Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM:

State of the CollegeCampus is Growing & ExpandingNew Residence Hall Named, Remodeling of Walsh Hall Begins

Pauline Selenke Pesek ,65 Alumna to Alumna

A time to Give Thanks

M A G A Z I N EFal l 2012

On the coverState of theCollege

Plans for the future Page 12

Dr. Theresa Delahoyde D’09 Christi Rose Glesmann, MSN, ’06, M’08

Dr. Kari Wade D’11Dr. Molly Thayer Fitzke M’08, D’09

40 40UNDERPage 20

President’s Message

Special Features 8 A Student’s Reflection – Thanksgiving is a Time to Give Thanks

9 2012 Alumnae Reunion Weekend

20 Four Outstanding Alumnae Receive Distinguished Recognition

Advancement15 Leaving a Legacy

16 Fundraising & Development

In Every Issue 4 Upcoming Events

5 Campus News

6 Campus Accolades

18 Athletics

21 Alumnae Achievements

Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM

Doug WilwerdingChair of the BoardManaging Principal, The Optimas Group, LLC

Jean BartmanPartner, McGladrey, LLP

Terri Campbell ’93 Sales Manager, Omaha World-Herald

Jane Carmody, DNP, RNVice President & System Chief Nursing Officer, Alegent Health

Lorraine Chang, J.D. Strategic Leadership Consultant

Patrick J. CorriganPresident & CEO, Access Bank

William CutlerFuneral Director, Heafey, Hoffman, Dworak, Cutler Mortuaries

Kathleen C. DodgeVice Chair of the BoardPresident & CEO, NEI Global Relocation

Ivan Gilreath, MBAPresident & CEOBoys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands

Jane Huerter, J.D.Secretary of the BoardRetired, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services and Corporate Secretary Mutual of Omaha

Richard P. (Rick) Jeffries, J.D.Partner, Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, LLP

Carol KontorChartered Financial Analyst Retired Nebraska State Investment Officer

Marcia KooryPortfolio Mgr/Principal, Vice President Research, Pflug Koory, LLC

David J. Kramer, J.D.Partner, Baird Holm Law Firm

Dr. Joan Laughlin ’62Retired, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, College of Human Resources and Family Sciences, University of Nebraska

Deborah Macdonald, J.D. Retired, President Kinder Morgan Natural Gas Pipeline Group

Dr. Sheila E. Megley, RSMWest Midwest Leadership TeamSisters of Mercy of the Americas

Daniel K. O’NeillPresident, First National of Nebraska

Daniel PadillaRegional Branch DirectorFirst National Bank

Steve Ritzman President & CEO American National Bank

Marilyn Ross, RSM, ’64Executive DirectorHoly Name Housing Corporation

Dr. Michon Rozmajzl, RSM, ’65Professor and Associate Dean EmeritaBoise State University

Annette Smith Community Philanthropist

Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSMPresident, College of Saint Mary

Sue Weiler-DokeDivision Business DirectorKiewit Companies

Board of Directors

EditorBrittney Long

DesignJanelle Arthur

ContributorsJanelle ArthurShad BeamDr. Carol Conway-Gerhardt ‘64Olivia Grigg ‘12Diane Langel Proulx ‘72Brittney LongPauline Selenke Pesek ‘65Verlyn SchuelerDr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM

PhotographyJanelle Arthur

College of Saint Mary Magazine is published three times a year by the Institutional Advancement Office. Send correspondence or address changes to Institutional Advancement Office, College of Saint Mary, 7000 Mercy Road, Omaha, NE, 68106, or go to CSM.edu.

In keeping with the Christian principles upon which the University was founded and is operated, College of Saint Mary does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, age, marital status, or national origin. Although it is a university for women, College of Saint Mary is in compliance with applicable federal and state laws prohibiting sex discrimination.

As I write this Hurricane Sandy is plundering our eastern shores and all that people along the Atlantic coast take for granted has been upended! What an opportunity for reflection especially as we near this time of thanksgiving. What do we assume will be here each day, every day for our use? The telephone, transportation, clean water, heat, food are always available, aren’t they? Our lives are fragile in so many ways and such events lead us to realize the web of relationships we depend upon for health and happiness. It is not just our personal loved ones, but the truck drivers, line workers, vendors and service workers of all types who maintain the various systems of support upon which we rely. At the same time as we pray for and with those affected by this adversity, let us be thankful for all those who are able to provide assistance.

College of Saint Mary relies on so many, including you, to continue its good work of educating women in an environment that calls forth potential and fosters leadership. Thus, in this issue you will find information about our endowment campaign and the importance of our annual fund. There’s admittedly some fuzzy math for the CSM Fund (You + 174 = $1,000, You + 1,174 = $10,000)

but we are clearer about the need for endowment funds! Our strongest hope is to continue to support the long line of prospective walking women who will graduate into their futures with courage, conviction and faith. Scholarship funds to offset the cost of higher education, endowed professorships with interest to offset budgeted salaries and other opportunities will provide such support.

We do rely on you and we are thankful! Please know that each and all of you are remembered in our daily liturgy at Our Lady of Mercy Chapel.

With great appreciation, I am,

Questions about College of Saint Mary Magazine? Contact Institutional Advancement at 402-399-2454 or marketing@csm.edu.

12 State of the College

10 CSM Campus Highlighted by Growth & Expansion

19 You + 174 = 1,000

CSM LEADERSHIP CONTENTS

Gallery Reception:Thursday, January 24, 5 - 6:45 p.m.Free admission

Friday, December 7, 7:30 p.m. Our Lady of Mercy Chapel Valet Parking Tickets at the door: $10 adults, $5 students; free with CSM ID

Sunday, November 18, 4 p.m.Holy Family Shrine, 23132 Pflug RoadGretna, Neb. 68028Free admission

Thursday, March 7 – Thursday, April 4Hillmer Art Gallery

Gallery ReceptionThursday, April 4 , 5 – 6:45 p.m.Free admission

Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m.Gross Conference CenterTickets at the door: $10 adults, $5 students; free with CSM ID

Thursday, April 18Book Signing 11:30 a.m.Luncheon Noon Mercy Hall Meeting Room(7000 Mercy Road, Omaha, Neb.)Cost: $25RSVP to Jaime Corsar at 402-399-2309 or jcorsar@csm.edu

Welcome Cent

er

Walk

ing Woman

For a full list of events or to register, visit CSM.edu/events.Upcoming Events Campus News

Red Cross Blood Drive at College of Saint Mary

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. This past summer blood donations to the American Red Cross were the lowest they have been in 15 years. To help support this important cause, College of Saint Mary’s Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) hosted a Blood Drive in August. SOTA exceeded their goal with 39 people donating blood.

Service Learning Speaker Series

Each year, College of Saint Mary’s Service-Learning program sponsors a multi-week speaker series focused on topics of humanitarian concern to educate the public on issues impoverished populations in our community face on a daily basis. The fall series focused on economic, cultural and language challenges experienced by refugee and immigrant populations living in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area. Speakers

included Susan Mayberger, Coordinator of ESL & Migrant Education in the Omaha Public School system; Pam Franks, Practicing Nurse of Embrace the Nations; Sergio Sosa & Jesamari Hernandez of Heartland Workers Center; and Joe Higgs, lead organizer of Omaha Together One Community.

4th Annual Archbishop Elden Curtiss Lecture Series

As part of College of Saint Mary’s (CSM) 2012 Heritage Week activities, the 4th Annual Archbishop Elden Curtiss Lecture Series, devoted to Catholic thought and its influence upon society, featured Pat Talone, RSM, Ph.D., Vice President of Mission Services for the Catholic Health Association of the United States. A large crowd filled Gross Conference Center for her presentation on Person-Centered Care: The Thought of John Paul II and Catherine McAuley. This annual event is hosted by CSM’s Theology Department.

Blessing of the PetsOn October 4, the Feast of St. Francis

of Assisi, College of Saint Mary (CSM)invited students, faculty, staff, friends and the public to bring their pets for a special blessing at the CSM Prayer Circle. Over 30 pets of all shapes and sizes joined us on this faithful day.

CSM Singers Fall Concert SeriesConducted by Dr. Marty Wheeler Burnett with Dr. Wayne Kallstrom on piano.

CSM Christmas Concert The vocal quartet, New York Polyphony returns to CSM to present a program of seasonal favorites along with CSM choirs and orchestra, conducted by Dr. Marty Wheeler Burnett. This year, to honor Dr. Wheeler Burnett’s 10th Annual Christmas Concert, the CSM Chorus will feature a selection of sacred choral masterworks from each of the past 10 years' performances.

Reception following concert in the Hillmer Art Gallery

Made in OmahaThis art show will include a number of top, local artists in the Omaha-Metro. Don’t miss it!

Thursday, January 24 – Thursday, February 28 Hillmer Art Gallery

Bart Vargas Art Exhibition For over a decade, Bart Vargas has been exploring the artistic potential of trash and recyclable materials. Using pattern, repetition and form, he's built sculptures and installations that have blurred the identity of these everyday materials.

Rawlins Piano Trio In celebration of Women's History Month, the Rawlins Trio will perform American music from the 19th and early 20th century.Sponsored by the Morning Musicale Endowment.

Great Conversations Presents Thrity Umrigar on her latest book The World We Found Join us for CSM’s annual Great Conversations featuring Thrity Umrigar as she speaks about her latest book The World We Found. Umrigar is the bestselling author of The Space Between Us and The Weight of Heaven. The World We Found offers an unforgettable portrait of modern India while it explores the enduring bonds of friendship and the power of love to change lives.

When potential students drive up to campus we are rolling out the welcome mat! The Walking Woman Welcome Center, located in Mercy Hall, is now the new home of Enrollment Services. The new campus visit coordinator will personally greet each student and her family, presenting a personalized itinerary that includes meeting with faculty, financial aid counselors, coaches, fine arts personnel and enrollment counselors. Visitors will also take a campus tour, eat in the dining hall and depart with a special CSM gift. For more information about upcoming high school or transfer visit days please go to CSM.edu/VisitUs or contact 402-399-2355.

Introducing the Walking Woman

Welcome Center

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CAMPUS NEWS CAMPUS NEWS

To view the 2011-2012 President's Report and the Donor Recognition Societies

visit CSM.edu/About_Us. College of Saint Mary celebrated its 89th birthday on September 12th with a series of events including birthday cake.

Happy Birthday CSM!

Campus AccoladesFACuLTyMichael Gendler, M.A., Political Science and History Program Director and Associate Professor, wrote the article “A Book Review Essay of Alan Steinweis’s Studying the Jew Scholarly Anti-Semitism in Nazi Germany,” which was published by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. Dr. Eric Kyle, Assistant Professor of Theology and Service Learning Program Director, presented at the Mercy Secondary Education Conference, a consortium of the U.S. Mercy high schools, on Compassion and Service entitled, “Essential Elements of a School Service-Learning Program.”

Dr. Marty Wheeler Burnett, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Fine Arts, was selected to participate in the National CREDO Conference in September in Live Oak, Fla.

Dr. Aline Paris, RSM, Associate Professor of Theology and Program Director for the First Year Seminar and Experiencing the Liberal Arts, celebrated 50 years as a Sister of Mercy.

Dr. Kari Wade D’11, Master of Science in Nursing Program Director, and Christi Glesmann ’08, MSN, Assistant Professor of Nursing, were each recently recognized as Nurse Leadership: 40 under 40 award winners, sponsored by the Nebraska Action Coalition of Nursing. See page 20 for the full article.

Mindy Barna ’05, MSN, Instructor of Nursing, served as a member of the Practical Nursing Item Writing committee for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing in Chicago, Ill., this past summer.

Dr. yolanda Griffiths, Director of Occupational Therapy, is the author of “From the Internet Editor,” which appears regularly as a feature in the peer reviewed journal Occupational Therapy in Health.

STAFFKim Feldhaus, CSM Director of Grants and Research, was promoted to Director of Major Gifts.

Debbie Nugen ’99, Registrar, was named Vice Chair of the Heartland Regional PowerCAMPUS Users Group. PowerCAMPUS is the integrated database utilized by all departments on campus.

Mary Huettner Schlueter ’86, Associate Director of the Achievement Center, was honored at College of Saint Mary’s annual Missioning Service during Heritage Week activities for her 25 years of service to the University.

STuDENTSCSM Chorus students and faculty members donated a number of toys to Ryder's Toy Roundup, in memory of Ryder Richards on his birthday. All toy donations helped fill the playrooms at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. This event was organized by former CSM Chorus member Robin Richards, Ryder’s aunt.

Sabrina Gamig M’13 (occupational therapy) of Omaha, Neb., spent three weeks in Ireland working on a fieldwork assignment with developmentally challenged adults. Gamig was able to visit Catherine McAuley’s House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin.

Join CSM’s own Village Voices

Toastmasters Clubon the

2nd and 4th Friday of each month

12 – 1 p.m.Expand your abilities and gain confidence in public speaking! Toastmasters is an international organization devoted to the development of leadership and public speaking skills. For more information contact Shirley Gunderson at 402-399-2435 or sgunderson@csm.edu.

Congratulations to all 35 College of Saint Mary (CSM) Science and Math Students who developed and orchestrated this year’s CSM Science Day for visiting area high school students. Each year CSM students majoring in the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, anatomy, physiology, math and forensics prepare interactive laboratory experiments for prospective students. This year 75 high school students participated in hands-on laboratory demonstrations, explored the various science majors available to them at CSM, took campus tours and much more. For more information about upcoming high school and transfer visit days go to CSM.edu/VisitUs.

Science Dayfor High School Students

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CAMPUS NEWS

I’ve learned that it’s the little things that count, making each day a beautiful time to be living.

– Olivia Grigg ’12English and communication major

Alumnae Celebration Luncheon

Alumnae Award Recipients

Class of 1972 Walking Woman Striding Forward...in style!

Alumnae Reunion WeekendAlumnae from across the country joined us for a spectacular Alumnae Reunion Weekend celebration this past September. We hope you are able to join us next year for this special weekend designed to honor you, our alumnae, and highlight the best of College of Saint Mary. Next year, the Classes of 1963, 1968, 1973 and 1987 will celebrate anniversaries.

Thanksgiving is one of the few times a year that we calm our schedules enough to spend time with our families and reflect on all the things for which we are thankful.

This is one of my favorite times of year because of the incredible food being devoured around the holiday, but it’s also one of the hardest times, too. As leaves start changing color, the weather gets cooler and fall begins, I think of my brother.

Growing up, Shawn and I couldn’t spend more than five minutes together without getting into some sort of fight or argument. The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) would have recruited us had they known our wrestling skills, and I’m sure Muhammad Ali would have been proud of the punches we were able to land. Holding hands while sitting beside each other in silence was the worst punishment because it was the one thing we definitely didn’t want to be doing.

Six years ago, I was a junior in high school and felt invincible. School and sports kept me distracted from everything, and there were ample chances to get out of the

house with friends. Shawn had moved across the country, finally letting me have a break from his constant teasing and sometimes hard-to-bear presence. I wish I could have that time with him back.

At 2 a.m., the morning of September 25, 2006, we received an unexpected phone call from one of Shawn’s friends, instantly

yanking us from sleep, eyes wide and hearts racing. Shawn had been in a car accident after he missed a turn, hitting a tree on his way home. The next hour of our lives seemed to last an eternity before the doctor told us that Shawn had passed.

My “invincibility” had run out, changing me and the world I was living in. His death changed my entire outlook on life, love and time. Before the accident, I took for granted how important those three things are, but I’m not able to do that anymore.

The past six years have shown me how much I can take. They’ve taught me

how fragile life is; how one day I can be listening to a loved one tell me about a crazy adventure that just happened, then realizing the next day that I won’t be able to hear that same voice again. I’m stronger and much more appreciative. It was hard for me to understand what it meant to truly love someone until that happened.

But above all, I’ve learned that time isn’t infinite. Each second is a chance to tell someone I love them. Each

opportunity to see someone I care about is one I take complete advantage of because it may be the last.

When my family and I gather for Thanksgiving, I think about how I’m lucky enough to see them as often as I do. I think about how much love my family and I share. I think about how much of an unwavering support system my family and friends are as they push me to continue on in everyday struggles. And I’ve learned that it’s the little things that count, making each day a beautiful time to be living.

Olivia Grigg ’12 is interning this semester with Momaha for the Omaha World-Herald.

A Student’s

BY OLIVIA GRIGG ’12 (ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATION) HASTINGS, NEB.Edited from Grigg's original publication in the Omaha World-Herald

Thanksgiving is a Timeto Give Thanks

Reflection

Alumnae Reunion WeekendFriday Sept. 13 - Sunday Sept. 15

2013

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ALUMNAE REUNION WEEKEND STUDENT FEATURE

On September 12, during the annual Founder’s Day reception and dinner, College of Saint Mary (CSM) dedicated its newly completed residence hall, built to house the Mothers Living & Learning single student-mothers and their children. Dedication activities included the unveiling of the Donor Recognition Wall, which expresses appreciation to the generous individuals, corporations and foundations who contributed to this significant project.

One of the speakers during the dedication portion of the program was Ann Morgan ‘14 (nursing) of Crescent, Iowa, who previously lived in the former Mothers Living & Learning facilities with her three year old son on the fourth floor of Walsh Hall.

"We are blessed to have this new building. Being near the other residence halls makes us feel more integrated with the other students on campus and more involved in campus activities. The large community areas lend a family-feel to each floor. I am so happy that we have space for more single mothers because it is vital that we are able to improve our own situations through a college education. This program provides us with that opportunity.

Many times throughout my life I have heard ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’ and in a way we are creating a village, not only for our children to progress into their own person, but also for ourselves and for each other,” explained Morgan.

The residence hall has recently been named Madonna Hall,

CSM Campus Highlighted by

Growth & Expansion

The newest addition to campus, Madonna Hall, was completed just in time for the 2012 fall semester.

in honor of the Mother and child. To reflect CSM’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the building industry LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standards were followed, which designate energy efficient and

environmentally-sound design, construction, operations and maintenance.

Growth continues in the health sciences

Now that the third and fourth floors of Walsh Hall are vacated, CSM is moving forward with additional plans to address the needs created by the growth in CSM’s health sciences enrollment – nearly 400% over the past five years. This renovation is vital to the continuous growth of the college.

The fourth floor of Walsh Hall, once it's renovated for appropriate office space and additional classrooms, will be home to CSM health sciences faculty and staff, whose offices are currently located on the ground floor of Walsh Hall.

The Walsh Hall ground level renovation project will create cohesion between the entire health sciences division, which includes occupational therapy (OT), nursing and our new physician assistant (PA) program. The project includes the development of

two nursing skills laboratories, equipped with a total of 20 patient beds. The labs will be on either side of an observation room which will feature one-way observation mirrors into each lab to oversee student work and progress. Additionally, each laboratory will be “book-ended” by a technology classroom.

As part of the OT wing, laboratories will be expanded, creating a large skills laboratory and a pediatric OT skills laboratory. Additionally, an apartment-style laboratory space, simulating an in-home patient care environment will be constructed and will be used by both OT and nursing students. An additional component of the renovation is the addition of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Simulation Suite. The suite will include four simulation laboratories and three debriefing rooms. Finally, the PA laboratory will serve as a new addition and consist of 16 exam tables for students to practice on each other or “patients” for heightened clinical care experience. The PA wing will also include individual testing rooms.

Overall, this project will expand essential student learning spaces, as well as renovate existing laboratory spaces, to reflect technology and practices currently found in the health professions. The expanded teaching and learning environment will improve the quality of the students’ experiences, enhance programming flexibility and enable CSM to remain competitive in the health sciences field.

By BRiTTNEy LONG, DiRECTOR OF PUBLiC RELATiONS AND COMMUNiCATiONS

Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, visits with Taylor Wight ’16 (psychology major) from Ralson, Neb. and daughter Kyla Mail.

Hannah Mays ’15 (biology) of Fort Calhoun, Neb., Olivia Grigg ’12 (English and communication) of Hastings, Neb., Haley Schrage ’13 (elementary education) of Petersburg, Neb. and Gina Fries ’13 (elementary and early childhood education) of Omaha, Neb. in front of Madonna Hall.

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Beth Carlin Schultz ’52 with Founder's Day student speaker EuStacia Moss ’13 (applied psychology and human services major).

Nebraska Senator Brad Ashford with Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM.

Sr. Delores Hannon, RSM, with former CSM Board Chair, Dianne Lozier.

Mary Ann Hostettler Strider ’63 and Fred Strider. Lloyd Meyer, Board of Directors, with Board President Doug Wilwerding and Sue Weiler-Doke ’85.

College of Saint Mary alumnae Pauline Selenke Pesek ’65, Bea Jedlicka Haney ’62 and Cathy Reardon Carr ’61.

State of theCollegeWhat is the state of the university?

I think it is best described by telling you about our students. Our “census day” for the fall term {September 12} confirmed 1037 students enrolled at College of Saint Mary (CSM). The median age overall this fall is 26 and the median age of the degree seeking undergraduates is 22; they come from 18 states and six countries; 20% are women of color; and over 200 of them are parents. The largest programs remain occupational therapy and nursing with students studying education and biology a close third and fourth; 14% of undergraduates at CSM are student athletes competing in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and volleyball.

In our admissions office, recently re-named the “Walking Woman Welcome Center” we promise our students that upon graduation they will “Walk tall,” striding confidently into the future with faith, courage and conviction. I tell them to speak

up, be assertive about what they need and want. During my official welcome to them, I remind them that they pay our bills; actually, they pay our salaries. This is a dangerous thing to tell our students. Some might even call it subversive because it suggests they are in charge instead of me, the staff or the faculty, but it is an important message because first of all, it is true, they do pay our salaries.

Second, I want them to learn how to tell us what they need and how we might best respond to facilitating their learning because that is what we are here for. Basically, I want our students to learn how to author their own lives and while recognizing authority, never allow authority to be unquestioned. This is what citizenship in a democracy is all about. This is what the best of our education provides: to recognize authority (of course people need positional leadership) but to ensure that we have the courage to risk transforming or changing our situation

On Wednesday, September 12, College of Saint Mary ushered in its annual Heritage Week celebrations. The celebrations included more than 19 events and gatherings, where different constituents of the University joined us to remember our past and celebrate our future. September 12 is the anniversary of the founding of College of Saint Mary in 1923, and the date for our Founder’s Day Dinner which gives the University the opportunity to express our sincere thanks to our community of benefactors. At the dinner, Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, addressed the group: if it is not allowing us to grow. This is as simple as asking

ourselves which relationships really allow us to flourish, and as complex as challenging systems and rules we might be taking for granted, realizing they are not in stone. It takes risk; it takes courage. It takes all of us realizing that we are in this together; we are all jointly responsible for one another.

This is my belief about what we are doing for the women of College of Saint Mary. This is my hope for what we all might do for our church and for our country. We must be assertive, question the authority of anything that keeps us from the best use of our gifts and talents, from being the people we were called by God to become.

(Dr. Stevens paused to play a recently produced video which reveals, through the heartfelt unscripted words of five recent graduates, the impact the mission of College of Saint Mary had on their lives. You can view the video at www.CSM.edu/About_Us/Mission_of_CSM )

College of Saint Mary is calling forth potential and fostering leadership. Students are excelling through a variety of academic

programs. One of the graduates featured on the video has been accepted into veterinary school and as many of you know this is more difficult than being accepted into medical school. Several students have gone on to medical school, others on to law or other post-baccalaureate programs. Over 96% of our graduates are employed in professions of their choice. Four of our nursing alumnae will be inducted into Nebraska’s 40 Under 40 State Nursing Leaders group. I think we must have occupational therapists in every clinic in the county! I am confident that our graduates are prepared for the roles they assume as professionals.

Perhaps the most important learning for our students during the time of rapid and massive change is the need for consistently considering the “art of relationship.” No matter how much technology we have, life, real life, is still about people. We have only to look at Libya or at our own U.S. Congress or at Omaha’s morning paper to know that real relationships, that is the type of relationships that call forth what is best in individuals, neighborhoods, cities, countries and the world, the type of relationships that contribute to no more

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Currently 57% of our students are Pell Grant eligible; many are working full-time while attending school. We need to figure out how to keep the costs down, and at the same time, offer the best of education.

– Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM Legacy Leaving a

Dr. Carol Conway-Gerhardt ’64

Mary Heng-Braun with Carol Teggart. Dr. Christine Pharr, Vice President of Academic Affairs, gives a tour of Madonna Hall.

war and no more tears are rare, but, and this sounds trite, absolutely crucial. Our very lives depend on them. We simply must learn how to disagree with civility; we simply must learn to bear with one another in the midst of all of us bringing various dysfunctions. If we do not, as we can see, there are tragic consequences.

This is why the culture of CSM is so important, building a culture where people can be assertive but not destructive, providing safety nets for those who struggle more than others, but at the same time ensuring a path toward passing the safety net along to another.

So, what do I still want for College of Saint Mary?

First, that we continue to grow to 1,200 students. In order to do this we will offer new programs and strengthen existing programs. In fall 2013 we will enroll students desiring to study to be physician assistants (PA). We know we have centers of excellence in developing health professionals and a PA program will augment our efforts in this area.

Such growth to 1,200 students necessitates raising money to expand our nursing and occupational therapy labs and to build labs for the new PA program. Now, we need a little money! While our operation pays for itself and we have only a little over $100,000 of debt that is not backed by donor pledges, we are undercapitalized, that is, capital projects must be funded from outside sources, you and our other friends.

Second, we would like to encourage more students to engage in an experience that helps them gain an understanding that

everyone is not the same as they are. This could be as simple as one of our graduates from last year who came from inner-city Baltimore telling us of the experience of going home with a student from Ravenna, Neb. (inner city Baltimore….Ravenna, Neb.)! Or, it could be the first trip on an airplane for a student, going to the border of Mexico on spring break to learn about immigration, or this coming spring having the opportunity to travel with the chorus to Israel. We just want to make sure there are the resources needed to expand the world views of our students.

What I really want is an endowment to secure the future of College of Saint Mary. Our endowment at this point is a little over $8 million, invested wisely within a program that pools all of the Sister of Mercy investments. We have not drawn down any cash from the endowment over the last several years, allowing it to “cook,” realizing that this is one way to make it grow. We will be reaching out to our faithful alumnae and friends to help us with this important endeavor. We are structuring our plans to include multi-year commitments as well as provisions through estate planning.

Finally, tonight, let me tell you my response to a question one of our board members often asks. He wants to know,

“what keeps me up at night.” Well, I will tell you. It is the high cost of post-secondary education. College of Saint Mary’s tuition remains very modest compared to some, and because of your generosity and that of many others, we are able to offer significant scholarships to many of our students. I am concerned about the statistics showing that university tuitions are rising faster than inflation and the public perception this is spawning. Currently 57% of our students are Pell Grant eligible; many are working full-time while attending school. We need to figure out how to keep the costs down, and at the same time, offer the best of education.

We, as a nation, need to figure out how to provide post-secondary education to the masses who qualify. We need to do this at a time of declining revenues in state budgets and real concern over the billions being spent on student loans supported by the federal government. This isn’t going to be easy and will demand of us the same kind of tension-filled conversations as health care reform necessitated over the last how many years. But I don’t think not figuring it out is a choice we can afford!

Let me end by saying being president of College of Saint Mary is the best ministry I have ever been engaged in. You might ask “why?” I would say “because it is real work.”

Dr. Carol Conway-Gerhardt ’64 was raised on the family farm near McLean, Neb., the second oldest of seven children and the oldest girl among four girls and three boys. Her parents, as farmers, could not envision sufficient finances for their children to receive a college education.

Carol feels she was blessed in 1960 to receive the College of Saint Mary (CSM) President’s Scholarship, as well as a connection to a family who could provide room and board in exchange for Carol’s service as a nanny to their children while she pursued her degree. Over the next three years, Carol worked for several families as a nanny until the second semester of her senior year when she was able to move to campus and enjoy being a resident student.

Specifically for Carol, CSM provided three major components that have enhanced her life: a deep Catholic faith that brings continued outreach; lifelong learning not only for herself but for others; and service that helps support others today and into the future.

After graduation, Carol married her college sweetheart,

Patrick Conway, in 1964 and moved to Wisconsin. Patrick died in 1980 leaving four children, two girls and two boys. In 1982, Carol married Todd Gerhardt. After 27 years of

teaching English in middle school, high school and college, Carol served as an educational administrator for 20 years. She earned her Master in English in 1979 and her Ph.D. in Educational Administration in 2001. Carol retired June 30, 2011, as president of the Green Bay Catholic Education (GRACE) System.

Carol and Todd made the decision to each include their undergraduate colleges in their wills to assure the continuation of the foundation of their post-secondary learning.

“Without College of Saint Mary, I would not have the deep faith, desire for continuous learning and

commitment to serve that I currently have,” Carol stated. “In order to

recognize the gifts CSM gave me, I want to give back so that CSM more easily continues its ongoing innovation and growth and so that others like me may receive similar gifts. Putting CSM in my will is an important way to demonstrate a legacy, a continuing gift and a gift that gives forward!”

The Our Lady of Mercy Society is comprised of generous individuals who believe in College of Saint Mary's (CSM) mission and wish to help sustain it in the long-term. They have made the decision to include CSM in their estate plans. These thoughtful gifts create a firm foundation in the form of endowment, which secures the future of the University and ensures that CSM students continue to receive the best possible educational experience, and finally, reach their full potential, which is the ultimate goal.

Making a gift through your estate plans can be a simple, but significant way to make a difference. We hope you will consider joining this group of dedicated friends and include CSM in your estate plans!

If you would like to learn more about including CSM in your will, contact Verlyn Schueler, Vice President of Advancement, at 402-399-2477 or vschueler@csm.edu.

Our Lady of Mercy Society

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PLANNED GIVING

&Development

Academic Excellence

$3.65 million

Student Scholarship Support

$3 million

Mission-Driven Program Support

$2.35 million

Leadership Development$1 million

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Increase alumnae giving each year by 1%.

our alumnae

BY VERLYN SCHUELER, VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

College of Saint Mary’s (CSM) sixth strategic vision involves endowment growth, relationship building and strengthening alumnae engagement. This vision will be realized through the achievement of three goals:

1. Increase alumnae giving percentage by 1% each year.2. Initiate a campaign to double the University’s endowment by 2016.3. Welcome five new members each year into the

Our Lady of Mercy Society.

Increase alumnae giving percentage by 1% each year.The impact of alumnae giving on the health of

the University cannot be overstated. CSM is a private institution of higher learning, but it is also a non-profit whose mission is to call forth potential, foster leadership and ensure accessibility to our students. As a non-profit, our stated tuition rate has never covered the full cost of doing business; there has always been a gap remaining which fortunately, has been reduced by the tax-deductible gifts from those who believe in the value of our mission. Who better to know the value of our mission than those who have benefitted from it – our graduates. Alumnae support helps us sustain our programs at a high academic level; it also helps us ensure accessibility to those programs.

The University proudly displays the quote of Catherine McAuley, the Sisters of Mercy foundress, in several places around the campus: “No work is

more productive of good to society than the careful education of women.” But for many women, the first step is being able to afford that education. In the last decade, we have witnessed an accelerated growth in the number of students who turn to us to help them receive financial assistance. These students and their families are often in a catch 22. They cannot afford a college education, but without it they could be facing a lifetime of poverty. Currently over 98% of our students require some type of assistance. An alumna who celebrated her 50th anniversary this year expressed a beautiful sentiment that we hope will be embraced by many more of our alumnae: “Each one of us should reach back to grab the hand of that woman who is reaching forward, to attain what we have already attained.” If our 8,000 alumnae reached back to grab

Fundraising

IAcademicExcellence

IIValues

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IIINew Programs/New Revenue

IV

Fundraising/Development

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CSM will implement and embrace a

resource development environment that invests in quality,

focuses on growth-oriented philanthropic support and ensures

best practices in investing and sustainability.

VRecognition

VIWomen’s

Leadership

V I S I O N 2 0 1 6

the hands of our current 1,038 students, CSM would be assured a strong, healthy and vibrant future.

Alumnae support is critical to CSM in another way as well. In the higher education arena, alumnae giving is a significant factor of university rankings in national publications. In this case, the lack of alumnae support can send as significant a message, as can the abundance of alumnae support. Prospective students and their parents, as well as prospective funders, such as private foundations and corporations, look to the percentage of alumnae support of a college as a sign of its academic excellence. U.S. News & World Report stated, “The percentage of alumni giving serves as a proxy for how satisfied students are with the school and affects college rankings.” Giving equates to the public perception of value and quality.

Unfortunately, the absence of giving may not be an indication of an alumna’s true reflection of the value they place on their educational experience. But, in this competitive market where small non-profit private institutions (like CSM) compete with higher profile public institutions, it can mean a lost opportunity regarding a prospective student or external funder. It is not the size of the gifts, as most small private colleges report the average size of an alum's gift is $25. It is simply that they give.

In the past several years, CSM’s alumnae giving has decreased. While adding 250 to 300 new graduates a year to our alumnae roster can impact the percentage, actual numbers are decreasing as well. This sobering fact inspired the CSM Board of Directors to embrace an alumnae percentage giving increase of 1% a year, so as to focus on the importance of alumnae engagement and giving to the health of the University.

Initiate an endowment campaign to double the University’s endowment by 2016.

CSM’s current endowment is $8 million. By any standards this is considered minimal, offering little ability for the University to plan for the future, be flexible in embracing opportunities as they arise or provide a secure source of funding during unstable economic times. The minimum level of endowed funds recommended for an institution of higher learning is equal to its annual operating budget, which would be $18 million.

Additionally, the University, approaching its 90th year, does not have, as is common with institutions of higher learning, named Endowed Chairs, Professorships or Fellowships. Establishing these opportunities at CSM would ensure our ability to invest in academic excellence and enrich our foundation of teaching and learning. Interestingly enough, the world’s first Endowed Chair for a university was established by a woman, Lady Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and grandmother to the future King Henry VIII in 1502, at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. She understood the importance of a permanent source of funds to maintain a high level of academic offerings.

Our goal is to raise $10 million in endowed funds by 2016. CSM’s campaign is called Striding Forward: Endowment for the Future. Building the endowment will allow us to continue our

long history of providing scholarship support to motivated, capable students who bring a rich diversity to our campus community. An increased endowment will sustain academic excellence, along with encouraging and retaining gifted faculty through competitive salaries and the support of scholarly pursuits in their field. A strong endowment will establish annual opportunities for students to interact with high profile women leaders and stimulate inspiring, reflective leadership in our next generation of students. Finally, it will allow CSM to permanently invest in and preserve those programs which so richly reflect our unique mission.

Welcome five new members each year into the Our Lady of Mercy Society.

Often, the largest gift someone gives to support a cause they believe in is when they no longer need it themself. This giving occurs through thoughtful planning to include a gift in one’s will. For CSM, this thoughtful planning helps sow the seeds for our future. Once they have informed CSM of their intention of leaving a “planned gift”, a donor becomes a member of Our Lady of Mercy Society.

We want to encourage a greater number of our CSM expanded community to invest in our future through a bequest or other type of planned gift. Increasing the numbers of our planned-gift benefactors, and encouraging them to share their intentions with us will have a transformative effect on CSM and its students. When one makes the choice to include CSM in their will or estate plans, they give strength to our future CSM Walking Women. These gifts allow the University to more confidently plan for its future and continue to live out the University's mission.

CSM.edu | COLLEGE OF SAINT MARY MAGAzINE | 17

ADVANCEMENT

16 | COLLEGE OF SAINT MARY MAGAzINE | CSM.edu

Angela Case Williams ’98 with fellow past teammates Kerry Keegan Ahl ’97 and Michala D'Ercole Jacobson ’94.

College of Saint Mary

Pauline Selenke Pesek ’65

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness, the Flames Soccer Team hosted their 2nd Annual Pink Game on October 13, where the Flames shut out Central Christian College 4-0. The Flames raffled off an autographed soccer ball at halftime and held a silent auction during the game for players’ jerseys to help raise money for cancer research. During the game information was provided about breast cancer and breast cancer research.

"Our team was excited to raise over $940 for such an important cause," said Shad Beam, CSM Head Soccer Coach. "Holding a game like

this not only gives our players a chance to bond together, but it allows us to honor those who are continuing to fight this disease."

Cross CountryThe Flames began their pre-season with a third place

MCAC ranking. They opened their competitive season in August at the Bill Buxton Memorial Meet. Facing stiff competition, the CSM runners brought home a second place team finish and first-year runner Haden Mikesell ’16 (biology) from Papillion, Neb., finished second overall. Emily Weber ’14 (occupational therapy) of Dunlap, Iowa, won the Yellow Jacket Invite in Lamoni, Iowa. The CSM Cross Country Team is working hard to make the NAIA National Cross Country meet on November 17, in Vancouver, Wash.

Recognitions: MCAC Runner-of-the-Week (twice): Emily Weber ’14 (occupational therapy) of Dunlap, Iowa.

VolleyballThe CSM Volleyball Team has conference wins over

Central Christian, Central Baptist, Haskell, Southwestern Christian, Oklahoma Wesleyan and York. Leading the team in kills (309) and aces (39) is Joy Leick ’15 (business analytics and communication) of Omaha, Neb. Kaylee Wallace ’13 (rehabilitation studies) of Omaha, Neb., is second on the team in kills (307) and aces (32).

Recognitions: MCAC Player and Hitter of the Week: Joy Leick ’15 (business analytics and communication) of Omaha, Neb.

MCAC Libero of the Week (twice): Baylee Collins ’14 (biology) of North Platte, Neb.

SoccerThe CSM Soccer Team welcomed seven players

from last season and added 16 new faces to the roster. Catherine Pickinpaugh ’15 (nursing) of Omaha, Neb. leads the MCAC with (12) assists and Abby Schlater ’16 (elementary education) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, leads the team in goals (11) and points (32). The Flames wrapped up their regular season with a 9-9 overall record and a 5-2 conference mark. The Flames are seeded third in the MCAC tournament and will play at Oklahoma Wesleyan in the semifinals.

Recognitions:MCAC Offensive Player of the Week: Abby Schlater ’16 (elementary education) of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

MCAC Offensive Player of the Week: Abby Zach ’15 (occupational therapy) of Gering, Neb.

MCAC Defensive Player of the Week: Ashley Wohlers ’15 (business analytics and communication) of Papillion, Neb.; Courtney Smith ’16 (sociology) of Colorado Springs, Colo.

GolfCSM Golf participated in four meets for the fall portion of their season. The top team result was a fourth place finish in both the Nebraska Wesleyan Fall Invitational and the Dakota Wesleyan Invitational. Calie Trusler ’14 (nursing) of Omaha, Neb., was the top CSM golfer in every meet. The spring portion of the golf schedule will resume in March.

CSM Soccer ‘Pink Game’ in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

Angela Case Williams ’98 was inducted into the College of Saint Mary Athletic Hall of Fame during Alumnae Reunion Weekend, as part of 2012 Heritage Week events. Williams led College of Saint Mary’s (CSM) Softball Team to two NAIA Regional Tournaments in 1996 and 1997, including a berth in the regional final. She was one of the most dominant hitters to ever take the plate for the Flames, and won numerous conference titles and set a number of records including: First Team All-American, 1997; Second Team All-American, 1996; four time All-Conference MCAC, 1993-1997; two time All-Region, 1996-1997; five CSM individual career records; and six CSM single season records.

Williams gained national recognition when she was ranked eighth in the nation for runs batted in, fifth for hits per game, fourth with a .506 batting average, second for doubles per game, and was ranked first in the nation for total number of doubles (24). “I have so many fond memories of all my teammates and coaches from CSM softball,” stated Williams. “Without their hard work and dedication I wouldn’t have earned any of the awards I did.”

Williams is the 13th member elected to the CSM Athletic Hall of Fame since 2002.

Angela Case Williams ’98 Elected into CSM Athletic Hall of Fame

Pauline, one plus 174 does not equal 1,000! Can you explain this complicated math to us?

It’s really not complicated! When the University told me of their desire to increase alumnae support, I wanted to help in a fun way that would spotlight their efforts. I agreed to give $10,000 as a way to publicize their goal of 1,750 alumnae giving or 25%. Instead of giving once the goal was reached, I chose to give in $1,000 increments. Each time 175 alumnae give, I’ll give! Hopefully, this will provide 10 ways to build the momentum.

Giving has always added to and often multiplied the joy and happiness in my life. The “math” is to increase the percentage of alumnae giving …and I hope to increase their joy and happiness.

you are already a consistent donor. Why did you feel compelled to stretch so that others would give?

It is compelling to give back because of the education, opportunities and experiences that College of Saint Mary (CSM) provides. I also feel it is essential to give forward so

that others can enjoy these same benefits. I know that alumnae donations are core to every university. When businesses (and I am a business owner) consider a gift, they look to the core of that institution. If a high number of alumnae are giving back, that speaks volumes to the value they place on their experience.

I’m not sure our CSM alumnae stop and think of this fact. I hope my gesture and the way I’m giving will shine a light so that each alumna will stop and think – I can give and really help CSM. It is the simple act of giving that matters. Maybe one alumna can only make a $20 gift, but another can give $1,000; it is the fact that they give that counts. I’m glad my “challenge” is not related to the size of anyone’s gift. I’m only interested in the fact that my fellow alumnae make a gift, not how much!

What transformative change or long range results do you hope to see from your gift?

Giving is a habit. Once a donation is made it is easier to continue giving because you make it a part of your budget. It is my hope to see a noticeable sustained increase in the number of alumnae who give back to CSM.

Editor’s note: Thank you Pauline and to the hundreds of alumnae who have already given to the CSM Fund! Follow our progress each Walking Woman Wednesday on Facebook.

You + 174 = 1,000

From One Alumna to Another

You are the missing piece! Join us by making a gift: at CSM.edu/YourGift; through phonathon when a student calls; by inserting your check in the envelope found in every CSM Magazine or calling Diane Langel Proulx ’72 at 402-399-2456. Thank you!

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ALUMNA FEATURE ATHLETICS

4040UNDER

College of Saint Mary provided me with a depth of knowledge that has helped to pave the way for a successful career in nursing education.

– Dr. Delahoyde D’09

Dr. Karen Dittmer-McMahon ’94, Jennifer Cockerill Smith ’94, Lisa Eisenmenger Gulseth ’94, Michala D’Ercole Jacobson ’94, Melanie Climer-Wilson ’95, Melissa Campbell Fanning, ’94 ’04, Gina Steffen Hardisty ’94 and Linda Schaffart Lytle ’94. (Tammy Brannan Marcoux ’94 is not pictured.)

We want to know your accomplishments! Send your stories to Jaime Corsar at jcorsar@csm.edu or use the envelope found in the center of the magazine. You can also update your contact information by logging on to CSM.edu. Click on “Alumnae & Donors” and then “Keep in Touch.” chievementsALUMNAEA

ALUMNAE NOTES

Dr. Theresa Delahoyde D’09

1940sJo Valasek ’47 was recognized for her 50-year membership in the Catholic Daughters, one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in North and South America. She has led her local chapter as regent, helped raise money for various charities and meets monthly with members.

1950sAlice Beach Erftmier ’50 is enjoying retirement while still staying actively involved in a dog rescue effort and volunteering for the Good Dog Rescue of Nebraska.

1970s Mary Ellen Sweeney, Ph.D., ’71 published the book Exploring People and Culture along with co-author Brooke Walker, Ph.D. This book helps children learn about culture through fun research activities, and is available online at Prufrock Press.

Mary Kay Vrba ’73 stopped in to visit the CSM Campus and meet with Diane Langel Proulx ’72, Vice President of Institutional Advancement this past October. Mary

Kay is currently the Executive Director of Dutchess County Tourism, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Deb Thor Nesbitt ’74 joined the Nebraska Skilled Healthcare Rehab in Omaha, Neb., after following her passion to work with the elderly and those in long-term care facilities. Deb lives in Plattsmouth, Neb.

1990sSheri Wells-Chesley ’97 of La Vista, Neb., was elected Toastmasters District 24 Governor at the district’s spring meeting. Sheri is a Project Manager Specialist for ConAgra Foods in Omaha, Neb.

Kathy McGuire Phares ’90 was elected Vice President of the North Platte Public School Board of Education. Kathy is the office manager for Complete Family Medicine in North Platte, Neb.

Karen Kokotajlo Smith ’90 has been named Executive Director at Baird Holm Law firm in Omaha, Neb. Karen is responsible for non-legal management of the firm and will serve as a member of the executive committee.

Dinorah Lemus ’98 has joined the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) and taken the name, Sr. Maria Buenaventura Lemus. Sister Lemus has recently moved to Kansas City, Mo., to serve at SOLT Montessori School.

2000sEmily Timmerman ’00 joined Sarah Kottich, CSM’s Chief Financial Officer, for lunch this summer in Arlington, Va. Emily works at Adobe as a liaison between the customers and the information technology department. She is currently working on an online communication platform. Emily resides in Arlington, and has a four-year old daughter, Sally.

Dr. Kristin Schroeder M’08 graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry, and is currently practicing at Got Smile Dental Group in Omaha, Neb.

Tracy Carlson M’11 is teaching eighth grade language arts at Nathan Hale School in Omaha, Neb.

Welcome Back Luncheon Kick-Off

Christi Rose Glesmann, MSN, ’06, M’08

Dr. Kari Wade D’11

With a mission to “improve healthcare access, quality and cost-effectiveness through nurse-led collaborative partnerships,” the Nebraska Action Coalition of Nursing is working to drive necessary change within the profession. In 2012 the Coalition initiated an annual 40 under 40 Nurse Leadership award.

The first recipients of this new award were announced earlier this fall. Four of the forty awardees selected were College of Saint Mary (CSM) alumnae, reflective of the high quality of our nursing graduates. Two of the awardees are current CSM faculty: Dr. Kari Wade D’11, Master of Science in Nursing Program Director, and Christi Rose Glesmann, MSN, ’06, M’08, Assistant Professor of Nursing. Dr. Molly Thayer Fitzke M’08, D’09, is the Director of the RN-to-BSN Online Program at Concordia University and Dr. Theresa Delahoyde D’09, is the Dean of Undergraduate Nursing at Bryan College of Health Sciences.

The 40 under 40 Nurse Leadership award celebrates young nurse leaders who demonstrate expertise in their field, adherence to high ethical standards and leadership within their profession, organization and community. All four CSM alumnae were honored Thursday, September 13, at an Awards Reception in Lincoln, Neb.

Dr. Wade explained, “This award is beneficial because it unites young nursing professionals and leaders throughout Nebraska. The 40 under 40 recipients have been targeted as the "future" of nursing in Nebraska and will likely be key stakeholders and decision makers for both education and practice. Being held to this high level of regard is a tremendous honor!” Dr. Wade specializes in nursing research and pediatric clinical care. She also serves as chair-elect of the Pediatric Research Section of the Midwest Nursing Research Society. Dr. Wade, who grew up in Madison, Neb., obtained her Doctorate of Education from Michigan State University and CSM, and has been a CSM faculty member for four years.

Dr. Fitzke told us, “I was truly honored to receive this award and stand side-by-side with

39 other talented nurse leaders throughout the State of Nebraska. The best part of the award was representing the University I work for and seeing three of my fellow CSM alumnae who are inspiring nurse leaders,” stated Dr. Fitzke, of Saginaw, Mich. Dr. Fitzke received both her masters and doctorate from CSM.

Dr. Delahoyde, who is originally from Waverly, Neb. was asked how CSM influenced her career. She said, “College of Saint Mary provided me with a depth of knowledge that has helped to pave the way for a successful career in nursing education.”

Glesmann who received her associates, bachelors and masters degrees from CSM expressed, “Throughout my years as a student and faculty member at CSM, I have found that the CSM faculty and staff really do live the mission of the University. As a student, the faculty were supportive, motivating and promoted academic excellence. As a faculty member, the faculty and staff provided mentoring and really fostered my leadership potential. CSM has challenged me to go further while providing support and inspiration along the way.” A Bellevue, Neb. native, Glesmann joined the University in 2006 as an instructor of nursing and is board certified in pediatrics from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Glesmann is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Education program at CSM.

All four of these remarkable alumnae continue to excel in their nursing careers and we congratulate them on this most deserving award.

Four Outstanding Alumnae from the CSM Nursing Program

Receive Distinguished RecognitionDr. Molly Thayer Fitzke M’08, D’09

BY BRITTNEY LONG, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

College of Saint Mary’s (CSM) Office of Alumnae Relations sponsored its first alumnae Welcome Back Luncheon on October 8. Throughout our travels around the city, state and country, we’ve met alumnae who have a strong affinity to CSM, but have not been back in a long time or even since they graduated. The Office of Alumnae Relations has pledged to change that!

Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, and Diane Langel Proulx ‘72, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Events Coordinator, hosted nine enthusiastic CSM alumnae at a luncheon in the President’s Dining Room. The conversation was lively with Dr. Stevens sharing accomplishments, facility improvements and future plans for the University and the alumnae sharing memories, feedback and new program suggestions. Following lunch, Diane escorted the alumnae on a tour of CSM's ever improving campus facilities.

To learn how you can be included in a Welcome Back Luncheon, contact Diane Proulx ’72 at dproulx@csm.edu or 402-399-2456.

CSM.edu | COLLEGE OF SAINT MARY MAGAzINE | 21

One of our latest alumnae trips was to our neighboring state, Iowa. These outstanding alumnae took time out of their busy schedules to meet and chat about how College of Saint Mary impacted their lives.

Roi Anne Gearhart ’70

Margaret O'Neill ’65 Rose Anna Henning ’83

Peg Wombacher Rock ’83

June Brown Langenfeld ’62

Mary Gronstal Bruner ’73

Sheila Kurtz-Robinson ’74

Genevieve Ebel Smejkal ’67

Linda Schindler Broghammer ’69

ALUMNAE NOTES

Walking Women in Germany!

May 2012Michaela Martin ’05 and William McColgan. Michaela is a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Kellie Korth ’11 and Scott Jarecke in Columbus, Neb. Kellie is a registered nurse at Columbus Community Hospital.

Kimberly Norton M’12 and Brett Swierczek. Kim has been substitute teaching in the Columbus and Schuyler, Neb., areas.

June 2012Carrie Kosmicki ’02 and Jeremy Braden at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul, Neb. Carrie is a kindergarten teacher in the Omaha Public School System.

Amanda Flanagan ’08 and Tommy Rayhel at St. Mary Catholic Church in Nebraska City, Neb. Amanda is a registered nurse at St. Mary’s Community Hospital in Nebraska City.

Katharine King ’08 and Lt. Col. Charles Bergman at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Neb. Katharine is a registered nurse. The couple will reside in Hawaii.

Jessica Delahunty ’10 and Jomar Pika at the Berean Church in Lincoln, Neb. Jessica works as a nurse in the acute rehabilitation area at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln.

Madison Huston M’12 and Travis Nitsch.

July 2012Whitney Garrison ’11 and Miles Matthias. They currently reside in Papillion, Neb.

Bridget O’Gorman M’11 and Nathan Rath. Bridget is an occupational therapist for Quantum Health Professionals in Omaha, Neb.

August 2012Trisha Mullins M’06, ’05 and Hunter Anderson. Trisha is a pharmaceutical representative for Daiichi Sankyo in Kansas City, Mo.

Sarah Lynch Stewart ’06 and Scott Beerbower, from Falls Church, Va.

Traci Barry ’10, ’11 and Kyle Longenecker. Traci is a registered nurse at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, Neb.

Mikala Perry ’12 and Casey Lewis at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Hastings, Neb. Mikala is employed as a Rehab Tech at Children’s Rehab Center in Hastings and will finish her Master in

Occupational Therapy degree at CSM in May.

Stephanie Post M’12 and Justin Feldhaus at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill, Neb. Stephanie works as an occupational therapist at Bryan LGH Hospital in Lincoln, Neb.

Connie Preister M’12 and Tim Stowell at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lindsay, Neb. Connie is currently employed at the Boone County Health Center in Albion, Neb.

October 2012 Cally Frahm M’12 and Johnathon Tejkl at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Point, Neb. Cally is an occupational therapist at Wimmer Rehabilitation Center in West Point, Neb.

Wedding Notes

In loving memory

Leslie Clague ’11 has recently returned to Omaha, Neb., after living in Philadelphia for the last year volunteering with Mercy Volunteer Corps. Leslie is currently working at the Salvation Army.

Diane Donaldson M’11 is teaching reading to seventh graders at Bryan Middle School in Omaha, Neb.

Kim Hansen M’11 is teaching fifth through eighth grade language arts and eighth grade religion at St. Matthew Catholic School in Bellevue, Neb.

Susan Proulx-Herron M’11 is teaching eighth grade language arts at Norris Middle School. She and her husband, Tim and their two sons, Logan (4) and Parker (2) reside in Omaha, Neb.

Maggie Gehring M’11 resides in Wichita Kan., and teaches business at Wichita South High School.

Meghan McGowan M’12 started her teaching career at Kellom Elementary School in Omaha, Neb. as a third grade teacher.

July 2012Tracy Grieve Crespo ’09

August 2012Katherine “Kay” Mullin ’75

Ann McNally Ladwig ’81

Tanya Jones Jacobs ’10

September 2012

Rachel Eliason Yoesel ’65

October 2012Theresa Tierney Gridley ’59

Linda Alvarez-Rangel ’83

Two College of Saint Mary (CSM) alumnae, unbeknownst to each other, were in Germany this summer and both documented their travels with pictures of the Walking Woman!

Genevieve Ebel Smejkal ’67 captured her visit to the Czech Republic, Munich, Weiden and Neuschwanstein Germany. Linda Schindler Broghammer ’69 took pictures at the Berlin Wall, the Baltic Sea and in Hamburg.

Back in Omaha, Genevieve and Marian Emanuel Wolf ’67 stopped by CSM to check out the CSM Alumnae/Community Art Show and enjoyed being back on campus again. Thank you for taking the spirit of CSM with you!

Where will the Walking Woman go next? We’re waiting to find out! Send your pictures in before January 15 to be included in our spring CSM Magazine.

75 years

Sr. Mary Miguel Gassmann, RSM, ’45

Sr. Mary McAuley Gillgannon, RSM, ’51 (taught history at CSM)

Sr. Mary Jude Graham, RSM, ’52

(taught philosophy at CSM)

Sr. Rita Ann Podhola, RSM, ’53

Sr. Mary Patricius Maloney, RSM, ’54(worked in enrollment services at CSM)

70 years

Sr. Madeleva Comiskey, RSM, ’55

(taught at CSM)

60 years

Sr. Mary Beth Kubesh, ND, ’69

50 years

Sr. Kay O’Brien, RSM, ’67

Sr. Rosalee Burke,ND, ’65

Hilda Jaen Kramer ’62 – dear friend, faithful alumna and generous supporter of CSM. Hilda recently celebrated her 50th anniversary during Alumnae Reunion Weekend. She is the mother of Margaret

Kramer Esfahani ‘99, David Kramer, a current member of CSM Board of Directors; Dan Kramer; and Teresa Ruback.

Beatrice Houston Jacques ’42 was a longtime donor of CSM and cherished alumna of the college. Bea was a career-minded woman who worked at numerous large corporations throughout Omaha and was an active community volunteer.

Congratulations to the following College of Saint Mary alumnae who have recently celebrated

jubilee anniversaries as religious sisters:

Iowa Alumnae

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