Mount Marty Update Spring 2009

Since coming to Mount Marty College in the fall of 2007, Randy Fischer has had his eye on creating a bigger, stronger, and more powerful team for the college. His efforts with cross country, indoor track and field and outdoor track and field have clearly illustrated that goal with some head-turning results. He had arrived at a most opportune time: Mount Marty had just invested in the development of a new Olympic-quality track with the Yankton School District, and as a result had been able to place Mount Marty on the list of eligible GPAC Conference Track locations. Although Fischer had plenty of kindling to fire up new recruits about the track program, there were very few returning athletes. However, in only two seasons, he has 15 times the number of students participating in the sports. When he started, there were only three returning athletes. In the first year, that number grew to 13, and by season-end this year, he had 45 active participants. Fischer drew upon his prior coaching experience at McCook Central High School (Salem, S.D.) and Dakota State University and pooled together an ambitious team of runners, throwers and jumpers. With several qualifying for national appearances, his

success is clearly illustrated in the accomplishments of his team members. “We’ve seen a lot of success and growth this year,” Fischer explained, “and I attribute a great deal of that success to the assistant coaches Lenny Billberg and Jim Miner for their expertise in the field events. I’m surrounded by terrific people who have helped bring out the best in our athletes.” Many of the athletes also play in other sports, a dual-sport option not available at many colleges. However, through participation in the cross country or track and field events, their physical conditioning can extend beyond their own sports seasons. For that reason it has not been hard to recruit cross-country runners from those involved in spring sports like baseball and softball. “Last fall in cross country we saw a dramatic improvement over the year before. We had 10 men and 13 women on the team as compared to three runners last year,” Fischer said. “Although we didn’t qualify for nationals in cross country this year, we hope to post some good times next year with a more mature team.” Fischer has a knack for identifying promising talent and has invited several athletes to participate. One notable athlete

was Titus Kosgei who joined Mount Marty’s track and field efforts in the Spring of 2008. In just one year, he has become one of the most talked about athletes in GPAC circles. “Our indoor season looked really good this year and Titus was breaking all kinds of Mount Marty records. He’s incredible, and his talent is still growing,” Fischer commented. “Titus currently holds the 800-meter, 1,000-meter and mile records at Mount Marty and qualified for nationals in the 800-meter. At the indoor nationals this year, he placed ninth with a time of 1:54.84.” The big story during the conference championship meet held in Yankton was Laura Wortmann who not only captured first in the shot and discus but also set a new GPAC record and captured the NAIA top mark in discus for the season. Her discus throw of 168’ 1” or 51.24 meters shattered the previous GPAC women’s record of 162’ 6.5” set in 1998. At the championships, her throw was almost nine meters farther than the second place finisher in the same event. Her accomplishments earned her the title of Women’s Top Performance of the Meet. Wortmann qualified for nationals in both the shot put and discus in 2008. At that time she

brought home fourth in shot put and second in the discus. This year, her national appearance brought home second in discus and 11th in shot put. “This spring we took three to nationals,” Fischer said. “Titus and Laura were joined by Tyler Smit who qualified for the marathon. Regardless of how they finished, they all had an

outstanding season and we’re proud of their achievements.” We have a relatively young team, but through the year, they’ve matured and adapted to their events and to the competition. Our best performances have been at the end of the season when we’ve needed them most,” Fischer concluded.

SUMMER 2009

Growth, Success Bolster Track and FieldABOVE: More than 70 GPAC athletes banded together to raise the “Stars and Stripes” during the opening ceremonies of the conference championships May 2 at Williams Field, Mount Marty’s home track, in Yankton. LEFt: the Mount Marty 4x400 relay team included titus Kosgei, Kalib Heeren, Brandon Phizacklea and Mitchell Zenk.

Mount Marty Hosts GPAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships at

Williams Field in Yankton On May 2, an amazing transformation took place at Williams Field. Flags appeared around the entire fenceline, tents for visiting teams appeared and the parking lots began to fill up. In all, 620 athletes, 150 volunteers, more than 600 spectators and numerous other coaches, officials and timers filled the facility on a perfect 64-degree South Dakota spring day. The conditions were ideal to make a few headlines, and the athletes rose to the challenge. The community came together, also. The Yankton Quarterback Club, most commonly associated with Yankton High School sports, sponsored the flags and buntings that surrounded the field. Corporate sponsors Pizza Ranch, HyVee, Chesterman’s, Pepsi and Aramark kept the hospitality flowing and provided special offers for the teams. (Pizza Ranch reported the delivery of more than 75 pizzas to the field that day). And spectators from throughout the region came to view the contests whether they had a personal interest in the teams or not. In all, five conference records were broken, 55 athletes qualified for Nationals during the course of the tournament and Mount Marty was heralded for hosting a very successful event.

March 13, 2009

You Have A Mount Marty Advantage.

Mount Marty College came into being in 1936… during the Great Depression. At the time, materials and

money were in short supply, but the project continued because the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery knew

that in difficult times, people needed a symbol of hope, a place to turn to for help and the promise of a

brighter future.

Through education, care and support, the people at Mount Marty were steadfastly able to provide that hope

and helped so many not only survive the Depression but rise above it once the nation recovered.

For more than 70 years in South Dakota, Mount Marty College has contributed to the livelihood and the

economic impact of the area. In the 2007-08 academic year, that impact was estimated at $29.6 million in

the Yankton area, $3.3 million in the Watertown area, and $37 million statewide. Each year approximately

75% of Mount Marty graduates decide to work and live in South Dakota once they’ve achieved their degree.

We plan to continue that contribution as we maintain our services here.

Mount Marty’s history of balanced budgets, a lean approach to fiscal responsibility, an engaged Board of

Trustees and good strategic planning have allowed us to responsively look at the future and anticipate the

needs of not only the college, but also the regions we serve. Some of the services we provide include:

• Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees

• Accelerated College Experience (ACEs)

• Financial Aid Counseling

• Career Planning & Placement

• Free Cultural and Sporting Events

We’re all in this together. If you know of other ways Mount Marty can help, please give me a call and let’s

discuss some of the other possibilities. We are your college, and as part of your community, we hope you

will put your faith in us as together we weather these challenging times.

Sincerely,

James T. “Tim” Barry, Ed.D.

President(605) 668-1514 • [email protected]

1105 West Eighth Street • Yankton, SD 57078

A Catholic Benedictine College™

James T. Barry, Ed.D.President

Dear Friends, In one way or another, we’ve all felt the im-pact of today’s economy. Earlier this spring, Southeast South Dakota began to see a direct impact. At that time, the above letter was issued to the community with assurances that we are “alive and well.” We are. It should be no surprise that Mount Marty

will prevail. After all, this college was founded in the ’30s, when resources and money were in short supply. We were rooted in the need to be responsible to our contributors, our employees and most of all, to our students. We were investing in the future, and for so many of our graduates, that future has been incredibly bright. Education is still a very wise investment. Every dollar invested will be transformed

into tax-paying, economy-lifting community members who will one day set the tone for our future. But it starts with all of us today. thank you for your support of Mount Marty College and the future of the college and our students. With blessings for you and your family, -- James t. “tim” Barry, Ed.D.

Mount Marty Update www.mtmc.edu

March 13, 2009

You Have A Mount Marty Advantage.

Mount Marty College came into being in 1936… during the Great Depression. At the time, materials and

money were in short supply, but the project continued because the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery knew

that in difficult times, people needed a symbol of hope, a place to turn to for help and the promise of a

brighter future.

Through education, care and support, the people at Mount Marty were steadfastly able to provide that hope

and helped so many not only survive the Depression but rise above it once the nation recovered.

For more than 70 years in South Dakota, Mount Marty College has contributed to the livelihood and the

economic impact of the area. In the 2007-08 academic year, that impact was estimated at $29.6 million in

the Yankton area, $3.3 million in the Watertown area, and $37 million statewide. Each year approximately

75% of Mount Marty graduates decide to work and live in South Dakota once they’ve achieved their degree.

We plan to continue that contribution as we maintain our services here.

Mount Marty’s history of balanced budgets, a lean approach to fiscal responsibility, an engaged Board of

Trustees and good strategic planning have allowed us to responsively look at the future and anticipate the

needs of not only the college, but also the regions we serve. Some of the services we provide include:

• Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees

• Accelerated College Experience (ACEs)

• Financial Aid Counseling

• Career Planning & Placement

• Free Cultural and Sporting Events

We’re all in this together. If you know of other ways Mount Marty can help, please give me a call and let’s

discuss some of the other possibilities. We are your college, and as part of your community, we hope you

will put your faith in us as together we weather these challenging times.

Sincerely,

James T. “Tim” Barry, Ed.D.

President(605) 668-1514 • [email protected]

1105 West Eighth Street • Yankton, SD 57078

A Catholic Benedictine College™

James T. Barry, Ed.D.President

www.mtmc.edu Mount Marty Update

2008-2009 Mount Marty College

Board of TrusteesChair:

Sister Jeanne WeberVice Chair:

Dr. Aelred J. KurtenbachSecretary:

Sister Penny BinghamTreasurer:

Jean M. Reed

J.P. DuniphanFred Ertz

Sister Ramona FallonDr. Steven P. Feeney

Denis FokkenRudy Gerstner

Thomas HarmonArlene Heine

Kathryn (Kitty) HigginsRobert Kathol

Sister Angeline KeatingSister Jennifer KehrwaldSister Marietta Kerkvliet

Sister Martin MergenKathy J. Nordstrom

Marlene RanceSusan B. Reese

James B. RobinsonLarry Schmaltz

Sister Marlene StetzSister Francine StreffDr. Bruce Teachout

Sister Rosemary WeberRobert Zylstra

Dr. James T. Barry, President

Our apologies to the following donors who were incorrectly listed on our Honor Roll of Donors last issue of Update:

Jerry & Elaine Donohoe and Jim & Joyce Donohoe were listed as Patrons ($10,000-$24,999) — should have been listed as President’s Circle ($25,000).

George Donohoe was not listed but should have been listed as President’s Circle ($25,000).

Mark & Deborah Lethcoe were not listed but should have been listed as Members ($1,000-$2,499).

David & Mary Ann Jungers were listed as Friends of Mount Marty (Up to $99) but should have been listed as Bishop Marty Society ($100-$499).

Dr. Wesley Receives Saupe Award

Dr. Derek Wesley, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Mount Marty College, was recognized by the Mid-America Association for Institutional Research (MidAIR) during their November annual Conference in Kansas City, Mo. His presentation, “Catholic College and University Presidents: Fundraising Practices and Identity Maintenance” has earned him the honor of the Saupe Award. Dr. Wesley’s presentation was based on his doctoral research and first presented at his dissertation defense in August of 2007 in pursuit of his Doctorate degree. The quantitative portion of this study yielded an outstanding 68 percent response rate from Catholic college presidents on a national level, and established a positive link between actively promoting Catholic identity and increased fundraising efforts for Catholic colleges (81 percent of respondents indicated this trend). Nearly 200 surveys were sent to Catholic college presidents in the United States and featured a cover letter from the Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island,

Wesley’s employer at the time of the study. “I firmly believe that a key reason I received such a high response from these very busy Presidents was because of the cover letter from the Bishop,” Wesley explained. “It got their attention, and it was immediately seen as an important study, and I am grateful to the Bishop for his contribution.” His study also got the attention of the MidAIR association and he was invited to present his findings at their November 2008 conference, a presentation which earned him the award. Aside from his presentation to the conference, Dr. Wesley has also collaborated with his major dissertation advisor, Dr. Cynthia Ward, on a written article with the hope it would appear in professional journals on education and serve as a tool for the benefit of other schools. As the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Mount Marty College, Dr. Wesley often uses the results of his study as he coordinates and oversees the fundraising efforts of the college. In fact, it was the study that originally brought him to Mount Marty College. He received a survey response from Dr. James T. Barry, president of the college, and through subsequent interaction, was invited to apply for the vice president position, which was open at the time.

Dr. Derek Wesley

On the Eve of Palm Sunday, the congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yankton woke up to a harsh reality: Their church had been destroyed overnight by fire. At 3:20 a.m. the morning of Saturday, April 4, fire crews from Yankton, Gayville, Lesterville and Vermillion worked for seven hours to control the blaze which was later ruled arson. Among the 65 firefighters was Steve Her-manson, Mount Marty’s Director of Facilities. Immediately identifying the extent of the damage, Hermanson took the initiative to get permission to offer Marian Auditorium at Mount Marty for the Palm Sunday service the next day… and for many more services to come. The invitation will remain open as long as St. John’s needs the facilities, which could be many months. With the worry of where to hold their services resolved by Mount Marty, church leaders were able to turn their focus on

recovery immediately. Although a majority of the church was damaged by fire, smoke, soot and water, the bulletins and palms were still able to be used for Sunday’s service in Marian Auditorium. The Palm Sunday service was one of reflection, not only on the death and resurrection of Christ, but also reflection on the damage and the resurrection of the church. “The building may have been destroyed, but the church wasn’t,” Reverend Dave Gunderson explained. The church also ran a weekly daycare which had to be relocated. Fortunately, a building formerly used by Kolor Me Kids daycare just a few blocks away was vacant and available for use. The damage to the church was assessed at over $2 million and a reward of $16,000 was offered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the church insurance company and Crime Stoppers for information regarding the origin

of the fire. Donations, matching donations and offers for additional assistance were made to the church in the weeks that followed. A sold-out benefit concert in Marian Auditorium the evening of May 18 was made possible by The Muellers, a family bluegrass band who squeezed in the benefit concert in Yankton between their engagements in Branson, Missouri. They heard of the fire through relative Arnold Mueller, a former Yankton resident. St. John’s has 1,200 mem-bers and a weekly attendance of about 450 parishioners. They plan to rebuild the damaged por-tions of the church and return to the facility, but the process may take more than six months to complete. Despite the challenges before them, the congregation’s faith remains strong, symbol-ized by the “eternity candle” that continued to burn in the church even as firefighters drenched the church during the fire.

Church Temporarily Relocates to Mount Marty

Crews work on demolition and remodel of the St. John’s Church building located at the corner of 10th and Jackson St. in Yankton. The church was damaged in an arson fire April 4.

Campus Opens Its Doors After Arson Fire At St. John’s Lutheran

Correction


nail and hair salon that

had closed long before

the flood and needed

to be completely

gutted, dividing walls,

bathroom works, electric works, and

moldy drywall. By the time we went

back to the van to eat the lawn in

front of the store was littered with a

fragmented urinal, mounds of drywall,

and wood. After we finished eating we

were told to use a spraying apparatus

to hose the place down with a bleach

and water mixture to kill off the mold before we

could be taken to the next place. Not too much later after

that we were on our way to another heavy hit home

that needed some plaster and insulation removed as well

as a spray down, but all we managed to get done was

some destruction and clean up, we’d have to come back

tomorrow and finish up the job and go back to the business

place and spray it down again.

3-13-09Today, we went back and finished cleaning up our mess in

the plaster and insulation house. As we were spraying the

walls down we wondered if this was a job that we would

be able to do successfully enough to help these people. The

window, drywall, paint, and demolition work we had done

were all things that could be assured were done right,

but could we kill all the mold in the walls? We tried our

best to drench everything we could before going back to

the business and doing the same there. Sitting in the van

eating lunch we came to a consensus that we should just

be done for the week. When we called Melissa she said that

she appreciated the work we did. We were offered to give

us a flood tour, but after reflection on the fact that we had

seen everything about the flood we graciously declined

and took care of things back at the house.

3-14-09Today, we headed back to campus, and much like on the

way to Cedar Rapids I slept until it was time to eat and

stayed awake afterwards until we got to our destination.

As I unloaded my belongings I couldn’t help but feel as if

maybe school was the trip and our home and work was

back in Fairfax with the flood folks.

“When we arrived, I was amazed.” Earlier this spring, Mount Marty students traveled to the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area to assist with flood recovery. Mount Marty freshman, Jordan Lenards, wrote a journal and took photos along the way as he participated in a variety of projects. In all, five Mount Marty students advised by Brother David McGinnis spent four working days removing a very small portion of the vast devastation the flood waters left behind. What they brought home with them was the satisfaction of making a difference for those affected.

3-9-09Today, we loaded up in the van and headed on our

way to Fairfax, Iowa. Every street we went down had

plywood screwed to a window somewhere, mud-lines

reaching up to the upper half of windows, or lawns still

littered with random debris from people’s houses. Later,

back at Fairfax, we met Betty, the woman who would

be making sure we had everything we needed, Dick, a

volunteer tax preparer, and Kathy. Kathy works for

Catholic Charities somewhere in Kansas, but has assisted

with many disaster groups, including Hurricane

Katrina. She now spends a good deal of every month

assisting with flood relief efforts and thought it would

be a good idea to inform us about what happens to

people after a disaster in all aspects of their life, mental,

physical, and spiritual. After having a long enough day

we all kicked back and relaxed before our first day of

work.

3-10-09Today, Melissa, who was a pastor with the Methodist

church and in charge of placing us somewhere, took us

to a place where we worked. We would share a project

with another group. After being given a duty by that

site’s overseer we tackled it with the ol’ Mount Marty

spirit, but we tried to make it fun while doing so by

joking and having short exchanges with the folks from

Notre Dame, whom we were sharing the place with.

Despite accidently dumping nails all over the ground,

falling off a ladder, and dodging a few hammers we

managed to finish ripping out a window, covering it

up, reside the area we ripped up, and help drywall a

room on the inside of the house before going back to

Fairfax. 3-11-09Today, we headed to our assigned site. Before we

knew it all six of our crew were in a small basement

performing various tasks like cutting wood, chiseling

concrete, caulking cracks, or good old-fashioned

supervising when another volunteer arrived to help

out. Eventually someone from the relief headquarters

showed up and decided there were too many people

and said perhaps we should go to another place. So we

split into two groups. I decided to go with the group

heading to a new location, and when we arrived I was

amazed. We were being put somewhere much closer to

the higher waters and could tell by the same mud-lines

from Monday where the water stopped. While the folks

at the new place set us up to paint their basement

with an anti-mold sealant they told us about many

of the problems caused by the flood and how FEMA

accommodated people who were forced to evacuate

their homes. After finishing the basement we went to

go back up the rest of the team and wash up before a

CCD class from the church across the street came over

to listen to us talk about our trip so far.

3-12-09Today, after a call to Melissa we received our first

demolition project. We got set up in an old

James Bowers liked spending his summers on the water and teaching at smaller private schools, so when the opportunity to take a one-year position at Mount Marty College came about in 1977, he jumped at the chance. Bowers recently retired from his position as Associate Professor of Biology and Division of Natural Science Chair. He enjoyed a 32-year tenure at the college. “I took a one-year position when Sister Maureen Diggins went on sabbatical,” Bowers explained. “After that year Dr. Jim Rasmussen took a sabbatical and I was asked to stay a second year and then there was a third year and it just evolved from there.” During the past three decades at the college, Bowers said he has seen many, many changes but nothing compared to the way technological advances have changed the study of science. “I think the amount students are required to learn has doubled every year,” he said. “The demands placed on faculties and students continue to increase. When I first started teaching it was more of a classical scientific method and now we’re looking more and more at the molecular level.” Scientific instrumentation, especially computers, has advanced research, teaching and learning, Bowers said. “As much as I have enjoyed learning new things, I realize that I am getting further and further out of touch (with the newest advances),” he said. “I took that as a good indicator that it was time to retire and let younger, more experienced faculty take over.” Bowers said he is most proud of his students and notes he has quite a few student who went into the medical field. When looking back at his career, he said he had many memorable classroom moments, but the most poignant of his memories took place outside of the classroom. “I used to teach a class on marine and subtropical ecology,” he said. “We’d take the class to Florida during interim in January and for three weeks we’d live on a research island, Seahorse Key, that we’d rent from the University of Florida.” Collecting specimens, visiting world-renowned labs and going on dives to study reefs were the highlights of the trips, Bowers said. “Watching my students react to swimming with the barracuda, sting ray and sharks was always great,” he said. Another memorable moment was spent during a summer in the early ’80s. “Eight students and I bought a 46-foot paddleboat and rebuilt it,” he said. “Our goal was to navigate it from the Missouri River

to New Orleans before school started.” Although they didn’t quite make it to New Orleans, Bowers said the trip was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity. “The transmission died at Paducah, Kentucky, on the Ohio River,” he said. “We ended up donating it to the Sea Scouts because we needed to get back for the start of school. We spent 19 days on that boat. That’s a trip you’ll only make once.” Throughout his time at Mount Marty Bowers said he was an advisor for the college’s chapter of Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) National Biological Honor Society and for the Bio/Chem Club. He has also been involved as an advisor and board member of Yankton’s Big Friend/Little Friend for 20 years and also serves on the Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home board. As busy as he’s been the past 32 years, Bowers said he’s planning a very active retirement.

“I plan to do a lot of things I haven’t had time for,” he said. “I love being outdoors and I have a very landscaped yard, so that will take up quite a bit of time this summer. I’m also going to be working for Garrity’s Prairie Gardens as a part-time handy man. And I’m hoping to do some construction work with Habitat for Humanity.” He also wants to take to the sky. “I very much enjoy radio-controlled

airplanes,” he said. “I think I have some models at home that I’ve had for 10 years and haven’t had time to build. I plan to get those done and do a lot more flying.” Bowers will also spend more time with his wife, Joellen, who works in Home Health at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital; and his daughters: Ann, who is a travel RN; and Sarah, who is a junior in Mount Marty’s nursing program.


James Bowers Bows Out

Five Years — Amy Heimes, Peter Loving, Shelly Luger, Jennifer Moser, Linda Peterson, Jay Scoblic, Andrea Wright,

Chun Wu, Eugenio Zapata

10 Years — Brandi DeFries, Jan Hausmann, Kevin Neuhalfen,

Mark Winegar, Pamela Hohn

15 Years — Larry Dahlen, Sister Sharon Ann Haas

20 Years — Sister Bonita Gacnik, Richard Lofthus

25 Years — James Sullivan

30 Years — Sister Marielle Frigge

35 Years — Mary Miller

40 Years — Sister Matthew Wehri

Retirees — Frank Tudor, James Bowers

Distinguished Teaching — James Bowers

Distinguished Achievement — Dr. Jim Reese

Distinguished Service — Jane Miner and Linda Peterson

Bishop Marty Hospitality — Dean Rettedal

James Award — Dr. Helen Ciernick and Dr. Nicholas Shudak

Special Hospitality Acknowledgements — Steve Hermanson (hospitality to St. John’s Lutheran Church) and Susan Thorson (assistance to faculty member and his family)

Dr. Krisma DeWitt was recently named Chair of the Division of Natural Sciences at Mount Marty College. She will begin her duties at the beginning of the fall 2009 semester.

DeWitt is a 1978 graduate of South Dakota State University, Brookings, with a bachelor’s in chemistry. She earned her master’s in physical chemistry from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., in 1986, and completed a Ed.D. in 2003 from the University of South Dakota.

DeWitt has taught chemistry, physical science, and freshman seminar courses at Mount Marty College since 2000. Previously, she was The Professor of Mili-tary Science for the University of South Dakota and an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at the United States Military Academy. She has also been a guest lecturer at USD and the U.S. Army Chemical School in Ft. McClellan, Ala, and course director and instructor for a Ft. Leonard Wood Nuclear, Bio-logical and Chemical Defense Course.

During her time at Mount Marty, she has served as Chair of the Faculty Senate, Chair of Academic Standards and Admis-sion Committee, Faculty Advisor for the Chemistry and Biology Club, Chemistry Major Advisor, Freshman Advisor, Co-Chairman of the Emergency Preparedness Committee, and as a member of numerous other faculty commit-tees.

DeWitt To Chair Div. Of Natural

Sciences

Kris DeWitt works with students in a lab at Mount Marty.

Biology Instructor Retires After 32 Years of Service

James Bowers came to Mount Marty College on a one-year assignment. He recently retired from his position at biology instructor and Chair of the Natural Sciences Department after 32 years of service.

Recognition BanquetYears of Service 2009

Mount Marty College holds an annual banquet in recognition of the members of the college community. This banquet honors staff and faculty for years of service, hospitality, distinguished service, distinguished teaching and other achievements. The following are this years’ award recipients:

“Watching my students react to swimming with the barracuda, sting ray and sharks was always great.”

— James Bowers

Those familiar with the history of Yankton, South Dakota, appreciate the significance of having a higher academic presence in the community. But few thought that when the vacant campus of Yankton College was converted into a minimum security federal prison facility that higher education on those grounds would continue. But it has. Since the arrival of the Yankton Federal Prison Camp in 1988, Mount Marty College has provided education leading to Associate of Arts degree to the inmates who have successfully completed their GED or that have a High School diploma. Today, more than 30 prison residents graduate from Mount Marty each year with an associate’s degree and a new outlook on life. And now, some can even boast they are published authors. In 2008, the first issue of literary works from the Yankton Federal inmates was published under the title 4 p.m. Count. The collection includes over 200 pages of poems, prose and illustrations of 19 participating inmates. Dr. Jim Reese worked directly with the inmates published in the book through the Writer-in-Residence program generously funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. “When I came to the camp, I was immediately impressed — the place is immaculate. Beautiful flowers and landscape — the men take pride in making the place look as good a possible. It is their home away from home for now. I was still hesitant, though, because I was entering a world I wasn’t quite sure about, which in turn made my teaching and learning experience all the more rewarding. I really believe in this program. “I’d be lying to you if I told you I wasn’t intimidated at times, but that’s par for the course.” The classroom challenges included the fact that many of the students were not familiar with specific writing styles or techniques. This soon changed with continuous writing, reading and revision. Writing inspiration for the inmates came from a variety of personal experiences and observations. Through those elements, Dr. Reese assisted the inmates in expressing those experiences on paper. Along with read-ing and appreciating existing literature, they were creating new masterpieces to share and enjoy. “From the beginning, I told the guys I wasn’t interested in their past,” Reese commented. “Rather, I was interested in their future and the goals they had for themselves and, most importantly, for their writing.” Other established writers also contributed to the program. “The funding from the National Endowment for the Arts allowed me to invite other writers from throughout the country to join us so the students could get a wide array of opinions and ideas on the craft.” Guest writers provided personal insights into writing methods and also gave constructive advice during the 4-hour workshop sessions. Likewise, Dr. Reese’s involvement ven-tured beyond the walls of the Yankton Federal Prison Camp all the way to California, where he was invited to participate in similar out-reach programs at San Quentin Prison. This trip was also funded through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and was a stark contrast to the teaching environment that exists in Yankton. “Honestly, I was nervous, curious and anxious,” Dr. Reese explained. “Who wouldn’t be? San Quentin is 432 acres and it houses California’s only gas chamber and death row. The total number of custody and support staff is more than 1,700. Total

inmate count is over 5,200. “Stage fright can’t exist, though. These educational and arts programs depend on a narrow and conservative view of our role in any of these facilities. I am honored to be part of all of this. I just told myself, you are one of the few people the National Endowment for the Arts has chosen to participate in such outreach program. Go in there and do your job the best you can. And that’s what I tried to do.” Dr. Reese discovered that despite their circumstances, many inmates were very receptive. “For two days I worked with some very creative people. For most of them at San Quentin, this is what gets them up in the morning—what motivates them. The majority of the guys won’t get out of prison, ever. If I can teach them something new, give these guys something to believe in, I’ve done my job. “These programs and the journals I edit are proof that a weekly writ-ing and publishing class can unlock a world of potential—one that can provide personal growth and prosperity. Programs like these, funded by the NEA, give these men something to share with family and friends and makes them richer for the show,” said Dr. Reese. “I do hope such programs continue throughout the country. As we all know, our prisons are overpopulated — I believe education is key to solving this problem,” he concluded. Sister Cynthia Binder, Associate Professor of Humanities, was directly involved with establishing the Mount Marty outreach program at the Yankton prison in the late 80s. “The educational partnership with the Federal Bureau of Prisons has gone beyond what we could have imagined. For this cooperation in such a vital and restorative process, I’m grateful beyond words. “We had to keep in mind that these men have lots of baggage that is carried along as they do their courses. They all carry within them the pain of how deeply they have hurt and humiliated their parents and families, the destructive choices they made, the fear for their futures, of finding a job, and rebuilding relationships with loved ones.” One inmate, who is currently at the prison, appreciates the benefit of the program. “I have the hope that somewhere down the line, what I have written in our journal 4 P.M. Count will help at least one person out there. By sharing the personal parts of my life and my children’s lives maybe somebody will not suffer the same as I have.” The Yankton Federal Prison Camp cur-rently houses more than 772 inmates with a capacity of 900. A variety of programs are in place to help inmates integrate into society

once they have been released. The degree pro-grams offered through Mount Marty are part of that, as well as vocational skills training, resume writing and interviewing techniques. Popular courses among the inmates are parent-ing, money management, horticulture, and marriage enrichment as they prepare to return to their families following incarceration. The prison has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the country. Studies by the Bureau of Prisons have shown nationally a 16 per-cent reduction in recidivism for inmates who participate in education programs and a 33 percent reduction in recidivism for those who acquire vocational training while incarcerated. The Writing-in-Residence opportunity fulfills

both areas. Not only does it refine and hone professional writing skills, but also provides an outlet for the thoughts, emotions and concerns the prisoners may be experiencing. Another inmate enjoys the creative writing process. “For me, creative writing has given my life a new meaning. It has allowed me to channel both my feelings and emotions with just a pen and paper.” The second edition of prison writing is expected to be released this summer. Unfortunately, the books will not be available to the general public. However, as published authors, the inmates will have the satisfaction of another achievement as they exit the walls of the prison and reenter the world.


“This is it”

For so long, the days have progressed into years.

A collection of weeks and monthsthat have given and taken so.

As the minutes tick away today,I’m anxious.

Joys and fears intertwined so tightly;I can barely unravel.

Many long term friendships will bridge today,and knowing some will matter not.

Detaching myself from the reality I knowand blissfully re-entering the society I was

torn from so long ago.

Obstacles to hurdle,time to make up,

and changes to enforce.

I got this!

today, after so long, I’m going back home…

Free!

Maureen Steffen, Yankton Federal Prison Camp Director of Education and Dr. Jim Reese worked with the Yankton Federal inmates to create 4 p.m. Count.

Prison Students Publish ‘4 P.M. Count’ Anthology


Lancer Golf Returns To Athletic Programs After a 10-year hiatus, golf will once again be added to the Mount Marty athletic programs. Women’s basketball coach, Tom Schlimgen, also has an extensive background as a golf coach, and plans to lead the new Lancer squad in the coming season. Golf was originally part of the Lancer program beginning in 1995, but concluded in the 2000 season with only four athletes in the program.

JV Softball Program To Be Added Next Spring A junior varsity softball program will be added to the Lancer line-up in Spring of 2010. The Lancer softball team has sported some outstanding athletes in the past, and the popularity of the sport continues to grow.

Soccer Players To Debut New Home Field Mount Marty soccer players expect to have a new practice and game field ready for them this fall. The National Field Archery headquarters recently moved to Yankton and only needs to use their outdoor archery field part of the year. They have offered to cooperate with Mount Marty on maintaining their grounds for use as a collegiate soccer field.

Student-Athletes Earn Third Consecutive GPAC-Christopherson All-Academic Award For the third consecutive year of its three-year existence, the GPAC-Christopherson All-Academic Award has been awarded to Mount Marty College athletes. For the 2007-08 academic year, Mount Marty varsity athletes held the highest grade point average among all the GPAC schools. The Mount Marty GPA of 3.30 was closely followed by Nebraska Wesleyan University with a 3.261 GPA and Concordia University with a 3.239. In all ten of the 13 GPAC schools had GPAs over 3.0.

LancerLog

Yankton Against Hunger Prepares 70,000 Meals

ABOVE: Several Mount Marty College athletes take some time out of their day to help feed families in Haiti.

LEFt: Margie Hansen, 2008-2009 Student Government Association President and one f the Yankton Against Hunger organizers carries boxes of newly-packaged food during the event April 28.

On April 28, helping hands from churches, Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty, the city of Yankton and the region joined together to help thousands of individuals struggling with Hunger. Yankton Against Hunger was a relief effort coordinated through the Mount Marty Student Government with particular help from their president, Margie Hansen. Hansen and her family had participated many times with “Kids Against Hunger,” a national organization with one of its shipping centers located in LeMars, Iowa. The organization works with volunteer groups to package and ship meals to Haiti in order to help fight hunger in that country. It seems appropriate that their national headquarters are located in New Hope, Minnesota.

To create the meals, several assembly lines were created in Laddie E. Cimpl Arena and members on each team were given specific tasks to complete on the line. A combination of dry food ingredients were poured into bags which were then weighed and sealed. When rehydrated in boiling water, each bag feeds a family of six. The majority of the funding required for the meals and shipping costs was provided by a Benedictine Service Grant from the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. volunteers gave 2 hours or more of their time to assemble meals. Although the goal for the day was 100,000 meals, the effort produced only 70,000, but was still heralded as a very successful event. Those meals represented the ability to feed 64 families of 6 for a full year. It was a successful event for other reasons, too. By bringing together members of the Mount Marty community and other area groups, the Yankton Against Hunger effort was also able to strengthen relationships, acquaint new friends and bring the community together in a common cause.

The 2009 Lancer Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees were celebrated May 3 at the Lancer Athletic Recognition Ceremony.The 2009 class of inductees include two former men’s basketball players — Marvin Veasey and Jason Even and former women’s basketball coach and current Mount Marty Athletic Director Chuck Iverson.

Marvin Veasey Marvin Veasey led the team in scoring and rebounding in three of his four seasons with the Lancers (1983-1986), including his senior season in which he was in the top 5 in the NAIA District 12 in both. He was named First Team All-District 12 and Honor-able Mention All-American in 1986. Veasey graduated from Mount Marty with 12 records and is still in the top 10 career charts in 11 of 16 statistical categories, including first in rebounding and second in scoring. Marvin graduated from Mount Marty College with a bachelor’s degree in social work in 1986. He also has a master’s degree from Strayer University. Marvin currently resides in Arlington, Tenn., with his wife, Brenda Diane Veasey. They have six chil-dren: Daryl Dewayne, 20; Marvin Joshua, 19; Corbin Denzel, 17; Brandon Durrell, 15; Bianca Nicole, 15; and Marvin Gabriel, 8.

Jason Even During Jason Even’s career (1993-1997) he was a part of 55 wins, an SDIC Champi-onship and a team that was nationally rated in both his junior and senior seasons. Even

was named to the All SDIC-Conference Team in both his junior and senior years. He is in the top 10 career charts in 15 of 17 statistical categories, including being in the top six in the four major categories: scoring, rebounding, assists and steals, as well as the record holder for 3-pointers. After graduation Even was hired as a police officer for the City of Brookings. He currently works as an agent for the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), he is stationed in Brookings. In June 2002, he married Shawn Haider. The couple has three children: Jack, 4; and Miles and Macy (twins), born in February 2008.

Chuck Iverson Hired in 1991 as Women’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director, Iverson has coached 40 All-Conference, 13 All-America and 31 Academic All-America athletes. His squads have won four conference titles and appeared in two national tournaments. Eight of the last 10 years of coaching, the squad has been rated among the best in the nation in both academics and basketball. During his tenure as Athletic Director, the Athletic Department has grown five-fold and the department has won the initial three GPAC Christopherson Awards. Iverson has been married to Karla for 25 years coming this April. They have three children: Cassie, 23; Kara, 21; and Colton, 19.

Three Inducted Into Lancer Hall of Fame


Watertown Grads Celebrate Commencement

Mount Marty College, Watertown, celebrated commencement May 1, 2009, at Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown.

Dr. Charles Sherman, president and chief executive officer of the Human Service Agency in Watertown, gave the keynote address.

Gary Witcher, a Watertown campus instructor was honored for his years of service and the new administrative cen-ter in Watertown was formally named The Clark and Mary Ann Redlinger Administrative Center.

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Students listen to address from fellow graduate Jim Thomas. • Linda Schurmann, Gary Witcher, retiring instructor, and Jane Miner pose for a photo following commencement. • Graduate Cameron Corey and his family. Corey is an agent for the S.D. Department of Criminal Investigations. He received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and will be continuing his education to work on his master’s degree. • Jim Thomas, “The Voice of Mount Marty” speaks to his fellow graduates

Watertown Facility Blessed

During the Watertown com-mencement ceremony on Friday, May 1st, Dr. James T. Barry an-nounced the name of the new col-lege administration center in Wa-tertown. To honor the memory of Clark and Mary Ann Redlinger, the center was named the the Clark and Mary Ann Redlinger Administrative Center. Clark and Mary Ann Redlinger dedicated their lives to the betterment of the state of South Dakota and, specifically, the city of Watertown. As community leaders, they possessed a strong sense of vision, always looking forward to the challenges and opportunities lying ahead while contributing valuable experience and knowledge from the past. As a result, their participation in a number of Watertown community activities greatly assisted the development of Watertown into an economic and cultural hub.

As a supporter of Mount Marty College, Clark served on the Board of Trustees and continued active membership on the building and grounds committee of the Board until the time of his death. Furthermore, Clark founded and chaired the general advisory board for the Watertown campus. On the behalf of his family, Jim Redlinger accepted a plaque commemorating the event, and a separate plaque will be displayed at the facility in Watertown.

The Clark and Mary Ann Redlinger Administrative Center A formal blessing of the new

Watertown facility occurred Wednesday, April 1 by Bishop Swain with Dr. James T Barry, president of Mount Marty College and Father Wachs assisting. This is the 29th year of Mount Marty’s presence in Watertown. In 1980, Mount Marty’s educational presence was expanded to Watertown at the behest of the sisters of the Mother of God Monastery. Initially, course offerings included only one library science class. Today, Mount Marty offers 70 classes per semester, nine baccalaureate degrees, three associate degrees and a master’s in business administration degree. The original home of the campus was at Harmony Hill, and later moved to Lake Area Technical Institute where a positive partnership with the Watertown public schools was achieved. As the technical institute prepared for expansion, Mount Marty also expanded to a new facility (Winter Update 2008). According to Dr. Barry, “We felt we needed a footprint, a place, a home to live in. And so we are delighted today to continue our presence in a very new way and to bless it, to formalize it, to sanctify it.” Bishop Swain reflected on changes in education and in the culture of education. “There’s a lot of wind blowing, we

say, a lot of challenges economically, structurally, culturally, morally. I know Mount Marty recognizes the particular role of Catholic education. We need to remind people that faith and reason are not incompatible or opposites, they are complimentary to one another. “The church has a long history of encouraging the development of the mind and a greater understanding of the things of the world. But putting into context, greater than the world and the very important mission that needs to be maintained, when those schools don’t remember that mission, they compromise in ways that they can undercut the foundation of the very institution and then become subject to the winds of the greater. So I congratulate you on this special place and I know that you will continue to be sure that the special niche that Catholic higher education offers to the greater community is maintained.” Bishop Swain concluded the ceremony. “We pray in a special way also for the benefactors, the volunteers, all that make this facility and the broader education a presence here in Watertown possible.” The Prayer Dedication was attended by staff, students, alumni, business leaders and other members of the community. A tour of the facilities was also offered to guests.


Here is a list of students who were recognized for service above and beyond in their various fields of study during the 2009 Spring Commencement Ceremony.

Father Owen AwardPaige Linden

and Christopher BossenPresented to outstanding

male and female seniors in memory of Father Owen Fredrickson, chaplain in 1969-70. Students are selected based upon their generosity in serving, sincerity and loyalty to Mount Marty College.

Leadership Among PeersMargie Hansen

This award is given to a student who has exhibited positive peer role modeling while embodying the mission and core values of Mount Marty College.

Benedictine Balance Award

Rachel (Hof) SunneThe students chosen for

this award have shown the value of a life of harmony encompassing academics, co-curricular activities and commitment to a spiritual life.

Service to the Mount Marty Community

James HovlandThis award is given to a

student who sacrifices personal time to share talents, gifts and spirit in service to the Mount Marty Community.

Walter J. Bigley Memorial Award

James HovlandThe student selected for this

award is a graduating senior in the communication arts area who has substantially participated in the activities of the department and demonstrated a commitment to the South Dakota area community. Bigley was a former Mount Marty Communication Arts instructor and father to Katherine McGovern, a recent board of trustees member.

’09 Graduates Earn Awards

Dr. Martin Marty Addresses Yankton Grads

Mount Marty College, Yankton, was pleased to welcome Dr. Martin E. Marty (ABOVE), Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago Divinity School, to campus as the commencement speaker.

Joan R. Burney (ABOVE, FAR LEFT), a national award winning columnist, author and humorist, received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Mike Healy of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital (retired), was honored with a Mount Marty Humanitarian Award and Sacred Heart School, Yankton, was acknowl-edged for its 125th anniversary.

Other special moments included the ROTC Commissioning Ceremony of Abby M. Goehring (ABOVE, MIDDLE PHOTO) and the Mount Marty class of 1959 (LEFT) leading the processional of graduates.

Joan Burney pictured with Dr. James t. Barry.

Members of the Class of 1959 pose for a photo with Dr. James t. Barry. 50-year Reunion attendees include (from left): Sister Madonna Schmitt, Sister Katherine Crawley and Sister Martin Mergen.

Religious scholar, prolific writer and well-known theolo-gian, Dr. Martin E. Marty, was the guest speaker for Mount Marty’s commencement cer-emony on May 9 in Yankton. A Nebraska native, Dr. Marty had previously appeared at the campus as the Bene-dictine Lecturer in 1996, and currently serves as the Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Ser-vice Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago Divinity School. He is the namesake of the Martin Marty Center which was founded to promote public religion endeavors. Despite his own personal achievements, Dr. Marty’s cen-tral message dealt with being part of the collective whole that serves as the fabric of society. “It’s not all about you,” he said. “This kind of day is really about you and the people who have supported you, taught you,” Dr. Marty explained. He used the current financial crises to illustrate this connection. He used the financial downturn to

illustrate how we are all con-nected. “No one person caused this,” he said, “That is true in every aspect of our lives, financial, academic, church or otherwise.” He encouraged the gradu-ates to focus not so much on their professions, which can be short-lived in today’s economy, but rather on their vocations. “What Mount Marty Col-lege is about, with its Bene-dictine heritage, is helping you find your vocation. A vocation is a calling. It’s irreplaceable,” Marty said. “It’s not all about you,” Marty said. “It’s about you in something.” That something, he explained, is finding a place in the larger communities we are part of. Other notable guests were also present during the commencement ceremony, including Joan Burney, award-winning local columnist and speaker who was presented with an honorary Doctorate

from Mount Marty. In 1968, at the age of 40, Burney attended Mount Marty College to earn a bachelor’s degree in commu-nication and eventually earned a Master’s in Psychological Counseling. Now 80, Burney continues to write columns to lift the spirits of her readers with her down-to-earth humor. This year’s Mount Marty Humanitarian Award was presented to Mike Healy, who worked for Avera Sacred Heart Hospital for more than 40 years and has been involved in vari-ous community endeavors and significant contributions to help meet the needs of the Yankton community. Yankton’s Sacred Heart School was recognized during the ceremonies by MMC for 125 years of educational ser-vice, and representatives from the class of 1959 were pres-ent to celebrate their 50-year alumni status.

Marty Notes ‘It’s Not All About You’


Your gift to honor a friend or family member or memorialize a deceased loved one helps further the work of educating today’s Mount Marty students.

To give an honor or memorial gift of any size, go to www.mtmc.edu and click on Giving or contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (605) 668-1542.

Tributes and BlessingsHONOR and MEMORIAL PROGRAM

Last year Kitty Higgins, who serves on the Mount Marty College Board of Trustees, was searching for the perfect gift for her mother’s 95th birthday when she remembered Dr. James T. Barry, president of Mount Marty College telling her about scholarship endowment gifts.

“He had mentioned them as a way to build support about the college and raise money for scholarships,” Higgins said. “I’m not from a wealthy family and I knew that we would have to raise $10,000 before the scholarship would be awarded but we (Higgins and her five younger siblings) decided to use the occasion of mom’s 95th birthday to ask people to give.”

Higgins said her mother Mary K. O’Leary was very proud of the endowment and the opportunity it held to help future students attend college.

“Mom never had the opportunity to attend college,” Higgins noted. “She was the valedictorian of her high school class and she wanted to be a lawyer, but she went to work so her brothers could go to college.”

Higgins said both her parents strived to make sure she and all her siblings were able to attend college.“A college education was very important to both of my parents,” she said.

Unfortunately, Higgins’ mother passed away in February 2009.

“We never expected she would be gone six months later,” Higgins said. “The endowment has become a lasting memorial.”

O’Leary was a woman who put her faith in God, her family and her community before all else, Higgins said.

“She worked as a secretary to help support her brothers who were going to school and then in the midst of the Depression she moved to Washington, D.C., where she was employed by the Signal Corps Branch of what was then The War Department. She had been asked to go to Europe to work on the Marshall Plan,” Higgins said.

Before heading overseas, O’Leary

came back to South Dakota to visit her family and reconnected with Paul O’Leary, who was in the Navy.

“She never went to Europe,” Higgins said. “They got married later that year and started to raise all of us. She gave up her career and became a full-time wife and mother.”

Mary K. and Paul raised six children: Patrick, Michael, Kitty, Peg, Molly and Maureen. The family lived in Sioux City, Iowa, Omaha, Neb., and then moved to Yankton in 1963.

Higgins, who was a sophomore in high school when the family moved to Yankton, attended Mount Marty High School, as did two of her sisters: Peggy and Molly.

“The move to Yankton was a good move for our family,” Higgins recalled. “Dad really loved being in business there and Mom made so many friends and connections. She was always volunteering. She had a wide range of activities she was involved with from Questers to playing bridge.”

O’Leary was a Benedictine Oblate, a

member of Sacred Heart Parish where she served as a Minister of Praise and was a member of the Condolence and Funeral Committees. She was also a member of the Yankton Federated Woman’s Club, Catholic Daughters, Stanage Chapter of Questers, Sacred Heart Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary. She was a long-time volunteer at both Sacred Heart Hospital and Sister James Care Center.

Higgins said she hopes the fund will be fully endowed and the first scholarship will be awarded within the next five years.

“It’s nice to know once it’s endowed it will always be there and always be something in her name showing how she was a good model for other people,” she said. “Scholarships can be a great way to recognize someone for their life while they are still living and it will live on beyond them.” For more information on donating to an established endowment or starting a new one contact Chris tudor at 605-668-1292 or e-mail her at [email protected]

Mary K. O’Leary (center) poses with her six children at her 95th birth-day party last summer. O’Leary’s family members started a Mount Marty College Scholarship Endowment Fund in her name in celebra-tion of her birthday. Earlier this year, O’Leary passed away, but her family is proud her legacy will live on through the scholarship. LEFt: A professional portrait entitled “these Hands” phographed by Molly O’Leary of MollyO! LLC, Fine Art Photography, Boise, Idaho.

Endowments Provide Lasting LegaciesFormer Classmates Hope To Send Fallen Soldier’s Memorial Fund ‘Over The Top’

After Staff Sgt. Greg Wagner, 35, was killed in Baghdad while serving a one-year tour with the Yankton-based Charlie Battery of the 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery, his family started a scholarship fund with memori-als from his funeral.

Wagner, a 1994 graduate of Mount Marty, was well-liked by his fellow classmates and now three years after his death several of his classmates and friends are pulling together to see Wagner’s scholarship fund go “over the top” and be awarded to a student for the first time.

The fund currently con-tains $7,500 of the $10,000 needed to make the schol-arship self-sufficient and allow it to be given to future Mount Marty students.

Thirteen MMC friends donated to the fund and sent a letter to other alumni who would know Wagner. The letter informed others of the scholarship and encour-aged them to donate.

Major Phil Lenz, stationed with the U.S. Army in Fort Sill, Okla., counts himself as one of Wagner’s closest friends. Lenz, a Kimball native, graduated from MMC in 1993. Wagner, an Alexandria native, graduated from MMC a year later.

“The scholarship will benefit students from all over. But it’s also a legacy for Greg,” Lenz recently told the Yankton Daily Press & Dako-tan. “He was certainly very passionate about his support of Mount Marty. He was very proud of his affiliation with the college.”

The friends set a goal of raising $10,000 by themselves, Lenz said.

“They need $2,500 (to start the scholar-ship), but I know we can do a lot better than that,” he said. “It should be easy. I truly believe that, if we get Greg’s friends going, we will raise that much and more.”

Cathy Rotschadl-Cuka C’99 on the death of her father Richard Rotschadl.Jean (Lloyd) Brock C’74-76 on the death of her husband Arden Brock.Margaret Behl C’74-76 on the death of her father Edward Kochmich.Sandra Brown C’72 & Shannon Feekes C’78 on the death of their father Bernard Neuroth.Charles Bienert C’74 & Clifford Bienert C’74-76 on the death of their father Jerome Bienert.Lucille (Heirigs) Healy C’41-42 on the death of her husband and PeggyKlimisch HS’62 & Donna Jambor HS’63, C’63-64 on the death of their father Donald Healy.Mary K. Healy C’79 on the death of her father John Vail.Mary Lois (Hunhoff) Gibson HS’48, C’48-49 on the death of her husband Murray Gibson.Harriet Haggett SN’63 on the death of her mother Viola Neuharth. Carol Kurtzhals C’76 on the death of her husband and Theresa Miller C’ 75-76,Clara Thoene C’81-84, & Marleen Herpy C’82-’84 on the death of their father Robert Kurtzhals.Erin Schuster C’92 on the death of her father Frank Branaugh.JoAnn (Cap) Smith HS’61 on the death of her mother Ann Nadeau.Myrna Brennick C’77 on the death of her husband Rawleigh Brennick.Jolene Berndt C’93 on the death of her mother Benita Livingston.Twila Jansen C’72 & Rev. Rodney Kneifl C’75 on the death of their mother Marcella Kneifl.Leona (Werdel) Yanta HS ’50 on the death of her husband Richard Yanta.Janet Rokusek SN’63 and Judith Sachs HS’64 on the death of their father William Sternhagen.Rita (Fulton) Campbell C’56-57, on the death of her husband Robert Campbell.Olivia (Kast) Kohles HS’44 on the death of her husband Allan Kohles.Mary Ann (Buschelman) Barnes C’46 on the death of her son Harry Barnes.

Kathyrn “Kitty” Higgins HS’65, C’65-67, Margaret Koenig HS’67, C’67-69, and Molly O’Leary HS’69 on the death of their mother Mary O’Leary.Mark Nesladek C’90 on the death of his mother Colleen Nesladek.Judy Bak C’04 and Patricia Gran, former staff, on the death of their mother Bettie Campion.Sister Mary Kay Panowicz C’71 on the death of her mother Barbara Panowicz.Margaret (Prestegard) Yunker HS’46, C’48 on the death of her son William Yunker.Ladonna (Ackerman) Kniffen C’80 on the death of her husband Bruce Kniffen.Angela (Cwach) Lindstrom C’60 on the death of her son Gerald Lindstrom.Angela Wiebelhaus SN’61 on the death of her father Rudolph Lammers.Deborah (Dose) Klasi C’72 on the death of her mother Florence Dose and the death of her father Michael Dose.Viola (Wentz) Bauder SN’45, C’81 on the death of her daughter Jean Olson.Ruth Schulte C’62-63 on the death of her mother Rosella Kramer.Dr. Thomas Gray, faculty, on the death of his mother Myrtle Gray.Joel Schwiesow C’73 on the death of his mother Florence Schwiesow.Todd Hlavac C’03 on the death of his father Joseph Hlavac.Richard and Lindsay (Lake C’03) Zortman on the death of their son Armstrong (3).Susan Barnes C’86 on the death of her mother Irma Fendrick.Margo Logue C’96 on the death of her father Arnold Buchholz.Thomas Lee C’75 on the death of his father Maurice Lee. Dorothy Shelton C’78 on the death of her mother Marjorie Happe.Robert Uhing, C’74 on the death of his father Robert Uhing, Sr.Sara Roth C’06 and Tara Roth C’94-96 on the death of their father Paul Roth.Brandon and Gayle (Olson C’95-95) Bonzer on the death of their son Brady (3 months).

We are saddened by the loss of the following alumni and staff:

Our deepest sympathy to:

Pauline Rausch McKenna, C’52-53, 2008. Barbara Sattler Gering SN’ 52, May 2008.Ethel Dinneen McCann, HS’47, May 16, 2008.Lois Parrish Gallman SN’47 , August 18, 2008.Cindy Caillier Hauge C’76, September 14, 2008.Esther Gebes Simmons HS’36, October 12, 2008.Jane Kohles Dendinger C’73, November 24, 2008.Raymond Dolan, former Trustee, November 2, 2008.Sister Theresa Scheuren, OSB, HS’47, December 8, 2008.Margaret Czmowski Block HS’41, December 8, 2008.Kathleen Lyle Bohnenkamp HS ’53, December 14, 2008.Helen Stensaas McBride SN ’56, December 2, 2008.Alda Lange Goehring C’41, December 27, 2008.Pam Clements Reiser C’81, January 2, 2009.Ada Anderson Juttelstad SN ’37, January 5, 2009.

Sister Faith Sitzmann, OSB, HS’40, C’63, former MM HS Principal, January 13, 2009.Mary Jedlicka Martin C’81, January 16, 2009.Christine Muhmel Lehmann, SN ’54, January 17, 2009.Father John “Jack” Garvey, former chaplain, February 4, 2009.Roberta Brannan Lind HS’60, February 4, 2009.Sister Rita Fitterer, former food service, February 20, 2009. Mary Kay Rediger Ashburn, SN’63, March 5, 2009.Deanna Vick Mau C’74, March 2, 2009.Margaret Dixon Christensen C’43, April 4, 2009.Dr. Theodore Sattler, former trustee, April 12, 2009.Lois Cooley Willcockson SN’38, April 30, 2009.Sister Gladys Hunhoff, OSB, HS’36, May 7, 2009.Florence Petrik Dose HS’45, C’47, May 13, 2009.Michael Duane Larson C’94, May 15, 2009.



“Hello, I’m calling from Mount Marty College” You may have recently received a phone call rom a student or faculty member of Mount Marty College. The calls were part of an annual “Phonathon” that allowed students to share their personal insights about Mount Marty while enabling alumni and friends to contribute to the future of the college.

The Office of Institutional Advancement’s Phonathon campaign is an important component of Mount Marty’s annual fundraising efforts. This year 12-14 student callers called alumni and friends for five weeks in October and

November and four weeks in February.

Their calls resulted in 1300 donors giving a total of $88,200. The Phonathon also gave students an opportunity to connect with alumni and update their records. Today’s very mobile society has made it

increasingly difficult to keep our database current, so we appreciate those who take the time to visit with students and update their information. Not only do the gifts help support the College, but the new address and phone information allows Mount Marty to eliminate wasteful postage expenses throughout the year. While the entire country has been affected by tough economic conditions, we are pleased that Mount Marty alumni and friends have come forward to support today’s students. As always, the College is a good steward of the money donated by our supporters, and we continue to find ways to cut unnecessary expenses. This year your gifts are more important than ever. Thank you for your generous support of Mount Marty College.

Paul Reinhart and Rachel Vannatta C’87, a son, Blaize, May 30, 2008, joining Alayna, and Eli.

Christine “Crissy” Moshier C’01,’08, a son, Nathaniel AJ Moshier, August 4, 2008, joining Destiny (10), & Jasmine (6).

Bill and Kimberley (Piper C’90) Grell, a daughter, Olivia Grace, October 1, 2008, joining Jack, Katie, Sydney, and Libby.

Chad and Britt (Peterson C’95) Zink, a daughter, Audrey Marie, December 4, 2008

Brian and Jamie (Hansen C’04) Johnson, a daughter, Lila Joy, December 10, 2008, joining sister Ella Marie.

Brian and Kari (Hohn C’97) Bohlmann, a son, Benjamin Joseph, December 20, 2008.

Josh and Candice (Mize C’05) Climer, a daughter, Emily Kay, December 27, 2008.

Brian C’03 and Melissa (Unruh C’02) Rempfer, a son, Garrett David, February 20, 2009, joining Ethan (3).

Michael and Mary Lee (Hochstein C’96) Villanueva, a daughter, Maya Rose, March 6, 2008, joining brother Liam (1).

Thomas and Tanya (Klug C’03) Kuchta, a daughter, Morgan Alice, March 15, 2009, joining Madison and Hunter.

Lyle and Angela (Bohlmann C’97) Stratman, a son, Kevin Leo, April 16, 2009, joining Justin (2).

Peter and Jennifer (Even C’96) Glasheen, a daughter, Madelyn Jayne, April 21, 2009.

Victoria and John C’99 Travnicek, a son, Luke Michael, April 20, 2009, joining Ellie (5) and Ray (3).

Welcome to these Future Lancers: Congratulations Newlyweds:

Jennifer Flemings C’05 and Thomas Buell, August 30, 2008.

Brock Rops C’99 and Nancy Schultz, October 18, 2008.

Larry Brown C’74 and Beverly Simons, May 9, 2009.

Kristin Plath C’06 and Robert Heckenlaible, May 23, 2009.

Melissa Schmidt C’05 and Jeffrey James, May 29, 2009.

Pedro and Catherine (Sladky C’04) Batarse, June 28, 2008.

Dave and Mary Frances (Honner C’93) Bitterman, May 31, 2008.

Liam and Maya Rose Villanueva

Jovie Vaisvilas, daughter of Jason & Lauren (Moser C’05) Vaisvilas, born February 11, 2008.

Mary D. Moller, DNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, CPRP, FAAN, joined Yale University School of Nursing in January as an associate professor and Interim Director of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Specialty. Dr. Moller is a nurse prac-titioner, dually certified as a clinical specialist in adult psy-chiatric-mental health nursing and a psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner. Moller established the first nurse-owned and man-aged outpatient psychiatric clinic in the U.S., in Spokane, Wash. Widely published, Moller is President-elect of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and will be inducted in October 2009. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the National

Nursing Honor Society. She has served on two task forces at the National Institute of Mental Health and has received numerous honors and awards. Dr. Moller received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mount Marty College, Yankton, in 1971; her master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing from the Univer-sity of Nebraska Medical Cen-ter College of Nursing in 1982; and the doctor of nursing prac-tice degree from Case Western Reserve University in 2006, where she received the Dean’s Legacy Award for her research. Moller has published more than 50 articles, book chapters and a pharmacology review book. She has traveled the globe giving more than 1,000 keynote, research, training and lecture presentations, and she consults with The Israeli

Ministry of Health-Psychiatric Nursing Division and with the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses. Moller and her husband, Chuck, have been married for 38 years and have two grown sons, Brock and Scott. Her first grandchild, Braden Larson Moller was born in January 2008. Yale University School of Nursing (YSN) enjoys a national and international reputation for excellence in teaching, research and clinical practice. One of Yale University’s professional schools, YSN is a leading school of nursing in the United States, with a diverse community of scholars and clinicians with a common goal: better health care for all people.

Mary Moller Joins Yale University School of Nursing


August Schaefer, O.S.B. Selected for National Conference

Brother August was in-formed that an essay written last fall has been selected by the Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and In-terreligious Officers (CADE-IO) for presentation at the Na-tional Workshop on Christian Unity 2009 in Phoenix, Arizo-na at the end of April. Theo-logical students were asked in their 2008 fall semester to submit an essay that drew on the theme, “That they may be one in your hand,” (Ezekiel 37:17) which suggests a move from apostasy to dispersion to redemption and finally to unity. The students were to address the ecumenical weak-nesses of their own traditions, reflect on biblical stories that could strengthen their witness to Christian unity, and then propose reforms that would enhance their own church’s ecumenical insight. The es-

say contest winners from the denominational ecumenical networks will comment on their essays and lead a panel discussion in the seminar on ecumenical reforms. A small monetary scholarship is awarded with his selection. Brother August (John) is the son of Michael and Patricia Schaefer of rural Sioux Falls. He graduated from Mount Marty College in Yankton in 1995. Brother August professed vows to Mount Michael Abbey, Elkhorn, Neb., in 2004 and taught religion and other classes at Mount Michael Benedictine School for a number of years while also serving on various School committees. He began his theology studies in August 2008 at Saint John’s School of Theology in Collegeville, Minn.

High School:1950sDorothy (Swatek) Andersh ’54 lives in Wagner. Dorothy retired as Dietary Cook for the Wagner Good Samaritan Center Dec. 31, 2008. She worked there for 23 years and will use her time doing volunteer work.

Loretta (Hiller) Dangel ’56 lives in Hurley. She retired from her position as Certified Dietary Manager of Sister James Care Center, Yankton, in February 2009. Her retire-ment party was Feb. 13.

School of Nursing:1950sSister Jacquelyn Fox HS’49, ‘53 is retired and resides at Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton. In her ministry as a nurse, she served as instruc-tor, director of nursing, as-sistant hospital administrator, did part-time nursing in a nursing home and worked in pastoral care before returning to Yankton.

1960sJulie (Holmes) Lantis ’61 lives in Rapid City and works as a staff nurse at Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice

House. She and husband Robert have four adult chil-dren and 10 grandchildren.

Carol (VanEmmerik) Krcil ’63 lives in Mitchell. In 2007, Carol retired from her posi-tion as Medicare Coordinator and day supervisor at Brady Memorial in Mitchell.She and husband Craig have three adult children and eight grandchildren.

Jane (Devine ) Slowey ’63 lives in Yankton. She is re-tired from the Yankton Medi-cal Clinic where she was an oncology nurse. She and her husband John have two adult children.

College:1960sEileen (Lyons) Hegg ’64-65 lives in McIntosh, Minn. After leaving Mount Marty, Eileen worked as a secretary for the Pillsbury Company in Minneapolis. After her mar-riage to Tom, they moved to the farm in McIntosh where they raised their seven daugh-ters. Eileen worked for the newspaper and now works at First Care Medical Services in marketing and public rela-tions.

Maria Novoa C’66 lives in Bahia, Brazil. In December of 2008, she earned her Doctor-ate from the Faculty of Edu-cation of Federal University. In her thesis, she explored the ethical and social meaning of the science of genetics. In the introduction to her thesis, she expressed gratitude to Sisters Theresa Schuster, Veronica Fasbender and Wilma Lyle who were very important in her educational journey at Mount Marty. Maria present-ly is involved in research at Federal University of Bahia, Faculty of Education, area of curriculum for college, teaches human genetics, and is a genetic counselor.

Rosalie (Auffert) Gruenes ’67 lives in Colon, Neb. Be-fore her retirement in 2003, Rosalie worked as an occu-pational nurse and in a family practice office. She presently is volunteering in her parish and is a county board mem-ber for the Saunders Medi-cal Center. She and Al have two grown children and five grandchildren.

1970sKay (Halverson) Solberg ’73 lives in Watertown. She is the owner of Classroom

Connection, an educational store in Watertown. She is active in Business and Professional Women, S.D. Democratic Party, Urbana Renewal Board, Uptown Re-tail Association and Chamber of Commerce. Kay also does judging for 4-H counties in the area and is on the board of the State Voices for children. She and husband Dennis have two adult children and three grandchildren.

Donna (McMahon) Doss ’73 lives in Brookings. After graduation, she taught Home Ec in Salem. She completed her master’s in counseling in 1986. Donna has been a counselor in Brookings for 16 years. She and husband Dean have three adult children and two grandchildren.

Mike Johnson ’74 lives in Yankton and was recently named Unit Director of Yank-ton’s Boys and Girls Club. He is responsible for running the club and implementing its programs. Working with him are three part-time employees and a group of volunteers.

Timothy Cacek ’76-’78 lives in Columbia, Mo., with his wife Debbie and

two sons. After completing his pre-pharmacy courses at Mount Marty, Tim attended South Dakota State Uni-versity where he received his degree in pharmacy. He later received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the Medical University of South Carolina. In 1999, Tim began Contrat-Kinetica, a clinical research firm that analyzes pre-clinical and clinical toxicology data for the pharmaceutical in-dustry. He is Senior Clinical Pharmacist at Boone Hospital Center, Columbia, Mo.

Kayleen (Tyrrell) Lee ’77 has recently taken on a new role as CEO of the Sioux Center Community Hospital/Avera in Sioux Center, Iowa. Kay-leen was the CEO of Avera Weskota Memorial Hospital in Wessington Springs.

Anne (Tramp) Fuoss ’77 lives in Pierre. She taught math and science for six months in Gambia, Africa, until 1984. Anne worked as a chemist at the State Health Lab in Pierre, until a car ac-cident in 1981 which left her a quadriplegic. Since May 2008, she has been telework-ing with CROA, LLC based out of Wharton, N.J., as

Alumni Class Notes

Cont’d next page

an executive assistant. She places people with special needs, disabled, veterans and their caretakers in telework positions right in their own homes.

Kathy (Kavan) Foner ’78 lives in Niobrara, Neb., and teaches at Creighton High School, Creighton, Neb. She has taught and directed theater productions for the last 31 years in the school. This year her play won the state championship and one of the cast members was chosen Outstanding Female Performer. This achievement comes after taking plays over the last 10 years to the con-test.

Peggy (Litz) Concannon ’78 lives in Pleasant Prairie, Wis. After teaching music in several schools in Omaha and receiving her MS in Educa-

tion Administration, she mar-ried and moved to Wisconsin. She is presently teaching 5th grade in their parish school of St. Mary’s. She and her hus-band James, an emergency physician, have four children. Peggy has had the opportunity to travel to foreign countries and made a three-week solo trip to Europe in 2008.

1980sMarlea (Raterman) Judd ’83 lives in Rochester, Minn. She is currently a Nurse Anes-thesia Supervisor overseeing outpatient/outfield Anesthesia Practices at Mayo Clinic. She and husband Joseph have two sons.

Rena (Barkley) Hebda ’86 and husband Dale live in Mission Hill. Their family recently received the 2008 South Dakota Family Busi-ness Award. Together with

their eight children, they operate Garrity’s Prairie Gar-dens in Mission Hill.

Amy Miner ’88 lives in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was inducted into the Yankton High School Fine Arts Hall of Fame on May 5 along with her sister, Beth Miner O’Toole. Amy is a teacher of grades 6-12 drama and English at LaPietra, Hawai-ian school for girls. She serves as the all-school play

director, as faculty adviser to Peer Leaders and as faculty adviser to the regional Shake-speare competition. She has taught theatre and acting at TransPacific Hawaii College in Honolulu.

1990sLisa Dolesh-Freeman ’87, ’91 and husband Brad live in Pierce, Neb. Lisa has re-signed from the hospital in Norfolk and is in independent practice working one day in

Columbus, Neb., and four days at the Surgi Center in Norfolk. They have four sons, Brandon, Collin, Austin and Dalton.

Tammi Burbach ’93 lives in Blair, Neb., and currently works at the Washington County Courthouse and does freelance graphic design. She has three children: Kelsey (12), Colby (9) and Riley (6).


Alumni Class Notes

Tamara Burbach C’93 and children Kelsey (12), Colby (9) and Riley (6).

Alumni from the classes of ‘93 and ‘94 pose for a class picture at Mary Frances (Honner C’93) Bitterman’s wedding held May 2008.

C a L E n d a R

JULY11-12 — MMHS Class of 1959 Reunion on Mount Marty’s Campus

18 — Minneapolis Backyard gathering at the Home of Bonnie and Bob Wheeler

AUGUST2 — Seattle Brunch, 11 a.m., Palisades Waterfront Restaurant 15 — Backyard Barbecue, President’s Home

21 — Parent’s Dinner at President’s Home: 5:30- 7 p.m. (Includes freshmen faculty advisors)

SEPTEMBER12-13 — SHSN Class of 1959 Reunion on Mount Marty’s Campus

15 — Sioux Falls Alumni Bratfest, Home of Sister Martin Mergen, 1208 West 5th Street, 5-8 p.m.

23 — Lincoln After Hours, 5-7 p.m., Cash bar and appetizers 24 — Omaha Young Alumni, Old Chicago Oakview, 2643 South 144th Street, 5-7 p.m.Cash bar and appetizers

OCTOBER17 — Denver (tentative)

NOVEMBER6 — Spearfish (tentative) Lancers vs. Black Hills State

7 — Rapid City (tentative) Lancers vs. S.D. Tech

14-15 — Blue and Gold Days; Alumni Days 2009; Alumni Council Meeting

DECEMBER5 — Minneapolis Christmas program at the Basilica, 8 p.m.

10 — Yankton alumni, (tentative) 5-7 p.m.

12 — Winter Commencement

17-20 — Christmas at the

Cathedral, Sioux Falls

MARCH21 — Alumni Brunch, Sioux City, Kahills

APRIL25 — Omaha/Lincoln Brunch, 11:30 a.m.

29 — Watertown Alumni Gathering and Senior Sendoff

MAY

7 — Senior Celebration Reception

8 — Commencement; MMC Class of 1960 reunion

12 — Mount Marty Golf Classic (Hillcrest)

Campus calendar available online at www.mtmc.edu/computing/calendar/calendar.aspx

A L U M N I E V E N T S

Chad Dean ’93 and Jenni-fer (Hohn) Hawkinson ’94 were guest conductors of the Region 1 Area Band Festival which was held in Yankton, November 2008. Chad conducted the Junior High Honor Band. He is the director of band at O’Neill Public High School, O’Neill, Neb. Jennifer conducted the High School Honor Band. She is head high school director at

Washington High School, Sioux Falls.

Raymond Sidelinker ’94 lives in Kansas City, Mo., and works as a Respiratory Therapist at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City. He has completed a five-month rota-tion orientation in pediatrics at the hospital. He previously worked at Mercy Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa.

Rebecca (Wuebben) Sulli-van ’98 and husband Dan live in Fremont, Neb. Rebecca works at C & A Industries as a recruiter. Dan works at Midland Lutheran College as the Head Men’s soccer coach and instructor in Physical Ed-ucation. They celebrated their son Connor’s first birthday in April 2009.

2000sAmy Luke ’00 lives in Omaha, Neb., and works at Bergen Mercy Medical Cen-ter in the inpatient rehabilita-tion unit. She has traveled some this past year and was involved in a theatre produc-tion in Sioux City, Iowa.

Jeffrey ’04 and Sara (Folk ’05) Pekny live in Rapid City. Jeff is the baseball coach at St. Thomas More Catholic High School. His

team won the State “B” High School Baseball Tournament this spring.

Anne Wright ’06 lives in Rochester, Minn., and works as a Staff Nurse/Charge Nurse for the Mayo Clinic at St. Mary’s Hospital. Her plans are to start working on her master’s to become a clinical nurse specialist.

Sister Auxilia Hokororo ’08 celebrated her silver jubilee of religious life following her return to her religious community in Africa. She is

the principal of a school for African women religious in Tanzania and teaches biology at the school.

Tonya (Habrock) Maas ’08, was one of 29 graduates out of 32, who graduated in April from the Nebraska Law En-forcement Training Center in Grand Island, Neb. The stu-dents must successfully com-plete 600 hours of training to graduate. She is a Police Officer for the Norfolk Police Department in Norfolk, Neb.


Alumni Class Notes

Will and Gage Jodozi with parents Chad & dana (Wingen C’01) Jodozi.

Karsen (3 months) and Kaden (3) are the children of Matt & Stacy (Landis C’03) Galles.

Keep us Updated!

Log on to:http://www.mtmc.edu/alumni/contact.aspx

Send us your news and inform us ofaddress changes.

C a L E n d a R Most expectant mothers have a nesting phase — when the nursery, house and all its contents need to be in order prior to the birth of their child. For Jill Paulson, Assistant Director of Admissions, nesting included the search for the perfect baby book, and when one could not be found, the solution brought about a new hobby. Paulson didn’t see her baby as pink and blue, but as a variety of experiences. But her search for baby books didn’t yield the level of creativity she sought. So she decided to make one of her own. After a few visits to craft stores, department stores and a review of her own supplies, she created a memory book with page after beautiful page of photos, accents and personal notes. Her designs are so good, in fact, she has been published several times by national magazines specializing in the craft. Specialty acid-free papers, decorative ornaments and pre-cut type highlight her pages, and each page may cost around $5 to produce. “It can be an expensive hobby, but I’ve found ways to make it pay for itself,” Paulson said. “Some magazines pay in cash or in scrapbook supplies for ideas that they publish.” In addition, Paulson started an online blog to share ideas and has been asked to review and serve as a consultant for other publications. “For me, it has helped pay for my supplies.” “Scrapbooking was just getting started here when I became interested in it, so there weren’t many places to find materials,” Paulson explained. As her search for ideas and supplies expanded, so did her opportunities to share her ideas. She joined an online scrapbooking group called wescrap.com, which is the home site of the International Scrapbooking Association. There, she found more creative and supply resources and expanded her horizons. Since the birth of her daughter, Kaitlin, in 2002, the baby book has been supplemented with nine other books, each of them with up to 40 designed pages. As a result, scrapbooking has turned into a full-fledged hobby for Paulson that has given her national recognition.

“There are several magazines people refer to for ideas, and I’ve been published in Creating Keepsakes, Memory Makers and most recently in Scrapbook and Cards today, a Canadian publication,” Paulson explained. Her featured layouts have covered the first day of school, a visit to a dentist, and Halloween (among others), each featuring a little different design, color scheme and layout to add to the topic. Each page is constructed of multiple layers of papers featuring a variety of colors, textures, and edges. The focus of the page is always the photos, but the elements surrounding the photos add to the overall composition. “Some of the best designers in the industry of scrapbooking are actually design professionals. Through their information online, I’ve learned a lot about design concepts like visual triangles, the rule of thirds and balancing elements on the page. “I definitely get a lot of inspiration from others, but it’s not to copy their ideas. It’s more of an internal pro-cess, an inspiration as I adapt a technique to my own layouts.” Each Paulson-designed page also tells a story through photos, words and other exhibits. Several of Paulson’s layouts feature multiple photos with a pull-out photo gallery for more on the experience. A trip to the Ashfall Fossil Beds in Nebraska, for example, includes the fossil map from the site which can be unfolded to look at while still being attached to the central design. Paulson explained that her scrapbook designs begin with the photos. “My starting point is always my pictures, and I choose them first and go from there. That’s how I choose my papers and embellishments. Not all scrapbookers design that way, but that works best for me.” A side-benefit of her work was the development of her photography skills. As she worked with photographs for the scrapbooks, she recognized the value of a variety of angles, close-up shots and backgrounds. “My photography skills seemed to blossom through scrapbooking,” Paulson explained. “I’m still not an expert by any means, but I look at my pictures now, and they are

much better than when I started.” In fact, Paulson’s photography insights have been featured in several online articles published by wescrap.com, where she has been a regular contributor of articles, ideas and challenges for over a year. Despite being a published designer, Paulson’s primary focus still lies at home as she preserves the memories of her family one page at a time. But today she has a little extra help. Her daughter, now six, likes to work alongside her mother on her own “projects.” Perhaps someday she will create a few volumes of memories all her own.

Search for Baby Book Sparks New Hobby

Jill Paulson exhibits her “Witchy!” layout which was published in the Fall 2008 issue of Scrapbook and Cards today.

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Mount Marty Update Spring 2009

Documents

Transcript of Mount Marty Update Spring 2009