Universitas - Issue 34.2 (Summer 2008)

Summer 2008 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University. This is a special issue on new construction on campus, including the Chaifetz Arena and Doisy Research Center.

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Universitas - Issue 34.2 (Summer 2008)
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title_short Universitas - Issue 34.2 (Summer 2008)
title_full Universitas - Issue 34.2 (Summer 2008)
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description Summer 2008 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University. This is a special issue on new construction on campus, including the Chaifetz Arena and Doisy Research Center.
publisher Saint Louis University Libraries Digitization Center
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spelling sluoai_alumni-103 Universitas - Issue 34.2 (Summer 2008) Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University St. Louis University St. Louis University -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Missouri -- Saint Louis -- Periodicals; Chaifetz Arena; Doisy Research Center Summer 2008 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University. This is a special issue on new construction on campus, including the Chaifetz Arena and Doisy Research Center. 2008 2008 PDF utas_summer_08 universitas 2000 LD4817 .S52 U5 Copyright Saint Louis University. All rights reserved. Saint Louis University Libraries Digitization Center text eng Saint Louis University Marketing and Communications Also inside: Student callers Health care mission trips The renovated Rec Center A professor’s Irish discoveries Fold out for a view of the Edward A. Doisy Research Center and the President’s Message » Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit No. 134 221 N. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63103 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Saint L o u is Universi t y Volume 34, Issue 2 E d i t o r Laura Geiser (A&S ’90, Grad ’92) C o n t r i b u t o r s Clayton Berry Marie Dilg (SW ’94) Nick Sargent Nancy Solomon Alyssa Stahr (A&S ’04) “ O n C a m p u s ” n e w s s t o r i e s University Communications Medical Center Communications Billiken Media Relations De s i g n Art Direction: Matthew Krob Universitas is published by Saint Louis University. Opin-ions expressed in Universitas are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the University ad-ministration. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are welcome but will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Letters to the editor must be signed, and letters not intended for pub-lication should indicate that fact. The editor reserves the right to edit all items. Address all mail to Universitas, DuBourg Hall 39, 221 N. Grand, St. Louis, Mo. 63103. We accept e-mail at utas@slu.edu and fax submissions at (314) 977-2249. Address fax submissions to Editor, Universitas. Postmaster: Send address changes to Universitas, Saint Louis University, 221 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103. World Wide Web address: www.slu.edu/pr/universitas.html Universitas is printed by Universal Printing Co. and mailed by Specialty Mailing. Worldwide circulation: 121,844 © 2008, Saint Louis University All rights reserved. Cover photo by James Visser Inside front cover photo by Steve Dolan FALL 2004 WINTER 2005 Welcome to a special issue of Universitas. And welcome to outstanding views of our two newest campus landmarks. Although Saint Louis University is ever changing, rarely does so much happen here during a six-month period. In December we dedicated our new Edward A. Doisy Research Center, and in April we opened Chaifetz Arena — the two largest building projects in our 190 years. (Read in-depth stories on both buildings in this issue.) When you add in our Simon Recreation Center ren-ovations, our first on-campus commencement in 60 years and the record service hours accrued by members of the SLU community, it’s hard not to feel a sense of history in the making on Grand Boulevard these days. Indeed, in a few years when we look back on the openings of these unprecedented buildings, I’m cer-tain that we will see them as clear turning points — moments when Saint Louis University’s place in the city, nation and world changed forever. And although it’s easy to get caught up in what these facilities will mean to our history, I think it’s most important to keep our focus on the future. In other words: We’ve built the structures; now we’ve got to make sure they fulfill their promise. That means new scientific discoveries, lifesaving treatments and cures for disease at the Doisy Research Center. It also means re-energized student life, tournament-winning basketball and an even stronger presence in SLU’s Midtown neighborhood at Chaifetz Arena. In some ways, this next key step is more challenging than constructing both buildings at the same time. That’s because ensuring the promise of these stunning facilities is the responsibility of everyone in the SLU community — students, faculty, staff and alumni. Sure, some will play bigger roles. I cannot, for exam-ple, treat liver disease. Nor am I much of a free-throw shooter. But I can be a supporter of the work, efforts and energy that make these buildings so special. I’m sure you can be, too. You may not know how to operate a microscope, but that doesn’t mean you can’t participate in the clinical trials or help fund the innovative discoveries at the Do-isy Research Center. And, even if you’ve never dribbled a basketball in your life, you can come down to Chaifetz Arena to catch a Billiken game or enjoy a concert. Your days on campus may be over, but please know that these are still your buildings. So I hope you’ll make a point of coming down to visit them to see how they have changed the landscape here at SLU. Besides, the photos in this issue of Universitas are good, but they can’t beat the real thing. Hope to see you on campus soon. Lawrence Biondi, S.J., President President ’ s Mes sage U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 1 The dolphin pond near Ritter Hall. Photo by Kevin Lowder Building for the Future A first look at the new Edward A. Doisy Research Center. By Nancy Solomon At Last An insider view of Chaifetz Arena, which opened in April. Photo by Steve Dolan Photo by Jim Visser CONTENTS DEPA RTMENTS 2 On Campus Commencement at Chaifetz Service sets records New medical school dean One new ad campaign Ignatian Spirituality Conference 50 years ago in Universitas 8 Billiken News New athletic director Farewell to West Pine Billikens meet the Cardinals 9 Advancement News A conversation with Meg Connolly, associate vice president for alumni relations. 39 Class Notes Catch up with classmates. 44 In Memoriam Remembering those members of the SLU community who recently died. 46 Alumni Events Find SLU alumni activities wherever you live. 48 Perspective The face of the MBA ads speaks out. 49 The Last Word Letters to the editor 17 Callers I.D.’d Meet the student phoners who reach out to alumni every night. By Laura Geiser 28 Higher Learning SLU students take their mission of better health around the world. By Marie Dilg 32 Recreation Destination Simon Recreation Center has been expanded and transformed. By Alyssa Stahr 36 Dr. Thomas Finan and the Search for the Medieval Church A SLU professor digs into Ireland. By Nick Sargent 35 Average miles per day registered on each of the center’s treadmills 42 Stationary bicycles in the center 1,500 Average number of patrons each day 534 Lockers in the center » 2 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 3 At the expanded and renovated Simon Recreation Center Students initiated into the Catholic faith On April 20, the Saint Louis University community came together to welcome students embracing the Catholic faith. University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., led the celebration, known as the Sacraments of Initiation, during SLU’s 10 p.m. Sunday Mass. The University usually initiates students once a year during the Easter season. This year, 11 SLU students were initiated. Students had studied the Catholic faith in a program known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults since last fall. During their study, students learned about the fundamentals of the Catholic faith and then made the decision to join the Church. “This is one of the most rewarding spiritual exercises I am happy to do as a Jesuit priest,” Biondi said. “As president of SLU, it’s gratifying to celebrate our students making a commitment to embrace the Catholic faith by seeking voluntarily the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist.” Earthquake Center draws congressional attention With members of the local media in tow, U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan toured the Saint Louis University Earthquake Center in May. He met with SLU researchers to discuss recent seismic activity in the Midwest. A member of the U.S. House of Representatives Science Committee, Carnahan also was inter-ested in learning what Congress can do to ad-vance earthquake research and reporting. The center’s director Dr. Robert Herrmann discussed SLU’s cutting-edge research, which is furthering the understanding of the seismic hazards facing the region. He also explained SLU’s network of earthquake monitoring devices and showed the congressman several new machines that will be deployed into the field after testing. The center keeps an eye on the New Madrid Fault and seismic hot spots in the central United States. During his tour, Carnahan also saw the Uni-versity’s very first earthquake monitoring de-vice, originally installed in DuBourg Hall in 1909. SLU’s Earthquake Center was one of the nation’s first and remains a leader in the field. SLU community gives back in big way In 2007, more than 19,000 members of the Saint Louis University community completed 836,550 service and volunteer hours. It’s the first time ser-vice hours have surpassed the 800,000-hour mark. Student service accounted for about 90 percent of last year’s hours. Nearly 10,000 students contributed service through programs run by the office of community outreach, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and other Greek organizations. Students also complete service projects through their classes and internships as well as through spring break mission trips in the United States and abroad. Faculty and staff completed nearly 100,000 hours, and more than 1,100 organizations were helped last year. And this service work has not gone unnoticed. In February, SLU received national recogni-tion for its outreach efforts when it was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to disadvantaged youth. The award is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement. Honorees for the award were chosen based on several factors, including innovativeness of service projects and the percentage of student participation in service. At SLU, 96 percent of students engage in some form of service during their time at the University. U.S. News gives high marks to SLU’s graduate programs Saint Louis University’s health law program was ranked No. 1 for the fifth consecutive year in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools 2009” issue, which hit stands in March. The geriatrics program ranked No. 14, part-time MBA program No. 16, occupational therapy No. 33, physical therapy No. 41, social work No. 42, medicine No. 54, speech-language pathology No. 60 and clinical psychology No. 92. SLU Celebrates 2008 Commencement at Chaifetz Arena Nearly 6,500 family and friends filled Saint Louis University’s Chaifetz Arena May 17 to witness the first class to celebrate commencement on campus in 60 years. SLU’s commencement outgrew on-campus venues in 1949, when the event moved from West Pine Gym to Kiel Audito-rium, where it remained for 30 years. Commencements then were held in the Checkerdome and more recently at Scottrade Center. University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., said he hoped that the graduates would return to the new arena to attend basketball games, homecoming events and even the graduations of their children. “Regardless of when and why you return, class of 2008, I hope you come back to Chaifetz Arena and remember it fondly as the place where you ended one great journey and began another,” Biondi said. FOX television network play-by-play announcer Joe Buck delivered this year’s commencement address. “What a thrill this is for me, a lifelong St. Louisan, to participate in the first graduation ceremony in this beautiful new jewel, Chaifetz Arena,” Buck said. Before he offered the graduates some advice, Buck dedicated his com-mencement address to Ryan Green, a physics major, who was sporting a large mohawk. (Buck had spotted him before taking to the stage.) The quip drew big laughs and applause from the capacity crowd. The laughter kept coming as Buck declared that the honorary doc-torate he was about to receive would allow him to perform routine medical procedures. “I am scheduled to handle my first angioplasty this afternoon,” he said. “I’m restructuring (injured Cardinals pitcher) Mark Mulder’s shoulder tomorrow morning and (struggling Cardinals reliever) Jason Isringhausen’s psyche tomorrow night.” Buck then got serious, sharing his own success story. Family con-nections, he said, gave him access to the broadcasting booth — his late father Jack Buck was a Hall-of- Fame broadcaster and former voice of the Cardinals. His father also delivered SLU’s commencement ad-dress back in 1995. “I admit that I got in the door because of my last name, but after I got rolling, either I was going to be good enough or I wasn’t,” Buck told the graduates. “Either I could handle the pressure or it would handle me.” Ultimately Buck handled the pressure and went on to become one of the most respected names in sports broadcasting. During his career, he has called some of the most memorable moments in recent sports history. Hard work and relentless preparation propelled him to the pinnacle of his profession, he said. Buck also reminded the graduates that the real world is very dif-ferent from college life. “Successful people don’t earn Bs. They don’t get extensions for work assignments. And they can’t just turn off the alarm because they don’t feel like going in. “Do your best,” Buck said. “Have a plan and find out how great you can be. I’m counting on you. This world needs you. Believe me.” After the speech, Biondi conferred honorary degrees upon Buck, Charles and Shirley Drury of Drury Inns Inc., and Build-A-Bear Workshop founder Maxine Clark. As the ceremony closed, Timothy McMahon, S.J., provincial of the Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, offered an invocation, call-ing upon God to bless the graduates. “Fill their minds with your love of knowledge, so that they will be wise and prudent,” he prayed. “Touch their hearts, so that they will overflow with compassion and love. Open their eyes, so that they will recognize those who are lost and lonely. And keep them close to you, so that one day they might share in your eternal life.” — Clayton Berry Buck delivers the commencement address. Parks graduate Green. Biondi baptizes freshman Brandon Murray. Herrmann (left) and Carnahan. Photos by Steve Dolan Photo by Matt Schlanger, St. Louis Photo Group Photo by Alyssa Stahr Ads offer one view of SLU In December, Saint Louis University unveiled a new marketing campaign highlighting what makes the University unique and exceptional — teaching, service and commitment to community. Designed to enhance SLU’s local and regional image, the campaign informs people about what Saint Louis University means to St. Louis. Through billboards, newspaper print ads, theater program placements and radio spots, the ads reiterate the idea that “Saint Louis University is the one.” Messages include: Millions of lives changed. One Jesuit mission. $1 billion invested in St. Louis. One lasting commitment. Rocket scientist. Brain surgeon. Social worker. One great place to achieve your dreams. For more about SLU’s “One Campaign,” visit www.slu.edu/one. 6 Cases of strawberries and 3 cases of bananas mixed into smoothies each week. The most popular smoothie flavor is strawberry-banana. 26 Televisions in the center 704 Feet of indoor track 35,000 Square feet of gym floor area » News Briefs In May, Dr. Neil Seitz, professor of finance in the John Cook School of Business, received the 43rd annual Nancy McNeir Ring Award for Outstanding Faculty. The award, given annually by Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor society, is the oldest student-initiated teaching award at the University. Seitz joined the SLU faculty in 1975, and from 1993 to 2002 he was dean of the business school, overseeing the $15 million addition of the John and Lucy Cook Hall. In the fall of 2002 he returned to the classroom. The award is named for the University’s first dean of women. Dr. Rick Chaney, Madrid Campus vice provost and dean, has completed his service there and will be returning to the faculty of the John Cook School of Business, after taking a sabbatical in the fall semester. During his 16-year tenure, Chaney helped increase enrollment, build a strong academic foundation and create a complete campus environment for students. Currently, SLU Madrid enrolls approximately 650 students each semester — the maximum capacity for the campus. Frank Reale, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, is serving as interim vice provost while a search is initiated for Chaney’s replacement. More than 20 members of the SLU community will travel to Sydney this summer to participate in World Youth Days, a week for the world’s Catholic youth to come together to form friendships and gain a better understanding of other countries, cultures and the Catholic faith. The group will visit Australia July 10-26, and members will be posting their experiences online as “virtual pilgrims” at worldyouthday.slu.edu. Dr. James DuBois, director of SLU’s Center for Health Care Ethics, has been elected as a representative on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council. DuBois, who is the Mäder Professor of Health Care Ethics, will serve a four-year term representing Eastern Catholic Churches from Region 15. Michael Lauer is SLU’s new director of public safety. Prior to arriving at SLU, Lauer spent 20 years with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Lauer reports to Sam Simon, the former director of public safety for the City of St. Louis and a 22-year veteran of the St. Louis police department. This fall, Simon filled a new role at the University: director of emergency preparedness. Combined, the pair boasts nearly 50 years of experience in the field. They once worked together in the police department and are both graduates of the FBI National Academy. Dr. John Watzke, chairman of the department of educational studies, is the new interim dean of the College of Education and Public Service. Watzke came to SLU last year from the Institute for Educational Initiatives at the University of Notre Dame. Marking a trend in nursing education that responds to the need for nurses to know more, Saint Louis University School of Nursing is launching a new online doctoral program for advance practice nurses. Nurse practitioners who have their master’s degrees may apply for the online doctor of nursing practice, which begins this fall. SLU’s program is the only one in the St. Louis area and one of two in Missouri. 4 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 5 At the expanded and renovated Simon Recreation center Fair unites schools in honoring King Student leaders from Saint Louis University and Harris-Stowe State University organized a fair honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in April. The Dream Keepers’ Fair was held along Compton Avenue between the two universities and commemorated the 40th anniversary of King’s assassination. The student governments of Harris-Stowe and SLU formed the Dream Keepers Part-nership last April to raise $10,000 for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project in Washington, D.C. Since then, stu-dent governments from every college and uni-versity in the St. Louis metropolitan area, as well as a couple of young professional associa-tions, have joined the effort. Collectively, they call themselves the St. Louis Dream Keepers. Medical professors named to endowed positions Two professors at the Saint Louis Univer-sity School of Medicine recently have added new titles to their credentials. Dr. Mark Varvares (Med ’86), chairman of the department of otolaryngology ­– head and neck surgery, is the inaugural holder of the Donald and Marlene Jerome Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. The chair is named for Dr. Donald Lee Jerome, (Med ’61) of Swansea, Ill., and his wife, Marlene. Jerome, a strong supporter of the School of Medicine, was in private practice as an otolaryngologist in Belleville for 33 years before retir-ing. Varvares also is director of the Saint Louis University Cancer Center and is conducting research on head and neck surgical oncology. Dr. Arthur Labovitz, director of the division of cardiology, is the inaugural Jack Ford Shelby Endowed Professor in Cardiology. The professorship is named for Jack Ford Shelby, chairman emeritus of Camie-Campbell Inc., former chairman of the board of the St. Louis Heart As-sociation and a longtime benefactor of the School of Medicine. Labovitz is director of SLU’s cardiac imaging laboratory and participates in many research studies that are supported by the National Institutes of Health and private industry. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to the diagnosis and management of cardiac disease. Varvares Labovitz Doctorow to receive Literary Award The Saint Louis University Library Associates have selected author E.L. Doctorow as the recipient of the 2008 Saint Louis Literary Award. A recognized novelist, playwright, lecturer and essayist, Doctorow’s works include Welcome to Hard Times, The Book of Daniel, Ragtime, Billy Bathgate, The Waterworks and City of God. In a career that spans more than three decades, Doctorow’s honors include a National Book Award, three National Book Critics Circle Awards, two PEN/Faulkner Awards and the presiden-tially conferred National Humanities Medal. Now in its 41st year, the Saint Louis Literary Award has been presented to a distinguished list of literary figures, including Joyce Carol Oates, Saul Bellow, Arthur Miller and John Updike. The award will be presented Thursday, Oct. 23, in the Anheuser-Busch Auditorium of John and Lucy Cook Hall. This event is free and open to the public. New School of Medicine dean named On April 1, Dr. Philip O. Alderson took the reins as dean of Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Alderson most recently was the chairman of the department of radiology at Columbia University and director of radiology service at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia. He also was the James Picker Professor of Radiology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. “When I came for my interviews at Saint Louis University, I was particularly attracted by the school’s authentic tradition of education and service,” Alderson said. “In addition, the new Doisy Research Center is tangible evidence of Saint Louis University’s commitment to high-level research.” A nuclear medicine physician and general diagnostic radiologist, Alderson is the 12th dean of the School of Medicine. He succeeds Dr. Patricia Monteleone (Med ’61, Pub Hlth, Grad Cook ’91), who retired after serving as dean for 14 years. Hop to it: The Easter Bunny paid a visit to Saint Louis University’s eighth annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 22 and left more than 9,000 eggs for children and grandchildren of alumni to find. The event drew more than 2,300 people to campus. Nursing is a stand-alone school again In January after review and discussion with faculty, staff and leadership at the Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University administration recommended restoring the School of Nursing to its status as a stand-alone school. However, the decision comes with the understanding that the interdisciplinary gains made when the schools were united will continue and will be enhanced. This move, approved by the board of trustees in May, is designed to further enhance the national reputation of SLU’s School of Nursing and allow the school to focus more attention on recruiting top-notch nursing faculty and students. Dr. Teri Murray (Nurs ’79, Grad Nurs ’93, ’97), who was director of the school, now is the dean. Murray joined the School of Nursing in 2005 and is president of the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Billiken at Busch: Before a capacity crowd at Busch Stadium, the Saint Louis University Billiken threw out the first pitch at the St. Louis Cardinals game May 4. A sellout crowd of 44,969 was on hand to watch the Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 5-3. The Billiken was there to begin the festivities for his 100th birthday, which is officially Oct. 8, 1908, the day he was patented. Look for an article on the Billiken’s 100 years in the next issue of Universitas. SLU Provost Joe Weixlmann (center) speaks at the fair. Photo by Alan D. Krauss Photo by Jim Herren Photo by David Nolda 6 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 7 The March 1958 issue of Saint Louis University Magazine featured a cover story on the role of Dr. Alfred Weber, then head of the University’s physics department, in launching the first U.S. satellite. In addition to his SLU professorship, Weber was a nuclear physicist at the Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. In other news around campus, it was reported that the cornerstone for Pius XII Memorial Library was laid Feb. 2. And another item outlined the men’s basketball Billikens’ winning season thanks to “the improvement of Bob Ferry (A&S ’59),” who went on to play 10 years in the NBA and then serve as general manager of the Washington Bullets. The issue also included a story documenting the recent completion of the University’s microfilm collection, which reproduced approximately 11 million handwritten pages from the Vatican Library in Rome. SLU still houses this collection and, as reported in “Treasures To Behold and To Be Held” in the fall 2007 issue of Universitas, it remains an important tool for researchers, especially since the closure of the Vatican Library for a three-year renovation. Sign of the Times “[Nuclear energy] is not only inevitable, but really necessary, for we are simply running out of the fossil fuels like gas, oil and coal. Not only rockets, but the whole world, will one day be powered by nuclear energy.” — Dr. Alfred H. Weber, then the head of the physics department, in the story, “In Redstone’s Orbit” Quotable UTAS “Large-scale organization, whether political, social or economic, gives man greater opportunity to exercise his stewardship over the earth.” — Walter J. Ong, S.J., then associate professor of English, on how technology can help protect the earth’s resources 28 Intramural basketball games each week 200 Approximate number of student workers 16 Stationary bikes in the spinning room 5 Multipurpose rooms in the center 4 Racquetball/handball courts in Simon Recreation Center • • • • • • • At the expanded and renovated Simon Recreation center t h e A R T S a t SLU SLUMA welcomes ‘Discerning Palette’ Through Aug. 15, the Saint Louis University Museum of Art is presenting “Discerning Palette: Jerry O. Wilkerson Retrospective.” The exhibition features a pop art-inspired perspective of food — lobsters, oysters, hamburgers and hot dogs — presented via an intense fusion of small, painted dots of color in a pointillist style of painting. Wilkerson’s work questions the relationship of a consumer-based society to the very things that it consumes — food particularly. His art is not limited to canvas, but also includes sculpture using the same imagery as well as quilt works that are a patchwork of pizza slices and hot dogs. SLUMA is open 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, visit sluma.slu.edu. MOCRA’s exhibit looks back on 15 years Saint Louis University’s Museum of Contemporary Religious Art opened in February 1993 as the world’s first interfaith museum of contemporary art that engages the spiritual and religious dimensions. To mark its 15th anniversary, MOCRA will present two major exhibitions during fall 2008 and spring 2009 that draw primarily on its own growing collection. Opening in September is an anniversary exhibition celebrating the interfaith dialogue MOCRA has fostered. This exhibition will include works by more than 20 artists who have exhibited at MOCRA since its beginning. In spring 2009, MOCRA will debut a newly developed exhibition titled “Good Friday” that will explore the themes of passion, suffering and death. For more information, visit mocra.slu.edu. Florida Gold. Acrylic on wood, 1992. MOCRA’S ORIGINAL INSTALLATION IN 1993. SLU to host conference on Ignatian Spirituality Anational conference to educate and en-courage those who practice Ignatian spiritual-ity as well as those involved in works rooted in Ignati-an spirituality will be held July 24-27 at Saint Louis University. It is sponsored by SLU, the Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus and the St. Louis Center for Ignatian Spirituality. The conference, “Ignatian Passion: The Challenge of the Cross in the 21st Century,” will feature major presentations and small group workshops. Keynote presentations will explore the role of Christ’s passion in the Spiritual Exercises, as conceived by Ignatius’ experience at LaStorta; what Ignatian pas-sion looks like today; and what formation and foundation are needed by people who follow Ignatius to be sent on mission. Five-hundred lay people, Jesuits, clergy and other religious men and women interested in Ignatian spirituality are expected to attend. Held every third year since 1999, this is the fourth national conference on Ignatian spiri-tuality hosted by Saint Louis University. Making a hall: Saint Louis University dedicated Monteleone Hall on May 12 in honor of Dr. Patricia Monteleone (Med ’61, Pub Hlth, Grad Cook ’91), who retired this year as 11th dean of Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Monteleone Hall, at 1438 S. Grand Blvd., houses the department of neurology and psychiatry, and is used for academic offices, patient treatment and clinical research. A pediatrician with expertise in medical genetics, Monteleone became one of the first women to lead a U.S. medical school when she was appointed dean in 1994. SLU alumni participate in election of new jesuit leader In January, Jesuit electors from around the world chose Adolfo Nicolas, S.J., as the 30th superior general of the Society of Jesus. He now leads nearly 20,000 Jesuits worldwide, including 2,900 in the United States, and is the 29th successor to St. Ig-natius Loyola, who founded the Jesuits in 1540. Nicolas was the president of the Jesuit Conference of East Asia and Oceania and the former Provincial of Japan. Of the 25 U.S. Jesuits who attended the General Congregation as voting mem-bers, 10 had a strong Saint Louis Univer-sity connection — nine are SLU alumni, and one is a former trustee. Representing the Missouri Province were SLU alumnus and faculty member Doug Marcouiller, S.J. (A&S ’81), professor of economics, and Provincial Tim McMahon, S.J. (A&S ’80). In all, 217 Jesuit electors from around the world gathered in Rome for the vote during the 35th General Congregation. Remarkable relay: The student-led Saint Louis University Relay for Life was held April 19-20 at Robert R. Hermann Stadium and raised $161,018 for cancer research, education and advocacy. One of SLU’s most popular events, the overnight fundraiser recognizes cancer survivors and features a luminaria lighting ceremony, music and team competitions. Missouri Province Jesuits with the new superior general during the General Congregation in Rome. From left: Thomas Rochford, S.J. (A&S ’70); Steven Hawkes-Teeples, S.J. (A&S ’86); Mark Kramer, S.J.; , Adolfo Nicolás, S.J.; Douglas Marcouiller, S.J. (A&S ’81); Timothy McMahon, S.J. (A&S ’80); William Oulvey, S.J. (Grad ’79); and James Swetnam (A&S ’50, Grad ’52, ’60). Center for Liturgy marks 10th Composers Forum Saint Louis University’s Center for Liturgy sponsored its 10th annual Liturgical Composers Forum on campus in January. The forum is the only such annual gathering of published liturgical composers from English-speaking countries in the world. It originated under the direction of John Foley, S.J. (A&S ’68, Grad ’68, ’74), the center’s director. “In the first meeting 10 years ago, my hope was that composers of Catholic Church music could come together, pray and work together, and most of all get to know one another,” Foley said. “This has happened in abundance, and the proof is in co-written compositions, shared life and even one wedding as a result.” Attendance at the forum is by invitation only. This year about 50 composers took part. Most participants were from the United States, but there also were representatives from Canada, England and Australia. Attendees included SLU alumni Roc O’Connor, S.J. (A&S ’73) and Dan Schutte (A&S ’72). Monteleone (left) at the dedication. Photo by Alyssa Stahr Photo by Alyssa Stahr Photo by Kevin Lowder 8 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 9 billiken beat SLU led all league schools with 114 student-athletes named to the Atlantic 10 Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll for the fall 2007 semester. Student-athletes named to the A-10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll completed the fall semester with a 3.5 grade point average or better. On Feb. 27, the SLU baseball team faced the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday in an exhibition game at Roger Dean Stadium on Jupiter, Fla. Though the Billikens fell to the Cardinals 15-2, SLU head coach Darin Hendrickson was grateful for the unique chance to face a major league team. “I’m not taking any stock in the box score,” he said. “This was just a great opportunity for our young pitchers to face the quality of hitters here.” In January, one week after starring for the United States in a match against Sweden, former Billiken Brad Davis was recalled to U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., to officially join the national team. An All-American at SLU in 2000 and 2001, Davis completed his sixth season in Major League Soccer by helping the Houston Dynamo capture its second straight MLS Cup. Saint Louis University senior midfielder Brian Grazier was selected by the Colorado Rapids in the fourth round (47th overall) of Major League Soccer SuperDraft in January. Grazier joined the Billikens in 2003 after competing for the U.S. Under-17 National Team. He made an immediate impact his freshman season, picking up Conference USA All-Freshman Team accolades. This season, Grazier played in 13 games and helped the Billikens to a 12-2-5 record. Saint Louis University had five programs honored in the NCAA 2008 Academic Progress Rate public recognition awards. The Billiken sports recognized are men’s basketball, men’s cross country, men’s outdoor track and field, women’s outdoor track and field and women’s volleyball. The recognized teams posted multiyear APR scores in the top 10 percent of all squads in their respective sports. May is SLU’s new athletic director On March 1, Chris May started work as Saint Louis University’s director of athletics. May came to SLU after spending the previous 22 years at the University of Colorado. “As we make our decisions, our more than 300 stu-dent- athletes will be first and foremost on our minds,” May said during his introductory January press con-ference. “We will deliver them great academics, great athletics, give them the leadership skills it takes to be successful and also give them the career skills it takes to be successful people.” May had been with the University of Colorado athletic department since 1985, taking on increas-ing responsibilities, including marketing, major event management, corporate sponsorships, hiring of coach-es, executive management of sports teams, fundraising and building relationships on and off the Colorado campus. From 2002-2005, May had daily administrative oversight of men’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s soccer and men’s and women’s track and field. He took a leadership role in the “Your Team” campaign for the Colorado athletic department, which focused on ticket sales, fundraising and image-building. The fundraising plan generated more than $1 million annually in new revenues. He also was co-chair of the development and implementation of a 10-year strategic plan for the department. “Chris is very determined that athletics will become more fully integrated into the Uni-versity and with the St. Louis community,” said University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. “Chris will tell you that he sees his role as AD as being part of the larger SLU team, with everyone working together toward our common goal: to build a more successful and nation-ally prominent sports program at Saint Louis University. I believe we have selected the right person in Chris May to lead that effort. Chris is committed to making Billiken athletics the best it can be.” May has served on NCAA and Big 12 committees and has coordinated major events, including men’s basketball NIT appearances and the annual Colorado-Colorado State foot-ball game in Denver. He is a former chairman of the Big 12 Ad-hoc marketing committee and member of the Metro Denver Sports Commission. May received a bachelor of business administration degree from Iowa State University in 1985 and an MBA from the University of Colorado in 1988. He was a track and field athlete at Iowa State. Last Hurrah: On Feb. 27, the Billiken women’s basketball team played the last-ever game in the Bauman-Eberhardt Athletic Center, formerly the West Pine Gym. Left: The Billikens taking on the Temple Owls in that final game. Right: Coach Shimmy Gray-Miller waves goodbye to the crowd. Having been with the Saint Louis University alumni relations office for 13 years, Meg (Burnes) Connolly (A&S ’90, Grad ’92), now associate vice president for alumni relations, knows her stuff. Here she explains her department’s role and the many ways alumni can get involved. Describe alumni relations. Alumni relations is a key component of the advancement division, which also includes marketing and development. Our job is to build engagement. As students, alumni just spend a few years here on campus, but their relationship with Saint Louis University goes on for a lifetime. We try to help alumni understand how we are interconnected and how they can still be involved in the growth, development and future of SLU — because what’s happening here today benefits them and increases the value of their degrees. We also help alumni look back at their great student experiences through reunions and other events. But really it’s about forming a relationship that not only looks back nostalgically, but that is going to benefit both the alum and SLU far into the future. How has technology changed alumni relations? On a given day I interact via e-mail with up to 50 alumni, and that’s just me — several others in our office are doing the same or more. Add to that the more advanced technology of our online registration. Take for example Homecoming, which routinely draws around 3,000 people. When we first started online registration a few years ago, maybe 15-20 percent of the alumni registered online. For Homecoming 2007 it was more than 80 percent of our attendees. The alumni can register when it’s convenient for them — not just when we have office hours. We’re also doing e-mail-only marketing for many of our events because people love the immediacy that this offers. So if you haven’t provided your e-mail address to SLU, please do so by sending an e-mail message to alumni@slu.edu. We promise we won’t burden you with too many messages, and you’ll be the first to hear about our sellout events and news. We’re also in the late stages of expanding our online offerings, where you’ll be able to not only register for events but also search for classmates and get back in touch with long lost friends. It’s going to be completely interactive, and we will send alumni a lot more information shortly. What is a typical week like for you? I’m not sure there is a typical week, but in a given year we do manage more than 230 events and meetings around the country and in St. Louis. We might start the week in Los Angeles with a pretheater alumni event at Wicked. Then we might come back to St. Louis for a pregame basketball event. Then we may go to an admitted student reception in Omaha, Neb., to assist with recruiting. So it really does vary. Who are your audiences? We have two different constituent groups. First we have clubs in 23 cities around the country, generally based in areas where we have at least 500 alumni — Boston to Seattle — and we try to gear programming that works best in those communities. Alumni in those cities often have no idea how many other SLU alumni live close by. Secondly, for our local alumni, we do overall and school-specific events. The overall events are aimed at our 40,000 St. Louis-area alumni and include basketball games, theater outings and family events like the Easter Egg Hunt, which brings more than 2,300 alumni and their families back to campus. Our school-specific events target alumni from particular schools and colleges. For example business alumni might attend a lecture, or A&S alumni might hold a retreat. How can alumni get more involved, wherever they live? We know that time is precious. So we want alumni to find the connection that best works for them. One way is simply attending the fun, service or educational events that we organize here in St. Louis or for our club cities. Locally, we also have advisory boards and reunion committees that help plan events, and we always welcome more participation in those. But one of the primary ways that alums can really help, particularly outside of St. Louis, is with admissions. We’re a wonderful university, and everybody who graduates from SLU knows the quality of our education. Our alumni are the best salespeople we have to recruit the next generation of Billikens. So we invite alumni to volunteer at college fairs across the country. This year they’ll help staff more than 70 college fairs, and we’d love to have more alumni involved. Even if you can’t commit to that, maybe you’d be willing to make a few phone calls to admitted students from your area — or even write a letter to a potential student sharing your SLU experience. Those aren’t big time commitments but are some amazing ways that alumni can make an incredible difference in SLU’s future. For more information about upcoming alumni events, see pages 46-47 of this issue or visit alumni.slu.edu. To get more involved, e-mail alumni@slu.edu or call (314) 977-2250. Photos by Steve Root Junior pitcher Chaz Salembier Photos by Steve Root Photos by Dave Preston Photo by Dave Preston U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 11 Building for the Future - By Nancy Solomon Take an up-close look at SLU’s high-tech facility, the Edward A. Doisy Research Center. The 10-story Edward A. Doisy Research Center features a fleur-de-lis lantern in the shape of Saint Louis University’s logo, which glows blue at night and can be seen for miles. Dhanam Anbukumar, a graduate student in Dr. David Ford’s laboratory. Ford is the director of SLU’s Center for Cardiovascular Disease Research. “Green” from the start, 79 percent of all construction waste generated while building the Doisy Research Center was recycled. The distinctive, triangular-shaped building totals 206,000 square feet. Photos by Steve Dolan, unless otherwise noted Saint Louis University launched a new era in biomedical research on Dec. 7 with the dedication of its new Edward A. Doisy Research Center. At $82 million, the building is the most expensive construction project in the history of Saint Louis University. It is named for the late Dr. Edward Doisy, a Nobel Laureate and professor at Saint Louis University who was internationally recognized for his pioneering work in the field of biochemistry and his discovery of the chemical property of vitamin K. (See sidebar on this page.) “The Edward A. Doisy Research Center is the most significant building project in the modern SLU era,” said University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. “After years of planning, our dream of a state-of-the-art research facility is a reality. I know that the work being done here will touch many lives far beyond the walls of this structure and will keep Saint Louis University on the forefront of cutting-edge medical research.” A Legacy of Learning A tangible display of Saint Louis University’s commitment to the Midtown area, the 10-story glass and steel facility is the new research home of Saint Louis University scientists working in five key areas: cancer, liver disease, heart/lung disease, aging and brain disease, and vaccine development. “During his five decades as a professor at Saint Louis University, Dr. Doisy inspired greatness in his students and colleagues,” said Dr. Patricia Monteleone (Med ’61, Grad Cook, Pub Hlth ’91), former dean of the School of Medicine, at the building’s dedication. “What a fitting legacy that a building named in Dr. Doisy’s honor will be a new research home to Saint Louis University scientists engaged in medical discoveries to fight disease and human suffering.” 12 U NI V E R S I TA S w w w. s l u . e d u Left: The lobby of the Doisy Research Center includes the SLU seal In the terrazzo floor. Top right: Biondi blesses the building at the December dedication. Lower right: The entrance to the Joan and Joseph Lipic Cloister Walk leading to the research center. Dr. Edward A. Doisy Saint Louis University’s new biomedical research building is named for Dr. Edward A. Doisy, a Nobel Laureate and SLU professor of biochemistry for five decades. Doisy founded SLU’s department of biochemistry and molecular biology in 1923. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology of Medicine in 1943 for his work in determining the chemical nature of vitamin K, which is an essential component in blood coagulation. His discovery set the stage for a lifesaving treatment for patients who were bleeding profusely — giving injections of vitamin K to clot blood. In 1929, Doisy reported what he considered an even greater accomplishment, the isolation and chemical characterization of estradiol, a female sex hormone that is critical for reproduction and normal bone structure. He also improved methods used to study insulin and contributed to understanding more about antibiotics, the system that regulates blood pH levels and how the body processes food. Doisy retired from SLU in 1965. He reassigned much of the income derived from commercializing his discoveries to the medical school. The income annually provides millions of dollars to research and teaching infrastructure. He died in 1986 at age 92. The Doisy family donated $30 million for construction of the research center. 13 on This page: The 80 research labs on eight floors are highly secured and have a flexible design. Many are open so scientists from complementary fields can share knowledge as they work on experiments. Twenty percent of research lab modules were intentionally left open in the Doisy Research Center, allowing Saint Louis University to recruit new faculty in the future. The 19.5-ton fleur-de-lis lantern weighs roughly the same amount as four grown Asian elephants and is visible from both Interstates 64 and 44. Photo by Allison Babka 14 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 15 In addition to the Doisy family’s gift of $30 million, other lead donors who made the Doisy Research Center possible include the family of Fern and Russell de Greeff, whose gift provided extensive foliage and landscaping for the 9-acre site; SLU trustee Frank O’Donnell and his wife, Kathleen, for whom the ninth-floor penthouse terrace is named; Joe Lipic (Cook ’57) and his wife, Joan (Burtelow) Lipic (Cook ’59), for whom the covered cloister walk from the Doisy Research Center to the Medical Center mall is named; and former SLU trustee Charles Drury and his wife, Shirley, for whom the third floor is named. “Many, many generous benefactors have helped us realize Father Biondi’s inspired vision to create a climate that sparks exploration, research and the sharing of information and ideas with the next generation of medical leaders,” said Thomas W. Keefe, vice president for advancement. “The generosity of our supporters will bear fruit for generations to come.” Innovation Inside and Out The Doisy Research Center forms the eastern anchor of CORTEX (the Center of Research Technology and Entrepreneurial Exchange), an initiative to develop a nationally recognized life-sciences industry in the corridor between Washington University in St. Louis and SLU. At Grand Boulevard and Chouteau Avenue, the 206,000-square-foot building is a strikingly modern, triangular structure designed by Cannon Design and constructed by Clayco Construction Co., both based in St. Louis. Construction began in 2005. The structure was built with an eye on environmentalism. During every stage of construction, recycling was a priority. Steel, brick and other materials removed during the demolition of previous buildings on the site were used for other purposes. An energy-efficient heating and cooling system; recycled steel, concrete, floor finishes and carpeting; and materials from rapidly renewable sources such as bamboo and cord were used in the sleek new building. A “green roof” — low-growing vegetation that requires little care or water — has been planted on a two-story roof extension to help keep temperatures inside the building even. Mass transit is easily accessible from the building so employees can take buses and MetroLink light rail to work. Priority parking is available for those who drive alternative-fuel cars. The Japanese Zen garden on the south side of the building features a koi fish pond. Dr. David ford (right) in his lab. Researchers and their teams moved to Doisy labs from six different locations on campus. The move took 22 days, during which 7,000 boxes and 500 pieces of equipment, furniture and other items were handled. The 9-acre site is elaborately landscaped with a stream, Zen garden and fountain. Natural light floods the new Doisy Research Center through the 48,000 square feet of glass that covers the building. The Doisy Research Center is constructed of 2.8 million pounds of steel, which is equivalent to 885 Volkswagen Beetles. U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 17 The 10-story tower at the north end of the building consists of eight research floors with a total of 80 flexible, state-of- the-art, highly secured labs. the center’s grand staircase is completely enclosed by glass on the north and west elevations. It took construction crews just 522 working days to build the Doisy Research Center. It was a simple idea. Maybe alumni would like to put a face with a name, to see a photo of the student fundraiser who called to ask for a gift to Saint Louis University. So last fall, the staff in SLU’s annual giving office made a small change. Yes, donors still receive a routine reminder letter and reply envelope after a phone pledge. But what’s different is that the donor also receives a photo and bio of the student caller, along with an op-portunity to rate the caller. “It wasn’t a big change,” said David Nolda (A&S ’95), director of an-nual giving programs. “But we already know it’s making a big difference. “From hearing the conversations around our call center, we thought our students were making connections with alumni. Now these do-nor responses have proven it.” The alumni have overwhelmingly rated the students as “great call-ers,” the highest option on the scale. In addition, their written com-ments are peppered with words such as “outstanding,” “delightful” and “excellent.” “What the comments show us is that our student callers are build-ing relationships with our alumni donors,” said Thomas W. Keefe, vice president for advancement. “SLU’s personality is its students, and these callers are reminding our alumni that Saint Louis University students are young people who they can be proud of.” “This isn’t an easy job,” Nolda said. “Our student callers go through intense training and are expected to be first-rate ambassadors of Saint Louis University. On top of that, they have to ask for gifts, which is hard for anybody. “That they are so successful speaks to the quality of students we have here at SLU.” It also speaks to the quality of SLU’s alumni, Keefe said. “Our alumni donors want a connection back to their alma mater, and these students give them that,” he said. “Yes, we’re pleased when the alumni make a gift, but it’s also just as important to us that they sustain a relationship with the University. “So next time their phone rings and the caller I.D. says ‘Saint Louis University,’ we hope they’ll answer and talk with one of our outstand-ing students.” To get a glimpse of who might be on the other end of that phone connection, turn the page and meet 11 of SLU’s student callers. Callers I.D.’d | SLU student fundraisers are ringing up success. | by Laura Geiser Touching Countless Lives While the Doisy Research Center is designed to inspire creativity and collaboration, the magic of discovery is what drives the Saint Louis University researchers who work within its walls. For instance, just weeks after researchers began moving into the building, Saint Louis University announced it had received a $23.7 million, seven-year contract from the National Institutes of Health to expand its research into promising vaccines and therapies for infectious diseases. The award is among the largest given to SLU. Saint Louis University also has received a $3.2 million grant from NASA to study the development of vaccines for astronauts whose immune systems are compromised by the effect of zero gravity. Among many other areas of research, University scientists in the new building are: Developing new antivirals to use against poxviruses in the fight against bioterrorism. Identifying a novel family of lipids that may be key factors in causing atherosclerosis, or thickening of the walls of the arteries of the heart. Learning about the biochemical and cell relationships that cause interstitial cystitis, a painful bladder disease. Finding an effective treatment for fungal infections, which have become increasingly serious health threats with the growing number of patients who have AIDS, organ transplants and chemotherapy. Understanding more about how amyloid beta protein, the substance most scientists think causes Alzheimer’s disease, stays trapped in the brain to cause damage. Learning about how the aging process affects cells. Activating a certain protein that removes dead cells and debris that accumulate in the tissues of patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. Using adenoviruses, one of the viruses that causes the common cold, to fight cancer tumors. Gaining insight into genetic diseases, including Sly Syndrome, which is named for SLU researcher Dr. William Sly (Med ’57), who discovered it. Establishing a reliable cell culture system to track the progression of the hepatitis C virus, which could lead to more efficient medications and a vaccine for this liver disease. Understanding the molecular progression of genetic defects that affect the kidney and urinary tract in hopes of developing treatments. “At Saint Louis University we have world-class researchers,” Biondi told University supporters and members of the SLU community who gathered at the dedication ceremony. “Now they have a world-class facility.” Photos by Jim Visser What the donors say: “I had a delightful conversation with Anshul. Her personality bubbled right through the telephone line. She will be an outstanding alumna.” — Ron Schapp (Cook ’65) Mike Pfeiffer Major: Finance Year: Freshman Hometown: Belleville, Ill. Most memorable call: Calling a woman whose e-mail address was “ToastedRavioli” on a day that we were eating toasted ravioli. When I told her what we were eating, she got excited and we spent the rest of the call talking about how she misses St. Louis and wishes they had toasted ravioli on the east coast where she lives now. Most interesting thing you’ve learned as a student caller: That a lot of people are actually nice to telemarketers. What the donors say: “Fun guy! Great caller! He was personable and friendly. He is also a fan of toasted ravioli. I was missing old St. Louis after that call. Thanks!” — Eugenia (Geiser) Huelsman (Cook ’87) Allison Ianni Major: Biomedical engineering Year: Sophomore Hometown: Springfield, Ohio Most memorable call: A call to a Parks alumnus. We spent about 20 minutes talking about how Parks has changed over the years. I found out that he grew up in my hometown and actually lived down the street from me. I really felt we made a connection. Most interesting thing you’ve learned as a student caller: How to relate to people in any situation. I love talking to people and the finding common interests between us. It has really improved my communication skills. What the donors say: “Talked for 45 minutes. … Allison is a great Saint Louis University student and will bring credit to SLU and herself as she continues her journey in the SLU environment ...” — Lorenz T. Bannes (IT ’57) Mary Bond Majors: Accounting and studio art Year: Freshman Hometown: Wayzata, Minn. Most interesting thing you’ve learned as a student caller: The number of graduates that continue to educate themselves about their alma mater. When I ask if they have heard about the new Edward A. Doisy Research Center or about Chaifetz Arena, the majority answer “yes.” In fact, if I do tell them something they do not know, they ask me to elaborate. It is wonderful to think that I am attending a school that has so greatly impacted the lives of others that 20 years after they graduated they still want to know about the new developments on campus. What the donors say: “Pleasant and engag-ing. She made me feel quite good and proud of SLU School of Nursing. Thanks.” — Suzanne (Norton) Moser (Nurs ’68) Chris McGeehan Majors: Finance and political science Year: Freshman Hometown: Houston Most memorable call: My first night of calling donors, I ended up talking to a guy for about 15 minutes. I don’t remember how we started talking about it, but he told me all about his experiences in World War II. It was one of my first calls, so I was pretty pumped that it went so well. What’s the best thing about working at the Billiken Call Center? The feeling that you get when someone makes a big pledge. What the donors say: “He is engaging without being pushy and seems genu-inely interested in a superannuated alum’s memories of SLU. He is by far the best student representative I’ve had the pleasure of talking with.” — Judith (Felker) Davis (A&S ’58) Emily Buatte Major: Communication Year: Sophomore Hometown: Red Bud, Ill. Most memorable call: I once spoke to a nun and ended up having a lot in common with her. By the end of the call, she told me she was interested in giving $20 and said, “You are just delightful. Could I give the gift to you?” Since she couldn’t designate her gift to me solely, she gave to the art department because we had talked about art being my minor and photography being my passion. I thought it was the sweetest thing. What’s the best thing about working at the Billiken Call Center? Learning about the alums personally. I have a connection to people who are making a difference in the lives of SLU students. What the donors say: “Emily was very pleasant to talk with. She was energetic and enthusiastic about SLU. It reminded me of my days there.” — Carolyn (Smith) Bruns (Cook ’96) Paolo Vinzon Major: Biology and premed Year: Freshman Hometown: Tagaytay, Philippines Most memorable call: I was able to talk football with a woman in Indianapolis. This call came after a tough night of phoning and just made my day at work a whole lot better. Most interesting thing you’ve learned as a student caller: Being a freshman, learning more about what it really means to be a student at SLU was important to me, and this job helped me learn about the history of the University. What the donors say: “Enjoyed talking with Paolo. Best of luck to Paolo and SLU.” — Mark Forsyth (Parks ’77) 18 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 19 Ugo Awa Majors: English and premed Year: Junior Hometown: Dallas Most memorable call: I remember talking to a doctor who gave me mountains of advice about being premed and things I should do to increase my chances of getting into med school. He was incredibly nice and even gave me his e-mail address at the end of the conversation so I could contact him if I had any questions. Most interesting thing you’ve learned as a student caller: No matter the back-ground, you can find something to talk about with anybody. What the staff says: “Ugo was such a great caller, we promoted her to the position of call center manager this year.” — David Nolda (A&S ’95), director of annual giving programs Greg Keogh Major: Mechanical engineering Year: Freshman Hometown: Houston Why did you choose to become a stu-dent caller? I needed a job, and this one stood out because it would give me the opportunity to do something that would raise money for schol-arships and improvements at SLU. Most interesting thing you’ve learned as a student caller: I learned that getting rejected many times doesn’t faze me anymore. What the donors say: “Greg was fantastic. He listened when I told him about the Parks College of yore and beyond, how I and many of my classmates went into the service for the Big One, how great I was as a meteorologist before I retired (chuckle), and on and on. … I think he will be great in his work.” — Walter Baginsky (Parks ’42) Jennifer Jolliff Majors: Secondary education and English Year: Senior Hometown: Centralia, Ill. Most interesting thing you’ve learned as a student caller: By taking the time to talk to someone and listening to their memories and experiences about a certain time in their life — it can move your soul in a way that is hard to explain. When I call an alum, it is so special because they were once in my shoes. Some alumni have had such positive experiences with SLU that can motivate and inspire you to make the best of every day that you have. I have learned that taking the time to listen can go a long way. What the donors say: “Very friendly, with an engaging laugh!” — Bob Vogler (SW ’63) Brittany Green Major: Psychology Year: Junior Hometown: Houston Most memorable call: One time I talked to an elderly woman who just really wanted someone to talk to. She gave me life advice, described her experi-ences at SLU, oh so many years ago, and really engaged and entertained me. She gave what she was able, but the joy in her voice was more than enough. She absolutely loved her SLU experience and made me trea-sure mine. Most interesting thing you’ve learned as a student caller: You will live after you’ve been rejected. It is just how you choose to live! What the donors say: “Probably the best I’ve had — not pushy.” — Deacon Jim Murphy (A&S ’59) Anshul Chhabra Majors: International business and manage-ment information systems Year: Sophomore Hometown: St. Louis Most memorable call: I once talked to an alum who was so impressed by my sales skills that he gave me his e-mail address and phone number to contact him for an internship opportunity. I contacted him and was set up with an interview with the IT department. What’s the best thing about working at the Bil-liken Call Center? The experience I have gained. I have developed skills crucial to moving forward in the business world. B A C D E F G H I J K U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 21 Chaifetz Arena opened in April to crowds and cheers. Back then, University officials had no idea where they would build an arena or how they would fund it. But five years and $81 million later, they’ve got more than answers — they’ve got a state-of-the-art facility that is likely to bring 400,000 people to campus each year. The Chaifetz Arena complex consists of a 10,600-seat arena, a bas-ketball/ volleyball practice-play facility and a three-story athletic of-fice complex. The arena, which is named for alumnus and donor Dr. Richard Chaifetz (A&S ’75), officially debuted on April 10 with a grand opening that drew nearly 6,000 people. Amid the ceremony of the day, SLU students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters got the first look at some of the arena’s key features: Centene Court, which was constructed by the Illinois-based Connor Hardwood Courts, which also constructed this year’s Final Four floor. The 16,350-square-foot Charter Practice Court, which also serves as the home court for Billiken volleyball. The arena dining club, Lorenzini’s, which seats 175 people. The four 45-foot-by-14-foot scoreboards that hang in each corner of the arena bowl. The 360-degree LED ribbon board that circles the top of the bowl. The spacious men’s and women’s basketball locker rooms. SLU Shop, the official Billiken fan store. The 14 suites and two party rooms. The U.S. Bank Billiken Hall of Fame. Drury Rally Plaza and the hundreds of personalized bricks bought by SLU supporters. State-of-the-art training and sports medicine facilities. A blue “victory light” light on the roof that will be activated after each Billiken home vic-tory and will be seen for miles. Radio broadcaster and “Voice of the Bil-likens” Bob Ramsey, who served as master of ceremonies for the grand opening, described the arena as a bridge to tomorrow. “History, tradition and the future. It all comes together, right here in this building,” he said. When the University broke ground on Chaifetz Arena in August 2006, SLU already was working on the $82 million Edward A. Doisy Research Center, which was dedicated in December. (For more, see the story on page 10 of this issue.) The University successfully completed its two largest building projects at the same time. “This facility reaffirms Saint Louis University’s longstanding com-mitment to the city,” said St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay (Law ’80). “After nearly two centuries, Saint Louis University continues to stand as a symbol of stability and leadership in St. Louis as well as a catalyst and anchor for the evolving progress and renaissance around it.” University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., echoed that sentiment. “In our commitment to give our students an arena they can call their own, we also made a commitment to our greater metropolitan St. Louis area,” he said. Fundraising played a key role in the construction of Chaifetz Are-na, and the facility was built without the use of tuition dollars or endowment funds. Thomas W. Keefe, SLU vice president for advancement, thanked the project’s many financial supporters. “Standing here today, it’s easy to imagine Chaifetz Arena packed to the roof with thousands of excited fans,” Keefe said. “But when I look around, I see more than a great facility. I see an investment in Saint Louis University’s future and in St. Louis’ future. Behind every meticulously crafted corner of Chaifetz Arena there are hundreds of generous benefactors.” Among those benefactors on hand to celebrate the arena’s open-ing was its namesake, Dr. Richard Chaifetz, chairman and CEO of ComPsych Corp. “To have this arena named after me and to be able to contribute to bring this great new home to Saint Louis University basketball is an honor I will remember forever,” he said. Construction on Chaifetz Arena began in September 2006, with St. Louis-based Clayco serving as the general contractor. Mackey Mitchell Associates was the architect, and Sink Combs Dethlefs was the sports architectural consultant. SLU has hired Global Spectrum to manage the facility. On the following pages, you’ll hear from some arena project insiders. It was February 2003 when the first announce-ment came forth: Saint Louis University’s board of trustees had approved a SLU arena project. It was time, they said, to begin exploring the con-struction of this long-awaited dream. Below Left: The SLU shop on the main concourse. Below Center: a close-up of chaifetz Arena seats. Below right: The men’s basketball coaches’ lockerroom. Photos by Jim Visser, unless otherwise noted Photo by Steve Dolan Photo by Steve Dolan 22 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 23 Janice Crawford SLU assistant vice president of business services and arena project manager Q: What challenges did you face in opening Chaifetz Arena? A: There were two primary challenges. First, we had to coordinate to meet the needs of everyone involved within the given deadlines. The arena is so different from all the other facilities we have on campus; it is an athletic, administration and public building. So the scope was wide and included a close examination of the building’s offerings from many viewpoints — especially those of our athletic administration, athletes, building management staff, possible performers and, of course, fans and patrons of the building. This level of detail is included in the state-of-the-art workout areas, comfortable seating, great views, awesome acoustics and appealing food service areas. The second challenge, and no doubt the top challenge, was prioritizing all of the above needs while remaining within budget. Financially, we were heavily challenged to produce a top-notch multipurpose arena. We had to remain focused on meeting the needs of all the stakeholders while prioritizing where we could afford to spend the funds. Q: What sort of amenities will most impress arena visitors? A: From a visitor’s perspective, I think the first thing that one would have to notice is the openness and the natural light reflected throughout the building; it is just amazing. Once you step into the bowl though, that perspective changes, and the “wow” factor of the four-corner score boards and the 360-degree LED ribbon are extremely impressive. scenes from the April 10 grand opening. Left: cutting the ribbon are (from left) grand center’s vincent schoemehl, st. louis Mayor Francis Slay (Law ’80), Slu Board chairman Barry beracha, University president Lawrence Biondi, S.J., and billiken broadcaster Bob Ramsey (at Podium). Below: Student-athletes stand for recognition. two-page spread: centene court just before the grand opening crowd arrives. NI Dan Mitchell Architect, Mackey mitchell associates Q: Explain how the design of Chaifetz Arena sets it apart from other facilities. A: The arena features a single concourse surrounded by glass, giving spectators a strong sense of orientation with views in all directions — to the Arch, campus athletic fields, Interstate 64 and indoor practice courts. Solid brick corners, or buttresses, handle the mechanical and structural elements and frame long expanses of glass in the concourse, which provide natural light and a heightened sense of energy. At night, the concourse lighting is like a lantern, highlighting the activities and movement within. Even on the outside, visitors are engaged before entering the building. By integrating the arena with the surrounding land form, fans enter the arena at the main concourse level, while the event level is 25 feet below the entry level. Setting the building into the ground allowed it to fit more comfortably within the scale of the University setting and surrounding context. Q: What special design aspects should arena visitors look for? A: From inside-out, it is extremely user-friendly. The single concourse avoids a maze-like experience and provides easy way finding. It also creates a sense of energy by giving visitors an immediate view into the bowl, experiencing all the sights and sounds upon arrival. Spectators have said there’s not a bad seat in the house. That’s because all seating is equidistant from the court, creating a sense of intimacy and great sight lines. Even high up, visitors have a great view. Denise Taylor SLU associate vice president for facilities planning Q: You have overseen many construction projects here at SLU. What made the arena different? A: From the outset, the team that we assembled was different from many of our previous projects; people — both within the University and consultants, contractors and subcontractors — were more personally invested in a successful outcome than a typical large-dollar project. For many on the project team, this is a “career project” — something that they can bring their families to, something that is highly visible from I-64, something that clearly marks the eastern edge of campus. There is an enormous amount of pride in the finished product. Q: Are there aspects of the construction that would surprise our alumni? A: The scale of the building can be deceptive from both an interior and exterior perspective. The roof area is more 1.67 acres in area; this is equivalent to 13 typical lots. The letters on the north side of the roof are actually 8-feet tall, although they appear much smaller. The entry doors are 8-feet tall, more than 12 inches taller than a standard storefront. Mackey Mitchell did a terrific job making sure the exterior of the arena complements other buildings on campus rather than overshadowing them. This page, Right: Drury rally plaza on Grand opening day. the plaza features inscribed donor bricks that spell “SLU” in large letters. Below: two views of the chaifetz arena dining cluB, lorenzini’s. The 4,700- square foot club seats 175 and is open during events and is available for private parties. this page, top right: The 16,350 square-foot Charter practice court, which will be the practice home for the men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as the 800-seat home court for the volleyball team. right: The practice court is visible from the main concourse of Chaifetz arena. lower right: the state-of-the-art athletic strength and conditioning room. below: The aRena’s namesake, Dr. Richard Chaifetz, addresses the grand opening crowd. 24 U N I V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 25 facing page, top right: the concourse at chaifetz arena’s main entrance. The concourse level features a 360-degree historical photo collage and timeline banners, as well as the ticket office, six concession stands and 12 restrooms. there are three event entrances to the arena. right: A view of one of chaifetz arena’s 14 private suites. this page, left: grand opening guests enjoy the view from a suite. in addition to suites, there are also two party rooms available. center left: select pieces from SLU’s billiken collection are on display at Chaifetz arena. top left: the U.S. Bank billiken hall of fame connects the arena to the practice facility and the athletics offices. Chris May SLU athletics director Q: How will Chaifetz Arena elevate SLU athletics? A: Chaifetz Arena gives all of Saint Louis University’s athletic programs the ability to compete on a national level. Not only does it help the men’s and women’s basketball teams with a great competition facility, but the practice gym, sports medicine facility and the strength and conditioning center allow all of our teams to compete at a higher level in the Atlantic 10 Conference and nationally. In addition, Chaifetz Arena allows all of our sports teams to have offices, locker room facilities and an academic center, all of which support and enhance the mission of the University to deliver a great academic experience and a first-class athletic opportunity for all of our student-athletes. Q: Where does the arena and new athletics facility rate on a national scale? A: We believe that there is not a better on-campus arena in the country. From an athletics facility standpoint, it puts us on par with many programs across the country. Shimmy Gray-Miller SLU head women’s basketball coach Q: What changes do you anticipate for women’s basketball thanks to the new arena? A: The arena opens us up to a whole new level of recruiting. We’ve lost out on some kids who have said things like, “Love you coach, and love the school, but something’s just not right.” I even had one kid tell me, “If you were any other place there’s no question, but coach, you guys don’t even have a concession stand at your games!” Now those excuses no longer exist. The arena shows a commitment to athletics and definitely a commitment to women’s basketball. Previously, we were able to attract top-level recruits because of our dynamic coaching staff and players and the rich tradition of Saint Louis University. We will be able to sign these players because of Chaifetz Arena. Q: What is your favorite feature of the arena? A: So far my favorite feature has been the players’ locker room. I know that eventually the novelty will wear off, but it has been awesome to see the pride in our student-athletes’ faces every time they show the locker room to visitors or recruits. Our players have been without for so long, and they deserve to have a space all their own. I’m very happy for them. 26 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 27 U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 29 RUBBED THE RIGHT WAY Delaina Vogel was touched by the heartfelt thank yous from patients she met in El Salvador during her two-week mission trip in January, but the one that moved her most came from a teenager who couldn’t speak. Carlos was being treated for a brain tumor at Hospital Rosales, the public hospital in San Salvador. The tumor robbed him of his abil-ity to talk and to move on his own. He had been in bed for at least two months when Vogel and a team of fellow students and faculty from SLU’s Medical Center came into his room. A hospital physical therapist was working on Carlos’ arms, but Vogel said it appeared the therapist wasn’t quite sure what more to do. One of the SLU faculty members offered to help and asked Carlos if he would like to sit up. “As soon as he sat up, tears came to his eyes,” said Vogel, a fifth-year student in SLU’s occupational therapy program. “You could tell he was just so overwhelmed that someone had taken an interest in him. A simple thing made such a big difference. I think we all had tears in our eyes.” The SLU therapists eventually moved Carlos to a chair. They also taught hospital staff how to get him in and out of bed safely and showed staff some exercises that might help with Carlos’ muscle con-striction. Dual Purpose This example of serving and teaching are at the core of the El Salva-dor Professional Immersion Mission created by Robert Murphy, S.J., a Jesuit scholastic who earned his doctor of physical therapy degree in May and will complete his philosophy studies this year. The idea came to Murphy in 2006 after the Jesuits sent him to El Salvador to study Spanish and the culture as well as to use his physical therapy skills with refugees. “It was a very powerful experience for me,” he said. “God had given me this great gift to go to El Salvador and to share my skills with peo-ple who completely loved and accepted me. I wanted others to know what that felt like.” Working with campus ministry and the Doisy College of Health Sciences to develop the international interprofessional program, Mur-phy took four faculty members and eight students — three from nutri-tion and dietetics, three from physical therapy, one from occupational therapy and one from the School of Nursing — to El Salvador over Christmas break in 2007. Murphy said the faculty/student ratio is in-tentionally small to enhance the educational experience for students. The team saw patients at Hospital Rosales, as well as at an urban medical clinic in nearby La Chacra and three clinics in the Salvadoran countryside. Students not only learned about the health care system in El Salva-dor, but they also shared some of what they learned during their stud-ies at SLU. They gave presentations, mostly in Spanish, to patients and professionals on topics such as maintaining a diabetic diet, preventing bed sores and exercising to relieve back and knee pain. They also talk-ed about interprofessional patient care to hospital and clinic staff and to the medical team with El Salvador’s National Soccer Federation. “There are many wonderful mission programs where students work in clinics and provide care to those in need,” said Michele Langowski, an assistant professor in the department of health care ethics who trav-eled to El Salvador with the group. “The distinctive feature of this program is that students not only provided care, they also consulted with health care teams and pro-vided numerous professional continuing medical education programs to physicians, physical therapists and nurses. The trip helps students develop professional skills, as well as inspires them to use those skills with a population they hadn’t thought of before.” hose who choose a career in health care know they’re destined to serve others. But some Saint Louis University students don’t wait until graduation to begin sharing their skills or their knowledge. Before their formal education ends, they seek out opportunities to be men and women for others — to provide health care to those most in need. Plenty of opportunities for medical missions exist, but in the case of the two groups profiled in this article, students saw a need and created their own opportunities. They traveled out of the country as students eager to be immersed in a new culture and became teachers to people who were eager to learn. SLU students on service trips abroad find they get more than they give. – By Marie Dilg 28 U NI V E R S I TA S w w w. s l u . e d u e l s a l va d o r LEFT: Whitney Hlubick (nutrition/dietetics), Andrew Sweeny (physical therapy) and John Olshefski (physical therapy) give massages to patients in the rural community of Carasque, El Salvador. Center: The entrance to Hospital Rosales, the hospital for El Salvador’s poor. right: Dr. Cheryl L. Cavallo, professor of physical therapy, spends a little of her down time entertaining a baby in the countryside of El Salvador. 30 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 31 That was true for John Olshefski, a fifth-year physical therapy student. “I went to Honduras on a mission trip a couple of years ago where I worked in an orphanage and played with the children,” Olshefski said. “I loved it, but I wasn’t using what I had learned. So the idea of putting my skills to the test was very appealing to me.” Ripple Effect The students encountered several instances where their skills most definitely were put to the test. In one small town the students were scheduled to give health care presentations to local residents. Before they knew it, 60 people formed a line in front of them. “Apparently there was an expectation that in addition to the presen-tations we would be offering treatment, which wasn’t part of our plan,” Murphy said. Although they had two other towns to visit that weekend and were short on time, Murphy said they quickly broke into groups and cre-ated a mini health fair with some students checking blood pressures, some offering nutrition counseling, and others teaching exercises and offering massages. “At one point, we were all in the chapel giving neck massages to the dozens of people sitting in the pews,” Murphy said. “It was like a mas-sage train — exhausting and exhilarating at the same time.” Each night after dinner, students and faculty would process the day’s events. “When you see the overwhelming needs of the people, you question how much your faith can be true without action,” Vogel said. “There was a man there who told us that God works little by little, and that’s how things change. That’s when it hit me. We may not be able to meet every need, but we can do something and still end up see-ing a much bigger change than we ever imagined.” SAFETY NETS When traveling through rural Senegal with his medical outreach pro-gram, Andy Sherman expected police officers would demand bribes in order to allow him passage through various checkpoints. In fact, Sherman budgeted for it. What he didn’t expect, however, was encountering an officer who refused his money. Instead, the officer wanted some of the cargo in Sherman’s truck. “He wanted a mosquito net to protect his wife and children,” Sher-man said. “To him, that was more important than money, which is understandable. Malaria is the leading cause of death in African chil-dren, and a net can be the barrier between life and death.” It took smooth talking and some confusion over Sherman’s middle name — LeBaron, which the officer assumed was a title rather than a family name — for Sherman to pass without giving up a net. “The officer could afford to buy a net, but the people in the remote villages we were trying to reach cannot,” Sherman said. “We weren’t about to give one up without a fight. We’re very protective.” Pedal Power The “we” Sherman refers to is himself and Jesse Matthews. Together the two 2008 SLU School of Medicine graduates started NetLife, a small but growing organization dedicated to providing free, insecti-cide- treated mosquito nets to rural villagers in West Africa. Sherman chose Senegal for a reason. Between undergraduate studies and medical school he was a Peace Corps volunteer teaching preventive medicine in villages near Kedougou, a town in the southeastern part of the country. While there, he noticed an extraordinarily high rate of malaria — 90 percent or more of the villages had the disease. “I could talk all I wanted about malaria prevention, but I felt I had one hand tied behind my back because they lacked the one thing that could stop the disease — a mosquito net,” Sherman said. When Sherman returned to the United States and started medical school, he met Matthews, who had an interest in public health. Us-ing a modest inheritance from Sherman’s grandmother and logisti-cal support from the school’s department of community and family medicine, they founded NetLife. They then began raising funds for a malaria prevention program that provided villagers not only with nets but with educational programs as well. Sherman and Matthews raised more than $5,500 for their first trip in the summer of 2005. That was enough to purchase 605 mosquito nets, which protected 1,800 people in seven small villages. The vil-lages are so remote that trucks could not reach them, so Sherman and Matthews delivered the nets on bicycles. They encouraged villagers to hop on their bikes and ride back to Kedougou with them to pick up as many nets as possible. “We can only fit about 40 nets on the backs of our bikes, so it not only helped us get more nets to more people, it gave villagers some ownership of the program,” Sherman said. Growth Spurt For their second trip in 2007, the two raised more than $11,000, dou-bling the money raised previously. They spent 10 weeks during the summer riding their bicycles more than 1,100 miles delivering pro-tective netting to 17 villages, ranging in size from 90 to 700 people. The duo lost significant weight — about 20 pounds each — but they gained incredible insight. “You hear about physicians in the United States who are bogged down in insurance paperwork and struggle to see the extent of good they’re doing in a community,” Sherman said. “An outreach trip to Senegal allows you to feel what it’s like to have a direct impact on people. It refreshes you and reminds you of why you became a physi-cian in the first place.” For Matthews, the 2005 trip influenced the kind of doctor he want-ed to be. Until he met Sherman, Matthews was leaning toward a career in research. “I was struck by the desperate needs of underserved populations,” he said. “You don’t have to go to Senegal to find that. There are subcul-tures right here with great needs, and serving those individuals is more rewarding to me than taking care of people who have ample resources.” Matthews, who graduated in 2008 and will specialize in internal medicine, said he chose the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque for his residency program because of that university’s large outreach program with Native Americans living in abject poverty. Sherman, who also graduated this year, is beginning his pediatrics residency at the University of Rochester in New York. Just the Beginning Although they no longer are roommates and cannot hold NetLife meet-ings at a local pub, they say their antimalaria outreach will continue. Be-fore accepting their residency positions, Sherman and Matthews made certain their program directors would allow them to return to Senegal next year. For that trip, TREK Bicycle Store of St. Louis will donate bi-cycles, which Sherman and Matthews will leave behind for villagers. The two also are talking with SLU medical students and faculty who may be interested in joining them on their 2009 trip. Classmates and friends at SLU continue to raise funds for their project, as do several local schools and dining establishments. Earlier this year, Sher-man and Matthews used funds raised through NetLife to buy and ship 4,000 nets to Kedougou, which Peace Corps volunteers will de-liver in their absence. “Any money we raise goes directly toward the purchase of nets, not our travel expenses,” Matthews said. “I think it’s important for donors to know that their money is not going to some nebulous bureaucracy. It’s going into someone’s hut. It’s a privilege for us to do this, so paying for our travel is the least we can do.” s e n e g a l F o r m o r e a b o u t E l S a l v a d o r pr o g r a m a n d n e x t y e a r ’ s tr i p, e - m a i l R o b e rt M u rph y , S . J . , a t mu rp h y r e @ s l u . e d u . F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t th e a n t i m a l a r i a pr o g r a m g o t o w w w. n e t l i f e a f r i c a .o r g . left: Maria McCullough (nursing) with one of the many patients whose blood pressure she checked. Center: The sign at the entrance of the Nuclear Medicine Department at Hospital Rosales. Sherman (center) and Matthews (right) sit with Bocar Diallo, the village chief of Thioke Thian. Sh erman lived in Thioke Thian as a Peace Corps Volunteer from 2000-2002, and Diallo was his village father. left: Saliou Diallo sits underneath a mosquito net provided by NetLife. Saliou lives in Thioke Thian and was extremely helpful in scouting out new villages for mosquito net distributions. center: Sherman stands with a girl and child in the village of Assoni. Sherman and Matthews each pedaled more than 1,000 miles over two months in 2007, carrying bundles of mosquito nets strapped to the back of their bikes. right: A young girl from Mamacono Tanda, a village so small and so remote that only bicycles can get there on small paths. Saint Louis University’s Simon Recreation Center is finally living up to its middle name. With more than 120,000 square feet of opportunities, today’s center is more than just a gym. That’s because this enhanced recreation center not only boasts a multipurpose floor for dodge ball, volleyball and basketball; an indoor track; squash court; racquetball courts; and an indoor pool with a diving well and whirlpool; it also features a new juice bar; a bouldering wall; ping pong; shuffleboard; foosball; a wellness suite and more. Eric Anderson, director of the Simon Recreation Center, said that he has used many facilities over the years, but this one is among the top tier both locally and nationally. “Rec facilities are becoming a huge part of campus life, impacting students, faculty, staff and alumni,” he said. “People can sit in the new juice bar, and we have Xbox tournaments. We are more of a destination.” Funded in large part by students who voted to assess themselves a fee to support the project, renovations on the Simon Rec Center started in October 2006. The lower level, which was formerly a parking garage under the gym area, was completely opened into a 40,000-square-foot workout space. “It was really a quick and efficient project. It was inside, so the contractors could work through the winter weather,” Anderson said. “It was literally a three-month project, which is unheard of.” – By Alyssa Stahr Photos by Jim Visser Recent graduate Tim Letizia checks in at Simon Recreation Center’s renovated main entrance, which features a centralized membership desk. Letizia passes his student ID to a desk worker to gain access to the Rec Center. Tim Letizia, a May 2008 graduate who majored in psychology and political science, was a student employee at Simon Rec. Letizia had worked out there throughout his four years at Saint Louis University. He exercised both upstairs and on the new lower level, and said that the upstairs weight room is the biggest improvement. “I have been fortunate to experience the transition of the Rec Center,” he said. “The weight room was a tiny little room upstairs; people had to wait for a machine, and it was cramped.” Now, he said that there is no longer an inconvenient wait or a sign-up list for machines, and weights are state-of-the-art and high quality. “Considering the number of people we have here at SLU, the expansion really boosts the number of people who can be working out,” Letizia said. Anderson said that the 5,000-square-foot upper-level weight area also is his favorite upgrade, even beyond the lower-level space improvement that features more than 200 pieces of fitness equipment and the juice bar. “It is a quieter, softer weight area now,” he said. “We typically don’t pipe music in there. You get to look at the two-story water feature, and there are windows where you can look down and see the Medical Center and the Doisy Research Center. I just like being up there. It’s a very open feeling, and it’s a great place to work out.” Rebecca Frese, a senior majoring in mathematics and secondary education, not only works out at the Rec Center, she works there, too. Frese, who spends more than an hour per day, four to five days a week, working out at the Rec Center, loves the aerobics class. “It has more benefits in a shorter amount of time. It is a lot faster pace, so you don’t relax — you are consistently moving for an hour,” she said. Frese agreed that opening up the lower level was a huge improvement, and even though she got used to signing up for machines, she now notices how inconvenient it was to wait. Frese uses one of the more than 200 new pieces of fitness equipment on the Rec Center’s lower level. Senior Rebecca Frese uses the Rec Center’s Laclede Avenue entrance, which will be renovated soon to mirror the recent improvements to the main entrance. Frese visits the center’s new wellness center, which features information on everything from nutrition to managing stress. 32 U NI V E R S I TA S w w w. s l u . e d u Letizia climbing the Rec Center’s new bouldering wall, located on the lower level. After stopping at the new men’s locker room (above left), Letizia heads to the lower level’s 40,000 square feet of workout space (above right). For those alumni, staff or faculty members who may be intimidated by working out on campus, Anderson stresses that the Rec Center gives people the chance to interact in a social, nonthreatening environment. “When I think of our department and what we really do … we build community,” he said. “It’s good for alumni to come back and connect and remember when they were students — and at the same time enhance their wellness.” To become a member of the Simon Recreation Center, download an application online at www.slu.edu/ organizations/crcisc or fill out an application at the center with the member services coordinator, James Page, who can be reached at jpage3@slu.edu. The expanded weight area on the lower level gives Letizia immediate access — without waiting. Frese finishes up in the spinning room, which is equipped with 15 stationary bicycles. Frese runs on the indoor track, which looks down on the multipurpose gym floor. Frese stretches in the original upper-level weight room, which now features a quieter workout atmosphere. Letizia and Frese meet at the juice bar and enjoy a smoothie. Letizia also occasionally used the other renovated areas, such as the new gym floor and bouldering wall, which he called “fantastic.” He said that even after going over the wall just once his arms burned. “You are actually going side to side — I think they call it a traversing wall instead of a climbing wall because you aren’t exactly going vertical,” he said. Letizia participated in intramural sports and noticed that the resurfaced gym floor gets much better traction, a better situation for sports such as indoor soccer. In the fall, he plans to attend law school in his hometown of Chicago, leaving behind the Rec Center. “I hope to find someplace as good as the Rec, but that might be a challenge,” he said. 36 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 37 efore Finan and his team got their first shovel in the soil, they thought they knew exactly where they would find the church and its gateway to countless stories about me-dieval Ireland. In fact, it took little more than a Google Earth image to discover some lines that obviously were where the church described in their documents had stood — at least that’s what Finan thought. “We saw this,” said Finan pointing to the same image now displayed on the computer screen of his Humanities Building office, “and it popped out like a sore thumb. ‘Aha! It’s an earthen fortification.’” In 2005, with a crew of about 25 people, Finan started to make cuttings — precise, carefully dug trenches to unearth archeological material — in the area where they believed they located the church. “We literally lifted the sod, and this is what we found,” said Finan, now pointing to a picture of a 12th century Romanesque arch key-stone — a detailed piece of rock that was the top center piece of a building’s doorway. “You couldn’t have made a better situation to convince students to work harder than this stone.” Nearly four years later, Finan still can’t stop smiling about the find — even though he was wrong about it. Because just under that stone they were sure was from their church, Finan and his students soon discovered … Well, before you can really understand the significance of their find, you’ve got to dig a little deeper. A helping hand Long before anyone ever called him “Doctor” or “Professor,” Finan re-ceived a number of helping hands to reach his place in academia from the teachers and researchers who men-tored him. So as soon as his research project started to become a reality, he wanted to pass forward the opportu-nity he received as a young man. That process began at the site of Kilteasheen. Every year since the project began in 2004, 20 stu-dents from the United States — several from SLU — come to Ireland with Finan to dig in the six-acre field on the edge of a family farm called Riversdale, owned by John Burke. From the beginning Finan has partnered with Christopher Read, co-director of the project and a lecturer in archeology at the Institute of Technology in Sligo, Ireland. Read brings about 20 Irish students to the site for the six-week hands-on experience that serves as the best possible classroom. “There’s no comparison. You can teach archeology theory, history and prehistory in classroom, but you cannot teach somebody how to dig in the classroom,” Read said. “It gets them thinking like an arche-ologist needs to think.” For Read’s students the experience is grounded more in practical-ity. There are many archeology jobs available in Ireland. But for their American counterparts who accompany Finan, the reasons for taking the trip are wide-ranging. “Really, I didn’t know what to expect. It was the first thing like that that I had ever done,” said Mike McMahon (A&S ’07), who traveled to Kilteasheen a week after graduation last year. “I didn’t have any prior training in archeology, but I’ve always been pretty interested in it. The thought of seeing a piece of human history with my own eyes seemed incredible.” For Finan, it’s a great opportunity to share his passion: Digging up little — and sometimes big — pieces of history and trying to figure out who left them there, what they were used for and what life was like at the time. His method to help engage the students in the pro-cess was one he developed at the beginning of his career when he was a high school teacher. “I saw students who could excel at various types of learning, then you start to engage students in nontraditional methods. And that’s exactly what this project does. “I don’t know if we have had many students come to the project who have swung a pickaxe before,” he said. “It’s not just that they go out and dig holes. We give them time to process what they’ve done, and that informs what they’re doing the next day. We talk about the prog-ress or the lack of progress that we’re making and help them fit what they are doing into the wider scheme of the research for a particular summer. Students love it. It’s hard not to.” Quick-witted with the ability to talk about archeology in a down-to-earth, easily understandable man-ner, Finan is the type of professor students quickly and easily con-nect with. As McMahon puts it, “Dr. Finan is pretty cool.” Profes-sor “Pretty Cool” easily translates his passion for medieval Ireland and shares his desire to shed bet-ter light on a period and time in Ireland that most people know as the “Island of Saints and Scholars.” “The early medieval period in Ireland was a golden age when all the big Irish manuscripts were created, and when all the big monasteries were built in Ireland,” Finan said. “When you look at history books — that’s the era they typically look at. But the later middle ages are rarely addressed or considered, particularly by Americans.” In the later medieval Ireland, most books are about the medieval English in Ireland. In the late 12th century the English came in and “basically tried to set up a new England,” Finan said. “They built towns, castles, cathedrals — cities like Dublin, Waterford and Cork. They were medieval urban areas. And the English were very much like the rest of Western Europe — they kept documentary records.” But at the same time, the native Irish people of the later middle ages were building structures such as timber houses, earthen for-tifications and church settlements. With small villages that lacked historical documentation and the grandeur of their English-settled counterparts, these traditional communities were almost completely overlooked until recently. ith little more than a shrug and a laugh, Dr. Thomas Finan just admits it. “We were totally wrong,” he says. Few people would be so pleased with such a bleak self-assessment especially when it describes the seminal work of his career. After 16 years of studying medieval Ireland, Finan, an assistant professor of history and director of the international studies program at Saint Louis University, was ready to start his first postdoctoral research project in 2001. Long interested in the interaction among different ethnicities, Finan wanted to learn more about the relationship between the English, the Irish and the Church in the 13th and 14th centuries. After examining some of the few written doc-uments that the Irish of that time left behind, Finan began to investigate some of the 80 or so churches that existed in the frontier Diocese of Elphin in central Ireland. After meticulously searching many of the sites, Finan found what he was looking for in Kilteasheen: a wide-open field, where according to his doc-uments, a church once existed. And better yet, there were no cemeteries, unlike most of the other church sites where there were still active burial plots. A SLU professor unearths Ireland’s hidden past. the 12th century romanesque arch keystone found at the site. – By Nick Sargent finan 38 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 39 ’42J. Eaton (Parks) retired from flying at age 80 to spend time with his three grandchildren. He lives in Gaines-ville, Ga. ’50Dr. John Adams (Dent) is 90. He and his wife, Breta, live in Milford, Conn. He has two daughters and three sons. ’51Irvin Emerson (Law) has served as a judge for more than 23 years. He and his wife, Betty Jane, live in Hills-boro, Mo., and have five children, Stephen, Dennis, Karen, Douglas and Janet. Joseph Nacy (Law) is an administra-tive law judge with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and lives in Washington, D.C. ’52Bro. Bill McCarthy (Grad) is retired and lives at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. In 2000, he shot a witnessed hole-in-one at a golf tournament. He recovered his vision in late 2007 after two cataract operations. ’53Dr. Richard Haffner (A&S ’53, Dent ’57) is in gen-eral practice at Sunset Hills Dental Group, which he co-founded in 1974. He also has been rec-ognized for 50 years of membership in the Missouri Dental Association. He lives in St. Louis. ’54Dr. Richard Mason (Med) lives in Los Angeles and continues searching for doctors to send to mission hospitals all over the world via www.missiondoctors. org. ’56Dr. George Hughes (Dent) was recognized for 50 years of membership in the Missouri Dental Association. He lives in St. Louis. Ann Louise Kolhoff, S.M.P. (Nurs ’56, Pub Hlth ’64) lives in Harvey, N.D., where she ministers at St. Aloisius Medical Center. In June, she cel-ebrates 60 years as a Sister of Mary of the Presentation. John Nangle (Law) lives in Bethany Beach, Del., and enjoys spending time with his six grandchildren. ’57Mary Jo (Wiesner) Meadow (A&S) has written her seventh book, Christian Insight Meditation: Following in the Footsteps of John of the Cross. She lives in Forest Lake, Minn. Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger (Grad) is a pro-fessor emeritus at Syracuse Univer-sity, but still woks full-time directing an academic institute there, leading workshops for human service workers and publishing, mostly in the area of mental retardation. ’59Dr. Robert Christopher (Med) lives in Vero Beach, Fla., and is presi-dent of the Treasure Coast Retired Physicians Association and the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Dr. Daniel Haworth (Grad) is a professor of chemistry at Marquette University and received the Milwaukee Section Award from the American Chemical Society on Nov. 16, 2007, for his 50 years of teaching, research and service at Marquette University and in the Milwaukee community. Dr. Jacob Lippert (Dent) received the Greater St. Louis Dental Society’s Gold Medal Award. He lives in Jeffer-son City, Mo. Ronald C. Reynolds (A&S), a retired Ford Motor Co. executive, was the most valuable player for the Fairfield Glade, Tenn., Men’s 60s Super Se-niors and Men’s 70s Super Seniors tennis teams. He led both teams to Tennessee State Super Seniors Tennis Championships. Eugene Rossel (IT) led a recent cam-paign to honor Australian pilots and crew who served under the command of the U.S. Air Force during the Viet-nam War with USAF Air Medals. He lives in Chino, Calif. ’60Dr. Juan J. Alva (Med) is the founder of the Osler Society of North Caro-lina. He is an internist and gastroen-terologist at his own clinic in Durham, N.C., and is a clinical assistant profes-sor of medicine at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. John M. Bray (A&S ’60, Law ’62), se-nior partner of King & Spalding, was named one of the top 100 lawyers in the Washington, D.C., area. Theodore Salveter (Law) celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary in Au-gust and had his book, The Accidental Lawyer, published in 2006. He lives in Springfield, Mo. ’61Joseph Lusczek (Parks) works at the Wright- Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, and received SAE International’s Clarence L. “Kelly” Johnson Aerospace Vehicle Design and Development Award for his significant contributions to the innovative design and development of advanced aircraft and/or spacecraft. ’62Rudolph Gerber (A&S ’62, Grad ’63) recently retired from the Arizona Court of Appeals. He continues to practice law and teach at Arizona State Uni-versity. He has written two books: Ten Death Penalty Myths and a political satire, Wondershrub and Club. Sally (Ross) Peashock (Doisy) is retired after a 40-year physical therapy career, including two years in Singapore. She lived a foreign-service career with her husband, David, and two daughters. She lives in Tucson, Ariz., is a docent at the University of Arizona Art Mu-seum and enjoys hiking. Mary O’Hara Wyman (A&S ’62, Grad ’68) lives in San Francisco with her husband, Larry Wyman. She is re-tired from the Department of Labor and volunteers as the coordinator of Contemplative Outreach in Northern California. ’63Marie Kyle, F.S.P.A. (Grad Nurs) is retired and lives in LaCrosse, Wis. Ronald Schloemer (A&S) is in his 10th year as a lecturer in the department of management of the Farmer School of Business at Miami University (Ohio). He lives in Oxford, Ohio, and spends his summers visiting his children and grandchildren. ’64Edward T. Hempstead (A&S ’64, Grad ’76), re-tired managing partner of the Hempstead Group of the North-western Mutual Financial Network, is president of the board of governors of Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foun-dation. He lives in Ladue, Mo. Dr. Stephen Wukelich (Dent) is retired from oral and maxillofacial surgery practice and is a board-certified anes-thesiologist. He and his wife, Gloria, live in Montana. ’65Charles Beckett (Cook) wrote his first novel, Push the Rain Away, and his short stories, “Crisis in Cairo” and “Cheapskate Benny or Generous Jack?,” have been published. He contributes feature articles to Return With Us Now..., a publication of the Radio Historical Association of Colorado. He has been retired 20 years and lives in Florissant, Mo. David J. Hensler (A&S ’65, Law ’67), senior partner of Hogan & Hartson, was named one of the top 100 lawyers in the Washington, D.C., area. ’66Eric Jensen, S.J., (Grad) is a spiritual director at Loyola House, Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph, in Ontario, Canada. He has written Entering Christ’s Prayer, a book that forms the basis for a retreat in 32 meditations. ’67Patricia (Kling) Ballman (A&S) is a partner with the Milwaukee office of Quarles & Brady and was recognized among the top 25 women lawyers in Wisconsin by Law & Politics maga-zine. She is the former president of the State Bar of Wisconsin and Mil-waukee Bar Association. She lives in Shorewood, Wis. David Dalton (Law) was a prosecuting attorney for St. Charles County and from 1975-1995 was a circuit judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit. He lives in St. Charles, Mo. ’68Dr. Virginia L. Billian (Med) serves on the Baltimore County Com-mission on Aging and has a private practice in psychiatry. She has two adult daughters and lives in Towson, Md., with her husband, Leonard. Robert F. Ritter (Law) is a principal in the St. Louis plaintiff law firm Gray, Ritter & Graham and is listed in the 2008 edition of Best Lawyers of America. He also was named a 2007 Super Lawyer — among the top 5 percent of lawyers in Missouri and Kansas — by Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers magazine. Judith (McCormick) Scalley (Doisy) is a retired physical therapist in Atlanta. Robert Wolken (A&S) marked 25 years with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. He is a financial represen-tative and long-term care specialist with the Hempstead Financial Group in St. Louis. ’69Samuel Bryne (Parks) re-tired after 31 years with Northrop Grumman In-tegrated Systems, in El Segundo, Ca-lif., assisting in the development of the B-2 Stealth Bomber. He has moved to St. Charles, Mo., to be close to his children and grandchildren. “There has been this change during the last two decades to look at Gaelic Ireland anew,” Finan said. “What we are finding is there are these whole expansive landscapes that have been totally unappreciated for the last century.” A chance to help rediscover a civilization that’s been lost for more than 800 years? That’s an archeologist’s dream come true. But first … Where was that darn church? A shocking discovery That intricate 12th century Romanesque arch keystone Finan’s students found wasn’t the critical discovery in unearthing the church. The crew quickly realized the keystone was a grave marker. Just a few feet below they unearthed a skeleton — and then many more. Finan and his crew realized they had stumbled across a cemetery that their documentation said shouldn’t have been in that particular location on the site. By their estimation, the site was massive — 9,600 square feet. And the building on the site was not a church, but a castle. Not in the grand style of the English struc-tures at the time, but one that matched the more modest construc-tion style of the settlement. Since that discovery, Finan’s crew has made more cuttings and found bodies with evidence that their lives there were harsh. The many smaller skeletons they’ve found indicate high child mortality rates, and bodies with stones in their mouths (a medieval custom when people died of starvation) indicate that a famine may have passed though Kilteasheen. They’ve also found bodies with lung infections so bad that the ribs of some skeletons are scarred. They have sent some of these skeletons in for genetic testing to determine if they died of Bubonic Plague, though it likely will be few years before their diagnosis is confirmed. But if it is, the research will help shed new light on how rural society dealt with one of the deadliest outbreaks of diseases in recorded his-tory. “People tended to die of the plague relatively quickly, so there is usually no discernable impact on skeletal remains,” Finan said. “But several scholars have recently suggested that it is possible to extract plague DNA from dental pulp.” Yet with many of these exciting new discoveries, guess what’s still missing? The church. “That’s part of the deal with archeology. You come up with these great ideas that seem like they are good ideas, and you get down into the dirt and you start realizing you’re pretty — you know — wrong,” Finan said. “We had an evening at the pub where Chris Read and I lamented that we were knee deep in skeletons. At one point we just said, ‘We have to embrace our skeletons. We have to love the skeletons. In fact, these human remains are a major part of the excavation.’ We are go-ing to be able to fill in a lot of the details about the (medieval Irish) with new information. In that sense, we’ve sort of come full circle. At the same time though, we don’t have a church. We lost our church.” Because of the high cost of exhum-ing the bodies and the strict Irish antiquity laws, there is only so much digging that Finan and future student groups will be able to do at the area around the cemetery in Kilteasheen. And even after the digging is over, there is still plenty of archiving, cata-loging and article publishing before the rest of academia learns of all the prom-ising discoveries at Kilteasheen. Still, there’s hope to find the church. And despite all the expansive equipment and smart techniques Finan and his crew have used at the site, they got their most promising lead during a lunch break. Each day last summer, the 50 or so crewmembers took lunch in the same place. Over time they had matted down a spot in the grass and began to notice bumps that could be the church. Some different techniques could shed some light on the mystery, or new funding could lead to the opportunity to open more cuttings at the site. Although he still hasn’t found what he was looking for, Finan is happily resigned to the fact that Kilteasheen will likely be his second home for many years to come. “I suppose in one sense when I first started the project I was some-what naive, thinking it would last maybe one or two seasons. We’d see what we’d find, publish it and move on from there,” said Finan, who shrugs, smiles and adds: “I’m probably going to spend a career in these fields. That was a very strange awakening I suppose. But it’s obvious it’s such a great site. You never know what you’re going to find.” SLU is planning a summer 2009 alumni trip to the Kilteasheen site — dubbed the “Excavacation.” Alumni and other supporters will get a first-of-its-kind opportunity to work alongside students and researchers. For more information, contact: Jean Jackson, (314) 977-2205, jjacks49@slu.edu Barb Valentine (314) 977-2207, bvalenti@slu.edu Finan (standing center) directs his team at Kilteasheen finan’s volunteer crew at the archeological dig site. * * * * * * * * * * * * 40 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 41 missioned, without prior military ex-perience, as a major in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was recently deployed to COB Speicher (near Tikrit) in Iraq for three months. ’74Dr. David F. Dinges (Grad) is the leader for the neu-robehavioral and psycho-social factors team of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute. He also is a professor of psychology in psychiatry and director of the unit for experimental psychiatry at the Univer-sity of Pennsylvania School of Medi-cine. He lives in Philadelphia. Dr. William J. Holt (Med) is secretary/ treasurer of the Illinois State Medical Society. He practices with the Quin-cy (Ill.) Medical Group and is a staff member at Blessing Hospital. Charles Koehler (A&S) retired after 31 years at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park. He lives in Collinsville, Ill., with his partner Dennis Hostetler and is spending more time with their two teenage sons and two adult daugh-ters. He is president of Prime Timers St. Louis. Terry R. Lueckenhoff (A&S) is a partner with Fox Galvin in St. Louis. Charles Malone (A&S) is a professor at Western Illinois University, serving as the unit coordinator for government and legal information at the WIU University Libraries. He lives in Bushnell, Ill. Robert Wells (Law) was again desig-nated as one of two “Super Lawyers” south of Bloomington in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. He lives in Belleville, Ill. Dr. Raymond Williams (Grad ’74, ’77) splits his time between private practice as a psychologist and working as a staff psychologist in the VA system. He lives in Paducah, Ky. ’75Judson Calkins (Law) left law in 1999 and now manages residential/com-mercial properties he owns with his wife, Pilar. They live in Richmond Heights, Mo. Mary Sennewald Costello (SW) recently published her memoir Roadschooling Ryan: Learn as We Go, about spending her son’s high school junior year travel-ing across Canada, the United States and Mexico. She lives in St. Louis. Edward Daube (A&S ’75, Grad ’77) re-tired as a senior psychologist from the California Department of Corrections, Juvenile Division, in December after 32 years. He lives in Oxnard, Calif., with his wife. ’76Charles Elbert (Law) is a partner and member of the management com-mittee in the law firm Kohn, Shands, Elbert, Gianoulakis & Giljum in St. Louis and was included in The Best Lawyers in America 2008 for labor and employment law. Ralph Jodice II (Parks) has been pro-moted to major general while serving as the assistant deputy under secre-tary of the Air Force, international affairs, at the Pentagon in Washing-ton, D.C. ’77Margaret Donnelly (SW ’77, Law ’88) is a Mis-souri state representative and received LAAW’s Special Recog-nition Award for her years of service as an attorney and legislator on behalf of abused women in St. Louis. Dr. John Ferrara (Med) lives in Anthem, Ariz., and is the program director for Phoenix Integrated Surgical Residency, director of trauma services at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center and president of the Arizona Trauma and Acute Care Consortium. Michael Heck (SW), a financial con-sultant with AXA Advisors in St. Louis, was one of four finalists for the Community Leadership Award Sponsored by InvestmentNews and “Invest In Others” charitable foun-dation. Dr. Anne V. (Smet) Miller (Med) has joined the faculty at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine as an assistant professor of internal medi-cine, specializing in rheumatology. She and her husband, William, have two children. Richard Picanso (Grad) is retired as a colonel with the U.S. Air Force. He and his wife, Deon, live in Londonder-ry, N.H., where he is a space systems and electronics program manager with BAE Systems Inc. ’78Fredric Knapp (Law) was re-elected as a trustee of the Morris County, N.J., Bar Association. He lives in Ran-dolph, N.J. Daniel McCarthy (A&S ’78, Grad ’84) is the meteorologist in charge of the Na-tional Weather Service in Indianapolis. He lives in Greenwood, Ind. Dr. Steven Nakajima (A&S ’78, Med ’82) is the director of the division of re-productive endocrinology and infertil-ity at the University of Louisville. Herman Smith (PS) retired from the St. Louis Water Division in December. Dr. Eldon A. Trame (Med) is on the board of trustees of the Illinois State Medical Society. He practices internal medicine at Esse Health in Belleville, Ill. ’79James Grummer, S.J., (Grad) is one of 10 re-gional assistants to the Jesuits’ Father General, Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., in Rome. Previously, he was the provincial of the Wisconsin Province. Donna (Dorey) Harper (Law) has formed the employment law firm Sedey Harper in St. Louis with Mary Anne Sedey. Elaine Spearman (Law) was the chair for the St. Louis Argus’ “Lunch with the Legends” in celebration of Black History Month. Justine (Plolchooy) White (Pub Ser) placed second as “Teacher of the Year” for the Southeastern United States in the Positive Promotion’s “Teachers Who Make a Difference” contest. She lives in Cleveland, Texas, with her hus-band, Ralph, and children, Roxanne and Russell. ’80John Brauneis (Parks) is assuming the role of vice president of contracts at Missile Systems. He lives in Tucson, Ariz. Karen Glines (PS) wrote a book pub-lished by the University of Missouri Press titled Painting Missouri: The Counties en Plein Air. She is a journalist and university instructor and lives in Des Peres, Mo. Douglas Menendez (Cook) co-au-thored the book Cyber Forensics: A Field Manual for Collecting, Examin-ing, and Preserving Evidence of Com-puter Crimes, Second Edition. He lives in St. Louis. Ann W. Pittman (PS) lives in St. Louis and recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She is writing a book and is the subject of a documentary video on the music of her parents and grand-parents. Edward Sullivan (Law) is vice presi-dent and assistant general counsel for Peabody Energy. He lives in Des Peres, Mo. Quentin Wilson (Grad Cook) is presi-dent and CEO of ALL Student Loan. Previously he was associate director for the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority. ’81Bruce E. Friedman (Law) is president of the Missouri chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He practices family law with Paule, Ca-mazine and Blumenthal in St. Louis. Dr. Frances Gray (Med) is a clinical as-sociate professor of pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine and received the 2007 Indiana Public Health Award for her dedication to the health and well being of vulnerable children in her community. She lives in Indianapolis. Salvador Hernandez (A&S ’81, Law ’84) is assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Division. Dr. Jacqueline (Moore) Leonard (Pub Ser) is an associate professor of mathemat-ics education at Temple University and has published her first book: Culturally Specific Pedagogy in the Mathematics Classroom. She has two daughters and one grandson and lives in southern New Jersey. Reuben Shelton (Law) is on the board of governors of the Missouri Bar for the Eastern District. He lives in St. Louis. ’82Dr. Alvin K. Eng (Med) was honored in February for his pioneering work performing transesophageal echocar-diograms. He is a retired cardiolo-gist and lives with his wife, Karen, and children, Justin and Katie, in Modesto, Calif. Greg Godfrey (Cook) is the chief fi-nancial officer at the law firm of Evans & Dixon. He lives in Chester-field, Mo. Dr. Terence Joiner (Med) is an assis-tant professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School and received a 2007 Local Heroes Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics. He lives in Ann Arbor, Mich. ’83Alan Portman (Parks) is director of information technology for Incarnate Word Academy, a Catholic girls high school in St. Louis County. ’84Rev. Dr. Gary Blair McGee (A&S) is a professor of church history and Pentecostal studies at the Assem-blies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Mo. In March he received the Society for Pentecos-tal Studies Lifetime Achievement Award. Bob Staed (Cook ’84, Law ’87) is the head of the St. Louis office of Ames & Gough, a specialty insurance bro-ker. He also is president of the board of directors of Rebuilding Together-St. Louis. classnotes classnotes Martin Kenney (A&S) is chairman of Prism eSolutions, which provides software and consulting in regulation compliance and risk litigation and is located in King of Prussia, Pa. Rose Anthony Mathews, A.S.C. (A&S) has returned from 11 months in Dodo-ma, Tanzania, East Africa, where she taught English to women interested in joining the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. She lives in Herrin, Ill., and has resumed volunteer activities. J. Justin Meehan (A&S ’69, Law ’75) was recognized for having “made sig-nificant contributions to the quality of life in St. Louis and to the cause of justice” by the St. Louis Argus. He is a board member for Better Family Life. Dr. Hugh Seaton (Cook) earned a doc-torate of education from the Universi-ty of North Florida in December and lives in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. Frank C. Razzano (A&S) is a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Pepper Hamilton, working in the firm’s com-mercial litigation practice group. He has served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey and as assistan St. Louis University (St. Louis, Mo.), http://www.geonames.org/4407081 http://cdm17321.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/alumni/id/103

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