues go through during early development to form body plans. It’s important to model stepping outside of our comfort zone.” Immersing students in technology and interaction to foster learning is Donovan’s passion. As an Apple Teacher who has been rec-

ognized for embracing Maryville’s expansive Digital World program and helping students make the most of the iPads they receive as undergraduates, she facilitates an active learning environment through an arsenal of digital tools designed to help Maryville University students understand more about their coursework, their futures and themselves. Donovan’s unique mix of tech resources and empathy resonates

what she called ‘mall shows’— setting up shop inside a mall and doing hands-on chemistry experiments for people of all ages,” Donovan says. “Seeing her give back to the community and sharing her passion had a profound impact on me. It’s important to inspire the next generation of scientists, especially girls. For me, this is a legacy I want to leave behind.”

CAREER MENTORING: Since her freshman year, Danelle Hale has worked with Stacy Donovan, PhD, associate professor, to map out her biochemistry studies and career goals.

with her students. She’s particularly passionate about mentoring young women as they pursue careers in the STEM fields, and she serves as faculty adviser to the Maryville women’s golf team and Empower, a student-led, feminist social justice group that aims to focus on issues across the gender spectrum. Donovan says her commitment to guiding students can be traced back to meaningful interactions with a number of educators over the years—especially a chemistry professor during college. “She would do a lot of outreach at schools and be involved with

I N ST I LLI N G CO N FI D E N C E

Donovan’s passion for inspiring women has meant the world for students like Danelle Hale, a senior biochemistry major who’s been learning from Donovan since freshman year. Hale says Donovan, who serves as her adviser, helped her participate in a summer research project and has walked her through how her future studies and career may take form. “She definitely helped me become more involved in my classes. There’s a work-study opportunity

| MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

The pop ular vide o game student Minecra s to app ft is help roximate ing Mar in-perso yville soft n learning ware dev in a virtu elopmen al world. t | BY NAN CY

FOW LER

ike Lavel la, adjun ct professor of mana In keeping gement informatio with the n systems, agile proce class begin ss, Lavel s with a has been la’s discussion teaching These storie Agile of “user Methodolo s include stories.” a specific gy onlin “I want to e goal such exempt certai for two componen as so my backu n folders t of the agile years. A key from backu p drive isn’t face collab approach others encou p don’t need filled with oration. is face-tosaved nter it for “Obviousl things I classroom class. His the first y, in an onlin or five-person .” The class divid , that’s a time in his students es into fourchallenge e team To foster also vary s to sheph familiarity ,” Lavel user storie the feelin greatly in erd differ with s through g of an up-cl la said. their experience ent four proce of experience Minecraft. This developme , students ose sses: diversity nt, dovetails design, testing and meet up a video game tenet of nicely with in Minecraft, Minecraft evaluation agile meth in which a core comes into . blocks to players use odology exper few play create struc in which week ienced devel building during the s of class more tures. “It sense; it’s opers help last when stude better acqu in a final, just make a good fit,” others becom nts partic ainted with more pract s Lavella said. ipate Agile meth e really cool,” ical proje a concept. designing odology ct such as “So that’s an office Lavella said. is an iterat or one that building pool. Team When Lavel ive proce repeats a or swim s ss, defin la sequence began teach Using agile ming e the tasks Methodolo their proje of opera ing the Agile methodolo required gy class, tions. cts and then divide bigge gy, softw for the previ had alrea Minecraft come toget are devel ous instru r jobs into dy incor to construct opers her in ctor porated smaller “I can comp curriculum dimension them in Minecraft tasks. are it to a three. At the time, al space. into the line, whic the Ford what Lavella barel “This is produ h was used it was. intended y knew to help incre ction the effici to exercise “My only ency ase where stude be a fun team-build other expos Lavella said. of making autom ing nts can apply that my methodolo ure to the obiles,” son used game was gies agile-based to play it Tech giant little youn virtual world while collaboratin when he s Microsoft ger,” Lavel g within ,” Lavella was a agile meth and Goog la said. a said. But Lavel Lavella is odology, la was quick a full-time which Lavel le use many advan of using with PSI, ly sold on software la says has tages over Minecraft a testing developer the idea model. Thro the older and belie technology is unusual agile meth “waterfall” ves the conce ugh the firm. He in teaching odologies waterfall developers uses pt in his work the agile that know model, “It’s really build appli process. ledge into and bring a fun and cations with software feedback s his class for stude he learn interactive for many no client room. In nts to ed agile way months. stakeholde 2013, on the job Lavella said. engage with each Because employer, rs weigh when his PNC Bank other,” in so late former making , switched in the proce adjustmen Maryville from water University ts can be ss, with the fall. instructors difficult. prides itself agile appro But with real-w on hirin ach, devel in two-w g experience orld, profe opers work eek cycle , according ssional s, also know soliciting to Lavella. n as sprin “Students input betw ts, enjoy learn een each “If there manage one. ing how are any chan their softw companies be adapted ges need are devel utilizing ed, they very opment the agile can processes greatly reduc easily,” Lavella methodolo said. “This said. “This e the amou gy,” Lavel hands-on can to comp la nt of time learning prepared lete a succe it takes helps them to enter ssful produ the field be ct.” Some of after gradu Lavella’s ation stude .” this profe ssional arena nts already work in using agile whereas

TEA CHIN G I FALL 2021

| 17

NOT AL L WH O WA ND ER AR E LO ST

EdD, assistant for Kevin Stokes, of the classroom shaped his far beyond the walls and risk-taking has Education goes sense of curiosity nal leadership. A | BY GABBIE FALES professor of educatio — around the world. — and his students career and led him the next which led him to support and behavior, Not long Stokes, assistant principal. past four years, Kevin step in his journey: ach summer for the school in of educational leaderprincipal of a high after, he became EdD, assistant professor to of students abroad Southeast London. new. ship, has taken groups might seem ready for something other cultures. It Soon he found himself study education in position, this time of a Doctor mold principal the fit trip doesn’t Stokes accepted another like a study abroad Asia was full of a natural fit. time in Southeast But for Stokes, it’s in Myanmar. His a private of Education program. ties. He worked for “Managing changing,” he said. challenges and opportuni much different “Leading is about 18-year-olds; it was If you want to school for three- to things the same. schools for which is about keeping in educational nt-funded English than the governme under gaining a doctorate spend your time The school was still ent to worked. commitm a he had previously you must have staff other than leadership, then better.” What he arrived, and no things to make them construction when responsible for wanting to change than immersing hired. Stokes was on on to embrace change himself had been better way to learn teachers while constructi culture? recruiting and training arrived. yourself in another made completed and students of student travelers the building was This past July, a group plan to move to the at different game the placed in were It also wasn’t Students where Stokes their way to London. observed for two two years later, that’s United States. But t the city, where they to Missouri schools throughou his EdD, he moved of the trip was most exciting part landed. Ready to finish at Maryville. days. For Stokes, the y to experience in his doctoral degree opportunit completed the and to students asked join providing his the program, he was in class at Maryville. Upon completing Teacher action what is discussed as a professor in the is much more powerful . the Maryville faculty “Experiencing something “You in the School of Education about it,” Stokes said. Leadership Program on than seeing or hearing perspective and focus and observing and Now, Stokes’ global educator by going into his teaching. a learn more as an reading about it in l learning are integrated simply experientia than support asking questions al success to the it.” He credits his profession trying to replicate the School of textbook and then before arriving the leadership of long from bug travel received the he’s vice president Stokes was bit by Jim Harf, associate He grew up in Bourne, Education and from history on the Maryville campus. school his career as a high of global education. student England, and began In that role, he studied teacher in East London.

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

of educational EdD, assistant professor  Kevin Stokes, to study education students abroad leadership, takes in other cultures.

“EXPER IENCIN

G SOMET HING

POWER FUL IS MUCH MORE OR HEARIN G THAN SEEING ABOUT IT.” for are back stateside Stokes and his students the calendar. they do,” trip is already on they look and what now, but the next are proud of how a step peers ts encourage their my students to take students who Past trip participan Stokes said. “It allows “I Many of the Maryville well have ty and study abroad. what others are doing study abroad trips to seize the opportuni own back and evaluate participate in his s.” hopes of ideas to try in my their own classroom the country. Stokes brought back hundreds that might work in never been out of of her time in one-sided. The a shift in their mindsets. said Shannon Rohlman learning isn’t just the school,” But that his trips spark as rekindled just to be importantly, I abroad often learn individuals who want London. “But, most schools they visit ies. “I’m working with and school communit students. Space is and leading schools, my passion for inclusive much from the Maryville experts at teaching school of ideas and expertise, my passion into action.” able to work in any I can’t wait to turn created for the exchange I want them to be formed are ips relationsh al said. and new profession environment,” Stokes been possible otherwise. and inclusion means that would not have Seeing what diversity in classrooms abroad a teacher at Melcombe Wayne Leeming, abroad — and especially think West London, shared for his students to Primary School in — opens the door s and pleasure to host their own experience that, “It was an absolute more critically about plays We learned so much others, and how that the Maryville students. the experiences of and a are really wonderful “Wandering around from them, and they a role in their schools. learned people see I’m not sure who city, my students insightful educators. big international | 13 who FALL 2019 them, and people from them!” or us different more, who look

on campus to work in the labs, and she helped me get going with that,” Hale says. “It’s really changed the way I see my classes and has helped me build a good relationship with just about all of my professors.” STAYI N G CO N N E CT E D

Donovan continues mentoring students after they’ve left Maryville. Abeer Butt, ’15, who graduated with a degree in biomedical sciences, was recently invited to interview for a cancer biology program at a prestigious graduate school. Nervous about the experience, Butt texted Donovan and asked to meet as soon as possible. “It was super late, but she still sat with me for two hours,” Butt says. “She went through every person who was going to interview me, asked me questions, did a mock interview and gave me insight on how to talk. And she doesn’t expect anything in return. She’s happy to sit down with us even though we’re not in her class anymore. Just completely selfless.” From encouraging community engagement to offering snacks during tests to working oneon-one with students, Donovan knows everything she does can help students develop confidence in their academics and in themselves. “The things you do that you think are small? You never know how those might affect somebody,” she says. “I just try to be real for the students and make each day count.”

S P R I N G 2018

TEACHING 1

BUILDIN GB FOR SU LOCKS CCESS

| MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

T V H O ST E LLE N D E G E N E R E S D U R I N G CLA S S . CO M E TO T H I N K O F I T, T H E R E PR O BA BLY

RETROSPECTIVE

NG 1

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[15]

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Hoeft d Adam nce of lsey an guida Ryan Hu r under the dents summe ht) Stu ft to rig project this AT: (le earch LAB CH dent res en ep ind

SPRING 2022

TE AC HI

| BY CONST ANCE GIBBS

rom a young age, Assistant Professor of Nursing care facility. Leonard Demetruis provided health M. Leonard, MSN, for American care soldiers and for Most importa RN, ’13, knew ntly, Leonard detainees she wanted to of interest to U.S. advanced her be a nurse. For nursing career national security more while raising than 25 years, in the intensive care four children, she has carefully including the unit. Her deploym ultimate sacrifice ent lasted and thoughtfully 12 months. of leaving her children behind climbed the ng career ladder. during her deploym “We were such Her youngest, ent. a close-knit family, a freshman in nard’s first step though we were even high school, was to serve as has yet to fly the in Iraq during a nest. ed nursing assistan such a dangerous time,” t shortly after “I always Leonard wanted to set said. “I saw so ating from high many tragedie the example for school. It didn’t my young African s. And we were take ng to take the bombed every American children night. But we next step to become we can do anything that put everything a aside to be d practical nurse. that we set our selfless and care minds Then, to satisfy to,” she said. for our patients “I’ve her ng nerd” craving, always . We still had to do our set the bar high Leonard joined because my children jobs.” the my in 2000. are following When Leonard in my footsteps. I have returned to civilian to be that role nted to see what she desired to life, model my it was like to be children can look continue her a career in the up to because the military,” ICU. She went this world she said. “I had is not always kind. back to school no again, this Because for children 9/11 was about time to obtain to happen and color, there’s an associate degree of not always that that I tually go to war, to become a registered nurse. role model in or that it would their lives that Later, she complet they can do it. end the best part of bachelor’s degree ed her So I want to nursing I’ve ever show my children in nursing at it can be done.” Maryville ed in my entire University. She career.” In 2018, Leonard then jumped across town to joined the nursing d was deployed Webster Univers to Mosul, Iraq, faculty at Maryvill ity to complet as e her master’s e. She teaches e 21st Combat degree in nursing health Support Hospita assessment, where because — at l. first-yea the was responsible time Maryvill r students learn — e didn’t offer how to obtain for setting up the academic a health history the hospital, turning program she needed. (That and complete a physical examina an open field has since been of tion, and psychiat remedied. eight grass into Today, there are ric mental health, a complex health five distinct MSN where third-yea programs offered through r students learn how to care Maryville Online.) for and manage patients with mental health diagnoses.

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Maryville nursin g students benefi t from a wide f Nursing Deme range of real-w truis M. Leona orld experiences rd, MSN, RN, that Assistant ’13, brings to Professor the classroom.

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d n at ngu d us Mary there’ 401 stude mmer and W her stu rience elev esent the la grants an now last su ne Prairie e week— ch e also pr e learn know e expe sto they Resear y wer to writ said. They d on Soap ree. Th l. . “The ped so While techniques and how staye rtant os lo yed th citing leve akos said . She ts Krak his is impo herent in field deve Wyo y, sta Kr rimen reference, with es in s. “T , they and ex els off,” Hulse ld of t them expe sign e for he os cu Ryan r wor In fact erence e challeng a new w ur de nf ak .” de to g at co to oa Kr ey l er ng br inin to do n th tiona point, hen th ary lit learni s lear sed to the what the tra prim ow some ars ago, w and na student em, d knew “I took at at expo w kn onal do ed an t ideas th unt th ey’re two ye . “They no ns.” at regi not only train but th and co from e id ow ojec tio well seeds em, to kn w pr becaus g projects, fferent ?’” she sa next ques y ct ne di y og lle so th ng.” . arch arin man the as d co th biol with 401, learni prep e said plants an e rese re to find hat w are bo Research to do students e,” sh t do w off. “T nior, bag e whe what e of scienc ‘Wha e can are— ulsey, a ju part becom know t I want se asked, e edges t was Anyon , “but to ms to ha dH th Augus Hulsey ai re or, an at’s w said st ni th os where la , se le k tu a hi or eans Krak Hoeft, eir fieldw course. W career in na together that m what dy da ched rs. Th into majo pendent stu ans towar ly resear t step ft le de a gian ious an in , Hoe d prev nture was ologist They ha ve an ec tion. tern ad ity. es va w er cons mun their , but c com locally er scientifi rg the la

BY CHRIS REIMER

little over 10 years ago, President Mark Lombardi, PhD, and staff took stock of Maryville University’s place in the world of higher education. If one had to describe what kind of school Maryville was, what might one say? As legend has it, the thought process went as follows: We’re not a Division I school. We’re not an R1 research institution. Our professors utilize an active and engaging approach to knowledge that often features preprofessional career experiences as part of everyday instruction. We’re a “Teaching 1” university. As stated in the Spring 2014 issue of Maryville Magazine, “Through new technologies, business and community partnerships and innovative learning environments, Maryville University professors create exceptional opportunities for students to discover new pathways to career success. No matter what else might define the purpose of higher education, at its core is a call for student learning.” An editorial shift was made to shine a light on the groundbreaking professors and practices that enhance the Maryville University experience, and the Teaching 1 section of Maryville Magazine was born. Pulling the last 20 issues off the shelf and taking a trip down memory lane, themes emerge that naturally align with Maryville’s DNA. What makes Maryville University a proud Teaching 1 institution?

| 13

Victor Kizer, CSCS, TSAC-F, director of the exercise pursued science program and assistant professor, has and his passion for exercise from the sands of Iraq Afghanistan to the campus of Maryville University.

how long he or she is in the air, In 2008, Kizer served the asymmetries in the jump and U.S. Army in Iraq, where he more—had just been unpacked. started taking online courses “Maryville has invested in statein exercise science. His studies of-the-art equipment with sensors continued during a year-long that collect valuable data on our tour in Afghanistan. students, our athletic teams and “Accessing technology for courseKizer says. work in the desert was a challenge,” our partners,” At Maryville, he promotes that Kizer says. “A sandstorm could with innovative affect internet access, and if we had technology—along partnerships with health industry lost a service member, the internet leaders, unwavering commitment was shut down for confidentiality. to providing an active learning And I couldn’t access information environment and internship when I was out on missions.” programs—to create opportunities Despite the obstacles, Kizer pushed on. He earned his bachelor’s for students. One of the University’s partnerdegree in exercise science in 2013 ships is with the St. Louis Blues and his master’s degree in fitness NHL team. management in 2014. Around “We worked with the Blues’ the same time, he squeezed in to campus. head of strength and conditioning, co-ownership of a gym, Defining Eric Renaghan, who is also an Natural Ability (DNA), in St. Louis. adjunct faculty member in our exercise science program demonstrate equipment Today, he’s on a mission to THE SCIENCE OF EXERCISE: Students in the program, to run testing during under the watchful eye of Victor Kizer, CSCS, transform physical culture in used in Maryville’s Human Performance Lab their development and training professor. the region. TSAC-F, director of the program and assistant camps,” Kizer says. “We have “In our Exercise Science Human ds nursing Frandsen shepher also conducted about 1,400 body Performance Lab, we tie the science , Professor Geralyn tests dose of empathy composition, jump and other to the practice,” he says. “I look for ce and a strong skills confiden student-athletes.” ingMaryville’s on do opportunities for students toPrescrib and on juniorprofessi John Anderson, a wth hands-on work in the lab, on the into a high-gro studentswrestling team member, worked field or at the court.” lab assistant performance a as guided he spoke, Kizer as In fact, last summer. He plans to be a a taught crews who were busy installing Edwards By Janet physical , ’83, EdD, RN, has therapist or strength Geralyn Frandsen new treadmill in the lab, housed in she was n the 27 years that coach after graduating. the three years Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker Hall. University, and in “It was an amazing opportunity nursing at Maryville Nearby, new Hawkin Dynamics student, she’s obto get practical, hands-on experiof science nursing wireless force plates—equipment nt, a Maryville bachelor ence in a professional setting,” in regard to enrollme that can measure how much force growth in the program he says. served stunning remains the same, is applied when a person jumps, thing One learning formats. preparfacilities and new today as ever about is as enthusiastic however: Frandsen n. the nursing professio ing students for

TEA CHIN G I

RONGER GETHER BY TIM FOX

OF ES SO R LO NGTIM E PR TU RE NU RS ES NU RT UR ES FU

Photos by Jay Fram

nce Program Builds on Partnerships

Kizer’s work has not gone Kizer is excited about a new unnoticed. The lab proudly partnership with EXOS, an interdisplays a certificate from the national human performance NSCA’s Education Recognition provider of corporate wellness Program, citing the exercise and strength and conditioning science program for meeting programs to clients like the U.S. national criteria in strength military and Bayer AG. and conditioning education. “It’s the first partnership of its “There’s nothing better you kind in the country,” Kizer says. can do with your life than lifting In the classroom, guests from weights,” says Kizer, whose doctoral around the country speak to research is on the potential for students about the field. Representstrength training to help fellow atives from organizations like soldiers and others suffering from the Sacramento Kings and the post-traumatic stress disorder. nonprofit National Strength and Having put in more than Conditioning Association (NSCA) 18 years with the military, Kizer is visit in person or through Skype to a member of the Army Reserve and discuss career paths from strength has taught in the Army’s Master and conditioning to dietetics to Fitness Trainer Course in Fort Knox, sports medicine. Ky., and he was recently selected to Kizer helped senior Rebecca as Missouri state director for serve internship an secure Strickland the NSCA. position in Aetna Inc.’s AGILE “Exercise can do so much to mitHire Program. igate the negative physical effects “It’s much more than an of everyday life,” he says. “It truly internship,” Strickland says. “I’ll is the fountain of youth.” rotate to five or six departments at Aetna, which is located adjacent

every aspect remember. I love as I | can long2018 13 nurse for asFALL says Frand“I wanted to be a community health,” to patient care to of the underof it, from education assistant director both professor and passion along to sen, who serves as I’m passing that program. “I hope graduate nursing and gradmy students.” both undergraduate nursing program, the in than 3,400 t Enrollmen students to more ed from nearly 1,000 began teaching uate, has skyrocket When Frandsen the past five years. and no students in just nursing students, 259 undergraduate in 1990, there were existed. to grow at a graduate program profession is expected nursing le the foreseeab the By all accounts, occupations for than most other says. much faster pace the growth, Frandsen has kept pace with s profuture. Maryville named Maryville’ a generous gift, Mercy the founder Four years ago, with of Nursing — for McAuley School s, as it gram — the Catherine of Health Profession s In 2015, the School Mercy. Maryville’ of Hall, of the Sisters E. and Earl E. Walker moved to Myrtle n with was known then, on campus. In conjunctio academic building E. Walker newest, signature, Myrtle E. and Earl was renamed the the move, the school Professions. provide College of Health of the facility and labs are a feature , nursing e-art education State-of-th are essential to today’s simulations that realistic nursing had one says Frandsen. building, we only in the Kernaghan says. “Now, “In the old lab, located skills,” Frandsen to practice nursing mannequin on which

GAME DESIGN

EXPLAIN EVERYTHIN

iPad apps utilized

G: Erika Rasure, PhD, assistant professor by her students of business and to explore effective financial services, communication among speaks with students generations in the before they dive into Explain Everything workplace. and Inspiration

CREATING A GLOBAL CLASSROOM ERIKA RASUR

E, PHD

truly mimics simulator patients and each of the 16 gives birth.” we have three labs, mannequins even ent — one of our are patient scenarios the clinical environm ge simulators, individual With these cutting-ed their performance. are able to review incordone correctly or recorded, and students to identify what they’ve says. Frandsen “That allows students practice,” need to of in on the skills they rectly and home in her career, many most nursing courses taught has Frandsen and their patients. supervision of students for which which involved clinical life care, a subject a course in end of Now she teaches s to share with students, of personal experience Nurses AssociaFrandsen has plenty St. Louis Visiting of work with the given her 11 years logy and tion early in her career. of nursing pharmaco an expert in the area Frandsen is also subject. the on has authored a textbook

Utilizing Technology to Conn ectexams or personal Stud when ents to model a calm demeanor Frandsen’s ability students. with by d Expe appreciate I’m conrts when arise is also

crises methods and auditory calming “I still use her visual ,” Mohsen says. “This professional situations BY BECKYdo.” MOLLENKAMP fronted with strenuous on what best to my nerves and focus hoping allows me to calm care in her classes, lots of stories of patient students. That Frandsen shares empathy among a greater sense of first of all to instill unnoticed. experiences and effort does not go integrate can [12]ourMARYVILL professors E MAGAZINE their students, because it “I appreciate when in teaching Preuss, their lives to aid Megan says different parts of n to a realistic situation,” things are helps us apply informatio of learning, because is a continuous cycle to not always senior. “Nursing us realize it’s OK Dr. Frandsen made to make sure we always changing. of our heads, but answer off the top know the correct

Maps,

MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY

IS ENGAGIN G STUDENTS to learning that IN A REVOLU puts them at the TIONARY NEW center of their for collaborating APPROACH education, and and connecting provides opportu with experts and assistant professo nities peers alike. Erika r of business and Rasure, PhD, financial services critical compon ent in that effort, , understands that technology and continually her students. is a seeks ways to harness its potentia Rasure uses a l for variety of tech tools to make and relevant. her coursework challenging, dynami “I approach technolo c, gy as an experim with students ent,” she says. and discuss what “I share each I hope to accomp new idea the strengths and weaknesses. lish. Then I ask what they see Integrating that helpful feedback as approach has .” resulted in a lot of Since joining Maryville last year, Rasure has technology solution incorporated s into her teaching an impressive truly dynamic. . She uses Explain array of As a replacem Everything to ent for the tradition uses the app to make lectures al blackboard create interacti or whiteboard, ve slideshows hand drawing Rasure with text, images, s. She often records audio, video, the presentations “She’s passiona and even for sharing on te about technolo social media sites. Murphy, senior. gy and utilizes it to its full capacity “Not only do we see her amazing on Facebook or ,” says Sean how-to video, YouTube so it but we can share reaches people who aren’t even it taking the class.

TEAC

H IN G

COMES OF AG

SPRING 2016

“I WANTE D TO

BE A NURSE

AS I CAN REMEM ASPECT OF IT, PATIEN T CARE

FOR AS LONG

BER. I LOVE EVERY

FROM EDUCA

TION TO

TO COMM UNITY

HEALTH .”

answer.” to find out the correct a use our resources guest speaker for s instructional design was asked to be the a special When Frandsen worked with Maryville’ ceremony, it was online. Many Four years ago, Frandsen program pinning therapeutics course Maryville nursing advanced pharmaco Washington, s team to bring her live in places like moment. great trials and tribulation St. Louis, but others out that the course class had endured students reside in the are quick to point “This particular students births, deaths and ed Her . They experienc D.C., and New Jersey. says. in healthcare. during their education ’s child,” Frandsen various drugs used and describing one of their classmate is not just about on of analgesics tumors illness severe and brain Frandsen discussing she really cal nursing care “I remember Dr. with go through, and how “I was teaching neurologi we had to first deal and cancer patients of this,” says senior surgery. As a class, the pain sickle cell with my d the importance the day of this child’s . Experiencing this and to understan to their classmate wanted us to care them in learning emotions related Frandsen’s. the of assisted student and me closer to them Sarah Kerr, a former specialist, Kerr is ing illness students brought families experienc a human resources nate care to other After 10 years as to apply compassio s. nursing, you changing profession heart a lot, but in or loss.” greater empathy I had to hide my cares her students develop “In my HR career, nces, she says. “Dr. Frandsen Along with helping personal circumsta how much you care,” professional and don’t have to hide in much she cared for and navigate difficult nts is the legacy and you can tell how of her greatest achieveme about us as students, 2005 to 2013, she Frandsen says one over the years. From her patients.” e nature, is also revered she has fostered . personabl her education for education known conprogram in nursing Frandsen, who is to teaching complex, am proud coordinated the MSN Frandsen says. “I y and efficient approach nurse educators,” for her practicalit Stuesse, “I taught future Pugh and Elizabeth c for all subjects alumnae, Rhonda tent-heavy courses. a story or a mnemoni of Nursing, and to say two of my School example, an best has McAuley s “She either Maryville’ a way that works teach full-time in d the material in as our adjunct faculty.” to help students understan Mohsen. “It’s important many others serve nursing student Ayat nt for them,” says senior and become independe her students succeed to Dr. Frandsen that 13 FALL 2017 | as nurses.”

Dan Donovan

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Jerry Naunheim

nks to the Google Hangout and Skype interview s she has conduct ed with industry experts from around the world. She shares the videos with students in her online classes, and hopes to create a database of experts across disciplin es that can be used in any Maryville course. “There are so many experts, on a global scale, that want to contribu te to student learning ,” she says. In addition to making her course content more compelling, Rasure’s use of technology helps students prepare as job candidates. For example, she uses InterviewStream to conduct mock interviews. She also created a blog where students write posts, which they often add to their LinkedIn profiles. Students in her financial plannin g class are currentl y writing a book on personal financia l planning advice for millennials. They used Inspiration Maps to brainstorm their content in BY LANE BARNHO a visual way, and they’ll LTZ design and distribu the material using te As a child of the the iBook app. MATT RAITHE 1980s, before Students understa L the worldwide mainstream, nd the importa web or mobile Matt Raithel played of having a strong nce devices were his share of video could earn a living portfolio by games. He never designing those graduation. “At imagined he games. the end of this Today, however class, , Raithel is owner I’m going to have of St. Louis-ba games for top my sed Graphite Lab, brands like Hasbro. a published ebook,” name behind which creates His name is in Raithel shares says senior video the credits for his talent and Megan Korte. more than 50 expertise with and motion graphics games. Maryville students as a instructor. “One of my biggest game design “What gets me teaching excited is helping philosophies is to have is something this generation they may never go from thinking outcome for students a solid, tangible be able to do, game design ideas of how ,” Rasure says. to learning how to do it better,” “I want what to do it, and even Raithel says. they’re learning classroom is “Watching that having a thrill.” in class to be useful for discovery happen their job prospec In conjunction in my with the BFA ts. My projects are disguise program in interacti concentration d as homewo in game design ve design, Maryville rk, but the assignm this fall. Offering Raithel says, will launch a ents will actually game noting design curricula benefit that recent statistics them later.” is progressive, $100 billion globally, show the gaming and is expecte industry is worth Although innovati d to grow. “For Maryville nearly on is an integral to recognize that part of Rasure’s and start crafting designers is great teaching philosop a future generati for the students hy, she is careful on to use technolo and for the St. of game Raithel’s classroo gy as an Louis region,” m is set up like aid—not a crutch, he says. team member a production says Korte. studio. Student s, and have a “She doesn’t just level of autonom s are consider Graphite employe push the technolo ed y and respons es. on us and then ibility similar to gy sit in the back “He brings his his corner expertise from and watch us,” running a business Mandy Weber. Korte says. “Profess “He gives everythi into the classroo Rasure is actively or m,” says senior ng a real-wor things we’re involved and ld perspective learning can later engaged in everythi and explains be applied.” Raithel also uses how the ng we’re learning his professional That’s key.” . professionals network to introduc who share insight e students to about real-wor creatives from ld projects. Although working both coasts, Raithel he calls upon St. Louis area, also introduces where video students to develop game design ers in the is rapidly expandin g.

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What are your favorite Teaching 1 articles and memories? Share your thoughts with us at editor@maryville.edu. photos by Richard

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MAGAZINE | MARYVILLE

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION Everyone is now used to Zoom calls, but prior to their ubiquity, Maryville was using technology to connect students with experts. In the Spring 2016 issue, former Maryville professor Erika Rasure, PhD, explained how she used Google Hangouts and Skype interviews to give her students’ learning a worldwide reach. “There are so many experts, on a global scale, that want to contribute to student learning,” she said. Interviews with industry leaders from around the world were shared with her on-campus and online students. Spring 2018 featured associate professor of biology Stacy Donovan, PhD, and her use of a game app borrowed from TV host Ellen DeGeneres. “Biology can be terminology-heavy,” she said. “How can we have a conversation if everybody doesn’t know what the terms are?” Employing DeGeneres’ Heads Up! app, students were charged with finding innovative ways of describing words like “mitosis” and “cytokinesis.” The result was increased class engagement, excitement and understanding.

PARTNERSHIPS Victor Kizer, CSCS, TSAC-F, and the exercise science program graced the pages of the Fall 2018 issue. “In our Human Performance Lab, we tie the science to the practice,” Kizer said. “I look for opportunities for students to do hands-on work in the lab, on the field or at the court.” Partnerships with

the St. Louis Blues and EXOS were cultivated to provide Maryville students experiential learning opportunities crucial to their futures.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Students pursuing a game design concentration at Maryville learn real-world skills from an industry leader. The Fall 2020 issue featured professor Matt Raithel and his company, Graphite Lab. Two Maryville students served as interns during the development of the company’s RollerCoaster Tycoon Story, arranging game scenery in the app and helping with testing and feedback. “This exposed our students to a large-scale project and longer-term collaborations,” Raithel said. Only one year later, in the Fall 2021 issue, adjunct professor of management information systems Mike Lavella shared an innovative approach to faceto-face collaboration in his online Agile Methodology class. Students met up in Minecraft, a video game in which players use building blocks to create structures. Lavella barely knew of Minecraft but was quickly sold on its use in the classroom. “It’s really a fun and interactive way for students to engage with each other,” he said.

DEDICATED PROFESSORS Geralyn Frandsen, EdD, RN, ’83, was highlighted in the Fall 2017 issue, and she shared her enduring enthusiasm for preparing students for the nursing

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profession. “I wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember,” said Frandsen. She shared stories of patient care in her classes, hoping to instill a greater sense of empathy among students. Notably, this was three years before the pandemic placed unprecedented pressure on nursing at large, which impressed an even deeper appreciation of the contributions nurses make to patient health. In the Fall 2019 issue, Kevin Stokes, EdD, shared thoughts on the importance of leadership. “Leading is about changing,” he said. “If you want a doctorate in educational leadership, you must have a commitment to changing things to make them better.” He accomplishes this with study abroad trips, immersing his students in other cultures. “Experiencing something is much more powerful than seeing or hearing about it.” Spring 2022 brought us the story of assistant professor of nursing Demetruis M. Leonard, MSN, RN, ’13, and her 25-year climb up the nursing career ladder. She joined the U.S. Army in 2000 and was eventually deployed to Iraq. Upon returning to the U.S., she completed her bachelor’s at Maryville and advanced her career while raising four children. “I always wanted to set the example for my young African American children that we can do anything we set our minds to,” she said. We look forward to the next 10 years of Teaching 1 features showcasing our professors and their innovative, tech-driven classroom approaches.

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KEEPING CONNECTED

WITH SLACK

BY NANCY FOWLER 18

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

hen Maryville faculty and staff were designing the online Master of Science in speech-language pathology, planners asked themselves: How can we replicate the critical human connection offered by on-ground learning? “We needed to figure out how students could build community,” said

program adviser Caitlin Ladd, ‘09. “The answer would have to involve informal, authentic communication tools — almost like social media — and also allow for the sharing of important, detailed programmatic information.” The solution: Slack, a messaging app and workspace organized into channels for different topics, projects and groups of people. It allows students to connect with professors or their entire cohort at once, and they can also interact in smaller groups. Using Slack, they create and upload videos, share files and crowdsource questions. Notifications alert students to new messages in specific channels.

T H E SLACK AP P CO N N E CT S ONLINE S PEEC H- LA NGUAGE PAT HO LO GY STU DE NTS TO INST RUCTORS A ND ONE A NOT HER.

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One year after the launch of the online program, 100 percent of SLP students are using Slack. In surveys, students noted appreciation for the ways in which the platform helps them feel close to people who may live hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away. “They reported an enhanced sense of belonging and a direct connection with peers as well as faculty members,” Ladd said. FOSTERING LASTING CONNECTIONS

Speech-Language Pathology Program Director Meaghan Goodman is pleased with how Slack lets students interact with each other through online posts as they might in a brick-and-mortar classroom.

after graduation. To drive home this point, Goodman shows students photos of her own graduate school cohort who are still involved in every facet of her life. “Some of them were in my wedding, and a few of them are godmothers to my children,” Goodman said. “All of them are very valuable resources when I’ve been faced with treating a client or a disorder that I don’t really have a lot of clinical experience with.” Students of Maryville’s online SLP program hail from all over the country. They live in four time zones and 20 states — double the number of states from which on-ground students originate. More than half work part time and some full time. Nearly one-third care for aging parents

matter often message each other directly. In many instances, Davis only needs to jump in when she sees an incorrect answer — a single response that would be impossible using older formats. “This eliminates the need for 14 emails to different students about the same question,” Davis said. Davis agrees with Goodman that even as Slack serves as a virtual workspace, it also provides a social glue, something enhanced by photo sharing. She recalled a student who posted a photo of her young daughter with special needs achieving a milestone. In turn, Davis shared an image of her typically introverted son dressed up for his first homecoming dance.

Through the platform, students who have questions about a coursework

or clinical matter often message each other directly. In many instances, Davis only needs to jump in when she sees an incorrect answer — a single response that would be impossible using older formats. “They might ask each other, ‘Hey, did anybody start the project for such-and-such class?’ Or ‘What did the professor mean by this or that?’ ” Goodman said. “Or they might have a question regarding a client and ask, ‘Hey, does anybody have any ideas?’ ” Over the life of an academic program, this kind of regular back-and-forth adds up to valuable connections that last long

The Slack logo is becoming a familiar sight among business and professional users alike.

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

or other loved ones, or they are raising children. As they enjoy the essential flexibility of an online program through the asynchronous Canvas platform, the addition of Slack fosters synchronous connections. As Maryville’s online SLP program grows, Slack is also expanding, said professor Amy Davis. Earlier this year, the platform added a video chat feature called a Huddle. “I might be messaging live with a student and get to the point where I’m like, ‘You know what? This is just going to be easier to tell them face to face,’ so I’ll say, ‘Hey, do you have time for a Huddle?’ ” Davis said. “If they’re at work and they can’t, it’s no big deal, but if they can, you just click a button right there in the message threads, and it starts a video chat.” While fostering closer communication within their cohort and between students and faculty, Slack also gives faculty a break. Through the platform, students who have questions about a coursework or clinical

“When you’re in person, students get to know the names of your kids and see photos of them,” Davis said. “Slack allows that kind of connection.” STUDENTS APPRECIATE FAST RESPONSES

Favorite Slack features include the ability to respond with a quick emoji to let instructors or other students know they saw a message. All messages are archived and easily searchable for current students and future graduates of the online program. Madison Dressler of Topeka, Kansas, is a member of the program’s first cohort who are set to earn their degrees in Spring 2024. Before enrolling in Maryville’s online speech-language pathology program, Dressler had never heard of Slack. “In past online programs, when you email a professor, you might not get a response for a while,” Dressler said. “But with Slack, they can communicate back and forth super quickly, even if maybe they’re at home on the weekend and we have an emergency question.”

AFTER THE LAUNCH OF THE ONLINE PROGRAM, 100 PERCENT OF SLP STUDENTS ARE USING SLACK. IN SURVEYS, STUDENTS NOTED APPRECIATION FOR THE WAYS IN WHICH THE PLATFORM HELPS THEM FEEL CLOSE TO PEOPLE WHO MAY LIVE HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF MILES AWAY.

Recent confusion over a reading assignment was quickly cleared up, thanks to the platform. “One of my classmates noted in Slack, ‘Hey, just so you know, I’ve talked to our professor and let her know,’ ” Dressler said. “And a few minutes later, the professor wrote that we were supposed to be reading chapters eight and nine, not 10 and 11.” Since beginning the program, Dressler has become more and more comfortable with Slack and has seen her colleagues do the same. She feels it allows her to freely ask small questions she might not have asked over email. Some in Dressler’s 24-person cohort wanted a channel in which they could chat among themselves with no faculty or staff oversight. She was pleasantly surprised when the answer was yes. “Their response and the fact they listen to the students showed me that they care that we’re involved with our cohort,” Dressler said. “That they want us to succeed and they’re 100 percent there to help us do that.”

Brittany Leiser-Melton, ’23, of Evansville, Indiana, who just finished her second semester, was extremely hesitant to enroll in an online program. Her fears of feeling disconnected were greatly alleviated by knowing it would include Slack. As a remote literacy tutor, Leiser-Melton was already active on the platform. Between work and school, she said she spends nearly every waking hour on Slack. She finds it the perfect method of communication with her cohort and professors. “Not everybody checks their email, and texting might be too invasive and then your phone’s blowing up all the time,” LeiserMelton said. “So Slack is just a really nice way to connect.” This past spring, Slack helped save the day when Leiser-Melton realized she and her class partner had failed to include citations when they turned in their final project. Even though it was nighttime, she didn’t hesitate to reach out to her partner. “I wrote her, ‘Oh, my gosh, we could potentially get a zero if we don’t go back and rerecord it,’ ” Leiser-Melton said.

Because the partner had Slack notifications set up, she saw the message right away and the pair worked together online to fix it. Their grade? 100 percent. One feature Leiser-Melton enjoys is the mentor channel in which her cohort is connected with another cohort one semester behind theirs. The channel has doubled the number of students she’s forging bonds with for the present and the future. “That’s why I applied to the Maryville grad program in the first place. They listen to their students and understand things like the need for a platform like Slack.” The Slack success stories faculty and staff are hearing from students are so glowing that the app will eventually find a place in every Maryville program — onground and online — according to program adviser Ladd. “Slack is directly tied to our strategic plan and our vision for the University,” Ladd said. “The overall goal for the University is to ensure that all students have Slack as part of their daily lives.”

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EXPLORING A DIMENSIONAL PATH TO

STUDENT

WELLNESS Inside C. Oliver Tacto’s Strategy as Maryville’s Inaugural Dean of Student Wellness

BY TIM FOX

Oliver Tacto, DSW, MPH, CHES®, is a man with a vision, and as Maryville’s inaugural dean of student wellness, he’s confident that he has all the resources to make his vision a reality.

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

“I see my position as an opportunity to use my skill set to cocreate with the community of Maryville in developing a strategy to embed wellness into the everyday lives of students,” Tacto said. “When I learned more about Vice President of Student Life Raphaella Prange’s commitment to creating a sense of belonging on campus, and President Mark Lombardi’s ideas about access and inclusion, I knew it was a perfect fit.” Wellness is Tacto’s passion — but not in the way you might think of it. In 2016, he was completing his master’s in social work at the University of Southern California when the International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Colleges released its Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting University and Colleges. A call for higher education to lead the way in promoting a more holistic view of wellness, the Okanagan Charter was inspirational — and aspirational — for Tacto.

BY TIM FOX

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Maryville first-year student Jillyan Hendricks made Knots of Love Blankets as part of Student Wellness Day in October.

“It’s aimed at creating a university environment that commits all of its processes, systems and built environments to encouraging wellness for all faculty, staff, alumni, parents and students,” Tacto said. “That environment should even extend to the St. Louis community.” For Tacto, wellness is much more than the absence of illness. “At Maryville, I think of wellness as having eight dimensions: academic or intellectual, environmental, social, financial, purpose, physical, belonging, and emotional or mental wellbeing,” he explained.

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

Another important part of the Okanagan Charter is its emphasis on wellness metrics, or key performance indicators (KPIs). KPIs provide baseline measures of campus wellness and monitor progress or growth areas. Tacto’s strategy includes reporting the metrics out to the campus community. “That will allow us to identify who can affect which indicator and start building a common agenda around campus wellness,” Tacto said. “It’s essential that everyone on campus understand our dimensions of wellness, because our student wellness staff can’t be everywhere.”

For example, food service staff recently shared that some students have trouble paying for meals. That led to conversations about food insecurity on campus. “Examples like that are important because they show that a student’s financial and physical health are at risk, too, which can affect their academic wellness and sense of belonging,” Tacto said. Of course, those stressors affect mental and emotional health, too, but Counseling Center Director Verne Wilson said ensuring mental health is everyone’s responsibility — and it can’t be limited to one place.

ENVIRONMENTAL ACADEMIC Engaging in the learner journey to discover new and innovative knowledge and skills.

Thriving in healthy, sustainable and vibrant surroundings that ensure inclusion and safety.

EMOTIONAL Courageously acknowledging life’s challenges through utilizing support and cultivating satisfying relationships.

PHYSICAL Prioritizing the importance

8 DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS

“Therapy doesn’t of vitality and health just happen in through movement, FINANCIAL a room,” Wilson nutrition, sleep and Understanding said. “As counselors, self-care. current circumstances we go out into the and developing literacy community where the while charting a course students are. My staff and toward a secure future. I show up to campus events so that students know we’re PURPOSE there, and we can start building relationships with them.” Seeking fulfillment in SOCIAL The Counseling Center our lives as we also makes the best Encouraging the embrace our true calling, use of Maryville’s built development of beliefs and values. BELONGING environment. The center meaningful connections, Identifying personal now has a main office engagement and a characteristics, identities near the freshman residence vibrant social and strengths while hall and a satellite office near the community. utilizing them to find a place athletic department. in the collective community “Students don’t have to walk across that gives life meaning. campus to find us,” Wilson said. “That’s important for faculty to know, as well, in case a student is facing challenges in their classroom. Our multiple models allow us to serve the greatest number of students as effectively as possible.” “We proposed a question regarding Tacto introduced his vision of campus residence halls because we wanted to see Scan to hear more wellness during the University’s first-ever if there was any correlation between where about C. Oliver Student Wellness Day on Oct. 9. The event students live and their health metrics,” said Tacto’s thoughts was organized by Maryville HEROES, a first-year student Caroline Stolarik during a on wellness student-led organization that Tacto has nature walk that was part of Wellness Day. empowered to spread his wellness message “Dr. Tacto let us choose which wellness across campus. dimensions we wanted to work on based with their schoolwork. What if they also HEROES — which stands for Holistic, on our passions and interests,” added Jill received Oculus headsets to participate in a Empowerment, Research, Outreach, Hendricks, another HEROES student. “My counseling session or to take a virtual nature Education and Support — is the work here gives me purpose every day.” walk during a stressful time? reinvigorated version of a group that had Meanwhile, Tacto is already thinking “We have many ways to embed wellness struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. beyond his wellness vision. on our campus, and technologies like these Under Tacto, its student leaders have “I’m excited about the potential that can be another way to benefit the human even provided input into the new wellness new technologies like AI and virtual reality experience, on campus or elsewhere. That program itself, including adding questions hold for contributing to wellness,” he excites me.” to a new campus health survey. said. “Students already get iPads to help

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FROM SUMMER CAMP TO

S T UDI O Maryville’s CA² program expands into brick-and-mortar space, readying young minds for an open-ended future.

BY NANCY FOWLER

nside a space once known for dozens of retail stores and a robust food court, Maryville is helping St. Louis-area kids gear up for future careers. In September, the University opened its Interactive STEM Studio inside the reimagined Chesterfield Mall, not far from Maryville’s campus. The pop-up space next to The Cheesecake Factory is stuffed with LEGOs, robots, drones and other supplies where kids ages 4 to 16 hone their creativity along with their science, technology, engineering and math skills.

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

The project demonstrates the University’s mission to be a force for good in the community, according to Steve Coxon, professor and executive director of Maryville’s Center for Access and Achievement (CA²). “We’re very excited,” Coxon said. “We’re able to offer classes that are a really good value with phenomenal teachers and provide a lot of access for kids around Maryville’s campus.”

“MOVING FAST ON GOOD IDEAS” The STEM Studio’s inaugural session includes more than a dozen evening and Saturday classes, with offerings for homeschoolers during the school day. A combined 200 kids are taking advantage of the studio’s offerings for a fee of $90 for six once-a-week classes. The idea builds on Maryville’s popular summer robotics camps, which enrolled 1,100 kids this past summer. Coxon and Angelina Moehlmann, program director for the CA² elementary school science and robotics program and the STEM Studio, wanted to serve more children and teens. They also aspired to make use of camp materials — including literally millions of LEGOs provided by a $250,000 grant from the toymaker — for longer than just three months a year. Moehlmann located the inexpensive mall space, and they pitched the idea to the administration. “And we got a really, really quick approval,” Coxon said. “Maryville is all about moving fast on good ideas.” Coxon and Moehlmann worked with STEM Studio Associate Director Dustin Nadler, PhD, and Coordinator Gretchen Roberts to make their vision a reality. The process included a bit of dirty work as they cleaned up debris to make the dilapidated space habitable. “It was very hands-on,” Coxon said.

The Sphero Mini, consisting of an iPad app and rolling balls on the floor, is a cost-effective programmable robot that can be scaled up for multiple levels of coding.

Keeping it hands-on is also a key component of the lab’s classes. In ageappropriate groups, young people learn to program robots and drones, create video games and virtual reality experiences, and build skyscrapers and bridges. It’s nothing like school — no tests, grades or red-pencil corrections, according to Moehlmann. “It’s loud and busy, student-driven and play-based,” she said. “You have a buy-in from the kids when learning happens through the activities they’re doing rather than a teacher just doling out information.”

Even as they enjoy themselves, students are honing their problem-solving skills and spatial abilities while engaging in highlevel processes, including design thinking and prototyping — all components of the modern workplace. “In a rapidly changing world, no one can predict what jobs will actually exist by the time these kids enter into their careers,” Moehlmann said. Still, no matter what the future looks like, understanding how to work with others will remain essential.

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LEGOs play an important role in enhancing learning outcomes at the Interactive STEM Studio.

“What we’re doing gives them not just the hard skills but the soft skills, too — like collaboration and communication,” she said. Giving kids the chance to maximize communication is particularly important right now, according to Coxon. During the pandemic, many were isolated for as long as two years, losing out on opportunities to interact with others. STEM Studio classes are designed to meet each child where they are, taking into account differences in social skills, prior knowledge, learning styles and brain wiring.

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

All in all, the lab provides high value at no cost to the University. Class fees and money collected from events such as birthday parties are used to pay teachers and meet other expenses.

SUCCEEDING “EXCEPTIONALLY” STEM Studio instructor Tarren Fritz enjoyed a decadeslong career as an elementary school teacher. Fritz likes to teach STEM skills in combination with storytelling. When introducing younger kids

to drones, she shows the children how to program them to perform simple tasks such as going forward or backward or making a square. Then, using LEGOs, they build a setting for a dramatic storyline. “It might be that there’s a forest fire and we need to rescue some horses,” Fritz said. “And then we’ll talk about the parameters of the fire and the limitations and constraints of the drone.” Another of Fritz’s lessons marries classical art with math and engineering. Kids work to recreate a Picasso or Monet

Virtual reality headsets are one of many learning tools utilized by students at the Studio.

using LEGOs to form the shapes, colors and textures of the painting. Fritz loves the open-ended curriculumplanning that’s possible only in a non-school setting. “We’re not beholden to standards and we don’t have to meet any certain criteria,” Fritz said. “We based the classes on interest and ideas from the public.” Teacher Matt Sinclair, ’23, enjoys seeing his students work the steps to meet a challenge such as creating a new video game level using Mario Maker design tools. “Their eyes light up and they might say, ‘Oh, I can really see myself getting into this and doing this when I’m older,’ ” Sinclair said. Sinclair enjoys encouraging kids to use their imagination as well as their intellect. In his Dungeons and Dragons class, students learn how to design effective dungeons and create memorable characters such as believable good guys and proper villains. As a bonus, Sinclair likes helping kids take an interest in something that can assist them in making and keeping friends. “Gaming is a great way to socialize,” Sinclair said. “Like, maybe I don’t have a great excuse to hang out with my new coworker, but I know he plays Call of Duty and that’s something we can talk about.” Sinclair applauds the University for expanding its popular summer program into a year-round endeavor. “I feel like that’s a huge thing with Maryville,” Sinclair said. “It’s like, ‘Hey, we succeeded — now how can we succeed exceptionally?’” As Coxon and Moehlmann look to the future, they envision a permanent, standalone space for the STEM Studio. They hope to set up a fund for scholarships. Moehlmann hopes to serve kids coming in for school field trips and Scouting excursions while also expanding their slate of regular classes. “Just as we ask kids to tinker and develop their ideas in our classes, that’s what we’re doing with our programming,” Moehlmann said.

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Q+A

BUILDING A FIRM

FOUNDATION

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

Maryville welcomes Raphaella Prange as the new vice president of student life. Prange comes to Maryville from Millikin University in Illinois and has over 24 years of experience in higher education. She’s proud to be a first-generation college student and the child of a Latin American immigrant. She has a proven track record of supporting student success with strategic and innovative programming.

Tell us about your background and your

path to working in higher education. My father immigrated from Nicaragua, and I am a second-generation Latina American. I am the oldest of five daughters and definitely identify as a matriarch, losing both my parents when we were young. I grew up near Miami, Florida, until I went to college as a first-generation college student. I intended to be a broadcast journalist. I have always been a storyteller, and I aspired to tell stories of the human experience. I believe I do that now in how I advocate for students, helping to narrate their lived experiences on college campuses to ensure their needs are met. I call myself an “educational inclusionist” because I center my work on access and opportunity within higher education. I received my master’s degree in higher education administration from Indiana State University and began my student affairs career at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1998, working in residence life. In 1999, I transitioned to a 24-year-long career at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, where I served in all aspects of student affairs and in the teaching faculty. What are your goals for your new role

at Maryville? We have an amazing opportunity to build a new team within student life at Maryville. I am so excited to foster a team of talented professionals whose passions exist in creating a sense of belonging and success for all students. I plan to work with our fantastic team to create strategies to improve engagement across all student types: residential, commuter and

online. I would also like to bridge a strong cooperation between student life and other areas of the University, with a focus on removing barriers to student retention and persistence. I would also like to become involved in the St. Louis metro area and within organizations that have capacitybuilding impacts for our students. Why did you want to join the

Maryville community? After reading Dr. Mark Lombardi’s book, Pivot, I knew I wanted to work under his leadership. I believe the philosophy of students first as our customers and clients, paired with the groundbreaking use of technology on the Maryville campus, is the innovative and progressive approach all institutions of higher education should be taking. This approach keeps universities relevant and produces the return on investment sought by and needed for our students and their families. After my oncampus interview, I felt so welcomed and knew that Maryville was the challenge and support I needed in my next professional endeavor. What support systems do students most

benefit from? There is no “one-size-fits-all approach” to student support. Empathy is not the enemy of rigor. We can appropriately challenge and support students simultaneously. All students deserve access to equitable support systems based on their lived experiences. Holistically, I believe all students can benefit from trauma-informed practices and strengths-based advising models. At the

foundation of student support, however, is relationships. Our goal should be to make a human connection with each student, utilizing our entire team of faculty, staff and alumni to find that one caring adult who can mentor each student in accordance with their needs and aspirations. Removing barriers of insecurity — whether those are related to engagement, finances, housing, nutrition, or medical and mental health needs — factors into a successful student support strategy. What are some current trends in

student life and student involvement that you’re following? My research and practice interest for the last 10 years has been trauma-informed practices and pedagogy. I believe the study of how the brain, learning and resilience are impacted by trauma and toxic stress, especially in the context of collective and cultural trauma, is critical in shaping our work with students in and outside the classroom. I am also very interested in generational research related to Gen Z and Gen Alpha to inform current student affairs practice. What do you love most about St. Louis?

My most favorite thing is the food! As a foodie, I cannot get enough of the vast opportunities to try food from different cultures and cuisines. Did you know that St. Louis is home to the only Nicaraguan restaurant in the Midwest? Fritanga on Jefferson is amazing and transports me back to my childhood kitchen and to la comida de mi papa.

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, l l e w e r a

S AINT S N AT ION

F FOLKS

Maryville Bids Heartfelt Goodbye to Director of Athletics, Who Will Retire at End of May BY GABRIELLE YOUNG

onnie Folks, director of athletics and recreation, ’82, ’98, has announced his retirement. A St. Louis native and alumnus of the John E. Simon School of Business, Folks began his role as director in February 2018. Prior to being named director, Folks was already a staple in the athletics program. During his tenure at Maryville, which began in 1982, Folks rose through the ranks to become assistant director of athletics and head coach for women’s soccer and softball. In his time at Maryville, he has secured four conference titles, two conference tournament titles and moved the women’s soccer team from a borderline club team to a championship program. He also served as the head women’s basketball coach and sports information director, confirming his transformative leadership has reshaped the landscape of Maryville athletics. “As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Lonnie Folks, we are reminded of the power of dedication,

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

leadership and his transformative role in athletics by shaping the lives of our students,” said President Mark Lombardi. “Lonnie’s tenure has been nothing short of a golden era of mentorship, growth and community building at Maryville. His relentless pursuit of excellence, both on and off the field, has not only uplifted our athletic programs but also fostered an environment of access and opportunity where our students can excel academically and personally. As he steps into retirement, I want to express our deepest gratitude on behalf of the entire University community for his unwavering service.” His tenure is marked not just by achievements on the field but also the profound and lasting relationships he built along his journey. “The relationships that I built here are important to me. I’ve been asked to not just attend weddings of the former athletes, but I have actually been a part of the wedding party more than once,” said Folks. While accolades and victories are a testament to a successful career, it’s the lives touched that resonate in Folks’

legacy. Folks added, “I think about one student-athlete here who came in as a borderline student academically. They not only excelled on the playing field, but also received a master’s degree from the University.” “Maryville would like to thank Lonnie for his many years of service as both a beloved alumnus and employee here at Maryville,” said Raphaella Prange, vice president of student life. “During his tenure, Lonnie has been an established difference-maker for Maryville athletics, leading the creation of several programs and facilities. We are so excited to celebrate him as he moves into the next phase of his connection with Maryville, as a mentor and as a retiree.” Folks expressed pride in the current and future state of the athletic program, the coaching staff in place and the academic success that Maryville’s student-athletes continue to achieve. As Maryville bids farewell to a leader who has truly left the University better than it was upon his arrival, it is done with heartfelt gratitude for a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of athletes and leaders for years to come.

Sherertz Named New Wrestling Coach

harlie Sherertz has been named the new head coach of the Maryville wrestling team. With a proven track record of success and a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the mat, Sherertz is set to lead the team to new heights. “We are delighted to welcome Charlie to the Maryville family. His extensive experience, dedication and commitment to the holistic development of studentathletes align very well with our values,” said President Mark Lombardi. “We believe that under his guidance, our wrestling program will flourish and our student-athletes will thrive both academically and athletically.” Sherertz brings a wealth of expertise to the position, having previously served as the head wrestling coach at Whitfield School in Creve Coeur, Missouri. During his tenure, he developed a reputation for nurturing talent and building a culture of sportsmanship. His accolades include winning Missouri Wrestling Coach of the Year 12 times, 11 state championships and coaching 60 individual state champions. Sherertz’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive team environment has garnered respect from both athletes and peers. Lonnie Folks, director of athletics and recreation, ’82, ’98, shared his enthusiasm. “We are incredibly fortunate to have Charlie Sherertz join Maryville athletics. His passion, extensive knowledge and ability to inspire and mentor studentathletes make him a great fit for our

program,” Folks said. “We look forward to seeing our wrestling team thrive under his guidance and achieve new milestones.” Former coach Mike Denney was the first and only previous head coach in program history. “Coach Denney put the Maryville wrestling program on the map. I’m confident that Coach Sherertz will be able to build upon and enhance the impressive legacy Coach Denney built,” Folks said. As the new head wrestling coach, Sherertz is eager to take on the challenge. “I am honored and excited to join the Maryville wrestling program,” he said. “My goal is to build upon the strong foundation already in place and elevate the team to even greater heights. I am committed to developing well-rounded studentathletes who excel not only on the mat but also in the classroom and the community. I can’t wait to help the program achieve its full potential.” In addition to working with the Whitfield program, Sherertz has coached for the Team St. Louis Wrestling Club since 2005, with prior experience at Berkeley High School and three seasons of experience as an assistant at the University of Missouri. His own athletic accomplishments are equally as impressive, qualifying for the NCAA Division I National Tournament two times in his collegiate career at the University of Missouri while winning a spot on the 1988 NCAA Division I AllAmerica Team. In 1985, he was selected to the USA Wrestling 20U World Freestyle Team where he became a Freestyle National Champion.

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S A I N TS NATIO N

ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS MEN’S

WOMEN’S

SOCCER

VOLLEYBALL

Men’s soccer reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season.

Taylor Hasbrook surpassed 1,000 career digs.

WOMEN’S

TENNIS

Women’s volleyball made its second straight appearance in the GLVC Tournament and advanced to the semifinals for the first time.

Billur Gonlusen and Carolina Velazquez became the first women’s tennis players to qualify for the ITA Nationals Cup.

WOMEN’S

GOLF Effie Perakis finished third overall at the McKendree Bearcat Dual Gender Tournament and earned All-Tournament honors.

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

MEN’S

LACROSSE Fourth-year student Justin Morgan was drafted in the sixth round of the National Lacrosse League Professional Entry Draft. He became the second Maryville lacrosse player drafted by a professional league.

CROSS-COUNTRY Caleb Pyle won the Border War Cross Country 8K meet with a finish time of 26:12.3. Lyric Ford won the Great Lakes Valley Conference Freshman of the Year award and led Maryville to a ninth-place finish at the GLVC Championship.

WOMEN’S

SOCCER

WOMEN’S

FIELD HOCKEY Field Hockey scored six goals in a victory at Marian, setting the school record for most goals in a game. Tia Sansone broke the record for goals scored by a single player in the same game, with four.

Women’s soccer claimed the first Great Lakes Valley Conference Regular Season Championship in program history, celebrating their historic achievement along with their seniors during the final regular-season game of 2023. The team also reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year.

ESPORTS The League of Legends team won its third NACE National Championship in a row, and Overwatch took home its second in a row.

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S A I N TS NATIO N

Maryville Esports Adds Two Teams New varsity squads compete in Valorant and Rocket League BY CHRIS REIMER

n a continuation of the University’s commitment to collegiate esports, Maryville has added two new varsity teams to its national championship esports program. Teams began competing in Valorant and Rocket League in Fall 2023. The Maryville esports program started in 2015 with a League of Legends team. That squad has won five national championships and 22 major tournaments overall. In 2018, Overwatch came to Maryville, and now they are four-time national champions, with 12 major tournament trophies on the shelf. The varsity esports program now competes in four games from its campus home base,

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

the Esports Performance Center, aka “The Lab.” The success of League of Legends and Overwatch meant it was the right time for expansion, said Lonnie Folks, director of athletics and recreation. “As Maryville Esports continues to be the premier collegiate esports program, Valorant and Rocket League fit our profile of staying connected to games that interest prospective students and where we can confidently recruit the top performers worldwide.” Maryville’s esports program now works with several major sponsors, including McDonald’s, 1st Phorm and Under Armour. “These partnerships allow our teams to fund operations, compete in and travel to more events, and support our players

during their educational and collegiate esports journeys,” said Jordan Ousley, esports media director. To accommodate the new squads, the Esports Performance Lab was renovated. Additional team rooms were added, along with soundproofing, new flooring, windows, and a social media and video content creation room. The outlook for these two new varsity teams is bright. “We have a winning tradition at Maryville that I expect will continue with Valorant and Rocket League,” said Dan Clerke, director of the esports program. “Our participation in these games will also allow us to expand our coaching outreach to local high schools as we work to build out the St. Louis esports ecosystem.”

A L U M NI SCE NE

Welcome Back: Homecoming 2023 A week of Homecoming festivities this fall brought alumni, students, faculty and staff to campus to reconnect and enjoy class reunions, lip-sync battles, formal dances, the President’s Reception and Saints sporting events. The Class of 1973 came together at the Golden Circle luncheon in honor of their 50-year class reunion. Current Saints students descended on The Palladium in Lafayette Square for their formal dance, now known as the “Sneaker Ball” (it’s all about the shoes). The weekend culminated with the second annual DeBaun Black Alumni Network Prayer Breakfast and the traditional women’s and men’s soccer games — two wins, Go Saints!

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C L AS S N O TE S

Alumni venture to Austria, Belize, Canada and beyond; designer wins global competition; author promotes literacy with tongue twisters. 1960s 1 Marcelline “Marcie” McNamee

Dairaghi, ’62, ’94, of St. Louis, shares a photo of Megan Dairaghi, ’19, and Jacob Dairaghi visiting their grandmother’s class brick on campus. 2 Colleen “Coke” Hennessy, ’63, of Manchester, Mo., recently returned from a 16-day trip to Italy with her sister, Helen (who was born at the start of Coke’s junior year at Maryville) and two friends. Highlights included visiting Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Florence and Venice. When in St. Louis, Coke continues to offer mindfulness classes through the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center. 3 Jacqueline “Jacque” Thaman

Niekamp, ’66, of St. Louis, recently reconnected with Maryville coach Maggie Durbin Young. Maggie’s mother, Kathleen Hannigan Durbin, ’64, attended Maryville at the same time as Jacque, and 2

they continued their friendship following graduation. Maggie has fond memories of attending Cardinals baseball games with Jacque and her mother and wanted to thank her for her past generosity. This led to Jacque recently attending the next-tolast game of the season for the Women’s Field Hockey team — and they won! Maggie noted that her mother’s twin sisters, Ellen Hannigan Ribaudo, ’60, and Mary Hannigan Fox, ’60, also attended Maryville. Patricia “Patty” Simpson, ’67, of St. Louis, has been selected as a recipient of the annual 2023 Très Bien Award. The Très Bien Award is given by the Associated Alumnae of the Sacred Heart to alumnae throughout the nation who demonstrate the traditions and values of a true child of the Sacred Heart. The award recognizes service or achievement

in the community or to one’s family, church or profession. This year, the Très Bien Award was presented at the annual Villa Duchesne Alumnae Mass prior to the fall reunion weekend. Ann Geis Boyce, ’68, of St. Louis, and her husband, Don, along with Mary Ann Rotermund Diehr, ’68, of St. Louis, and her husband, George, traveled aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train this past summer. The train traveled from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. The food, service and attention to detail on the train rated an A-plus. They also visited Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta, which were beautiful. Other highlights included a walk on a glacier and a float trip on the Bow River. It was a trip to remember. Berta Boix Kapoor, ’68, of Pasadena, Calif., and her husband, Wishwa, recently made the move from Pennsylvania to be closer to their children.

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

Marie “Martha” Roy King, ’68, of St. Louis, and her husband, Jerry, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Ireland. The two split their time between Portland, Oregon, and St. Louis. While in St. Louis, they spend their time working for and being with the residents of Assisi House, which has helped to give over 70 previously unhoused men and women a place to call home. Suzanne “Suzie” Desloge Weiss, ’68, of St. Louis, and her husband, Charles, visited Washington, D.C., in early 2023 to attend a dinner at the Supreme Court — where the St. Louis Inn of Court was among the honorees. Susan “Sue” O’Callaghan Lorenz, ’69, of Chesterfield, Mo., a watercolor artist, was accepted into the annual Art in the Park show at Francis Park in St. Louis. 3

Jan Dunn, RSCJ

wrote Faithful Friend, a biography of Ursula McAghon, RSCJ, in

1946 – 2023

2014, and Catherine Collins:

The Maryville University community mourns the loss of Sister

Innovator with Heart and Vision,

Jan Dunn, RSCJ, ’68, a member of the Society of the Sacred

in 2021. In 2022, Sister Dunn moved

Heart for 54 years. She pronounced her first vows at Villa Duchesne in St. Louis in 1972 and made her final profession

to Houston and joined the

on May 31, 1979, in Rome.

Duchesne Houston Community, where she was to be engaged in

Sister Dunn graduated with honors from Maryville College with a bachelor’s in history. She earned her master’s in

education and retreat work. On

English from Saint Louis University in 1977 and a master’s in

March 27, Sister Dunn suffered

education administration from the University of Houston in

a fatal medical attack, dying

1982. She held certificates as an administrator in Louisiana

suddenly. Her death was a shock to her community and to

and Nebraska. She served on the Maryville board of trustees

the Society of the Sacred Heart. She was loved by many

and on the boards of Stone Ridge School of the Sacred

students, parents and friends and will be dearly missed.

Heart in Bethesda, Maryland, and Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

Sister Dunn was preceded in death by her parents Edward

in Florissant, Missouri. She authored books and articles

A. Dunn and Jane Hebert Dunn. She is survived by her sister

published by the Society of the Sacred Heart. Among the

Jenny Blanc (Mike) of Houston; a niece, Paige, and nephew,

titles were the beloved children’s book Under the Pear Tree,

Evan, and six grand nieces and nephews; and her sisters in

written in 1996, and Life at Sacred Heart in 1986. She also

the Society of the Sacred Heart.

1970s 4 Mary Lund Crider, ’70, of St. Louis, organized a Maryville campus tour for herself and several of her classmates: Jane Rodenfels Hayes, ’70, of Glenview, Ill.; Joan Roach Fee, ’70, of Yonkers, N.Y.; Patricia “Patty” Greene McCulloch, ’70, of New Rochelle, N.Y.; Mary Patricia “Pat” Fernholz, ’70, of Chicago; Nancy Martin Hammond, ’70, of Glenview, Ill.; and Kathleen “Kathy” Sanders Hurst, ’70, of Chesterfield, Mo.

Elzbiata Krasicka Reavis, ’70, of St. Louis, is the subject of a new book by her son, Toni Reavis. The book, Bisia & Isham: the Countess and the POW, is about how she and his father, Isham, met during wartime. After escaping to the U.S. and graduating from Maryville, Elzbiata was a respected and much beloved teacher at Villa Duchesne.

Pamela “Pam” Schilling Korns, ’72, of Naples, Fla., and her husband, Ken, managed to escape the summer heat by spending several months in Michigan. Julie “Smitty” Smith Steinlage, ’72, of Hilton Head Island, S.C., and her husband, Arnie, recently enjoyed a Rhine River riverboat cruise.

From left: Jane Rodenfels Hayes; Joan Roach Fee; Patty Greene McCulloch; Pat Fernholz; Nancy Martin Hammond; Kathy Sanders Hurst; and Mary Lund Crider.

Mary Catherine Bobbett, ’71, of Henderson, Nev., is retired but “on call” to work mornings for two dental offices where she used to work dental hygiene. Mary is also working for the state of Nevada dental board a few times a month as an infection control inspector. Since she is still physically active, she loves helping out where she can!

Kathleen “Kathy” Claus Brinkmann, ’72, of Santa Clara, Calif., and her husband, John, are planning to catch up with several Maryville classmates during an upcoming visit to St. Louis. Nancy Good, ’72, of St. Louis, has moved back to the area from Michigan.

Edmee “Toni” Combs West, ’72, of Downingtown, Pa., recently traveled with her family to Colorado for a family wedding. Sharon Donnelly Woelbling, ’72, of Wentzville, Mo., and her husband, Don, spent time this past summer in Munich, where they met up with two of her nephews. They continued their travels by train to Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna, Austria. Before returning home, they met up with one of Don’s relatives in Leipzig, Germany.

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Claudius Pritchard 1927 – 2023 The Maryville University community mourns the loss of Claudius H. Pritchard, Jr., PhD, president emeritus of Maryville University. Pritchard passed away in South Carolina on June 27, 2023, at age 95. His leadership and impact are still evident today at Maryville, and we celebrate his enduring legacy. Pritchard was Maryville’s first lay leader, serving as president from 1977 to 1992. His tenure was marked by a period of dynamic growth. The NCAA-level Saints intercollegiate athletics program launched under his leadership, and he hosted the initial meeting that led to the formation of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC). Maryville competed in Division III NCAA athletics in the SLIAC until 2009, when it moved to Division II. In 2022, Pritchard was inducted into the Maryville Athletics Hall of Fame. Pritchard also oversaw significant growth through on-campus facility construction, including the John E. and Adaline Simon Athletic Center, the University Library, several athletic fields, Ranch House (later renamed McNally), and Charles M. Huttig Memorial Chapel. Upon

Claudius H. Pritchard, Jr., PhD, was Maryville’s first lay leader, serving as president from 1977 to 1992.

retiring in 1992, Pritchard was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, and

Claudius H. Pritchard, Jr. was born June

70 years, Marjorie Pullen Pritchard, and

years later, the East Wing of Gander Hall

28, 1927, in Charleston, West Virginia. He

four children: Virginia Pritchard Ashby

was named in his honor.

served honorably in the U.S. Navy in WWII.

(Richard), Katherine Pritchard Napier

He was instrumental in building

He received his bachelor’s degree from

(Ronald), Olivia Pritchard Sharpton

Maryville’s initial endowment with the

Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, his

(James) and Claudius H. Pritchard, V

Maryville Centre development. Under

master’s from Longwood University in

(Mary Beth); eight grandchildren; and six

his leadership, Maryville also created the

Virginia and his doctorate from Florida

great-grandchildren.

Weekend College, expanding access to

State University. He worked at Hampden-

adult education in the region. Maryville

Sidney College for 16 years prior to

exceptional leader, let us also celebrate

was the first university in St. Louis to

becoming president of Sullins College

Pritchard’s extraordinary life and

launch such a program. Pritchard also

in Virginia for four years. He arrived

remarkable contributions to the success

oversaw the accreditation process for

at Maryville in 1976 and was named

of Maryville University. We extend our

nursing, physical therapy, interior design

president in 1977.

deepest condolences to Pritchard’s family,

and numerous other programs.

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

Pritchard is survived by his wife of

As Maryville mourns the loss of an

friends and loved ones.

Patricia Connolly Arnold, ’73, of Sugar Land, Texas, is a retired elementary school teacher. She enjoys substitute teaching a couple of times a week. Patricia has five precious grandchildren from her daughter, Courtney, who lives with her husband in Wauwatosa, Wis. Her older daughter, Kathleen, is an intensive care unit nurse in Austin, Texas. Claire Thompson Lawrence, ’73, of Keller, Texas, and her husband, William, celebrated 51 years of marriage on April 3, 2023. The two have five children and eight grandchildren together. 5

5 Stephen C. Huckstep, ’79, of Farmington, Mo., and Stephen “Steve” B. Musial, ’81, of Boulder, Colo., enjoyed another joint family spring break trip in Belize. The two have gotten their families together for beach trips, usually once every year or two since graduation, and reminisced about their enjoyable Maryville years and decades of friendship. Both retired in 2019, nearly 42 years after starting at Maryville, with Huckstep serving as the director for Midwest Transplant and Musial as senior director with AbbVie Laboratories. Both enjoy retirement and time with family, including numerous grandchildren, and annual beach travel.

1980s Patricia “Trish” Roth Goldberg, ’80, of Duluth, Minn., is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic. She specializes in elder care.

Melody Coretta Schroer, ’84, of St. Louis, is the associate professor and coordinator of Paralegal Studies at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Ill. Dr. Michelle Jenkins, ’89, of St. Louis, married Frank Zeller on July 30, 2023. Dr. Jenkins is dean of Maryville’s Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions. Claire Porter Newton, ’89, of St. Louis, is the president of Federal International Inc., a private, familyowned company founded in 1914 and the parent company of business units Federal Recycling & Waste Solutions, Federal Foam Technologies and Federal Eco Foam. She’s the first female, nonfamily member to lead the company. Under her leadership, Federal International became a certified Women’s Business Enterprise. Newton led multiple company acquisitions throughout the U.S. and internationally and oversaw the consolidation of the company’s European business entities in 2021. She spearheaded a companywide donation campaign for war relief efforts in Ukraine and is committed to leading all three business units toward a more sustainable future in St. Louis and globally.

1990s Sarah Roe Sise, ’94, of St. Louis, has joined the Chicago office of Quarles & Brady LLP as a partner in the Labor, Employment and Benefits Practice Group. She is working remotely from her residence in St. Louis, but she works occasionally from the Chicago, Milwaukee, San Diego and Phoenix offices. Sise previously worked for nearly eight years at Armstrong Teasdale LLP, most recently as a partner. She also made partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, where she worked from 1997 to 2015.

EVADINE CHERYL PEYTON HOUCK, ’13

FAITH AND A MUSICAL LIFE BY CHRIS REIMER

Evadine Cheryl Peyton Houck, ’13, never thought she could teach piano, nor write a book. But like many Saints, she found her calling and answered it. She has been a constant presence in the areas of Christian music, piano studies and music therapy in the Alton, Illinois, area during a nearly seven-decade career. Houck began her educational journey in her 40s with an associate degree at Lewis and Clark College, followed by a bachelor’s of music education at Southern Illinois University. While Houck was at Lewis and Clark in the 1980s, a professor told her of a new discipline for music majors called music therapy. “At the time, it went in one ear and out the other,” Houck said. “I was married with four children, traveling with our gospel quartet, doing homework on the bus. I felt I didn’t have the time to dedicate to it, so I dismissed it. I taught music at Lewis and Clark and then retired.” Twelve years later, still retired, she woke up in the middle of the night with thoughts of music therapy front and center. Trusting in her faith, she said, “Lord, if this is something you would like me to work on, you have to send somebody across my path.” Soon after, she was volunteering at a hospital and happened upon a brochure with a reference to Maryville’s music therapy program. Her educational path was set. Houck’s love of music began with piano lessons at age 6, and just 10 years later, a neighbor approached her with a request to provide piano lessons for their child. “I thought, ‘You’re kidding, I’m only 16, I can’t do that.’ But then I realized I could help out a little bit. I dragged my old lesson books out, and I loved it. That was the start of a 64-year career providing piano lessons to thousands of students.” Houck recently published her first book, Roses and Broken Sidewalks: My Musical Journey through Life, in which she shares first-person accounts of the influence of music in her own life. She recently held an autograph celebration at her church. “The congregation turned out and supported me. I sold so many books that day, I had to pinch myself!” Houck’s faith continues to guide her as she brings the joy of music to her students. “I’m still providing piano lessons,” she said. “I’m 80 years old now. I have no problem with my age. Numbers don’t mean anything to me.”

FA L L / W I N T E R 2023

Rosemary Bearss, RSCJ

Duchesne College, as well as a teacher and administrator at Barat

1931 – 2023

College in Lake Forest, Illinois. She

The Maryville University community mourns the passing of

also served on the Provincial Team

Trustee Emeritus Rosemary Bearss, RSCJ, at age 92. Sister

of the United States Province and

Bearss’ spirit and dedication to service through education

as financial director at Coconut

and ministry touched the lives of many throughout her

Grove Cares Inc. in Miami. She

distinguished career.

worked in pastoral ministry with retired sisters of the Society of the

Sister Bearss’ remarkable journey within the Society

Sacred Heart.

of the Sacred Heart spanned more than six decades. She embraced her dual role in classroom and provincial

Maryville remembers

administration, serving as a guiding light for students,

and honors Sister Bearss

colleagues and fellow sisters. Sister Bearss began her first

with gratitude and sends deepest condolences to her

teaching role at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

family and friends, as well as to the Society of the Sacred

in Omaha, Nebraska. She later served as treasurer for

Heart community.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in actuarial science from Maryville University in 1994 and a law degree from the University of Illinois in 1997.

6 Wendy Noory, ’95, of St. Louis, is owner and interior designer of Chromatix Hue and recently won an award from a global design competition, the 19th Annual Hospitality Design Awards. The Chromatix Hue Let’s Begin collection won in the product category. Congratulations, Wendy and Chromatix Hue!

Kimberly Karzen, ’98, of Glenview, Ill., held the first reading of a book tour at the Cascade Public Library for her new book, Tongue Twisters That Teach, in November 2022. The Cascade, Iowa, native previously worked as a high school teacher for 28 years in various Illinois school districts. After taking early retirement from teaching in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic classroom restructuring, Karzen recognized a need to assist students who were falling behind in their reading and writing levels. Karzen designed the book’s tongue twister-themed use of

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

alliteration to focus children’s minds on how words go together, because it entertained them. According to Karzen, Tongue Twisters That Teach is designed for students in prekindergarten through third or fourth grade. Karzen attended Indiana University (IU) and ran crosscountry and indoor/outdoor track on scholarship. After completing her degree in marketing at IU, she went on to get her teaching certification and master’s in education from Maryville University. Karzen is also a 500-hour certified registered yoga teacher. This is Karzen’s first book.

2000s Christina “Christy” Cantú Brooks, ’00, of Wentzville, Mo., is an educational professional with a passion for making a positive impact in the field of education. After graduating with her elementary education certification in 2000 from Maryville, she earned a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix and pursued a second master’s in educational administration, as well as an education specialist degree in instructional leadership with elementary math specialist certification, both from Lindenwood University. In November 2022, she proudly obtained a doctorate in educational technology from Walden University. Currently, Brooks is honored to be an educational consultant at the American Institutes for Research (AIR), a respected nonprofit organization known for its research and technical assistance work in addressing pressing challenges in education, both in the United States and globally.

Dr. Janene Reeves, ’02, ’03, of St. Louis, was recently promoted to associate administrator, Office of the President, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Reeves also participated in a student-led career development webinar at Maryville as an alumni panelist. The event took place through a partnership between the DeBaun Black Alumni Network and the newly formed student organization Black Women Initiative, and it was open to both students and alumni. The panel offered perspectives on career development as Black women in the industries of healthcare, government, nonprofit and corporate. Heather Drury Jokerst, ’07, of Sainte Genevieve, Mo., has been promoted to senior compliance officer for MRV Banks. Jokerst started with MRV Banks in 2019 as a loan processor. In July 2020, she moved to a position in compliance. As MRV Banks’ senior compliance officer, Jokerst will help ensure that the bank’s practices align with state and federal regulations. Jokerst received her bachelor’s in business administration from

Maryville University in 2007. She became a certified community bank compliance officer in 2021. She has been married for seven years, and she and her husband have three daughters. Jokerst says she is passionate about her family and her career. Joel D. Hermann, ’09, ’11, of Chesterfield, Mo., has been appointed to the Children’s Miracle Network of Greater St. Louis Board of Trustees. In his role, he will serve as the dance marathon committee chair, assisting high schools and colleges in the area in raising funds and awareness for this nonprofit through programming and philanthropic efforts. 7 Kara Korte McGarrahan, ’09,

of Edwardsville, Ill., started a fulltime position as an occupational therapist for Granite City School District #9 in February 2023.

2010s Kathryn “Katie” Mannion, ’12, of Chesterfield, Mo., is employed at Verywell Health as a freelance writer and occupational therapy assistant. She has clinical experience across multiple healthcare and education settings. She currently works with the geriatric population in skilled nursing facilities as well as with pediatric patients in early childhood and elementary schools. As a writer, she focuses on

various aspects related to mental health, wellness, relationships and entertainment. Her work has been featured in various publications, including People, and online with Healthline and SheKnows. Amanda Van de Riet Jasper, ’14, and Neal P. Jasper, ’15, both of Fenton, Mo., are excited to announce the birth of their daughter, Adeline Finley Jasper. Adeline was born on April 18, 2023, weighing 5 lbs, 15 oz and measuring 19 inches long.

HALEY BECK, ’21, ’23

A JOURNEY TO ACHIEVEMENT BY CHRIS REIMER

Laraine Luster Davis, ’16, of Kirkwood, Mo., vice president of community and government relations at Maryville, was an honoree at the Missouri Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)’s third annual Tribute to Women Business Leaders Brunch on March 25, 2023 — in recognition of Women’s History Month. Key sponsors of the 2023 Missouri MBDA event included World Wide Technology, Ameren, Maryville University, Regions Bank, St. Louis Development Corporation, the Small Business Empowerment Center, HME Consulting, St. Louis County NAACP and KMOV Channel 4. Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Maryville. Brianna Harrell, ’16, of O’Fallon, Ill., starred in the independent film, Un-Resolved, that aired in August 2023.

In December 2023, Haley Beck, ’21, ’23, walked across the Commencement stage wearing the regalia of a two-time Maryville alumna. Beck earned her first Maryville degree in May 2021, proudly donning the Bachelor of Science in healthcare management hood. She then continued her educational journey at Maryville, earning her master’s in health administration. Yet her path was far from conventional. “I was shy in high school. I wasn’t very confident in myself, but I was a hard worker and always made honor roll,” Beck said. “I grew up in a small town and wanted to go away to college in a big city. I took the ACT and got a call to the guidance counselor’s office. With other students present, he looked at me and said, ‘Everyone scored a 25 or higher except you.’ I just wanted to disappear.” During a subsequent 12-year period, Beck found herself at a community college that seemed more like high school to her. “It was a poor fit for me. But that guidance counselor made me think a great university was out of the question. I left the community college and started cosmetology school.” From age 18 to 30, she worked various jobs and remained skeptical of her chances of earning a four-year degree. At age 30, Beck began attending St. Louis Community College and soon transferred to Maryville. Over a 10-year period, she attended evening and weekend classes, slowly working toward her bachelor’s degree. “I loved coming to campus for classes,” she said. “It was so beautiful, just as I had envisioned it when I was in high school. I didn’t care that I was in my 30s!” Upon graduating (twice), the first thing Beck did was proudly update her LinkedIn profile. “Oh that felt good!” she said. “I did it. I got my master’s. I can say that now.” She works at BJC Healthcare and has plans to become an abstractor. “I’m interested in patient outcomes, and I think I can contribute on the analytics side. In my classes at Maryville, I learned a great deal about the importance of data.” It took 12 years for Beck to reclaim her belief in herself and another 12 years to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Now, at age 42, her achievements underscore the fact that it is never too late to become the person you’ve always aspired to be. “Whatever your goals are, you can achieve them,” Beck said. “Don’t let anyone deplete your confidence.”

FA L L / W I N T E R 2023

In Memoriam

1950s

Johannes Wich-Schwarz

Mary Frances O’Connor Moriarty, ’52 Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Moloney, ’57 Maire Shaughnessy Braun, ’58 Joan Bardenheier Harrison, ’59 Mary Casey Kunderer, ’59 Patricia “Patsy” Dickmann Sheehan, ’59

1966 – 2023

1960s

University. His research interests included

Margaret Pfeffer Gilleo, ’60 Mary “Mary Cay” Callahan Murray, ’60 Kathleen Hogan Maley, ’61 Margaret Anne “Mico” Clark Barkofske, ’64 Susan Crummey Hamilton, ’64 Ann Bernadine Howard, ’64 Patricia Guinan Rushin, ’64 Barbara Lund Wickersham, ’65, ’90 Jan Evelyn Dunn, RSCJ, ’68 Mary Feldewert, CPPS, ’68

1970s Sandra “Sandy” Marie Burke Moehn, ’71

1990s Richard Scott Bradrick, ’99

2000s Jerry M. Davis, ’01

2010s Tia Elizabeth Kingsbury, ’13 Cynthia “Cindy” Kay Berry, ’18

MARYVILLE MAGAZINE

to update the English and

Johannes Wich-Schwarz passed away

philosophy

on April 17, 2023, after suffering from

curricula. His

pancreatic cancer for several months.

colleagues especially

Johannes studied literature, philosophy and religion in Germany, England and

appreciated his

the United States, and he earned his PhD

penchant for

in religion and literature from Boston

catchy, clever course titles.

Modernism, post-Holocaust poetry and

As a teacher, Johannes drew upon

literary translation. His best-known book is

contemplative psychology — his classes

Transformation of Language and Religion

often began with a few minutes of quiet

In Rainer Maria Rilke (Peter Lang, 2012).

consideration, and he preferred to arrange

At Maryville, Johannes served as a

his classrooms so everyone could sit in a

full-time English and humanities faculty

circle. He included active listening and one-

member from 2007 – 2020. He made

on-one conferences in all of his courses,

powerful contributions to the humanities

helping students develop their unique

program, developing numerous courses

voices in a supportive atmosphere.

Evan J. Reister, ’16, of Chelan, Wash., has been selected to continue as the permanent Lake Chelan School District athletic director. Reister took over as interim athletic director on Nov. 1, 2022, and previously served as Chelan Middle School athletic director from 2018 to 2020, as an assistant varsity baseball coach and as a middle school basketball coach. Haley N. Klockenga, ’17, and Dr. Hayden T. Klockenga, ’17, ’19, both of Mount Vernon, Ill., welcomed Amelia Kate Klockenga on Feb. 7, 2023, in Mount Vernon, Ill. Amelia is the little sister of her big brother, Beckham, and her big sister in heaven, Lucy. Caitlin Petry, ’18, of Hannibal, Mo., has joined the Regional Medical Group. Petry earned her family nurse practitioner degree from Maryville and enjoys caring for patients in all stages of their

and helping

lives. “My heart has always been in providing care to patients in small communities and the surrounding rural areas. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to care for patients who may not have the same access to care as those we see in larger communities. I believe everyone deserves accessible, quality healthcare,” Petry said. Petry will be providing care through Hannibal Regional’s Express Care locations. Robin C. Thompson, ’18, ’19, of St. Louis, was promoted to marketing manager at Brown-Forman. Christina R. Carey, ’19, of Albuquerque, N.M., a certified acute care nurse practitioner in gastroenterology, has joined Lovelace Medical Group. Carey earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Governor’s University. She completed both her master’s

degree and Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Maryville. Daniel P. Covert, ’19, of St. Louis, is a financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual. He enjoys being active by working out at the gym, playing slowpitch softball and competing in cornhole tournaments. Aretha Perry Hardrick, EdD, ’19, of St. Louis, began serving as dean of students at Maryville University in June 2023. Kayla Griffith, ’22, ’23, of St. Louis, was hired by Abstrakt Marketing Group as a sales development representative. She shares that she is excited about the opportunities the new role will bring! Emilie Griscom Overberg, ’23, of St. Louis, received a National Council for Interior Design certification in 2023.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE: The Cultural Festival is the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s signature annual event celebrating the many cultures and cultural student organizations that are represented at Maryville University and around the world. Students enjoy performances, food, photo booths and togetherness.

FA L L / W I N T E R 2023

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